Marlanea McGraw Owner/Publisher
from the publisher
To steal from a popular holiday song, I agree that, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” I love Christmas. I love the decorations, the excitement, the traditional foods, and spoiling the people I love with gifts—especially when I come up with a great surprise!
We love ending the year by bringing you this special flip edition: our regular magazine on one side and a more holiday-oriented version on the other. This year, one cover highlights our wonderful community theater The Sauk. Executive Director Trinity Bird discusses the special value that the arts bring to an area as well as giving an overview of the upcoming season. Vanessa Donahue, accountant and owner of Bildner & Donahue PC, is our other cover article. You’ll learn about her professional journey, and Vanessa shares some important information about preparing for tax season!
In addition to the main articles, be sure to take a look at the business spotlights on Here’s to You Pub and Grub and the newly-opened 517 Thrift Shop. Learn about PRIME Fitness Studio’s Third Annual Deadlifts and Donuts fundraiser on January 1 with the proceeds supporting Erin’s Angels Rescue for the second year. There’s a companion article covering the rescue.
Please be sure to read the ads and see what you might find in the way of retailers, professionals, or service providers that will meet your needs. Our advertisers keep us going, and we hope everyone will support local businesses!
Wishing you a safe, joyous, and blessed holiday season.
Cyndi
Please thank our ADVERTISERS
Without their continued commitment & support, this publication would not be possible.
All Aboard Travel - 14
Arrow Swift Printing - 45
Belson Asphalt - 7
Breathe Free Duct Cleaning - 13
Bundy Hill Diner, LLC - 63
Burdick Kitchen & Bath - 51
Campbell Tree Farm - 15
Carpet Outlet Plus - 33
CASA - 24
Christie Plemmons Realty - 36
City Collision - 65
Classic Cabinets - 49
Coldwell Banker Groves Real Estate - 5
Coldwater Auto - 6
Cottage Inn Pizza -19
D&D Heating & Cooling - 9
Devils Lake View Living - 45
DMCI - 32
Drew’s Place - 57
Eagle Funeral Homes -64
Empowered Image Consulting - 23
Family Life Radio - 39
Faust House Scrap N Craft Art Supplies - 43
Glory to God -29
Green Energy - 39
Griffiths Mechanical - 28
Hampton Funeral Homes - 15
HD Mechanical - 9
Hillsdale County Community Foundation - 62, 63
Hillsdale Family Chiropractic - 63
Hillsdale Hypnosis - 32
In the Key - 69
I’ve Been Framed! - 32
Jilly Beans - 63
Lone Ranger Cafe - 32
Longstreet Living - 39
Loveberry’s Funny Farm Campground - 59
Loveberry’s Tree Farm - 59
Madison Garden Center - 41
Maggie Anne’s - 25
Parney’s Car Care - 10
Phat Jaxx Automotive - 15
Pleasant View Beef - 37
PRIME Fitness - 27
Professional Hearing Services - 35
Pub & Grub - 45
Right to Life of Hillsdale County - 11
Share the Warmth - 55
Shea’ Nanigans - 45
Silos Fun Park - 18
Simply Hers Magazine - 70
Smith’s Floral Boutique - 45
Spratt’s Trading Post - 31
State Farm Insurance, Jason Adcock - 47
Stillwell Ford Sales - 2
Ten East Treasures - 6
The Finish Line - 53
Trevathan’s Sweep & Sew - 45
Trinity Bird
“We want The Sauk to be the community’s theater,” he says.
To learn more about donating, volunteering, auditioning, or buying tickets, visit www.thesauk.org. You can also call (517) 849-9100 or stop by the theater during business hours at 240 East Chicago St., Jonesville.
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Keep Health & Fitness A Priority
Enjoy the Holiday Season
The holidays are a time to celebrate, connect, and slow down — but that doesn’t mean you have to pause your health. Keeping fitness a priority isn’t about restriction; it’s about energy, balance, and joy. A quick workout or walk can boost your mood, reduce stress, and help you feel your best through the season. Move your body not to “burn off” the cookies, but to celebrate all it can do. Stay active, stay mindful, and step into the new year strong — in both body and spirit.
Here are some holiday fitness tips to help you stay healthy and energized while still enjoying the season
1. Keep It Short and Consistent
• Even 10–20 minutes of movement counts — think short HIIT workouts, brisk walks, or bodyweight circuits.
• Try “something is better than nothing” instead of “all or nothing.”
2. Plan Active Traditions
• Go for a family walk after big meals.
• Try ice skating, hiking, or a holiday fun run.
• Turn decorating or cleaning into an active activity (music helps!).
3. Stay Flexible
• Travel or parties can disrupt routines — that’s okay!
• Do quick workouts in your hotel room or living room (bodyweight squats, planks, push-ups).
4. Balance, Don’t Deprive
• Enjoy holiday foods guilt-free, but pause before seconds and eat mindfully.
• Focus on protein and veggies first, then indulge in treats.
5. Hydrate Well
• Holiday drinks (coffee, alcohol, soda) can dehydrate you.
• Keep a water bottle nearby and aim for 6–8 glasses daily.
6. Prioritize Sleep
• Lack of rest increases cravings and stress.
• Stick to a regular bedtime when possible, even with social events.
7. Set Mini Goals
• Instead of “I’ll get back on track in January,” try:
o “Move 20 minutes a day.”
o “No two days without exercise.”
o “Eat one green thing at every meal.”
8. Find Accountability
• Invite friends or family to join workouts.
• Use a fitness app or calendar to track activity and celebrate small wins.
Keeping fitness a priority during the holidays isn’t about punishment — it’s about feeling your best staying energized, and setting yourself up for a strong start to the new year.
Best of Hillsdale County
Ask the Doctor:
4 Simple Ways to Beat Holiday Stress
A little self-care can go a long way during the holiday season.
• The hectic holiday season can be a stressful time of year for many people.
• A new survey shows more than half of adults in the U.S. say they don’t get the alone time they need during the holidays.
• Experts say alone time can be beneficial for mental health.
• Self-care, self-gifting, and practicing gratitude can also boost mental well-being, especially during the holidays.
As exciting, fun, and joyful as the holidays can be, many people find it to be stressful.
Not only does stress affect us the moment we’re triggered by a person or situation, but when left unmanaged, it can take a toll on our mental health.
During the hectic holiday season, many people feel pressured by end-ofyear deadlines and family and social obligations. Others may feel stretched thin by financial strain this time of year with increased spending and gift giving.
If you’re feeling caught in this cycle of stress and tension during what is supposed to be the “most wonderful time of year,” a little self-care and selflove can go a long way.
Psychotherapist and registered social worker Danika Syrja-McNally MSW, RSW, in Markham, Ontario, told Healthline she’s observed the effects of holiday stress in her therapy practice, noting the importance of taking time for yourself.
“As a psychotherapist, sometimes part of my work with clients is giving them permission to do something for themselves, and after that initial push, they see the benefits, and it gets easier to incorporate this into their regular routine,” she said.
Take a moment for yourself
Holiday festivities may contribute to stress and burnout, but taking time for yourself could provide some relief.
A national survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center shows that 46% of adults in the United States report that they don’t get enough alone time during the holidays.
Of the 1,000 respondents who participated in the survey, more than half — 56% — say that getting the alone time they need is very important to their mental well-being.
Sophie Lazarus, PhD, a clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ohio State, said in a statement that “in
a world that glorifies staying busy, taking a brief break alone can be rewarding both mentally and physically.”
Lazarus noted that taking just a few minutes to yourself can help reduce holiday stress and improve your mental health.
“By taking a brief pause alone, our nervous system can settle, our mind can settle, our body can settle. And I think that can be important. We know that chronic stress is not good for us,” she continued.
Practice self-care
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as, “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote their own health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness with or without the support of a health or care worker.”
However, carving out time for self-care may not seem ideal when you’re busy, especially during the holidays whether you feel pressured to meet a work deadline or family expectation or you simply have too much on your mind.
But finding time for self-care can improve your mental health.
A 2020 study shows that self-care practices can help ease feelings of depression and anxiety.
There are many ways to practice self-care, from getting a massage to practicing yoga or meditation; taking a long, hot bath with Epsom salt; or listening to relaxing music.
Self-care doesn’t have to break the bank, either. You might check your area for massage student clinics, community acupuncture, and other wellness spaces that offer sliding scale or discounted rates.
When practicing self-care, remember that what works for you might not be best for someone else. Try creating a self-care checklist to get a sense of what activities might best suit your personal needs.
Jared Kaplan, a personal trainer and CEO of Arrive Wellness in New York, told Healthline that “acting on the decision to do something about your self-care creates a rush of dopamine,” the feel-good chemical known to reinforce the brain’s reward system.
“Imagine the benefits of reinforced habits of self-care,” he said.
Treat yourself
An unusual self-care practice comes in the form of self-gifting.
A 2022 study shows that when stressed-out people treat themselves with a small gift or indulgence, they are more relaxed, happier, and less stressed about time. The researchers note that people who feel constrained by factors like time, money, and energy may be less likely to treat themselves, driven by a belief that such constraints may hinder their ability to obtain the mental health benefits of self-gifting.
According to this research, the key to breaking free from the cycle of
and tension is for individuals to recognize that it’s during stressful times when they may need to treat themselves the most.
It’s often said that time is our most valuable asset—once it’s gone, you can never get it back. It’s also one of our top stressors. Most of us wish for more time, more money, and an abundance of energy.
The study found that time, money, and mental health pressures were the main factors preventing people from self-gifting.
When the researchers showed participants fictional ads of services or products with self-care or self-gifting taglines, it was participants who were stressed, short on time, or lacking funds who showed the least interest in the services and products.
Those participants cited the inability to enjoy the experience of self-gifting due to busy schedules, tight budgets, or long to-do lists. Researchers hypothesized this thinking was counterproductive and followed up the studies by analyzing the effects of self-gifting activities on those participants. The overall effect in choosing self-gifting was less stress, increased happiness and relaxation, and a feeling of being less squeezed for time.
If creating space for self-gifting seems daunting, Syrja-McNally said that when you do it, you’ll feel less burnt out and more productive.
If you’re experiencing financial pressure, Syrja-McNally noted you don’t have to spend money to treat yourself, since the idea of self-gifting overlaps with selfcare.
“Self-gifting can be taking their 30-minute break at work, arranging a time to go out for a walk or have a bath without kids, that can certainly feel like a gift,” she explained, noting a few more ideas:
• listen to music or a podcast
• download a free meditation app
• enjoy a favorite meal or snack
• watch a favorite TV show
• read a book
• attend a free community event
Express gratitude to loved ones
A large body of evidence supports a gratitude practice for improving mental well-being.
A 2023 meta-analysis of 64 clinical trials found that acts of gratitude are therapeutic, increasing positive feelings in the general population. These findings also suggest that gratitude interventions are a complementary treatment for anxiety and depression.
Other research has demonstrated that expressing gratitude toward loved ones can go a long way in improving mental health.
A 2022 study found that romantic partners who said “thank you” to each other improved their relationship and minimized feelings of stress, which some may find apropos during the holiday season
Takeaway
‘Tis the season for self-care, self-gifting, and showing appreciation toward others. If you’re feeling stressed during the holidays, treating yourself and others may bring you joy and ease.
Whether gifting to yourself or someone else, remember to stay within your budget to avoid financial strain and feelings of regret.
If holiday gatherings with loved ones become tense or uncomfortable, be sure to take a moment for yourself, too. Leave the room, go for a walk, or just sit and breathe.
If you can, try to find gratitude for those who lift you up and maybe even a little compassion toward those who don’t. Think of the holidays as an opportunity to set aside differences and celebrate our connections with family and friends.
Healthline.com
about five youngsters who are abused throughout their early lives and how they grow up coping with their awful, sad pasts. To be fair, I guess it has a somewhat rewarding ending. I leave it up to you, as the book has received great reviews.
My colleague Melissa is reading Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. I have read about this book on Facebook’s Goodreads, with nothing but great reviews. Our heroine, widow Tova, is lonely and takes a job working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She finds an unlikely connection with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who occupies a tank on a floor where she works. The story follows Tova as she copes with a loss in her personal life by keeping busy at the aquarium. The plot also includes the mysterious disappearance of her son 30 years prior. Melissa said she is getting to the exciting part where the threads come together. I wonder how it finished? I will have to get a copy and read it!
Author Jason Rekulak’s story, The Last One at the Wedding, was recommended by fellow reader Bridget. At her suggestion I read it and found it thought-provoking. Frank, our hero in the story, discovers when he goes to the wedding of his estranged daughter that she is not exactly all she seemed. It takes a turn at the end that I did not expect, and so I thought I’d read another of his novels. The Impossible Fortress is a lighter, fun story. It follows three ninth grade misfit boys through their adventures trying to obtain a copy of Playboy because their favorite star, Vanna White, is featured in it. It’s a pretty sweet read, reminiscent of Stephen King’s The Body.
Book and Author Reviews
By Nancy Ryan Simply Hers Magazine
Author Nora Robert’s latest is entitled Hidden Nature. Our heroine Sloan is a Natural Resource police officer, and has been seriously injured while trying to stop a robbery. She is sent home to the mountains of Pennsylvania to recover and reunite with her beloved family. Murders start to happen in the area, seemingly unrelated, and with time on her hands Sloan begins to delve into them. She also meets a cool guy (of course). As she investigates the murders, we discover she is also on their “hit list.” I haven’t read this author for a while, and I enjoy her stories along with her writing style. It was well worth my time.
Speaking of Nora Roberts, I am now reading her pseudonym JD Robb’s latest, Bonded in Death (number 73!). It is a futuristic cop suspense series starring heroine Detective Eve Dallas and her tycoon husband, the gorgeous Irishman Roark. If you like police stories, you will enjoy these. They feature the same police cast in all, with the plots being different and challenging. Make sure you start with her first, Naked in Death. Eve always gets her villain in the end!
What are you reading lately? Email me at nancyryan47@ gmail.com
See you at the library!
decorating, shopping and baking. It will still be tasteful and festive, but much more minimalist. Oh right, who am I kidding? I started picking up those “perfect gifts” in August. I tested new holiday recipes starting in September (think Cinnamon Pickles) and already have vintage Christmas decorations ready to display that I have collected since last Christmas. It is just in my blood, my drive to exploit and celebrate Christmas to the fullest degree! (And drag my poor family along for the ride!)
There are some craft projects yet to complete, but I am sure the fam will all be delighted that no one will suffer being the recipient of “another” quilt. They have all been “blessed” by the homemade quilt gift. I am sure it is as far as I can push it. Hey, wait a minute. I have never gifted my hubs a quilt . . . . Hmmm, maybe something in shades of Michigan State green or Red Wings red. I may make everyone themed pillowcases though. Disney characters for my Burbank, California, kids; maybe a dinosaur theme one for my grandson and something with sayings and unsolicited advice quotes for my daughter. Special and well received gifts for all!
It’s the Most Magical Time of the Year
By
Next, I need to decide on exterior décor. Lights and garlands, blow molds and decorations! I have seen where crafters have taken a Little Tykes Playhouse and painted it up to look like a Christmas gingerbread house. I mentioned this to my hubs and pointed to our large plastic potting shed building with visions of candy canes and gumdrops dancing in my head. He didn’t say “no.” Now I just need to find a huge inflatable Santa to reside in this building and maybe a couple of oversized nutcracker dudes. Of course, it might look kind of odd in our yard once the Christmas season has passed. I better first check the city ordinance and make sure this won’t be a violation.
Whatever you decide for your own Christmas: a beautiful traditional tree with a lifetime collection of ornaments or annually updated new and current decorations every year, whether you bake and make homemade to the max, or order online for free home delivery—here’s wishing you and yours the Merriest of Christmas and Holiday Season.
Keeping It in Stitches and theme pillowcase fabric. Ho. Ho. Ho.
Diane K Clow Quilter and Sewist Picker
And, hopefully, Good Friend
11/7-11/8
2025 Holiday festivals & events
he holiday season is upon us, and that means festivals and celebrations! Here is a sampling of special events in our area for the next two months.
Many of these events have multiple attractions. Tree lighting ceremonies often include group carol singing, special refreshments, and holiday markets. Larger festivals may offer sleigh rides, appearances by Santa, special dining and shopping, home tours, and more. For a more inclusive list, visit michigan.org/events. You can also check the counties’ individual websites and the Facebook pages for individual towns and cities.
11/22
Holiday Open House & Streetscape Lighting, Tecumseh
11/7 & 12/5
Holiday Night Market, Tecumseh
11/7-11/9
Yuletide Cheer Festival, Blissfield
11/15
Nite Lites Christmas Fun Run/Walk, MIS, Brooklyn
11/15
3rd Annual Magic of Kobranis Christmas Show, Jackson (benefits area children in need)
11/21
Silver Bells in the City (includes lighting the state tree)
11/21-1/4
Nite Lites at MIS, Brooklyn
Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade
11/22-12/23
Wonderland of Lights, Potter Park Zoo, Lansing
11/22/25-1/3/26
Monroe Holiday Tree Walk
11/22/25-1/4/26
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo (not open every day in date range, check site)
11/29, 12/6-12/7, 12/13-12/14
Christmas Express (Quincy Stop & Shop on the 29th)
12/4-12/28
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village (not open every night in date range, check site)
12/6
Light Up Parade, Hillsdale
12/6
Christmas on the Farm (Waterloo Farm Museum and Dewey School Museum), Grass Lake, MI
12/12
Wassail Festival, Blissfield
12/19
Moonlight Holiday Shopping, Tecumseh
MANITOU BEACH
We Appreciate You!
As fall and winter roll in, we look back on the year and are appreciative for everyone who came out to support our events and the area businesses. This year we offered a variety of activities in the Devils and Round Lake Community and have already started on our 2026 calendar and all of the planning.
Devils and Round Lakes in the Irish Hills have been a great getaway for so many generations who are looking for outdoor fun and also some solace. Friends and family come together year-round to enjoy the simple things in life that have become much more important and treasured.
The businesses of Devils and Round Lakes welcome you with open arms and continue to offer shopping, food and drink, a place to stay and a variety of events.
Support your local community by coming out on November 29 for Small Business Saturday. When you shop small, you’re investing in your neighborhood favorites!
Each year Manitou Beach Village participates in the Irish Hills Chamber’s “Holiday in the Hills” which takes place on December 5 and 6. On Friday, December 5, come out to welcome in the holiday season with our Annual Parade with Santa and Tree Lighting, beginning at 6 p.m. We will have a variety of activities for all ages, shopping, food, spirits and music. On Saturday, December 6, bring your friends out for Sip & Shop from 12 noon-4 p.m. This is always a fun event! We would love to see these events continue to grow, so support your local community and come out to celebrate “Holiday in the Hills.”
The majority of the businesses at the lakes are open year-round, and we encourage you to come out and support everything we have to offer throughout the year.
Be sure to watch the village Facebook page at: facebook. com/ManitouBeachMichigan or the website at: manitoubeachmichigan.com as well as the individual businesses’ websites and Facebook pages for more details.
JACKSON
Food, Entertainment, & Traditions
by Rachel Buchanan
Jackson County has great opportunities for food and fun when the cold weather arrives. During the week of November 10-16, Experience Jackson presents the return of Jackson County Restaurant Week. Enjoy comfort food themed meals with curated $15 menus at over 30 restaurants throughout the week. Pick up a punch card at any location, get at least three punches, and you could win one of a handful of restaurant gift card prize packages!
Looking for some culture? Catch a performance at either the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, the Michigan Theatre of Jackson or Jackson College’s Potter Center. Among the three, you can experience world class ballet, performances of Romeo and Juliet, Christmas tributes to the Rat Pack and Johnny Cash, the classic rock from Three Dog Night, and tributes to Tim McGraw and Queen.
When it comes to tradition, your holiday in Jackson begins with the Downtown Jackson Christmas parade, always the Friday before Thanksgiving. This year, it’ll make its way through downtown Jackson along Michigan Avenue on November 21. Keep the holiday spirit alive with two Jackson County traditions. Don’t miss the annual Nite Lites Christmas drive-thru
at Michigan International Speedway, open nightly between November 22 and January 5—even on Christmas and New Year’s Day! With multiple miles of Christmas lights to guide you through the racetrack, your holiday dreams will come true with a dose of nostalgia.
Experience culture following the holiday with a Kwanzaa dinner, part of the Southside Festival Series. Celebrate the African and African American culture, family, and community on December 26 with traditional drumming, singing and eating.
For more details on events and happenings around Jackson County, visit the events calendar at ExperienceJackson.com or through the Experience Jackson app.
TECUMSEH
The Most Charming Christmas
Labeled one of Michigan’s most-charming Christmas towns, you will have many events to pick from this holiday season in Tecumseh.
Kick off the Christmas magic in downtown Tecumseh on Friday, December 5, with the 2025 Downtown Tecumseh Christmas Parade. This year’s theme, “A Walk Down Gingerbread Lane,” promises a sweet and whimsical experience for all ages. Make sure to keep your eyes open for the evening’s special guest: Santa Claus!
The same day as the parade, be sure to stop by the Holiday Night Market at The Market on Evans. From 4 - 8 p.m., you will have the opportunity to browse a variety of holiday-themed vendors, enjoy live music, warm up with hot chocolate, and grab a bite from local food trucks. A towering, beautifully lit Christmas tree will add to the magical atmosphere, making it the perfect backdrop for photos and holiday fun.
The festivities don’t end there though. On December 12 and 13, residents of the city will have the opportunity to compete in the Merry & Bright Holiday Decorating Contest. All are invited to participate in the competition by decorating their homes with Christmas decorations and lights. Even if you are not a resident of Tecumseh, be sure to take this as an opportunity to spend an evening exploring the town to decide which house you think is the best decorated!
Have some last-minute holiday shopping you need to do? On December 19 from 5 - 8 p.m., the shops of downtown Tecumseh will stay open into the evening for Moonlight Holiday Shopping. At this event, you can enjoy a stroll through the beautifully-decorated downtown, all while supporting local businesses. Participating merchants may also have their own specials, activities, and refreshments.
By Elyse Apel
ADRIAN
Capture the Magic
This December, soak up the Christmas spirit in Adrian as it transforms into a winter wonderland. The city knows how to celebrate Christmas right with two holiday displays that will bring the community together and capture the magic of the season.
You can begin your holiday adventure at the Heritage Park Christmas Lights Display, where classic Christmas characters and festive scenes light up the night. Open nightly from dusk until 10 p.m. all December, this free drive-through event lets visitors enjoy the sights from the warmth of their cars.
Twinkling lights and vibrant displays fill the park, making it the perfect setting for creating cherished memories—and snapping a few holiday photos along the way. Whether it’s your first visit or a beloved tradition, Heritage Park offers a joyful and accessible way to celebrate the season.
Just a short drive away, the Comstock Christmas Riverwalk in downtown Adrian will offer a more intimate, walkable holiday experience. Here, over 500 uniquely decorated Christmas trees line the riverbank, their lights shimmering on the water’s surface. Sponsored by local businesses, organizations, and residents, each tree has its own personality and charm. In fact, the Riverwalk made headlines in 2019 by surpassing Hallmark’s world record for the most lit Christmas trees.
Tree sales for the Comstock Christmas Riverwalk have already begun. Trees may be purchased in person at Adrian City Hall or online.
Together, these two events create a magical holiday experience for all ages. Whether you’re driving through the lights or strolling among the trees, Adrian offers unforgettable ways to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.
By Elyse Apel
COLDWATER
All Aboard!
By Elyse Apel
Christmas is coming early for train enthusiasts as trains are all the rage in Coldwater this winter!
November kicks off with the Fall Color Train, which is a round-trip train to Quincy and back. The train will depart Coldwater at 1 p.m. on November 2.
Just one week later, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the afternoon aboard a century old steam locomotive. For this, you will ride in the open air stock cars as you make your way to Hillsdale. The train will depart Coldwater at 10 a.m. on November 9.
The holiday season then begins bright and early on November 29 with the Christmas Quincy Express. With trains departing from Coldwater at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., this festive round-trip train ride to Quincy offers unforgettable holiday fun for the whole family. On this ride, you’ll journey through scenic Michigan landscapes—snow-covered, if you’re lucky!
While on the train, you’ll even have a chance to meet Santa Clausm, who will be headed to Quincy with you. On the Quincy Express, there will be an extended layover in Quincy, giving passengers the chance to explore charming downtown shops and even get a head start on holiday shopping. From unique boutiques to cozy cafés, Quincy offers the perfect small-town Christmas experience.
Throughout December, you’ll have many different Christmas Quincy Expresses to choose from, including: December 6 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., December 7 at 2 p.m., December 13 at 1 and 4 p.m., and December 14 at 2 p.m.
All these events are organized by the Little River Railroad. To make reservations, visit www. littleriverrailroad.com or order by phone at (517) 227-5488.
HILLSDALE
Family Friendly Events
By Elyse Apel
Get ready to dive into the holiday season in Hillsdale with a full day of festive fun on Saturday, December 6! The celebration begins with Christmas in the City and concludes with the beloved Light Up Christmas Parade in downtown Hillsdale that evening.
Throughout the day, the City of Hillsdale and the Hillsdale Business Association will host a variety of family-friendly events designed to bring the community together in a holiday spirit. Highlights include a Christmas Scavenger Hunt with exciting prize drawings, raffles, and a storefront decorating contest that will turn downtown into a winter wonderland. Attendees can enjoy Christmas carolers, warm up with cookies and hot chocolate, and even meet Santa Claus himself.
Festivities also include carriage rides and a winter market at The Dawn Theater, perfect for finding unique gifts and enjoying the charm of the season. Be sure also to check out all of downtown Hillsdale’s excellent stores as you work on your holiday decorating and shopping.
The day’s grand finale is the Light Up Christmas Parade, a treasured Hillsdale tradition organized by the dedicated members of the Hillsdale Business Association for more than a decade. The parade invites families, businesses, schools, and community groups to join in the fun and light up the night.
All the day’s activities are free and open to the public, made possible thanks to the generous support of local sponsors.
Mark your calendar, gather your loved ones, and come celebrate the magic of Christmas in Hillsdale!
Ice Skating in Michigan I
1. Campus Martius Park – Detroit
For a unique experience in downtown Detroit, visit The Rink at Campus Martius Park. The skating season begins with the official lighting of the Christmas tree in November and extends through midMarch! After skating, warm up with a hot chocolate in the Cadillac Square Lounge and take a peek in the boutique shops throughout the area.
2. Greenfield Village – Dearborn
During the annual Holiday Nights, visitors can mingle around bonfires to the sounds of carolers and sleigh bells while they snack on warm food and drink, take a historical tour around the grounds, or lace up some skates and hit the ice.
3. Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena – Ann Arbor
Buhr Park Ice Arena is an Ann Arbor winter
n the Great Lakes State, cold winter weather is ideal for the beloved and timeless seasonal activity of ice skating. Head to one of these popular outdoor ice rinks to test out your skills and enjoy the winter season.
staple that offers fun for the whole family! Stop by for open skating, drop-in hockey or rent the arena for a party. The rink is outside, but a covering and a cooled subfloor make this ice arena ideal even on slightly above freezing days.
4. University of Michigan-Flint Ice Rink – Flint
This rink is not only an on-campus attraction, but also a festive and familyfun atmosphere. It is free to the public on Wednesday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
5. Valley Court Park – East Lansing
The Valley Court ice rink is a pop-up for a few weeks in February as a community outreach activity. The rink is free to the public, but you need to bring your own skates. When you’re done skating, a Biggby is located across the street welcoming you
to warm up with a yummy hot drink!
6. Rosa Parks Circle – Grand Rapids
Concerts are held here on summer evenings, but, in the winter, ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle is the perfect holiday outing. Every year this public space is filled with skaters of all ages eager to enjoy the beauty and charm of downtown Grand Rapids.
7. Muskegon Winter Sports Complex – Muskegon
Pretend you’re an Olympic athlete at the Muskegon Winter Sports
Complex. With two acres of ice skating and an ice path through the woods, this complex has some of the best ice skating opportunities in West Michigan. The Winter Sports Complex is also outfitted with an ice luge, crosscountry skiing paths, snowshoeing trails, and a sledding hill. Welcome to a true winter wonderland.
8. Petoskey Winter Sports Park – Petoskey Area
For over 80 years, the Petoskey Winter Sports Park has been the hot spot for winter family fun. With a skating rink the size of a football field, the Winter Sports Park has one of the largest rinks in Michigan. Featuring a ski hill, sledding, two ice rinks, and a warming building, the Petoskey Winter Sports Park is like a throwback to a Norman Rockwell painting.
9. Marquette Commons – Marquette
Bundle up and grab your skates for an afternoon of free family fun. Marquette can be extremely cold in the winter, but that doesn’t stop everyone from getting outside to have some fun. After spending plenty of time twirling on the ice, head to the warming hut for a break. Marquette Commons hosts ice skating Thursday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.
10. Moran Bay – St. Ignace
It’s not every day that you get to skate on one of the Great Lakes! Skating on Moran Bay in Lake Huron is a true Pure Michigan experience. During the winter, little league hockey teams use the ice as a practice rink and the bay is free for the public to use. If you end up in St. Ignace during February, be sure to check out the Labatt Blue U.P. Pond Hockey Championships.
Michigan.org
Local Beat
by Melissa McCance
You can shop and benefit a nonprofit by visiting the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society’s rummage sale! This event will feature some great bargains and the proceeds will help the humane society staff continue providing housing, medical care, and love to homeless cats and dogs in Hillsdale County as they work to place them in safe, forever homes. The sale will be held in the 4-H building at the Hillsdale County fairgrounds, and donated items should be taken there. Items to sell will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday, November 4, through Thursday, November 6. The sale will be open on Friday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. On Saturday, everything will be half-price. Make plans to stop by and see if there’s something you just have to have!
December 2nd
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
THE HUB ACTIVITY CENTER
1300 S HILLSDALE ROAD
HILLSDALE, MI 49242
Are you ready for The Great Give? This annual event orchestrated by the Hillsdale County Community Foundation, benefits many local nonprofits with a day of giving, special drawings, bonuses, and fun. The 2025 Great Give will be Tuesday, December 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hillsdale United Brethren Church (1300 S. Hillsdale Rd., Hillsdale). At press time, 19 agencies were scheduled to participate. Donors can give online or in person, and the online giving begins prior to the actual event date. Check the HCCF website (abouthccf.org) and Facebook page to keep up with the latest details.
Participating Organizations
• Hillsdale County Community Foundation
• Child Abuse Prevention & AwarenessHillsdale County (CAPA)
The 100 Women Who Care organization was founded in 2006 to bring women together to meet local needs. There are now more than 900 chapters across the country. Annie Russo founded the Reading, Michigan, chapter in 2011. The group connects quarterly with one in-person meeting and the rest via email. Members nominate a family, organization, or individual-usually one that is going through a challenge such as a house fire, cancer, loss of employment, etc. Then, each member votes for the recipient she feels is the most deserving and the winning recipient receives $25 from each member. Even though Reading is a small community, it has a big heart: between 50 and 70 women donate each quarter. This quarter’s meeting will be November 7 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the Reading American Legion Hall. They are just over $1200 from hitting $100,000 donated and hope to reach it at this meeting. Congratulations, ladies!
• Domestic Harmony
• Friends of the Dawn Theater
• Greater Hillsdale Humane Society
• Helping Hands Pregnancy Resource Center
• Hillsdale CASA, Inc.
• Hillsdale Community Theatre - The Sauk
• Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative
• Hillsdale County Senior Services Center Inc.
Early Giving
November 10th - December 1st
Drop off: 2 S HOWELL ST
HILLSDALE, MI 49242
Mail to: PO BOX 276
HILLSDALE, MI 49242
• Hillsdale Rotary Club
• Hospice of Hillsdale County
• Kimball Camp Outdoor Center
• Love, INC of Hillsdale County
• Share the Warmth
• The Salvation Army
• Current Church - Food Pantry
• First Church of Christ Waldron - Food Pantry
• King’s Kupboard (Trinity Lutheran Church) - Food Pantry
Donate Online www.abouthccf.org
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like helping those in need, so please consider signing up to ring for The Salvation Army this year! Ringers are always needed-this year more than ever. The earlier you book your slot, the more choice you’ll have for where and when you ring. Gather up some friends, family members, coworkers or neighbors because you don’t have to ring alone! If you’re interested and have never volunteered at the Hillsdale 360 Life Center, stop by the office at 160 East Bacon to complete an application. Once that is processed--or if you’ve already been a volunteer--you can choose your shift at the center or online at registertoring. com. Our local center receives hundreds of calls every month from people needing assistance. Please help ensure that they will have the resources to meet those needs!
Day of Donation
Drop-off in person December 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the HUB Activity Center.
Winter Pet Care
Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, check out our top 10 cold weather safety tips from our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC).
1. Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death.
2. Keep your home humidified and be sure to towel dry your pet as soon as they come inside. Repeatedly going into the cold and then coming back into a warm home can cause itchy, flaking skin. Pay close attention to their feet and in-between their toes and remove any snow balls from between their foot pads to prevent and treat skin irritation in the winter.
3. Massage petroleum jelly or other vet-approved paw protectants into paw pads before going outside to protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties can provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
4. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. A longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, simply trim them to minimize the clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry their skin, and don’t neglect the hair between their toes. If your dog is short-haired,
5. After each walk, make sure to wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals. Don’t forget to check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes. You may also want to bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws.
6. Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
7. Thoroughly clean up any antifreeze spills. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Additionally, cold weather chemicals like ice melts can be dangerous when ingested, so always be mindful and keep chemicals up and out of paws’ reach.
8. Feed your pet a little extra in the winter months if it goes outdoors. Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime. Feeding them a little bit more can provide muchneeded calories, and making sure they have plenty of water to drink will help keep them well-hydrated and their skin less dry.
9. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
10. Never let your dog off leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs can lose their scent in the snow and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure your dog always wears an ID tag.
Be sure to keep these tips top of mind this winter so that you and your furry friends can stay warm, cozy and safe.
www.aspca.org
consider getting them a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.
