The Lenawee Voice — May 2026

THE LENAWEE VOICE

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — Back in the 1970s, adults with developmental disabilities had few if any places in their local communities where they could socialize, have fun things to do, or even learn new skills.

And one day Jim Jones, the executive director of Call Someone Concerned and the Crisis Walk-in Center in Adrian, set out to change that in Lenawee County.

Jones had realized that many of the walk-ins at the crisis center were not actually in crisis but rather were developmentally disabled people who were simply lonely, bored, and needed somewhere they could feel welcome.

So, he approached friends in Civitan of Lenawee with his idea for a center where adults with such disabilities could socialize and enjoy activities and learning opportunities.

Civitan, along with many other members of the community, went to work on the idea. The result was what at the time was called the HOPE Recreation Center, with HOPE standing for Helping Others Through Projects and Experiences.

At that time, the developmentally disabled “were just starting to be integrated into the community and

they didn’t know how,” HOPE executive director Katie O’Hotzke said. “Civitan had the mindset of changing the narrative.”

HOPE marks its 50th anniversary this year, dating back to the opening in 1976 of its first home in the Riverside Professional Building in Adrian. Over the years, as the need for space grew, the center moved to other sites in the city: first to 204 N. Winter St., then to 109 W. Maumee St.

Each building was quickly outgrown, and by the mid-1980s another move was needed. But a suitable building could not be found, and so the decision was made to build a new facility on land purchased at 431 Baker Street in Adrian.

With the support of community members, local corporations and organizations, and Civitan, more than $1 million was raised and the building was completed in August 1989.

The campaign “was spearheaded by Civitan, but Civitan was able to get almost our whole community involved,” O’Hotzke said.

“It was a great day when we opened this building,” Lenora Green said. Green is a longtime Civitan member who has held multiple offices both with Civitan and on the HOPE board. With two uncles who were handicapped and lived with her family as she grew up, Green had a long personal connection to people with disabilities. And she remembers the days when “no one wanted to be around these folks.”

Many lived in group homes where “they did nothing but sit,” Green said, because there was nowhere to go where they could meet other people and do things.

HOPE Community Center members and staff give a big cheer to celebrate the center’s 50th anniversary. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Community foundation celebrates local leaders

ADRIAN — The Lenawee Community Foundation held its annual breakfast on April 23 at the Adrian Armory Events Center, celebrating accomplishments of the past year and recognizing several local residents for their service to the community.

“Our mission is to connect generosity with need in our community,” board chairman Dave Hickman said.

He reported that in 2025, the Lenawee Community Foundation took in $6.2 million in new gifts and distributed $6.4 million back into the community. That number was made possible by the strength of the organization’s endowed funds, which are invested in perpetuity with the goal of generating consistent income to fund community needs, both now and in the future. The foundation ended 2025 with a record high of $45.7 million in assets, Hickman said.

President and CEO Bronna Kahle reported that two of the foundation’s programs — the Imagination Library, which provides free books for children from birth to age 5, and Hunters Helping Lenawee, which facilitates donations of venison to families in need — marked 15 years of operation last year.

In addition to serving as a report on the foundation’s activities in 2025, the breakfast highlighted several people for community service through a number of award presentations.

Lenawee Leadership Award: Tom MacNaughton was the recipient of the 2026 Lenawee Leadership Award. This award honors people who exemplify the underlying principle that the future of Lenawee County will be determined by the quality of its leadership.

MacNaughton retired after a 31-year career with the Lenawee County Department on Aging, including 24 years as director. During his tenure, he championed innovative programs that helped older adults remain independent, including transportation, home repair services, and large-scale volunteer initiatives such as a communitywide leaf-raking program that mobilized students to serve seniors.

When serving as interim director of the YMCA of Lenawee County, he helped guide that organization through a period of significant financial hardship.

He is a lifelong runner and coaches cross country at Adrian High School. He and his wife, Christine, have been pivotal in organizing the annual Splash and Dash Youth Triathlon.

Stubnitz Award: Robert and Sandy Trevino received the 2026 Stubnitz Award, presented to people who demonstrate exemplary commitment through volunteerism.

Robert Trevino has spent many hours volunteering for the Department on Aging, serving as a tax consultant, trainer, and trusted helper for older adults navigating important financial paperwork. He has volunteered with meal deliveries for older adults, supported ministry efforts for migrant workers, and given many years of service to the St. Joseph campus of Holy Family Parish. He has been a part of Civitan and many other local service groups.

Sandy Trevino helped start the Adrian Community Preschool in 1967. For more than 25 years, she has regularly visited migrant camps to deliver food, clothing,

and essential supplies. She has also been active with Civitan, Goodwill, the Maurice Spear Campus, and her church. She is committed to making sure that people facing hardship feel cared for and welcomed.

Incito Award: Tino Rebottaro was the recipient of the 2026 Incito Award, which recognizes people age 40 or under who are community leaders and have demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy.

Rebottaro is a 2004 graduate of Tecumseh High School. He serves on the board of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce and helped lead that group through a leadership transition. He has also been involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, Housing Help of Lenawee, Neighbors of Hope, and Hospice of Lenawee. He works at Iott Insurance Agency.

The Lenawee Community Foundation presented awards on April 23 to recognize service to the community. Pictured from left to right are Robert and Sandy Trevino, Tom MacNaughton, and Tino Rebottaro. MIKE DICKIE/LENAWEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

City administrator stepping down to accept role in Wayne County

ADRIAN — The city of Adrian will be going through another leadership transition soon, as city administrator Chad Baugh said on April 24 that he has accepted another position.

Baugh, who was hired in August 2025 and previously served as director of police services in Canton Township, will become court administrator for the 35th District Court in Plymouth.

Baugh said he had not anticipated leaving Adrian.

“This decision was not expected, but the opportunity to serve a court I have partnered with for nearly 30

years is both an incredible honor and a meaningful next chapter in public service,” Baugh said in a news release.

“I am deeply grateful for the city of Adrian, its elected officials, community stakeholders, residents, volunteers, and the outstanding employees who work every day in service to this community.”

Baugh said his decision reflects a personal and professional opportunity to continue serving in local government while being closer to family.

“I have great respect for the people who serve Adrian and for the residents who care deeply about this community,”

Baugh said. “While transitions can naturally bring disappointment, I believe this is the right decision for my family and for the next phase of my career.”

Baugh will not be leaving City Hall immediately. He said he plans to continue fulfilling his responsibities through an orderly and professional transition period.

“My intent is to complete this process with professionalism, accessibility, gratitude, and respect,” Baugh said. “I will always appreciate the opportunity to have served the city of Adrian and wish the community continued success.”

City administrator Chad Baugh, pictured in October, is leaving his position.

Next year’s city budget leaves four key positions open

ADRIAN — Adrian city commissioners adopted the city’s 202526 operating budget on April 20, but not before expressing some misgivings about leaving four key positions unfilled in the fiscal year that begins June 1.

The four positions are parks and recreation director, Downtown Development Authority director, planning and zoning administrator, and communications and marketing coordinator.

All four positions are currently vacant, with their responsibilities being taken on by other city employees:

n Matt Tomaszewski, director of engineering services, is currently doubling as interim parks and recreation director.

n Kate Deneau, the DDA’s event coordinator, is serving as interim DDA director.

n Building official Dan Black took on some zoning-related tasks when the previous planning and zoning administrator left in July 2025, and in March the city commission approved contracting out some services to consulting firm McKenna, under the direction of community development director Lisa

Hewitt-Cruz. Those services include detailed site plan reviews and consultation on zoning ordinance revisions.

n Executive and legal assistant Michelle Dewey has been doubling as communications and marketing coordinator for about 10 years.

Several commissioners expressed concerns about the impact of not hiring anyone for those positions in the coming fiscal year, with parks and recreation generating the most discussion.

“Where do we begin to lose that level of customer service?” commissioner Bob Behnke asked.

But he also noted that the alternatives — such as drawing down the city’s fund balance or making deep cuts elsewhere — aren’t good either. “There’s three options before this commission and none of them are ideal given the economic times, the budget that we have, and the expenses before us,” he said.

Mayor Angela Sword Heath expressed hope that, if some expenses come in lower than expected during the fiscal year, the city could amend the budget and bring that position back.

The budget was adopted by unanimous vote.

McDonald’s proposal heading back to city planning commission

ADRIAN — A plan for a new McDonald’s restaurant on West Maumee Street is heading back to the Adrian planning commission and could be on this month’s agenda.

McDonald’s is proposing to combine 1548 W. Maumee St. and 4210 W. Maumee St. into a single parcel and to demolish the existing buildings on those parcels, then build a 4,000-square-foot restaurant with a double drivethrough lane.

The proposal drew comments from many area residents concerned about noise from the drivethrough and the restaurant’s impact on traffic in the area, which they said is already frequently congested.

The planning commission tabled the site plan review and request for a zoning exception permit at its March meeting. It was not on the April agenda, as planning commission chairman Mike Jacobitz indicated the applicant was making revisions to the site plan and those revisions were not available yet.

Although the proposal was not on April’s agenda, planning commissioners did receive some information.

Commissioners had asked in March for more information from city staff about traffic in the area. In response, engineering services director Matt Tomaszewski said that a traffic study indicated the proposed McDonald’s

would increase traffic in the area by a little less than 10%.

There were also questions about whether a stoplight at the intersection of West Maumee Street and West Maple Avenue could be in the cards. Tomaszewski said that intersection is governed by the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the traffic data does not make it eligible for a stoplight at this time.

Planning commissioners also received a memo from building official Dan Black, in which he relayed a conversation he had with Ron Bice, the current owner of the properties. Bice said the property once housed a medical office building with five doctor’s offices and about 65

staff. He also said drivethrough speakers are quieter than they used to be. Bice told Black he would not be selling the property if he felt the proposed use would be a negative for the area.

The May meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, in the city chambers building at 159 E. Maumee St. Meeting agendas are posted at adriancity.com.

The planning commission’s role in applications like this one is largely administrative. The board does not have the power to say whether a particular business is needed. Its primary role is to determine whether an application meets all of the legal requirements of the city’s zoning code.

Chávez’s name removed from street; leaders urge honoring movement instead

ADRIAN — The name of labor leader César Chávez has been removed from Gulf Street in Adrian following allegations of sexual abuse during his career. But rather than allow farmworkers’ fight for better working conditions to go unrecognized, community leaders are proposing that the street be rededicated to honor the movement as a whole.

Chávez, who died in 1993, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association along with Dolores Huerta and Gilbert Padilla. That organization later merged with another group to become the United Farm Workers of America.

Adrian residents were heavily involved in boycotts organized by United Farm Workers in the 1960s and 1970s, and Chávez visited Adrian on a number

of occasions. Gulf Street on the east side of Adrian was dedicated as the honorary César Chávez Drive in October 2023.

However, recent allegations that Chávez sexually abused women and girls have led many municipalities to cease honoring him, and at the April 6 city commission meeting, community leaders urged Adrian to do the same.

Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares, board chair of the Hispanics of Lenawee Alliance (HOLA), encouraged the city to replace the signs honoring Chávez with ones honoring the United Farm Workers.

“We believe that the focus of our public honors must shift from a single individual to the collective movement,” Pérez-Cázares said. “The documentation of abuse and grooming associated with Chávez is a direct

violation of the dignity we seek to uphold. We cannot, in good conscience, allow a symbol of our community to be tied to that history.”

However, Pérez-Cázares said, it is important that a memorial to the movement remain on Gulf Street, which she noted is the gateway to Adrian’s Sunnyside neighborhood. Honoring the farmworkers’ movement instead, she said, would be “returning the honor to the actual people of the East Side who lived the movement and did the work.”

Also speaking at the meeting were Ben Negron, the founder of HOLA, and Ashley Cavazos-Franck from the Adrian chapter of Latino Leaders for Equity, Advocacy & Development (LLEAD).

The commission voted 6-0 to remove Chávez’s name from the signs.

City revises rental rates for parks and other facilities

ADRIAN — Adrian’s city parks are free for anyone to use. But renting park facilities for a private event, such as a reunion or birthday party, requires a fee, and changes to those fees were approved at the April 6 Adrian City Commission meeting.

The commission approved fee schedules for everything but pickleball courts, delaying action on those until city staff can conduct a survey of residents who use those facilities about topics like how many courts should be rentable at any given time.

Interim parks and recreation director Matt Tomaszewski told commissioners that in addition to making sure the city is able to cover its costs, the new fee schedule was intended to be less complicated than the old one. For example, the old fee schedule had different shelter and gazebo rental rates for different parks. Under the new

schedule, rentals for all shelters, gazebos, and the Trestle Park amphitheater will be $50 during the week and $65 on weekends for city residents, with nonresident rates of $75 during the week and $90 on weekends.

In some cases those rates represent an increase, in others they are a decrease, and in some there is no change. All of those rentals will require a $200 damage deposit.

New rental rates were also approved for rooms at the Piotter Center. Tomaszewski said those rates have not changed since 2018.

Athletic field rental rates will become more uniform as well, although the larger facilities at Riverside Park will have a higher rate.

There will be no change to the rental fee for the Heritage Park trail.

The rental rates for disc golf will be reduced.

Commissioner’s donation reduces cost of swimming lessons: Meanwhile, a planned increase in the cost of swimming lessons — brought about by the switch to using the Adrian High School pool after the commission decided not to continue repairing Bohn Pool — was reduced thanks to a donation from a city commissioner.

The rates for group lessons were scheduled to increase from $40 to $74 for residents, and $50 to $84 for nonresidents. However, after the April 6 meeting, commissioner Chip Moore offered to make a donation to lower those costs. As a result, the new rates will be $49 for residents and $59 for non-residents — an increase of $9 instead of $34.

More study requested on pickleball courts: The commission delayed action on a rental policy for pickleball courts, asking city staff to gather some input from people who use those courts.

HOLA plans to hold a forum to gather community input about the change. City commissioner Bob Behnke said it would be appropriate to not simply swap one sign for another, but to celebrate the rededication with a new unveiling.

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‘The State of our County: A Snapshot of Lenawee’

Data on county’s wellbeing to be discussed at May 29 presentation

ADRIAN — For decades, the Lenawee Community Foundation has produced Environmental Scan reports — data-driven snapshots of the county’s wellbeing. These reports have evolved over time, growing in scope and complexity. In 2025, the foundation

IN BRIEF

Chamber of Commerce awards event set for May 14

ADRIAN — The Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at the Adrian Armory, 230 W. Maumee St.

The chamber will be presenting several honors, including the Addison J. Comstock Award, named for the founder of Adrian, and the Ann Hughes Legacy Leadership Award, named for one of the founding partners of the Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets to the award ceremony are $50 per person. For more information, email melissa@greaterlenaweechamber.org or call 517-423-3740.

Expungement Fair offers opportunity for a fresh start

ADRIAN — Residents of Lenawee County who have criminal records but are eligible to have those records expunged are invited to a Lenawee County Expungement Fair, scheduled for Friday, May 22, from noon to 4 p.m. on the third floor of the Lenawee County Courthouse.

This event is hosted by the Lenawee County Bar Association in partnership with Safe & Just Michigan and Legal Services of South Central Michigan. The Expungement Fair is designed to help people begin the process of clearing eligible criminal records, which can improve access to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with legal professionals and trained volunteers who can answer questions and help with paperwork. Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to register and complete a pre-screening in advance.

More details are available online at lenawee.mi.us/m/newsflash/home/ detail/2873.

sought out the Dorothy A. Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University to make the process more user-friendly.

Partnering with the Johnson Center, the foundation worked to refresh the report. Unlike previous editions, this effort prioritized community engagement, ensuring residents played a central role in shaping the final project. Guided by a steering committee of foundation staff and local leaders, the

Johnson Center facilitated a process that invited residents to participate in workshops and decision-making. The result is a modernized Lenawee County Databook that highlights where Lenawee County is keeping pace, exceeding, or falling behind state and national trends.

The Databook identifies several top issues, including economic pressures and financial stability, childhood and family resilience, a changing

Blissfield ends participation in county’s recycling dropoff pilot

BLISSFIELD — Citing consistent problems with the container being overfilled and trash being left at the site and blowing into nearby properties, the village of Blissfield has pulled out of Lenawee County’s nine-month recycling pilot program.

The program, which is funded by a state grant, began in December. Recycling dumpsters were placed in Blissfield, Onsted and Hudson, giving residents of those areas an alternative to bringing their recycling to the county’s main recycling dropoff site in Adrian.

According to Lenawee Voice news partner Local Buzz Radio, Blissfield ended its participation because the dumpster was consistently being overfilled, even after the county worked to secure more frequent pickup dates.

Village administrator Danielle Gross told Local Buzz Radio that there were also problems with trash being left at the collection site and blowing into nearby properties.

“We appreciate the community’s efforts to participate in the recycling pilot program and will continue working to provide recycling opportunities as partnerships and funding allow, particularly as we move through the county’s new materials management planning process,” Julie Maurer, materials management coordinator for the Lenawee County Solid Waste Department, said in a news release.

Dropoff sites through the pilot program are still up and running at two other locations:

n 125 E. Second St., Onsted.

n 100 block of Mechanic Street in Hudson.

The county is seeking a third municipality to host a dropoff site for the remainder of the nine-month pilot program. Recycling can also be taken to the county’s dropoff site at 307 N. River St. in Adrian.

If recycling bins are full, residents are asked to return at a later time rather than leaving materials on the ground.

employment landscape, health and wellbeing, and overall community capacity.

The next step is sharing this data with the community at large.

The Lenawee Community Foundation will host a presentation on Friday, May 29, at 9 a.m. at the Weber Retreat and Conference Center, 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, email forlenawee@lenaweecf.com.

Farmers market season is here

With spring comes the beginning of farmers market season. Here’s a partial list of markets in Lenawee County: Adrian Farmers Market — Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 16 to Oct. 20, in the City Market Pavilion, 115 Toledo St., Adrian.

Blissfield Farmers Market — Every Thursday from 3-7 p.m., May 7 to Oct. 15, at the American Farm Museum, 424 W. Adrian St. (On Oct. 1 only, some vendors will be downtown as part of the Harvest Festival.)

Hudson Carnegie District Library Farmers Market — Every Wednesday from 1-5 p.m., beginning May 6 and continuing through the summer, at 205 S. Market St., Hudson.

Madison Farmers Market — Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting May 2 and running through October, at corner of U.S. 223 and Treat Highway. Manitou Beach Farmers & Crafters Market — Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, at 110 Devils Lake Hwy., Manitou Beach.

Morenci Student-Led Farmers Market — Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wakefield Park.

Spring into Summer Market — May 9, June 13, July 18, and Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Lakes Print Shop, 17250 U.S. 223, Addison.

Walker Tavern Farm & Craft Market — Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 10 through Sept. 27, at Cambridge Junction Historic State Park, 13220 M-50, Brooklyn.

The Blissfield location for Lenawee County’s recycling dropoff pilot program is pictured in a photo from December. HOTO COURTESY OF LENAWEE COUNTY SOLID WASTE

Siena, still

Reflections of an alumna on SHU’s final Alumni Weekend

By Renee Lapham Collins The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — At the final Alumni Weekend at Siena Heights University, held April 17-19, the campus felt at once full and fleeting — like something both ending and refusing to end.

At the Homecoming Mass on April 18, Father Tom Helfrich, OSFS, who has served as campus chaplain for more than 20 years, stood before those crowding St. Dominic Chapel and offered his reflection on the Gospel of the disciples on the road to Emmaus — tying it to our shared experience of Siena.

It’s a familiar story — two followers of Christ walking in confusion and grief after the crucifixion, trying to make sense of what had been lost.

“And as I often do,” Helfrich said, “I raise a prayer for Siena Heights in our final semester.”

Then he paused and shared a moment from an earlier Mass.

“A woman came up to me afterwards and said, ‘I’m sorry — I don’t think I understood you. Did you say Siena Heights is closing?’ And I should have said, ‘Are you the only person in Jerusalem?’”

The line drew laughter, but it also carried truth. Even now, months after the June 29 announcement, the closing still lands unevenly — new to some, heavy for all.

“What do you do with disappointment?” Helfrich asked. “What do you do with heartbreak?”

He didn’t answer directly.

“Somehow you try to survive. Somehow we move on.”

I graduated from Siena Heights — then Siena Heights College — on May 11, 1980. But my connection to the school reaches back further than that.

My mother attended Siena in the early 1950s to study art, though she never completed her degree. Growing up in Tecumseh, we drove to Adrian often, especially for the 5 p.m. Sunday evening Mass at St. Mary’s — easier, my parents thought, than getting six daughters ready for morning Mass at St. Elizabeth.

My dad always took “the back way,” and we would pass the Siena campus along the route. My mother would point out the buildings where she had taken classes, and I remember being struck — almost overwhelmed — by the red brick of Sacred Heart Hall, the chapel, and the

dormitories, Ledwidge and Archangelus. I imagined myself there long before I ever filled out an application.

In truth, it was the only school I considered, so it’s probably a good thing they said yes.

Siena became a family place. My sisters Catherine, Lisa, and Anne all attended, as did my brother John. It was woven into our lives long before we had the language to name what it meant.

That is what made the announcement last summer so jarring. And what has followed these past nine months has been something like the Emmaus road — part grief, part reflection, part slow recognition of what remains.

During Alumni Weekend, the campus filled again with familiar rhythms. Nearly 100 athletes were inducted into the final Athletic Hall of Fame, including my sister, Lisa Lapham Heusted, ’86. There were tailgates, tours, and the quiet ritual of taking photos in front of the places that shaped us.

Everywhere, people were telling stories. The alumni Facebook page was filled

with photos — campus landmarks, old snapshots — each one sparking a flood of memories as more voices joined in.

Father Tom told one of his own — about his first experience with the alumni awards some 20 years ago, when he was asked, with little notice, to offer a prayer.

“It was a jaw-dropping experience,” he said. “Hearing the tales and experiences, seeing Siena Heights alumni — who they were, what they’ve done, what they’re still doing.”

Then he paused.

“And it happened again on Friday,” he said simply. “Life. Life.”

Not memory. Not nostalgia. Life.

That word lingered.

Because if there is a thread running through this ending, it is not absence. It is continuation.

“We’re going to have more alumni awards,” he added with a hint of a smile. “Because we still have alumni.”

He acknowledged the uncertainty — what becomes of the campus, what the future holds — but he was clear about something else.

“What we’ve been blessed with here is not coming to an end with commencement in May,” he said. “Who we are continues to live.”

In January, I returned to Siena in a new role, accepting a full-time position as Academic Coordinator for the McNair Scholars Program. I knew from the start it would be temporary. But it has given me something I didn’t know I needed — the chance to say goodbye not all at once, but in pieces. To walk the campus again. To tell my stories. To sing with the University Chorale. To listen to others. To see, in real time, how what began here continues in the lives of students who will carry it forward.

“What I do know,” Father Tom said near the close of his homily, “is that the worst thing we can do is isolate ourselves. It’s foolish and futile to hang our heads and moan.”

Instead, he spoke of seeds — of all that has been planted here since 1919.

“Seeds sown continue to sprout and drop new seeds,” he said. “Life goes on.”

There is, in that image, a kind of answer to his earlier question.

What do you do with disappointment? You gather. You remember. You tell the stories again.

You refuse to believe that an ending is the same thing as a loss.

Siena Heights University may close its doors in June, but the life it created — 26,000 graduates, countless classrooms, quiet moments of discovery — does not end there.

We are not just residence halls and classrooms and athletic fields.

We are Siena.

And we will carry that with us for the rest of our lives.

As our patron, St. Catherine of Siena, reminds us: Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire. That fire is still burning.

Closing a university is a process without a guidebook

By Renee Lapham Collins The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — There isn’t a playbook for closing a university, as Dr. Cheri Betz has been learning.

“There’s no manual,” said Betz, the final president of Siena Heights University, which will close its academic operations in June. “You might have guidelines — what accreditors need, what the Department of Education requires — but every day brings a new challenge you didn’t know you were going to face.”

And yet, in the middle of all that uncertainty, one thing has not shifted.

“The mission is the mission,” she said. “It always has been, and it always will be.”

“Taking care of everyone — that’s what this year has been about,” she said. “An honorable closure.”

Siena has established approximately 20 teach-out agreements and more than 50 transfer agreements, ensuring that every student has a path forward.

“Every student will either graduate or have a pathway to another institution,” Betz said.

Some agreements came together quickly, while others were built around individual students and specific programs.

“A student might say, ‘I really want to transfer here — can you help?’” she said. “And we would work to make that happen.”

The agreements provide many paths for students and the timeline has helped

faculty and staff make decisions without panic. Betz said they have also worked to make this final year as meaningful as possible for everyone.

Inside the president’s cabinet, one word has surfaced again and again. Sarah Stanley, executive director of marketing and public relations for the university, calls it brutiful, a term coined by author Glennon Doyle Melton. The responsibility has been tremendous for Betz, but she also is grateful to be at Siena now.

“It is heavy,” Betz said. “But there’s also a joy in knowing I get to be part of this — in a place that I love.”

A faith-filled person, Betz describes her role as something closer to a calling.

Siena Heights University held its Homecoming Mass on April 18, presided over by Father Tom Helfrich, as part of the university’s final Alumni Weekend. PHOTOS BY LAURA HARVEY/SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY

For Betz, who has been with Siena Heights since 2002, the work this year has come down to one thing: people.

Alumni Weekend events at Siena Heights University included the final Theatre Siena production, “Oklahoma!”

Dr. Cheri Betz, who was named president of Siena Heights University after its closure was announced, has the task of presiding over its final chapter.

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Un nuevo empleado se une al equipo del Centro Ebeid

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

Estudiantes construyen nuevas bases para cañones en el monumento conmemorativo

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

ADRIAN — Los cañones del siglo XIX que rodean el monumento a la Guerra Civil en Monument Park pronto tendrán nuevas bases que reemplazarán a las antiguas.

Brian Jones

ADRIAN — Brian D. Jones fue contratado recientemente como Coordinador de Salud y Participación Comunitaria para ProMedica Ebeid Neighborhood Promise, que administra el Centro Ebeid en 801 E. Maumee St. El Centro Ebeid ofrece una variedad de programas destinados a mejorar la calidad de vida en el lado este de Adrian. Jones cuenta con más de 14 años de experiencia en liderazgo de operaciones y dirección de equipos, además de más de cinco años trabajando en entornos clínicos y de salud mental. Su trayectoria profesional abarca la gestión de la construcción, la psicología, coaching de vida, sistemas de atención médica y mentoría comunitaria.

Además de su experiencia profesional, Jones ha desempeñado diversas funciones de liderazgo y gobernanza, incluyendo cargos directivos y de liderazgo financiero en la Ópera de Croswell, y ha demostrado un profundo compromiso con la participación comunitaria, la mentoría y la planificación estratégica. Recientemente obtuvo una Licenciatura en Psicología de la Universidad de Toledo.

En su nuevo cargo, Jones se centra en la salud y la participación comunitaria. Es responsable de promover programas, talleres y clases en el Centro Ebeid.

Le apasiona especialmente eliminar barreras, mejorar procesos y apoyar el bienestar de las personas y las comunidades.

Puede contactarse con él por correo electrónico en Brian.Jones@ promedica.org.

CALENDARIO DEL CENTRO EBEID PARA MAYO

ADRIAN — Los siguientes programas educativos y reuniones comunitarias se llevarán a cabo en mayo 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. Quemadura Corporal (presentado por la YMCA) — los martes, 4, 11 y 18 de mayo, 4 p.m. Un entrenamiento de alta energía para adultos. Body Burn utiliza circuitos de fuerza, entrenamiento

Las nuevas bases están siendo fabricadas por estudiantes del programa de artes industriales de la escuela preparatoria de Adrian. Las bases antiguas se encontraban arruinadas.

Los estudiantes asumieron la tarea como parte de un proyecto más amplio para restaurar el monumento a los caídos en la Guerra Civil y el área que lo rodea. También se están colocando nuevas bases de concreto para los cañones, dijo Matt Tomaszewski, Director Interino de Parques y Recreación.

Una vez reinstalados los cañones tras las reparaciones, se colocarán simétricamente alrededor del monumento a los caídos en la Guerra Civil.

La Preparatoria de Adrian lanzó un programa de Artes Industriales el año pasado. En la clase, impartida por Tony Aiken, los alumnos aprenden los fundamentos de la carpintería y

Se buscan voluntarios para el huerto

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

ADRIAN — Cualquiera puede colaborar y cualquiera puede disfrutar.

Esa es la filosofía detrás del huerto comunitario ubicado en una pequeña parcela de césped de terreno municipal en la calle George, en Adrian.

El jardín fue creado en 2017 por Christie Boxer, residente de Adrian y su familia, con la ayuda del departamento de parques de la ciudad. Desde entonces, su mantenimiento no solo corre a cargo de la familia Boxer, sino también gracias al trabajo de voluntarios de la comunidad. Consta de seis jardineras elevadas divididas en cuadrados, cada uno de los cuales puede plantarse con un cultivo diferente.

Se buscan voluntarios para una jornada de siembra comunitaria, programada para el sábado 23 de mayo a las 10:00 am. En dicha jornada, los voluntarios prepararán las jardineras y plantarán en cuatro de ellos diversos tipos de hortalizas, centrándose en aquellas que son populares y fáciles

del core y breves ráfagas de cardio para aumentar la fuerza y la resistencia usando solo tu peso corporal. Fuerza y Movilidad (ofrecido por la YMCA) — los lunes, 5, 12, 19 y 26 de mayo, 4 p.m. Esta clase gratuita fortalece y fortalece la estabilidad. Pop-up del Banco de Pañales (presentado por Lenawee Great Start) — el martes, 5 de mayo, 4-5:30 p.m. ¿Necesitas pañales? Pásate a recoger pañales para una semana.  Este mes también colaboraremos con WIC, que estará presente con orientación sobre la inscripción y otros recursos útiles. Para familias con niños de 0 a 12 años en el condado de Lenawee.

Reunión de la Coalición Comunitaria (Coalición de East Adrian) — el lunes, 11 de mayo, 5-6 p.m. La Coalición se reúne el segundo lunes de cada mes. Deje que se escuche su voz y contribuya a la conversación sobre cómo los residentes pueden

la artesanía, a la vez que adquieren experiencia práctica con herramientas y equipos estándar del sector. Monument Park está ubicado en 436 E. Maumee St.

comunitario de Adrian

Christie Boxer y su hijo Benjamin aparecen en una fotografía reciente tomada en el huerto comunitario de la calle George.

de cultivar, como pimientos, tomates cherry, cebollas y zanahorias.

Después del día de la siembra, no hay un horario fijo para los voluntarios. Hay barriles de agua en el lugar para que cualquiera que pase pueda regar las plantas si lo necesitan. Al mismo tiempo, cualquiera que lo desee es bienvenido a disfrutar de los productos de la huerta.

Las jardineras elevadas facilitan el acceso al jardín a más personas. Por

impactar a su comunidad. Comprendiendo Tu Crédito (presentado por County National Bank) — el lunes, 12 de mayo, 5:30-7 p.m. ¿Alguna vez has tenido dificultades para pagar tus facturas, salir de deudas o no sabes cómo mejorar tu puntuación crediticia? Aprende aspectos importantes de la Ley de Información Justa de Crédito, cómo establecer o reparar tu crédito y alcanzar estabilidad financiera y autosuficiencia.

Flores Silvestres Primaverales (Lenawee Conservation District) — el jueves, 14 de mayo, 6-7 p.m. Aprende sobre las flores primaverales que nos rodean, con énfasis en las plantas autóctonas. Habrá plantas disponibles para que puedas arrancar tu propio jardín. Padres de Lenawee (facilitado por De’Angelo Boone) — el martes, 26 de mayo, 4-5 p.m. Los padres del condado de Lenawee están cordialmente invitados a ser parte de esta iniciativa de apoyo al

ejemplo, una persona en silla de ruedas puede acercarse a una de las jardineras y desherbar o recoger verduras sin tener que agacharse, como ocurre en un huerto tradicional.

Boxer es Profesora de Sociología en Adrian College. Explicó que el huerto comunitario es una pequeña manera de asegurar que los miembros de la comunidad tengan acceso a alimentos frescos, independientemente de sus ingresos.

Quienes deseen participar en la jornada de plantación comunitaria pueden traer sus propias herramientas, o simplemente presentarse. Boxer comentó que el trabajo suele ser bastante rápido, así que quienes quieran ayudar deben llegar a las 10:00 am. Se ofrecerán donas y café.

El huerto comunitario está en la calle George, que sale de la avenida College, aproximadamente enfrente de Lenawee Recreation Bowling Center y de los apartamentos Riverview Terrace.

Cualquier persona que desee obtener más información puede enviar un correo electrónico a christie201@gmail.com.

padre. Damos la bienvenida a todos los padres y agencias de apoyo comunitario. Alquiler para el Exito (por Community Action Agency) — el miércoles, 27 de mayo, 5:30-7 p.m. Conozca las leyes de vivienda justa, los contratos de arrendamiento, los derechos de los inquilinos, el mantenimiento, las reparaciones y más. Estipendio de $50 si pre-registras y completas una sesión de presupuesto privado con CAA. Bingo de la Presión Arterial (Coalición de East Adrian) — el viernes, 29 de mayo, 5:30-7 p.m. De vuelta por demanda popular está el Bingo gratis con un giro. Los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de tomarse la tensión arterial y ganar una pulsera tipo fit-bit, un tensiómetro, otros premios y aprender datos importantes relacionados con la salud de la tensión, todo ello mientras se divierten con amigos y vecinos.

Zeke Smart, Jose Calieca y Nolan Wood trabajan en una de las bases que los estudiantes están fabricando para los cañones en Monument Park.

Se reconoce el servicio comunitario

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares ADRIAN — Lenawee Community Foundation homenajeó a varios residentes locales por su servicio a la comunidad en un evento que tuvo lugar el 23 de abril en el Adrian Armory.

Tom MacNaughton recibió el Premio al Liderazgo de Lenawee (Lenawee Leadership Awards). Este premio reconoce a individuos que ejemplifican el principio fundamental de que el futuro del Condado de Lenawee estará determinado por la calidad de su liderazgo.

MacNaughton se jubiló tras una trayectoria de 31 años de carrera en Lenawee County Department of Aging, incluyendo 24 años como director. Durante su cargo, promovió programas innovadores que ayudaron a los adultos mayores a mantener su independencia, como transportación, servicios de reparación del hogar e iniciativas de voluntariado a gran escala, como un programa comunitario de recolección de hojas que movilizó a estudiantes para ayudar a las personas mayores. Cuando se desempeñó como director interino de YMCA del Condado de Lenawee, ayudó a la organización a superar un período de dificultades financieras.

Es corredor de toda la vida y entrena al equipo de campo a través de la Escuela Preparatoria de Adrian. Junto con su esposa, Christine, han sido fundamentales en la organización del triatlón juvenil anual Splash and Dash. Robert y Sandy Trevino recibieron el Premio Stubnitz (Stubnitz Award). Este premio se otorga a personas que demuestran un compromiso ejemplar a través del voluntariado.

Robert Trevino ha dedicado muchas horas siendo voluntario en

el Department of Aging, donde se ha desempeñado como asesor fiscal, capacitador y ayudante de confianza para adultos mayores en la gestión de trámites financieros importantes. Ha colaborado en la entrega de comidas a personas mayores, apoyado los esfuerzos ministeriales en la asistencia para trabajadores migrantes y prestado servicio durante muchos años en el campus de San José de la Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia. Ha formado parte de Civitan y de muchos otros grupos de servicio locales.

Sandy Trevino ayudó a fundar la Escuela Preescolar Comunitaria de Adrian en 1967. Durante más de 25 años, ha visitado regularmente los campamentos de migrantes para entregar alimentos, ropa y artículos de primera necesidad. También ha colaborado

Se quitó el nombre de la calle; líderes comunitarios instan a la ciudad a honrar el movimiento de los trabajadores agrícolas

ADRIAN — El nombre del líder laboral César Chávez fue retirado de la calle Gulf el mes pasado tras las acusaciones de abuso sexual durante la duración de su carrera. Pero en lugar de permitir que la lucha de los trabajadores agrícolas por mejores condiciones laborales quede en el olvido, líderes comunitarios proponen que la calle sea rededicada para rendir homenaje al movimiento en su totalidad.

Chávez, quien falleció en 1993, cofundó la Asociación Nacional de Trabajadores Agrícolas junto con Dolores Huerta y Gilbert Padilla. Posteriormente, dicha organización se fusionó con otro grupo para formar la Unión de Trabajadores Agrícolas de América. Residentes de Adrian participaron activamente en los boicots organizados por los Trabajadores Agrícolas Unidos en las décadas de 1960 y 1970, y Chávez visitó Adrian en varias ocasiones. La calle Gulf, en el lado este de Adrian, fue dedicada como la Avenida honoraria César Chávez en octubre de 2023.

Sin embargo, las recientes acusaciones de que Chávez abusó sexualmente de mujeres y niñas han llevado a muchos municipios a dejar de rendirle homenaje, y en la reunión de la Comisión Municipal del 6 de abril, líderes comunitarios instaron a Adrian a hacer lo mismo.

Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares, Presidenta de la Junta Directiva de la Alianza de Hispanos de Lenawee (HOLA), animó a la ciudad a sustituir los letreros que honran a Chávez por otros que honren a los Trabajadores Agrícolas Unidos. “Creemos que el enfoque de nuestros homenajes públicos debe pasar de una sola persona al movimiento colectivo”, dijo Pérez-Cázares. “La documentación de los abusos y el acoso sexual asociados con Chávez es una violación directa de la dignidad que buscamos defender. No podemos, en una buena conciencia, permitir que un símbolo de nuestra comunidad se vincule a esa historia”.

Sin embargo, Pérez-Cázares afirmó que es importante que el monumento conmemorativo al movimiento permanezca en Gulf Street, la cual, según indicó, es la puerta de entrada al barrio Sunnyside de Adrian. En cambio, honrar al movimiento de los trabajadores agrícolas, dijo, sería “devolver el honor a la gente del lado este que vivió el movimiento y realizó el trabajo”.

La Comisión Municipal votó 6-0 a favor de eliminar el nombre de Chávez de los letreros.

HOLA planea llevar a cabo un foro público para recabar la opinión de la comunidad sobre el cambio.

activamente con Civitan, Goodwill, Maurice Spear Campus y su iglesia. Está comprometida a garantizar que las personas que atraviesan dificultades se sientan cuidadas y bienvenidas. Tino Rebottaro recibió el Premio Incito (Incito Award), que reconoce a personas de 40 años o menos que son líderes comunitarios y han demostrado un compromiso con el voluntariado y la filantropía. Rebottaro se graduó de la Preparatoria Tecumseh en 2004. Forma parte de la junta directiva de Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce y contribuyó a la transición de liderazgo de dicha organización. También ha participado en Big Brothers Big Sisters, Housing Help of Lenawee, Neighbors of Hope y Hospice of Lenawee. Trabaja en la Agencia de Seguros Iott (Iott Insurance Agency).

NOTICIAS DE LA CIUDAD

Noticias del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Adrian:

n Chad Baugh, Administrador Municipal, deja Adrian para asumir un nuevo cargo como Administrador judicial en el condado de Wayne. Ha sido Administrador Municipal desde el otoño pasado. Baugh afirmó que se compromete a permanecer en el puesto durante el período de transición.

n La ciudad recibió más solicitudes de asistencia para reparaciones de viviendas de las que puede financiar por medio de una subvención estatal que recibió para tal fin. Sin embargo, la ciudad es elegible para solicitar más fondos en el futuro. Lisa Hewitt-Cruz, Directora de Desarrollo Comunitario, dijo que la ciudad mantiene una lista de espera de personas interesadas. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Abigail De Meo al 517-264-4805 o ademeo@adrianmi.gov.

n Cuatro puestos clave en el Ayuntamiento permanecerán vacantes el próximo año, según el presupuesto aprobado en abril por la comisión municipal. Se trata de los puestos de Director de Parques y Recreación, Director de la Autoridad de Desarrollo del Centro, Administrador de Planificación y Zonificación, y Coordinador de Mercadotecnia.

n La ciudad está considerando realizar cambios en la intersección de East Maumee Street y East Maple Avenue, cerca de los terrenos de la feria. Los cambios tendrían como objetivo reducir la velocidad del tráfico que se dirige a dicha intersección.

Matt Benge to be Sand Creek’s superintendent

SAND CREEK — A familiar face with years of teaching and administrative experience within Sand Creek Community Schools has been selected as the district’s next superintendent. The school board voted unanimously last month to offer the post to Matthew Benge. He previously had retired from the district after 12 years as middle school principal. He also served as Sand Creek’s dean of students.

Benge will replace Sharon Smith, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

— Local Buzz Radio

Siena

from page A6

“When the announcement came, I asked, ‘Lord, what am I here to do?’” she said. “And the answer was clear: continue to serve.”

She signs every correspondence with the words, “In service to Siena,” because for Betz, serving others and making sure people are taken care of are her priority. That sense of service has shaped her leadership in a year when emotions often run just below the surface.

“You have to be patient,” she said. “People are processing this in ways they normally wouldn’t. We’re not going to get everything right. But we’re doing this in a way that honors the people who are here.”

Even as Siena Heights prepares to close, the focus has already begun to turn forward — to what the campus might become.

In early March, members of the Counselors of Real Estate Consulting Corps spent a week in Adrian meeting with more than 100 community stakeholders — nonprofit leaders, business owners, educators and arts organizations. They asked questions. They walked the campus. They tried to understand what might come next. They listened.

The effort was coordinated through the Phoenix Committee, a 12-member group representing the university’s Board of Trustees, the Adrian Dominican Sisters, campus leadership and the broader Lenawee County community.

The Consulting Corps also conducted a comprehensive site assessment. A formal report is expected to guide next steps, including environmental and structural analysis and the development of a Request for Proposals to attract potential partners.

“The goal,” Betz said, “is to make thoughtful decisions — not just for the buildings, but for the community.”

As the Phoenix Committee continues its work, Betz returns to the same idea.

“Siena is the people,” she said. “It’s a community.”

For more than a century, the university has shaped the lives of students, faculty, and staff who now carry that mission beyond Adrian.

“They’re the torch,” Betz said. “What you do matters. How you treat people matters. What you put out into the world matters.”

De izquierda a derecha: Robert y Sandy Trevino, Tom MacNaughton, y Tino Rebottaro. MIKE DICKIE/LENAWEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Boys volleyball is taking off at Adrian High School

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — As an eighth-grade student at Springbrook Middle School, Jackson Boyd pushed for boys volleyball as a sport in Adrian Public Schools.

Five years later, Boyd and his teammates are now playing varsity boys volleyball at Adrian High as a Michigan High School Athletic Associationsanctioned sport.

The Maples added volleyball this spring to the slate of varsity programs in the district.

“I believe the biggest thing was showing that we deserved to exist as a group,” said Boyd, who is a setter on the team.

Once Boyd and then-AHS junior Andrew Welch recruited middle school and high school classmates, the players needed a coach. Karri Butler stepped into the role.

“He asked for my help to learn to play and to start the program so I have been the coach since the inception,” said Butler, who is also the mother of Jackson Boyd and his twin brother, Harrison. “When we started, it was just a noncompetitive club for the boys to have fun playing a sport they enjoyed.”

Next, the boys needed a place to practice. That’s where Adrian High School athletic director Chad O’Brien came into the picture. He found gym space for the boys to practice three times a week to play and learn the game of volleyball in 2022.

“Chad has been nothing but supportive since the first day I walked into his office and asked if a few eighthgrade boys could have some gym time,” said Butler, who also noted that she’s seen other schools struggle to get programs started because they didn’t have as much support..

O’Brien said that “by providing traditional athletic opportunities and multiple unique opportunities such as boys volleyball, girls wrestling, and powerlifting to our student body, we have worked to create a schoolwide environment of support and opportunity.”

After starting as an after-school club in 2022, the group joined the Michigan High School Boys Volleyball league in 2023. In 2024, the team was opened up to other schools as a co-op. Then in 2025, MHSAA agreed to sanction the sport for the 2025-26 school year.

Adrian is the lead school in the co-op program, but student athletes from Madison, Tecumseh, and Onsted compete on the squad.

“I appreciate these schools’ administrations for supporting this program and helping provide this opportunity for these students,” O’Brien said.

Adrian competes in the Southeastern Conference with Saline, Dexter, and Ypsilanti Lincoln. Those four programs join 115 across the state that have boys volleyball.

“I appreciate that APS has allowed this program to be a co-op as I feel it is an important step to encourage growth in this sport across the area,” Butler said. “I hope we won’t be the only program for much longer, and I hope we see more opportunities for area boys such as clinics, sand leagues, and clubs.”

The growth of the sport needed a start in Adrian, and Jackson Boyd did his part for his love of the game.

“I really enjoy how unique the sport is,

and especially how strategic and variable it is,” Boyd said. “Every point there is an

opportunity to try something new, and I really have a good time doing it.”

A co-op boys volleyball team, which started in 2022, made the leap from a club team to varsity this year. In the back row are coaches Karri Butler and Todd Barrus. Middle row: Martin Sang (Madison), Oliver Toner (Adrian), Imarion Peterson (Adrian), Gavin Sharp (Adrian), Lucas Avery (Adrian), and Kaleb Pelham (Adrian). Front row: Kyle Tombolini (Adrian), Jackson Boyd (Adrian), Taysean Thomas (Adrian), Cayden Barrus (Adrian), Harrison Boyd (Adrian), Austin Moore (Onsted), and Caleb Branham (Tecumseh). Not pictured are Janeal Rhodes (Madison), Jaymon Wilson (Adrian), manager Ben Lukas (Lenawee Christian), and coach Jocelyn Domschot. ADRIAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Lenawee Home Show to return

Home Builders Association plans to revive the show next year, after more than a decade

ADRIAN — The Home Builders Association of Jackson, Hillsdale & Lenawee is planning to bring back the Lenawee Home Show, which was last held more than 10 years ago.

The show is scheduled for April 23-25, 2027, at the Lenawee County Fair and Event Grounds. The presenting sponsor will be Big C Lumber.

The revival of the Lenawee Home Show after more than a decade reflects the Home Builders Association’s continued growth and commitment to serving the region’s building industry and homeowners. Since expanding

to include Lenawee County in June of last year, the HBA has been working to strengthen its footprint across all three counties, connecting builders, contractors, trades professionals, and service providers.

“This is an exciting moment for our association,” Patrick O’Dowd, executive officer of the Home Builders Association, said in a news release. “Since expanding into Lenawee County, restoring a premier Home Show has been a clear priority, and the support of Big C Lumber has made that vision possible. Their commitment to this industry and to the Lenawee community is helping us bring back an event that will showcase the very best of our local builders, trades professionals, and service providers.”

CLINTON ROTARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Bryce Randolph was the Clinton Rotary Club’s Student of the Month for February. Throughout his high school career, he has earned significant recognition in football and wrestling. He has also achieved notable success in STEM competitions and completed more than 40 hours of community service annually. He plans to attend Adrian College to pursue degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Physics. He is pictured here with his father Casey, mother Laurie, and Rotary president Steve Clegg.

Robert McDonald was the Clinton Rotary Student of the Month for April. He has earned extensive recognition in math and STEM. His extracurricular involvement includes varsity golf, varsity soccer, National Honor Society, and Earth Club. He plans to attend the University of Michigan to study electrical engineering. He is pictured with Rotary member Howard Osterling, and his mother Carrie. (Note: March’s Student of the Month appeared in last month’s issue.)

IN

BRIEF

Lenawee County hosts tire disposal event on May 16

ADRIAN — The Lenawee County Solid Waste Department will host its annual spring tire and styrofoam collection event from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 16, at the Lenawee County Fair and Event Grounds. Entry to the fairgrounds for the tire collection is from Hanke Lane off of Siena Heights Drive.

Clean tires from passenger vehicles, light pickups and motorcycle tires will be accepted, with a 10-tire limit per vehicle dropping off tires. The cost is $2 per motorcycle tire or other small tire and $4 per passenger vehicle or light pickup tire. There is no need to remove rims. For more information, call 517-264-4511.

Household hazardous waste disposal event is May 9

ADRIAN — Wacker Chemical, in partnership with Anderson Development, will host its free household hazardous waste collection from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 9, at 3301 Sutton Road, Adrian.

The collection is for residential items only — no commercial or industrial waste. Accepted items include oil-based paint, cleaners, thinners, aerosols, adhesives, and sealers; household cleaners; automotive fluids such as used oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and grease; batteries and lightbulbs; pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers; lighter fluid; and 16-ounce propane gas cylinders.

Items not accepted include explosives, ammunition, radioactive waste, pharmaceuticals, tires, appliances, and electronics.

City sees heavy interest in home repair assistance grants

ADRIAN — The city of Adrian received more applications for assistance with home repairs than it is able to fund through a state grant that the city received for that purpose. However, Adrian is eligible to apply for more money in the future. Lisa Hewitt-Cruz, community development director, said the city is keeping a waiting list of people who are interested. For more information, contact Abigail De Meo at 517-264-4805 or ademeo@adrianmi.gov.

Changes considered to corner of East Maumee and Maple

ADRIAN — The city of Adrian is considering changes to the intersection of East Maumee Street and East Maple Avenue. The changes would be intended to slow down traffic heading into the intersection. Engineering services director Matt Tomaszewski explained that because the streets intersect at an angle, drivers often take the intersection at high speed. In addition, redesigning the intersection would shorten the pedestrian crossing from 128 feet to 45 feet.

Sheriff’s office building dedicated to honor Germond

ADRIAN — Lenawee County will honor the legacy of longtime Sheriff Richard L. Germond by renaming the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office building in his memory. A dedication ceremony for the newly installed building signage will take place on Friday, May 22, at 11 a.m. The public is invited to attend the ceremony recognizing Germond, whose 36 years as Lenawee County sheriff made him the longest-serving sheriff in both the county and the state.

Check out our new website and updated branding:

LENAWEENOW.ORG

PERSPECTIVES

EDITORIAL

The legacy of Siena Heights

On May 9, the final class of students will graduate from Siena Heights University. This commencement marks the end of an institution that, since 1919, has strengthened Lenawee County in countless ways.

The loss to our community is hard to measure, and mitigating the impact of this closure is a task that will demand much of community leaders over the next few years. But at this moment, we will put those concerns on hold and pause to reflect on the university’s lasting legacy.

At a time when our public dialogue too often acts as if the sole purpose of an education is to teach people skills for a job, Siena Heights understood something important: that skills learned without a sense of purpose are empty, and that a sense of purpose must be guided by principles and rooted in a desire to do good. This understanding led to the university’s oft-repeated credo of helping students become not just competent, but purposeful and ethical as well.

It’s a philosophy that prepared students to not just exist in the world, but to change it for the better.

And it’s not hard to see the effect on Adrian and Lenawee County. Take a look at the organizations that provide critical services to our residents or work to improve quality of life in our community, and it’s striking how many of them have faculty, staff or graduates of Siena Heights in key leadership positions.

Though the university is closing, its impact will live on through the thousands and thousands of students who graduated from Siena Heights and went out into the world, steeped in the uplifting values of the Adrian Dominican Sisters and filled with not just their intellectual rigor, but their passion for justice and doing the right thing.

We mentioned the university’s focus on helping people become more competent, purposeful and ethical, but if you’ve spent much time on campus, there’s another phrase you’ve probably heard. It’s a quote from St. Catherine of Siena, from whom the university took its name: “Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.”

Despite the sadness of this moment — the regrets and the wishes that things could have been different — we should also feel hope. Not just hope, but confidence that the legacy of Siena Heights University will live on through its graduates and everyone else it touched, who will keep lighting those fires for many years to come.

An American heritage of protest

Protests are not a break from the American tradition; they are a part of it. From the earliest days of the republic, citizens have raised their voices in public spaces when our nation’s actions have fallen short of its ideals. Protests force uncomfortable truths into the open and push our government, and our society, toward change.

Each protest carries its own distinct character, shaped by the depth of injustice people feel and the urgency that drives them into the streets.

The nationwide protests erupting in response to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, the actions of ICE officers, including the deaths of Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and others who have died in ICE custody, as well as the Iran war, are not merely moments of civil unrest. They are a profound rupture in the American conscience. Each new tragedy deepens our collective divide, forcing our country to confront the human cost of its policies and the moral crisis they have generated.

We are witnessing a nation being pulled apart by policies that have turned vulnerability into a crime, suffering into a spectacle, and human lives into collateral damage. The outrage in the streets is a desperate attempt to reclaim the values we claim to stand for, before the fabric of the country is ripped apart.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Energy independence, or just more profits for the oil industry?

Energy independence is a deceptive phrase. For years the Republican party advocated for energy independence. Locally, congressmen Tim Walberg and Bob Latta both sat on the Energy Committee, and both worked to get the

In a different arena, outrage over the mishandled release of the Epstein files has exploded into a nationwide reckoning. The public, the press, and leaders are demanding truth and rattling the foundations of our government.

Over the past year, the three No Kings protests against the policies of the Trump administration have been the largest protests ever recorded on American soil. Last June, the first protest drew an estimated 5 million people.

The second protest drew an estimated 7 million people while the third No Kings in March drew over 8 million people in 3,300 cities. Lenawee Indivisible is the local sponsor of the No Kings protests. Those protests in Adrian drew an estimated 700 to 800 people each.

The American people’s outcry for a more perfect union, demanding justice and securing the blessings of liberty for all, has erupted again and again throughout history, demanding action from those who would rather look away:

Nexus and Rover natural gas pipelines approved through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The goal was energy independence, but the results show the overall benefits were decidedly with the oil and gas industry.

The pipelines were built with the promise of cheap abundant natural gas, but the race to maximize profits won over the needs of average Americans. What we got was a bastardized goal to export our natural gas for the highest world price.

n The Boston Tea Party helped spur the American Revolution.

n Labor strikes against deadly working conditions led to the establishment of the AFL-CIO, improving workplaces for everyone.

n Early 20th-century suffrage protests led to the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

n Years of activism and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership resulted in the passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts.

n Anti-Vietnam War protests in the ’60s and ’70s helped end a brutal conflict.

n The 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd triggered nationwide proposals for policing reform.

The story of protests in the United States is really the story of a nation arguing with itself about who it wants to be. A protest doesn’t guarantee progress, but it does create the condition in which progress becomes possible — by insisting that the voices of the people be heard, by demanding accountability from those in power, and by reminding the country that democracy is not a spectator sport but a way of life, renewed each time people choose to stand together and say, “We will not be silenced.”

Mitch Myers is a resident of Adrian.

So, Americans will pay the highest world price because of our political system of Pay to Play! In Alaska the residents are paid a yearly royalty of $1,000 per resident for energy produced in the state. Negotiations are ongoing to raise that number to $1,500 per resident. For the rest of us, instead of using the cheapest nonpolluting energy sources available, we are stuck with a political system that serves none of us. Paul Wohlfarth, Ottawa Lake

MITCH MYERS

This archive photo shows Siena Heights University students on campus in the 1950s. COURTESY OF SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY

IN BRIEF

Candidates file for local legislative offices

ADRIAN — The deadline to file as a candidate for legislative offices in Michigan has passed, and there will not be a primary for any local seats.

U.S. Congress: Christian Vukasovich has filed to run as a Democrat against incumbent Republican Tim Walberg.

34th House District: Democrat John Dahlgren has filed to run against incumbent Republican Nancy JenkinsArno, setting up a rematch of the 2024 race for this seat. Former Tecumseh City Council member Austin See initially filed to run, but then withdrew. This district covers most of Lenawee County.

35th House District: Incumbent Republican Jennifer Wortz will face Jeff Cooley, the chair of the Hillsdale County Democratic Party. This district is mostly in Hillsdale and Branch counties, but also includes the city of Hudson.

30th House District: Incumbent Republican William Bruck will be challenged by Omar Ferdin, a Democrat

POLICE REPORTS

from Monroe. This district includes Deerfield and Ridgeway townships, and part of Blissfield Township.

31st House District: The candidates will be Laura Perry, a Republican from Dundee, and Shannon Wayne, a Democrat from Milan. Incumbent Democrat Reggie Miller is not running for re-election. — Local Buzz Radio

Wastewater treatment plant open house set for May 11

ADRIAN — City of Adrian utilities director Will Sadler will host an open house at the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 1001 Oakwood Road on Monday, May 11, at 6 p.m. Citizens can learn about the waste water treatment process, ask questions, and take a tour of the plant.

Community garage sale

ADRIAN — The city of Adrian is coordinating a community garage sale weekend from May 29 to May 31. To have sales for that weekend posted and included in the city’s map, go to forms. gle/uxt2tPiDfFMkiYht9, email mdewey@ adrianmi.gov, or call 517-264-4815.

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

ADDISON

March 31: Assault, 200 block of North Comstock Street.

ADRIAN CITY

March 24: Assault, 200 block of Division Street. Assault and disorderly conduct, 600 block of North Locust Street.

March 25: Assault, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Assault, 300 block of South Tecumseh Street. Assault, 600 block of Briarwood Drive. Assault, 200 block of Riverside Avenue.

March 26: Disorderly conduct, Bristol at North Broad Street. Operating while intoxicated, 400 block of West Maple Avenue.

March 27: Disorderly conduct, 600 block of West Beecher Street.

March 28: Assault, 600 block of East Church Street.

March 29: Assault, 700 block of Lakeshire Trail. Assault, 1200 block of South Main Street. Disorderly conduct, 600 block of James Street.

March 30: Assault, 700 block of South Main Street. Sexual assault, 1600 block of West Maumee Street. Disorderly conduct, 600 block of James Street.

March 31: Sexual assault, 100 block of Dawes Street. Assault, 1600 block of West Maumee Street.

April 1: Shoplifting, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Burglary, 300 block of East Maumee Street. Disorderly conduct, 100 block of South Madison Street.

April 2: Assault, 700 block of Riverside Avenue.

April 3: Intimidation, 400 block of Ferguson Avenue. Theft from a vehicle, 1100 block of Lowe Avenue. Simple assault, 1600 block of West Maumee Street. Property damage, 300 block of West Hunt Street. Disorderly conduct, 300 block of March Drive. Assault, 1200 block of North Main Street.

April 4: Disorderly conduct, 800 block of College Avenue. Operating while intoxicated, East Beecher and Gulf streets. April 5: Operating while intoxicated, North Main and Washburn streets. Assault, 700 block of Lakeshire Trail. Intimidation, 400 block of South Winter Street. Larceny, 400 block of South Winter Street. Disorderly conduct, 100 block of East Maumee Street.

April 6: Property damage, 100 block of West Beecher Street. Assault, 300 block of Dennis Street.

April 7: Theft from a building, 700 block of East Church Street. Assault and property damage, 400 block of Northwestern Drive. Drug violation, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Theft from a vehicle, 1000 block of South Main Street. Fraud, 1300 block of Harrison Place. Shoplifting, 1500 block of West Maumee Street.

April 8: Assault, 1000 block of East Maple Avenue. Disorderly conduct, 1200 block of North Main Street. April 10: Property damage and theft from a vehicle, 100 block of South Madison Street. Theft from a vehicle, 100 block of South Madison Street. Property damage, 500 block of James Street.

April 11: Assault, 500 block of East Church Street. Assault, 1300 block of Railroad Avenue.

April 12: Larceny, 500 block of French Street. Assault, 200 block of West Maumee Street. Shoplifting, 4400 block of West Maumee Street. Assault, 1000 block of East Butler Street.

Community meeting for county commission’s District 9

TIPTON — Residents of the Lenawee County’s Commission’s District 9 are invited to attend a community meeting on Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at Franklin Township Hall, 3922 Monroe Road, Tipton.

This meeting is intended as a way for for residents — whether they have specific questions or just want to stay informed — to connect directly with local leaders in a relaxed setting.

The informal gathering will feature county administrator Kimberly Murphy, commissioner Jim Van Doren, and Sheriff Troy Bevier.

District 9 consists of western Adrian Township (excluding the city of Adrian) and Franklin, Clinton and Macon Townships.

Adrian Armory offers business development classes

ADRIAN — The Adrian Armory is offering a series of classes for local business owners and professionals looking for tools to help them grow their business.

April 13: Property damage, 1200 block of South Main Street. Assault, 1500 block of Stratford Drive. Identity theft, 300 block of Cherry Street. Larceny, 700 block of South Main Street.

April 14: Assault, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Drug violation, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Assault, 1300 block of South Main Street. Arson, 100 block of North Broad Street. Identity theft, 600 block of Dennis Street. Assault, 100 block of Pleasant Knoll Drive.

April 15: Property damage, 100 block of East Maumee Street. April 17: Shoplifting, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Disorderly conduct, 800 block of Erie Street.

April 18: Operating while intoxicated, North Main Street and East Maple Avenue. Disorderly conduct, 800 block of North Main Street. Property damage, 700 block of Erie Street.

April 19: Assault, 300 block of Toledo Street. Assault, 1600 block of West Maumee Street.

April 20: Assault, 1200 block of North Main Street. Sexual assault, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Assault, 1500 block of Village Green Lane. Assault, 800 block of Clinton Street.

April 21: Shoplifting, 1300 block of South Main Street. Larceny, 500 block of South Main Street.

April 22: Assault, 800 block of North Broad Street. Assault, 1100 block of North Main Street. Assault and theft from a building, 500 block of Dennis Street.

April 23: Operating while intoxicated, 600 block of South Winter Street. Theft from a building, 300 block of Anthony Court. Property damage, 200 block of Clinton Street. Burglary, 700 block of Loveland Road. Larceny, 1300 block of West Beecher Road. Operating while intoxicated, 1000 block of East Maple Avenue.

ADRIAN TWP.

March 25: Disorderly conduct, 3100 block of North Adrian Highway.

April 14: Larceny, Wolf Creek Highway at Southgate Court. April 15: Larceny, 1400 block of Moore Road.

BLISSFIELD TWP.

April 15: Larceny and fraud, 1300 block of Beamer Road.

CAMBRIDGE TWP.

April 1: Assault, 7700 block of O’geany Court.

April 15: Assault, 9700 block of Onsted Highway.

DEERFIELD TWP.

April 18: Drug violation, Deerfield Road and South Keinath Highway.

FAIRFIELD TWP.

April 8: Property damage, 3400 block of West Mulberry Road.

April 16: Credit card or ATM fraud, 10000 block of South Adrian Highway.

FRANKLIN TWP.

March 27: Assault, 200 block of Center Drive.

HUDSON TWP.

March 24: Fraud, 500 block of South Meridian Road.

MACON TWP.

March 28: Assault, 9900 block of Ridge Highway.

A Q&A session on sales and finding customers, led by Garry Clift of Clift Buick GMC, will be held at noon on May 12 at the Armory, 230 W. Maumee St.

A session on the challenges that AI search results pose for websites, led by Naomi Lolley of ImInBiz Inc., will be held at noon on May 19 at County National Bank, 209 E. Russell Road, Tecumseh.

A session on Instagram for businesses, led by Catrina Ossmann of Clever Ideas Marketing, will be held at noon on May 26 at County National Bank.

A session on free and low-cost apps and online tools, led by Annette Stone of the Adrian Armory and Stone’s Catering, will be held at noon on June 2 at the Armory. The cost is $10 per person, which includes lunch. Sign up online at adrianarmory.com/business-education.

Memorial Day in Weston

WESTON — The American Legion Post 275 and Fairfield Township Fire Department will host Memorial Day events on May 25, with a breakfast at the fire hall from 7-11 a.m. and a parade starting at 9 a.m., followed by a ceremony at the cemetery at the corner of Weston Road and Sand Creek Highway.

MADISON TWP.

March 26: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

March 30: Larceny, 1100 block of West Carleton Road.

April 2: Assault, 1100 block of West U.S. 223.

April 4: Assault, 3300 block of Marvin Drive.

April 6: Theft from a vehicle, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

April 9: Assault, 2500 block of South Main Street. Property damage, 2400 block of East U.S. 223.

April 10: Assault, 5800 block of South Adrian Highway.

April 12: Intimidation, 2400 block of Sunset Lane.

April 17: Disorderly conduct, 1000 block of West U.S. 223.

April 18: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

April 22: Fraud, 2100 block of West Cadmus Road. Disorderly conduct, 3400 block of Treat Highway.

April 23: Operating while intoxicated, 2900 block of East U.S. 223. Simple Assault, 1100 block of East U.S. 223. Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

MEDINA TWP.

April 5: Assault, 8200 block of Munson Highway.

April 12: Assault, 7300 block of Warwick Road.

April 22: Arson, 7300 block of Warwick Road.

ONSTED

April 2: Identity theft, 200 block of Westland Court.

April 14: Operating while intoxicated, 100 block of North Main Street.

PALMYRA TWP.

March 24: Sexual assault, 4200 block of Sharp Road.

March 26: Theft from a building, 5300 block of East U.S. 223.

March 30: Property damage, 3800 block of Sharp Road.

April 11: Assault, 5900 block of East U.S. 223.

RIDGEWAY TWP.

March 24: Fraud, 7900 block of Sutton Road.

March 30: Assault, 8700 block of East M-50.

ROLLIN TWP.

April 19: Burglary, 15700 block of Forrister Road.

ROME TWP.

April 6: Burglary, 7500 block of Burton Road.

April 9: Wire fraud, 9300 block of Hoddinott Road.

April 22: Sexual assault, 9800 block of Stoddard Road.

SENECA TWP.

April 17: Larceny, 9400 block of West Weston Road.

TECUMSEH CITY

April 1: Fraud, 500 block of Center Drive.

April 2: Assault, 800 block of Derby Drive.

April 9: Assault, 7900 block of North Adrian Highway.

April 11: Sexual assault, 700 block of Waskin Drive.

April 13: Operating while intoxicated, South Union Street at West Russell Road. Property damage, 1000 block of East Chicago Blvd.

April 16: Fraud, 300 block of South Union Street.

April 17: Property damage, 200 block of North Ottawa Street.

April 23: Assault, East Russell Road at South Evans Street.

WOODSTOCK TWP.

March 25: Larceny, 4700 block of Round Lake Highway.

March 26: Larceny, 17900 block of West U.S. 223.

March 29: Disorderly conduct, 13600 block of County Line Road.

April 15: Fraud, 8800 block of North Rollin Highway. April 18: Larceny, 12800 block of Silver Lake Highway.

Convenient Lab Services opens in downtown Blissfield

BLISSFIELD — A new business in Blissfield offers a variety of lab services such as DNA testing and drug and alcohol testing for local residents, businesses, and agencies.

Convenient Lab Services also offers fingerprinting and background screening services.

The business is located at 107 S. Lane St. in downtown Blissfield and is owned by Ewelina Dvorsky.

Convenient Lab Services opened in January and held a ribbon cutting and open house on April 25 to promote its services to the community.

The DNA services include paternity and maternity tests, as well as lifestyle DNA tests such as ones that are aimed at helping people develop health management strategies based on their genetics.

Drug and alcohol testing is offered for purposes such as pre-employment

screening, random screening for jobs that require it, and accident investigation. The business also has a mobile unit that can take testing services on the road when needed.

Background checks are another aspect of the business.

In addition, Dvorsky can help people with the information needed for immigration services, such as green card and visa applications. She noted that she herself immigrated from Poland in 2003.

People who go to the Lane Street location may notice that it doesn’t feel like a traditional medical lab. That is by design.

“It’s more homey, it’s more inviting, it doesn’t feel sterile,” Dvorsky said.

One wall is brick, giving the lobby a warmer feeling, and it is decorated with artwork by Dvorsky’s husband, Barrett, who previously operated a studio called Do Art Here in the building.

Localprofessionals arehere tohelp!

Convenient Lab Services can be reached by phone at 517-902-6070, and its website is convenientlabservices.com.

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

8353 US 223, Blissfield, MI 49228 Phone: 517-486-4395 Email: blissfieldveterinaryservice@gmail.com

www.blissfieldvetservice.com

In addition, Dvorsky can be reached by email at ewelina@convenientlabservices. com.

Ewelina Dvorsky, owner of Convenient Lab Services, cuts the ribbon at an open house on April 25. Around her, from left to right, are Blissfield Downtown Development Authority board member Julie Goll, DDA vice president April Wolfe, and village trustee Ken Nichols. Holding the ribbon are two of Dvorsky’s children, Zoey and Olivia. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

HOPE Center

from page A1

HOPE filled that need in the local community, and “we outgrew and outgrew and outgrew” each successive building until the facility on Baker Street, with its 14,000 square feet of space on 2.5 acres of land, was built.

HOPE changed its name from HOPE Recreation Center to HOPE Community Center in 2006. Today, it offers its members a wide variety of activities including games, exercise, dances, classes in a range of topics, and even the opportunity to play basketball with the HOPE Hoopsters team.

The center serves developmentally disabled adults 18 and older. It currently has more than 100 members who come there from all over Lenawee County.

“Nobody told this community ‘This is something you need to do,’ and nobody rolled in with a program in a box. This is a true grassroots effort.”

— Mary Martin, HOPE Center development director

Throughout its history, the center has remained entirely funded by the local community, which board member Danielle Stepp said is “not the case for a lot of nonprofits.” It gives HOPE greater flexibility to meet the needs of its members than if it was receiving governmental funding.

“It’s been 50 years of being 100 percent community supported,” O’Hotzke said. “The community never stopped, and more and more community members have jumped on board over the years.”

“Nobody told this community ‘This is something you need to do,’ and no one rolled in with a program in a box,” Mary Martin, HOPE’s development director, said.

“This is a true grassroots effort. Fifty years ago they saw the need and addressed it, and 50 years later this is still very, very unique. … This community keeps supporting it and recognizes its value.”

One hallmark of the way HOPE does things is that “the participants have ownership,” Stepp said. Too often in society, “this population doesn’t get choice. They don’t get ownership. Here, they have activities and they have a say in what they do.”

That sense of ownership extends to taking responsibility for the center and for helping other people. They volunteer in the community, help out with tasks around the center, and “just know who needs their support” when it comes to other members, O’Hotzke said.

“There’s no better population than this group,” Stepp said. “They want to help, whether it’s out in the community or even here. Any activity, you get them coming up and asking if they can help.”

Parents of several HOPE members said the center makes a real difference in their children’s lives.

Buddy Hale, Paiton Smith, Ashley Plesha, and Jalynn Borck, and in the front row, Michele Koch and Karen Keener. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER

“He loves it,” Mary Ann Karn said of her son, Brian Church. “He’s a good basketball player and he has friends here.”

Brian volunteers for Meals on Wheels and has learned through basketball how to share and how to be part of a team, Karn said. Her daughter Heather, also a HOPE member, participates in activities at the center and “likes having things to do.”

Like Karn’s son, Kay Swartzlander’s daughter, Emily Hugus, enjoys being on the HOPE Hoopsters and getting to be part of a team.

Emily has been coming to HOPE for about 20 years now “and absolutely loves it,” said Swartzlander, who recently joined the center’s board. “This is a wonderful place for her. She can do things here with people.” Emily especially enjoys the center’s cooking and nutrition classes.

Angela French’s daughter, also named Emily, has been a member of HOPE for about seven years now. She didn’t want to come at first because “it’s hard to get her to do anything,” French said. “I made her and then she loved it.”

Emily French serves as the HOPE Hoopster’s manager, and in that role she videotapes the games to be posted on Facebook. “It’s hilarious,” French said. The camera gets pointed in all sorts of directions and “you can hear her trashtalking the other team. … She loves doing it.”

“I tell my friends that if you’re having a bad day you need to come watch the HOPE Hoopsters,” Swartzlander said, laughing.

Her daughter’s interests at HOPE include the center’s science classes — such as the one that had her bringing home a chrysalis to watch over all weekend, a task which her mother said she took extremely seriously.

To these moms, as for other parents of people with developmental disabilities, knowing HOPE is a place where their adult children can make friends, be with their peers, do so many types of activities, and be safe for the day, is extremely important.

50th anniversary open house

DATE AND TIME: Thursday, June 18, from 4-7 p.m.

LOCATION: HOPE Community Center, 431 Baker St., Adrian

DETAILS: This open house will include food trucks, a photo booth, outdoor games, cake and snacks, and tours of the HOPE Center.

The center is “a special place that a lot of [communities] do not have,” Swartzlander said. “The members get five full days of programming and I’m just amazed at the kinds of activities they have. And the staff works to help build skills. It is an amazing place.”

One of the many things she finds “fascinating” about HOPE is “to watch these kids” — they may be adults, but to their moms, they’re all still their kids — “who’ve never been able to be leaders do that. Here, they get to be leaders. They get those skills. And they get to be happy.”

All three mothers praised O’Hotzke’s leadership and the connection she has with the members. O’Hotzke has worked at the center for more than a decade and became its executive director last year after serving as interim director for several months.

“Katie is amazing,” Karn said. “The fact that she knows these [members] and she understands them, and they love her.”

O’Hotzke, for her part, is confident that the HOPE Community Center will continue to provide its services to the county’s developmentally disabled residents, and their families, for a long time to come.

“I think we’re in a good position for the next 50 years,” she said. “The need never goes away.”

50th anniversary fundraising challenge

To help celebrate the HOPE Community Center’s milestone anniversary, Doug and Mary Kapnick have committed to a “50th Anniversary Challenge.” The couple will match every gift made or pledged by June 1, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.

But while the Kapnicks may have stepped forward to lead the way in this challenge, they “are most proud of the fact that this small community does big things,” HOPE Development Director Mary Martin said. “It has such care and compassion for the things that are important.”

The center’s broad-based support means that donations come in all sizes. “No gift is too small,” Martin said. “Small gifts accumulate and they become big gifts. We have a broad base of people in this community who understand the importance of this place. It’s really part of the culture of this community.”

For more information on making donations to meet the challenge, go to hopecenteradrian.org or call 517-265-2410.

Pictured harvesting vegetables from the HOPE Center’s garden are Gail Sayler and Mona Moreno. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER

Jacob Tripp and Bryan Hoag play a game of pool at the HOPE Community Center in Adrian. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

The HOPE Community Center has a chapter of the Aktion Club, which is an offshoot of Kiwanis. Pictured here are the club’s board members: in the back row, Robin Krise, Sara Ann Stock,

Kiwanis Canoe Race returns to Tecumseh this spring » PAGE B3

OUR TOWNS

Christie Boxer and her son Benjamin are pictured recently at the community garden on George Street. A community planting day is scheduled for May 23 at the garden, which was started by the Boxer family with help from Adrian Parks and Recreation, and maintained by community volunteers.

ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Volunteers sought for Adrian community garden

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — “Anyone can pitch in, and anyone can enjoy.”

A new face at the Ebeid Center in Adrian » PAGE B8

Second annual native plant sale is May 29 » PAGE B10

Adrian High School students make new bases for Monument Park cannons

ADRIAN

ADRIAN

That’s the philosophy behind the community garden that sits on a small grassy parcel of city land on George Street, along the banks of the River Raisin.

The garden was started in 2017 by Adrian resident Christie Boxer and her family, with help from the city parks department. Since then it’s been maintained not just by the Boxer family, but by the work of community volunteers.

It consists of six raised beds that are planted using the square-foot gardening method, where instead of rows the planting area is divided into squares, each of which can be planted with a different crop.

Volunteers are currently being sought for a community planting day, scheduled for Saturday, May 23, at 10 a.m. At the planting day, volunteers will prepare the beds and then plant four of the beds with various kinds of produce — focusing on things that are both popular and easy to grow, such as peppers, cherry tomatoes, onions, and carrots.

See COMMUNITY GARDEN, page B15

ADRIAN — The 19th-century cannons that surround the Civil War memorial at Adrian’s Monument Park will soon have new bases to replace the old ones that had fallen into disrepair, thanks to students in Tony Aiken’s Introduction to Industrial Arts class at Adrian High School.

The students took on the task of building new bases for the cannons as

part of a larger project to restore the Civil War memorial and the area around it. Interim parks and recreation director Matt Tomaszweski gave Adrian city commissioners an update on the project at the April 20 commission meeting. Tomaszweski reported that new concrete pads are also being poured for the cannons. When the cannons are reinstalled after repairs, they will be arranged symmetrically around the Civil War memorial.

Adrian High School launched its Industrial Arts program last year. In the class, students learn the fundamentals of woodworking and craftsmanship while gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and equipment. Monument Park is located at 436 E. Maumee St. The Civil War monument in the center of the park was dedicated in 1870 to honor soldiers from Adrian who died in the war, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Palmyra Township breaks ground on new fire station

PALMYRA TWP. — Ground was broken on April 18 for Palmyra Township’s new fire station, which will be located next to the township hall at 6490 Palmyra Road.

PALMYRA

The new building will replace the township’s current fire hall on U.S. 223, which was built in 1940 when fire equipment was much smaller. Problems with the current building include not just its size, but also its location, since backedup traffic in front of the station can actually block emergency vehicles. It is also not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

See FIRE STATION, page B15

Adrian High School sophomore Zeke Smart, left, and juniors Jose Calieca and Nolan Wood work on one of the bases that students in Tony Aiken’s Introduction to Industrial Arts class are making for the cannons at Monument Park. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Pictured at the April 18 groundbreaking for the new Palmyra Township fire station are fire chief Paul Rohlan, assistant chief Brian Wilcox, township trustee Mark Crane, state Sen. Joe Bellino, township supervisor Dave Pixley, general contractor Steve Papenhagen, and township clerk Christine Whited. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Habitat for Humanity marks 20th anniversary of ReStore

Store also launches new extended hours for summer

ADRIAN — Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its ReStore, marking two decades of transforming donated goods into affordable housing solutions for local families.

The store — located at 1025 East U.S. 223 in Adrian — is also extending its hours. The new hours are:

n Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

n Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Staying open until 6 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. during the week is intended to provide greater flexibility for customers who have been unable to visit during earlier hours.

“We’re excited to offer expanded hours that better fit our community’s schedule,” said ReStore director Anthony Sacco. “These additional evening hours make it easier for more people to shop, donate, and support our mission.”

The ReStore began in 2006 in a small, uninsulated cement block building on Treat Street. Recognizing the need for a more functional space, the operations moved in 2015 to the current storefront. By 2021, Habitat strategically expanded the facility to bring all of its operations under one roof.

“Every sofa, tool, and piece of lumber sold at our ReStore helps build a foundation for a family’s future,” Sacco said. “Over these 20 years, we’ve seen firsthand how the simple concept of selling donated goods can transform lives and strengthen our community.”

In its 16,000-square-foot space, the Habitat ReStore stocks all kinds of home needs, such as appliances, cabinets, furniture, doors and windows, light fixtures, hardware, and painting supplies. The majority of donations come from individuals in the community, but many items — some new as well as used — come from local retailers and building suppliers.

The ReStore accepts donations five days a week and also offers free scheduled pickups for larger items.

The ReStore serves a dual mission: providing quality, discounted home goods to the public while generating funds for Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County’s homebuilding projects. It also helps the environment by keeping usable materials out of landfills.

Proceeds from the ReStore directly support Habitat Lenawee’s work building and repairing homes throughout the community.

For more information about Habitat or the ReStore, visit habitat-lenawee.org.

THE ART OF CHAINSAW CARVING

Anthony Sacco, director of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, moves an oven into place at the store. The ReStore, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, is now open until 6 p.m. four days a week. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Nick Smith of Dayton, Ohio, puts the finishing touches on a sculpture he carved using chainsaws and other tools during a customer appreciation open house at Bill’s Service in Blissfield on April 18. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

is the vice president of continuing education at Sam Beauford

Institute.

Local woman recognized for impact on skilled trades education

ADRIAN — Carolyn Racine, vice president of continuing education at Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian, was recognized recently with a 2026 Michigan Works! Southeast Impact Award, celebrating her career journey and the growing impact of skilled trades education in Lenawee County.

Racine was honored on April 8 during the annual Michigan Works! Impact Awards lunch in Heritage Hall at the Michigan state capitol. The statewide event recognizes individuals and organizations that strengthen Michigan’s economy through job creation, transformational training, and talent development.

Racine’s story reflects that mission: She left California and returned home to Michigan to attend SBWI’s furniture design program. After graduation, and with support from Michigan Works, she was able to access additional career training and support, moving directly into a newly created role that has expanded the school’s continuing education offerings.

Series spotlighting original music begins on June 4 in Hudson

HUDSON

HUDSON — The Celebrate Hudson Music in the Park series, which brings talented bands and singer-songwriters to play free outdoor concerts in Hudson every summer, is returning this year starting June 4.

All the concerts are on Thursday evenings starting at 6:30 p.m. on the campus of the Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry, 550 E. Main St.

The concert series focuses on acoustic music and singer-songwriters performing original work.

June 4: Diamonds in the Rust. This quintet is made up of two Michigan duos — Annie and Rod Capps, and Jan Krist and Jim Bizer — joined by percussionist and composer Alan Finkbeiner.

June 18: Judy Banker Band. Judy Banker is known for her hook-driven songs with intensively personal, evocative lyrics, and her singular,

The duo Flagship Romance, pictured here in 2024, will return for this year’s Celebrate Hudson Music in the Park series.

expressive voice. She combined compelling lyrics with traditional country instruments such as acoustic guitar, dobro, pedal steel, and banjo.

July 9: Flagship Romance and The Rough and Tumble. After years of friendship and crossing paths at numerous folk festivals, these two duos joined forces with their “Rough Romance Tour” in 2024. Following the success of that partnership, they’re bringing the tour to the Midwest this summer.

July 23: Jon Shain. Born in North Carolina and raised in New England, Shain is known for his lyrics, his fiery acoustic guitar work, and his musical style that combines improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime.

July 30: Stone and Snow. Cincinnatibased songwriters Karen Bridges and Clint Thomson are the heart of a genrebending Americana band with close harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and a name that invokes mighty mountain landscapes.

Aug. 13: Reckless Saints. This Florida-based duo describes their music as “blue-twangled folk ’n’ roll.”

Kiwanis Canoe Race returns to Tecumseh

SERVICE CLUBS ROUNDUP

TECUMSEH — After missing a year in 2025, the Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh is hosting its traditional Canoe Race on Saturday, June 6. The event, which takes place on the River Raisin on the north side of Tecumseh, was canceled last year due to construction issues along the race route.

Event organizers Jake Wright and Jane Poczatek are hoping that momentum won’t be lost due to the cancelation of the race last year.

The starting line for the race is located at the Staib Road bridge on the north side of Tecumseh. There is a channel that runs parallel to Staib Road where the boats are “stacked up” before the race. Racers paddle out from the channel one boat at the time, with one boat leaving every minute.

The race route goes along the river to Red Mill Pond and over the portage to the Red Mill Dam, then on through Globe Mill Pond. The route is just under five miles and Wright said winners finish the race in just under an hour.

Over 30 volunteers, including the Tecumseh Scout Troop, will be available

See RACINE, page B4 See SERVICE CLUBS, page B4

Carolyn Racine

Woodworking

put their boats in the water at the 2024 Kiwanis Canoe Race in Tecumseh.

An interview

“What are you going to write about this week?” asks my beloved wife Marsha as I sit down at my keyboard.

“I’m going to report on an interview,” I say.

“What interview?” she asks.

“I’m going to interview myself,” I say. “Nobody else will do it.”

She shakes her head and goes to the kitchen to get some breakfast.

She’s probably right. It’s probably a bad idea.

“Jim,” I say to myself. “Why do you write these columns?”

“Because I like to write. I always have,” I answer. “And if it brings a little pleasure to other people — good.”

“So you’re not doing it for the fan mail?”

“What fan mail?”

“What’s your favorite topic to write about?” I ask myself.

“I like to complain. About litter along every roadway. About big time politicians. About overpopulation, over-development of land, about car ads that show people driving up mountains and through rivers, destroying the earth. About wars, famine, hatred. Vaccine ignorance. Fun stuff like that,” I say with a sigh.

“I don’t remember reading any of your columns about that kind of thing,” I say to myself.

“Those are the ones I throw away. There’s no point sharing misery,” I answer.

“You mean you write stories and throw them away?”

“Sure. If they don’t make me smile, I toss ’em since they probably won’t make anyone else smile either. Smiles are in short supply some days.”

“What are the hardest things to write?” my interviewing self asks.

“Tall tales. Every now and then I try to invent a tall tale in which an improbable problem is solved by an outlandish solution. It’s very difficult.”

“Isn’t such a story just a big fat lie?” I ask myself.

“No,” I say, lying.

“So, then, when you’re not writing a bona fide tall tale, you are telling the absolute truth when you write?”

Racine

from page B3

“I’ve felt really supported,” Racine said. “In this role, I get to connect with instructors around the country to develop our classes. I feel that I’ve grown my network in a really meaningful way.”

Service clubs

from page B3

at the start of the race to help get boats in the water and over the portage to help carry boats over the dam. The race ends at the Tecumseh Paddling Company where rented boats are returned. A food truck, beverages and a DJ will be on hand to help with the celebration.

Poczatek said the Canoe Race is open to those with all levels of boating skills.

“They don’t have to be a professional canoer or kayaker to come enjoy the day,” Poczatek said.

“This is actually for someone who’s a beginning kayaker or canoer,” she added. “It is easy for them to navigate.”

The Canoe Race originally ran from the 1970s until 1985, Wright said. The Kiwanis Club planned to start the race again in 2020, but had to postpone it until 2021 because of the pandemic. The

JIM WHITEHOUSE

“Yes. Every word is true,” I say, crossing my fingers under the keyboard.

“What about the names of the people you write about, such as Turk Mudge and Dr. Ciderman? Are they real people or do you make them up?”

“You’d have to ask them,” I say. “I can’t speak for others.”

“I understand that you have grandchildren. Do you ever tell them stories?”

“Every chance I get.”

“Do they believe your stories?”

“Never. At the end of every story, all four of them ask the same exact question.”

“

“What question?”

‘Grandma, is that true?’”

“Ahh. I see. And what does Grandma say?”

“Grandma, being my beloved wife Marsha, always says the exact same thing. She says, ‘What do you think?’ ”

“What do the grandchildren say to that?”

“They turn back to me and say, ‘Pa Duck, is that story true?’ ”

“Your grandchildren call you Pa Duck?”

“Yes. I quack at them.”

“How do you answer them when they ask you if the story is true?”

“‘Ask your grandmother.’”

“That’s circular.”

“It can go on and on until they fall asleep.”

“Final question: Why do you always refer to her as your beloved wife?”

“Because it is true. And it clears up confusion since my brother Bill is also married to Marsha Whitehouse. She’s Marsha A. and my beloved wife is Marsha B. Those are their real middle initials.”

“Confusing.”

“That’s what I just said.”

“Oh. I didn’t catch that.”

“Pay closer attention, you fool.”

Jim Whitehouse grew up in Morenci, practiced law in Hudson, and now lives in Albion.

Dena Koehn, vice president of enrollment for the woodworking institute, said Racine’s leadership has played an important role in the school’s recent momentum. That growth comes at a significant moment as the woodworking institute prepares to build a new campus in Adrian Township, scheduled to open in the fall of 2027.

race route itself is exactly the same as the original route.

“We haven’t changed a thing,” he said.

Wright’s interest in the Canoe Race came from his father, Tom Wright, and Kimble Wright, his father’s cousin. Together, they won the race in 1985 and went on to race in the Michigan Canoe Racing Association.

“My dad always talked about how great the Tecumseh race was,” he said.

Preparations for the race start in May with a river cleanup along the race route to remove trees and other debris that has fallen into the river “to keep that stretch open and passable,” Wright said.

“There’s hundreds of man hours that go into this race,” he said.

Entry forms for the Canoe Race are available through a link on the club website at tecumsehkiwanis.org or by scanning the QR code on fliers that are posted around Tecumseh. The cost of the race is $20 per person, with a

County library offers program on documenting genealogy

ADRIAN — You’ve done all the hard work with your genealogy research, but do you know how to compile it all?

The Lenawee District Library will offer a program on documenting genealogy on Tuesday, May 12, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the main library branch, 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian.

At this class, led by Julie Olin, attendees will explore different methods of keeping your research organized so you always know where you’ve been, what you found, and what you need to do next.

The program is free but registration is required. Call 517-263-1011 to sign up.

Library book sale is May 22-23

ADRIAN — The Lenawee District Library’s book sale will take place on Friday, May 22, from noon to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Guests can browse through gently used books, pick up a new puzzle, or grab a few magazines. The library is located at 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian.

Blood drive set for May 5 at Gleaner

Gleaner Life Insurance Society will host a Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, May 5, to help the Red Cross deal with low blood supplies.

The May 5 drive is planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the society’s headquarters at 5200 W. U.S. Highway 223 in Adrian, Michigan. People willing to try giving blood can go online to www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/ find-drive and type in the sponsor code GLEANER to schedule a time. In addition to incentives offered by the Red Cross, participants will be entered in a drawing for a restaurant gift card to help celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

REUNIONS

Adrian High School Class of 1966: The 60th reunion will take place at Hills of Lenawee Golf Club, 4110 Country Club Road, Adrian. More info: Karen (Woerner) Collins, 517-263-4702.

Adrian High School Class of 1976: The Class of ’76 will have their 50th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Hills of Lenawee Golf Club, 4110 Country Club Road, Adrian. More info: James Gilmartin, james.gilmartin@yahoo.com.

Adrian High School Class of 1986: Reunion will take place on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher Rd., Adrian. More info: Jackie Peterson kooterjakeb4@yahoo.com.

Adrian High School Class of 1996: The Class of ’96 will have their 30th reunion on Saturday, June 27.

Onsted all-school reunion: Onsted’s all-school reunion is scheduled for Saturday, August 1.

Bixby/Herrick Reunion: A reunion for all employees, volunteers, or physicians from Bixby or Herrick hospitals will take place on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 1-4 p.m. at Hidden River North clubhouse, 975 W. Beecher St., Adrian.

Please email reunion notices to Linda Cline at lcline@lenaweevoice.com.

Luke Barnett, founder and president of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, said Racine’s recognition is also a celebration of what happens when local talent is supported, trained, and empowered to lead.

“Carolyn’s journey is exactly the kind of story that shows why workforce development matters,” Barnett said. “She represents the creativity, leadership, and momentum that are helping shape the future of skilled trades in Michigan.”

discount available for youth categories. Racers can use their own boat or rent one for the race at a cost of $5.

Kiwanis Flag Projects: The Kiwanis Club of Morenci is accepting orders for its Flag Project for 2026. Anyone who does not live in Morenci but is interested in purchasing a flag for display in Morenci is invited to participate as well. Flags are $50 for the year. More information is available by finding the club on Facebook.

The Kiwanis Club of Adrian is also sponsoring its annual Flag Project. For more information and an order form, visit Kiwanis Club of Adrian on Facebook or call 517-270-4350.

The Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh is sponsoring a Flag Project for 2026. Cost of each initial subscription is $40, and additional flags are $35 each. Discounts for early payment are available. More information is available at tecumsehkiwanis.org.

The Michigan Works! Impact Awards are held annually to honor those contributing to Michigan’s economic strength through talent pipeline development and workforce innovation.

The Kiwanis Club of Addison is sponsoring a Flag Project for 2026. Cost is $40 a year for one American flag and $30 a year for each additional flag at the same location. For information on ordering flags and payment options, call or text 517-416-1233 or email Addison Kiwanis49220@gmail.com.

The Kiwanis Club of Onsted is sponsoring a Flag Project for 2026. Information in available at www. onstedflagproject.com, by calling 517-467-7874, or by emailing info@ onstedflagproject.com.

Onsted Kiwanis Golf Scramble: The Kiwanis Club of Onsted will hold a Scramble Golf Outing on Thursday, June 11, at the Devils Lake Golf Course, 14600 U.S. 223, Manitou Beach. Cost is $60 per person. Registration is at 8 a.m. and tee-off is at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Charles Van Wagner Scholarship Fund.

— Compiled by Julie C. Clemes

Adrian library’s technology classes continue

ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library is hosting in-person classes to help participants gain confidence and new skills using their computer. Classes will be held at the library, 143 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian. To register, stop by the library or call 517-265-2265.

Computer Basics Part One: Tuesday, May 12, 1-2:45 p.m. In this class, you’ll learn about the components of a computer, how to use a mouse and keyboard to navigate a computer, and the basics of the Windows 11 operating

IN BRIEF

Gleaner

appoints new chief operating officer

ADRIAN — Gleaner Life Insurance Society has promoted vice president and national sales director Matt Taylor to the position of chief operating officer. In this expanded role, Taylor will lead sales, marketing, operations and member services, and information technology and compliance.

The promotion was announced by Gleaner president and CEO Todd Warner, who cited Taylor’s strong performance in his first year guiding Gleaner’s Sales team.

“This is a strategic step forward for Gleaner,” Warner stated. “By aligning these key functions under Matt’s leadership, we are strengthening collaboration, enhancing decisionmaking, and positioning the organization to build on the strong momentum we’ve achieved — especially the impressive sales results delivered in the first quarter.”

Taylor joined Gleaner Life in 2025 while marking his 25th year in the insurance industry.

Free shredding day at TLC

BLISSFIELD — People with documents they need to shred are welcome to take advantage of TLC Community Credit Union’s Free Shred Day on Friday, May 15, from 1-4 p.m. at 9017 East U.S. 223, Blissfield. For more information, call 517-263-9120.

system. This class is intended for people who have little to no experience using computers.

Internet Basics: Thursday, May 14, 10-11:45 a.m. This in-person workshop is for those who are new to the internet or want to build more confidence finding information online and navigating websites. Attendees will learn about web browsers and search engines, build skills to navigate the internet, and discover tips and tricks for basic and advanced searching online.

Computer Basics Part Two: Tuesday, May 19, 1-2:45 p.m. If you know a bit about using a mouse and keyboard but don’t know your way around using a computer just yet, this is the class for you. Learn how to use a PC with the Windows 11 operating system.

Email Basics: Wednesday, May 20, 10-11:45 a.m. This in-person workshop is for those who are new to using email or want to build more confidence using email. Attendees will create a Gmail account, and learn how to perform

basic email functions such as sending, receiving, and replying to email.

Computer Basics Part Three: Tuesday, May 26, 1-2:45 p.m. Learn how to create and organize files and folders using the Windows 11 operating system. Introduction to AI (Artificial Intelligence): Wednesday, May 27, 1-2:45 p.m. or 6-7:45 p.m. Learn what AI is and how you can use it to enhance your creativity and productivity. Learn best uses of systems such as ChatGPT, as well as common pitfalls of AI and its social impact.

Tax season debrief: Three common regrets

If you’re like many donors, the weeks leading up to tax deadlines tend to bring charitable giving into sharper focus. You may have finalized contributions, gathered documentation, or had conversations with your CPA about how your philanthropy fits into your overall financial plan.

After the deadline has passed, it’s tempting to move on and not revisit these decisions until later in the year. But the weeks immediately following filing your tax return are actually one of the best times to take a step back and reflect — while the details are still fresh. This is especially important in 2026 because so many tax laws have changed.

If you experienced any surprises this tax season, that’s especially worth discussing. Often, small adjustments made early in the year — rather than in December — can lead to better outcomes both financially and philanthropically.

Here are common regrets and how the Lenawee Community Foundation can help for the 2026 tax year and beyond.

Giving cash instead of appreciated assets

Many donors regret using cash or credit cards to make large donations instead of gifting appreciated assets (such as stocks, mutual funds, or real estate) held for more than one year.

The regret: Selling assets to donate the cash results in paying capital gains tax on the profit.

The better move: By donating the asset directly to your fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation or to another qualified charity, you may be able to avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation and deduct the full fair market value if you itemize.

levels. This free series will continue and include new offerings.

Missing out on “bunching” to surpass the standard deduction

The standard deduction was increased under 2017 changes to the tax laws and has stayed high ever since. This can cause missed opportunities for charitable deductions.

The regret: Spreading donations evenly across the years and not exceeding the standard deduction threshold.

The better move: “Bunching” multiple years of donations into a single tax year by using a donor-advised fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation to exceed the standard deduction and claim a tax deduction for that year.

Pro tip: Planning around tax rules is especially important for 2026 and future tax years because not only is the standard deduction still high, but also charitable deductions are now subject to a 0.5% “floor” and a 35% cap. Be sure to talk with your tax advisors early in the year to structure a plan that will work best for you.

Lack of proper documentation

Sadly, many donors fail to keep adequate records, leading to potential deductions being disallowed by the IRS.

The mistake: Failing to get written acknowledgment from the charity for donations over $250, or not having a bank record for smaller cash gifts.

The problem: Without documentation, even genuine donations can be disallowed upon audit.

Honorable mentions

Beyond the “big three,” donors also report regrets such as:

n Overlooking IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Taxpayers 70½ or older forget they can directly donate to charity from their IRAs, which can help satisfy RMD obligations without increasing their taxable income. (Note that changes may be coming that could allow you to use QCDs to fund your donor-advised fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation. Currently, QCDs can fund other types of funds at the Foundation, but not donor-advised funds.)

n Donating to non-qualified entities. Giving to organizations that are not 501(c)(3) nonprofits, meaning that these donations are not tax-deductible. Working with the experienced team at the Lenawee Community Foundation can help you avoid this pitfall.

n Overvaluing non-cash donations. Inflating the value of donated goods (such as clothing or used cars) rather than using their fair market value (thrift store value). This could come back to bite you in an audit!

Hoping to avoid tax season remorse next year? Please reach out to the team at the Lenawee Community Foundation. Whether you established a fund at the Foundation years ago, recently became a fund holder, or are considering doing so this year, we are here for you. Call 517-263-4696, contact forlenawee@ lenaweecf.com, or visit lenaweecf.com.

Bronna Kahle is president and CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation.

ADRIAN — The following programs are planned for May at the Ebeid Center, 801 E. Maumee St., Adrian. The center is a program of the ProMedica Ebeid Neighborhood Promise. For more information, email AdrianENP@ ProMedica.org or call 517-264-1365.

Body Burn (offered by the YMCA at 801 E. Maumee St.) — Mondays, May 4, 11, and 18 at 4 p.m. A highenergy workout for adults. Body Burn uses strength circuits, core training, and short cardio bursts to build strength and endurance using just your body weight. Yoga for Seniors (offered by the YMCA at 801 E. Maumee St.) — Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 4 p.m. These classes are appropriate for all skill

Diaper Bank Pop-Up (Lenawee Great Start Collaborative) — Tuesday, May 5, 4-5:30 p.m. Do you need diapers? Stop in to pick up a week’s worth of diapers. WIC will be on site with enrollment guidance and other helpful resources.

The Whole Sex Talk (presented by Care Pregnancy Center) — Thursday, May 7, 6:30 p.m. This curriculum helps parents have healthy, confident conversations about love, sex, and relationships while providing practical tools, guidance, and encouragement. Community Coalition Meeting (East Adrian Community Coalition) — Monday, May 11 from 5-6 p.m. The coalition meets the second Monday of every month.

Understanding Your Credit (presented by County National Bank) — Tuesday, May 12, from 5:30-7 p.m.

Learn about the Fair Credit Reporting Act, how to establish or repair your credit and achieve financial stability and self sufficiency.

Spring Wildflowers (Lenawee Conservation District) — Thursday, May 14, from 6-7 p.m. Learn about the spring flowers around us, with emphasis on native plants. Plants will be available for you to jump start your own garden.

Virtual Realty Career Exploration (presented by Michigan Works) — Wednesday, May 20, from 3:30-5 p.m. Explore more than 20 hands-on career simulations with virtual reality headsets including aviation, healthcare, engineering, construction, and other trades. Adults and kids 12 and up are welcome.

Fathers of Lenawee (facilitated by De’Angelo Boone) — Tuesday, May 26, from 4-5 p.m. All fathers are invited to be a part of this group.

Rent for Success — Wednesday, May 27, 5:30-7 p.m. Learn about tenants’ rights and more. Registration required. Blood Pressure Bingo (East Adrian Community Coalition ) — Friday, May 29 from 5:30-7 p.m. Free Bingo with a twist. Participants will have the opportunity to have their blood pressure taken and win a fit-bit style blood pressure wrist band, a blood pressure cuff, other prizes and learn important blood-pressure related health facts all while having fun with friends and neighbors.

Coalition Activity Planning (East Adrian Community Coalition) — Monday, June, at 5 p.m. The coalition activity planning committee meets on the first Monday of every month. Help shape activities that build strong relationships among neighbors, promote a positive community spirit, and provide enriching experiences for all ages.

BRONNA KAHLE

Matt Taylor

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Gleaner Life group donates ‘comfort kits’ for kids

ADRIAN — Children displaced or affected by an emergency may soon receive a fleece blanket, teddy bear, and fidget toys from several Lenawee County first responders, thanks to 50 “comfort kits” donated by Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s Legacy Arbor. The service group recently provided these kits to help soothe children during emergency situations in the Addison, Adrian, Adrian Township, Cambridge Township, Madison Township and Palmyra Township areas.

First responders are often called during moments of crisis when children may feel overwhelmed, frightened, and uncertain. The comfort kits are designed

to provide a small sense of security and calm during such difficult times. Legacy Arbor members hope these donations will serve as a reminder that even in the most challenging moments, the community stands together.

“At Gleaner, we believe in giving back in ways that truly make a difference,” said service group member Todd Frederick, who suggested the program. “These kits are a simple gesture, but they can bring comfort when it’s needed most.”

Founded in 1894, Gleaner Life Insurance Society is a nationally recognized not-for-profit fraternal benefit society.

Grab Shack offers deals in Morenci

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

MORENCI — If you spend a lot of time looking for discarded, thrown-out and used items, then you have to find something to do with them. Branden Kaufman and his mother, Ann McClure, opened The Grab Shack in Morenci as a place to sell all the stuff Kaufman finds along the way.

MORENCI

The Grab Shack opened a year ago on Main Street in Morenci, then Kaufman and McClure moved the store to its current location on North Street in July. The building originally served as the Hal C. Blair Hospital in the early 1900s, and still features the original fireplace and wood parquet flooring from that time.

Business has improved since the move to North Street, McClure said, because of available parking and a better location for foot traffic.

Kaufman, who is a content creator, likes to dumpster dive, buy abandoned storage units, shop garage sales and buy liquidation pallets. He makes videos of his adventures and posts them on Facebook, YouTube and TikTok, and has 3 million followers between two of those platforms. The name of the store came from an idea from one of his subscribers.

The idea of opening the store came from the need to sell the things he finds. Because he lives in Morenci, it seemed like a good place for the store.

“I accumulate stuff, so I just wanted to have a spot to bring my stuff to sell,” Kaufman said, “and bring something different to Morenci.”

The store is a combination of a thrift shop and a liquidation shop as well. The

merchandise is both new and gently used, while the used merchandise comes from dumpster diving and garage sales. New merchandise comes from Amazon and Kohls, and is priced from 30% to 60% off. McClure said the ideas for merchandise come from customers’ suggestions.

“It’s been kind of like a trial and error, what people want,” she said. “We bring in things people want that you can’t find anywhere else in town.”

Items for sale may include personal care items, crafts, toys, DVDs, household products, electronics, tools, outdoor items, appliances and seasonal goods. New to the store are five-gallon buckets of laundry detergent. The merchandise and specials change every week.

“You never know what you’re going to find,” McClure said.

The Grab Shack is located at 124 North Street, Morenci. More information is available by email at grabitfast@gmail. com or via Facebook. Hours vary weekly and are posted on Facebook on Sundays.

Legacy Arbor’s Kristin Horton, left, is pictured delivering a bag of comfort kits at the Adrian Fire Department.

Ann McClure and Branden Kaufman operate The Grab Shack at 124 North St. in Morenci. JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

Whistlin’ Woodpecker hopes to draw antiques lovers to Clinton

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The Whistlin’ Woodpecker isn’t an easy name to forget. Owners Kenny and Lindsey Lindsay are hoping the quirky name will draw both vendors and customers into their new business venture on U.S. 12 in Clinton.

CLINTON

The Lindsays bought the former U.S. 12 Vintage Market in December. The “lock, stock and barrel” sale meant that the Lindsays would keep the vendors who already had booths. They also added new vendors, so that the 40 booths in the market are full of merchandise for sale.

Kenny has extensive background in the vintage and antiques business. He partnered in Town & Country Antiques in Livonia for 25 years. He is also a certified appraiser through the state of Michigan for both insurance companies and private homeowners.

He is also a professional auctioneer and, in 2022, became one of the youngest professional auctioneer inducted into the Michigan Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame.

The Lindsays see ownership of The Whistlin’ Woodpecker as “more of a challenge, if anything.”

“I wanted to revive the small town retail,” Kenny said.

“When I came in here, I just saw a lot of different things that we could revive and revamp and I thought it would make a big difference,” he added. “It brings new life to a longtime location.”

New lighting makes the store brighter and the merchandise easier to see. On the outside, the row of American flags along the front of the business make it easy to find. The Lindsays want to bring in more antiques and specialty items, like vintage clothing and sports memorabilia. The market currently has 40 small business dealers and there is a waiting list of vendors who want to rent a booth.

“It brings new life to a longtime location,” Kenny said.

Lindsey described the merchandise as “newer home decor mixed in with older antiques and vintage things.” The merchandise in the store changes almost daily.

“It’s a great gift-giving solution that’s unique,” she said.

The Lindsays are hoping that the upgrades and other changes they’ve made will attract business to The Whistlin’ Woodpecker.

“I want to make it a destination location along U.S. 12,” Kenny said.

“It’s great for rainy days,” he continued. “It’s a great place to stop in and have some fun.”

Employees Pam Springer and Lois Seager stayed on when the Lindsays purchased the vintage market.

The Whistlin’ Woodpecker Vintage Market is located at 2751 W. Michigan Ave. in Clinton. More information is available on Facebook, or by calling 517-701-1005. Currently, the hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday to 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The market is closed on Mondays. Summer hours start on Memorial Day.

Kenny and Lindsey Lindsay own the Whistlin’ Woodpecker on U.S. 12 in Clinton.

JULIE C. CLEMES/LENAWEE VOICE

Ebeid Neighborhood Promise hires community health and engagement coordinator

ADRIAN — The ProMedica Adrian Ebeid Neighborhood Promise recently announced the hiring of Brian D. Jones to complete the Adrian Ebeid Neighborhood Promise Community Resilience team.

Jones brings a blend of leadership, community engagement and wellness-focused experience to the Ebeid Center team. He has more than 14 years of leadership experience in operations and team management, along with more than five years working within clinical and mental health environments. His background spans construction management, psychology, life coaching, health care systems and community mentorship.

In addition to his professional experience, Jones has served in several leadership and governance roles, including board and financial leadership positions with the Croswell Opera House, and has demonstrated

a deep commitment to community engagement, mentorship and strategic planning. He recently earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Toledo.

In his new role, Jones is focused on community health and engagement. He is responsible for promoting ProMedica’s Adrian Ebeid Neighborhood Promise programs, workshops and classes, as well as extending invitations to community members who will benefit from these offerings. He is especially passionate about removing barriers, improving processes and supporting the well-being of individuals and communities.

“We’re excited to have Brian join ProMedica’s Adrian ENP team,” said Lynne Punnett, manager of community resilience for the ProMedica Adrian Ebeid Neighborhood Promise. “He offers a thoughtful, people-centered approach and brings valuable experience that will help deepen our connection with the community. Brian’s commitment to supporting individuals and creating more accessible, effective programs will be a great asset as we continue advancing the mission of ProMedica’s Ebeid Neighborhood Promise.”

Morenci Area Schools’ student-led farmers market is May 16 at Wakefield Park

Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to

This event is organized and run by students as part of a hands-on class experience, giving them the opportunity to learn real-world skills in planning, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

It’s part of a class run by science teacher Grace Gierucki.

The market will feature a variety of vendors, including local favorite Yankee Doodle Dogs, who will be serving up hot dogs from their classic cart. Attendees can also shop a selection of plants from R&W Nursery, along with goods from local crafters and vendors offering items such as baked goods, honey, jams, soaps, and more.

The student-led market continues to grow each year, bringing the community together while showcasing the hard work and creativity of Morenci students.

Brian Jones

Students Allison Jimenez-Cruz and Cassidy Stuck help a customer with her order at last year’s student-run farmers market at Wakefield Park. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

MORENCI — Morenci Area Schools will host its fourth annual farmers market at Wakefield Park on

1 p.m.

Student Graysen Perez and teacher Grace Gierucki carry flats of plants last spring at the Morenci Area Schools student-run market at Wakefield Park.

LAND & WATER

Local farmer among four finalists for statewide Farm Bureau honor

LANSING — Four finalists have been announced for Michigan Farm Bureau’s 2026 Young Farmer Agriculture Leader Award, celebrating outstanding young leaders in the state’s farm sector.

The Young Farmer Agriculture Leader Award honors successful young agriculturalists who earn the majority of their income from a farm operation, for their outstanding leadership in Farm Bureau, farming and throughout the agricultural community.

One of the finalists is Lenawee County farmer Daniel Ringkvist.

Ringkvist raises 500 acres of corn, soybeans and just enough hay to keep things interesting. He also has an excavation company on the side and readily takes on work laying tile, clearing drains, maintaining ponds and cleaning out fence lines.

“I farm independently and have an amazing group of friends and family who provide assistance when needed — or even some encouraging words to brighten my day,” he said.

Ringkvist counts that independent status among his greatest accomplishments to date: “It has been so rewarding to be able to live my life on the farm.”

He credits the Young Farmer program for much of that success, and embraces opportunities to mentor peers and nudge them closer to their own goals.

His to-do list includes verification in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program: “I’m excited. It’s something I have been working on for quite some time.”

“Farm Bureau is an amazing program,” Ringkvist said. “The networking, the helpful staff… There’s no better team I would want to be part of. They’ve done so much to help shape me into the man I am today.”

The other three finalists are Joshua Haubenstricker from Saginaw County, Kyle Rasch from Ottawa County, and Taylor Schomaker from Saginaw County.

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.

April fires bring May flowers

A prescribed burn near Adrian shows how fire can aid in ecological restoration

By Kadi Franson The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — In a wooded lot south of Adrian, smoke is rising through the air.

Curious neighbors emerge for a closer look as a prescribed burn crew from Iron Creek Ecological Restoration sets fire to their neighbor’s land.

Jerry Liedel meanders across an adjacent fallow cornfield to chat. He gestures to the wooded area. “All this used to be farmland,” he says. At 75, he has witnessed decades of change in this landscape.

Nowadays, the parcel before us holds a young oak-hickory forest. Sugar maples tower over the low-lying areas, and a small stand of American plums grows nearby. It’s springtime. Garlic mustard sprouts everywhere. Tree leaves are unfurling, and the invasive bush honeysuckle draws a bright green line through the understory: a monoculture that has only become dominant in the area over the last 50 to 75 years, within Jerry’s lifetime.

As someone who hunts the property for deer, he expresses his appreciation for the burn — it will improve hunting visibility and help keep tick populations down. “They don’t make any more land,”

Jerry told me. “The land we got, we gotta take care of.”

Landowners bear the responsibility of caring for their land’s health, yet many remain unaware of the degradation underway. And once established, invasive shrubs are stubborn opponents.

This is Dawn Thomas’ second time burning her land. Today’s fire will set back many of the invasive sprouts and saplings while helping to defend the remaining open areas.

See BURN, page B11

Anna Snoeyink draws a line of fire using a drip torch at a prescribed burn on April 21 near Adrian. PHOTOS BY KADI FRANSON/LENAWEE VOICE

The bulk of the day’s work is spent on preparation: checking equipment, filling water tanks, building fire breaks and walking the unit to look for exclusion areas. The burning itself typically takes less than a few hours.

Daniel Ringkvist

Western Lake Erie Basin conference set for June 23

Annual conference will take place at Adrian College

ADRIAN — The 2026 State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference, organized by the University of Michigan Water Center, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at the Adrian

Tobias Center at Adrian College.

The conference will focus on tri-state progress, project updates, and community resilience in reducing nutrient pollution in Michigan’s watersheds that drain into the Western Basin of Lake Erie. The conference will include a mix of plenary, concurrent, and poster sessions where attendees will learn about:

Annual native plant sale set for May 29 in Tecumseh

TECUMSEH — The River Raisin Watershed Council will host its second annual native plant sale on Friday, May 29, at 804 N. Evans St., Tecumseh.

Early-bird entry is offered for $5 from 2 to 3 p.m., then free admission runs from 3 to 7:30 p.m.

The native plant sale is intended to include everything gardeners need to create a thriving, sustainable landscape with plants native to this region.

Plant vendors will include Feral Flora, Windy Rock Farm, and Liv’s Native Nursery. Master Gardeners from the Little Garden Club of Tecumseh will be available to answer questions and offer guidance on species selection.

The event will also include kids’ activities.

For more information, call the watershed council at 517-662-8755 or go to riverraisin.org.

Sense of Place Home Walk series returns

The Grand-Raisin Conservation Community, a member of the Stewardship Network, is hosting its Sense of Place Home Walk Series again this spring and summer.

The series encourages connections to the land by giving people the opportunity to tour natural landscapes in southeast Michigan. The walks take place in a variety of natural areas, both

public and private, and each tour is led by somebody with a special connection to that particular location.

The series highlights the essential foundation that natural landscapes have in our lives through open-ended group exploration of natural areas.

To see a list of upcoming Home Walk dates and locations, go to stewardshipnetwork.org/events.

n Domestic Action Plan (DAP) updates from the EPA and from Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.

n Performance-based conservation adoption program.

n 319 watershed management plans.

n Seneca State Game Area.

n Nutrient reducing wetlands.

n Ferric chloride phosphorus

reduction in wastewater.

n Edge-of-field engineering practices.

n Crop yield and water quality modeling.

n State-funded DAP project updates.

Participants can register online at graham.umich.edu/event/2026-statewestern-lake-erie-basin-conference.

The registration deadline is June 17.

Pulling weeds in the park

Volunteers needed to help remove garlic mustard

TECUMSEH — “Garlic mustard” sounds harmless, right? Lots of people love garlic, and hot dogs just wouldn’t be the same without mustard. But garlic mustard isn’t a tasty seasoning; rather it’s an aggressive weed that can take over entire ecosystems. Forests are especially vulnerable, since they feature the moist, well-drained soil that garlic mustard prefers.

Tecumseh’s Indian Crossing Trails Park has been invaded by garlic mustard in multiple locations, and volunteers are needed to help eradicate it.

“Invasive species matter because they out-compete native species, which native insects and birds depend on,” said Sarah Gilmore, Tecumseh’s parks and recreation director. “When we remove garlic mustard, we allow native wildflowers like bloodroot, trillium, and mayapple to survive and thrive.”

Tecumseh Parks and Recreation is hosting hands-on stewardship opportunities this spring when volunteers can help control the weed.

Garlic mustard is easy to identify and hand-pulling is the preferred method of removal.

“Volunteers removing invasives have really made a positive difference over the past four or five years,” Gilmore said. “This is a great project for families with kids, or scouts that need service opportunities.”

Garlic mustard is a one- to twofoot-tall plant with serrated leaves and clusters of tiny, white, four-petaled flowers that bloom in early spring. It smells like garlic when crushed. The plant was introduced into North America as a garden herb by European settlers; it escaped cultivation and now threatens natural areas throughout Michigan.

For more information, contact Gilmore at 517-423-5602 or email sgilmore@tecumseh.mi.us.

Upcoming garlic mustard removal dates are:

n Saturday, May 9, from 10-11 a.m. at the Hayden-Ford Mill building, 703 E. Chicago Blvd.

n Thursday, May 14, from 6–7 p.m. at Standish Dam, 220 Burt St.

Volunteers take part in a garlic mustard pull last year. PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE WALSH

People browse the displays at last year’s native plant sale hosted by the River Raisin Watershed Council. KADI FRANSON/LENAWEE VOICE FILE PHOTO

Tree plantings are part of effort to address stormwater issues in Lenawee County

TECUMSEH — What is stormwater, and why should you care about it?

For many people, the answer to both questions is “no idea.” So representatives of the River Raisin Watershed Council, City of Tecumseh, ReTree Tecumseh, and Lenawee Conservation District are coming together to raise awareness about stormwater and its impact on water quality.

Stormwater is the term for rain or melted snow that does not soak into the ground. Instead, it runs off impermeable surfaces like rooftops, paved streets, and lawns. It picks up gas, oil, other pollutants, and sediment as it travels through gutters and storm sewers, and

Burn

from page B9

Her property is not an outlier in Lenawee County. To the untrained eye, the abundant greenery makes the land appear vibrant and alive. But these dense invasive thickets leaf out early, outcompeting understory natives for sunlight, moisture, and nutrients, diminishing biodiversity and habitat, and ultimately degrading forests by reducing their capacity to sustain life. And fire alone isn’t enough to stop them. Restoration often requires years of an integrated approach to restore balance: manual removal, cut-and-poison work, repeated burning, monitoring, and sometimes reseeding with native species. The wind blows, carrying flames across the dried oak leaves. Anna Snoeyink holds a drip torch and draws a line of fire along the perimeter of the woods. It is her 12th year on the burn crew.

As she passes, I ask her what motivates her. She smiles and shouts over the crackle of the fire, “I do it for the bloodroot!”

Bloodroot is a native spring ephemeral named after the bright red sap contained within the stem. Interestingly, this species is “planted” by ants, who are attracted to a tasty part of the seeds. They collect the seeds and bring them underground, where they are protected until they germinate. Bloodroot is one of many species that can benefit from actively restored land.

Jeremy Siegrist, with 18 consecutive years of conducting burns under his belt, is the most tenured member of the burn crew. “Native seeds are often waiting to

is eventually discharged into nearby waterways.

Stormwater improvement in the River Raisin watershed is the stated goal for a major grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the USDA Forest Service that will bring 75 new trees each to Adrian, Milan, Monroe, and Tecumseh in 2026.

Adrian will plant 35 trees in Riverside Park on May 16. Tecumseh will plant 25 trees in the Wind Dancer neighborhood on May 2, and 25 in the Stetson/Derby neighborhood on May 30. Volunteers are needed for all events and families are welcome. Volunteers can RSVP at releafmichigan.org/rsvp.

emerge when the conditions are right,” he tells me. I ask him if he’s seen any major changes as a result of the fires. “I have,” he responds. “I’ve noticed a lot of changes. It doesn’t happen in one burn. But over time, a lot of the native species that do well with fire start returning ... For the most part, the Midwest is a firedependent ecosystem.”

Although some of the prescribed fires that the Iron Creek crew lights may be the first in over a century, humans setting fire to the area is not new. Before European colonization, burning was conducted by indigenous peoples, and in some areas, it still is to this day. Traditionally, this is done for a variety of reasons, from opening areas for hunting and forage to maintaining travel routes. It was alongside this human-caused fire that the local ecosystems evolved.

By the time settlers arrived, vast tracts of fire-dependent landscapes, such as oak savannas, had formed. In the first half of the 1800s, surveyors mapped the entire surface of Michigan for sale and settlement. This map reveals that over 20,000 acres around what is today Hidden Lake Gardens were once an oak savanna. With over 99% of habitat lost, the oak savanna is now considered critically endangered, one of the rarest landscapes in the world. One of the main reasons for this: fire suppression.

In response to this, the Iron Creek crew has been working for over two decades, primarily in the Irish Hills, to restore fire. The work was initiated by Bob Kellum, who learned to burn from an Ann Arbor ecological restoration group called Plantwise.

Today, the Iron Creek crew has burned hundreds of acres. But they believe it takes more than prescribed fire to enact

Like trees, rain gardens are a tool for water management. A rain garden is an attractive landscaping feature in the form of a shallow, bowl-like depression that is designed to capture and absorb stormwater. It’s planted with native flowering plants that serve double duty: their deep, dense roots filter storm water while their above-ground parts provide food and habitat for pollinators and beauty for humans.

Tecumseh Parks and Recreation will host two rain garden classes at 7 p.m. May 6 and 7 at 810 N. Evans St. A presentation titled “Stormwater, Trees, Rain Gardens, and You” will take place at 7 p.m. May 13, also at 810 N. Evans St.

the cultural change that the land needs. Their work extends beyond fieldwork: helping people reconnect with the land through events, musical performances, and classes. Their educational arm, Open Grown School, offers workshops on wildflower identification, berry-picking walks for kids, and even a women’s chainsaw class. For those eager to roll up their sleeves, they also host an Intro to Prescribed Fire course.

As the smoke clears, the hope is that this ancient practice, revived by crews like Iron Creek, can be just one small part of a larger cultural shift toward land reconnection. Because in the end, as Jerry reminds us, the land we have is the only land we’ve got, and it’s waiting for us to take care of it.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Aging Well Expo set for May 16 in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN — WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging will host an Aging Well Expo on Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to noon at 107 Chicago St., Brooklyn.

This free community event features over 40 booths, helpful resources, and expert speakers covering important topics to help older adults and their families plan ahead, stay informed, and age well with confidence.

For more information, email the Irish Hills Regional Chamber of Commerce at info@irishhills.com or call 517-592-8907.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Celebrate Recovery: A Christcentered recovery group meeting Saturdays at 9 a.m. at Ogden Church, 3201 East U.S. 223, Adrian. Contact Roger or Theresa Miller, 517-215-5754 or theresamillercr@yahoo.com.

Good Grief: Free drop-in group for adults widowed earlier in life, meeting on the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian. Contact Heather Popkey or Karen Cheney at 517-263-2323.

Caregiver Support Group: The Lenawee Department on Aging invites all caregivers to the next Caregiver Support Group on Monday, May 4, at 2 p.m. at Daybreak Adult Day Services, 327 Erie St., Adrian. This month’s session is on “Dealing with Difficult Behaviors.” Free respite care is available during the meeting. Call 517-266-2588 to reserve a spot or ask questions.

Fathers of Lenawee: Fourth Tuesday of every month from 4-5 p.m. at the Ebeid Center located at Comstock School, 801 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Overeaters Anonymous: Saturdays at 10 a.m., Mondays at 1:30 p.m., and Thursdays at 4 p.m. at Serenity House, 600 Gulf St., Adrian.

Al-Anon Meetings: Tuesdays at noon, NewSong Church, 5211 S. Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh.

Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Madison Church of the Nazarene, 3993 Treat Hwy., Adrian. Thursdays at 6 p.m., NewSong Church, 5211 S. Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh.

Thursdays at 7 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 151 N. Main St., Brooklyn.

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., Tecumseh District Library, 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh.

Sundays at 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1245 W Maple Ave., Adrian.

To submit a support group listing or report any corrections or changes, please email Linda Cline at lcline@lenaweevoice.com.

Protecting yourself from Lyme Disease

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and it’s an important time to remind residents that ticks are active across Lenawee County and throughout Michigan. As the weather warms, people and pets are spending more time outdoors, which increases the risk of exposure to tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Taking simple preventive steps now can significantly reduce that risk.

Ticks survive the winter underground and become active as soon as temperatures rise above freezing, typically from March through November. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, predicting Lyme disease trends is difficult because ticks have two- to three-year life cycles and are influenced by temperature, rainfall, humidity, and the availability of animal hosts such as mice and deer. As a result, tick populations and disease risk can vary widely from one region or county to another each year.

Here in Lenawee County, Lyme disease cases continue to rise. As of 2025, 21 cases have been reported, the highest number in the past five years. This represents a 31% increase from 16 cases in 2024 and a 250% increase since 2021, when six cases were reported. These local trends reflect broader patterns seen across Michigan and much of the United States.

Several factors are driving this increase. Milder winters and warmer springs allow ticks to survive longer, reproduce more successfully, and expand into new geographic areas. Black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are now thriving in regions where they were once uncommon. Increased human development in wooded and rural areas, along with backyard habitats that attract deer, mice, and chipmunks, raises the likelihood of contact with infected ticks. Growing populations of small mammals provide more opportunities for ticks to feed and

acquire the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. At the same time, improved surveillance and diagnostic practices mean more cases are being accurately identified and reported.

The Lenawee County Health Department is actively addressing this issue through its participation in the annual Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance and Prevention Program in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

This program includes the collection and submission of mosquito and tick data to the state, which is also used locally to guide prevention efforts and inform the community. Surveillance focuses on monitoring black-legged ticks (deer ticks) that can transmit Lyme disease, as well as invasive Aedes mosquito species capable of spreading viruses such as Zika. These efforts help ensure that emerging threats are identified early and that prevention strategies are guided by real, local data.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. It is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States, Michigan, and Lenawee County. Not all ticks carry disease, but some can transmit serious illnesses that may lead to long-term health problems if not treated promptly. Symptoms often appear one to two weeks after a bite and may include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, or a characteristic rash. Early treatment with antibiotics is highly

effective and greatly reduces the risk of complications.

Preventing tick-borne illness starts with avoiding bites and removing ticks quickly if they are found. When outdoors, especially in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, stay in the center of trails and avoid contact with leaf litter and tall vegetation. Pets can carry ticks indoors, so speak with your veterinarian about appropriate tick prevention products for dogs and cats. Use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and treat clothing, socks, and shoes with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact. Always follow label directions.

Perform daily tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets after spending time outdoors, even in your own yard. Pay special attention to areas such as behind the ears, around the waist, under the arms, and behind the knees. Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help wash off ticks and makes it easier to spot them. If you find a tick attached, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping it close to the skin and pulling straight upward with steady pressure, then clean the area with soap and water or antiseptic.

If you develop symptoms such as fever, rash, or muscle or joint pain after a tick bite, or believe a tick was attached for more than 24 hours, contact your healthcare provider. You can also submit a tick or photo to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for identification or download “The Tick App” for guidance on prevention. More information about emerging vector-borne diseases is available at www.michigan.gov/ emergingdiseases.

With awareness, prevention, and early action, we can work together to reduce the impact of Lyme disease and protect the health of our community.

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

Spring cleaning tips for older adults

Turning the calendar to a new month and enjoying warmer weather often makes people think about spring cleaning. Spring cleaning can mean many things. It may mean moving furniture, wiping down surfaces, cleaning out a closet, or organizing a small space. No matter the goal, the result is feeling better about your living space.

One step in spring cleaning is reducing clutter. Over the years, many of us collect things we no longer use or love. Sorting just one drawer, closet, or shelf can help make a space easier to use. Many people use the “keep, donate, or discard” method. In Lenawee County, several organizations accept donations. These include Associated Charities, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity Restore, and The Salvation Army. Call ahead to ask about donation times and what items are accepted.

If you have items to recycle, you can visit one of the Lenawee County Recycling Center drop-off sites in

Adrian, Onsted, or Hudson. The Morenci drop-off site and Goodwill accept cardboard. Goodwill also accepts some electronics, but there may be a fee. Spring cleaning can also include organizing important papers. Many people feel more at peace when they know where important papers are kept. These papers may include medical records, medication lists, contact information, and insurance papers. It can help to keep everything in one box or folder. Some caregivers also add care instructions for their loved ones. Others gather papers for paying bills, household tasks, and emergency information.

Reviewing medications and household supplies is also an important part of spring cleaning. Check expiration dates on medications, vitamins, and pantry items to make sure they are safe to use. Unused or expired medications should be thrown away safely. Many local police stations, including the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Department, have medication drop boxes. Meijer Pharmacy also has a medication drop box. Liquid medications, inhalers, and sharps are collected in April and October during the Drug Take Back event at ProMedica Hickman Hospital. Remember, spring cleaning does not have to be done quickly or alone. Ask family or friends for help, and break big tasks into small steps. Even a little organizing can make your home feel safer, more comfortable, and ready for the season ahead.

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

MONICA HUNT

CARI REBOTTARO

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

Glen LeRoy Klingensmith, 82, of Tecumseh died on Feb. 18. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he worked at Tecumseh Products for 13 years and then Ford Motor Company in the maintenance department, retiring in 2006. He was a member of the Tecumseh American Legion. [H]

James “Jim” Gordon Betz, 67, of the Philippines died on March 11. He served for six years in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections for over 20 years. [W] Cheryl Laharrague, 78, of Manitou Beach died on March 19. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, then worked in the office at the Chicago Title Company and later as a teacher’s aide at Lenawee Christian School. [W]

Kathleen Roberta Pirkle, 75, of Blissfield died on March 19. She was a graduate of Monroe High School and served as a nurse in the U.S. Army. She worked for several medical offices in Florida and Ohio over the years and was a member of Blissfield Baptist Church. [AM]

John Gary (G-Dog and Papa) Mitchell, 79, of Tecumseh died on March 20. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He cherished every moment working on his farm and perfecting his golf swing, and was always the person who could fix or repair anything. [H]

Judith Ann (Court) Ramsdell, 78, died on March 20. [AM]

Stephen “Steve” Merle Burke, 85, of Addison died on March 21. He was a lifelong resident of Addison and graduated from Addison High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Berlin crisis. He worked as a brick mason and truck driver, and later in life he helped his son in the family trucking business. [PA]

Pamela Jean Cisco, 78, of Adrian died on March 21. She worked at Gelman Science for 25 years, retiring in 2005. She enjoyed playing cards, crocheting, walking in the park, and spending time at the family cabin up north. [H]

Gary Michael Armstrong, 70, of Tecumseh died on March 22. He was a graduate of Britton High School. He worked as a machinist for many years. After retirement he worked for Kapnick Orchard at various farmers markets. [PA]

Helen Bernetta Bennett, 94, of Adrian died on March 22. She was a 1949 graduate of Adrian High School. In the fall of 1950 she began a teaching career that lasted a lifetime. She earned her degrees from Siena Heights College and taught in four rural schools, then in Adrian Public Schools at Prairie, Drager and Springbrook. After retiring from APS she spent eight more years as a teacher and counselor at Lenawee Christian School. She was a member of Bethany Assembly of God in Adrian and also enjoyed singing with the Sweet Adelines. [W]

Sister Maureen Gallagher, OP, 87, of Adrian died on March 22. Formerly Sister Marie Helen, she was in her 69th year of religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. She was a native of Chicago. After entering the congregation, she taught at several schools in Florida and Illinois before earning a master’s degree in urban planning from Governors State University and beginning many years of ministry in Chicago, working for

much of that time with the city’s homeless population. She then became the founder and national director for Mary’s Pence, an organization focused on women’s concerns, and later ministered with Central Santa Catalina, a ministry in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. [ADS]

Gladys Lucille “Lucy” Kuhl, 87, of Adrian died on March 22. She worked at Faraday for 34 years until her retirement. She gave many hours to volunteering at Hospice of Lenawee. [PA]

Paul Jay Stanton, 67, of Adrian died on March 22. He was a 1975 graduate of Plymouth-Canton Educational Park and earned his bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor College and his MBA from Liberty University. For most of his professional career he worked as a credit manager in a variety of business settings. He was an avid stamp collector which led him to start the Michigan Stamp Dealers Supply Company in 1986. That store later became The Mouse & Such, which he ran with his wife. [W]

Vivian Lea (Davis) Warner, 95, of Blissfield died on March 22. She was a 1948 graduate of Blissfield High School. After raising her family she went to work for 17 years in food services at the school. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 325. [PA]

Cecelia Ann Carpenter, 84, of Adrian died on March 23. She was one of 19 students of the first graduating class at Madison High School in 1959. After high school she obtained a nursing certificate from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing and in 1975 she earned her BSN from Defiance College. She was employed as a nurse for over 47 years between Bixby Medical Center and Morenci Area Hospital, where she also served as the chief executive officer. She was a member of Wellsville United Methodist Church, the Fairfield and Fulton County chapters of Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Rome and Madison Grange. [AM]

Rachel (Ingle) Kurowski, 50, of Onsted died on March 23. She was a graduate of Onsted High School and Siena Heights University. [PA]

Jerry Paul McCord, 91, of Tecumseh died on March 23. He served in the U.S. Army and after his service began working for General Motors as a millwright for 37 years, retiring in 1998. He was a member of the Tecumseh Missionary Baptist Church. [H]

Bryan Scott Sauers, 65, of Brooklyn died on March 23. He was born in Tecumseh. [E]

Laura Jean Donko, 76, of Tecumseh died on March 25. She attended Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene. [PS]

Walter J. Foreman Sr., 86, of Harrison died on March 25. He was a former resident of Hudson and worked for many years for Rima Manufacturing and later ran W.C. Salvage Yard in Hudson. He lived on a farm and spent most of his time milking cows and baling hay. [AM]

Thomas Gerald Hilyard, 63, of Tecumseh died on March 26. He was a 1981 graduate of Tecumseh High School, attended college, and served in the U.S. Army for two years. He worked as a truck driver for 15 years. He later became Santa Claus at the Adrian Mall for over 25 years until the mall closed, worked as a bus driver, and was known as “Tunnel Tom” at Stagecoach Stop for many years. [PA]

Idella Iva Wegner, 99, of Clinton died on March 26. She worked at Ford Motor Company’s Rawsonville and Saline plants for 25 years, retiring in 1987. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Adrian for over 50 years and Clinton United Church of Christ for 20 years. She was active in the Gorman Road Grange and worked with her husband, Richard, breeding Clydesdale horses. [H]

Sister Mary White, OP, 93, of Adrian died on March 26. Formerly Sister Mary Stephen, she was in her 74th year of religious profession: 51 years as a Dominican Sister of Edmonds and 23 years year as an Adrian Dominican Sister after the congregations merged in 2003. She was a native of Minnesota. She ministered in education and several other ministries in Washington, Montana, and Canada. She served as director of the Dominican Reflection Center in Edmonds. [ADS]

Harry M. Stanifer, 99, of Tecumseh died on March 27. He was a graduate of Sand Creek High School. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944 and served three years in the 6th Marine Division in the Pacific Theater. He began working at Clauda Plumbing & Heating in Tecumseh in 1947. In 1950 he started working for Tresco, which was acquired by Tecumseh Products in 1953. He retired from the engineering division there in 1987. He and his wife were owners of The Jack Pine Drive-In in Tecumseh from 1953-1955. He was a lifetime member of Tecumseh Masonic Lodge #69 F. & A.M. He was also a member of the Tecumseh United Methodist Church. [PS]

James L. Bailey, 83, of Somerset died on March 28. He was a 1960 graduate of Addison High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Cleary College. He was the founding partner of the accounting firm Bailey, Hodshire & Company in Jonesville. He was an active member of Somerset Congregational Church, serving as church treasurer and singing in the choir. He was a longtime member of the Jonesville Rotary Club. [BVH]

Robert “Bob” Edwin Benham, 88, of Adrian died on March 28. He was a 1956 graduate of Tecumseh High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree from Eastern. He was a teacher and counselor at various schools throughout southeast Michigan. He retired from Sand Creek Schools in 1992. [W]

Sandra Roe Hyatt, 89, of Tecumseh died on March 28. She worked as a bookkeeper most of her life for various companies, retiring in 1998 from Dempsey & Dempsey PC. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Tecumseh until its closing, and then attended Thornhill Baptist Church in Hudson. She was a member of the Fairfield Order of the Eastern Star. She loved attending shows at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts and the Croswell. [H]

Philip “Phil” Allen Schaedler, 71, of Adrian died on March 28. He was a 1972 graduate of Blissfield High School and continued his education at Michigan State University. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Toledo in 1982. For many years he worked in risk management, first in Michigan then in North Carolina. He spent later years in private practice and then found his niche working in mediation. He was a member of the Dispute Resolution Center of Washtenaw County as well as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He was a proud Eagle Scout and remained actively involved as a camp counselor for the Scouts for many years. He was a board member of Goodwill of Southeast Michigan. [AM] Russell Allen Cowen, 79, of Brooklyn died on March 29. He was a 1965 graduate of Tecumseh High School. He served in the U.S. Army as a pole lineman from 196668. He was a senior design draftsman at Tecumseh Products where he designed motors for various items, retiring in 2001. He was a talented woodworker. [E]

Donna Mae Thompson, 90, of Tecumseh died on March 29. She worked in Quality Control at Dura Corp. for 20 years until retirement. She attended Grace Point Evangelical Free Church in Adrian for many years. [H] Bennett Ely Palmer, 85, died on March 30. After his service in the U.S. Marine Corps he earned his journeyman card in tool and die where he spent the remainder of his career. He worked several years at Stubnitz-Greene, later Hoover Ball Bearing, and finished his career at General Motors. He was a Boy Scout Leader and a softball coach for his children. [BVH]

Sister Anneliese Sinnott, OP, 88, of Adrian died on March 30. She was in her 70th year of profession as an Adrian Dominican Sister. Born in Chicago and baptized as Cecilia Sinnott, she taught music for about 17 years in the Chicago area and then became a highly respected theologian and teacher, serving as associate dean at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, in a number of roles at Marygrove College in Detroit, and for 29 years at Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit as a professor, dean, and vice president for academic affairs. She also served the congregation for two years as director of formation and was chair of the board at the Dominican Center for Religious Development in Farmington Hills. [ADS] Tamra Lee Stout-Smith, 61, of Elmira died on March 30. She was born in Adrian, grew up in Sand Creek, and graduated from Tecumseh High School. She furthered her education at Jackson Community College, where she received an associate degree in accounting. She worked for several years at Tecumseh Products as an accountant. [GAYLORDFUNERALHOME.COM]

William Richard Degner, 80, of Adrian died on March 31. He received his bachelor’s degree in education from Adrian College. He had been employed by Adrian Public Schools as a math teacher, retiring after 34 years. He was a past member of First United Methodist Church and was a member of the SAE fraternity during his time at Adrian College. He was the president of the teachers union. [AM]

Joan Elaine Roe, 82, of Winter Haven, Florida, died on March 31. She was the owner and operator of Joannie’s Beauty Shop in Petersburg until moving to Florida in the early 1990s. [AM]

Sharon L. (Becker) Boman, 62, of Breckenridge died on April 1. She was a 1982 graduate of Adrian High School and obtained her associate’s degree in medical records from Ferris State University. [BVH] Tina VandeSande, 51, of Adrian died on April 1. She graduated from Jackson Community College in 2015 with an associate’s degree in criminal justice.

Marion Emma Green, 100, of Tecumseh died on April 2. She was employed as a secretary with Milan Trucking Company/ Wickes Lumber Company. She was a member of Tecumseh United Methodist Church. In her younger years she loved square dancing and was an active member of the Maple City Swingers, a squaredancing club. [H]

Catherine “Kate” Ann Sroufe, 85, of Adrian died on April 2. She owned and operated a daycare for 34 years. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Lenawee Day Care Association, and a longtime volunteer for Hospice of Lenawee. [AM]

Karen Florence Wilson, 69, of Blissfield died on April 2. She was a 1974 graduate of the former Deerfield High School. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church (Light of Christ) in Deerfield. She taught at Blissfield Community schools from 1993 until 2018, where she served nearly her entire tenure as a third-grade teacher. [AM]

Wayne Earl Berridge, 94, of Adrian died on April 3.

Dorothy Jean Schultz, 95, of Tipton died on April 4. She worked most of her life for Tecumseh Products. [H]

IN MEMORY

Dora Lucy Medina, 94, of Adrian died on April 3. She worked at Bixby Medical Center for 35 years, retiring in 1993. She served as an interpreter for many Spanishspeaking patients. She was a member of Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Campus, where she served as a eucharistic minister and was involved with the choir, Christian Mothers, and the Guadalupe Society. [AM]

June Turner, 96, of Tecumseh died on April 4. She was a member of the Tecumseh Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 70 years. She was also a member of the local Globe Trotters. [H]

William Kendall Rothfuss, 79, of Brooklyn died on April 5. He was a 1965 graduate of Brooklyn High School and served in the U.S. Air Force. He was employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Jackson until their closing in 1984. He enjoyed birdwatching, fishing,

hunting, and trapping. He had a special fascination with bluebirds and became known as “Bluebird Bill,” welcoming them during migration and caring for them throughout the nesting season. He was a member of the Springville Methodist Church men’s breakfast group. [E]

Rona Lee Butts, 81, of Adrian died on April 6. She liked going to garage sales and estate sales. [W]

Bruce Edward Greskowiak, 74, of Brooklyn died on April 6. He graduated from St. Mary’s Preparatory School in Orchard Lake and attended Wayne State University. He spent his career with Kroger, where he started as a meat cutter and advanced to management, retiring after more than 50 years of service. He spent many years on the board of directors at Kemba Financial Credit Union. [E]

Darlene Carol Rising, 67, of Clayton died on April 6. She loved animals and nursed injured ones back to health, and she also raised Dachshunds. She was a member of the pool league and enjoyed playing when she was younger. [AM]

John “Big John” Belcher Sr., 78, of Whitmore Lake died on April 7. He attended Tecumseh High School and enlisted in the Army in 1965, serving in the Vietnam War. He retired as a prison guard for the state of Michigan in 1999, but the job he loved most was seeing America through the front window of a semi truck. He spent years volunteering at his local VFW and entertained the visitors with his rendition of “King of the Road.” [H]

Barbara Lynn Dowel, 91, of Tecumseh died on April 9. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked at St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital in Livonia for 41 years, retiring in 2001. She traveled as part of the U.S. National Disaster Team to India after a devastating earthquake struck there in 2000. [H]

Lawrence “Larry” Jay Bergman, 78, of Brooklyn died on April 11. He worked for Ford Motor Co., where his love of cars grew, especially for Mustangs. He was a longtime volunteer in both the Boy Scouts, where he held his Eagle Scout award, and the Plymouth-Salem Swim Team. [AM]

Harlen “Shorty” Lee Hiller, 81, of Adrian died on April 11. He was a 1964 graduate of McKenzie High School and earned an associate degree from Lawrence Technological University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-70 and was discharged from the Naval Reserves in 1972. He was employed by Ford Motor Co. as an engineer technologist for many years until retirement. He was a former member of First Congregational Church in Hudson and most recently attended West Adrian Community Church. [W]

Carol Ann Waters, 83, of Hudson died on April 11. She earned her GED from Hudson High School in 1992. She worked as a waitress and as an inspector for Metalloy Foundry in Hudson. She loved gardening, playing bingo, going to garage sales, crafting, and ceramics. She especially enjoyed being a grandma. [AM]

Darlene Virginia Gochanour, 86, of Hudson died on April 12. She was raised near Pittsford and was a 1958 graduate of Pittsford High School and then attended Riggs Beauty School in Hillsdale. She spent much of her career working at Fayette Tubular Products until its closure, and later for Bundy Tubing in Hillsdale. She also worked for several years at the Market House in Hillsdale. [AM]

Kenneth Ray Henderson, 79, of Blissfield died on April 12. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963 and spent two years in Vietnam. Over his 21 years of service he was stationed in a variety of locations including Hawaii and Okinawa, Japan. He retired in 1984. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion. After his retirement he and his wife started Ken’s Rebuilt Starters and Alternators in Deerfield and ran it for 25 years. [W]

Deborah Lynn (Kerentoff) Hindenach, 59, of Blissfield died on April 12. She lived in the Sand Creek and Riga area for many years. She had a great love for German Schnauzers and all animals. [AM]

Terra Therese Koernke, 43, of Adrian died on April 12. She was a graduate of St. Mary Catholic Central High School in 2001 and earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Adrian College in 2007. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her passion for pottery led her and her husband to establish their own business, Wise Craft. She was an avid writer and enjoyed playing Dungeons and Dragons. She achieved her 1st-degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do at the Black Dragons Den Martial Arts Academy in Adrian. [AM]

Douglas Lee Dennis, 65, of Jackson died on April 13. He was a 1978 graduate of Addison High School where he was a wrestler. [E]

Jeffrey Allen Macham, 64, of Tecumseh died on April 13. He was a 1979 graduate of Tecumseh High School. He attended Tecumseh Assembly of God Church and was currently employed with Fabricare in Tecumseh. [PS]

James Robert Winzeler, 94, of Tecumseh died on April 13. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a lifelong farmer and worked at Tecumseh Products and Ford Motor Co. in Rawsonville. He was a longtime member of the Tecumseh American Legion as well as the National Rifle Association. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. [H]

Norma Jean Poll, 76, of Deerfield died on April 14. She worked many years at Ford Motor Co. She was a parishioner at Light of Christ Catholic Church. [AM]

Julie Beverly (Simko) Amthor, 97, of Adrian died on April 15. She worked as a secretary for Woodcraft Corporation until her marriage in 1951. She worked as a sales clerk at a local dress shop and as a cashier in the Holt Junior High School cafeteria. After her husband’s death she moved to Brooklyn to be near her children. [BVH]

Gregory David DuMars, 78, of Adrian died on April 15. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1970-76. He worked in human resources at General Motors/ Delphi for 33 years, retiring in 2002. He was a past board member of Goodwill, United Way, YMCA, Lenawee Country Club, Red Cross, and Adrian Public Schools. He was a member of Rotary International and the Adrian Rotary Noon Club. He was an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Adrian. He served as an Adrian city commissioner for six years before being elected mayor in 2011. [W]

Marlene June Markiewicz, 90, of Cement City died on April 15. She was a graduate of Addison High School. [BVH]

Tyrone Morgan Jr., 45, of Toledo, formerly of Adrian, died on April 15. He attended Sand Creek schools. [PA]

Harold Joseph (Joe) Marvin Jr., 77, of Adrian died on April 16. He was a 1966 graduate of Adrian Catholic Central and served in the U.S. Navy. After returning home he worked at Stubnitz-Greene until 1974, then worked for the city of Adrian wastewater treatment plant and water plant. He joined the Michigan National Guard in 1981 and retired after 23 years of service. [AM]

Arthur Lee Cooley, 77, of Hillsdale, formerly of Adrian, died on April 17. He attended Lansing Community College before enlisting in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska during the Vietnam War. He was a certified commercial truck driver and worked at Merillat Cabinetry in Adrian for over 30 years. He was a member of Countryside Bible Church near Jonesville. [AM]

Kathleen Ann Morin, 75, of Adrian died on April 17. Earlier in her life she was an assistant activity director at a nursing home facility. She was a longtime member of Berean Baptist Church in Adrian where she led missions, sang in the choir, worked the church tent at the Lenawee County Fair, and visited shut-ins. [W]

Robert Roman Kaczor, age 78, of Hudson died on April 18. He worked as a foreman for the former Metalloy Foundry in Hudson. In his spare time he enjoyed painting pictures of scenery and birds.

To submit an obituary for publication, please email obituaries@lenaweevoice.com.

Community garden from page B1

After the planting day, there is no set volunteer schedule. There are water barrels on-site so that anyone who comes by can water the plants if they seem to need it.

At the same time, anyone who wants to is welcome to enjoy the produce from the garden.

The garden first came into being with the help of Todd Brown, who at the time was the city of Adrian’s acting parks and recreation director. He suggested the George Street park, noting that it was generally underutilized by residents. It was small and didn’t have the amenities of many city parks — but it did have plenty of sun and an area suitable for installing garden beds.

The first beds were made from cinderblocks, doors from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and other recycled materials. But last year, during their slow period, parks and recreation department employees under the leadership of Jeremiah Davies built new raised boxes and also installed new water barrels. The boxes were designed by parks department employee Braxton Garza.

The parks department fills the barrels while making their regular rounds over the course of the season, but aside from that, all maintenance is done by volunteers.

Boxer noted that the raised beds make it easier for more people to access the garden. For example, a person using a wheelchair can get right up to one of the beds and weed it or pick vegetables without having to get down on the ground like with a traditional garden.

“We wanted this to be accessible to anybody,” she said.

Boxer, a sociology professor at Adrian College, said the community garden is one small way to help make sure people in the community, regardless of their means, have a way to get fresh food.

Fire

station from page B1

The new building will be 6,000 square feet, which is a little more than the current station — but because it’s right next to the township hall, the township was also able to convert some unused space in the township hall into fire department offices, freeing up more space for equipment and increasing the amount of space the fire department will gain.

Township supervisor Dave Pixley said the $850,000 cost is being paid for entirely with saved funds from the fire department budget and the township’s general fund.

“I grew up in poverty, so I understand how important it is to have community resources available for whatever your needs are,” she said.

Although Boxer and her family — including husband Greg and children Benjamin and Jackson — started the gardening and organize the planting every year, they emphasize that it’s maintained by the community over the course of the growing season. To that end, although the volunteer planting day always gets the ball rolling, some space is left open so that people can plant things of their own.

The six beds in the garden right now are about as much as the current group of volunteers can handle, but Boxer noted there’s room in the park for more if more people get involved.

“It can grow as much as people are willing to invest,” she said.

People attending the community planting day are welcome to bring hand tools, but can also just show up. Boxer noted that the work usually goes pretty quickly, so anyone who wants to help should come at 10 a.m. Donuts and coffee will be provided.

The community garden is on George Street, which is off of College Avenue roughly opposite Lenawee Recreation Bowling Center and Riverview Terrace Apartments.

Greg Gotham, CFP®, AAMS® Financial Advisor

Each vehicle will have its own bay and door, whereas in the current fire station, space is so tight that the brush truck has to be parked behind the ambulance. The station will have a well and a pump large enough to fill the trucks.

It will also have upgraded lighting, electrical, and communications, and a secured room for medical supplies.

The building was designed with room for future growth or additional equipment.

Eventually, the township plans to connect the fire station to the township hall, a move that will allow the township hall to serve as an emergency warming station in winter weather emergencies. That work would be done at a later time and is not part of the current project.

Design work was done by Dailey Engineering of Onsted, and the general contractor is Papenhagen Construction of Blissfield.

The new building is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

Pictured at last year’s community garden planting day are Benjamin Boxer, Christie Boxer, former parks and recreation director Jeremiah Davies, Greg Boxer, and Jackson Boxer.

Adrian Fire Department paramedics recognized for lifesaving actions

ADRIAN — Five members of the Adrian Fire Department were recently presented with lifesaving awards in recognition of their response to a home birth with complications late last year.

On Dec. 17, the Adrian Fire Department was dispatched for a breech birth. Shortly after arriving on scene, firefighter and paramedic Ben Fountain determined that a full birth was imminent and that attempting transporting to Hickman Hospital would not give the child the best odds of survival. Fountain assisted with the birth while firefighter and paramedic Haley Smith coached the mother through the birth process. Many times, during a breech birth, the baby becomes stuck in the birth canal requiring advanced procedures that the fire department is not capable of providing. Because of Fountain and Smith’s ability to remain

calm in the midst of a highly stressful incident, the baby was delivered eight minutes after their arrival. Fountain and Smith were both presented with a Delivery of a Newborn Award.

After the birth, the baby did not have a heartbeat and was not breathing. Firefighter and paramedic Kerry Keith, who was holding the baby, began compressions while Capt. AJ Armstrong (now fire chief) began ventilations. The baby regained a heartbeat and firefighter and paramedic Josh Nieto took over ventilating. The baby was then transported to the hospital with Fountain, Smith and Nieto providing care and Keith driving. The baby made a full recovery and was discharged from the hospital about a week later. Nieto, Fountain, Smith, Keith, and Armstrong were presented with a Life Saving Award, recognizing the high level of care they provided.

Pictured from left to right are Acting Lieutenant Josh Nieto, firefighter and paramedic Kerry Keith, Fire Chief AJ Armstrong, firefighter and paramedic Ben Fountain, and firefighter and paramedic Haley Smith. ADRIAN FIRE DEPARTMENT

ACA exhibit a tribute to Shirley and Bryan Van Benschoten » PAGE C3

Spring tractor and engine show opens May 15 » PAGE C6

ARTS & LIVING

THE LENAWEE VOICE THIRD SECTION MAY 2026

‘It’s a member of the family’

First United Methodist Church in Adrian celebrates the restoration of its pipe organ

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — From baptisms to weddings to funerals, the pipe organ at First United Methodist Church has been there for decades’ worth of milestones for the church community.

“It’s a member of the family,” said organist Laura Langley. “It’s part of our church. It’s with us as we celebrate, it’s with us as we mourn. Generations of people have sung with this organ.”

The organ was built by Schantz Organ Company in 1964. After 60 years of use, as well as some water damage from a roof leak several years ago, it was showing its age. An entire row of keys no longer worked, and it was clear that the church would have to choose between restoring the instrument and going in another direction.

“It turned out that the congregation really did want to restore the organ,” said the Rev. Alice Ford, senior pastor at First United Methodist.

People loved the history of the organ, Ford said, and also wanted to embrace the church’s identity as a place where music

has always been a big part of worship.

So the church undertook a fundraising campaign, not just for the organ, but also for the building as a whole. “People just really stepped up,” Ford said. “It was quite amazing.”

To accomplish the restoration, every pipe had to be taken out, laid across the pews, and then carefully boxed for shipping. The organ has thousands of pipes, some of them no bigger around than a drinking straw, so this was a major undertaking.

See ORGAN, page C2

Bayberry String Quartet at Macon Creek » PAGE C9

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is season’s first offering; ‘Come From Away’ added to lineup in September

ADRIAN — The Croswell Opera House begins its 2026 Broadway Season this month with the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

THEATER

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, the musical chronicles the last days of Jesus’ life through an iconic 1970s score. Focusing on the perspectives of Judas Iscariot and Mary Magdalene, “Jesus Christ Superstar” was originally a concept album that was released in 1970. The success of the album led to its Broadway debut in 1971.

The director of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is Eric Parker — who played Jesus in a previous production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Croswell — and the choreorapher is Dom Glover. The music director is Dave Rains and the vocal director is Mandy Kruse.

The role of Jesus is played by Nathan Goldsmith of Perrysburg, Ohio, while Judas is played by JeeMell Green of Southfield.

See CROSWELL, page C4

Laura Langley, the organist at First United Methodist Church in Adrian, demonstrates the operation of church’s pipe organ, which recently underwent a major restoration. The church, located at 1245 W. Maple Ave., will celebrate and rededicate the organ with a concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 24. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

The console was shipped out as well, and its controls were upgraded from pneumatic to electronic. The process took several months, and the restored organ was brought back into service on Easter Sunday.

Ford said the idea of restoring the organ was also in the heart of the church’s previous pastor, Eric Stone, who died from cancer in 2023.

“It was certainly something he intended to do, had he been gifted the time to do so,” she said.

While an organ resembles a piano in some ways, it’s a very different instrument, both in how the sound is created and how it is played.

An organ has multiple rows of keys, called manuals. “Some organs have two, some have three, some have five,” Langley said. “But what all organs have is the foot pedals.”

Langley is an elementary school music teacher in the Madison district. She took over as organist in 1997 upon the retirement of Richard Wegner, who — in addition to serving as superintendent of Clinton Community Schools — had been the church’s organist for more than 50 years. She was already a pianist, but learning to play the pipe organ was a completely new challenge.

“It was teaching my feet to play what my fingers already knew how to do,” she said.

In addition to the manuals and the foot pedals, pipe organs have a series of knobs called stops that govern the flow of air to the pipes, giving the organ one of its unique characteristics — the ability to reflect any mood, from contemplative to triumphant.

“It can take on any character you want,” Langley said.

“On Christmas Eve, for instance, we go from ‘Joy to the World’ with almost all the stops to ‘Silent Night’ where I literally go down to nothing,” she added.

For Lent, something quieter and more reflective is in order, while Easter calls for the kind of joyful, triumphal music that utilizes the organ’s full range of voices — and is, in fact, where the phrase “pulling out all the stops” comes from.

Langley, who grew up attending First United Methodist, said the church has always been known for having excellent music — but when she was sitting in the

Organ

restoration celebration

DATE AND TIME: Sunday, May 24 at 4 p.m.

LOCATION: First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian

ADMISSION: A freewill offering will be accepted.

pews as a high school student, she didn’t fully realize it.

“Growing up, I took that for granted,” she said. “I thought that’s what church was.”

It wasn’t until she left Adrian as a young adult, she said, that “I realized what a gift we had.”

Part of the pipe organ’s appeal, Langley said, is that it’s the instrument that composers like J.S. Bach were writing for when they created some of the sacred music that remains part of the church’s repertoire today.

“It’s that sense of history,” she said. “It’s connecting those masters to today.”

First United Methodist Church will celebrate the organ’s restoration with a concert by Ohio-based organist Todd Wilson on Sunday, May 24, at 4 p.m. The concert is open to the public, and a freewill offering will be accepted.

The church is located at 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian.

Pipes from the organ at First United Methodist Church were laid out across the pews last fall in preparation for being shipped out and restored by the Muller Pipe Organ Company in Ohio. The organ has thousands of individual pipes, some of them no bigger around than a straw. These pipes are what give the organ its wide variety of sounds. CONNER RAYMOND/FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ACA exhibit is a tribute to artists

Shirley and Bryan Van Benschoten

ADRIAN — “Light and Form,” featuring work by the late Shirley Van Benschoten and her husband, Bryan, is on display through the end of May at the Adrian Center for the Arts.

Shirley Van Benschoten, who died in 2024, was a painter who served in many leadership roles in the Lenawee County art community. She was involved in the Millennium Sculpture Project that placed several sculptures in Adrian’s Comstock Park to mark the turn of the millennium. She was a longtime member of the Lenawee Council for Visual Arts and also served as president. She was instrumental in the LCVA establishing a physical campus under the name Adrian Center for the Arts, and served as a studio director.

ART EXHIBITS

Bryan Van Benschoten is a ceramics artist. He worked as master potter at the Edison Institute (Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum) for 38 years. He and Shirley had been married since 1978, and they often exhibited together at art fairs like the Artalicious festival in downtown Adrian.

The ACA’s 2026 gallery season is sponsored by the Maurice and Dorothy Stubnitz Foundation.

The Adrian Center for the Arts gallery is at 1375 N. Main St., Adrian. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call 517-759-3005 or visit adriancenterforthearts.org.

Michigan Contemporary Craft: The Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute will present its 2026 Michigan Contemporary Craft exhibition at the Hickman Gallery on the campus of Adrian College, featuring original work by graduating students in SBWI’s Wood Design program alongside work by faculty and alumni.

The exhibit will begin with a public reception on Friday, May 29, from 5:30 to

This piece by Shirley Van Benschoten is part of “Light and Form,” on display through May 31 at the Adrian Center for the Arts.

7:30 p.m., and will remain open through Saturday, July 18.

The first week of the exhibit, from May 29 to June 5, will showcase this year’s cohort of graduating students in the Wood Design program. The show continues through July 18 featuring faculty and alumni.

The annual show offers visitors a chance to experience the creativity, technical skill, and personal vision of SBWI’s graduating woodworkers while connecting directly with the artists behind the work.

“This exhibition is a celebration of craftsmanship, design, and the incredible growth of our students during their time at SBWI,” said Luke Barnett, president and founder of the woodworking institute. “It’s also an invitation for the public to encounter the timeless art of woodworking as it evolves here in Michigan.”

Hickman Gallery is located in the Mahan Center for Art and Interior Design. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown Concert House announces May music schedule

ANN ARBOR — Kerrytown Concert House, located at 415 N. Fourth Ave. in Ann Arbor, has a full slate of concerts coming up in May.

May the Fourth Be With You: A Candlelit Concert of the Cosmos (Monday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m.) — A candlelit and starlit performance that honors the iconic music of the Star Wars saga alongside other beloved spacethemed compositions played on violin, cello, bass, and woodwinds.

Melodies of Friendship: The Harmonious Ties of Brahms & Dvorák (Thursday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m.)

— An evening with the Casa Piano Quartet showcasing the deep musical bond between Antonin Dvorák and Johannes Brahms. This recital features Dvorák’s Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 87, which beautifully incorporates Bohemian folk themes, followed by Brahms’s Piano Quartet in G Minor, Op. 25, known for its fiery Hungarian dance elements.

Where East Meets West (Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m.) — A concert tying together the expressive voice of the erhu, a two-stringed bowed instrument from China, and the piano.

Ellen Rowe’s Annual Mother’s Day Concert (Sunday, May 10, at 2 p.m.) — An afternoon of music celebrating women in jazz.

Beauty, Fire & Soul: A Cello Mosaic of Eastern Europe & Latin America (Friday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m.) — This cello and piano recital features music by six Eastern European and South American composers whose music is rooted deeply in folk traditions.

Swing, Surf & Rock (Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m.) — An evening of music with the Dave Bennett Quartet featuring a blend of Big Band swing classics, early ’50s rock-and-roll gems, and the twangy charm of ’60s instrumental surf tunes.

Wake Up Call: The Music of Gregg Hill (Sunday, May 17, at 4 p.m.) — Pianist and arranger Rick Roe leads a dynamic quartet performing the work of Michiganbased jazz composer Gregg Hill.

Groove Mosaic: Blues, Bossa Nova & Beyond (Wednesday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m.) — The Bill Heid Trio presents a musical journey through blues, funk, neo-soul, jazz, and the vibrant rhythms of Brazilian music.

Hold Me Steady (Thursday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m.) — Singer Abigail Stauffer and jazz cellist Dave Haughey bring their warmth and resilience back to Kerrytown Concert House, blending soulful pop vocals with the rare and distinct sound of jazz cello.

For tickets and more information, go to kerrytownconcerthouse.com or call 734-769-2999.

Weber Center plans summer Lunch and Learn sessions

ADRIAN — The Weber Retreat and Conference Center’s Lunch and Learn series continues this summer. Programs begin at 12:15 p.m., usually on the second Wednesday of the month.

Upcoming Lunch and Learn sessions and their topics are as follows:

Lenawee Wine Trails (May 13): Justin Gifford, executive director of Visit Lenawee, will presents a guided tour of the region’s wines, including the River Raisin Wine Trail.

Foot Solutions (June 10): Learn from the staff of Foot Solutions about issues such as knowing the right size shoe or if an orthotic could relieve your knee pain.

Adrian Dominican Sisters Campus Update (July 15): Jennifer Hunter, chief operating officer of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, will review changes at the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse Campus.

Keeping the Land Healthy (Aug. 12): Adrian Dominican Sisters coworkers Mike Walters, permaculture specialist, and Brad Frank, director of sustainability, will share their efforts to banish invasive species, discuss why they are such a problem, and present ways to repair and regenerate the land.

Guests can bring their own lunch or purchase one from the Weber Center for $8 when registering at least two days in advance. Drinks and dessert are provided. Lunch and Learn sessions are free and open to the public, and no registration is needed unless ordering lunch.

The Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive. For more information about Weber Center

programs, call 517-266-4000 or email webercenter@adriandominicans.org.

More Weber Center activities

A writing workshop titled “From a Tiny Seed” will be presented from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 23, in person or virtually through Zoom. Participants will write, read their work, and receive feedback on their strengths from one another. Sister Tarianne DeYonker, OP, a certified leader of Amherst Writers and Artists Workshops, will facilitate. The cost is $35 and registration is required. A contemplative workshop, “Nothing in this World Is Indifferent To Us,” will be offered on May 28 and 29. It will be facilitated by Sister Sharon Zayak, OP, of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. The cost is $80 for commuters and livestream participants; $130 per person for double occupancy; and $160 for single occupancy. Registration is required.

Croswell

from page C1

The role of Mary Magdalene is played by Cassidy Giddens of Adrian.

Bruce Hardcastle of Adrian plays the high priest Caiaphas, and Zach Husak of Ypsilanti plays the role of Annas. Joseph Ball of Perrysburg, Ohio, plays King Herod, and Maya Gangadharan plays Pontius Pilate.

The role of Peter is played by Maxwell Lam of Adrian, and Simon Zealotes is played by Anthony Pierzynowski of Brighton. The other 10 apostles are played by Everett Hanley, Meg Lam, and Kylie McElrath of Adrian; Mitchell LaRoy of Blissfield; Em Rose Miller of Franklin; Connor Ganzel of Jackson; Julia Elsworth of Lambertville; Walter Book of Petersburg; Ekaterina Helpman of Bowling Green, Ohio; and Truth McCadney of Sylvania, Ohio.

Rounding out the cast are Nicci Brown, Betsy Lackey, Derrick McCullough, and Erica Murray, all of Adrian; Nicole Harris and Renyuan Zhang of Ann Arbor; Bob Eccles of Carleton; Cleon Broussard, Meg McNamee, and Abby Reeder-Gilbey of Tecumseh; Eryn Gerweck of Temperance; LaMar Ashford and Miriam Roth of Ypsilanti; Yasmeen Perrin of Perrysburg, Ohio; and Dom Glover and Rick Schmitz of Toledo.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” opens on May 8. The first weekend will have performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The second weekend will have performances on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $26 to $46 for adults and $16 to $26 for students, and may be ordered online at croswell.org or by calling 517-264-7469.

Ticket buyers are reminded that the Croswell does not sell tickets through any third-party resellers, and also will never sell tickets for more than the advertised price. Any website attempting to sell tickets for a higher price is a scam.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” is the first of seven shows in the Croswell Opera House’s 2026 Broadway Season. It will be followed by “Gypsy” in June, “George M!” in July, and “Matilda” in August.

In September, the Croswell will stage “Come From Away,” a Tony Awardnominated musical based on the true story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, provided refuge for thousands of stranded passengers when 38 airplanes were forced to land at its airstrip on Sept. 11, 2001. Opening night of the show coincides with the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This show could not be announced with the rest of the Croswell’s season due to licensing restrictions, but tickets are now available.

Closing out the season will be “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” in October and Disney’s “Frozen” in November and December.

Upcoming auditions

Open auditions for “Come From Away,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and “Frozen” will be held in late May and early June in three locations:

n Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Wingate by Wyndham, 5480 Main St., Sylvania, Ohio.

n Sunday, May 31, from 6-8 p.m. at the Croswell.

n Monday, June 1, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Croswell.

n Sunday, June 7, from 5-8 p.m. at the Kensington Hotel, 3500 S. State St., Ann Arbor.

For more information, go to croswell.org/auditions.

The Weber Center is located on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

MAY

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.

MONDAY, MAY 4

Matinee Monday: ‘Blues Brothers’ Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 1 p.m.

Friends of the TCA presents Matinee Monday on the first Monday of every month at 1 p.m. This month’s movie is “Blues Brothers.” Free. 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

TUESDAY, MAY 5

Anne Frank: A Discussion, Part 1 Schultz-Holmes District Library, 6 p.m. Join Bob Behnke for the first part of a discussion on Anne Frank. This program counts toward continuing education credits for teachers.

407 S Lane St, Blissfield blissfieldlibrary.org or 517-486-2858

THURSDAY, MAY 7

National Day of Prayer Breakfast

The Centre, 7 to 8:30 a.m.

A free community event for National Day of Prayer. RSVP at TheCentre.info/events. 1800 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-6232

Build Your Future Career LISD Tech Center, 9-11 a.m.

Interested in a career in the trades or the residential building industry? The Build Your Future Career Event connects Lenawee County students with local builders, contractors, and industry professionals for a focused, two-hour opportunity to explore real career paths. Students will meet directly with companies to learn what different roles look like, what it takes to get started, and where those paths can lead. From skilled trades to the businesses that support them, this event highlights the wide range of opportunities available in the community. For local businesses and industry professionals, this is a chance to connect with the next generation, share your experience, and showcase the opportunities within your company and the industry as a whole. All Lenawee County high school students are invited to attend.

1372 N. Main St., Adrian

Athena Aid

County National Bank (Tecumseh), 5:30 p.m.

The first Athena Aid Event of 2026 will be an evening of networking, food, fun, and door prizes sponsored by County National Bank. Fiesta-themed drinks and appetizers will be served. Your $20 donation supports needs for local women through Athena Lenawee’s grants program. RSVP to lwillnow@cliftauto.com. The event also includes a drive to collect personal hygiene articles for the Boys and Girls Club. $20.

209 E. Russell Road, Tecumseh athenalenawee.org

FRIDAY, MAY 8

Adrian Garden Club Plant Sale

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Plants, flowers and other items will be sold by members of the Adrian Garden Club. Continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

148 N. Scott St., Adrian

The Edmund Fitzgerald Investigations Tecumseh District Library, 6:30 p.m.

Join shipwreck researcher Ric Mixter for a presentation on the legendary SS Edmund Fitzgerald. As one of the few individuals to have visited the wreck site in a submersible, Mixter brings a rare and deeply personal perspective to the story of the “Mighty Fitz.” 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh www.tecumsehlibrary.org 517-423-2238

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

Opening night of the Croswell’s 2026 Broadway Season. Show continues Saturday, Sunday and next weekend.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

SATURDAY, MAY 9

Adrian Garden Club Plant Sale

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Plants, flowers and other items will be sold by members of the Adrian Garden Club.

148 N. Scott St., Adrian

Mom & Me Shop & Stroll

Downtown Adrian, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Grab your mom, daughter, or favorite person and head to downtown Adrian for the Mom & Me Shop & Stroll. Spend the day exploring local shops, finding the perfect gifts, and making memories together.

Annual Plant Sale

Hidden Lake Gardens, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A one-day event at Hidden Lake Gardens, featuring a wide selection of plants, including native plants, sun/shade annuals (plus hanging baskets), sun/shade perennials (daylilies, ferns, hostas and more), woody plants, dwarf conifers, succulents, vegetable plants, and herbs. Special members-only preview at 9 a.m. Open until 2 p.m. or sold out. 6214 Monroe Rd., Tipton hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu 517-431-2060

7th annual Adrian Music Boosters

mattress fundraiser

Adrian High School Gym, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Features name brands like Simmons Beautyrest, Purple, and Therapedic, as well as adjustable bases, memory foam pillows, and sheets. Delivery is free and old mattresses and box springs can be hauled away for a small fee. Starting mattress prices are $249 for twin, $299 for full, $349 for queen, and $499 for king. 785 Riverside Ave., Adrian www.cfsbeds.com

Manitou Beach Spring Fling Manitou Beach, 10 a.m.

The annual spring fling is a day of shopping, exclusive specials, and giveaways. Free fresh flowers for the first 20 people at each participating business (Ang & Co., Black Bird Cafe, Devils Lakeview Living, Faust House, Lake Roots Salon, Paula’s Poop Deck/Rob’s Rentals, Trends, and Two Lakes).

Ladies Luncheon

Faith Baptist Church, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For all ladies, young and old. Bring your mom, daughter, sister, grandchildren, grandmothers, neighbors, co-workers, and friends. No cost but registration is requested at faithbaptist-mi.subspla.sh/m88hw4c.

3625 Hunt Road, Adrian

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Croswell Opera House, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

This musical chronicles the last days of Jesus’ life through an iconic 1970s rock score. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. Continues Sunday and next weekend.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

SUNDAY, MAY 10

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m.

Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. Continues next weekend.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

The Farmers Antique Tractor and Engine Association Spring Tractor and Engine Show runs from May 15-17. The association puts on a show twice a year at 7600 Forrister Road in Rome Township west of Adrian. In this photo from last fall’s show, Ella and Oz Gurzynski of Houghton Lake operate a 1914 steam engine owned by the Demlow family.

TUESDAY, MAY 11

Adrian Public Schools Songfest

Adrian High School, 7 p.m.

A concert featuring sixth- through 12th-grade choir students. Free and open to the public; coincides with the International Baccalaureate Art Show in the gallery.

785 Riverside Ave., Adrian 517-263-2181

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

Lunch and Learn: Lenawee Wine Trails Weber Center, 12:15 p.m.

Justin Gifford, executive director of Visit Lenawee, will take guests on a virtual tour of area wineries, including the River Raisin Wine Trail. Bring a lunch (drinks and dessert provided) or purchase lunch from Weber Center for $8 by registering at least two days in advance. Free. 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian webercenter.org or 517-423-6617

St. Mary’s Rummage & Bake Sale

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Spring Tractor & Engine Show

Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Family fun, kids’ games, a petting zoo, tractor and engine demonstrations, a working saw mill, historical barns, a cane mill, lost arts, parades, live entertainment, and more are planned for the Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association’s spring show. Food is available. Rain or shine. $5 (free for kids 12 and under). Continues Saturday and Sunday. 7600 Forrister Road, Adrian 517-260-3707

Rock the Games: Special Olympics Spring Games

Siena Heights University Fieldhouse, 10:30 a.m. Civitan of Lenawee presents the Special Olympics Spring Games — a day filled with courage, joy, teamwork, and unforgettable moments.

Holy Family Parish St. Mary Campus Activities Center, 5-8 p.m.

Proceeds support Holy Family Parish and people in need throughout the community. 305 Division St., Adrian holyfamilyadrian.org

Spring String Spectacular

Adrian High School Gym, 7 p.m.

A concert featuring Adrian Public Schools sixth- through 12th-grade orchestra students. Free and open to the public.

785 Riverside Ave., Adrian 517-263-2181

THURSDAY, MAY 14

St. Mary’s Rummage & Bake Sale

Holy Family Parish St. Mary Campus Activities Center, 5-8 p.m. Proceeds support Holy Family Parish and people in need throughout the community. 305 Division St., Adrian holyfamilyadrian.org

Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony

Adrian Armory, 6 p.m.

Celebrate the achievements of businesses, organizations, local professionals, and community leaders at the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony. $50. 230 W. Maumee St., Adrian greaterlenaweechamber.org or 517-423-3740

Adrian Public Schools Band-O-Rama

Adrian High School, 7 p.m.

A concert featuring sixth- through 12th-grade band students. Free and open to the public.

785 Riverside Ave., Adrian 517-263-2181

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

This musical chronicles the last days of Jesus’ life through an iconic 1970s rock score. Adults

$46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. Continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

1247 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian civitanoflenawee.org

Art Walk and Mural Blast

Downtown Tecumseh, 6-9 p.m.

Local artists will be on hand to greet people and talk about their work, which will range from pottery to photography to jewelry and more. Bring the family to enjoy watching artists demonstrate their skills as four teams of artists create 4-foot by 8-foot murals on giant easels throughout the downtown district. Some artists will have work for sale. The Art Walk is Friday night only; Mural Blast is also on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.downtowntecumseh.com 517-424-6818

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

This musical chronicles the last days of Jesus’ life through an iconic 1970s rock score. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. Continues Saturday and Sunday.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

SATURDAY,

MAY 16

Aging Well Expo

WellWise Services, 9 a.m. to noon

This free community event features over 40 booths, helpful resources, and expert speakers covering important topics to help you and your family plan ahead, stay informed, and age well with confidence. Email info@irishhills.com for details. Free.

107 Chicago St., Brooklyn irishhills.com or 517-592-8907

Third Annual Habitat for Humanity

Pickleball Tournament

Heritage Park, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

An event to support critical home repairs for families in Adrian. Registration closes May 6 or when all divisions are full. Sponsored by Adrian Parks and Recreation. $60 per team. 3221 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian habitat-lenawee.org

SATURDAY, MAY 16

Spring Tractor & Engine Show

Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Family fun, kids’ games, a petting zoo, tractor and engine demonstrations, a working saw mill, historical barns, a cane mill, lost arts, parades, live entertainment, and more are planned for the Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association’s spring show. Food is available. Rain or shine. $5 (free for kids 12 and under). Continues Sunday. 7600 Forrister Road, Adrian 517-260-3707

Bee Day Festival

St. John’s Lutheran Church, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The River Raisin Bee Keepers Club presents their annual Bee Day Festival, featuring vendors such as Studio 5 ceramics, RBJ Crafts, Wellsville Bees, Michigan Bee Mom, and Pumpkin Tree crochet. Event includes a kids’ scavenger hunt, kids crafts, a silent auction, and of course information about beekeeping. 3448 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian riverraisinbeekeeperclub.com

Black Squirrel Flea Market

Downtown Blissfield, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Black Squirrel Flea Market is a beloved annual tradition held in the heart of downtown Blissfield. The streets will come alive with a vibrant mix of antiques, vintage treasures, handmade crafts, and local goods.

As you browse the open-air market, you’ll enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of Blissfield’s historic downtown — and maybe even spot one of the legendary black squirrels that inspired the event’s name. The black squirrel population in Blissfield dates back to the early 1950s, when a resident named C.H. Fairbank Sr. released 19 black squirrels into the area, having brought them from Battle Creek. Over time, they made themselves at home and are now a fixture of the Blissfield community.

Mural Blast

Downtown Tecumseh, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Watch artists demonstrate their skills as four teams create 4-foot by 8-foot murals on giant easels throughout the downtown district. www.downtowntecumseh.com 517-424-6818

Michener Maple Market

Michener Elementary School, 10 a.m. to noon

During this event, students will have the chance to create and sell items they have made themselves, as a way to encourage creativity, entrepreneurship and responsibility while supporting Michener programs. Vendors are also invited; the cost is $15 and proceeds will go toward new playgrounds swings and field trips for Michener students. For more infomation, email alacasse@adrian.k12. mi.us. Register at adrianmaples.org/schools/ michener-elementary.php. 104 Dawes Ave., Adrian 517-263-9002

Fare & Pair: Inside the Winemaking Process

River Raisin Wine Trail, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Each stop along the trail highlights a key stage of winemaking. At Flying Otter Vineyard & Winery, guests will walk the vineyard and learn how grapes are grown and prepared for harvest. Cherry Creek Winery will dive into the fermentation process, where juice begins its transformation into wine. At Chateau Aeronautique Winery, explore how barrel aging shapes flavor, aroma, and complexity. At Pentamere Winery, guests will explore the bottling process, where the wine’s story comes full circle. Throughout the day, enjoy thoughtfully paired bites alongside tastings that complement each stage of the process. Tickets are $30 per adult and include wine samples and food pairings at each of the four locations. Designated driver tickets are available for $12 and include food only. visitlenawee.com

517-263-7747

Infusion Performing Arts’ 11th annual dance recital Tecumseh Center for the Arts, noon and 5:30 p.m.

A recital highlighting dancers from Infusion Performing Arts Academy. $14. 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org

The RIver Raisin Beekeepers Club’s annual Bee Day Festival will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3448 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian. In addition to opportunities to learn about beekeeping, the festival features vendors, kids’ activities, and more. (See details on page C7.)

SATURDAY, MAY 16

Color Run

Michener Elementary School,12:30 p.m.

A fun color run to raise money for student activities and field trips. Register before May 6 to receive a shirt. More info: alacasse@adrian. k12.mi.us or adrianmaples.org/schools/ michener-elementary.php. Adults $12; children $8. 104 Dawes Ave. Adrian 517-263-9002

Slither Into Adventure with Goober’s Party Animals

Hidden Haven, 1-4 p.m.

A family-friendly event with Goober’s Party Animals, a fully interactive reptile-based traveling zoo. Attendees will have the opportunity to look at, learn about, and touch more than 20 different reptiles. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit hiddenhavenadrian. com/services/events.

$5/person; free for kids 12 and under. 1705 Laberdee Road, Adrian hiddenhavenadrian.com

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Croswell Opera House, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. This musical chronicles the last days of Jesus’ life through an iconic rock score. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. Continues Sunday. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

SUNDAY, MAY 17

Greg Adams eRace Stigma 5K Run, Walk and Kids’ Dash Adrian City Market Pavilion, 8 a.m. Join the fight against mental health stigma by running, walking or rolling. The whole family can have a great time while exploring the connection between physical and mental wellness. People of all abilities are encouraged to register and there is a shortened kids dash for younger participants. All proceeds support health education programs in Lenawee County. $15 for 5k participants ($20 on race day); $5 for the kids’ dash. Cash only on race day. Register at runsignup.com/Race/MI/ Adrian/ERaceStigma5K. 115 Toledo St., Adrian 517-263-8905 or lcmha.org

SUNDAY, MAY 17

Bayberry String Quartet

Macon Creek, 2 p.m.

Experience the artistry and passion of the Bayberry String Quartet in a performance that celebrates the timeless beauty of chamber music. Known for their expressive interpretations and dynamic ensemble playing, the quartet brings both classical masterpieces and hidden gems to life with elegance and vitality. Adults $30; students pay-what-you-can.

8759 Clinton Macon Road, Clinton maconcreek.org

Chiaroscuro Men’s Chorus Spring Concert

Holy Rosary Chapel, 7 p.m.

This concert will feature a variety of music composed and arranged for men’s chorus, accompanied by pianist Isaac Cox and organist Kerwin Leader. A freewill offering will be accepted.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian chiaroscuromenschorus.org

TCA Big Band & VocalAires:

‘Through the Years’

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 4 p.m.

The TCA Big Band & VocalAires present their spring concert, “Through the Years,” performing everything from Hoagy Carmichael to Steely Dan, Big Band to Broadway, and beyond. $12. 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh 517-423-6617 or thetca.org

The Bayberry String Quartet (from left to right, Gabe Bolkosky, viola; Nurit Pacht, violin; Laura Usiskin, cello; and Steffani Kitayama, violin) will perform on Sunday, May 18 at Macon Creek, an arts center located on the former Boysville campus near Clinton.

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m. Final performance of the first show in the Croswell’s 2026 Broadway Season. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

Paint-and-Pour Landscape Class

Adrian Center for the Arts, 2-4 p.m.

This class for ages 13 and up is inspired by the paintings of Shirley Van Benschoten. Participants will create an abstract landscape using acrylic paint mixed with a pour medium. $60.

1375 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian adriancenterforthearts.org 517-759-3005

TUESDAY, MAY 19

Connection Cafe: Live Long And Prosper First United Methodist Church, 1-2 p.m. Looking to meet new people and learn something new? The Connection Café is a special event series organized by WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging. Connection Café is all about bringing older adults together for conversation, fun, and engaging topics that support healthy, active living. To reserve a seat, call Amanda Marsh at 517-592-1974. Free.

1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian

National Homeschool Music Ensembles

26th Annual Spring Concert Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 6 p.m.

National Homeschool Music Ensembles’ Beginning Strings, Strings, Beginning Band, and Band students present their annual spring concert featuring local musicians ages 8 to 80. Free; no tickets required.

400 N. Maumee Street, Tecumseh 517-423-6617 or thetca.org

LENAWEE COUNTY FOOD RESOURCES

FOOD PANTRIES

Adrian First Church of the Nazarene 50 Industrial Court, Adrian Every other Tuesday, 10 a.m. to noon. Call 517-263-1579 for dates.

Family Medical Center

1200 N. Main St., Adrian Second and fourth Saturday of every month; register by the Wednesday before distribution. Delivery available in Adrian. 517-263-1800.

Fishes and Loaves (First United Methodist Church and Neighbors of Hope)

1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to noon; call 517-759-4421 for appointments.

Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Campus

415 Ormsby St., Adrian Wednesday and Friday, 1-3 p.m.; third Sunday of the month from 5-7 p.m.; limit one visit per month. 517-759-3233.

Holy Family Parish, St. Mary Campus

305 Division St., Adrian Monday and Thursday, 1-3 p.m.; limit one visit per month. 517-266-0378.

Salvation Army

217 W. Church St., Adrian Monday and Thursday, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; call 517-265-2038 for appointment. Limit once per month.

Lutheran Church of the Lakes Indoor Blessing Cupboard

8800 U.S. 223, Addison Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon; Sundays, 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 517-547-4261.

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church/ Blissfield Ministerial Association

306 E. Jefferson St., Blissfield Call 517-486-1457 on Monday or Tuesday between 8 a.m. and noon to schedule pickup on Thursday between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For area residents.

Clinton United Methodist Church 10990 Tecumseh-Clinton Road, Clinton Second Thursday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon. For Clinton school district residents. 517-605-9303.

Deerfield Light of Christ Parish 222 Carey St., Deerfield Second Wednesday of the month from 1-2 p.m.; for area residents. 517-447-3500, ext. 13.

Hudson Ministerial Association

211 Mechanic St., Hudson Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., except for holidays. For area residents. 517-448-6411.

Thornhill Baptist Church

4560 S. Meridian Road, Hudson Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome. 517-448-7687.

Manitou Road Baptist Church 175 Manitou Road, Manitou Beach Call 517-547-5516 for appointment.

THURSDAY, MAY 21

Third Thursday Live Music

Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m.

Come downtown and enjoy live music at your favorite downtown spots.

Classic Car Show

Downtown Tecumseh, 6-8 p.m.

Cars and bikes will be displayed in the Old National Bank parking lot located at 205 E. Chicago Blvd. and the adjacent downtown parking lot. Special recognition awards will be given each month. Registration is free, but participants are asked to bring a canned good or non-perishable food item for area service clubs to distribute to local families in need. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 cars and bikes registered. Check-in will be held across from Gregory’s Barber Shop, 201 E. Chicago Blvd. between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Call 517-424-6555 for more information. Other dates: June 18, July 16, and Aug. 20. 205 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh 517-424-6555

Bring Your Own Talent Night

The Buzz Cafe and Marketplace, 6:30-8:30 p.m. An open mic presented in partnership with Above Pete’s Garage, welcoming music, poetry, comedy, storytelling and more. Free. 110 E. Maumee St., Adrian thebuzzadrian.com 517-759-3289

FRESH FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS

City of Refuge Ministries 327 Erie St., Adrian First Thursday of every month at noon.

Salvation Army

St. Mary on the Lake Catholic Church 450 Manitou Road, Manitou Beach Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon. 517-547-7496.

Morenci Church of the Nazarene 751 N. Summit St., Morenci Tuesdays by appointment; available to area residents. 517-306-8947.

New Song Community Church 5211 S. Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.; limit once every two weeks. 517-423-3676.

City of Refuge Ministries Meal Assistance Program

109 E. Logan St., Tecumseh Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-ins welcome; deliveries available. cityofrefugeministriesintl.com.

Tecumseh Service Club

Services provided as needed for area residents; email tecumsehserviceclub2020@gmail.com.

Tecumseh United Methodist Church 605 Bishop Reed Drive, Tecumseh Second and fourth Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. 517-423-2523.

Tipton Community Church/ God’s Helping Hands 9420 Tipton Hwy., Tipton Call 517-431-2460 for appointment.

217 W. Church St., Adrian First and third Tuesday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. 517-265-2038.

Lenawee Mobile Market

Meal kits, dairy and fresh produce available at various locations on the second Monday of each month, April through October.

Riverview Terrace, 400 College Ave., Adrian: 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Jasper Bible Church, 8230 S. Adrian Hwy., noon to 1 p.m.

St. Peter the Apostle Church/ Knights of Columbus 309 S. Lane St., Blissfield Second Friday of the month, 4 p.m. until gone. 517-270-2232.

Morenci Bible Fellowship Church 240 Salisbury St., Morenci First Thursday, 2-4 p.m. 517-458-2276.

Springville United Methodist Church 10341 Springville Hwy., Onsted Fourth Thursday of each month, 3 p.m. until gone. 517-467-4471.

Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene 1001 N. Union St., Tecumseh Second Tuesday of the month, 4 p.m. until gone. 517-423-4960.

Tecumseh Seventh-Day Adventist Church 6759 S. Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh Third Friday in January, March, May, July, September and November; noon to 2 p.m. 517-423-2800.

HOT MEALS

The Daily Bread

302 S. Tecumseh St., Adrian Meals served Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. dailybreadlenawee.org.

Salvation Army

217 W. Church St., Adrian Served Monday and Wednesday, 4-5 p.m.

Tecumseh Church of Christ/ God’s Bread Basket

312 W. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. 567-703-0551 or 517-265-3608.

Tipton Community Church/ God’s Helping Hands

9240 Tipton Hwy., Tipton Meals served via drive-through on the second Saturday of each month, 3:45-5 p.m., while supplies last.

BLESSING BOXES

The organization Hope in Action (hopeinaction19@gmail.com) supplies the following blessing boxes in Adrian: n Corner of South Scott Street and College Avenue (white box).

n Abundant Life Church, 1120 E. Maple Ave. (blue box).

n First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave. (red box).

n Reformed Baptist Church, 2667 Bent Oak Ave (red box).

This directory of food resources was compiled from a mixture of information published by the Lenawee County MSU Extension and information sent to the Voice for publication. To submit additions, changes or corrections, please email Linda Cline at lcline@lenaweevoice.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Craft Supplies Swap

Tecumseh District Library, 1-4 p.m.

Bring your full skeins of yarn, needles of all kinds, beads, ribbons, or any other crafting supplies you are not using anymore and swap them out for something else that catches your fancy. Donations of craft supplies will be accepted at the library starting May 18.

215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh tecumsehlibrary.org

517-423-2238

MONDAY, MAY 25

Tecumseh Memorial Day Parade

Downtown Tecumseh, 10 a.m.

The annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony will begin at the corner of East Chicago Boulevard and Maumee Street, then head west down Chicago Boulevard, turning north onto Union Street and ending at Brookside Cemetery. A Remembrance Ceremony will begin immediately after the parade. Registration deadline is May 18. To register, go to tecumseh.rja.revize.com/ forms/14261 or call 517-423-2107.

Adrian Memorial Day Parade Maumee Street, 11 a.m.

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 is inviting local veterans, civic groups, and community members to take part in this year’s Memorial Day parade in Adrian. Lineup is along West Maumee Street near the Adrian Armory starting at 10:30 a.m. Stepoff is set for 11 a.m., with the route heading east to Monument Park. Entry forms can be obtained by email or by calling the DAV; forms must be submitted by May 15. For information, call 517-265-3993 or email dav20mi@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 26

Anne Frank: A Discussion, Part 2 Schultz-Holmes District Library, 6 p.m. Join Bob Behnke for the second part of a discussion on Anne Frank. This program counts toward continuing education credits for teachers.

407 S. Lane St., Blissfield blissfieldlibrary.org

517-486-2858

THURSDAY, MAY 28

Art in the Park

Downtown Brooklyn, 5-9 p.m.

This event takes place on the fourth Thursday of every month from May to September, featuring live music, food trucks, art and market vendors, a farmers market, and more. Email fellow@villageofbrooklyn.com for vendor information.

115 Water St., Brooklyn

Sourdough class with The Rising Loaf Schultz-Holmes District Library, 6 p.m.

A sourdough starter class with The Rising Loaf, a home microbakery in Blissfield. Free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit the library or call 517-486-2858.

407 S. Lane St., Blissfield blissfieldlibrary.org

517-486-2858

Morenci Town & Country Festival

Wakefield Park, 5-10 p.m.

The 2026 Morenci Town & Country Festival includes a carnival, live entertainment, chicken BBQ, pickleball, beer tent, fireworks, and more. Continues Friday and Saturday. For more information, call Rachel Barron at 517-401-0173.

527 W. Main St., Morenci

FRIDAY, MAY 29

Second annual Native Plant Sale

River Raisin Watershed Council, 2-7 p.m.

An afternoon celebrating native plants, pollinators, and community. Whether you’re planting your first pollinator garden or expanding your habitat space, this event connects you with local native plant growers and conservation partners who can help you grow with confidence. Early bird entry (2-3 p.m.) is $5; general admission beginning at 3 p.m. is free.

804 N. Evans St., Tecumseh riverraisin.org/plant-sale

Morenci Town & Country Festival

Wakefield Park, 5 p.m. to midnight

The 2026 Morenci Town & Country Festival includes a carnival, live entertainment, chicken BBQ, pickleball, beer tent, fireworks, and more. For more information, call Rachel Barron at 517-401-0173. Concludes Saturday.

527 W. Main St., Morenci

Blissfield Summer Concert Series: Renegade Lemonade Bicentennial Park, 7-9 p.m.

The Summer Concert Series is a free, familyfriendly event held throughout the summer in downtown Blissfield. Each concert features live performances by talented local and regional musicians, covering everything from classic rock and country to blues, pop, and acoustic favorites. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab a bite from a local food vendor, and settle in for an evening of music under the open sky. Free.

121 S. Lane St., Blissfield blissfieldmainstreet.com/summerconcerts 517-486-4347

SATURDAY, MAY 30

Morenci Town & Country Festival Wakefield Park, 11 a.m. to midnight

The 2026 Morenci Town & Country Festival includes a carnival, live entertainment, chicken BBQ, pickleball, beer tent, fireworks, and more. For more information, call Rachel Barron at 517-401-0173. Final day.

527 W. Main St., Morenci

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

Adrian First Fridays Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m.

The theme for this month’s Adrian First Fridays event is “Pickles & Putters.” downtownadrian.com/first-fridays

First Friday Car Show

Lenawee County Fair and Event Grounds, 5-8 p.m.

The theme for the June car show at the fairgrounds is “project cars.” Live music will be provided by Jaded Soul.

602 N. Dean St., Adrian

The Morenci Town & Country Festival will take place from May 28-30 this year. The annual festival takes place in Wakefield Park on the west side of downtown Morenci.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

Run for the Roses 5K Race & Walk

Downtown Morenci, 9 a.m.

Registration is now open for the Run for the Roses 5K Race & Walk. Hosted by the Morenci DDA in partnership with the Morenci Middle School and High School cross country program, proceeds will help support the team and the cross country course. Register at runsignup.com/Race/MI/Morenci/ runfortherosesmi. $20.

Morenci Garden Club Plant Exchange Wakefield Park, 9 a.m.

Bring two to five starts and take two to five starts home. Please label type, color and desired location. A great way to inexpensively expand the variety of flowers in your garden. 527 W. Main St., Morenci

Juried Junk

First Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ReTree Tecumseh is hosting its annual “Juried Junk” fundraiser featuring unique handmade and repurposed garden decor and designer potted annuals. Cash and credit cards accepted. Proceeds support ReTree’s mission to plant trees on public property in the city. 211 W. Chicago Blvd. Tecumseh retreetecumseh@gmail.com

Beacon Arts Trio

Macon Creek, 2 p.m.

The Beacon Arts Trio presents “Merged/ Submerged: Poetry and Sound Converge in the Forest, Harlem, and the Depths of the Sea.” A vibrant and imaginative musical adventure featuring Jacques Ibert’s “Interludes,” Maurice Draughn’s solo harp piece “Harlem Suite,” Mel Bonis’ “Scènes de la forêt,” and Miguel del Águila’s “Submerged.” Adults $25, students pay-what-you-can. 8759 Clinton Macon Road, Clinton maconcreek.org

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

Live from New York! Miss Maybell & Charlie Judkins join the River Raisin Ragtime Revue Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 4 p.m. Based in New York City where they perform sold-out shows at the legendary Birdland Theater, Miss Maybell and Charlie are set to bring their mix of early jazz, ragtime and blues to Tecumseh. This duo gives new life to vintage tunes sourced from old 78 rpm records and dusty sheet music. They’ve been featured on National Public Radio and toured the U.S. and abroad, headlining the “Seville Swing” festival in Seville, Spain and performing a week of shows in Bern, Switzerland. Joining them will be Lenawee County’s own River Raisin Ragtime Revue. $27. 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

‘Gypsy’ Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m.

Opening night. This classic musical about celebrity and family tells the story of Rose, an ambitious showbiz mother, and her two daughters as they travel across the country in search of fame with their vaudeville act. As the times change, Rose must accept the end of vaudeville, the rise of burlesque, and the price exacted on her daughter by her drive to succeed. Contains mature content. Adults $46/$36/$26, students $26/$22/$16. Continues Saturday, Sunday and next weekend. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian croswell.org or 517-264-7469

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.

TUESDAY, MAY 5

Wagon Wheel Effect album release party, 6:30 p.m., Jerry’s Pub, 650 Egan Hwy., Brooklyn.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

Linnie & Moochie, 6-9 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton.

FRIDAY, MAY 8

Kayleigh KAnn Duo with Drake Ely, 7 p.m., Mammoth Distillery, 108 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Mediocre Mix Tape, 7 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton. Leadfoot, 8 p.m., Jerry’s Pub, 650 Egan Hwy., Brooklyn. Girls Night Out the Show, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 9

Ryan Groth, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Devil’s Lake Bar & Grill, 6365 U.S. 223, Addison. Liveo, 7 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton. Your Generation, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Los Hermanos, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for non-members.

SUNDAY, MAY 10

Frankly Jack, 5 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

Pub Trio, 5 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton.

THURSDAY, MAY 14

Marcus & Tiffany, 6 p.m., Chaloner’s Cigar House, 108 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

FRIDAY, MAY 15

The Convalescence, 7 p.m., The Rex Theater, 235 W. Main St., Morenci. Mike Finch, 7 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton

AC/DC Tribute by ThunderStruck with Blaine Luis Band, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 16

Dan Bickel, 7 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton

The Native Heart, 8 p.m., Chaloner’s Cigar House, 108 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

Eagles Tribute by Motown Eagles, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20

6 Strings & A Mike, 5 p.m., Flamingo Beach & Grille, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton

FRIDAY, MAY 22

One Hit Wonders, 7 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton.

Blondie Tribute by Atomic Beat, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Days of Devastation Tour featuring Kaos Anubis/Looney Lenny/As the Sky Went Black, 7 p.m., The Rex Theater, 235 W. Main St., Morenci.

Jaded Soul, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Devil’s Lake Bar & Grill (patio party), 6365 U.S. 223, Addison. Public Scene, 7 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton. Eric Clapton Tribute by The Eric Clapton Experience, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 24

Brittani Joy, 5 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton. D Tour Band, 5:30 p.m., Beach Bar, 3505 Ocean Beach Rd., Clarklake. $5 cover.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

Marvin Rieli, 5 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton

THURSDAY, MAY 28

Linnie & Moochie, 7-9 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

FRIDAY, MAY 29

Kevin Wolff Duo, 6 p.m., Beach Bar, 3505 Ocean Beach Rd., Clarklake. $5 cover. Wasabi Pearls, 7 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton. Sponge, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 30

Mortilus, Bury the Lie, and A Tension Deficit, 7 p.m., The Rex Theater, 235 W. Main St., Morenci. Tickets $15 presale, $20 at the door.

Leadfoot, 7 p.m., Gauci Golf Resort, 8431 Sports Park Drive, Onsted.

Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute by Proud Mary, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com. Jaded Soul, 8 p.m. to midnight, Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for non-members.

Old School, 7 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton.

SUNDAY, MAY 31

Jon Torrence, 5 p.m., Flamingo Grille & Bar, 4321 U.S. 12, Tipton Power Play Detroit , 5:30 p.m., Beach Bar, 3505 Ocean Beach Road, Clarklake. $5 cover.

Miss Maybell and Charlie will bring their unique mix of early jazz, ragtime and blues to the Tecumseh Center for the Arts on Sunday, June 7, accompanied by the River Raisin Ragtime Revue.