The Lenawee Voice — December 2025

Adrian Dominicans remember a pioneering scholar » PAGE A14

THE LENAWEE VOICE

DECEMBER 2025

Workshops to address growing vegetables on solar installations » PAGE A7

through December 7 at the Croswell » PAGE D3

‘Grief into grace’

Turnbow,

Local woman’s Paper Wreath Co. specializes in individualized tributes to lost loved ones

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Tabitha Turnbow owned a successful florist shop in Wyandotte when she and her husband, Adam, were married almost 30 years ago. Then, as children Adam Jr. and Isabella came into the family, she decided she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom.

But the award-winning floral designer still put her creative skills to use.

“I loved making things for our home,” she said.

One day, she made a wreath out of random book pages and posted a picture of it on her Facebook page. Her friends loved it, someone bought it from her that same day, and thus was born The Paper Wreath Co.

Then, “I had a vision for my angel wings,” Turnbow said. She gathered the materials to make it, her husband created a template for the shape, and “as soon as I got it done I knew I had something very special.”

The company started out in the family’s Wyandotte home about 10 years ago.

Woodworking institute to locate in Adrian Township

New campus planned for 30-acre parcel purchased from Gleaner Life Insurance Society

ADRIAN TWP. — The Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute has settled on a location for its planned future campus in Lenawee County.

The organization is purchasing 30 acres of land from Gleaner Life Insurance Society. The property, which includes a significant amount of wooded area, is located at the corner of Hamilton Highway and Forrister Road, just west of the Adrian city limits.

The acquisition will allow the institute to construct a new campus designed

to meet increasing demand for handson training in woodworking and fine craftsmanship, founder and president Luke Barnett said.

Construction on the new campus is slated to begin in spring 2026, with classes expected to begin in the 2027 academic year.

“This collaboration helps redefine the importance of post-secondary trades education on a national level,” Barnett said in a news releaase. “The land we’ll now call home reflects Gleaner’s founding mission to serve farmers and families, and our own mission to preserve the woodworking tradition. Our organizations dovetail perfectly together.”

Gleaner Life Insurance Society, which has been headquartered on its 106-acre Adrian campus since 1980, saw the partnership as a way to strengthen its long-standing legacy of supporting education and community growth.

“This collaboration reflects Gleaner’s longstanding commitment to education and community development,” said Todd Warner, CEO and president of Gleaner Life Insurance Society. “By selling this property to SBWI, we’re helping create an enduring educational resource for Lenawee County, one that will expand opportunities for hands-on learning and strengthen the local economy, while preserving the character and integrity of our campus for years to come.”

founder of The Paper Wreath Co., works on a piece at her Adrian home. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

Holiday Market is open through Dec. 23 at Adrian Center for the Arts

Doris DeNudt, a member of the Adrian Center for the Arts, works on hanging ornaments for sale at the ACA’s Holiday Market. The market is open from noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week through Dec. 23, with late hours until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Market featuring work by dozens of local artists is open daily from noon to 6 p.m.

ADRIAN — A holiday tradition for the past 10 years has returned to the Adrian Center for the Arts.

The ACA’s Holiday Market opened on Nov. 30 and runs through Dec. 23. It features original work by about 50

local artists, with gift ideas that include paintings, pottery, jewelry, ornaments, and more.

“These are all one of a kind — handcrafted by local artists,” said ACA executive director Valerie Herr.

And while you might expect original art to be expensive, Herr said, “we have a wide variety of price points.”

New this year are to-go ornament boxes. “People can purchase a kit, take

it home, and paint their own holiday ornaments,” Herr said. A kit with six blank ceramic ornaments costs $20.

The ACA Holiday Market is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. In addition, it will be open until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

The Adrian Center for the Arts is located at 1375 N. Main St., on the campus of PlaneWave Instruments. For information, call 517-759-3005 or visit adriancenterforthearts.org.

ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

LOCAL NEWS

IN BRIEF

Adrian

fire

chief to retire

ADRIAN — Adrian fire chief

Aric Massingill has anounced his retirement.

Massingill has been with the city of Adrian since October 2000. He became fire chief in June 2018.

In his role as fire chief, he was responsible for directing fire prevention and suppression as well as medical response services. He managed the day-to-day operations of the fire department, including the supervision of 25 fulltime employees.

In 2019 he took the lead in starting the city’s own ambulance service. The revenue generated by that service has allowed the city to add nine firefighter/ paramedics to its rolls. The additional staffing led to an improvement in the city’s ISO fire safety rating, which in turn led to lower insurance rates for residents.

News tips and press releases can be emailed to

We welcome submissions in either English or Spanish. To meet our print deadline, news about upcoming events should be sent by the 15th of the month before the event.

‘Never be a bystander’

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Irene Butter had just a few requests for the people who listened to her speak at the Adrian District Library on Nov. 19.

Refuse to be enemies.

Remember that one person can make a difference.

And never be a bystander.

Butter, a 94-year-old Holocaust survivor, visited Adrian as part of an educational series on the Holocaust organized by Bob Behnke and the Adrian Diversity Event Fund. She is a retired University of Michigan professor and author of the memoir “Shores Beyond Shores: From Holocaust to Hope.”

Born in 1930 in Berlin, she left Germany as a child when her family fled to Amsterdam to avoid Nazi persecution. But just a few years after they moved to Amsterdam, Hitler’s forces overran the Netherlands too. She and her family were deported first to the Westerbork transit camp and then to the concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen.

She displayed an image from one of those deportations that provides a stark visual reminder of the reason for her admonishment about being a bystander. It shows Nazis rounding up their victims while other people sit outside a cafe, calmly drinking coffee.

Butter described how the Nazis carried out their deportations. They would block off an entire neighborhood and go from house to house, and any Jewish people they found would be given 10 minutes to gather whatever belongings they could carry before being marched to a central point and loaded onto trucks.

After Butter, her parents, and her older brother were taken from their home, they were packed into cattle cars on a train where they sat in darkness — no windows, no food, no water, no toilets. They were sent first to Westerbork, where conditions were brutal, and then to Bergen-Belsen, where conditions were even worse.

“I have enjoyed working for the city of Adrian for the past 25 years,” Massingill said in a news release. “The relationships that have been built and the work that has been done to improve the quality of life in Adrian has been great to be a part of.” See SURVIVOR, page A4

“There are people sitting there, having their regular morning coffee, watching what’s going on but not doing anything about it,” she said.

Irene Butter speaks on Nov. 19 at the Adrian District Library. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Aric Massingill

University of Toledo will offer in-state tuition to all Michigan residents

By Steven Bieber Toledo Free Press

TOLEDO — One of the most significant factors for students selecting a college is cost. An overwhelming majority of students choose to attend college in their home state to take advantage of lower tuition rates. Thanks to a new policy change, students in Michigan will soon be able to study out-of-state while still paying reduced tuition.

The University of Toledo announced in September that starting in fall 2026, students from Michigan will pay the same tuition as Ohio residents. This initiative is expected to save students about $4,680 per semester.

Since 1978, students living in Monroe County have benefited from instate tuition. Because of that program’s success, UT decided to expand it to all

of Michigan, according to university president James Holloway.

“It’s a great way to bring talented people into northwest Ohio and have them go to school here,” Holloway said. Some of them will stay in the region and build their lives here, and that’s good for everybody.”

Holloway said there are no current plans to expand the initiative beyond Michigan. For now, the university is focused on attracting talent from Michigan and evaluating the program’s impact before considering expansion elsewhere.

The new tuition policy applies not only to incoming freshmen but also to transfer students and those returning to finish their undergraduate degrees.

This story was excerpted from Toledo Free Press, an independent nonprofit newsroom in Toledo. To read the complete story, go to toledofreepress.com.

LISD announces countywide early college program

ADRIAN — The Lenawee Intermediate School District, Jackson College, and all eleven Lenawee County public school districts have approved a new Lenawee County Early College program.

The program will launch during the 2026–2027 school year and expand early college opportunities for students across the county.

The initiative is a five-year program that allows students to earn a high school diploma and up to 60 college credits, an associate degree, or an industry credential while remaining connected to their local school and the LISD Tech Center. Through this collaborative model, students will be able to take courses at their home high school, the LISD Tech Center, and Jackson College.

Sharon Smith, committee chair of the Lenawee County Superintendents Association, said the collaborative effort reflects a strong, countywide commitment to expanding educational opportunities.

“The Lenawee County Superintendents Association was excited to approve this new opportunity for Lenawee County students that benefits both student and district,” Smith said.

“The LCEC program allows eligible students to remain a full-time student in their local high school while completing a course of study that could lead to industry credentials, an associate’s degree and/or guaranteed transfer of college credit to many Michigan colleges and universities.”

The Lenawee County Early College is governed by an Advisory Council with representatives from the LISD, Jackson College, and members representing local school districts.

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Paper wreaths

from page A1

They moved to Adrian about seven years ago when they decided they wanted to live in a smaller locale.

Turnbow specializes in hand-crafted angel wings, wreaths, and other tributes to deceased loved ones, both people and pets. Pieces are available for both indoor and outdoor use.

Cemetery pieces using fresh evergreen branches, sourced from Urquhart’s Tree Farm in Chelsea, are available each holiday season starting Nov. 1. Angel wings, crosses, and Christmas trees are available, along with headstone arrangements and smaller angel wings that clip onto a crypt’s vase holder.

Other pieces include angel wings, crosses, shadowboxes — which are the company’s most popular product — and wreaths that all incorporate rolledup hymnal pages with the music for “Amazing Grace” printed on them. One product line specifically honors law enforcement officers.

Ornaments and decorative pillows are available as well.

Pieces can be personalized with the loved one’s name and photo, and Turnbow can create items that speak to what that person was all about, whether that might be a butterfly, a tractor to honor a farmer, or just about anything else.

The majority of her clients are parents who have lost children, and in honoring those children “I’ve done everything from Spider-Man to Pokémon,” she said.

“We do a lot of very personal things for our customers,” and many of them return year after year to order the cemetery pieces. “We’ve never met them, but we know their names and we know their kids’ stories.”

And the work she does is very personal to her as well. “I pray over every piece I make,” she said.

Sales have grown exponentially over The Paper Wreath Co.’s years in business. When it first got off the ground, “there was nothing like it in the world,” she said, and so the interest from customers was definitely there.

Before long, in fact, things had spread far beyond the family basement. “It grew to take up every room of our house,” Turnbow said, adding that she would love to someday have a separate facility to house the operation.

At the beginning the company only

Survivor from page A3

With once-a-day meals consisting only of turnips boiled in water and a single piece of bread, people were malnourished and weak. Between the bad nutrition and the unhygienic conditions, disease was a constant threat. Butter vividly remembers the daily roll calls during which, rain or shine, everyone had to stand outside for hours while the guards counted them, even if they were too ill to stand.

Butter’s father was eventually able to secure their release as part of an exchange. At the screening station prior to release, Butter had to impersonate her mother, who was so weak that friends had to carry her to the train. Her father died on the days-long journey to the Swiss border.

When they arrived in Switzerland, Butter’s mother and brother were so sick that they were taken immediately to a hospital. She herself was less ill and was sent to Camp Jeanne d’Arc, a refugee camp in Algeria, where she stayed — with no family — until December 1945.

served local customers, but as it grew and they needed to start shipping their products elsewhere, the challenge became to keep the items from being damaged in shipping. Turnbow’s husband designed a special box to meet the need.

“Adam’s a super-talented guy. He’s just as creative as I am,” she said.

Today, the company ships its creations all over the country, and “we do thousands of them a year,” she said. “We’ve touched thousands of lives with our products, and each one is created with love.”

Last year, Turnbow made her product line even more widely available: she came up with the idea to have do-ityourself kits produced for use by gift shop owners and florists and teach them how to make pieces themselves so that they can supply the memorial tributes to their own customers.

Stores in Jackson, Trenton, and Belleville, Mich., and Angela’s Angel Gift Stop in Sylvania, Ohio, became the first authorized retailers.

Ever since The Paper Wreath Co. got its start, Turnbow has seen her business as being a calling, a way to help “turn grief into grace.”

“I didn’t choose this work,” she said. “It chose me.”

The Paper Wreath Co. is online at thepaperwreathcompany.com or on Facebook. To contact Turnbow, call 734-258-3457 or email thepaperwreathcompany@gmail.com.

She and her family would finally be reunited when they came to the United States to live with relatives. She arrived at the port of Baltimore right around her 15th birthday.

Over the course of her life and career — which included teaching for more than 30 years at the University of Michigan School of Public Health — Butter developed a few rules to live by.

One, of course, was to never stand by when someone is being threatened or injustice is being done.

Another was to refuse to be enemies with another person, a principle she tries to embody as one of the founders of Zeitouna, a group of Jewish and Palestinian women in Ann Arbor.

And one is that one person can make a difference. She cited the example of Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish businessman who saved thousands of Jewish people while serving as Sweden’s special envoy in Budapest, and Gunter Demnig, a German artist who started what’s known as the Stolperstein movement. That effort involves placing engraved brass stones in front of the former residences of people who were murdered by the Nazi regime.

A work in progress at The Paper Wreath Co. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

NEWS FROM AROUND LENAWEE COUNTY

ADDISON

NO INJURIES AFTER BUS DRIVER HAS MEDICAL EMERGENCY: Addison Public Schools officials said there were no injuries when a bus driver experienced a medical emergency while transporting students to school on Nov. 19. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road and call for assistance and the students were transferred to another bus without incident. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

ADRIAN

SCHOOL DISTRICT COULD PARTNER WITH CITY ON POOL: The Adrian school district is exploring the possibility of a partnership with the city of Adrian to add the cost of replacing Bohn Pool to a possible May 2026 bond proposal. The original purpose of the bond proposal was to build a community recreation facility next to Adrian High School, but problems with Bohn Pool led the school district to consider whether a community pool should be added to the plan. The pool would be operated by the city, according to an early proposal drawn up by Adrian Public Schools. — LENAWEE VOICE

COMMISSIONERS TO MEET WITH CONSTITUENTS:

Adrian city commissioners Bob Behnke and Aaron Chesher will hold a joint Commissioner Conversations session from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Adrian District Library. This is not an official city meeting, but an informal opportunity hosted by Behnke and Chesher for city residents to talk with a commissioner, ask questions, or share concerns. — LENAWEE VOICE

BLISSFIELD

POLICE CHIEF SUING DOG OWNERS: Blissfield police chief Dale Greenleaf has filed a lawsuit against the owners of two dogs who he says attacked him while he was walking in a Bedford Township neighborhood. Greenleaf shot the dogs, killing one of them. In the lawsuit, he alleges that the owners of the two Boston Terriers left a gate open, through which the dogs escaped. Deputies who responded to the incident said they found abrasions on Greenleaf’s stomach and leg. The lawsuit alleges that he is in constant pain and has received threats since the shooting, resulting in him no longer feeling safe in his home. Monroe County prosecutors have not sought any charges, and Blissfield village officials say the incident will not lead to any personnel actions. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR HOSTS COFFEE HOURS: Blissfield village administrator Danielle Gross is hosting a monthly community coffee hour for any residents who would like to ask questions or share ideas. The coffee hour is on the third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. at Starling Lounge, 133 S. Lane St. — LENAWEE VOICE

CLINTON

HILLARD NAMED POLICE CHIEF: Ryan Hillard has been appointed police chief for the village of Clinton. He had been serving as acting chief. “Ryan has demonstrated sound judgment, a deep understanding of our community’s needs, and a clear vision for maintaining public safety in the village,” Clinton village president Doris Kemner said in a news release. — LENAWEE VOICE

COURT NEWS

SUSPECT REJECTS PLEA DEAL IN FENTANYL DEATH

CASE: An Adrian man facing more than two dozen drug and firearms-related charges, including one of delivery of a controlled substance causing death, rejected a plea bargain offer in November that would have led to a 15year minimum sentence. Eric Paul Cooper, 44, is accused of providing heroin laced with fentanyl to 34-yearold Paul Jones of Blissfield, leading to Jones’ death in November 2024. He is also accused of operating a drug house and several other charges. Judge Michael Olsaver set a pretrial hearing for Jan. 7.

TEEN TO FACE PRISON IN MURDER CASE: A 19-year-old man charged in the shooting death of his mother’s boyfriend in 2023 entered a no-contest plea to second degree murder on Nov. 3, hours before his trial was due to begin. Under terms of the plea agreement, Trenton Berry will face a minimum of 12 years in prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 30 for the death of 41-year-old Kirk Stubbins. Berry was accused of shooting Stubbins while the two were hunting in Rollin Township in late November of 2023.

DEERFIELD

GLACIER MEADOWS SOLAR PROPOSAL HEADED TO

STATE: Orsted, the company seeking to build a solar power installation called Glacier Meadows in Deerfield and Blissfield townships, is taking its request to state regulators. Although the townships had granted a permit approval, Orsted says the approval was subject to conditions that would have made the project non-viable. State law allows Orsted to submit its plan to the Michigan Public Service Commission instead. Company officials say they expect the review process to take about a year. The proposed solar farm would be located primarily in Deerfield Township. — LENAWEE VOICE

MORENCI

ADAMS SWORN IN AS POLICE CHIEF: Nathan Adams is the city of Morenci’s new police chief, taking over following the retirement of Michael Cresswell. Adams spent 10 years with the Ypsilanti Police Department and then 23 years with the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office, retiring as a sergeant. — MORENCI ADVOCATE

TECUMSEH

CATHERINE COBB SHELTER INTERESTED IN HERRICK PARK SCHOOL: After nearly 50 years in Adrian, the Catherine Cobb domestic violence shelter is considering moving to the former Herrick Park Elementary School in Tecumseh. Family Counseling and Children’s Services, which operates the shelter, has offered to buy the school building for $125,000 and convert most of it to residential living space for domestic violence survivors and their families. In order for the move to happen, the Tecumseh school district would need to agree to sell the property and the Tecumseh City Council would need to approve a rezoning. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

MAN ACCUSED OF SEX OFFENSE AGAINST TEEN:

A 25-year-old Toledo man was arraigned on Nov. 18 on charges of criminal sexual conduct involving a girl between the ages of 13 and 15. Prosecutors say the offenses occurred six years ago and involved a girl from Adrian who he appears to have met via social media before she went missing for a day in September 2019. Warrants were issued for his arrest at the time, but authorities were unable to locate him until recently.

GUILTY PLEA IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE: Harold Knight Jr., 53, of Manitou Beach pleaded guilty on Nov. 12 to possessing child sexually abusive material.

JAIL TERM FOR FLEEING THE SCENE: An Adrian man will spend a year in jail for fleeing the scene of a car-bicycle crash in Adrian. Kalvyn Isom, 27, pleaded no contest in the Sept. 18 crash that left the cyclist, Donald Boone, with injuries from which he is still recovering. “You fled the scene, you helped cover up the accident, you got rid of the vehicle, you did everything in your power to make sure you didn’t take any responsibility for what happened,” Judge Anna Marie Anzalone told Isom at his sentencing.

Nathan Adams was sworn in as Morenci’s new police chief on Dec. 10. The oath of office was administered by city clerk and superintendent Jeff Bell. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

DUNKIN’ AND JIMMY JOHN’S SLATED FOR FORMER WENDY’S: A developer is planning to redevelop the former Wendy’s restaurant at 1301 W. Chicago Blvd., and the new occupants would include the coffee-and-donut chain Dunkin’ and the sub chain Jimmy John’s. The site plan submitted by developer Mike Howard received conditional approval from the Tecumseh Planning Commission on Nov. 11. — LENAWEE VOICE

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP SET: The city of Tecumseh and Tecumseh Downtown Development Authority invite the public to participate in the next phase of community outreach for the city’s downtown streetscape design project. The second community workshop is set for Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. in the city council chambers, 309 E. Chicago Blvd. — LENAWEE VOICE

FEBRUARY TRIAL SET FOR MAN ACCUSED OF STABBING GIRLFRIEND: A 32-year-old Adrian man who allegedly stabbed his then-girlfriend multiple times with a knife in February will waive his right to a jury trial next year, and the case will be heard by a judge instead. Timothy Neves is charged with assault with intent to murder and unlawfully driving away an automobile. Neves allegedly strangled then stabbed the woman six times, then took her car and left the scene. He remains lodged in the Lenawee County Jail.

FORMER MORENCI BANK MANAGER ENTERS PLEA: The former manager of the Premier Bank branch in Morenci, who was charged with embezzling from the bank and two Morenci nonprofits, entered no contest pleas on Nov. 5 to two of the four charges she faced. Jessica Moran, 37, will serve no initial prison or jail time and will receive a deferred judgment of guilt, provided she pays full restitution of $39,000 to the bank, $5,055 to the Kiwanis Club of Morenci, and $2,764 to the Morenci Schools PTO.

Demolition took place in November on two buildings that sustained heavy damage in a downtown fire last March. The owner of the buildings was responsible for the demolition. The pool hall next door, which also was damaged in the fire, is hoping to reopen early in 2026.

New city commissioners sworn in; appointments made

ADRIAN — Three new commissioners took their seats at the Nov. 17 Adrian City Commission meeting, after which commissioners decided who among their number would serve in various roles.

Commissioners Tiffany Zych, Aaron Chesher, and Chip Moore were all elected from a six-candidate field on Nov. 4. They are replacing Kelly Castleberry, Gordon Gauss, and Doug Miller. Castleberry chose not to run again, while Gauss and Miller were defeated for re-election.

Mayor Angela Sword Heath did not face any opposition and was elected to her fourth term. City commissioners serve staggered four-year terms, with three seats scheduled for election in every odd-numbered year, while the mayor is elected every two years.

One of the tasks that must be completed at the start of every new commission term is the appointment of commissioners to serve in various roles. Two of these roles are mayor pro tem and acting mayor, which under Adrian’s charter simply refer to the people who will take on the mayor’s responsibilities if the mayor is unable to fulfill them.

Commissioner Mary Roberts was chosen unanimously to serve as mayor pro tem, meaning she will fulfill the mayor’s duties if Heath is ever unable to.

Commissioner Bob Behnke was elected as acting mayor, who is second in line, on a 6-1 vote. The opposing vote came from commissioner Matt Schwartz, who had previously voiced support for placing Zych, the top vote-getter in this year’s election, in a leadership role. Zych had stated that she would be willing to serve if chosen, but that she would also be happy to support another commissioner for the position.

Zych was unanimously appointed as the commission’s representative to the Adrian Planning Commission, which

is responsible for writing the city’s zoning ordinances, hearing requests for rezoning, and approving site plans for development projects.

Schwartz was unanimously appointed as the commission’s representative to the Zoning Board of Appeals, whose responsibilities include reviewing appeals of zoning-related decisions by city staff and approving or denying requests for variances from city zoning ordinances.

Heath also recommended that the commission re-establish the Human Relations Commission, which has been inactive for the past few years, and appoint Chesher as the commission’s representative on the group. The Human Relations Commission’s mission statement is to “promote respect for human rights and cultural diversity, to foster mutual self-respect and understanding, and promote amicable relations among all Adrian residents.” Chesher had advocated for re-establishing the group during his campaign.

“There’s been a want and a need, and a lot of requests for it to be reinstated,” Heath said.

Behnke, while supportive of reestablishing the group, commented that the lack of a city staff member serving as a liaison to the Human Relations Commission had led to a sense of disconnection between the group and city administration. He noted that many other committees have a city staff member who sits in on meetings, and recommended that the Human Relations Commission operate this way as well.

The vote to re-establish the group and appoint Chesher as the city commission’s representative was 6-1. The dissenting vote came from Moore, who said he voted no because Chesher had been endorsed by the Lenawee County Democratic Party and he felt this would make the group less nonpartisan.

Heath said that, because the Human Relations Commission has not been active, the city will need to start over with filling the seven seats on the committee, and any previous member who is interested in serving again will need to reapply.

Point-of-sale inspection ordinance repealed by large margin

ADRIAN — City residents voted overwhelmingly to repeal Adrian’s point-of-sale inspection ordinance for residential properties in the Nov. 4 election. The total was 2,606 votes to repeal the ordinance and 653 votes against the repeal, for a 4-to-1 margin.

In addition, all three of the commission seats on the ballot were won by candidates who had expressed their opposition. They replaced three commissioners who had voted for the ordinance, two of whom were defeated and one of whom chose not to run for re-election.

The ordinance, which required homes in the city to pass an exterior inspection before they can be sold, was adopted in June 2024. A group of residents opposed to the ordinance were successful in gathering enough signatures to force a referendum.

Following the repeal, the head of Adrian’s community development department said staff time will be redirected toward broader code enforcement efforts. “With the repeal of the point-of-sale ordinance, the time previously directed to that process will be redirected to addressing all ordinance

Murder charges filed in case of missing boys

ADRIAN — Shortly before he was due to be released from prison, authorities have brought murder charges against the father of three boys from Morenci who have not been seen since Thanksgiving 2010.

John Skelton had been serving a prison term at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia. He had been sentenced for kidnapping his sons Andrew, Alexander and Tanner, who were 9, 7 and 5 years old at the time.

In the years since then, prosecutors say, it has become more and more clear that Skelton killed the boys, so they are seeking new charges that could keep him in prison for the rest of his life.

He was arraigned Nov. 17 on three counts of open murder, a term that means a jury can decide whether first-degree or second-degree murder is the more appropriate charge. He is also being charged with one count of tampering with evidence.

violations within the city,” community development director Lisa HewittCruz said during the Nov. 17 city commission meeting.

At that meeting, Kasey White, a member of the group that campaigned to repeal the ordinance, expressed support for future blight elimination efforts.

NOV. 4 ELECTION RESULTS

Adrian: The vote totals in the city commission race were:

n Tiffany Zych — 2,190

n Aaron Chesher — 1,648

n Chip Moore — 1,107

n James Trull — 1,062

n Doug Miller — 1,030

n Gordon Gauss — 860

Hudson: There were two full threeyear city council terms on the ballot and one partial term. Daniel Schudel was the only candidate on the ballot and was elected to one of the full terms. Barb Ireland was elected as a write-in to the other full term, and Nicole Williams was elected as a writein to the partial term.

Morenci: The winners of the city council election were Gail Cleghorn, Kori Christle and Kandi Speiser.

Tecumseh: The winners of Tecumseh’s city council election were Joseph Tuckey, Vicki Riddle, and Gary Naugle.

Madison schools: Both millage requests on the ballot were approved.

The three boys were last seen on the afternoon of Nov. 25, 2010. When their mother, who had filed for divorce, attempted to pick them up, Skelton refused.

An extensive search was mobilized, with both law enforcement and volunteers scouring woods, fields, and waterways for any sign of the boys. They were never found.

Earlier this year, Lenawee County probate judge Catherine A. Sala ruled that the boys should be considered legally deceased.

According to an affidavit filed in Lenawee County District Court, the evidence for the murder charges includes the discovery that, within the week leading up to the boys’ disappearance, Skelton had done internet searches for ways to kill a person.

Court filings also state that, in the 15 years since their disappearance, no evidence has been found to back up Skelton’s claim that he gave the boys to an “underground sanctuary” to keep them from harm.

“Multiple interviews with John Skelton have been conducted and he has consistently misled investigators in the pursuit of finding his three missing sons,” the affidavit states. “His statements have been inconsistent and misleading throughout the 15 years of his incarceration.”

A probable cause conference in front of Judge Laura Schaedler was originally scheduled for Nov. 24, but was postponed until Dec. 17 due to the amount of material that attorneys need to review.

John Skelton is pictured on a video monitor at the Rex B. Martin Judicial Building during his arraignment on Nov. 17. Skelton faces new charges in connection with the 2010 disappearance of his three sons.

LAD STRAYER/LENAWEE VOICE

Adrian city clerk April Hamann administers the oath of office to Mayor Angela Sword Heath while newly elected commissioners Chip Moore, Tiffany Zych, and Aaron Chesher look on.

LAND & WATER

This page is dedicated to coverage of agriculture, the environment, and the intersection between the two. To suggest story ideas, please email news@lenaweevoice.com.

Workshop to discuss vegetable farming on solar installations

GRAND RAPIDS — Commercial vegetable production sharing space with solar panels will be the subject of two educational sessions led by Ajay Nair during the Great Lakes Fruit Vegetable and Farm Market Expo in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Nair is a professor and chair of the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. He leads a project growing vegetables on a commercial scale at the Alliant Solar Farm at Iowa State University.

The first session from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. focuses on what is required to create a functional commercial vegetable operation in a solar project. The session will highlight the process undertaken to create a 10-acre agrivoltaics site that produces 1.3MW of electricity along with commercial scale vegetable production.

The information is intended as a road map for commercial vegetable growers and solar developers who want to work together to grow vegetables in solar projects.

The second session, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., will highlight the vegetable production enterprise at the Alliant Solar Farm. This session focuses on the production of bell peppers, squash and broccoli, and will include crop growth, yield and quality data.

Anyone interested in registering for the Great Lakes Fruit Vegetable and Farm Market Expo can visit glexpo.com.

Anyone with questions about commercial vegetable production under solar, or agrivoltaics in general, can contact Charles Gould, Michigan State University Extension bioenergy educator, at 616-834-2812 or gouldm@msu.edu.

Rethinking rural development: A shift toward regeneration

In recent years, Lenawee County — like much of rural America — has been fielding a wave of new development proposals, including large solar and wind projects in Blissfield, Deerfield, Riga, Raisin, Palmyra, and Adrian Townships. Whether it’s new housing complexes, industrial solar arrays, wind farms, or digital infrastructure, local governments and residents are now confronting decisions that will shape not only the character of the landscape but the quality of life for years to come. These projects can bring both positive and negative impacts, in the short and long term. It’s no surprise that many rural residents are wary. Developers, often coming from outside the community, may not share local values or have the best interests of the people in mind. So, how can rural communities strengthen their planning and decision-making processes to mitigate harm, maximize benefits, and ensure that any future development is environmentally sustainable — or even regenerative?

How development proposals begin: Site selection

The process for a new development begins when a company identifies potential land based on zoning, access to utilities, transportation, and environmental factors. This site selection is an important first step for communities to understand and potentially intervene. In many cases, a development project could be in line with community values if placed in an area where the current land use is more amenable to an added development. For example, many members of the rural community are opposed to building solar arrays on highly productive agricultural land but may be in favor of

ALLEGRA BAIRD

a solar project on a brownfield or over parking lots. Development that requires draining of a wetland, deforestation, or destruction of natural vegetation is known to be the leading cause of habitat loss and biodiversity decline globally, and should be avoided whenever possible. Communities that favor a new development should instead seek to site it where environmental damage and habitat fragmentation is minimized, in addition to other traffic, property value, noise, or light considerations. Where desirable, high-quality farmland or sensitive natural areas can be permanently protected by conservation easements, a voluntary tool that keeps land in agricultural or ecological use while still allowing private ownership.

Beyond site selection, communities have an important opportunity in this early stage to guide project designs toward regenerating the local ecosystem, rather than degrading it.

The local review process:

Zoning, hearings, and public input

Once a site is selected and an agreement is reached with the landowner, the proposal is reviewed by township boards and planning commissions. The project is evaluated against local zoning ordinances, and depending on the zoning category — often agricultural, conservation, or residential — the developer may need a

rezoning, a special use permit, or even a master plan amendment.

Public hearings are required and open to everyone. This is a critical stage for residents to learn what is being proposed and to voice questions, support, or opposition. Resident feedback can shape community benefits agreements, which are legally binding and can require job creation, environmental protections, affordable housing, or public infrastructure investments. Adding conditions that reflect community values is one of the strongest tools rural communities have to ensure their quality of life is protected.

State and federal oversight: Permits and impact studies

Beyond local approval, developers must also complete several state and federal requirements. These often include environmental impact assessments, air quality analyses, traffic studies, and wastewater or stormwater reviews. The findings from these studies can lead to project design changes, required mitigation measures, or — in some cases — permit denial.

Multiple agencies play a role in this process, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Additional state permits, such as energy or water utility connections or environmental permits, may also be required.

State agencies hold public hearings during the permitting process, giving citizens, municipalities, nonprofits, and businesses a chance to raise site-specific concerns or share new data. Agencies must respond to substantive concerns

before issuing final permits, giving communities another chance to ensure projects meet high standards.

When disagreements escalate: Legal challenges

Sometimes local decisions and developers’ plans don’t align, leading to lawsuits. Opponents of a project may sue if they believe the approval process was flawed — for example, due to zoning violations, procedural errors, or environmental harm. Conversely, developers may sue the township if their rezoning request is denied, as seen with the proposed 1.4 GW data center in Saline Township.

At this stage, independent third-party experts can be invaluable. They help communities evaluate impact studies, strengthen legal appeals, and negotiate settlement terms. Outside experts can also support local boards earlier in the planning and review process by verifying claims and recommending stronger conditions or monitoring requirements.

Using

experts to strengthen local review

Michigan law allows local governments to hire independent experts — such as engineers, hydrologists, environmental consultants, traffic specialists, and planners — to review applications. These experts are paid for by the developer through an escrow or review fee system, and their written reports become part of the public record. Their findings help planning commissions ask informed questions and impose appropriate conditions that protect community interests.

See RURAL DEVELOPMENT, page A8

Commercial squash production at the Alliant Solar Farm in Iowa. PHOTO BY AJAY NAIR

Rural development

from page A7

Community preparedness

An important part of preparing for long-term development in rural areas is the ongoing community discussion that happens at township board meetings and local events. Talking with neighbors, friends, and family about your hopes for the community helps build shared understanding and momentum. Communicating these priorities to elected officials also shapes the township’s Master Plan, which guides future landuse decisions. When communities are proactive in discussing development before projects arise, they are in a much stronger position to negotiate terms that reflect local values. Preparedness is key for communities to protect local control, reduce legal vulnerability, and improve their decision making. It also leads to greater agency over a huge aspect of new development — the design.

Sustainable and regenerative design

A project’s design determines much of its long-term impact. Choices about land disturbance, materials, water use, energy demand, and wildlife protection all influence whether a development harms or supports local ecosystems.

Sustainable design reduces negative impacts but doesn’t necessarily improve environmental conditions. Examples include wildlife-friendly fencing for solar farms, circular water systems for data centers, a natural features setback for buildings, and on-site renewable energy generation to power industrial facilities.

Regenerative design goes further, aiming to restore ecological functions and leave the land healthier than before. Examples include adding green or living

roofs, planting pollinator-friendly solar meadows, incorporating rain gardens or bioswales to improve stormwater management, and using regenerative land-management practices that rebuild soil health and biodiversity. When communities push for designs that restore ecological function, they transform development from a potential burden into an opportunity to build longterm resilience — both for the environment and for the people who depend on it.

Harnessing state funding

Communities that are open to new development can draw on several state programs supporting rural investment. These include the Renewables Ready Communities Award, the Rural Readiness Grant Program, Rural Development Fund Grants, Public Spaces Community Places, and the Michigan Community Revitalization Program. These funds can support infrastructure, broadband, energy upgrades, public safety, parks, housing, community placemaking, and workforce development.

Conclusion

When rural communities approach development with preparation, clarity, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, they gain meaningful influence over what their future looks like. The choices made today — where projects are located, how they are reviewed, and how they are designed — can strengthen the land, the economy, and the resilience of future generations. Development doesn’t have to happen to a community; with the right tools, it can happen with and for it.

NOTICIAS LOCALES

Reunión planeada para el acuerdo

de $100,000 de Crimson Holdings

ADRIAN — La Comisión de la Ciudad de Adrian está planeando una reunión pública para discutir cómo utilizar un acuerdo legal de $100,000 de Crimson Holdings, el antiguo operador de la planta procesadora de huevos en polvo en 1336 E. Maumee St. Un juez ordenó a Crimson Holdings, que ahora está en quiebra, pagar $100,000 dólares para beneficiar a las personas que se vieron afectadas negativamente por los olores nocivos procedentes de la planta.

La reunión se llevará a cabo el lunes 8 de diciembre a las 6 p. m. en el Salón Chico Martinez, ubicado en el Centro para el desarrollo de fuerza laboral Align (Align Center for Workforce Development), 440 E. Church St. El foro será moderado por Lisa Hewitt-Cruz, Directora de Desarrollo Comunitario de la Ciudad de Adrian.

Los participantes se dividirán en grupos para compartir ideas y luego se reunirán para un debate más amplio.

— Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

Se

restablecerá

la Comisión de Relaciones Humanas

ADRIAN — El 17 de noviembre, la Comisión de la Ciudad de Adrian votó para restablecer la Comisión de Relaciones Humanas de la ciudad, que ha estado inactiva durante los últimos dos años.

La declaración de la misión del grupo es promover el respeto por los derechos humanos y la diversidad cultural, fomentar el respeto y la comprensión mutuos y promover relaciones amistosas entre todos los residentes de Adrian.

La Comisión de la Ciudad también aprobó la propuesta de la Alcaldesa Angela Sword Heath de nombrar al recién elegido Comisionado de la Ciudad Aaron Chesher como representante de la comisión ante el grupo.

La votación fue de 6 a 1, con el Comisionado Chip Moore en contra. Cualquier persona interesada en formar parte del grupo puede comunicarse con Heath en aheath@ adrianmi.gov.

— Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

Clases de inglés gratuitas

ADRIAN — El Adrian Rea Literacy Center ofrecerá una clase de inglés que dura 8 semanas los sábados de 9 a 11 a.m. entre el 17 de enero y el 7 de marzo. Para registrarse, envíe un mensaje de texto al 517-438-4458 o un correo electrónico a info@adrianrealiteracy. org. Hablamos español.

Aceptamos envíos de noticias locales en inglés o en español. La fecha límite de cada artículo es el día 15 del mes anterior. Las noticias pueden ser enviadas por correo electrónico a news@lenaweevoice.com.

El nuevo patio de juegos ya está abierto detrás de la biblioteca

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

ADRIAN — Un nuevo patio de juegos en la Plaza de la Biblioteca, ubicada justo detrás de la Biblioteca del Distrito de Adrian en el Centro de Adrian, fue inaugurado el 5 de noviembre.

Alrededor de una estructura de juego más grande en el medio del

patio de juegos se agrupan varias estructuras más pequeñas, que incluyen instrumentos musicales al aire libre, una “Oruga muy hambrienta” y una instalación diseñada para niños que desean un espacio más tranquilo.

El proyecto se financió con una donación que la ciudad recibió del

Estado de Michigan hace unos años. El costo fué de $150,000.

La ciudad también dedicó un mural en el número 100 de la calle North Main Street, al lado de Maumee Street Taproom and Kitchen. Ambos proyectos forman parte de un esfuerzo mayor para mejorar el atractivo del Centro de Adrian.

Se eligieron tres nuevos comisionados; se deroga la Ordenanza de Inspección

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

ADRIAN — Tres nuevos comisionados de la ciudad fueron elegidos el 4 de noviembre.

Se presentaron seis candidatos para tres puestos en la Comisión. El total de los votos fue:

n Tiffany Zych — 2,190

n Aaron Chesher — 1,648

n Chip Moore — 1,107

n James Trull — 1,062

n Doug Miller — 1,030

n Gordon Gauss — 860

La Alcaldesa Angela Sword Heath no tuvo oposición para la reelección.

Los residentes de la ciudad también votaron por un amplio margen a favor de derogar la Ordenanza de Inspección en el punto de venta de Adrian para propiedades residenciales. El total fue de 2,607 votos a favor y 653 en contra.

En la reunión de la Comisión de la Ciudad del 17 de noviembre, la Directora de Desarrollo Comunitario de Adrian dijo que el tiempo del personal que se había estado utilizando para el Programa de Inspección de puntos de venta se redirigirá a esfuerzos más amplios de aplicación del código.

Kasey White, miembro del grupo que hizo campaña para derogar la ordenanza, expresó su apoyo a futuras

iniciativas para eliminar el deterioro urbano. Añadió que el grupo coincide en la necesidad de abordar el deterioro urbano y crear una ciudad más limpia y vibrante, pero simplemente sintió que la Ordenanza sobre puntos de venta no era la manera correcta de hacerlo.

Se aprueban los impuestos escolares de Madison: Los votantes del Distrito Escolar de Madison aprobaron

dos impuestos en las elecciones del 4 de noviembre.

Uno se destina a gastos generales de funcionamiento y se financia mediante un impuesto sobre la propiedad comercial, industrial y, en algunos casos, agrícola.

Las viviendas principales están exentas de este impuesto.

El otro es para mejoras de instalaciones y necesidades de equipos.

La Secretaria Municipal de Adrian, April Hamann, administra el juramento del cargo a la Alcaldesa Angela Sword Heath mientras los Comisionados recién elegidos Chip Moore, Tiffany Zych y Aaron Chesher observan.

La Alcaldesa Angela Sword Heath (centro) inauguró el nuevo patio de juegos en la Plaza de la Biblioteca en el Centro de Adrian el 5 de noviembre.

Las Hermanas Dominicas ofrecerán una presentación sobre inmigración

ADRIAN — La ley de Inmigración y las acciones recientes de la administración Trump serán el foco de una próxima presentación organizada por las Hermanas Dominicas de Adrian.

La presentación será el miércoles 10 de diciembre, de 6 a 7:30 p.m. en el Auditorio del Centro de Retiro y Conferencias Weber (Weber Retreat and Conference Center), 1257 East Siena Heights Drive.

La oradora será la Hermana Attracta Kelly, OP, Abogada de Inmigración y Directora Emérita de la Oficina de Asistencia de Inmigración de las Hermanas Dominicas de Adrian.

Hablará sobre la ley de inmigración y las recientes medidas federales, así como sobre los derechos de los inmigrantes y cómo los residentes locales pueden ayudar a sus vecinos inmigrantes. También abordará las maneras de responder a los agentes federales.

— Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

El Jefe de Bomberos de Adrian se jubilará

ADRIAN — El Jefe de Bomberos de Adrian, Aric Massingill, anunció su retiro.

Massingill ha estado en la Ciudad de Adrian desde octubre del 2000. Se convirtió en jefe de bomberos en junio de 2018.

En su papel de jefe de bomberos, era responsable de dirigir la prevención y extinción de incendios, así como los servicios de respuesta médica.

En el 2019, lideró la creación del servicio de ambulancias de la ciudad. Los ingresos generados por este servicio han permitido a la ciudad incorporar nueve bomberos/ paramédicos.

— Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

CALENDARIO DEL CENTRO EBEID PARA DICIEMBRE

ADRIAN — Los siguientes programas educativos y reuniones comunitarias se llevarán a cabo en diciembre en el Centro Ebeid (Ebeid Center), en el 801 este de la calle Maumee (801 E. Maumee St.), Adrian. Las clases se ofrecen en inglés a menos que aparezca una opción en español. Es posible que haya intérpretes disponibles para algunas clases si es que se necesita. Para realizar alguna consulta, envíe un correo electrónico a AdrianENP@ProMedica. org o llame al 517-264-1365. Fuerza y Movilidad (ofrecida por la YMCA) — el lunes, 1, 8 y 15 de diciembre, 4 p.m. ¡Esta clase gratuita construye fuerza y estabilidad! Te moverás con más libertad después de esta clase dinámica de cuerpo

EDIFICIOS DEMOLIDOS

En noviembre se demolieron dos edificios que sufrieron graves daños en un incendio en el Centro de la Ciudad el pasado marzo. El propietario de los edificios fue responsable de la demolición. Se espera que la sala de billar contigua, que también sufrió daños en el incendio, reabra a principios de 2026.

Consejos desde el corazón: Celebrando las fiestas con alegría y cuidados

Por Ben Negron

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

Con la llegada de las fiestas, nuestra comunidad latina se prepara para reunirse en torno a mesas llenas de tradición, sabor y amor. Desde tamales y lechón hasta arroz con dulce y coquito, estos momentos son más que comidas: son recuerdos que se crean.

Pero en medio de la alegría, también está bien cuidar de nuestra salud. No por miedo ni culpa, sino por cariño, hacia nosotros mismos y hacia quienes amamos. Estos consejos nacen del corazón, no de un manual. Son recordatorios amables de que podemos celebrar plenamente mientras honramos nuestro bienestar.

Comer con intención, no con restricción

Empieza por lo que importa: Elige los platos que tienen significado — la receta de tu abuela, el plato favorito de tu familia. Disfrútalos lentamente. Equilibrio con alegría: Añada guarniciones frescas u opciones más

completo que combina entrenamiento de fuerza funcional con ejercicios de movilidad para mejorar la salud, la fuerza, la flexibilidad y el control de las articulaciones. Perfecto para todas las edades y habilidades.

Especialidad de Yoga para Personas Mayores (ofrecida por la YMCA) — el martes, 2, 9 y 16 de diciembre, 4 p.m. ¡Esta serie gratuita de 7 semanas apropiada para todos los niveles de habilidad está de vuelta! Experimenta la risa, las manos y los pies, la ansiedad, la cara y el cuello, el yoga restaurativo y el yoga de pared, por nombrar solo algunos.

Line Dancing (ofrecido por Tichina Jones) — el viernes, 5 de diciembre, 6 p.m. ¡Añade a tu repertorio de danza en línea! Tichina compartirá las últimas tendencias en baile en línea mientras socializáis con otros y realizáis ejercicio diario de forma divertida.

Impacto de la Exposición a la Pantalla y Los Medios en Los Niños

ligeras, no para sustituir, sino para complementar.

Haz una pausa entre porciones: Una breve caminata, un baile o una historia entre bocados nos ayuda a sentirnos llenos y conectados.

Toma con celebración, sin excesos. Hidrátate con orgullo: Ten agua a la mano, sobre todo si disfrutas del alcohol. Se trata de sentirte bien mañana también.

Ofrezca alternativas festivas: Agua fresca con gas, la sidra con especias de canela o los cócteles sin alcohol de jamaica pueden ser igual de alegres.

Déjate llevar por el momento: Céntrate en la música, las risas, los juegos, no solo en las bebidas.

Muévete y descansa con intención

Baila como si fuera una tradición: El movimiento es parte de nuestra cultura, ya sea salsa, cumbia o un juego en el patio trasero.

Descansa sin culpa: Los días festivos pueden ser ajetreados. Una siesta, un

(ofrecido por Lenawee Great Start Collaborative y MSU Extension) — el martes, 5 de diciembre, 5:30-7 p.m. Únase a otros padres para aprender cómo la exposición a los dispositivos de pantalla y el impacto que los medios tienen en sus hijos. Se requiere inscripción previa. Se proporciona cena y cuidado de niños. Abierto a familias del condado de Lenawee con niños menores de 12 años.

Reunión de la Coalición Comunitaria — el lunes, 8 de diciembre, 5 p.m. La Coalición de East Adrian se reúne el segundo lunes de cada mes. Deje que se escuche su voz y contribuya a la conversación sobre cómo los residentes pueden impactar a su comunidad.

El Regalo de la Naturaleza (por Lenawee Conservation District) — el jueves, 11 de diciembre, 6 p.m. Utiliza regalos de la naturaleza para crear un regalo para ti y un amigo, ya sea humano o animal. Aprenderemos cómo las

momento de tranquilidad o decir “no” a un evento más está bien.

Habla de la salud con amor Apoya, no avergüences: Si alguien está controlando la diabetes o la presión arterial, deja que sea esa persona quien dirija la conversación. Ofrece amabilidad, no consejos.

Da el ejemplo, no prediques: Lleva una ensalada colorida, bebe agua, da una caminata; otros podrían seguirte sin decir una palabra.

Celebremos lo que nos nutre La salud no se limita a la alimentación; se trata de conexión, las risas y honrar nuestros cuerpos. Estos consejos no buscan cambiar la tradición, sino profundizarla. Porque cuando nos cuidamos a nosotros mismos, podemos estar más presentes para aquellos que amamos.

Desde el fondo de mi corazón para el suyo—¡Feliz Navidad y un Próspero Año Nuevo! ¡Que sus fiestas estén llenas de sabor, salud y alma!

plantas y los animales sobreviven al invierno y cómo podemos ayudar.

¡Noche de Películas Navideñas Gratis! (Coalición de East Adrian) — el viernes, 12 de diciembre, 6 p.m., en Align Center, 440 E. Church St. ¡Empieza bien las fiestas! Únete a tu familia y amigos para ver una excelente comedia de acción entre amigos y familia en la pantalla más grande de la ciudad. Esta noche de cine gratuita con RED ONE es posible gracias al Align Center en colaboración con la East Adrian Community Coalition. Se ofrecerán palomitas y bebidas.

Entrenamiento de Narcan 101 (Community Mental Health) — el jueves, 18 de diciembre, 4 p.m. Únase a nosotros para esta capacitación comunitaria gratuita de Narcan. Esta capacitación breve y simple le enseñará cómo reconocer una sobredosis de opioides y administrar Narcan para revertir sus efectos.

LCS boys are a team to watch this season

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

The Lenawee Christian boys varsity basketball program is rich in tradition and has been home to monumental wins and championships over the past 30 years. District, regional, and Final Four banners adorn the white walls of the LCS gymnasium.

LCS brought the Class D state runnersup trophy to its Adrian campus in 2014.

“I would also say that most of our guys know the tradition and history of our program,” Coach Matt Summer said. “We have banners in the gym that remind us daily.”

Summer enters his seventh season on the LCS bench, fresh off a Division 4 quarterfinal berth last March.

As LCS enters the coming season, Summer returns only three players from last year’s 22-5 team, but those three bring experience, leadership, and playmaking skills to the court.

Eyes on the prize

With a returning state champion in Tecumseh and a strong slate of seniors to anchor Morenci’s state-qualifying team, Lenawee County girls basketball promises a strong season

By Ryan McDowell The Lenawee Voice

A state champion team looking to defend its title and a group of two-time regional champions will make this year’s girls basketball season an exciting one in Lenawee County.

The Tecumseh girls won Michigan’s Division 2 state championship last year and are looking forward to defending their title during the 2025-26 season.

Meanwhile, Morenci’s Lady Dawgs are in the midst of the program’s most successful run in school history and, with a strong group of returning seniors, have a good shot at the state title this year.

Tecumseh: Head coach Kristy Zajac is entering her 10th season at Tecumseh where the Indians were 2023 district champions, 2024 regional champs and most recently won the 2025 state championship.

Falling one game short of the Breslin Center in 2024 helped motivate the team for their state title run in 2025.

“We had a heartbreaking loss to Gabriel Richard in the quarterfinals the year before, and our goal all season was to get past Gabriel Richard and make it to the Breslin Center and Final Four,” Zajac said.

The only blemish on their record last year, a loss to Rockford, was a pivotal learning experience.

“This was a huge tipping point for us as it was a super physical game,” Zajac said. “We battled toe to toe with them the entire game and showed what kind of team we could be. It also showed us how much tougher we needed to get to make it all the way.”

Zajac will be looking to returning senior guards Chloe Bullinger and Makayla Schlorf, as well as junior center Addi Zajac, to provide the foundation for this team.

“Chloe’s elite defense and playmaking, Makayla’s scoring and two-way impact, and Addi’s dominant presence in the post set the tone for everything we do. Their experience, competitiveness, and high basketball IQ drive the team and establish the standard in practice every day,” the coach said.

These key returning athletes will be surrounded by “a group of newcomers

who bring length, athleticism, shooting, energy, and skill across all positions,” she said.

That group includes freshmen Avery Zajac and Delaney Brown adding instant impact in the backcourt; junior Amaria Brown and freshman Reese Grounds strengthening the frontcourt; sophomore Maya Juozapaitis bringing relentless onball defense; and Sophia Torres adding senior strength, steadiness, and reliable minutes in the guard rotation.

“The chemistry is strong, the work ethic is high, and the potential is exciting — this is a group built to win,” Zajac said.

Morenci: The Bulldogs have threepeated as TCC champs, and they’ve won back-to-back district championships and back-to-back regional championships.

Seniors Evelyn Joughin, Addyson Valentine and Emerson Bachelder are all four-year varsity starters. And classmates Lauryn Dominique and Katelyn Ruse were key contributors last year on a team that finished 24-2.

Tecumseh’s Makayla Schlorf (3) gets a quick five from teammate Ashlyn Moorehead during last season’s Division 2 championship game. PHOTO COURTESY OF MHSAA

Morenci’s Emersyn Bachelder, shown during a game last year against Sand Creek, is one of several strong seniors who could help the Bulldogs win a state title this year.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN JOUGHIN

Seniors Jaxon Salenbien (24) and Dan Scrupsky (15) return to the Lenawee Christian boys basketball team this season.

3120 North Adrian Highway, Adrian 517-265-6918 • adrianskatery.com

See GIRLS BASKETBALL, page A12

See BOYS BASKETBALL, page A12

Girls

basketball from page A11

But this decorated senior class still has one item to cross off their list: a trip to the Breslin Center.

Junior Colbie Ekins is another returning starter who will have a big impact on the defensive end and on the boards. And with four-year starter Alyssa Gibbs lost to graduation, Ekins is primed to have an even bigger year on the offensive end. The Bulldogs will need the added production in scoring to get over that final hurdle.

In their two losses last year, Morenci gave up just 36 points in an overtime road loss to Whiteford and 31 points to Genesee Christian in the quarterfinals, but the offense sputtered in both contests. Juniors Aly Curtis, Tessa Zuvers and Hailey Cleveland will join a team looking to add a few more trophies to the case.

Blissfield: The Blissfield Royals and head coach Ryan Gilbert will be looking to compete for another LCAA crown as well as another district title and tournament run come March. Seniors Leigh Wyman, De’Mya Gibbons and Hope Miller along with junior Kaleena Braun and

Boys basketball

from page A11

Senior Jaxon Salenbien, a 6-foot-4 guard, received the Associated Press’s Division 4 Player of the Year in 2025. Summer is expecting great things from him. “He is not only a massive contributor on the court, but has also developed into an incredible leader for us,” Summer said of Salenbien, who is on the verge of several career LCS records.

Senior Dan Scrupsky, a 5-foot-10 guard, and junior Drew Kirkendall, a 6-foot-1 guard, join Salenbien in their quest for another championship or two in 2026. Scrupsky added 9.4 ppg and 2.8 spg for LCS, along with 61 three-pointers.

Summer said he expects this experienced trio to answer the challenge and put the Cougars in a position for another strong run in the state tournament.

“Our expectations are to compete for a conference championship and peak at the right time for a deep postseason run,” Summer said.

Addison: Second-year coach Sam Wozniak is ready for the upcoming season with Addison as he looks to leave last season in the rearview mirror and speed into the new year.

“We expect to be openminded, ready to compete, and be encouraging teammates,” said Wozniak, whose team finished 10 in the deep Cascade Conference.

Senior guard Austin Wilson joins senior forward-center Braylen Klein and senior forward Quincy Smith, who return for the Panthers.

“Our team works hard and expects to win,” said Wozniak, whose team hosts the district tournament next March. “The goal is to win districts this year on our home court.”

Adrian: The Maples graduated a talented senior class, including current University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee freshman and all-time county-leading scorer Stevie Elam (more than 2,000 points). Eighth-year coach Jordan Kelly likes the returning players and the newcomers to the team.

“I am really excited about the team this year,” Kelly said. “We graduated a large senior class that played a lot of games for us. But we have four returners that are ready to take the program over and continue the success we have had the last few years.”

sophomore Annie Scharer return from a team that went 22-3 last year. Joining them will be junior Brooklyn Fetzer, sophomore Harper Collins, and freshmen Grace Nieman and Layla Gilbert.

Addison: The Panthers did not field a girls varsity basketball team last year. Second-year head coach Hayden Seegert will start to build a program with essentially all new athletes. He looks to “build a strong foundation and establish our culture and compete with effort and heart every night.”

Adrian: The Adrian Maples and coach Caylie Boehmer are coming off a 10-13 season that saw them finish in fourth place in the SEC. They went 4-6 in league play.

Britton Deerfield: First-year head coach Zach Zyla takes over a Britton Deerfield program that went 2-21 overall and 1-11 in league play last year. Kurina Dotson, Allana Gillson, Elayna Thorton, Yvonne Thomas, Leah Thorton, Natalie Barrett and Allie Fraley are returning from last year. “Keep building a good culture for the program,” he said of his goals for the season. “Improve every day we step foot on the basketball floor.”

Clinton: Veteran coach Mike Ruhl will be entering his first year running the

Returning players include seniors Jaxson Francis, Calvin Polley, Lamont McKinney, and Jamari Jones-Buie.

“Leadership will be important as we have nine new players, including four sophomores,” said Kelly, whose team finished 21-5 and fell in the Division 2 regional final. “The team is working extremely hard and things are starting to come together as we expect.”

Blissfield: Blissfield enters the season with a mix of returning veterans and younger players joining the fray under third-year coach David DeVantier.

“We are really hoping to build chemistry and improve each game as the year goes on,” said DeVantier, whose team finished third in the Lenawee County Athletic Association.

“I expect Carson Bettis, Skyler Kimple, and Noah Sills to be leaders,” DeVantier added. “Those three were every-game players last year, and we are expecting all three to help us compete.”

Britton Deerfield: As an assistant coach of the Madison girls varsity basketball team last season, Robert Burciaga understands what it takes to win. He brings that knowledge to Britton Deerfield for the upcoming season.

“Although this is my first year, I plan to continue to build on an already successful program,” said Burciaga, who is familiar with many of the conference opponents. “I plan to compete for a TCC title and advance in the postseason.”

Senior center Alex Anspach returns as the lone starter off last year’s district final runner-up team. Liem Roe, Adam Scheurer, and Julyan Day join Anspach as projected leaders on the Britton Deerfield squad. Junior guard Cayden Allshouse is also expected to contribute throughout the season.

Clinton: Second-year coach Andrew Davis leads Clinton into the new season with lofty goals.

“We have high expectations for this team,” said Davis, whose team finished fifth in the LCAA but lost in the Division 3 district final last March. “Even though we may be young on paper, we have a lot of boys who compete every single day.”

Point guard Ronan Stelzer and shooting guard Louie Della-Badia stood out last season for the Redwolves and return to lead the way this winter.

“We are hoping to build on last season and are excited about the potential that this group has,” Davis said.

Clinton varsity girls program after eight years off from coaching. The Redwolves went 5-17 last year.

Ruhl will rely on returners Kaylin Sposite, Annabelle Preston, Lexi Jarrell, Makayla Whitehead, Avery Loftis, Mya Popkey, Erin Burton and Kyra Hendrick in his first year back. They’ll be joined by newcomers Addison Loftis and Lola Sczcesniak as Ruhl looks to increase participation and build culture for the Clinton program.

Hudson: The Hudson girls varsity basketball team finished in fifth place in the LCAA last year, going 6-8 in league play and 9-14 overall. Coach Anthony Barron welcomes back seniors Taylor Kopin, Sam Anderson, Mia Rogers and Annabelle Czeisperger along with juniors Elci Rogers and Ryen Rogers and sophomore Maci Godfrey.

Lenawee Christian: The Christian Cougars graduated six seniors, three of them starters, from last year’s 12-11 team. Coach Emilie Beach will look to returning junior Brynn Davis, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, to provide leadership and stability along with returners Sam Shane, Ava Feick and London Schmid. Freshman Hattie Fansler will be a key newcomer for the Cougars.

Hudson: Hudson enters the season looking to replace multiple players from its 13-10 team last season, as third-year coach Jeff Webster seeks improvement throughout the year.

“We lost eight seniors from last year’s team, so we will be a very inexperienced team,” said Webster, whose team finished fourth in the LCAA last winter. “We hope to keep improving throughout the season so that we can compete for a district championship at the end of the season.”

Senior Aiden Tedora returns along with juniors Qwaden Wallace and Koen Hinzman. Wallace was the team’s leading scorer (eighth best in the LCAA last winter), and he led his team in assists (third in assists in the league).

Madison: Coach Erik Thompson heads into the new season at Madison without the school’s all-time leading scorer, another who served as a leader on the court, and a reliable ballhandler. But the returning Trojan players are ready.

“The six returners are willing and able to pick up the slack,” said Webster, whose team finished tied for first in the LCAA with Onsted. “Our incoming juniors were undefeated last year. We are bringing up some talented kids.”

Seniors Brian Dopp, a 5-foot-10 forward; Brooks Horwath, a 5-foot-10 forward; Junior Tillman, a 5-foot-8 guard; Cole Grof, a 6-foot guard; and Kason Snyder, a 6-foot-3 forward, join junior 5-foot8 point guard Elijah Hiatt on the court.

Last year, Madison fell to Adrian in the Division 2 district semifinals.

Morenci: Garrett Benjamin enters his third season at Morenci, looking to improve on their last-place finish in the TCC. Benjamin expects senior Talan Kruse to lead the way after a solid junior campaign. “He was our leading scorer and rebounder last year,” Benjamin said of Kruse, who averaged nearly 10 points and six rebounds per game.

Returning juniors Jonas Castillo (7.0 ppg) and Landon Wilkins (6.0 ppg) are looking to contribute more, specifically in the scoring category, Benjamin said. He sees potential with the strong athleticism of juniors Skyler Trent and Kylan Lester. And sophomore point guard Drew Joughin “brings a level of security with the basketball, along with passion that helps push us forward.”

Onsted: Fresh off a 21-2 season and its fourth straight LCAA title, Onsted must replace its entire starting lineup, which

Madison: Coach Javon Jenkins is looking for the Trojans to compete for a league title. Jaeda Parish, Mariana Carbajal, Nevaeha Love, Aniyah Jones, Camylie Sower, Christiana Allen and Kalexiana Wrest are returning from a team that went 18-6 and finished second in the LCAA standings last year. Newcomers Marlee Powers, Emma Myers and Olivia Garcia will join an already strong squad. Onsted: The Wildcats are returning three starters from last year’s 16-8 team that finished third in the LCAA and made it to the district finals. Coach Jon Hovermale will lean on four-year starting guards Hannah Hill and Karlie Kimerer along with Aubreigh Smith, Mattie Hallenbeck and Sydney Keefe. Juniors Izzy Raglow and Hadley Ross will join a team looking to compete for an LCAA title and return to the district finals.

Sand Creek: The Aggies are looking to improve upon a 3-20 record last year through dedication and continuous growth. Coach Mike Zyla is entering his second season with Sand Creek and he welcomes back Payton Steinke, Erin Alexander, Elise Wilkinson, Madalynn Trame and Emma Burns. Zyla said his goal for the season is to “improve every day by fostering a positive, team-first culture.”

resulted in 90 percent of its scoring. But coach Brad Maska believes his young squad is up to the task.

“We bring a lot of size and a lot of guys waiting for their opportunity to show what they can do,” said Maska, who enters his 19th season at the helm of the Onsted program and 21st season overall.

Seniors Rylan Henagan, Mason Chesser, Cole Wells, and Bryson Sutherland take the lead for the Wildcats as they head into the new season.

Henagan is a four-year varsity performer who will lead the team. Wells should have a breakout season for the Wildcats, while Chesser and Sutherland bring athleticism and strength.

“Defense will be key this season for this team to be successful, and finding ways to score,” said Maska, who expects great things from his incoming players as they seek a fifth straight LCAA title.

Sand Creek: The Aggies enter the new season with first-year coach Josh Sutherland, seeking better days after a last-place finish in the TCC last year.

“We are working hard to make some big improvements from last year,” said Sutherland, whose team competes against some of the state’s toughest teams in the TCC.

Improved play during the summer gives Sutherland hope for those better days this winter. Leading the charge is senior guard Andon Sutherland, who netted 37 three-pointers for the Aggies last year. He is joined in the backcourt by senior guard Ben Wheeler, who served as the defensive specialist on the team.

Guards Landon Carmody, Gavin Eack, Grady Hazelwood, forward Parker Strahan, and newcomer center Chase Vorhees are juniors expected to contribute to the rebuild.

Tecumseh: Coach Jamison Webster has a young Tecumseh squad, but that does not stop him from believing his team will challenge in the SEC and beyond this winter.

“We will be a team that gets better as the year goes on,” said Webster.

“We are starting the year with very few guys that have varsity playing experience. The guys we do have back from last year’s team will play a big role early on with helping the others get up to speed at the varsity level.”

Webster expects senior Charlie Palmer and sophomore guard Gabe Abbott to help the others throughout the year.

Hudson wrestling program eyes fifth straight title

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

The Hudson wrestling program heads into the 2025-26 season with its sights set on its fifth-straight Division 4 state championship.

The Tigers have won 12 state titles since 2009 under coach Scott Marry.

But first, the wrestling team must wait for several students to join them, as those athletes are competing in the football team’s quest for another state title.

“We have several wrestlers still playing football, so our roster is not solidified yet,” Marry said.

Once those student-athletes return, the focus becomes wrestling as the Tigers look toward another strong season.

“Our goals are always to compete with all teams throughout the state, regardless of enrollment size, and to compete at both team state and individual state tournaments for the title,” said Marry, who is entering his 38th season.

Seniors Nick Sorrow (132 pounds), Colt Perry (138), Devon Brigman (175), Kenny Sledge (215), and Malachi Marshall (285) provide experience and leadership for Hudson, which finished 29-5 last season. Juniors Jax Kimling (106), Chase Clark (132), and Ethan Rising (132), along with sophomores Beckett Campbell (144) and Lucian Hepker (157), bring experience and depth to the Tigers.

“This season is a mixture of good wrestlers coming in from eighth grade, and the returning starters from last season,” Marry said.

Sorrow and Beckett are returning state champions for Hudson, while Kimling and Perry notched state runner-up medals last winter. Brigman finished eighth for the Tigers. Junior Owen Loop (144), Sledge, and Marshall were state qualifiers at the Division 4 individual state meet.

Addison: Coach Jeff Seiser starts his second season at Addison with plans to develop and show growth throughout the coming season.

“We expect to improve substantially over last year’s results, both as a team and individually,” said Seiser, whose team finished fourth in the Cascade Conference and lost in the Division 4 team district to Hudson.

The Panthers return 12 wrestlers from last year’s team, including sophomore Caden Olsofsky, who finished fourth at 120 pounds as a freshman and earned all-state honors in the individual Division 4 tournament.

Adrian: The Maples return Division 2 state qualifier senior Micah Blaker (113 pounds in 2025), along with regional qualifiers senior John Breckel (175) and junior Jace Miller (157).

Coach Nick Conklin, who begins his 10th season with the Maples, led Adrian to its first Division 2 regional appearance in more than 20 years against Fowlerville, which beat the Maples in the semifinals last winter.

Blissfield: Andy Ford starts his 16th season at Blissfield with high expectations of a strong campaign for his team and for his returning Royals.

“We have an opportunity to win a district title,” said Ford, whose program finished fifth in the LCAA in 2025. “Our goal is a team district championship.”

Junior Gage Rothman (138 pounds) finished third as a sophomore at 132 pounds for Blissfield, as senior Jude Rosas (120) placed fourth as a junior at 113 pounds, while sophomore Remy Yanakeff (150) was fourth at 138 pounds in the Division 4 state meet.

“We are hoping to build on our excellent individual state tournament run from last year,” Ford said. “We have a goal of getting the school’s first state champion since 2003.”

Senior Nolan Wilson (285), sophomore Thomas Waigle (113), and sophomore Jayson Robinson (165) should also contribute throughout the season for the Royals.

Clinton: Clinton returns to the Division 4 ranks after a brief stint in Division 3. The Redwolves finished among the top four Division 3 teams after winning district and regional titles last season.

“I expect to have some more wrestlers at the state meet this year, and I expect more to bring home all-state honors,” said Randolph.

Senior Bryce Randolph (175-190 pounds) won an individual state title last winter. Seniors Tanner Bolton (150-157), Clifford Jones (157, fifth-place finish in state meet), John Keibler (165-175), and Landon Lakatos (190-215) join Randolph as leaders on the team.

Juniors Hudson Miller (106), Zach Taylor (113, state qualifier), and Owen Wright (215-285, state qualifier), along with sophomores Wyatt Cooley (120), Brock Worden (126-132, state qualifier), Braxton Randolph (132-138), Jaxon Phillip (138-144), Isaac Keibler (144-150), and Gradyn Whelan (190-215) bring experience to the mats.

“This team has the potential to be better than last year, although we did graduate a state champ in Braylon Long,

who is now wrestling at Adrian College, and our state-qualifying heavyweight Hamza Rafferty. Though there will be big shoes to fill, we started a lot of freshmen last year, and now that they are sophomores,” Randolph said.

“I look to see a leap in their wrestling this year, which should help propel us this season,” said Randolph, whose team finished 27-11 last season.

Madison: A senior-dominated team led Madison to its best finish in 40 years with a Division 3 regional title, and coach Scott Hall wants his team to build on that success as he enters his 17th campaign with the Trojans.

“We will look to keep our momentum going in the right direction,” said Hall, whose Trojans posted a 26-9 record and reached the Division 3 state quarterfinals before eventual runner-up Yale ended Madison’s historic season. “After losing 10 starters to graduation, we will rely on our younger guys that have varsity experience and our incoming freshmen.”

Madison seniors 132-pound Paul McClure (35-14, 8th place finish at the individual state meet), O’Shea Ramirez (190), and Ander Dahms (215) join juniors 150-pound Kris Ramirez (1812) and Alliance Rivera (144). Hall also expects sophomore Cameron Coleman (126) to help the program along with freshmen Jaxon Kilpatrick (106), Israel Cabrera (113), and Eli Rojo (120).

“The league is dominated generally by Dundee and Hudson, so we look to gain valuable experience and get better in those matches,” said Hall, whose Trojans were fourth in the LCAA.

Onsted: In his third season with the Onsted program, the number of wrestlers has steadily grown under the direction of coach Tyler Boss.

“The year before I took over the varsity program, there were eight kids on the roster,” said Boss, whose team continues to add student-athletes to the program. “This year, I’m proud to say I have 30plus wrestlers in the program.”

Senior Teagan Cunningham (150) returns for his final campaign after an injury-riddled junior season. Cunningham (13-2) claimed the county tournament championship shortly after returning from an emergency appendectomy, only to be sidelined again due to a knee injury.

Seniors Cole Ruttkofsky (144), Patrick Pangborn (190), and James Overton (113) join Cunningham and will serve as leaders this season. Junior Keegan Gray (138) finished 26-20 and was a Division 3 regional qualifier last year.

“We have very tough LCAA competition, and we finished toward the bottom last year. This year, I’m hoping to finish in the top five,” Boss said.

Sand Creek: Sand Creek enters its 25th season as a program since its co-op days with Madison, and that growth has coach AJ Constable looking forward to this season.

“The wrestling teams are both made up of majorly underclassmen, yet experienced lineups, led by experienced seniors,” Constable said of the expectations for boys and girls varsity squads. “We are looking to count on senior leadership to guide the freshmen through a competitive season.”

Seniors Wyatt Fox (138 pounds) and Nich Trame (126), plus junior Tucker Hulett (215), return with state and regional success the past two seasons. Senior Tom Shanks (150) claimed a Parma Western individual championship in 2025.

The Aggies, who do not compete for a conference title since the Tri-County Conference has no other sanctioned teams, must focus on their growth as wrestlers and prepare for the Division 4 individual state tournament.

“Individual goals will be paramount, as the team learns how to compete together in dual settings, as well as works towards individual postseason success,” said Constable, who enters his sixth season on the Aggies’ sideline.

Tecumseh: Eighth-year coach Drew Simpson has Tecumseh prepped for its season, and his litany of goals should spark the Indians throughout the coming season.

“Our wrestlers should lead by example, raise the standard, provide positive leadership, represent the program well, and be all-in,” said Simpson, whose team finished fifth in the White Division of the SEC. “This team has the potential to be much better than the previous year, but they have to buy into the process and trust it.”

Senior Maximus Walker (126 pounds) joins juniors Michael DeFer (138), Cruz Torres (190), Ben Shirk (126-132), and Javier Trammer (144). Sophomores Jeremy Wines (113), Cooper Lewis (120), Dempsey Barrett (150), and Brecken Ahearn (150) provide Simpson with a strong core of returning wrestlers.

DeFer qualified for the Division 2 individual regional tournament in 2025, while Lewis posted the most wins for the Indians with 31 wins in 44 matches.

“I expect to make a run for the SEC White Division championship and a district championship,” Simpson said.

Maple girls hit the mats as Adrian launches its first girls wrestling team

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

Natasha Taylor became the first female wrestler in Lenawee County when most girls were not interested in a sport like wrestling.

Taylor became the first middle school girl to wrestle on the boys team at Springbrook Middle School. Later, she became the first girl to wrestle on Adrian High School’s varsity team.

Now, she becomes the first coach in the inaugural season of the Adrian girls varsity wrestling program.

“This is a historic season for Adrian, our first-ever girls wrestling team,” said Taylor, who brings a passion for the sport to her role as the program’s first coach. “I’m extremely excited to work with them and help build something special.”

Ten girls represent the new program,

Taylor said. She wants to lay the foundation for a strong, competitive girls wrestling program at Adrian, and those on the squad bring a strong work ethic and middle school experience to the mats.

“I expect to see huge improvements throughout the season as they continue to develop confidence, technique, and mat awareness,” Taylor said.

Taylor said the goal is not just about wins, but about establishing a culture for Adrian.

“I fully believe this group has the potential to be competitive in the coming years, and this season is the beginning of that journey,” Taylor said.

Addison: Junior Gabriella Keryan and sophomore Serenity Sinson represent the Addison program under Coach Jeff Seiser, who said he expects the girls to perform well as they work toward the individual district tournament.

Blissfield: Libby White returns as one of two wrestlers at Blissfield for coach Andy Ford.

Clinton: Since the early collaboration between the Michigan Wrestling Association and Michigan High School Athletic Association, coach Casey Randolph and his Clinton squad have excelled on the wrestling mats.

“We have had a girls program since the MWA and MHSAA worked together to start one,” said Randolph, whose 2021 team won a state title and 2020 squad finished as runner-up.

Junior Annabelle Howard (145 pounds) is a returning state qualifier, while sophomore Khloie Miller (120) is a regional qualifier. This year, Clinton has eight wrestlers on the team.

Hudson: The Hudson program returns three county champions in senior Emerson Clark (145), junior

Grace Miller (105 pounds), and junior Aubree McClain (105). Miller qualified for the state meet as a freshman for the Tigers.

Senior Sabree Bonsell (120) was the county runner-up, while sophomore McKenna Mull (150) placed third at the county meet.

Junior Nora Kleinhenz (120) and freshman Clover Dunsworth (145) are newcomers to the Hudson program.

Sand Creek: Sand Creek’s 145-pound senior Emma Pifer returns for her final campaign, and coach AJ Constable needs her experience to lead a young squad.

“We are looking to count on senior leadership to guide the freshmen through a competitive season,” Constable said.

Sophomores Hailey Baker (120), Rylee Martis (130), and Mady Trame (130) also return for the Aggies.

‘One of our giants’

Sister Jamie Phelps was an advocate for social justice and a leading scholar of Black Catholicism

ADRIAN — Sister Jamie T. Phelps, OP, had a passion for justice and a deep love of scholarship that made her a pioneer in her field. Those are just a few of the things her friends and colleagues are remembering about her following her death on Nov. 22 at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian.

Phelps was a theologian, preacher, social worker, social and racial justice advocate, and passionate promoter of Black Catholic studies and the gifts of Black Catholics to the church.

“Sister Jamie is one of our giants — a mother, a teacher, a scholar, and a faithful daughter of the Black Catholic Church,” said Father Kareem R. Smith, president of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. “Through her witness, her voice, and her decades of service, she has helped shape our theological imagination and has strengthened our commitment to serve our people with courage and love. Many of us stand on her shoulders.”

She was a founding member of the National Black Sisters’ Conference and one of the founders of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana. She was consulted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as they wrote their pastoral letter on racism and was a longtime active member of the Catholic Theological Society of America.

POLICE REPORTS

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

ADDISON

Oct. 31: Assault, 200 block of North Comstock.

Nov. 4: Property damage, Mason and Steer.

Nov. 7: Assault, 200 block of North Comstock.

ADRIAN

Oct. 23: Illegal credit card use, 900 block of West Beecher Street. Sexual assault, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Drug possession, 1200 block of East Church Street.

Oct. 24: Property damage and burglary (nonresidential, forced entry), 1100 block of South Winter Street. Property damage, 900 block of Division Street. Illegal credit card use, 200 block of South McVicar Street.

Oct. 25: Sexual assault, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Operating while intoxicated, North Main Street and Maple Avenue. Property damage, 500 block of College Avenue. Burglary (nonresidential, forced entry), 1300 block of South Main Street. Larceny from a building, 1200 block of East Siena Heights Drive.

Oct. 26: Larceny from a building, 1300 block of South Main Street. Property damage, 800 block of Erie Street. Assault, 400 block of West Maumee Street.

Oct. 27: Vehicle theft, 300 block of Erie Street. Sexual assault, 100 block of Dallas Street.

Oct. 28: Property damage, 1300 block of Division Street.

Oct. 29: Assault, 1000 block of East Maumee Street. Retail fraud, 800 block of North Main Street. Illegal credit card use, 500 block of Comstock Street. Assault, 600 block of South Madison Street.

Oct. 30: Larceny, 200 block of Division Street. Telephone harassment or threats, 800 block of State Street. Larceny from a building, 400 block of Spring Street. Larceny from a building, 600 block of South Madison Street. Retail fraud, 800 block of South Main Street.

Oct. 31: Property damage, 800 block of Hoch Avenue. Larceny, 900 block of East Beecher Street. Property damage, 400 block of State Street.

Nov. 1: Assault, 100 block of Bristol Street. Assault, 1100 block of South Main Street. Property damage, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Burglary (residential, forced entry), 900

“The significance of Sister Jamie Phelps’ pioneering scholarship and strategic administrative ability cannot be overstated. She has made a substantive, radical, and creative difference in how we Black Catholics think of ourselves, think of God, think of Church, and think of Black theology,” said Dr. M. Shawn Copeland, professor emerita at Boston College’s Theology Department.

block of Bradish Street. Larceny, 100 block of North Main Street.

Nov. 2: Larceny from a vehicle, 100 block of South Madison Street. Larceny from a vehicle, 600 block of West Beecher Street. Property damage and larceny from a vehicle, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Larceny from a vehicle, 1300 block of West Maumee Street. Larceny from a vehicle (two reports), 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Property damage, 1100 block of Erie Street. Assault, 700 block of East Front Street.

Nov. 3: Larceny from a vehicle, 1100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Larceny from a vehicle, 600 block of South Madison Street. Assault, 900 block of East Maumee Street. Operating while intoxicated, Winter and Summit streets. Illegal credit card use, 4500 block of S. Clubview Drive.

Nov. 5: Vagrancy, West Maumee at West U.S. 223. Larceny from a yard, 400 block of Erie Street. Assault, 1000 block of South Winter Street. Disorderly conduct, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway.

Nov. 6: Assault, 800 block of Vine Street. Operating while intoxicated, 700 block of North Broad Street. Larceny from a building, 1300 block of South Winter Street. Burglary (non-residential, forced entry), 800 block of Mulberry Street. Property damage, 500 block of South Winter Street. Assault, 500 block of South Winter Street. Assault and disorderly conduct, 900 block of West Maumee Street.

Nov. 7: Dangerous drugs, 400 block of Riverside Avenue.

Nov. 8: Property damage, 600 block of Tabor Street. Operating while intoxicated, North Winter Street at Maumee. Operating while intoxicated, 1000 block of South Main Street. Assault, 1000 block of South Main Street.

Nov. 9: Property damage, 100 block of Chestnut Street. Assault, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Retail fraud, 200 block of East U.S. 223.

Nov. 10: Internet harassment or threats, 400 block of Erie Street. Larceny, 400 block of Erie Street. Property damage, 1100 block of July Drive.

Nov. 11: Property damage, 1200 block of East Siena Heights Drive. Fraud, 1200 block of East Siena Heights Drive. Assault, 400 block of Allis Street.

Nov. 12: Larceny from a building, 400 block of Allis Street. Assault, 500 block of Comstock Street.

Nov. 13: Sexual assault, 500 block of Meadowbrook Drive. Assault, 1000 block of South Winter Street.

She was born on October 24, 1941, in Mobile, Alabama. After her family moved to Chicago, she was taught by Adrian Dominican Sisters in elementary school. Inspired by their example, she entered the Adrian Dominican Congregation in 1959. She was the first Black woman to become a sister in the congregation.

In the early years of her ministry, she served as an elementary school teacher and then a psychiatric social worker.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Siena Heights College in 1969, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois – Chicago in 1972, a master’s in theology from St. John University in Minnesota in 1974, and a doctorate in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America in 1989.

“The Adrian Dominican Sisters have been deeply blessed by Sister Jamie’s joyful, challenging, and transformative presence among us, calling us to fully live Gospel imperatives in our Dominican sisterhood,” said Sister Elise D. García, OP, prioress of the congregation.

Sister Jamie will be remembered during a visitation from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel, followed by a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. in St. Catherine Chapel. A funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Nov. 14: Wire fraud, 1300 block of West Maple Avenue. Disorderly conduct, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Drug possession, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Larceny from a building, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Assault, 800 block of East Butler Street. Sexual assault, 100 block of South Madison Street.

Nov 15: Operating while intoxicated, 1300 block of South Main Street.

Nov. 16: Operating while intoxicated, North Main at Chestnut.

BLISSFIELD

Nov. 6: Vehicle theft, 9800 block of Forche Road.

Nov. 8: Assault, 200 block of Wilbur Street.

CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Nov. 10: Operating while intoxicated, North Hawkins Highway at Stephenson Road.

DEERFIELD

Oct. 26: Assault, 300 block of Elm Street.

Oct. 29: Assault, 200 block of Deerfield Road.

Oct. 30: Assault, 200 block of Deerfield Road.

DOVER TOWNSHIP

Nov. 1: Assault, Canandaigua Road and Seneca Highway.

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP

Oct. 23: Assault, 1200 block of Seneca Street.

Oct. 24: Operating while intoxicated, Treat Highway at Mulberry Road.

Oct. 25: Larceny from a building, 8600 block of South Adrian Highway.

Nov. 4: Assault, 1300 block of West Weston Road.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

Oct. 28: Operating while intoxicated, M-50 and North Adrian Highway.

Oct. 31: Larceny from a yard, 1000 block of West U.S. 12. Property damage, 2800 block of West M-50.

Nov. 7: Assault, 2400 block of West U.S. 12.

Nov. 16: Property damage, 6900 block of West M-50.

HUDSON TOWNSHIP

Oct. 29: Fraud, 2400 block of Maple Grove Highway.

MADISON TOWNSHIP

Oct. 23: Larceny, 1600 block of Rivers Edge Ct.

Oct. 26: Retail fraud, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Oct. 27: Retail fraud, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

IN BRIEF

Meeting planned on $100,000 settlement from Crimson Holdings

ADRIAN — The Adrian City Commission is planning a public meeting to discuss how to use a $100,000 legal settlement from Crimson Holdings, the former operator of the powdered egg processing plant at 1336 E. Maumee St.

Crimson Holdings, which is now bankrupt, was ordered by a judge to pay $100,000 to be used for the benefit of people who had been negatively affected by noxious odors coming from the plant.

The meeting will take place on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. at Chico Martinez Hall, located in the Align Center for Workforce Development, 440 E. Church St.

The forum will be moderated by Lisa Hewitt-Cruz, community development director for the city of Adrian. People will break out into groups to talk about ideas, and then come together for a larger discussion.

Snowbird luncheon planned

WEST BRADENTON, Florida — Lenawee County snowbirds are invited to gather for lunch at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Golden Corral, 5525 Cortez Road, West Bradenton, Florida. For more information, call 727-364-4273 or 517-260-0432.

Oct. 29: Assault, 200 block of Medina River Ct.

Nov. 1: Assault, 1800 block of Lawnview Ave.

Nov. 2: Retail fraud, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Nov. 4: Larceny from a building, 2900 block of Treat Highway.

Nov. 7: Larceny from a building, 3400 block of Treat Hwy. Assault. 3400 block of Treat Hwy.

Nov. 13: Retail fraud, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

MEDINA TOWNSHIP

Oct. 28: Property damage, 13700 block of Packard Road.

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP

Nov. 1: Assault, 3000 block of Manor Drive. Nov. 16: Operating while intoxicated, Ogden and Parr highways.

ROLLIN TOWNSHIP

Oct. 27: Burglary (non-residential, no forced entry), 17500 block of Hillside Road.

Oct. 30: Assault and disturbing the peace, 9500 block of Pottawatamie Drive.

Nov. 11: Property damage, 700 block of Grove Street.

Nov. 12: Property damage, 700 block of Grove Street. Telephone harassment or threats, 5100 block of Townley Highway.

Nov. 16: Operating while intoxicated, 17700 block of Manitou Road.

ROME TOWNSHIP

Oct. 24: Operating while intoxicated, Rome Road at Wilkinson Highway.

Oct. 26: Assault, 7100 block of West U.S. 223.

TECUMSEH

Oct. 27: Larceny, 700 block of War Bonnet Drive. Operating while intoxicated, 800 block of West Chicago Boulevard.

Oct. 28: Fraud, 500 block of S. Evans Street. Identity theft, 100 block of N. Union Street.

Nov. 4: Assault, 300 block of N. Maumee St.

Nov. 7: Identity theft, 700 block of Adrian St.

Nov. 13: Assault. 200 block of N. Pearl St.

Nov. 14: Larceny from a building, 600 block of Outer Drive.

Nov. 15: Larceny from a yard, 700 block of Clark Street.

TECUMSEH TOWNSHIP

Nov. 12: Assault, 5300 block of East M-50.

WOODSTOCK TOWNSHIP

Oct. 28: Burglary (residential, no forced entry), 7800 block of Devils Lake Highway.

Sister Jamie T. Phelps, OP, died on Nov. 22 at the age of 84.

IN BRIEF

Dominican Sisters to host talk on immigration

ADRIAN — Immigration law and recent actions by the Trump administration will be the focus of an upcoming presentation hosted by the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

The presentation will be on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Weber Retreat and Conference Center, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive.

The speaker will be Sister Attracta Kelly, OP, an immigration attorney and director emerita of the Immigration Assistance Office of the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

She will speak about immigration law and recent federal actions, as well as immigrants’ rights and how local residents can help their immigrant neighbors. She will also address ways to respond to federal agents.

Purse Funeral Home plans community open house

ADRIAN — Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Highway, will host an open house and community appreciation event, including a Christmas tree display, from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Lenawee Christian Ministries names executive director

ADRIAN — Lenawee Christian Ministries announced on Nov. 21 that Dr. Kristy Taylor has been selected to serve as the organization’s next executive director. She will oversee the day-today leadership of Lenawee Christian School and the Christian Family Centre.

Taylor joined Lenawee Christian School in early 2025 as secondary principal. Her 25-plus years of experience include serving as a principal, assistant superintendent, district-level administrator, and vice president within a national training organization. She holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and an MBA degree, and has extensive experience with strategic planning, curriculum development, school improvement, capital projects, and community engagement.

“I am grateful for the trust placed in me and deeply humbled by this opportunity,” Taylor said in a news release.

“LCM is a ministry with strong roots and incredible potential, and I’m excited to help guide our next chapter.”

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

County to receive funding for home improvements

ADRIAN — Lenawee County has been awarded $1.5 million in grant funding from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority through the MI Neighborhood Program, an initiative focused on strengthening communities and improving long-term housing stability.

This funding will support home improvement projects throughout Lenawee County, with a focus on preserving and enhancing the quality of life for low- to moderate-income residents.

Eligible activities may include roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, siding repairs, window and door replacements, and other essential health and safety improvements.

Based on available funding, Lenawee County estimates this program may assist up to 75 homeowners.

Additional information will be shared as the program develops.

Consumers Energy provides tree planting grants

Several area communities — Adrian, Blissfield, Tecumseh, Manitou Beach, and Morenci — received grants this year from Consumers Energy to fund the planting of new trees.

Adrian College signs new dual-credit agreement

ADRIAN — Adrian College and Jackson Preparatory & Early College have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand dual-enrollment opportunities between the two institutions. JPEC, located on Jackson College’s campus, was founded in 2014 as a 6-12 charter school, to give young students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree with free tuition.

Kristy Taylor

New mural

OUR TOWNS

THE LENAWEE VOICE

SECOND SECTION DECEMBER 2025

School store provides real-life business experience

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Some Adrian High School students are getting real-world marketing experience by operating the school’s new store, Maple Market.

The market is entirely student-driven, from research-based decisions on what inventory to stock and how much to charge for it, to the salesforce itself.

Teacher Kim Gehres’ business students develop ideas and marketing strategies, choose the items to sell and the designs on them, and do the research needed for pricing and marketing. The store is staffed by a small core group of those students.

“They work hard in here,” senior Mia Reynolds, who serves as the market’s unofficial sales manager, said of that core group. “They do a lot of the sales, they greet customers” — and, she added with a laugh, some of them go the extra mile to make sales to passers-by: “They’ll be like, ‘Come here! Buy some stuff!’ ”

Aja Hayford is one of those especially enthusiastic salespeople, described by Gehres as “our personal selling specialist.”

“I think it’s awesome,” she said of the new market and the opportunities it gives the students involved. “I think it’s a great way to get students to speak up.”

Reynolds’ experience taking marketing classes at the LISD Tech Center gave her important expertise — such as teaching her fellow students how to use the Square point of sale system — for her role in helping get the Maple Market off the ground.

She said the store has been a real learning experience for everyone involved. “We’re still figuring out the way of things,” she said. “It’s all been a learning curve for all of us.”

The market is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:20 to 7:40 a.m. It is housed in a small room that once served as the school bookstore and was then a storage area for many years.

Plans to renovate the space for its current use began about a year and a half ago, Gehres said.

Sielers mark 10 years owning downtown Adrian’s Gallery of Shops

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Back in 2015, Les and Mary Sieler were thinking about moving their business, Sieler’s Water Systems, out of what was then called the Home Design Gallery at 136 W. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian.

ADRIAN

The gallery was up for sale and in poor shape structurally, and more than half of the businesses located there had left. And then, one day, Les learned that the asking price for the building had dropped. He went home and suggested to Mary that, rather than moving out, they buy it.

“I said, ‘Are you crazy?’” Mary said. That was when he told her he’d already stopped at the bank to see what it would take, and said, “I think we can do something with it.”

“So we decided to take the plunge,” Mary said.

Now known as the Gallery of Shops, the building has a storied history dating back to the early 20th century when it was a Chevrolet dealership, Day Motor Sales. It later became Kline’s Department

Store, a downtown fixture for many years.

After Kline’s closed, members of the Day family and Larry Condon opened the Home Design Gallery in the space in the early 1990s. At the time, Les was traveling back and forth between Adrian and Ann Arbor, where Sieler’s Water Systems

was located, and Condon encouraged the Sielers to move their business to the Home Design Gallery in 1994.

The Home Design Gallery was a one-stop shop for a wide range of homeimprovement needs, from kitchens to carpets to Sieler’s Water Systems, and “it was very successful,” Les said.

But then the economic downturn of 2008 happened, Condon sold the building, and over time things got to where they were in 2015 before the Sielers bought the place and turned it into the Gallery of Shops.

Getting things in shape took a lot of work. “We were up at Mackinac Island when the bathroom roof fell in,” Les said. And a new roof was only one of the building’s needs; new bathrooms and new lighting also went in pretty quickly.

Over the years since then, the Sielers have continued to reinvest the rent from their tenants in order to keep improving the property. “It’s like a home ownership. You’re never done,” Les said.

The Gallery of Shops has 14 suites, 13 of which are currently occupied. A variety of enterprises call the building home. In addition to Sieler’s Water Systems, there are boutique shops, salons, a barber shop, a Farmer’s Insurance office, the local office of United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties, Goodwill’s ArtWorks gallery, and Downtown Dempsey’s restaurant, which is owned by the Sielers’ daughter Tiffany.

Adrian High School students Nise Nombo, Aja Hayford and Mia Reynolds staff the Maple Market, a store run by Kim Gehres’ business students, on a recent Friday. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

Mary and Les Sieler are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their purchase and rehabilitation of 136 W. Maumee St. into what is now the Gallery of Shops. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

Deal Depot in Adrian aims to make discount shopping fun

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Kylee and Collin Blevins aim to make discount shopping fun at The Deal Depot in Adrian.

“We like to incorporate cool deals and things to make it fun for the customers to come in and shop,” Collin said.

ADRIAN

They started the business working out of their home in January 2024, and opened a brick-andmortar store in April of this year.

“We grew a lot faster than expected and we then decided to open up a store, which was always out main goal,” Kylee said.

They buy their merchandise in bulk from “the big retailers,” Collin said, like Target, Walmart, Amazon, TJ Maxx and Home Depot. They use personal brokers to find the merchandise they are interested in. The merchandise is typically bought at the end of the season and stored until it is put out for sale the following year. The items are typically marked down between 40% and 60% off of retail price, Kylee said.

The items sold in The Deal Depot can be described as “everything you didn’t know you needed,” she said.

“When we get our inventory and start looking at stuff, there’s stuff we didn’t know was out there,” Collin added.

The pair like to add twists to make shopping at The Deal Depot fun.

One deal is a “Fill a Basket” sale, which is held around the 12th of every month. Items in the “Big Bins” and the health and beauty bin are priced at halfoff on Thursday and Friday of that week, and on that Saturday, customers can fill a shopping basket from the bins for $12.

The Deal Depot also has online sale listings on their Facebook page from 7 to 7:30 p.m. on any day the store is open.

“There’s a listing a minute,” Kylee said. Customers can look on the Facebook page to see the items that are offered and claim items by commenting.

The Deal Depot also gives away a $50 gift card to a different local business each week. No purchase is necessary to enter.

The Deal Depot is currently located at 810 W. Maumee St. in Adrian, but will soon be moving. The owners plan to relocate to 217 W. Maumee St., the former NAPA Auto Parts store, in January. Details about the move will be posted on Facebook.

Store hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call 517-403-7056, email Dealdepot2024@ gmail.com, or find them on Facebook.

COMMUNITY OFRENDA AT THE LIBRARY

Collin and Kylee Blevins, pictured with their dog, Nina, are the owners of The Deal Depot on West Maumee Street in Adrian. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

The Adrian District Library hosted a Community Ofrenda, providing residents with a way to honor lost loved ones for Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Lizbeth Perez-Cazares, the Adrian District Library’s bilingual library assistant, gave a presentation about the holiday on Nov. 1. LINDA CLINE/LENAWEE VOICE

New playground and mural brighten downtown Adrian

ADRIAN — A new playground in Library Square, located just behind the Adrian District Library in downtown Adrian, was dedicated on Nov. 5.

Clustered around one larger play structure in the middle of the playground are several smaller pieces of play equipment, including outdoor musical instruments, a “Hungry Hungry Caterpillar,” and an installation designed for children who want a quieter space.

ADRIAN

Funding for the project came from the enhancement grant that the city received in a state budget earmark a few years ago. The construction contract, in the amount of $150,000, was awarded in June to Great Lakes Recreation of Holland, Michigan.

The city also dedicated a mural in the 100 block of North Main Street, on the

side of Maumee Street Taproom and Kitchen. Both projects are part of a larger

effort to improve the appeal of Adrian’s downtown district.

Mayor Angela Sword Heath, center, dedicates the new playground in Library Square in downtown Adrian on Nov. 5. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

The new mural at the corner of Main and Maumee streets in downtown Adrian.

Clinton Area Fund expands its impact on community

ADRIAN — The Clinton Area Fund has been expanding the impact of its annual grant program to benefit more organizations that make a difference in the community.

Established to provide charitable funding in the areas of health, civic engagement, culture, education, and social services, the Clinton Area Fund reinvests local investment earnings back into projects that benefit the greater community. It is a community fund operated under the auspices of the Lenawee Community Foundation.

CLINTON

In 2023, the fund awarded two grants to local organizations. This year, the

fund announced a significant expansion — awarding seven $500 grants to local organizations.

The 2025 Clinton Area Fund grant recipients are:

n Clinton Township Public Library.

n Clinton United Church of Christ.

n Clinton Community Schools Earth Club.

n Clinton Wrestling Club Corp.

n Clinton United Methodist Church.

n St. John’s Church.

n Little Mews Rescue.

The contributions of these organizations range from supporting youth programs and education to promoting community wellness and compassion.

Dona Olsen, Director of Little Mews Rescue, is pictured with David Gibson of the Clinton Area Fund. The feline rescue is one of seven organizations to receive grants from the Clinton Area Fund this year.

Choate Marketplace offers a unique shopping destination in downtown Brooklyn

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

BROOKLYN — A building in downtown Brooklyn that’s more than 100 years old is now one of the area’s more unique shopping destinations.

Choate Marketplace opened the day after Thanksgiving in 2023. The building was once Cooper’s Department Store and, more recently, the WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging before Kate Manville-Schwartz and her husband, Matt, bought the building with the idea of turning it into a retail mall.

“In our minds, we just returned it to its retail glory,” Manville-Schwartz said.

The marketplace pulls together numerous businesses, many of them with a creative bent, under one roof. Alli Grant works as the market manager.

Choate Marketplace consists of two areas.

The Central Market, on the first floor, features an art gallery, a paint-your-own pottery studio called Crockery, specialty foods at Plot Whisk, children’s toys at Merry Thread, textile arts at Mountain Nan, a bookstore called The Talebearer, a rental venue called the Game Lounge, and Buzz Bytes, a rental suite for content creators.

The North Market, on the second floor, features Kate’s Art School, art supplies at Nibs & Nozzles, and another event space called The Upper.

The Gallery offers complimentary hot tea and window seating with a view onto the street, as well as “artsy, gift-shop” items, Manville-Schwartz said. It also features rotating artists, with works by acrylic artist Julie Durocher and ManvilleSchwartz herself currently on display.

Mountain Nan features Fair Trade and artisan wares such as textiles, ceramic tiles, tea pots and travel mugs. Mountain Nan is currently featuring ceramic art by Lynn Holcomb and macramé by Kyla Galloway.

Merry Thread features toys that inspire creative, open-ended play, ManvilleSchwartz said, such as games, art supplies, kits and a “try-it” painting station.

Plot Whisk celebrates the culinary arts and home décor, featuring kitchen tools, home décor, and specialty culinary items such as saffron and white truffle oil.

The Talebearer offers fiction and nonfiction books, as well as writing materials, craft kits, toys, and gifts. It is owned separately by Stacy Halacka, who bought the business from ManvilleSchwartz in February 2025.

The Game Lounge is a rental venue that features arcade machines like Pac Man, board games, and other entertainment. The rental cost is $5 per hour per person. It can be rented for groups and is also available on a drop-in basis. Adult supervision is required, and food and drink is allowed.

BuzzBytes Content Suite and Office is a modern business center that features a sound-dampened studio suitable for podcast recordings, livestreamed events, and video productions.

Also in the Central Market is Crockery, an art studio in which customers can choose from a variety of bisque ware and paint it with supplies available on site. Manville-Schwartz then fires the pottery, which is ready for customer pickup in around two weeks.

Customers can enjoy the studio on a drop-in basis, but ManvilleSchwartz recommends scheduling an appointment. The studio is available for group bookings. More information can be found at crockerypaintedpottery.com.

In the North Market, Upper is a venue with space suitable for karaoke, showers, viewing parties and other gatherings. There is seating for up to 35 people and a 75-inch TV, as well as table seating, refrigerators and coolers, and a stage. Customers can bring their own food and alcohol for events.

Nibs and Nozzles is a fine art supply store, located in the North Market.

“It’s truly fine arts for drawing and painting,” Manville-Schwartz said. The quality products sold in the store help bridge the artists from being a hobby artist to being a fine artist, she said.

Also in the second-floor North Market is Kate’s Art School, in which ManvilleSchwartz offers adult drawing and painting classes. All students must first complete a Drawing 101 class. They can then sign up to take other classes, such as additional drawing, acrylic painting, watercolor, oil pastel, soft pastel and oil painting.

More information on Kate’s Art School can be found at katesartschool.com.

Manville-Schwartz has a degree in visual arts education from Spring Arbor University and has been teaching art for 17 years. She has a background in business management and development.

Choate Marketplace is at 102 N. Main St, Brooklyn. More information is available at choatemarketplace.com, by email at choatemarketplace@gmail.com, or by calling 517-938-8794.

Pictured inside Choate Marketplace are owner Kate Manville-Schwartz, left, and manager Alli Grant. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

Some of the unique finds available at toy store Merry Thread, left, and culinary arts shop Plot Whisk. CHOATE MARKETPLACE VIA INSTAGRAM

Revitalize Morenci Initiative plans fifth annual light tour

The Dominique home, winner of the Traditional Favorite prize in the Revitalize Morenci Initiative’s Holiday Lights Tour last year.

Self-guided tour of Morenci light displays will begin Dec. 18.

MORENCI — If you love the nostalgia of driving around town on a December evening, Christmas music playing in the car, and seeing the variety of holiday light displays around every corner, then a trip through the streets of Morenci this December may be in order.

MORENCI

The Revitalize Morenci Initiative, a local organization, is planning its annual Holiday Lights Tour, a way to bring people together through this simple tradition and celebrate hometown spirit.

Now in its fifth year, the tour invites residents and businesses to decorate the exterior of their homes or storefronts and be part of a self-guided tour running from Dec. 18 to Dec. 28.

Participants can register to be included on the official tour map for $10, with every dollar going to support Kiwanis of Morenci’s Wishing Tree Project, a program that provides food and Christmas gifts to local families in need.

Since the Holiday Lights Tour began, RMI has been able to donate $1,280 to the Wishing Tree Project. Those contributions typically go toward nonperishable items for family food boxes from stars that are unclaimed, ensuring every family receives what they need to enjoy a holiday meal together. What started as a way to brighten Morenci’s streets has become something that brightens lives as well.

Registration forms are available at City Hall, on the RMI Facebook Page, and online. The deadline to register is Monday, Dec. 15, and names will not appear on the tour map. Payment can be made at City Hall or through PayPal (@revitalizemorenci517) or Venmo (@ revitalizemorenci); people registering this way should include their address in the message section.

Matt Garrow, owner of Engler Garrow & Roth, winner of the Best & Brightest Business prize in 2024.

Free tour maps and a holiday scavenger hunt will be available starting Thursday, Dec. 18, at City Hall and on RMI’s Facebook page. They will also be sent home with Morenci Elementary School students.

Prizes will be awarded in four categories:

n People’s Choice.

n Clark Griswold, named for the over-the-top protagonist of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

n Traditional Favorite.

n Best & Brightest Business.

Winners will be announced on Monday, Dec. 22.

No light display is too big or too small. Whether it is a few twinkling strands or a front yard that could rival the Griswolds, each one adds to the joy of the season. Participating is a way to make Morenci shine, while helping local families have a brighter Christmas too.

School store from page B1

The store is still a work in progress, with the next step being to install plumbing and a sink so that popcorn and slushie machines can be added.

“We’ve had great support from school administration,” she said.

Presently, the market’s inventory is focused on Maple gear and laptop charging cords. But recently a wildly popular set of items were part of the merchandise: Charlie Backpack Buttons, featuring images of the school’s beloved resource dog, Charlie.

“It will always be student-driven.”

— Adrian High School teacher Kim Gehres, about the AHS Maple Market

“He is very special to the kids,” Gehres said — a statement borne out by the number of students who stopped to greet Charlie in the hallway by the store on their way to class early on a recent November morning.

Charlie obligingly snuggled up close to them while they petted him, or even rolled over on his back for belly rubs, while his handler, school resource officer Joshua Perry, chatted with students as they came along.

Gehres’ students came up with the button idea and developed the campaign, which saw a series of three different buttons that each got their big reveal in principal Sam Skeels’ newsletter before going on sale for $5, with the proceeds going toward scholarships for AHS seniors. The buttons, billed as “A Paw-some Way to Give Back,” were a big hit.

Gallery of Shops

from page B1

The businesses get some marketing support by being included on the gallery’s website and having their specials promoted. When they first open, their grand opening is promoted, and although they pay to have their signage created, the installation is done for them.

The gallery also promotes its businesses by participating in downtown Adrian’s First Friday events.

December’s First Friday is always a particularly big event, and the Sielers

Charlie, the Adrian High School resource dog, checks out a backpack button bearing his image at the AHS school store.

As time goes on, Maple Market’s inventory will expand to include items such as hats, Maple stickers, and school supplies. Gehres said the students might also be able to do pop-up stores at places such as school sporting events or at nearby Springbrook Middle School.

No matter what, “it will always be student-driven,” she said.

In the process, the students are learning not only marketing skills, but social skills as well, all of which will serve them well in the world of work. And, Gehres said, the market gives students something else as well: another place for them to feel like they can fit in. “Each of these students has a new place to belong,” she said.

win four tickets for a ride on the Polar Express train in Owosso, Michigan.

This time of year also sees a holiday tradition at the gallery: lining the hallway with decorative Christmas trees which local organizations, residents, and businesses can pay to decorate. All the money raised goes to Civitan of Lenawee.

The 59 trees plus the many ball ornaments hanging from the ceiling all down the hall give the gallery a festive look for Christmas.

Mary said the gallery’s business owners are “a nice team” — for example, always being willing to offer advice and help to each other.

Blissfield man is Michigan’s Older Adult Volunteer of the Year

BLISSFIELD — Lenawee County resident John “Dick” Saxton of Blissfield was selected by the state of Michigan as the 2025 Older Adult Volunteer of the Year. He was honored at the Governor’s Service Awards on Nov. 12 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.

Presented annually by the governor of Michigan and the Michigan Community Service Commission, the Governor’s Service Awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to volunteerism, service, and philanthropy across the state.

“At the Governor’s Service Awards, we get to honor admirable Michiganders who have given their time, talent, and treasures to help others and make our state a better

See SAXTON, page C4

‘Mission Complete’

for

After retiring from the Air Force, local woman finds her next chapter as the owner of quilting business Veteran Threads

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

Most people buying a new home have certain criteria that the house has to have. But not everyone’s need is as unique as Kendra Warner’s was when she was coming home to Lenawee County after retiring from the Air Force: any house she bought had to have a basement large enough for her longarm quilting machine.

Warner, now the owner of Veteran Threads Quilt Co., got interested in quilting when she was stationed on Guam about 10 years ago. Scuba-diving wasn’t for her, so to pass some of her free time she learned to quilt from an American woman, a civilian, who’d started a quilt shop there.

That woman, in fact, was responsible for introducing quilting to that part of the Pacific. Quilting is “a big heritage thing” in Hawaii, Warner said, and in Japan too,

but that quilt shop was the first one on Guam.

And Warner quickly discovered she had a new interest. “I had a quilt class [at that shop] and never looked back,” she said.

Warner grew up near Blissfield, graduated from Blissfield High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of

Did You Know?

Kendra Warner is pictured at her Lenawee County home with her longarm quilting machine, loaded with a T-shirt quilt she was creating

her sister. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

See VETERAN THREADS, page C11

Lenawee County resident John “Dick” Saxton of Blissfield was selected by the state of Michigan as the 2025 Older Adult Volunteer of the Year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LENAWEE COUNTY

Cleaning company is couple’s longtime dream

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — After working full-time in their professional fields, Bill and Melissa Van Valkenburg decided it was time to put their experience in the commercial cleaning field to work and start a business of their own. BMUD Commercial Cleaning stands for Bill and Melissa’s Ultimate Dream. The company started in June.

“We are so proud to have our own business,” Melissa said. “We can’t wait to see what’s coming.”

The couple actually met in kindergarten but got reacquainted five years ago. Melissa gave Bill their LLC business license as a wedding gift and the process of starting their own company began. Being able to hire their children to work for them was part of that decision.

Bill has a background as a service manager in the automotive industry and Melissa is still working as a nurse.

BMUD Commercial Cleaning offers medical-grade cleaning, which includes electrostatic cleaning, a process that is

performed every three days. Bill said that the process involves more than just a “wipe-down.”

“We basically ‘fog down’ everything a couple times a week,” Bill said, adding that the process gets rid of 99.9% of “everything.”

“It encapsulates the germs,” Melissa said.

They have bloodborne and airborne pathogen certification and use hospitalgrade disinfectants. Their clients include doctors, dentists and physical therapists.

BMUD Commercial Cleaning also offers office cleaning services, including floor care, commercial maintenance repair, interior painting, disinfection, special event cleaning and move-in and move-out cleaning. They offer window washing, furniture cleaning, tile and grout cleaning and sealing, odor and stain removal services, and solar panel cleaning, among other services.

For more information, call 517-6057742, email Bmudllc@gmail.com, or find BMUD Commercial Cleaning on Facebook. The business is licensed, bonded and insured.

Melissa and Bill Van Valkenburg are the owners of BMUD Commercial Cleaning.

JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

Catherine Cobb recognizes Everyday Heroes

— The Catherine Cobb Safe House hosted its 10th annual Everyday Heroes celebration on Nov. 6 at the Adrian Armory to honor individuals and groups who have shown courage, kindness and unselfish acts of heroism in the Lenawee County community.

The event saluted heroes in multiple categories.

Animal Rescue Hero: Ahimsa Safe Haven and Clift Buick GMC. Ahimsa Safe Haven started in 2019 when Cari Clift rescued six roosters from a farm going out of business in Colorado. Since then, Ahimsa Safe Haven has become home to over 100 birds and other animals, including chickens, turkeys, peafowl, pheasants and quail, pigs, rabbits, a turtle and cats.

Since rescued animals often arrive with unmet health care needs, Ahimsa raises funds to cover costs of emergency and ongoing medical care and provide a safe space for animals with unique conditions that make them undesirable to others. For example, they have a special place for cats with feline leukemia.

Ahimsa relies on volunteers, like the Clift Buick GMC team, to help feed, clean and care for the animals and farm. Additionally, volunteers from Clift help with construction, technology, adopting and more.

Community Hero: Monique Savage. Monique Savage is a member of the local chapter of the NAACP. She is also a member of 100 Women for Lenawee. She is a locally and nationally recognized presenter of anti-racism workshops. She is a current board member of the Adrian District Library, a retired educator and social worker for Adrian College, and a minister at Christ Temple Ministries International.

During her time at Adrian College, she created a support group for young women of color who were the first in their families to attend college. She also developed a program to identify underrepresented students who were then mentored and guided to eventually become college students.

Through Christ Temple Ministries, she started a storytime for children that provides an opportunity for children of color to hear stories by and about people of color. She also started a support group for women survivors of domestic violence.

Human Service Professional Hero: Zac Lee. Zac Lee was nominated by a family he worked with through his job at Community Mental Health. The nomination letter stated: “Zac helps those in our community and Lenawee County

facing struggles and hardships. Although this is his ‘job description,’ he is the kind of person you know is in that position because he cares and wants to help and make a difference. He has impacted my son and our family in such a positive way.”

Youth Good Samaritan: Gabe Venerable. Gabe Venerable’s dedication to serving others started when he was in high school. His compassion and selflessness were recognized by his school guidance counselor, who nominated him in his senior year for the Silent Servant Award. His commitment to community service and leadership was demonstrated through his involvement not only in school related activities such as treasurer for Key Club, member of National Honor Society, Equations, Art Club, orchestra, theater and sports, but through his commitment to his community, which includes restoring gravestones, collecting food, and volunteering with Scouts.

Mental Health Ambassador Hero: Deb Followell. Tecumseh Middle School counselor Deb Followell was nominated by a mother who wrote: “She had made a difference for my son who has struggled with school. Her door is always opened to him and other students who need someone to listen or talk to. She went above and beyond helping my son through school last year. Whether it was listening to him, talking things out, allowing him to take breaks,

communicating with me, she just does an amazing job. And I know my kiddo is just one of many she helps!”

Educator Hero: Scott Ricker. Scott Ricker’s passion for math started when he was a young student and led him to earning a degree in electrical engineering from Michigan Tech. He moved to North Carolina and began his teaching career as a substitute teacher in North Carolina where he earned his teaching degree. Ricker later moved back to Michigan and has been teaching in Blissfield for over 26 years. He shares his passion for math with students in his algebra, pre-calculus, calculus and analytical geometry classes. He ensures that his students leave his classes truly understanding mathematical concepts and many of his students credit him for their later success in the subject. He has also coached middle school volleyball and basketball and high school softball. He has directed 25 middle and high school plays, and has served as the math department chair and as a bargaining chair for the Blissfield Education Association.

Educator Hero: Bob Behnke. Bob Behnke was recognized for his lifelong career as an educator. He started his career as a substitute teacher and moved through the ranks holding a variety of positions including middle school social studies teacher, high school assistant principal, high school principal, and

assistant superintendent for curriculum, finally wrapping up his career with eight years as superintendent of Adrian Public Schools. He has a particular interest in social studies, culture and history, which he is now sharing with others in his role as a teacher with the Lenawee Lifelong Learning program.

Law Enforcement Hero: Sgt. Brian Meloche. A sergeant with the Adrian Township Police Department, Brian Meloche was recognized for his service when checking on the welfare of a resident who had been beaten by her boyfriend. “If Brian hadn’t checked on me that day, I would’ve never told anyone what happened,” the woman wrote in her nomination letter, adding that without his intervention, she would have continued to be abused and might have been killed.

Justice/Court Hero: Adrian Dominican Sisters. The Adrian Dominican Sisters, who trace their roots to St. Dominic in the 13th century along with other members of the Dominican family throughout the world, came to Adrian in 1879 at the request of the pastor of St. Mary of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Their social justice ministry includes helping the unhoused, advocating for the rights of immigrants, fighting the death penalty, and working against human trafficking.

Pictured at the Catherine Cobb Safe House’s Everyday Heroes event are, in the back row, Blissfield teacher Scott Ricker; the Rev. Alice Ford of First United Methodist Church in Adrian; Linda Cole; Zac Lee; Gabe Venerable; Garry Clift; Tayleen Theisen, an instructor at Adrian Center for the Arts; and Sgt. Brian Meloche of the Adrian Township Police Department. In the front row are Sister Frances Nadolny of the Adrian Dominican Sisters; Monique Savage; Tecumseh Middle School counselor Deb Followell; Cari Griesinger; Cari Clift of Ahimsa Safe Haven; and Valerie Herr, executive director of the ACA. PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHERINE COBB SAFE HOUSE

ADRIAN

See HEROES, page C4

Christina Villalobos honored by Continuum of Care

ADRIAN — On Nov. 18, the Lenawee County Continuum of Care recognized Christina Villalobos with the 2025 Norma Dell Courage to Care Award. The annual award recognizes the efforts of people who have made extraordinary contributions toward alleviating homelessness in Lenawee County.

Villalobos is a case manager with Dòchas, which offers crisis intervention

SERVICE CLUB ROUNDUP

Zonta of Lenawee: The Zonta Club of Lenawee is planning a “Glow with Zonta” event on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. in front of the historic Lenawee County Courthouse in Adrian. This event will close out 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and will feature a speech by a domestic violence survivor and a vocal performance.

Kiwanis of Morenci: The Morenci Kiwanis Club, in partnership with the city of Morenci and the Morenci Fire Department, will host the annual Holiday Lighted Parade in downtown Morenci at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. The parade will be followed by a community tree lighting ceremony at Wakefield

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place,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a news release. “They step up for others and work hard to uplift our communities even when nobody’s looking because they know every contribution makes an impact. They have set an example for all of us to follow.”

Saxton, 85, has devoted decades to serving others through his volunteerism with both the Lenawee Department on Aging and the Blissfield Area Lions Club. Since joining the Department on Aging’s volunteer team in 2014, he has driven more than 23,000 miles transporting older adults to medical appointments and delivering meals to homebound residents. Known for his dependability and upbeat attitude, Saxton is always the first to say, “I can make it work.”

Heroes from page C3

Immigration is an issue that the Adrian Dominican Sisters have focused on for many years, advocating for comprehensive immigration reform and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. The congregation’s Office of Immigration Assistance was established in 2017 to offer free legal counsel to members of the community seeking legal status.

The congregation has engaged with organizations such as the Catholic Mobilizing Network to advocate for ending the death penalty in all the states that continue to execute prisoners.

To fight human trafficking, sisters in Adrian started a task force in 2009 that has now become a larger Lenawee County community effort, the Lenawee Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition, joined by members of the local chapter of Zonta International, local law enforcement

services to youth and families. She joined the organization in 2023.

According to a news release, she continually seeks out ways to improve her interventions with youth and their families and engages with community partners and systems aimed at helping people become the best possible version of themselves. She goes above and beyond by volunteering her time

Park and a chance to visit with Santa at the Morenci fire station, along with with cookies and cocoa. The Kiwanis Yuletide lights and Legacy Lane trees will be lit as well.

The Kiwanis Club of Morenci still has items available from the Wishing Tree. “Stars” with items for children and families are posted on the club’s Facebook page. Items are due to WesBanco in Morenci by Dec. 13.

Civitan of Lenawee: Civitan will continue its Christmas tree sale located on U.S. 223 near Buffalo Wild Wings. A variety of trees and sizes are available. Civitan will also continue sales of Claxton Fruitcake through December, with fruitcakes available in stores throughout Lenawee County. Proceeds go to support the club’s programs.

Kiwanis of Adrian: The Kiwanis Club of Adrian is currently holding

“John is a very honest and helpful person. He goes out of his way to help people,” said Annette Shuman, a client of the Department on Aging. “He is always respectful to me, and I have found him to be very respected in his community.”

Beyond his work with older adults, Saxton has also served his country and his fellow veterans. A U.S. Army veteran with 15 years of overseas service, he has been recognized with multiple military decorations and continues to serve on the Lenawee County Department of Veterans Affairs advisory committee, where he also drives veterans to medical appointments at the VA Ann Arbor Medical Center.

“John has been transporting veterans to their medical appointments since 2014,” said Kristina Eschedor, Veterans Relief Service Officer for Lenawee County. “He’s exactly the kind of person

professionals, professors, medical personnel, social workers, students, and concerned citizens.

Faith-Based Hero: Linda Cole. Linda Cole was nominated by a fellow church member for her kindness and compassion for others. The nomination letter stated: “Linda bends over backwards to help anyone who is in need. She organizes meal deliveries for new parents, people who have had surgery, etc., often making and delivering meals herself. If someone has a need she will call around, ask people she knows, and do almost anything she can to help that person get their needs met. She does all of this with a smile, a prayer, and the goal of helping and spreading the message of Jesus.”

Faith-Based Hero: Rev. Alice Ford. Alice Ford, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Adrian since July 2023, was nominated by a church member, who noted her work children in the church, service to migrant workers in Lenawee County through meals provided

in the community, including visiting encampments, providing needed supplies, and doing street outreach with other members of the Continuum of Care’s street outreach team.

She works closely with the Lenawee Intermediate School District and agencies in Lenawee County who support youth facing great challenges.

She previously worked with the

its annual cheese sale. Orders can be placed using a form found on the club’s Facebook page or by contacting a member of the group.

Lions Clubs: The Lions Clubs of Lenawee County are hosting “A Visit with Santa” on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Stubnitz Environmental Education Center, 3241 N. Adrian Highway. Crafts, games, refreshments, special gift giveaways, and a hayride through the light display at Heritage Park are part of the festivities, along with visits with Santa. The event is free and open to the public.

Tecumseh Kiwanis: The Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh is selling canisters of assorted nuts, available in retail stores and other business locations in Tecumseh during the holiday season.

— Compiled by Julie C. Clemes

you’d want as a companion on a long car trip — dedicated, patient, and kind.”

Through his longstanding involvement with the Blissfield Area Lions Club, Saxton has also supported numerous community initiatives, including providing glucometer test kits to local doctors, purchasing school supplies for students, and coordinating educational trips for children.

“The level of selfless giving these Michiganders show should be an inspiration to us all,” said Ginna Holmes, executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission. “We are excited to tell their stories and show their passion to make a difference.”

Established in 1994, the Governor’s Service Awards celebrate Michigan residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism and service.

in partnership with the St. Mary campus of Holy Family Parish, her work on moving the Fishes and Loaves food pantry into the church, and beginning Wednesdays of Wonder, a Wednesday night program for anyone who wants to have a good meal and fellowship. “She has lots of new ideas and goals for the future and we are excited to see them come to fruition,” the church member wrote.

Family and Local Military Hero: Adrian Center for the Arts and Flagstar Foundation. The Adrian Center for the Arts was recognized for its Creative Coping program for veterans, presented with support from the Flagstar Foundation. Classes offered through the program include Grief is a Verb, Veterans’ Introduction to Watercolor, Grumpy Art, Introduction to Encaustic Art, and Doodling for Relaxation. Some of the classes are also available to children and other family members, and some make use of kits which can be taken home to complete. About 100 veterans have attended the classes.

Madison School District and has been recognized the last two years for her outstanding volunteer work with the district on behalf of Dòchas.

She also previously served as a youth specialist at Maurice Spear Campus and as a Lenawee County probation officer focusing on youth.

Villalobos holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lourdes University.

EBEID CENTER SCHEDULE

The following activities are scheduled for December at the Ebeid Center, 801 E. Maumee St. East Adrian Community Coalition Activity Planning — Monday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m. Help shape activities that build strong relationships among neighbors, promote a positive community spirit, and provide enriching experiences for all ages. Open to all.

Strength and Mobility (offered by the YMCA) — Mondays, Dec. 1, 8 and 15, 4 p.m. This free exercise class builds strength and stability, combining functional strength training with mobility drills to improve joint health, strength, flexibility and control. For all ages and abilities.

Specialty Yoga for Seniors (offered by the YMCA) — Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 4 p.m. A free seven-week series appropriate for all skill levels.

Line Dancing (offered by Tichina Jones) — Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. A fun way to get your daily exercise.

East Adrian Community Coalition Meeting — Monday, Dec. 8, at 5 p.m. The coalition meets on the second Monday of every month. Let your voice be heard and contribute to the conversation about how residents can impact their community.

Screen and Media Exposure’s Impact on Children (presented by the Michigan State University Extension) — Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Join with other parents to learn how exposure to screen devices and the impact the media has on your children. Advance registration is required, and dinner and childcare will be provided. Open to Lenawee County families with children 12 and under.

Nature’s Gift (offered by the Lenawee Conservation District) — Thursday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. Use gifts from nature to create a gift for yourself and a friend — human or animal. We will learn about how plants and animals survive the winter and how we can help.

Free Movie Night (presented by the East Adrian Community Coalition) — Friday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m., at the Align Center, 440 E. Church St. Enjoy a screening of the family-friendly action comedy “Red One” along with free popcorn and beverages.

Narcan Training 101 (presented by Community Mental Health) — Thursday, Dec. 18, at 4 p.m. This short, simple training will teach you how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer Narcan to reverse its effects.

For more information about any Ebeid Center programs, email AdrianENP@ProMedica.org or call 517-264-1365.

Tips from the heart: Celebrating the holidays with joy and care

As the holiday season approaches, our Latino community prepares to gather around tables filled with tradition, flavor, and love. From tamales and lechón to arroz con dulce and coquito, these moments are more than meals — they’re memories in the making.

But amid the joy, it’s okay to care for our health too. Not out of fear or guilt, but out of cariño — for ourselves and for those we love. These tips come from the heart, not from a rulebook. They’re gentle reminders that we can celebrate fully while honoring our wellbeing.

Eat with intention, not restriction

Start with what matters: Choose the dishes that carry meaning — your abuela’s recipe, your family’s favorite. Savor them slowly.

BEN NEGRON

Balance with joy: Add fresh sides or lighter options — not to replace, but to complement.

Pause between servings: A short walk, a dance, or a story between bites helps us feel full and connected.

Sip with celebration, not excess

Hydrate with pride: Keep water nearby, especially if enjoying alcohol. It’s about feeling good tomorrow too.

Offer festive alternatives: Sparkling agua fresca, cinnamon-spiced cider, or hibiscus mocktails can be just as joyful.

Let the moment lead: Focus on the music, the laughter, the games—not just the drinks.

Move and rest with intention

Dance like it’s tradition: Movement is part of our culture — whether it’s salsa, cumbia, or a backyard game.

Rest without guilt: Holidays can be busy. A nap, a quiet moment, or saying “no” to one more event is okay.

Talk about health with love

Support, don’t shame: If someone’s managing diabetes or blood pressure, let them lead the conversation. Offer kindness, not advice.

Model, don’t preach: Bring a colorful salad, drink water, take a walk — others may follow without a word.

Celebrate what nourishes us

Health isn’t just about food — it’s about connection, laughter, and honoring our bodies. These tips aren’t about changing tradition. They’re about deepening it. Because when we care for ourselves, we show up more fully for those we love.

From my heart to yours — ¡Feliz Navidad y un próspero Año Nuevo! May your holidays be filled with sabor, salud, and soul.

Three need-to-know nuances about your year-end giving plans

As year-end approaches, your thoughts might naturally turn to charitable giving — both as a way to support favorite causes and to make the most of available tax benefits. Recent changes in the tax laws have caused many people to reflect on their own understanding of the rules for deductibility, starting with a very fundamental question about what the IRS considers deductible — and what falls outside that category.

Here’s a quick three-point refresher:

n In general, contributions are eligible for the most favorable tax deduction when they are made to organizations that have received taxexempt status under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. So-called “public charities” with 501(c) (3) status must operate exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, scientific, or similar purposes. Gifts to these organizations are eligible for a deduction if you itemize deductions on your income tax return.

BRONNA KAHLE

n Beyond 501(c)(3) public charities, there are other types of organizations that do important community work but are not eligible to receive taxdeductible contributions. Civic groups, social welfare organizations, and neighborhood associations — while vital to the community — are usually classified under different IRS categories, such as Section 501(c)(4) or 501(c) (6). Gifts to these organizations are typically not deductible, even though the organizations serve valuable purposes.

n It’s also important to keep in mind that “nonprofit” and “tax-exempt” do not always mean the same thing. Nonprofit status is a matter of state law,

while federal tax-exempt status requires specific IRS approval. “Tax-exempt” means that the organization itself does not pay taxes. Only a subset of taxexempt nonprofits qualify as “charitable,” enabling them to receive deductible contributions.

Sounds complicated, right? It is! The good news is that your community foundation is here to help. Our team works with community organizations every day and can help you confirm which gifts are eligible for a deduction and which are not. More importantly, we can help you make sure that your support — whether or not it qualifies for a deduction — makes the greatest possible impact in the areas you care about most.

At the end of the day, while the tax deduction can be an added bonus, what matters most is the good your generosity accomplishes. As you plan your year-end giving, please reach out to our team. We’re here to help you give confidently, wisely, and in a way that makes a lasting difference in the community you love.

Please reach out to your Lenawee Community Foundation team. We’re honored to be your first call on all things charitable giving!

Bronna Kahle is president and CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation. For more information, call 517-263-4696, email forlenawee@lenaweecf.com, or visit lenaweecf.com.

Ben Negron is the founder and executive director of Hispanice of Lenawee Alliance (HOLA) and the director of community engagement and development at the Align Center.

Adrian Dominican Sisters welcome two new associates

ADRIAN — Adrian Dominican associates and sisters welcomed two new associates, Susan Lanstra and Timothy Goyette, on Oct. 26. The formal Ritual for the Reception of New Adrian Dominican Associates was held in Holy Rosary Chapel on the Motherhouse Campus in Adrian. Associates are women and men, at least 18 years of age, who feel called to live out the Dominican Charism and who make a non-vowed commitment to associate themselves with the Adrian Dominican Congregation. While maintaining their independent lifestyle, they are invited to share in the mission, ministries, and spiritual and social activities of sisters and associates.

Both Lanstra and Goyette came to know the Adrian Dominican Congregation through their involvement with the St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center in Flint, and through working with associate Steve Wolbert and Sister Carol Weber, OP, who is both executive director of the center and its co-founder along with Sister Judy Blake, CSJ. The center’s programs include a food pantry, employment preparation, a literacy center, an eye clinic, and more. For information on becoming an Adrian Dominican Associate or a partner in mission, contact Nancy Mason Bordley at 517-266-3534 or visit www.adriandominicans.org/ MeetDominicans/Associates.

Lenawee County celebrates adoptions

ADRIAN — Lenawee County Probate Court celebrated Adoption Day on Nov. 18 at the Rex B. Martin Judicial Building, honoring the theme “Thankful for Family.”

The annual event recognizes the joy and significance of adoption while highlighting the families who open their hearts and homes to children in need.

This year, three families finalized their adoptions:

n DeWayne and Sarah Elledge adopted Drue, age 14 months. Drue has been in their care as a foster child, and this marks the Elledge family’s fifth adoption, reflecting their deep commitment to providing stability and love to children in need.

n Debra Sumner finalized the adoption of Serenity, age 4. Sumner is Serenity’s great aunt, and her decision ensures Serenity will remain connected to her family roots.

n Wade and Lisa Perry adopted Sarah, age 10. The Perrys have been Sarah’s non-relative guardians and are thrilled to provide her with permanency and a forever family.

Each family received a special gift package filled with items generously donated by local businesses: Adrian Skatery, Arrington Ice Arena, Barrett’s Showplace Gardens, Bella Blush Salon & Spa, Biggby, Bobbye’s Pizza & Dairyland, Busch’s Market, The Buzz Cafe & Marketplace, The Centre, Chomp Burger, Frosty Joey’s, The Cookie Coop, Culver’s, Doll n’ Burgers, Downtown Dempsey’s,

Emmy’s Kitchen, Frozen ParadIce, G&J’s Frosty Boy, The Grasshopper, Harvest Chocolate, Karri’s Cookies, Lenco, Lev’s Bakery, Lightening Quick Gas-N-Go, Little Caesars, The Look Salon, Luscious Dessertz, McDonald’s of Adrian, Morning Fresh Bakery, MJR Adrian Cinema, My Cousin Vinny’s Barbershop, Nova’s Soda Pop Candy Shop, Polished, Shirtz Ink, Starbucks, South Main Taco Bell, Ten Pin Pizza & Subs, and Wendy’s of Adrian.

Kookin 4 Kids, a Lenawee County children’s charity, also made donations for each family, as well as several private citizens who contributed to the event.

Lenawee County Administrator Kim Murphy expressed her gratitude for the families and partners who make Adoption Day meaningful each year.

“Adoption is one of the most powerful acts of love we witness in Lenawee County,” Murphy said. “Today we celebrate not just new legal bonds, but the beginning of new chapters filled with hope, support, and opportunity. We are grateful for families who open their hearts and homes, and we love to see children and families grow and thrive right here in Lenawee.”

To learn more about fostering or adoption, contact the Department of Health and Human Services at 517-264-6300, Fostering Solutions at 517-263-0020, Catholic Charities at 517-263-2191, or Lenawee County adoption coordinator Cathy Hopper at 517-264-4630.

QUILTS FOR VETERANS

For more information about the Quilters

call

The Raisin Valley Quilters Guild meets on Thursdays at Hidden River North Clubhouse in Adrian. On Nov. 6, the group presented handmade quilts to local veterans. Pictured here are David Brevoort (Navy), Bernard Southwell (Marine Corps), Jon McVay (Marine Corps), and Bryan Mann (Army).

Guild,

713-516-5826. KATHY RAINES/LENAWEE VOICE

Susan Lanstra and Timothy Goyette sign their forms of commitment as associates, while associate Dee Joyner, left, and Sister Carol Weber, OP, look on.

Judge Catherine A. Sala joins local families in celebrating Adoption Day on Nov. 18 at the Rex B. Martin Judicial Building. PHOTO COURTESY OF LENAWEE COUNTY

IN BRIEF

Family Medical Center opens food pantry at Adrian location

ADRIAN — In response to rising food insecurity, Family Medical Center has opened a food bank inside the health center it operates at 1200 N. Main St. in Adrian. The food bank is operated in partnership with City of Refuge Ministries.

Family Medical Center provides affordable medical and dental care in the community, but also aims to address the root causes of poor health, including hunger.

“When people can’t access food, their health suffers in every way,” said Ed Larkins, CEO of Family Medical Center of Michigan. “We’re stepping up to make sure our patients and neighbors don’t go hungry, especially now.”

Busch’s customers donate 107,648 gallons of milk

ANN ARBOR — Customers of Busch’s Fresh Food Market donated 107,648 gallons of milk to food banks this year. The southeast Michigan-based grocery chain, which has stores in Tecumseh and Clinton, held two drives this year, one in March and one from Sept. 22 to Oct. 5.

Milk donations go to Food Gathers of Michigan, Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners, and South Michigan Food Bank. In addition, this year United Dairy Industry of Michigan matched $20,000 in funding to these food banks. The Busch’s milk drive was launched in 2015.

Health and human services grants benefit local projects

ADRIAN — The Lenawee Community Foundation recently announced the recipients of $47,400 in Knight Health and Human Services grants, made possible through the V.C. and Velma Knight Memorial Fund. Grants were awarded to 23 local organizations.

Examples of some of this year’s funded projects through the Knight Health and Human Services grants include homelessness prevention, adult literacy tutoring, a backpack buddy program, addressing trauma in children, and providing fresh food and hot meals for those in need.

Grant recipients include Adrian Community Preschool, the Adrian Rea Literacy Center, Associated Charities of Lenawee County, the Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee, Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence Shelter, Catholic Charities, Child Care Network, City of Refuge Ministries International, the Daily Bread, Dochas II, Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County, Hospice of Lenawee, Housing Help of Lenawee, Hudson First United Methodist Church, New Song, Adrian Morning Rotary, Share the Warmth, South Central Michigan Food Bank, St. Mary’s Food Pantry, St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry, Tecumseh Fresh Food Initiative, Tecumseh Service Club, and United Hudson Churches.

WLEN’s Thank a Vet drive raises over $60,000

ADRIAN — The Lenawee Multimedia Network, which includes radio station WLEN, hosted its annual Thank a Vet fundraising drive on Nov. 11 and raised a total of $60,882.80, the stations reported. The event ran from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with staff and volunteers collecting donations for the Veterans Dire Need Fund, administered by Housing Help of Lenawee.

Preventing impaired driving could save a life this holiday season

The holiday season is a time of celebration, but it is also one of the most dangerous times of the year on our roadways. December has been recognized nationally as Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a campaign focused on raising awareness about the risks of driving under the influence and promoting safe travel for everyone. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, in particular, are among the deadliest nights for drivers and passengers. Planning a sober ride can make a life-saving difference.

While alcohol is a leading factor in impaired driving crashes, it is not the only concern. Drugs, including opioids, marijuana, and certain prescription or over-the-counter medications, can slow reaction times, alter judgment, and affect motor skills. Fatigue and stress also affect driving ability, highlighting the importance of planning ahead before

MONICA HUNT

getting behind the wheel.

Local data illustrates the impact of impaired driving in our community.

According to the 2024 Michigan Annual Drunk Driving Audit published by the Michigan State Police, Lenawee County recorded 433 injury crashes last year, with about 11% involving alcohol, drugs, or both. These crashes resulted in 644 injuries, roughly 10% connected to impairment. Tragically, 19 fatal crashes occurred, and nearly half of the deaths (9 out of 23, or 39%) involved alcohol or

drugs. Property damage crashes totaled 1,974, with only a small percentage (about 2%) linked to impairment. Law enforcement made 319 impaired driving arrests, with roughly 72% involving men and 28% women. These statistics illustrate the preventable risks impaired driving poses to our community.

Community leaders encourage everyone to plan ahead for a safe ride this holiday season. If you plan to drink, arrange for a sober ride before heading out. A taxi, public transportation, or a trusted friend can make the difference between arriving home safely and becoming part of a tragic statistic. Even if you aren’t drinking, it’s important to consider the risks of driving while fatigued or taking medications that warn against operating machinery.

Hosts also play a vital role in prevention. If you are celebrating with friends and

family and notice someone preparing to drive while impaired, don’t hesitate to intervene. Taking their keys and helping them find another way home could be the most meaningful gift you give this season.

Impaired driving is not just a personal choice; it is a community concern. Every safe decision protects not only the driver but also passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. As December brings gatherings, travel, and busy schedules, let’s work together to keep Lenawee County’s roads safe.

For more information on impaired driving prevention, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov or review Michigan’s Annual Drunk Driving Audit through the Michigan State Police.

A letter to Santa from the Lenawee County Department on Aging

Dear Santa,

We know your workshop is extra busy right now. But here at the Lenawee Department on Aging, we hope you can take a little break, sip some hot cocoa, and read our special wish for older adults in our community.

This year, we hope you sprinkle a little extra magic to help our community stay happy and healthy. Many older adults would love warm, healthy meals. Good food gives energy and keeps bodies strong, but cooking can be hard sometimes. We imagine you could send tasty treats, gift cards for meals at restaurants and senior centers, or even a little holiday magic to help families share cozy dinners together. We also ask for a bit of your sparkle to help people stay active. Some enjoy

CARI REBOTTARO

gentle chair exercises or fun games like pickleball offered in may local facilities. Others may enjoy a walk in the snow in one of the County’s many parks. Others may need something at home. Maybe your elves can tuck in ideas for simple exercises at home, or links to videos that help people move and stretch. Even a little movement brings strength, balance, and cheer.

And Santa, we know you have the best memory in the world, remembering who is naughty and nice! We hope you can share some of that magic to help older adults keep their minds bright. Puzzles, books, games, and visits with friends all help brains stay shiny like your jingling sleigh bells. A tablet, a ride to a hobby event, or even a connection to the local library could bring joy and learning all year long. We would also love your help reminding older adults to take care of their health. Doctors, dental, eye, and hearing check ups help keep everyone feeling their best. A magical calendar that offers reminders — maybe delivered by a friendly elf — would help people remember these important visits and assure support in getting to the appointment.

And finally, Santa, please sprinkle extra kindness and connection in our community. When older adults feel included and valued, their hearts shine bright. Santa, maybe you can bring supplies for writing cards, making blankets, or doing other kind acts from home. Helping others brings hope and happiness to everyone.

Santa, we know your sleigh is full, but we believe in your magic and your big heart. If you can whisper these wishes to families, friends, and helpers too, it will make Christmas sparkle even brighter. Thank you, Santa. Travel safely, stay warm, and enjoy your cookies!

Monica Hunt is the Lenawee County Health Department’s health officer.

Cari Rebottaro is director of the Lenawee County Department on Aging.

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:

[ADS] Adrian Dominican Sisters, adriandominicans.org

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

[BJFH] Borek Jennings Funeral Home, borekjennings.com

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

[E] Eineder Funeral Homes, einederfuneralhomes.com

[H] Handler Funeral Homes, handlerfuneralhomes.com

[PA] Purse Funeral Home in Adrian, pursefuneralhome.com

[PS] Gil Purse & Son, gilpurseandson.com

[W] Wagley Funeral Homes, wagleyfuneralhomes.com

Rose Marie Erhart, 64, of Adrian died on Oct. 1. [W]

Rabon “Ray” Armistead, 84, of Riga died on Oct. 13. He was a 1959 graduate of Whiteford High School. He worked at the General Motors Powertrain Plant in Toledo, retiring as a supervisor after 30 years, and also worked at the Farmer Co-Op in Deerfield. [AM]

Douglas Charles “Ace” Flager, 96, of Brooklyn died on Oct. 16. He worked at the Jackson County Highway Department, mainly as a road grader. After retirement he and his wife moved to Sturgis, eventually moving back to be near family. [PA]

Steven H. Crawford, 76, of Manitou Beach died on Oct. 20. He served in the U.S. Air National Guard from 1969-75. He could build anything out of wood and he enjoyed being around water, fishing, boating, and traveling. [BVH]

Frank Joseph Helminiak, 83, of Adrian died on Oct. 20. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University and served in the U.S. Navy. He was a mechanical engineer for Johnson Controls. He was a member of Jasper Bible Church and an accomplished craftsman, having built a 1934 Ford from the ground up, and also enjoyed building gas-powered model planes. [W]

Betty Jean Carroll, 78, of Adrian died on Oct. 21. She was a Head Start teacher for 39 years with Adrian Public Schools, retiring in 2009. [PA]

Jesus Manuel Torres Rivera, 80, of Adrian died on Oct. 21. He served in the U.S. Army. [PA]

Dorothy “Dort” Ann Anschuetz, 83, of Tecumseh died on Oct. 22. She worked as a teacher’s aide at the Milton C. Porter Education Center in Adrian for over 20 years, retiring in 1999. She was a longtime member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh. [H]

Kathleen Frieda Kirkpatrick, 79, of Perrysburg, formerly of Manitou Beach, died on Oct. 22. She was a graduate of Onsted High School and earned a nursing degree from Jackson Community College. She worked at Lenawee Medical Care Facility and for TA Travel Centers until her retirement in 2012. [AM]

Larry J. Marvin, 73, of Adrian died on Oct. 22. He worked in shipping and receiving for Adrian Public Schools. After retirement he stayed active by working for Cutting Edge Lawn Service for 10 years. He was a lifelong member of Fairfield Masonic Lodge #125 and Fairfield Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #224. [AM]

Irvin Starling Sword III, 60, of Adrian died on Oct. 22. He worked at several factories as a line worker throughout his career. He supported the NRA and enjoyed Ham radio. [W]

Patricia Ann “Pat” Terrill, 78, of Pittsford died on Oct. 22. She was a 1965 graduate of Hudson Area High School. She worked in several factories and beauty salons. She loved reading, genealogy and traveling. [AM] Mitzi Turner, 86, of Hudson died on Oct. 22. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Lakes in Addison, the Appalachian Dulcimer Club, and the Prayer Shawl Group. [BVH]

Mark M. Charles, 68, of Clarklake died on Oct. 23. He was a 1975 graduate of Napoleon High School. He was the owner of Clark Lake Carpentry for over 20 years, and worked at Stafford Carpentry for 16 years. [E]

Linda “Sue” Elizardo, 76, of Adrian died on Oct. 23. She attended Madison High School and worked as a Hilo driver for General Motors for 37 years. [PA]

Graham Fleming, 99, of Tecumseh died on Oct. 23. He was born in Augsburg, Bavaria, and was evacuated from Nazi Germany in 1939. He never again saw his parents, who perished in the Holocaust. During World War II he served in the Royal Air Force as a glider pilot, and because of the risk of capture, he changed his name from Otto Gustave Friedmann. He was retired from Wacker Chemical Company. He and his wife enjoyed competitive ballroom dancing. [H]

Coroden “CJ” James Moore, 82, of Brooklyn died on Oct. 23. He was a 1962 graduate of Brooklyn High School and served in the U.S. Army. He worked for 30 years at the Department of Public Works, eventually becoming superintendent. In his later years he enjoyed participating in a coffee klatch with his friends every morning. [E]

Roger Dale Stone, 67, of Tecumseh died on Oct. 23. He worked at Willow Run and retired from General Motors after 32 years of service. [PA]

Ronald Timothy “Tim” Tietsema, 82, of Oscoda died on Oct. 23. He was a 1961 graduate of Tecumseh High School and attended Ferris State College. He worked for Ford Motor Co. before starting his land surveying career at Atwell Hicks Engineering in Ann Arbor. He later owned Land Surveying Consultants. He served as minister of the New Apostolic Church.

Ashley E. Chase, 88, of Tecumseh died on Oct. 24. He worked as an expeditor at Tecumseh Products, and as the bookkeeper and eventual co-owner of the Tecumseh Equipment Company. He retired from a local printing business. A lifelong Tecumseh resident, he was known as a local historian and wrote two books on the history of Tecumseh. He was the 2018 recipient of the Musgrove Evans Award. He was a member of Tecumseh Friends Church, Adrian Church of the Nazarene, and Turning Point Church. [H]

Lawrence Birch Michol, 67, of Clarklake died on Oct. 24. He was a 1976 graduate of Addison High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a security specialist and later worked as a private investigator for over 40 years. He and his wife co-owned Sweet Annies, Bouy at the Lake, Time Again, and most recently Pepperberries in Jackson. [E]

Doran Clare “Bud” Caryl Jr., 85, of Brooklyn died on Oct. 25. He worked for Art Moehn of Jackson as a body shop manager and retired from Sentry Insurance as an insurance adjuster. During his retirement he served as a school board member in Grand Marais. [PA]

Frank Russell Timm, 87, of Adrian died on Oct. 25. He was a 1956 graduate of Onsted High School, where he loved playing sports. He retired from the Toledo Blade in 2001 after 44 years of service, having been a stenotyper and a retail advertising representative. [AM]

Harry Thomas Brooks, 91, of Adrian died on Oct. 26. He was a 1954 graduate of Adrian High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1957-59. He worked at Tecumseh Products as a maintenance technician for welders, retiring in 2001. He was also a lifelong farmer who raised elk and cattle. [AM]

Gail Sharon Elliott, 71, of Tecumseh died on Oct. 26. She worked as a speech and language pathologist for the Lenawee Intermediate School District, retiring after 36 years. She was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church in Tecumseh. She volunteered at the Learning Cove as a reading coach and tutor, and she had a therapy dog named Mugsy who accompanied her when she visited local schools and assisted living facilities. [H]

Marian Doris Montalvo, 89, of Britton died on Oct. 26. She worked for over 40 years at Danley’s Country House until retirement. She was a member of the Tecumseh Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She enjoyed playing bingo and cards with her friends at Adrian Bay. [PA]

Lancealott “Lance” Holland, 58, of Tecumseh died on Oct. 27. He was a 1985 graduate of Adrian High School and attended the University of Olivet. For over 30 years he was the president of Orbit Tech, headquartered in Ann Arbor. He received numerous business awards including the Crain’s Fast 50 of Michigan. He volunteered at Rentschler Farms in Saline and was a member of the Saline Historical Society and Saline Main Street boards. He volunteered many hours researching, designing, and installing the gardens at The Stacy Mansion in Tecumseh. [PA]

Rick E. Mepham, 63, of Morenci died on Oct. 27. He worked at Tecumseh Products as a security guard until the company closed in 2008. He was an enthusiastic hunter and avid collector, with a particular interest in the lore of Bigfoot. [AM]

Sister Joan Leo Kehn, OP, 88, of Adrian died on Oct. 28. She was in her 69th year of religious profession as an Adrian Dominican Sister. She was born in Toledo and baptized as Barbara Kehn. After entering the congregation, she ministered for more than 65 years in education in Illinois and Florida. She also served in the congregation’s finance office for two years. [ADS]

Harvey Daniel Warner Jr., 82, of Addison died on Oct. 28. He was a graduate of Onsted High School. He worked for Ford Motor Co. for over 30 years, retiring in 2000. He enjoyed using his carpentry skills on construction and remodeling projects. [AM]

Miles Ransom Cox, 87, of Blissfield died on Oct. 29. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961-63. He worked as a journeyman carpenter until his retirement. He attended Blissfield Baptist Church. [AM]

Gretchen Anne Linville, 86, of Britton died on Oct. 29. She spent many years with Stony Creek Preschool sharing her love for learning and crafts with the children. [H]

Robert L. “Spunk” Payne, 81, of Deerfield died on Oct. 29. Shortly after graduating from Deerfield High School, he became a state trooper, retiring from the Michigan State Police in 1997. After retirement he worked in excavating for another 20 years. [AM]

Lola Sue Wilson, 89, of Morenci died on Oct. 29. She was a 1953 graduate of Morenci High School and a lifelong Morenci resident. She worked at various restaurants, factories, and Rick’s Market, as well as Betty’s Cake Decorating. She worked in the cafeteria at Lenawee Christian School, retiring in 2007. [AM]

Sally Marie Butler, 89, of Adrian died on Oct. 30. She was a 1954 graduate of Chelsea High School. [PA]

Olivia Mary (Rodriguez) Dowling, 76, of Chardon, Ohio, formerly of Adrian, died on Oct. 30. She was famous for her homemade tortillas and loved cooking for anyone who appreciated a good homecooked meal. [W]

Trinidad Flores, 80, of Blissfield died on Oct. 30. She was employed by Ray Kohler in Blissfield for 13 years and then by Brubaker Manufacturing for 12 years. She was a parishioner of Holy Family Parish, St. Mary’s campus, where she was active with the Cursillo Movement and helped with funeral dinners. [AM]

Alice Joyce Ritchie, 90, of Adrian died on Oct. 30. She retired from RTI International Research Institute based in North Carolina. Through her work she was able to travel all over the U.S. She was

a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and a 50-year member of Civitan of Lenawee. [PA]

Patrick Donald “Packer” Cannon, 77, of Deerfield died on Oct. 31. He was a 1966 graduate of Deerfield High School. Early in his career he was employed in refuse collection. He then went on to work as a commercial carpenter. He was a longtime member of the Carpenters Local 687. He served on the Deerfield Township Fire Department for over 30 years and was the chief for much of that time. He enjoyed golfing and playing cards at the Petersburg VFW and Deerfield American Legion. [AM]

Ronald James Holbrook, 92, of Brooklyn died on Oct. 31. He served in the U.S. Air Force and worked as a machine repair journeyman for over 30 years at Motor Wheel Corp. in Ypsilanti. He attended West Rome Baptist Church. He was a skilled woodworker. [W]

Myron “Mike” Lewis LeVeck, 92, of Adrian died on Oct. 31. He was a 1952 graduate of Tecumseh High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Korean conflict. His career was in insurance, starting out with Washington National Insurance before he branched out into the LeVeck Insurance Company, retiring after 35 years. After retirement he delivered donuts for Morning Fresh Bakery for 15 years. [W]

Esther Marie Seeburger, 89, of Clinton died on Oct. 31. She worked as a phone operator and then went to work for Braun & Brumfield Print Shop as a clerk. She was a member of Clinton United Methodist Church and was the president of the Clinton Women’s Club for a few years. She also loved bowling. [H]

Jason B. Teeples, 85, of Adrian died on Oct. 31. He was a lifelong member of Tecumseh Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. [AM]

Charlotte Elizabeth Vershum, 94, of Manchester died on Oct. 31. She was born in Macon Township. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Saline. [H]

Shirley Jean Kollar, 84, of Clinton died on Nov. 1. She spent her early working years as a beautician. She then went on to work at Fisher Body, and eventually retired from Meijer. [H]

Steven Randall Schudel, 67, of Adrian died on Nov. 1. After graduating from Hudson High School he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1976-82. After his military service he worked as an insurance agent several years. He later stayed busy as a handyman and as a cook at local restaurants. [W]

Carol Jeanne Ankney, 93, of Cement City died on Nov. 2. She worked as a janitor for First Baptist Church in Brooklyn for 37 years and was also a member. [E]

Evelyn I. Gonser, 85, of Adrian died on Nov. 3. She was a graduate of CroswellLexington High School. She had a lifelong love of sports and in her younger years played softball and hockey. [W]

Marvin Rodney Maynard, 73, of Tipton died on Nov. 3. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University he worked at Ford Motor Co. as an environmental engineer for over 30 years, retiring in 2002. [H]

Ian Morgan, 63, of Onsted died on Nov. 3. He worked for General Motors as Director of Global IT, retiring in 2022. [AM]

Kathleen Ann McAughey, 76, of Brooklyn died on Nov. 4. Facing illness for much of her life, she fought with spirit and wanted nothing more than to spend time with her grandchildren. [E]

Marian Doris Sayler, 89, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 4. She worked for 30 years as a bookkeeper at Wacker Chemical, retiring in 1995. She was an active member of the Clinton United Methodist Church and especially enjoyed helping with potluck dinners. [H]

Kevin Eugene Ruettinger, 59, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 5. After obtaining his journeyman’s license, he worked for over 40 years as an electrician in the construction industry. He was a member of the IBEW Local 8 in Rossford, Ohio. He was a dedicated Ninjutsu practitioner and achieved a black belt. [H]

IN MEMORY

Patricia “Patty” J. Carlton, 92, of Clinton died on Nov. 6. She was a 1949 graduate of Clinton High School. She attended Eastern Michigan University and worked at State Savings Bank of Clinton. She and her husband were dairy farmers for 60 years. She enjoyed watching her three sons participate in sports at Clinton High School. [H]

Lindsey Powell Carney, 71, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 6. He worked for 30 years for General Motors as a machine operator, retiring in 2006. He coached youth baseball and softball. [H]

Mary Elizabeth Dalton, 91, of Adrian died on Nov. 6. She was a 1952 graduate of Deerfield schools. She retired from Merillat Cabinets in 2000 after 27 years of employment. She was a member of North Rome Baptist Church. She also attended Jasper Bible Church. [AM]

Shirley Rose Poling, 82, of Hudson died on Nov. 6. She was a 1961 graduate of Addison High School. She worked as a department store sales clerk and was a member of Rollin Baptist Church. [BVH]

Christopher Wayne McPeek, 56, of Brooklyn died on Nov. 7. He was a 1987 graduate of Melvindale High School. He was a custom car body painter. He and his wife ran the Irish Hills Marina. [E]

Arden James “AJ” Robinson, 77, of Adrian died on Nov. 7. He was a 1967 graduate of Adrian High School. He served in the U.S. Navy, the Navy Reserve, and Michigan Army National Guard. He was a member of American Legion Post 97. He was a welder at Blissfield Manufacturing for many years before retiring. [W]

Ashley Ann Walker, 37, of Jackson died on Nov. 7. She was a 2006 Blissfield graduate and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Siena Heights University in 2016. She worked at the Jackson County Medical Care Facility. [W]

Gregory Frank Gerber, 75, of Clinton died on Nov. 8. He loved hunting, golfing, swimming in Lake Michigan, and watching football. [H]

Carole Lee Shell, 91, of Brooklyn died on Nov. 8. She was a graduate of Brooklyn High School. She was known for her skill with numbers and always did the family taxes. [E]

Sally E. Meads, 82, of Onsted died on Nov. 9. She was employed at Wacker for several years, retiring in 2007. She was a member of Gateway Community Church in Onsted. [AM]

Jeanette Seay, 87, of Adrian died on Nov. 9. When she was younger she worked at the tomato canning factory in Adrian. She went on to work at Meijer for over 15 years. [W]

David Conkling Allen, 95, of Adrian died on Nov. 10. He was a 1948 graduate of Central High School in Kalamazoo and a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during the Korean conflict. He studied at Kalamazoo College, Western Michigan University, and Michigan State University. In the late 1960s he taught at Interlochen Arts Academy. He was retired from Traverse City Area Public Schools. [AM]

Edward Theodore Ames, 53, of Hudson died on Nov. 10. He was a lifelong resident of Hudson and spent most of his career as a correctional officer in Adrian. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hudson. [BVH]

William Patrick Clark, 61, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 10. He was a pizza delivery driver for Pizza Bucket in Adrian. In his free time he enjoyed fishing. [H]

Terry Strand, 71, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 10. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1974-76. [PS]

Caroline Jane “Carol” Traves, 86, of Clinton died on Nov. 10. She was a 1957 graduate of Clinton High School and worked for more than 40 years as a Registered Nurse, specializing in cardiac and intensive care. [H]

Vicki (Hamann) Van Norman, 76, of Adrian died on Nov. 10. She was a graduate of Adrian High School and worked for many years at Bixby Medical Center.

Linda Lou Baldwin, 79, of Adrian died on Nov. 11. [PA]

Jeffery Duane Dillaha, 56, of Brooklyn died on Nov. 11. His hobbies included weightlifting, bodybuilding, woodworking, and studying the Bible. [E]

Steven Paul Gerig, 73, of Hudson died on Nov. 11. He worked for over 30 years at M&S Manufacturing. He continued his career at W2 Fuel in Adrian before retiring. He served as a firefighter in Hudson for over 30 years and also worked at Michigan International Speedway. [AM]

Ronald Roy Moore, 76, of Brooklyn died on Nov. 11. He served in the U.S. Army and worked as a crane operator at Irvin Industries for 37 years. He loved racing sprint cars at Butler Motor Speedway. [AM]

James Edward “Jim” DeCocker, 81, of Deerfield died on Nov. 12. He was a 1961 graduate of Deerfield High School. He was a lifetime member of Light of Christ Parish (St. Alphonsus) in Deerfield. He devoted much of his life to working with his dad and brother, John, on DeCocker Farms.

Helen June Outman, 104, of Adrian died on Nov. 12. She worked at Bixby Hospital in the housekeeping department for over 20 years, retiring in 1985. [W]

Austin Jeremy Coats, 24, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 13. He was a 2020 graduate of Tecumseh High School and graduated from the Motion Picture Institute in Troy in the fall of 2022. He served in the U.S. Air Force. [PS]

Richard L. Creger, 88, of Clayton died on Nov. 13. He was a 1955 graduate of Hudson High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He worked at American Chain and Cable and farmed, then later drove a bus for Lenawee Transportation. He was a member of Clayton Bible Church and Clayton Methodist Church. He was a scoutmaster for Troop #231 and an OA member. [BVH]

Sister Jeanne Marie Stickling, OP, 88, of Adrian died on Nov. 13. Formerly Sister Louis Anthony, she was in her 70th year of religious profession as an Adrian Dominican Sister. She served for almost 20 years in elementary education in Michigan, Illinois, Puerto Rico, Florida, and the Dominican Republic. She later spent many years ministering in religious education as an artist and ceramics instructor. [ADS]

Michael David Walden, 72, of Ypsilanti died on Nov. 13. He attended Clinton schools where he wrestled and played football, but it was the rodeo that he truly loved. He spent many years producing rodeos as the Flying W Rodeo Company. He was a carpenter and worked in construction most of his life. He enjoyed building barbecue grills and smokers. [H]

Alberta Walker, 81, of Adrian died on Nov. 13. She loved crocheting, knitting, beadwork, and sewing. [PA]

James Carroll Welch, 74, of Clinton died on Nov. 13. After graduating from high school he served in the U.S. Army as a tank mechanic before dedicating his career to the automotive industry as an auto mechanic. He raced at Milan Dragway and other local tracks. He enjoyed bowling and served as the Clinton High School girls varsity bowling coach. [H]

Tammy Sue “Pumpkin” Clement, 57, of Adrian died on Nov. 14. [PA]

Rafael S. Duran, 82, of Tecumseh died on Nov. 15. He worked at Merillat Industries for 34 years, retiring in 2005. [AM]

Harry Clark Lawrence , 87, of Michigan Center, formerly of Brooklyn, died on Nov. 15. He was a 1981 graduate of Napoleon High School. He worked as an assembly worker at Ford Motor Company and was a volunteer firefighter for Brooklyn. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and attended Harmony Baptist Church in Jackson. [E]

Charity Christina Smith, 36, of Hudson died on Nov. 16. She was a 2007 graduate of Morenci Area Schools. She lived in Colorado for five years where she worked in a hospital and cared for adults with developmental disabilities. She obtained an associates degree in graphic design from Jackson College while interning at the Pro Shop in Hudson and working at Grand River Brewery in Jackson. Most recently she worked as a clerk at Sukh’s gas station in Hudson. She sold her products at craft shows under the name “Gypsi Soul.” [AM]

Kendra Warner works on a quilt in her basement workshop. Warner, an Air Force veteran, first got interested in quilting while she was stationed in Guam and now owns Veteran Threads Quilt Co. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

Veteran Threads

from page C1

Toledo and, later, three graduate degrees in health care administration, physical therapy, and military operational arts and sciences.

Part of her undergraduate work at UT involved doing a clinical rotation on an Army base, and that experience “really opened my eyes to the military,” she said.

Warner chose the Air Force after learning from a recruiter that they were short on physical therapists — and didn’t tell her parents she’d signed up until after she had done so.

It was a three-year commitment. She figured she could do anything for three years, and then leave if she wanted to.

She went on to serve for almost 30 years.

Her 14 different assignments took her to bases across the U.S. and around the world, to locales as far-flung as Turkey, South Korea, Germany, and of course Guam. She was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan during the wars there.

Being in combat zones “was not a high point,” she said. “It was difficult and scary. But when you wear the uniform, you go where they send you.”

When she left the military about a year ago with the rank of colonel, she was the commander of the 325th Medical Group at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.

She decided to retire when she did because when that assignment ended she was close enough to being in for 30 years that she would not have been able to complete another assignment before the 30-year limit hit.

At Tyndall, “I was running a clinic and had 300 people serving under me,” she said, and so retiring when that assignment was over was preferable to her other option: “I had a choice between being buried in an office job in Washington, or retiring.”

As she got ready to enter civilian life, she knew that even with having lived all over the world she wanted to come home to be near her parents — even though she admits the cold Michigan winters are a far cry from, say, the Florida panhandle, where Tyndall is located.

Once she got settled in the house she bought, she decided to start Veteran Threads Quilt Co. with the longarm machine — the one now residing in her basement — that had come her way

years earlier when she came home on leave from Guam.

During that leave she paid a visit to The Quilt Patch in Tecumseh, and there learned that the machine was available. It had belonged to a retired teacher who had passed away.

“It just kind of felt like fate,” she said. Warner’s specialties are T-shirt quilts, memory quilts, and working on people’s unfinished quilt projects. Recent projects included a T-shirt quilt she was making for her sister out of shirts her sister acquired while working with a dog rescue, and a military-themed T-shirt quilt for one of her friends who was retiring from the service.

“I’m really proud of this one,” she said of the latter quilt as she showed it off. “It’s probably my favorite one I’ve done.”

She also finishes what other people have started, such as what she did for a customer who handed her a stack of quilt blocks and said, “Can you do something with this?”

“I’ve done eight or 10 [quilts] where maybe three-quarters of the quilt blocks were done but they weren’t attached,” she said.

“And some folks will bring in a quilt top with the batting and the backing and say, ‘quilt it for me.’ ”

One of Warner’s next projects is something very personal to her: she’s planning a quilt that will use pieces of the uniforms she wore during all those years she spent in the service.

To her, being a quilter embodies the motto she put on her business card: “Mission Complete.”

Those words, of course, represent the closure of her time in the military and moving on to the next chapter in her life. But they also represent the quilting process itself.

“Each quilt tells a story,” she said. “So each one that’s done, it’s like, ‘mission complete.’ ”

Warner said that what she loves about quilting is the creativity involved.

“I knew I was going to be a quilter when I retired,” she said. “It’s been awesome. I enjoy it. It’s great to be creative. … When you’re quilting, you’re taking material, or a bag of scraps, and you create something out of it. And it’s something that becomes a memoir.”

Veteran Threads Quilt Co. is on Facebook. Warner can be reached either there or by emailing veteranthreadsquiltco@gmail.com.

ARTS & LIVING

Group works to bring Brooklyn’s Star Theatre back to life

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

BROOKLYN — For some 50 years, the Star Theatre in Brooklyn was the scene of first dates (and perhaps first kisses), kids getting to see their first movie, a place where residents of the small town could gather and build community.

Now, after standing empty for decades, the place once known as “The Jewel of Brooklyn” is seeing new life thanks to a group of area residents who are working to restore and reopen the downtown landmark.

The Star opened on Oct. 7, 1937, with a run of the movie “Thin Ice” starring William Powell and three-time Olympic ice skating champion-turnedactress Sonja Henie. It was actually the third building in Brooklyn to bear the Star name, according to Jessica Malcheff, development director for the “Restore the Star” capital campaign.

See STAR THEATRE, page D2

Unleashing creativity

At the ACA’s after-school art clubs, young people can both practice their art and find a community

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — For many artistic-minded young people in the Lenawee County area, the Adrian Center for the Arts’ Kids Club and Teen Club are ways to make connections with peers who share their interests.

“The goal really is to provide a space where kids can come together to build a community of likeminded kids and have a place to do their art,” ACA executive director Valerie Herr said.

The clubs draw students from all over the region. Some of the youngsters are homeschooled, making the groups a way that they might not have otherwise to make connections with other people their own age.

Kids Club is open to youngsters aged 6-11, while Teen Club is for students 12-17 years old. The fall editions of the groups met for eight weeks in October and November.

The sessions are led by Taina Mantey, a retired Britton Deerfield art teacher and now the ACA’s youth programming director.

“Taina taught art for 32 years,” Herr said. “She’s great at helping kids be confident. She’s able to meet each kid where they are and help them grow.”

Students explore a variety of artistic mediums during each session, with the students themselves deciding what they want to create based on suggestions from Mantey.

With this age group, Mantey said, her approach is always “You tell me what you want to do, and I’ll help you get there.”

During a recent session for which Mantey had suggested fantasy as the theme, one of the students, Gabrielle, was hard at work on a picture of a dinosaur — a deinocheirus, to be exact.

Dinosaurs in general have always been her thing, but this one in particular

“has always been my favorite dinosaur,” she said before going on to list a whole range of facts about it. Not only does she just find it especially interesting, but “I like drawing dinosaurs that haven’t been done a lot.”

Gabrielle, a Teen Club newcomer this fall, has done art at home for a long time, but becoming part of an art program for the first time was a big step for her.

See ART CLUBS, page D2

The Star Theatre in Brooklyn has been closed for nearly 40 years, but now a campaign is underway to restore it.

ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

Taina Mantey, the ACA’s youth programming director, helps a student finish her piece using a glue gun. Mantey is retired from Britton Deerfield schools and now manages youth programs at the Adrian Center for the Arts. ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

Star Theatre

from page D1

The theater quickly became a muchloved fixture in the community, even growing from its original 200 seats to a seating capacity of 463 by 1950.

The Star even played an important role in supporting local agriculture. A little-known fact about Brooklyn is that the area was once one of the country’s leading producers of popcorn. And, rather than its popcorn coming from a commercial supplier, the Star’s popcorn was sourced from local farmers.

But then times and tastes, and movie technology itself, began to change, and the Star finally went dark in 1986.

A couple of efforts over the years to reopen under new ownership were unsuccessful. Then, in October 2024, the building passed into the hands of Irish Hills Sports and Recreation.

That group is a 501(c)3 non-profit started in 2021 by Heart O’ The Lakes Church near Brooklyn and its pastor, Cyle Young, who’s now known as the “Star Czar.” Its aim is to promote the area and foster activities that benefit community residents and provide family-friendly entertainment.

When the organization approached community leaders in Brooklyn to see what they wanted most, “they all said, ‘Reopen the Star Theatre,’” Malcheff said.

Art clubs

from page D1

“My whole life, I’ve struggled to make friends,” she said. For that and other reasons, “I was really nervous when I got here the first day.”

But the teens in the club really form a bond, Mantey said. “They have a friendship that’s really cool. They start talking about all kinds of things that interest them. … And this is a really small, safe environment.”

Besides the social aspect, the creative process itself is important, she said.

“Lots of studies show that the process of making art, music, anything creative,

And so, Cody Morehead, the church’s associate pastor, reached out to the theater’s owner and told him that Irish Hills Sports and Recreation “wanted to do something family-friendly to draw the community together,” Malcheff said.

“The owner loved that idea.”

With that, the group acquired the theater and the “Restore the Star” effort, led by Young, Morehead (the Memories Curator), Rob Freeman (Community Relations), and Malcheff, was born.

The city of Brooklyn, the Irish Hills Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce are partners in the project.

The capital campaign aims to raise $1.937 million, a figure chosen to honor the year the Star opened. Of that amount, $1.4 million would go to the restoration effort and $537,000 would go to create an endowment.

The group is pursuing grants and other funding as well as welcoming private donations. Malcheff said that right now, they are “very close” to raising the 15 percent of the campaign’s total funding that will make the project eligible for Michigan Economic Development Corp. funds.

Besides installing a new roof and new audio, lighting, and projection equipment, and seating for 300 people, as well as other general needs involved in restoring the building, the group plans to build out the

raises endorphins and makes you feel more optimistic. I’ve had kids say [coming to the club] is the best thing about their day.”

Indeed, one of the Teen Club participants, Arabella, who was hard at work this particular evening creating a picture of a fantasy creature, said that the classes were “the best part of my week.”

“I like art and I like art people, and I like making art with people,” she said.

Students come into the groups with a wide range of interests. One young man in the fall Teen Club, Britt, is interested in digital art and so was creating his picture of a video-game character on a computer tablet rather than on paper. Britt said he started doing art a few years ago because

stage area so it can be used in various ways.

Irish Hills Sports and Entertainment hopes to use the Star not only to show movies, but to host community events, stage shows, community-theater plays and musicals, recitals, weddings, birthday parties, and more, including tiein activities with other local businesses.

In late November 2024, about a month after purchasing the building, the nonprofit held its first event there, hosting the Grinch in the lobby in connection with the city’s holiday parade.

It was a great opportunity for people to see at least that part of the theater, either bringing their own memories of the times they’d spent there or visiting the building for the very first time.

“I was pleasantly surprised [during] the holiday parade,“ Malcheff said. “People were always asking, ‘when are you going to open?’ They are so excited.”

The event even drew someone who’d been one of the Star’s ushers, as well as the grandson of one of the original owners who recalled being in his grandfather’s office lounging on the couch during construction.

“We’ve heard a lot of first-date, first-kiss stories,” Malcheff said. “This space carries a lot of memories for people here.”

Local residents have shared their reminiscences not only about those first dates and first kisses, but of what tickets cost way back when and how, as kids,

of his interest in video games. He found that art helped him through a difficult time in his life.

“Art kind of helps me express myself,” he said. And while “I was awful when I started” doing art, he said, now his goal is to go to art school in Europe.

As class began to wrap up for the evening, Gabrielle stepped back and looked at her finished deinocheirus.

“I’m sort of happy with it,” she said. Meanwhile, Arabella had completed the painstaking work she was doing on her painting’s intricate background, earning a “Yay!” from Britt.

Mantey said that both Kids Club and Teen Club help young people learn “to think independently and express

they were dropped off by parents and picked up after the movie was over.

“One lady told me that her mom wouldn’t let her go to ‘the big city’ [of Jackson] to the movies, but she could come here,” she said.

Whether at that November 2024 event or in other ways, “we’ve had a lot of good conversations with people. Everyone involved with this project wants to bring this place to life again.”

Although the general public hasn’t been able to be inside the building since that late-2024 event, the Star recently gave a very visible hint of what’s going on with the renovation effort. The old marquee came down in October, replaced by a brand-new marquee purchased and installed thanks to a donation from Brooklyn Products owner Lisa Bascom.

“We were very excited about the marquee project,” Malcheff said. “It was an external project that showed the community that [the renovation] is going to happen.”

Malcheff said that Irish Hills Sports and Recreation hopes to reopen the Star in early 2027.

“We know how beloved this structure is. … We want to restore it to its former glory and be a safe, fun place for families,” she said.

To learn more, go to restorethestar.com or facebook.com/restorethestar.

themselves creatively.”

And you don’t have to have artistic talent, as such, to be an artist, she said. “Being a good artist means exercising your creative muscles, being playful, allowing yourself to make mistakes.”

Echoing that last point, a sign posted on the classroom wall reads: “We don’t make mistakes — just happy accidents.”

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes,” Mantey said. “Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

More information about the ACA’s Teen Club and Kids Club can be found at adriancenterforthearts.org, or on Facebook at facebook.com/AdrianCenterfortheArts. Scholarships are available.

Symphony to present ‘Holidays in Harmony’

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Two local guest singers and a children’s choir join the Adrian Symphony Orchestra for its annual holiday pops concert this year.

Soloists Kevin Ludwig and Emma Skaggs and the Clinton Youth Honors Choir directed by Joyce Collins will be onstage with the ASO for a concert the orchestra is calling “Holidays in Harmony.”

Ludwig and Skaggs are fresh off their starring roles in the Croswell Opera House’s production of “Bonnie and Clyde” in October, while the Clinton Youth Honors Choir is a returning favorite from several past ASO holiday concerts.

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Adrian College’s Dawson Auditorium. Tickets are $41/$35/$27, with discounted rates of $39/$33/$27 for senior citizens and $22/$19/$15 for students. They are available by calling 517-264-3121; online at adriansymphony.org; at the ASO offices in Mahan Hall, Adrian College, during business hours; or at the door beginning one hour before concert time.

ASO music director Bruce Anthony Kiesling said he thought of Ludwig, with whom he’s worked before, and Skaggs for this concert because one of the works on the program is the Steve Lawrence-Eydie Gormé version of “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”

“I knew they’d do a great job of it,” Kiesling said.

Ludwig will also perform one of Frank Sinatra’s two renditions “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” which Kiesling described as “simple and pretty,” and the song “Hanukkah Blessings.”

Skaggs has a couple of solo pieces as well: “Who Could Imagine a King,” which Whitney Houston fans will remember from the movie “The Preacher’s Wife,” and “Christmas Magic,” which was performed by the singer Laufey for the 2024 Christmas-themed action comedy film “Red One” starring Duane Johnson.

“It was a silly little movie, but there’s this song in it that’s so fantastic,” Kiesling said.

See SYMPHONY, page D4

‘Cinderella’ is on stage through Dec. 7

Croswell

presents

ADRIAN — A musical version of the classic fairy tale “Cinderella” opened on Nov. 21 at Adrian’s Croswell Opera House and will run through Dec. 7.

The show is based not on the 1950 Disney film but on the 1957 television version written by the musical-theater duo Rodgers & Hammerstein. The script for this version was written by Douglas Carter Beane for a 2013 Broadway revival.

Ally Szymanski of Adrian plays Cinderella — whose given name is Ella in the 2013 adaptation — with Kelly Frailly of Perrysburg, Ohio, as her stepmother and Lily Gechter of Ypsilanti and Sara Long of Ann Arbor as the stepsisters. The prince — named Topher in this version — is played by Jared Freeman of Perrysburg, while Angela Hench of Ypsilanti plays Ella’s fairy godmother. Jonah Hiatt of Palmyra plays a character who was added to the story for the 2013 version, a revolutionary named Jean-Michel. Aides to the young prince are played by Stephen Kiersey of Adrian and Joshua Egnatuk of Bowling Green, Ohio.

The production is directed by Ron Baumanis, with choreography by Sarah Nowak and vocal direction by Kristin Clark. The live orchestra is conducted by Ray Novak.

and $16 to $26 for youth.

Sara Long, Kelly Frailly, Ally Szymanski and Lily Gechter are pictured in a scene from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” at the Croswell Opera House. ASHLEE SAYLES/CROSWELL OPERA HOUSE

Tickets rage from $26 to $46 for adults, depending on seat selection,

Angela Hench plays the Fairy Godmother in the Croswell’s production of “Cinderella,” which runs through Dec. 7. LAD STRAYER/CROSWELL OPERA HOUSE

Opera House

Rodgers & Hammerstein adaptation of classic fairy tale

See CROSWELL, page D4

Robinson Planetarium announces winter shows

ADRIAN — Robinson Planetarium on the campus of Adrian College is offering two free wintertime shows, each of which will be presented several times over the next few months.

All of the shows take place on Friday evenings and begin at 7 p.m.

“Season of Light” is the title of the first winter show, which started in November and will also be presented on Dec. 5, 12 and 19.

There will be no program on Dec. 26 or Jan. 2, but shows will resume with “Michigan’s Winter Skies” on Jan. 9, 16, 23, and 30.

Guests should enter through the northeast Williams Street entrance of Peelle Hall. Directional signs will guide visitors to the entrance. The planetarium offers 68 theater-style seats and recommends arriving 10 to 15 minutes early for preferred seating. On-street parking is available on Williams Street.

For more information, contact Robinson Planetarium director Mark Fairclough at 517-265-5161, ext. 4788, or email mfairclough@adrian.edu.

Symphony

from page D3

And the “Home Alone” film franchise is represented once again this year, with the Clinton Youth Honors Choir singing “Somewhere in My Memory” from “Home Alone” and “My Christmas Tree” from “Home Alone 2.”

As for the orchestral-only side of Christmas music, that comes in the form of the ASO’s performances of Lindsey Sterling’s arrangement of “What Child is This,” Count Basie’s version of “Little Drummer Boy,” a medley featuring “Good King Wenceslas,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and a newly commissioned swing arrangement of “Sleigh Ride.”

“We often do the LeRoy Anderson version [of ‘Sleigh Ride’], but this year we thought we’d do something else that’s fun,” Kiesling said.

A sing-along is also part of the concert.

While a pops concert is a usual part of the ASO’s season this time of year, last year’s concert, which featured guest clarinetist and vocalist Sarah D’Angelo, went in a new direction by

Croswell from page D3

The Croswell reminds guests that it does not work with any third-party ticket resellers, and that any website offering tickets for more than the advertised price is a scam.

Remaining dates and times are:

n Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

n Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m.

n Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

n Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m.

There is no show on Friday, Dec. 5, which is the night of Adrian’s Comstock Christmas Riverwalk lighting.

The Croswell is at 129 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian. For more information or to order tickets, go to croswell.org or call 517-264-7469.

2026 BROADWAY SEASON ANNOUNCED

The Croswell Opera House recently announced six out of the seven musicals that will make up its 2026 Broadway Season, which runs from May through December.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” (May 8-17): This rock opera, told entirely through song, has been a global phenomenon for 50 years. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this musical chronicles the last days of Jesus’ life through an iconic 1970s rock score.

“Gypsy” (June 12-21): Based on the live of early 20th-century burlesque

‘Holidays in Harmony’

DATE AND TIME: Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Dawson Auditorium, Adrian College

TICKETS: $41/$35/$27 ($39/$33/$27 for seniors, $22/$19/$15 for students) TO ORDER: 517-264-3121 or online at adriansymphony.org

focusing on swing versions of classic holiday tunes.

This year, Kiesling said, “we’re returning to the sort of community event” that the ASO has often done, with local guest artists and a concert that has a little something for everyone.

As is usual for the ASO’s holiday concerts, the performance is on the shorter side compared to most of the orchestra’s performances. It will last just over an hour with no intermission, which is by design given the rush of many families’ typical Christmas season.

“This is a busy time of year,” Kiesling said. “So take a moment, come spend a little over an hour with us, and just check out for a little while and hear some great holiday music.”

entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee, this 1959 musical is the story of an ambitious showbiz mother and her two daughters traveling across the country in search of fame with their vaudeville act. “Gypsy” contains mature content.

“George M!” (July 10-19): Coinciding with the Independence Day holiday and the 250th birthday of the United States, this musical tells the story of George M. Cohan, a musical theater legend who was also known for penning many beloved patriotic classics such as “You’re A Grand Old Flag” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

“Matilda” (Aug. 6-16): Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, this musical focuses on a young girl with astonishing intelligence and powers as she triumphs over indifferent parents and a cruel headmistress.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Oct. 16-25): This musical is based on the 1996 Disney film of the same name, which in turn is based on an 1831 French gothic novel by Victor Hugo.

“Frozen” (Nov. 20 to Dec. 6): The hit 2013 movie “Frozen” comes to life on stage in this adaptation of the beloved Disney story of Elsa, a princess with magical powers, and her sister, Anna.

A seventh show, to be staged in September, has been scheduled but cannot be announced due to licensing restrictions.

Season tickets are on sale now, and tickets to individual shows can be ordered starting Feb. 11.

More information is available at croswell.org.

Kookin’ for Kids event marks a decade of service

Tenth annual event honors the memory of Tim Cagle, who died in January

By Renee Lapham Collins The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Ten years ago, what began as a casual conversation between friends has become one of Lenawee County’s most heartfelt annual traditions. On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Adrian Eagles will host the Tim T. Cagle Memorial Kookin’ for Kids, a grassroots barbecue-themed fundraiser that has now raised nearly $300,000 to support children and families in the local child welfare system.

For co-founder Lisa Millyard, the first event in 2016 feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago.

“We didn’t really know what we were doing,” Millyard said. “We just jumped in because we wanted to help.”

Millyard, a 27-year veteran of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services — including 17 years in Child Protective Services — teamed up with her husband Doug, who was adopted at birth, and their longtime close friend, Tim Cagle, who had adopted his daughter as an infant and was raising her on his own. Each of them carried a personal connection to adoption, foster care and family support.

Cagle, who died in January, was the one who ultimately made the push.

“One day he just said, ‘Let’s do something,’ ” Millyard said.

That first year, with little more than borrowed space, a donated barbecue, a band, and a handful of raffle baskets, the trio raised an astonishing $12,000. They quickly realized there was both need and momentum — and that the community was eager to help.

Since then, Kookin’ for Kids has grown into a signature local fundraiser built on generosity, volunteer help, and low overhead. Over nine years, Millyard said, the group has raised $300,000, including $40,000 last year alone, when they served 327 meals at the dinner-and-auction evening. Even during the worst of the pandemic, in 2020, the group found a way to continue — converting the event into a socially distanced drivethrough meal pickup to ensure no break in support.

Funds raised are turned into $500 gift cards donated through TLC, which waives processing fees. The staff from DHHS then shop for families and youth involved in foster care, Child Protective

Services, juvenile justice and adoption support. Remaining funds are used throughout the year in what Millyard calls “flex funding,” covering urgent needs that fall between traditional service gaps — ranging from sensory or adaptive sports equipment to autism camp, clothing, hygiene needs, or hotel stays for relatives traveling from out of state to attend custody hearings.

“The overhead is incredibly low,” Millyard said. “Almost everything is donated — the meat, many of the sides, raffle items, baskets, the venue. The money people give actually goes to the kids and families.”

The behind-the-scenes team, Millyard said, deserves as much credit as the community members who show up each year. Barbecue masters Nick LaTour and Justin Francis anchor the cooking operation, continuing the tradition Cagle himself helped start. Shelly Auld, Millyard’s bestie, has been a steady force since year one — gathering donations, building raffle baskets, managing setup and providing emotional support when the planning becomes overwhelming.

The event now features multiple fundraising layers: a silent auction, a fishbowl-style ticket auction, doorprize Visa gift cards, and a major-item raffle. Last year’s grand prize included a Blackstone grill and tabletop griddle donated by longtime friends of Doug.

This year’s event is particularly significant. Cagle’s death on Jan. 12 makes the 2025 event the first without him. His name was formally added as a memorial designation in tribute to the heart and purpose he brought to the work.

“I get emotional when I talk about it,” Millyard said. “We promised Tim that we would never let this die. We would keep it going as long as we could. His passion and his love for kids are still at the center of this.”

Asked what she has learned after a decade, Millyard didn’t hesitate.

“People underestimate their ability to make a difference,” she said. “You don’t always have to know exactly what you’re doing — sometimes you just have to act on the idea and trust that others will meet you there.”

The 10th annual Kookin’ for Kids is set for Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher Road. Doors open at 3, with the “All you can eat” barbecue served from 5-7 p.m. A silent auction, fishbowl auction and raffle drawings follow. Tickets are $20 and available at the door.

Lisa Millyard, left, and her husband Doug, right, are pictured with Tim Cagle. The three founded the Kookin for Kids fundraiser. COURTESY OF LISA MILLYARD

DECEMBER

THINGS TO DO IN LENAWEE COUNTY

To submit events for inclusion in this calendar, please email news@lenaweevoice.com by the 15th of the month before the event.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Holiday Card Making

Clayton Branch Library, 3-6 p.m.

Drop by the library to use a variety of supplies to make cards for your friends, family, and other loved ones. Registration is not required. 3457 State St., Clayton

Lenawee County Family

Researchers Meeting

Lenawee County Historical Museum, 6 p.m.

Lenawee County Family Researchers invites the public to their December meeting which includes a White Elephant sale (silent auction style), holiday cookie exchange, and sharing of holiday stories and traditions from our past and our present. Social time and setup starts at 5:30 p.m.

110 E. Church St., Adrian 989-984-9305

We Wish SHU a Merry Christmas: Holiday Extravaganza

Siena Heights University Performing Arts Center, 6:30 p.m.

A concert featuring the Siena Heights University Jazz Band, University Chorale, Concert Band, theater department, and combined community holiday singalong. Free.

Parking lot is located off of Oakwood Road.

Book Signing with Michelle Crandall Tecumseh District Library, 6:30 p.m.

Local photographer Michelle Crandall will discuss “Long Story Short,” her coffee table book about dachshunds. Copies will be available for purchase.

215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4

Popup Holiday Market

Farver’s at the Croswell, 4-7 p.m.

A popup market featuring Laurel Cookie Co., offering intricately designed cookies themed for the Croswell’s production of “Cinderella.”

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

‘Cinderella’

Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

The final weekend of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical based on the classic fairy tale. $46/$36/$26 for adults, $26/$22/$16 for students. Continues Saturday and Sunday; no show on Friday.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

Art Works Holiday Open House

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan (Blue Boutique), 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A shopping event at Goodwill’s Art Works boutique in the Gallery of Shops. Includes light refreshments, a free ornament craft activity, and a free gift with any $20 purchase.

136 E. Maumee St., Adrian

Christmas Open House

Hudson Carnegie District Library, noon to 4 p.m.

Enjoy music, snacks and crafts at the library.

205 Market St., Hudson hudsoncdl.org or 517- 448-3801

Holiday Night Market

Tecumseh Farmers Market, 4-8 p.m.

Featuring holiday-themed vendors, live music, food trucks, hot chocolate, Santa’s House, and a towering Christmas tree.

213 N. Evans St.,Tecumseh mytecumseh.org

Gallery Express to the North Pole Gallery of Shops, 4-6 p.m.

All Aboard The Gallery Express to the North Pole! Kick off the holiday season with a magical night of local shopping and family fun inside the Gallery of Shops, including photos with Santa, prizes, and more.

136 E. Maumee St., Adrian galleryofshopsadrian.com

DIY Christmas Bookmarks

Deerfield Branch Library, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

All materials provided; no registration required.

170 Raisin St., Deerfield

Adrian First Fridays:

Winter Wonderland

Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy holiday shopping, food and drink specials, and more at downtown’s monthly First Fridays event. Activities also include the Holiday Light Parade and lighting of the Comstock Christmas Riverwalk (see separate listings below).

Adrian Holiday Light Parade

Downtown Adrian, 6 p.m.

The parade lineup will begin at the Rex B. Martin Judicial Building (425 N. Main St.) at 5 p.m. The parade will step off at 6 p.m. The parade will travel through downtown on Main Street and return to the Judicial Building using Winter Street. It will not end at Comstock Park this year.

Comstock Christmas Riverwalk

Comstock Park, 7:15 p.m.

The city of Adrian invites the public to watch as Comstock Park and the River Raisin are illuminated with hundreds of trees and thousands of lights in the annual Comstock Christmas Riverwalk. There will be entertainment starting at 7:15 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Riverwalk at 8 p.m. Beginning at 8 p.m., Santa will be in the Comstock Park gazebo for photos. 263 W. Maumee St., Adrian

NHME 26th annual Winter Concert

The Centre, 6 p.m.

The National Homeschool Music Ensembles (NHME) String Orchestra, Concert Band, and Choir will perform a vibrant program of festive holiday favorites alongside timeless works by beloved composers. From joyful carols to stirring classics, this concert by talented student musicians will highlight the joy of making music together. Free.

1800 West U.S. 223, Adrian thecentre.info or 517-263-6232

Community Christmas Party

Onsted American Legion 6-7:30 p.m.

The Onsted American Legion and the Cambridge Fire Department will hold their annual Community Christmas Party, including Santa, crafts and snacks for all.

Durkee-Seager Unit 550

American Legion Auxiliary

333 Conner St., Onsted

Christmas at the Lake and Holiday Tree Lighting Manitou Beach Village, 6 p.m.

A festive evening of community, lights, and cheer, including a parade that begins at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, turning right on Grove Street, then left on Walnut Street, and left on Devils Lake Highway before proceeding back to the church. Santa and his sleigh will be parked in front of Phoenix Rising, followed by the Christmas Tree lighting. Entertainment includes the Santa Lucia Girls Choir, local singer Shelby Lynn leading carols, and a special appearance by the Grinch.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

Third annual PTO Craft Show

Adrian High School, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Featuring jewelry, home decor, baked goods, candles, spirit wear, wreaths, blankets on more. Food trucks on site. All proceeds benefit programs of the Adrian High School and Adrian Middle School PTO. $3.

745 Riverside Ave., Adrian craft-show-copy.cheddarup.com or contact Jenniffer Blohm, 180nutritionadrian@gmail.com

Breakfast with Santa Adrian First Church of the Nazarene, 9-11 a.m. Free event; pre-registration is required at adrianfirst.org.

50 Industrial Drive, Adrian adrianfirst.org or 517- 263-1579

Days of Mindfulness: Courage to Wait Weber Retreat & Conference Center, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

When we are feeling agitated, restless, deeply upset, or angered, we want to fire back some response. But if we can refrain from reacting quickly, we may discover some softness within that we are always trying to protect. Practicing patience helps us catch this softness we didn’t even know was there; it means learning to sit with this edgy, moody energy as it rises and until it passes away. This workshop is based on a reflection by Pema Chodron. $35 (includes lunch). Registration required.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian webercenter.org or 517-423-6617

Christmas Fair

The Clinton Inn, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Step inside the historic Clinton Inn for its annual Christmas Fair. Shop a curated selection of handmade gifts, festive decor, and holiday treats from talented local artisans and makers. Admission is free.

104 W. Michigan Ave., Clinton theclintoninn.com or 517-507-5777

Bluey’s Birthday Party

Tecumseh District Library, 1 p.m.

Celebrate Bluey’s birthday with cake, crafts, games, and fun. Guests are asked to consider bringing a donation of a new book or a non-perishable food item to be given to the Tecumseh Service Club for their Adopt-AFamily program.

215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh tecumsehlibrary.org or 517-423-2238

Santa Experience

Lifes Little Moments Event Center, 2-7 p.m.

Santa Claus is coming to Lifes Little Moments Event Center and bringing a magical holiday experience for families, children and pets. Write a letter to Santa, make a festive ornament, decorate a Christmas cookie, visit with Santa, and more. $10 per person or $50 per family.

6370 Palmyra Road, Palmyra secondtimesacharm24@gmail.com or 517-605-2455

‘Cinderella’

Croswell Opera House, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

The final weekend of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical based on the classic fairy tale. $46/$36/$26 for adults, $26/$22/$16 for students. Continues Sunday.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Tim “T” Cagle Memorial Kookin 4 Kids

Fundraiser BBQ & Silent Auction

Adrian Eagles, 3 p.m.

An all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet (kids 10 and under eat free), silent auction, and door prizes to provide a merry Christmas for Lenawee County youth. Cash donations are also accepted at TLC Community Credit Union. $20.

2570 W. Beecher Road, Adrian

Community Carol Sing

First United Methodist Church, 3 p.m.

A free, family-friendly opportunity to get together and sing carols. Put on your cute or ugly holiday sweater and partake in group caroling. Hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies will follow in the fellowship hall.

1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian

Lions Club Evening with Santa Stubnitz Environmental Educational Center, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy hayrides, holiday crafts, gifts, games, refreshments, and Santa, all sponsored by the Lions Clubs of Lenawee County, the Manchester Lions, Lenawee District Library, Lenco Credit Union, McDonald’s of Adrian and Hudson, McDonald’s of Blissfield, Tecumseh District Library, and TLC Community Credit Union. Free.

3221 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian LionsClub@PaulAndMel.net

Lighted Holiday Parade and Community Tree Lighting Throughout Morenci, 6 p.m.

The Kiwanis Club of Morenci is bringing holiday cheer to the community with the annual Lighted Holiday Parade, Visit with Santa, and Community Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wakefield Park.

The Lighted Holiday Parade will begin at 6 p.m., starting from the Morenci High School parking lot on Coomer Street. Parade lineup begins at 5:15 p.m. The parade will travel west on Coomer Street, south on East Street, and west on Main Street before ending at Wakefield Park.

Following the parade, families are invited to stop by the Morenci Fire Department to visit with Santa Claus, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and receive a small gift and book to take home.

At 6:30 p.m., the celebration continues at Wakefield Park with the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year’s event will also feature the debut of the Kiwanis Yuletide Lights and Legacy Lane, a new display including more than 80 decorated trees. Each tree has been sponsored and dedicated by families, organizations, or businesses in honor of loved ones and community pride.

Morenci Mayor Tracy Schell will share a few words and the Morenci Marching Band will perform festive music during the lighting ceremony.

Food will be available for purchase throughout the evening, with Yankee Doodle Dogs food vendor serving hot dogs, popcorn, donuts, and coffee beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Wakefield Park.

Community members and local organizations are encouraged to participate in the parade. Registration forms are available at Morenci City Hall, at parade lineup, or online at https://5il.co/1jk4e.

More info: Kori Christle, 517-401-0346.

Onsted Tree Lighting

Onsted Village Park, 6 p.m.

A tree lighting ceremony with a choir, hot cocoa and snack vendors and, of course, a visit from Santa. As a part of this new holiday tradition, the village of Onsted is creating its own Adopt-A-Tree program much like the Adrian Comstock Riverwalk.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

Santa Experience Lifes Little Moments Event Center, 1-6 p.m.

Write a letter to Santa, make a festive ornament, decorate a Christmas cookie, visit with Santa, and more. $10 per person or $50 per family.

6370 Palmyra Road, Palmyra secondtimesacharm24@gmail.com or 517-605-2455

‘Cinderella’

Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m.

Final performance of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical based on the classic fairy tale. $46/$36/$26 for adults, $26/$22/$16 for students. Continues Sunday. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Tecumseh Pops: ‘Christmas Keepsakes’ Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 3 p.m. The 45th annual Tecumseh Pops Holiday Concert promises to be a memorable musical experience. Remember those “Silver Bells,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Hearing the Bells on Christmas Day,” while “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” $15.

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org 517-423-6617

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremonies

Hospice of Lenawee, 6 p.m.

Simultaneous ceremonies to remember lost loved ones will take place at:

n Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Highway, Adrian.

n Tecumseh City Hall, 309 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh.

n Hudson Community Center, 323 W. Main St., Hudson. hospiceoflenawee.org 517-263-2323

First Sunday Drop-In Improv Croswell Opera House, 6-7:30 p.m.

Say “yes, and” to the magic of improv with a fun drop-in class for adults. For more information, contact Kylie McElrath at kmcelrath@croswell.org. Registration is appreciated but not required; go to croswell.org/education.

129 E. Maumee St, Adrian 517-264-7469 croswell.org

Service of Lessons and Carols

Herrick Chapel, Adrian College, 7 p.m.

A cherished tradition for both campus and community, this event features the Adrian College Orchestra and Choir under the direction of Phillip Clark, along with the Adrian College Women’s A Cappella Ensemble, directed by Kristin Clark. The evening will begin with a festive half-hour prelude concert, followed by the traditional service with a candlelit choral processional, scripture readings, and congregational carols. Alumni, friends, and guests will be invited to join the ensemble in singing Handel’s iconic “Hallelujah” chorus. Free. South Charles St., Adrian adrian.edu

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8

Family Movie: ’The Grinch’ Britton Branch Library, 3:30 to 5 p.m. All ages are welcome, and snacks will be provided. Free. 120 College Ave., Britton

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9

Easy-As-Pie Hands-on Class LISD Tech Center, 5-8 p.m.

Learn how to make your own pie dough from scratch. You’ll learn a foolproof technique for creating tender, flaky crust — plus how to make a delicious, no-fuss filling to complete your pie masterpiece. Students will make enough dough to take home for two singlecrust pies or one double-crust pie. Suitable for ages 12 and up. For more information, email info@thelakehousebakery.com. $85. Register at www.lisd.us/LB6 1372 N. Main St., Adrian 517-263-2108

Family Movie Night: ‘The Grinch’ Adrian District Library, 6-8 p.m. 143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10

Lunch and Learn: Christmas Cookie Ideas Weber Retreat & Conference Center, 12:15 to 1 p.m.

Bring a sample of your favorite cookies to enjoy and the recipe to share. Free and open to all. Bring your lunch (drinks and dessert provided) or purchase lunch from Weber Center for $8 (choice of egg salad, turkey and cheese or chicken salad croissant sandwich with chips) by registering as least two days in advance of the event.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian webercenter.org or 517-423-6617

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11

Popup Market

Farver’s at the Croswell, 4-7 p.m.

A holiday popup market featuring art by Valerie Mann and Emily Ferguson. croswell.org/farvers 517-264-7469

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11

Blown Glass Ornaments with Richard Wilkins

Adrian Center for the Arts, 1-4 p.m.

Create your own custom blown glass ornament. $75. Register in advance. 1375 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian adriancenterforthearts.org

Athena Aid Hills of Lenawee Golf Club and Banquet Center, 5:30 p.m.

An evening of networking, fun, and door prizes with Athena Lenawee. The group will be collecting personal hygiene items and diapers for local nonprofits, such as Catherine Cobb, Fishes and Loaves, and The Daily Bread. Please bring your contributions to the event. Consider a $20 donation to support the needs of local women through Athena Lenawee’s grants program. RSVP to Licia Willnow at lwillnow@cliftauto.com. $20.

4110 Country Club Rd., Adrian athenalenawee.org

Bingo Night

Schultz-Holmes District Library, 6-7 p.m. Bingo Nights continue in December. Registration for each Bingo Night opens the day after the previous month’s Bingo Night. Register at the library or call 517-486-2858. 407 S. Lane St., Blissfield

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

Holiday Open House Market

Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m.

A festive Holiday Open House Market happening inside a large, heated tent on West Maumee Street. Shop seasonal goods, handmade gifts, and more from local makers. Under the Silver Moon Hidden Lake Gardens, 5-8 p.m.

A magical evening with a glowing trail of luminaries through Hidden Lake Gardens. Tickets required. 6214 Monroe Road (M-50), Tipton hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

Hot-Cha-Cha 5K Mug Run Races & Wassail Festival

Downtown Blissfield, 6:30 p.m.

Compete for the best costume prize, enjoy wassail, coffee, or cocoa at race headquarters. Race day registration is at 5:30 p.m. at the red tent top downtown at the corner of Jefferson and Lane streets. Runners will take their mark at 6:30 p.m. Fees are $30 for adults, and $20 for 6 to 20 years of age. Family rate is $70 with a limit of two adults from the same household; $30 for additional adults in the group. Proceeds benefit the Miss River Raisin Scholarship Program. advance@cass.net

‘Broadway Holidays’ Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

A concert featuring holiday favorites and highlights from the Croswell’s 2025 season. Adults $35, students $25.

129 E. Maumee St, Adrian croswell.org

Blissfield Rotary Christmas Cash Raffle

That One Place, 7:30 p.m.

Feeling lucky this holiday season? Here’s your chance to win big while supporting your community. Prizes are $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000. Tickets are $20 each or six for $100. Need not be present to win. Only 500 tickets will be sold. Get tickets from any Rotarian.

121 S. Lane St., Blissfield 517-759-2119

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

Christmas Craft Show

The Mill Sports and Event Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sponsored by the Onsted Chamber of Commerce. For details, contact Kayla Fuller at 517-260-7545.

230 N. Main St., Onsted

Santa’s Stop at Martin’s

Martin’s Home Center, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The magic of Christmas is coming to Martin’s Home Center. Bring the whole family for a festive day of fun as Santa makes a special stop in the store. Take photos with Santa, share your Christmas wishes, and shop the store alongside the big guy himself.

145 W. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh

Holiday Open House Market

Downtown Adrian, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The city of Adrian presents a festive Holiday Open House Market happening inside a large, heated tent on West Maumee Street. Shop seasonal goods, handmade gifts, and more from local makers.

Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair

Hudson Community Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

323 W. Main St., Hudson daniel.schudel01@gmail.com 517-902-2506

Wreaths Across America

Pleasant View Cemetery, noon

The Blissfield chapter of Wreaths Across America will be helping Pleasant View Cemetery remember and honor veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. High Street and U.S. 223., Blissfield wreathsacrossamerica.org

More info: dgrogersmi@gmail.com or 734-652-0424

Sugarplum Soiree

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 2 and 6 p.m. Encore Dance Studio’s Winter Showcase. $18-$22.

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh tecumsehcenterforthearts.com

Christmas Concert with Souls Harbor Ridgeway Nazarene Church, 2 p.m.

A Christmas celebration with local gospel group Souls Harbor. No tickets required. A Freewill love offering will be received. 6886 Ridge Hwy., Britton 517-451-8530

‘Broadway Holidays’ Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m.

A Croswell concert featuring both favorites of the holiday season as well as highlights from the Croswell shows you’ve loved the most. Adults $35 students $25. 129 E. Maumee St, Adrian croswell.org

Under the Silver Moon

Hidden Lake Gardens, 5-8 p.m.

A magical evening with a glowing trail of luminaries through Hidden Lake Gardens. Tickets required. 6214 Monroe Road (M-50), Tipton hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

Parade of Lights

Downtown Blissfield, 6 p.m.

The annual Parade of Lights that travels the streets of Blissfield. Kids 10 and under are invited to bring their decorated bikes, wagons, or just walk with lights — pets all dressed up are welcome too! Parents, join in and walk alongside your little ones. Parade starts on South Lane Street. blissfieldmainstreet.com

Hudson Holiday Parade

Hudson Community Center, 6 p.m.

Hudson’s Holiday Parade will start at 6 p.m. and end at the Community Center where the community will be invited to meet Santa and enjoy milk and cookies. Parade lineup will be at the intersection of School Street and South Maple Grove Avenue. Anyone interested in participating in the parade or having a float can contact Mayor Daniel Schudel by email at daniel.schudel01@gmail.com or by phone at 517-902-2506.

Maumee Street Music Jam

First Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m.

Acoustic music jam for such instruments as dulcimer, banjo, bass, guitar, whistle, mandolin, accordion, fiddle, harmonica, marimba, and more. Enter through the east side church door; snack bar opens at 5:30 p.m.

156 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-270-2870

Adrian Symphony Orchestra:

‘Holidays in Harmony’ Dawson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a joyful evening of holiday music for the whole family. This festive concert features timeless seasonal favorites, uplifting choral selections, and magical moments.

$41/$35/$27 ($39/$33/$27 for seniors and $22/$19/$15 for students).

240 S. Charles St., Adrian adriansymphony.org 517-264-3121

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

Celtic Christmas with Fresh Pict Tipton Community Church, 10 a.m.

Celebrate the holidays with this special toetapping music event! Everyone welcome. 9240 Tipton Hwy., Tipton tiptoncommuitychurch.org 517-431-2460

‘Broadway Holidays’

Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m.

A Croswell concert featuring both favorites of the holiday season as well as highlights from the Croswell shows you’ve loved the most.

Adults $35 students $25.

129 E. Maumee St, Adrian croswell.org

Lenawee Community Chorus:

‘On Flowers and Fa La Las’ First United Methodist Church, 3 p.m.

This concert features contemporary songs that evoke the dark stillness of a winter’s night in the woods, the gardener’s glimpse of beauty in flowers and Christmas trees, and the power of music to bring light to the darkness. You will also hear new and surprising settings of traditional Christmas carols. There will be some opportunities for the audience to join in the music making, too. $15 for adults, free for students.

1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian lenaweechorus.org

Candlelight Remembrance

Adrian First Church of the Nazarene, 6 p.m. Gather to remember those we have lost. Visit hospiceoflenawee.org for more information. 50 Industrial Drive, Adrian hospiceoflenawee.org 517-263-3328

Second Sunday Teen Improv Croswell Opera House, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

A spontaneous evening of improv for youth ages 13-17, led by Kylie McElrath. Advance signup is encouraged, but not required; visit croswell.org/education.

129 E. Maumee St, Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17

AHS Winter Choir Concert

Adrian High School Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.

A concert featuring the Balladiers, Bel Canto, Blue Notes, and the Concert Choir of Adrian High School. Free and open to the public. 629 Stockford Dr., Adrian www.adrianmaples.org

Adrian College’s annual Service of Lessons and Carols will take place at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in Herrick Chapel. The event is free and open to the public. PHOTOS BY JOHN DISCHER/ADRIAN COLLEGE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18

Popup Market Farver’s at the Croswell, 4-7 p.m. Featuring Bookend Candle Co., Girl Named Henry, and Wonderfool Art & Designs. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org/farvers

Kid’s Rhythm & Rhyme: Music Time with Mrs. Sniezik Schultz-Holmes District Library, 5:30 p.m. Hands-on musical fun led by Blissfield Elementary School music teacher Audrey Sniezek. Suitable for birth through elementary school.

407 S. Lane St., Blissfield blissfieldlibrary.org 517-486-2858

Yuletide Concert by Chiaroscuro Holy Rosary Chapel, 7:30 p.m. Chiaroscuro Men’s Chorus will present a Yuletide Choral Concert featuring a variety of music, including seasonal music composed and arranged for four-part men’s chorus. Kerwin Leader, guest organist, will provide the prelude and postlude to the concert. A freewill donation will be accepted. Chiaroscuro, formed in 2013, is a men’s community chorus of excellence, whose members come from diverse walks of life, and which strives to achieve the highest quality musical experience.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian chiaroscuromenschorus.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

Fantasy Light Drive-Thru Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, 6-9 p.m.

$7 per car (bring nonperishible food items for a $2 discount).

602 N. Dean St., Adrian lenfair.com 517-263-3007

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

Winter Party

Adrian District Library, 1-2 p.m.

A party celebrating all things winter, with crafts and activities celebrating snow and the many holidays celebrated around this time of year. Ages 5-12.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us

WTCA Radio: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 2 and 7 p.m.

The TCA presents a staged radio production of Frank Capra’s “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Step into the Golden Age of Radio, as actors narrate George Bailey’s timeless story, sound effects artists create the magic, and the stage transforms into a 1940s broadcast studio. Featuring the TCA All-Area Youth Choir, Tecumseh Players, and the TCA Big Band and VocalAires. $25.

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21

Winter Solstice Celebration

Weber Retreat & Conference Center, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Free and open to all. Registration not required. 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian webercenter.org or 517-423-6617

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22

DIY Reindeer Food

Addison Branch Library, 3-5 p.m.

Kids of all ages can make reindeer food for St. Nick’s sleigh buddies. All materials will be provided and registration is not required.

103 S. Talbot St., Addison

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25

Christmas Dinner

The Brick Wall, 1-3 p.m. Free dinner at The Brick Wall Pub & Grill on Christmas from for anyone in need.

114 W. Maumee St., Adrian 517-759-4072

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29

Wild Potpourri — Michigan Wildlife Adrian District Library, 4 p.m. Sick of the snow and cold? Head to the Adrian District Library for a Wild Potpourri Nature Show with some Michigan wildlife from Nature Discovery. Registration required.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian adrian.lib.mi.us or 517-265-2265

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30

‘New Year’s Eve Eve’ Glow Party Lenawee District Library, 2-3 p.m. 4459 West U.S. 223, 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 verifying information before making plans. To submit listings, email lcline@lenaweevoice. com before the 15th of the preceding month.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

Journey Tribute by Infinity Beyond 7-10 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Luke Woltanski, 7-10 p.m., Farvers at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Comedy night: Billy Ray Bauer with guest star Chad Jagodka, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., The Starling Lounge, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield. $15. Kevin Wolff, 8-11 p.m., Two Lakes Tavern, 110 Walnut St., Manitou Beach.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

Motley Crue Tribute by Working Crue, 7-10 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Wishing Well, 8 p.m. to midnight, The Brick Wall, 114 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

Brad Skinner Jazz Trio, 7 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Led Zepplin tribute by Kashmir, 7-10 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Elektrick Mayhem, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Walnut Grill & Tavern, 46 E. Center St., Petersburg.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

Blockhouse Valley, 6-9 p.m, The Starling Lounge, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield. Acoustic Duo, 7 p.m., Shady’s Tap Room, 110 N. Main St., Brooklyn.

Billy Florez and gang DJ’s, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher, Adrian. $5 cover for non-members.

The Native Heart, 8-11 p.m., Chaloner’s Cigar House, 108 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

Unplugged, 6-9 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 Michigan Ave, Tipton.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17

John Louis Good, 7-9 p.m., The Village Tap, 102 City Road, Manchester.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18

The Irish Hills Roots and String Music Series and Loren Kranz, 7:30-10 p.m., Jerry’s Pub, 650 Egan Hwy., Brooklyn. A fundraiser for Brooklyn Food Pantry. Call 517-467-4700 for reservations.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

Jon Torrence, 6-9 p.m, The Starling Lounge, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield.

Old-Fashioned Holidays in the Neighborhood with the Lackeys, 7 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St. The Complete Unknowns, 7-10 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Highway, Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

Old-Fashioned Holidays in the Neighborhood with the Lackeys, 7 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St.

The Nasties, Jackstand, and The Incurables, 7 p.m., The Rex Theater, 255 W. Main St., Morenci. $15.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute by Siberian Solstice, 7-10 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets online at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Act III, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher Road, Adrian. $5 cover for non-members.

Leadfoot, 8-11 p.m., Jerry’s Pub, 650 Egan Hwy., Brooklyn.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26

Your Generation in Concert, 8-10 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com

West Michgan singer/songwriter Luke Woltanski returns to Farver’s at the Croswell at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27

Holloway, 4-7 p.m, The Starling Lounge, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield. T & Rich Dueling Pianos, 7-10 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31

Jaded Soul, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher Road, Adrian. Call 517265-2011 for details.

Crooked River Players, 9 p.m. to midnight, Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 Michigan Ave, Tipton.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3

Snyder & Rutter, 4-7 p.m., The Starling Lounge, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield.