Simply Hers September/October 2025

3DPT PHYSICAL THERAPY

Marlanea McGraw Owner/Publisher

from the publisher

OK, it’s fall, it’s football season, and I have to say what I say every year: GO, LIONS!!!

We’re excited about this issue and we hope you will find lots of good content between the covers. Our main article highlights Emily Calvert, physical therapist and clinic manager of 3DPT in Hillsdale. Emily shares the team commitment to patient care at the facility as well as their underlying philosophy for treatment.

There’s a fun article about the beautiful autumn leaves we love seeing and a great look into the importance of volunteering and how it helps both the community and the volunteers.

Brandy Titus takes us inside her experience in dealing with breast cancer—a battle that has had many tough moments but one which she is facing with optimism and determination!

For recipes, we’re helping with morning craziness by sharing some breakfast recipes you can make ahead, helping to ensure that everyone in your household starts the day with some solid nutrition.

And . . . there’s more!

So, take some time to recharge with your favorite beverage and/or snack and our newest issue. Please, also, be sure to look at the ads and find out just how many great service providers, restaurants, and stores we have available in the four counties we cover. Smaller communities thrive and grow when their residents support

Until next time, enjoy these beautiful months—fall is fabulous in Michigan!

Laura

Mindy

Nancy

Noah

Olyvia

Sarah

Sayles

Closet

Please thank our ADVERTISERS

Without their continued commitment & support, this publication would not be possible.

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Bish’s RV, Heidi Lanius - 5

Breathe Free Duct Cleaning - 34

Buentello Pest Control - 56

Bundy Hill Diner, LLC - 59

Carpet Outlet Plus - 65

Cavoni’s Pizza - 57

Christie Plemmons Realty - 12

Classic Cabinets - 8

Clinton Fall Festival - 51

Coldwater Auto Services - 68

Coldwell Banker Groves Real Estate - 29

Cottage Inn Pizza - 35

Country Carpets - 55

Country Wedding Chapel & Event Center- 27

County National Bank - 63

D&D Heating & Cooling - 13

Devils Lake View Living - 55

Dice Building Solutions - 19

Dice Roofing Solutions -84

DMCI - 58

Drew’s Place - 41

Eagle Funeral Homes - 51

Edward Jones / Don Toffolo - 83

El Cerrito Mexican Restaurant - 7

Empowered Image Consulting - 17

Family Life Radio - 7

Farm Bureau Insurance McGraw Agency - 79

Gateway Renovation, LLC - 75

Gene’s Auto Service, LLC - 59

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Griffiths Mechanical - 57

Hampton Funeral Homes - 49

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Hospice of Hillsdale County - 61

In-Depth with 3DPT’s

Emily Calvert

By Elyse Apel

Emily Calvert and the whole staff at 3DPT are dedicated to serving the community through their work in physical therapy. “It’s simple,” Emily explains. “You’ll see it all throughout the clinic that the people we serve actually matter to us.” 3DPT’s slogan is “Because People Matter!”

Emily, who was raised and lives in Hillsdale, has been a practicing physical therapist at 3DPT for the past two years. She received her undergraduate degree from Alma College and attended graduate school at Emory University. “When my husband and I got engaged, we decided to move back to Hillsdale since that’s where both of our families are from and we wanted to raise our own family close to our parents,” Emily says. She explains that she was called into physical therapy from a deep sense of wanting to help people. “The more I practice physical therapy and the more that I work with women’s health, I really think God recognized that this was something I needed to do,” she says. “It’s been a fun adventure learning about the human body and just how intricate it is. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Serving the community has also been a huge blessing.”

At 3DPT, the whole team of multiple physical therapists and clinical technicians work to bring three-dimensional movement to its physical therapy practice. “It’s a really good culture,” Emily says. “Which is what I think all of us as team members love about being there, but I’ve also heard from our patients that they enjoy coming to therapy because we are all having fun.” 3DPT has nine different locations in Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Jackson counties and it’s Hillsdale location provides a wide range of physical therapy services.

“If you think of some aspect of physical therapy, we probably do it,” Emily says. “From postoperative patients, orthopedics, women’s health, vestibular rehab, return to sports, and neurologic; we have a wide spread of what we can help with.”

The clinic also recently started a highly successful concussion protocol program from the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center (UPMC) due to seeing a lot of concussion patients from the college and the community. As a part of its athletic training and rehabilitation, athletes have the ability to rehabilitate in a variety of settings such as the gymnasium or indoor turf. “We offer a broad range of services, trying to help as many people as possible,” Emily explains.

For 3DPT, the patient’s needs are always the priority. “Every individual who comes each day matters. We are trying to touch more than just the person’s physical well-being,” Emily says. “You take that person and you love them for that hour, and you give them freedom through movement. Then, hopefully they are able to leave the clinic feeling better, not only physically, but also emotionally, mentally and spiritually.”

She adds that is both the most satisfying, but also the most challenging part of the job. “While it is really satisfying being present for a person in times of need, it’s also a challenge to meet a person at their lowest, enter into their pain, and walk with them on their journey,” Emily says.

Outside of work, Emily spends her time with her husband and kids. She also enjoys running, reading, or listening to podcasts.

3DPT accepts a wide range of insurances, including work compensation insurances, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and VA Medical Center. “If you have any questions, please call the clinic,” Emily explains. “We are always happy to talk to people, educate people, and make sure that they feel comfortable that physical therapy is right for them.”

facility

is located inside

along with Genesis Health and Performance’s

Mueller, and The Well-being Café, at 3240 W.

Road, Hillsdale. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call (517) 398-8039. You can also visit mi3dpt. com for more information.

The Hillsdale

of 3DPT

The Well,

Dr. Kam

Carleton

DL: 517-439-5626

E: kmullaly@smb-t.com

NMLS #1726401

BRANDY TITUS

DL: 517-439-1509

E: btitus@smb-t.com

NMLS #1446370 KARLA MULLALY

Certified Christian Image Consultant

MindySHOEMAKER SHOEMAKER

Aloe vera is a powerhouse in the realm of skincare, offering a multitude of benefits. From soothing burns to hydrating dry skin, this versatile plant is a must-have in your beauty regimen. Discover some simple yet effective aloe vera skin care recipes that you can easily make at home.

The Magic of Aloe Vera in Skincare

Aloe vera is a staple in many skincare products due to its remarkable properties. It can soften, soothe, and deeply hydrate the skin, promoting cell regeneration. Its antiseptic and antibiotic qualities make it highly effective in treating various skin irritations including cuts, burns, eczema, and sunburns. Additionally, it can alleviate the itch from poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac.

Active Ingredients in Aloe Vera

Despite being 96% water, aloe vera’s remaining 4% is packed with active ingredients, including:

• Amino Acids: Seven essential amino acids.

• Minerals and Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, E, B, B12, and folic acid.

• Enzymes: Various enzymes that aid in skin health.

Vitamins A, C, and E are particularly noteworthy for their antioxidant properties, which are why they are so prevalent in skincare products.

Hypoallergenic Nature

Aloe vera is generally well-tolerated with very few people experiencing allergic reactions. However, it’s always wise to perform a patch test before using any new product. To do this, apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.

Growing and Using Aloe Vera

Growing your own aloe vera plant is highly recommended. These hardy plants are easy to care for and can be conveniently grown on windowsills. Freshly-cut aloe vera leaves are far more effective than store-bought gels which may lose potency over time. If you opt for store-bought aloe vera gel, ensure it is 100% pure by reading the label carefully.

Easy Aloe Vera Skin Care Recipes

Here are some simple yet effective aloe vera skin care recipes you can try at home:

Oily Skin Facial Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon green clay

• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

• 1 teaspoon witch hazel

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients to form a paste.

• Apply to the face and let it set for 10 minutes.

• Rinse with warm water, followed by cool water.

Softening Face Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 2 tablespoons finely ground oatmeal or cornmeal

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients.

• Massage into the skin.

• Rinse with warm water, followed by cool water.

Interesting Stats About Aloe Vera

• Global Market: The global aloe vera market was valued at approximately $625 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth of 7.5% from 2021 to 2028.

• Skin Healing: Studies have shown that aloe vera can accelerate the healing of burns by up to 9 days compared to conventional medication.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Gel from one large aloe vera leaf

Instructions:

• Mix the olive oil and aloe vera gel.

• Apply a light layer every evening for deep hydration.

• Store the unused portion in the refrigerator for up to three days.

• Antioxidant Properties: aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents, including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids.

Conclusion

Aloe vera is a versatile and effective ingredient in skincare, offering numerous benefits from hydration to healing. Whether you grow your own plant or purchase pure aloe vera gel, incorporating it into your skincare routine can yield impressive results. Try these easy recipes and experience the magic of aloe vera for yourself.

Aloe Vera Moisturizer

Health & Fitness

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

About Breast Cancer

By Emma Verrigni

The Facts

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This page will show you some important facts about breast cancer, and how you can potentially detect it early.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was established in 1985 by the American Cancer Society and AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company. It is intended to bring awareness about breast cancer and promote early treatment.

There are over four million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and in 2025, it is predicted that 316,950 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The good news is that 99% of people who catch breast cancer in the early stages survive at least five years.

After treatment, breast cancer has the highest likelihood of returning in the first few years, and the chances diminish over time.

People who have a close family member with breast cancer are twice as likely to develop breast cancer.

Other Facts

Breast cancer can either be categorized as non-invasive or invasive. Different kinds of breast cancer also include more subcategories. Please note that there are many kinds of breast cancer, so some of the more common types are included here.

The most common kind of breast cancer is called Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, and it accounts for about 80% of breast cancer cases. It begins with a mutation in the milk ducts, and then spreads to surrounding tissue.

The second-most common type of breast cancer is called Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, which begins in the lobules, or milk-producing glands.

Types of non-invasive breast cancer include Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, which remains in the milk ducts, and Lobular Carcinoma In Situ remains in the milk-producing glands.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ is generally considered a precancerous warning sign of potential invasive breast cancer in the future (also known as stage 0 cancer). Lobular Carcinoma In Situ is considered a risk factor for developing cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Different kinds of breast cancer often present different kinds of symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms of breast cancer. It is important to receive a proper diagnosis before drawing conclusions about symptoms.

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast or near the underarm. Other symptoms may include change in breast size, pain in the breast, or irritated skin.

Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or near the collarbone, or nipple discharge or retraction.

It is important for women to regularly assess themselves for breast cancer. Self exams can be performed by applying medium or firm pressure to check for any lumps, thickening, or any pain. Adult women of all ages should try to perform a self examination at least once a month. Women who menstruate should perform a self examination a few days after their period ends, and postmenopausal women should do it on the same day each month.

Mammograms help detect a lump before you can feel it. Women at average risk who do not have a family history of cancer between ages 40 and 44 can begin to get mammograms once a year. Women between ages 45 and 55 are generally advised to get a mammogram every year. Women over 55 can begin to get mammograms once every two years, or continue getting them yearly.

Women who are at high risk for breast cancer should get a mammogram and MRI every year beginning at age 30.

Please remember to always refer to a licensed medical provider regarding specific medical concerns.

Ask the Doctor:

Can What’s in Your Gut Influence Cancer?

Dr. Dan Sperling: At the time I was born, most people had never heard of the microbiome, but now hardly a day goes by without that word popping up popular media. It means the community of tiny organisms (microorganisms or microbes) like bacteria, fungi, viruses etc. that exist in a living body. In fact, all plants and animals are like living habitats for these organisms so small it takes a microscope to see them.

Hosting them in our bodies is a good thing. We have a partnership in which each benefits the other. The host provides a hospitable environment and life-sustaining resources, while the activity of the microorganisms can support our own health. Of special interest these days is the gut microbiome. The human gut is home to an estimated 100 trillion microbes! These creatures are as busy as bees in a hive assisting with a multitude of bodily functions. They start entering our bodies from birth onward.

For example, you are probably familiar with the advice to eat yogurt for digestive health. That’s because yogurt contains bacteria that promote digestion. These organisms come in the form bacteria culture (grown) in a lab and added to milk. They ferment the sugar in milk (called lactose) causing the milk to thicken and acquire a sour taste. Of course, they are still alive when you eat cultured yogurt, and the types are known to be beneficial. Thus, yogurt is one source of a healthier gut biome balance.

The gut biome and your health

Here are just a few of the ways by which your gut microbiome reinforces your well-being:

1. It helps synthesize the nutrients your body needs, like vitamins and minerals

2. It helps transform complex food components so your body can absorb and use them for energy

3. It supports your immune system, partly by protecting against harmful microbes and partly by building tolerance for good microbes.

Thus, the trillions of microscopic organisms in your intestines are partners in your wellbeing.

On the other hand, we’re learning more about problems that can occur if the gut biome becomes unbalanced and can’t hold up its end of the bargain. This is called dysbiosis, resulting in the following possible disease states:

1. Chronic problems within the digest system (irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, inflammation, diarrhea, etc.)

2. New research is connecting Parkinson’s disease and other brain disorders with dysbiosis

3. A 2022 article in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology states that disruptions in the microbiome have been associated with a variety of diseases including “… anxiety, depression, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer.”

What about cancer?

As a doctor who specializes in prostate cancer, I’m always on the lookout for new research on how prostate cancer—or any cancer—may begin, and for preventive choices that can help lower cancer risk. I discovered a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association or JAMA as it’s commonly called. The title caught my attention, “The Microbiome and Cancer,” by three authors out of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX.

The authors write, “Microbes in the gut and other locations in the body may influence the development and progression of cancer and may affect the response to adverse effects from cancer therapy.” In other words, the gut biome may be connected with cancer starting, yet it can also have an important part to play in helping

cancer treatments be more effective by helping the body respond better to them.

Antibiotics, Immunotherapy, and Gut Health

Part of their evidence for linking gut bacteria with cancer comes from the observation that cancer patients about to receive immunotherapy are first given broadspectrum antibiotics to help protect them from infection during treatment. And yet, these same antibiotics that kill harmful bacteria also kill healthy bacteria, so their gut biome takes a hit. What appears to happen is that the immunotherapy may shrink the cancer tumors but the patients have worse side effects and poorer overall survival from other conditions.

That sounds bad, but on the flip side there’s promising news. There are ways to boost the healthy balance of the gut biome, some of them medical, but the one that’s in everyone’s reach is diet and nutrition. The authors note that rebalancing the gut biome through “…strategies such as dietary intervention (egg, high-fiber diet intervention) has improved outcomes in small studies of patients treated with cancer immunotherapy.”

Diet, Prevention, and Proactive Health

Thus, the microbiome can be a friend or a foe. For me, this raises the question of how to create and preserve the healthiest possible gut microbiome. I turned to information from the well-respected Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. They sum it up as follows: “Eating a healthy diet can help improve your microbiota. This means eating a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Fiber supports the growth of many beneficial species in the gut.” This confirms the message I try to get out to everyone, including my prostate cancer patients, on the value of a whole foods/plant-forward diet. Diets like the Mediterranean diet and others are rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and vegetable fats like olive oil; at the same time, they are low in animal protein but emphasize poultry and fish as alternatives to red meat and processed meats.

Drawing upon my professional experience with prostate cancer, if I could change one thing in the world it would be this: eat to preserve optimal wellness and to help your gut biome help you! Knowing that the microbes in your gut can help prevent cancer and other diseases, be the best host you can be.

NOTE: This content is solely for purposes of information and does not substitute for diagnostic or medical advice. Talk to your doctor if you have health concerns or questions of a personal medical nature.

Written by Freelance Writer Viola Kailee

OVER 50 CRAFTSMEN FROM ACROSS THE US

I’m shaking my head right now. But it didn’t stop me from joining new studies when those groups ended. Many years ago, my hubster and I got ousted from a Bible-studying life group by a regrouping decision. When our newly formed group disbanded, we asked to join back our original life group. They hesitated. I suspect my talkative dominance caused the pause. Sigh. I still work on my chatty flaw.

Life gets complicated.

The point—personalities and issues convolute situations. I’m flawed. We’re all broken people. It affects the group dynamics. I try to listen more, talking less, working on my weaknesses. But I did not give up meeting together. I breathed deeply, taking my next step forward, searching for a fit in a Bible group with authentic connection.

Half the Bible studies I joined were an inch deep and a mile wide. They stayed fluffy and superficial. Sigh. I experienced my growth in my personal time with God, studying independently. These experiences helped me appreciate when a study group clicked better, opening up in genuine fellowship.

Over the years, the other half of my Bible studies dug deep, opening our hearts, building trust, showing vulnerability. Aaah! We opened our souls, supporting one another through the eye-widening hardest of seasons. These groups oozed thoughtfulness. Smiling and wiping tears during

Battleground Buds

By Laura Loveberry

Elementary School Assembly

Author/Speaker

Inspirational Speaker

Women’s Retreats/Conferences

Caricature Artist

meetings, our prayer time felt like a

The Word of God pierced into the depth of our struggles, lifting our

Currently, the ladies’ Bible study I belong to packs with extroverts, introverts, loud peeps, shy ones, healthy gals, sickly, and everything in between. And we bonded, looking after one another, helping each one on the frontline. The sisterhood runs deep. Each meeting feels like a circle of sisters holding each other up, wiping tears, rubbing each other’s back in a long embrace. It’s like a gentle breeze on my face in a hard-fought fight. It’s breathing in Jesus, exhaling stress, loving one another in the trenches.

Let’s not give up striving to grow in a Bible study group. Start one. Join one. Pray and ask 2 or 3, or maybe 12 prayer warriors. Check out the bond of Jonathan and his armor bearer when determining to follow God in battle. “Behold, I am with you heart and soul,” (1 Sam 14:7b ESV). That’s a bond of brotherhood. We sisters long for that same connection on life’s battlefield. Our lives are a battle, and sisterhood Bible studies make a great place to find fellowship to help us overcome on our battleground of life. Be a soul sister, Simply Hers readers.

Girrrl, I just pounded my chest. We need “heart and soul” battle buddies. Find one. Be one. Go, Girrrl, Go!

across a children’s book about a little ghost who was a quilt. This delightful story told of a little ghost who felt he was different from most other ghosts. Although he had an ancestor who was a tablecloth and a grandmother who was a lace curtain, as we all know, most ghosts are made of bed sheets. Through the little ghost’s experiences, it tells an adorable story that shares that it is okay to be different.

This inspired me to make ghost quilts for each of my grands – Presley, Betty and Oscar. Like the ghost in the story, I made flannel patchwork, throw-size quilts with appliqued ghost faces (think two oval eyes and a “boo” shaped mouth) to gift each last year for Halloween.

After the quilts were finished, I mailed Presley hers just before Halloween, along with a copy of the book. Having received at least a half dozen other quilts from grandma, Presley (age 14) promptly sent me a text with a picture of her wrapped in her new ghost quilt. The text said, “This is the best one yet!” (Enter heart emoji here.)

A Halloween Quilt Story

By Diane K Clow

Betty at age five and Oscar at age one also received their ghost quilts and books. Betty, too, loved her new quilt and Oscar used his as his nap mat. Both were attentive while having the book read to them. Now we wait and see if any of them will take up the fabric and rotary cutter and follow the quilting journey with me.

So sometimes it’s about candy and trick-or-treating. Sometimes it’s about carving pumpkins and dressing up in costumes. But this time it was about ghost quilts and discovering that it is okay to be different. Whatever it is in your world, Happy Halloween!

Keeping It in Stitches – and Grandma ghost quilts.

Quilter and Sewist Picker

And, hopefully, Good Friend

However, I decided to wander into the realm of a new author and picked Jenna’s choice The Names by Florence Knapp. Well, I was correct. It is the story of Cora, an abused wife. In this story, the author introduces three scenarios of “what ifs” and presents three different outcomes. Cora is on her way to the name registry with directions from her domineering husband Gordon to name their new son Gordon. Naturally Cora doesn’t want to name her son the name of this abusive man. She reflects on the name Julian, which means “Sky Father”. Her six-year-old daughter suggests “Bear,” meaning soft, cuddly, brave, strong. Gordon, Julian, and Bear each give us a different version and outcome over their lifetime. This is a bit confusing, as the stories intersect, and I had trouble understanding which story I was reading. Spousal or child abuse is such an awful topic to dwell on. What a strange, sad story. Its ramifications/trauma never quite depart from those affected….

Author Fredrik Backman’s latest book is out, entitled My Friends. It is about four teenage friends as they grow up through the next twenty-five years. Their bond is so powerful that it changes a stranger’s life. I never know what to expect from this author. His book A Man Called Ove was a favorite of mine amongst authors. Yet some of his previous books left me cold. I am looking forward to reading this one, and am hoping for the best!

My friend Carolyn is reading The Rocking Chair Prophet by Matthew Kelly. It is a fictional account of Daniel, who experiences personal tragedy and retreats to the mountains, where he is transformed into a figure called

Book and Author Reviews

By Nancy Ryan

Simply Hers Magazine

“The Rocking Chair Prophet.” It explores themes of grief, joy, and the search for meaning in life. It sounds The Walk series by Richard Paul Evans, which I recommended previously and greatly enjoyed.

My friend Diane is reading My Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley. In this story we meet Emma, a young college student with a troubled past. On campus she meets Elios, a handsome boy with questionable morals. As their relationship progresses, a series of strange events, scandals, assaults, and death ensue.

My friend Sandi’s book club read The Women by Kristin Hannah which she found very enlightening. It is a fictional account that delves into the Vietnam era. Nurse Frankie McGrath leaves her comfortable life for the war’s chaos and destruction. A story about heroic women who made huge sacrifices for their country. According to a You Tube video, the novel was the most sold book of 2024. Now that’s quite a recommendation!

Fellow reader Sandra enjoys reading books by author Ellen Marie Wiseman and indicates she offers heartbreaking and historically accurate depictions in her tales. Her current read is Coal River about coal miners and their impoverished families. Another is The Orphan Collector which takes place during the flu epidemic of 1918. And one more she wanted to recommend is The Life She Was Given about family secrets of two young girls who only seek to be loved. Now this fellow reader loves to read! She has a stack of 182 unread books, and she still can’t stop buying! Maybe she should start writing book reviews, too!

What are you reading? Email me at nancyryan47@gmail. com See you at the library!

3rd Round of Chemo with Wig

Breast Cancer:

One Woman’s Story

By Brandy Titus

“Brandy, the doctor confirmed your biopsy results show breast cancer. We have you scheduled to meet with the surgeon on Thursday.”

“Excuse me?” My voice trembled through the phone line as I fought back the tears. “You mean this Thursday? I am sorry, but you just confirmed my results, and I need time to review my options.”

I ended the call and laid my head in my hands; I am 39 years old, and how could a simple skin change in my breast lead to this? That sunny day in February is when I realized cancer does not discriminate.

Prior to my diagnosis, I noticed a thickening of my skin on the lower part of my left breast accompanied by a dull ache. I told my husband something tells me I should be proactive and schedule a wellness check with my family doctor to be safe.

In late January, I met with my family doctor who did a breast exam and said I don’t see any concerns but because you won’t be 40 until August typically the insurance would not cover it. But given your family history of cancer, your insurance will cover, and I will make the referral now.  I replied, “I am not concerned about the cost; I am concerned about making sure I am protecting myself.”

Little did I know that I would be advocating for myself and having discussions with doctors who would soon become my care team to help cure the secret beneath my skin that would drastically change what life looked like at 39 years old.

I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma, grade 3, her2 positive – meaning that the biopsy results were reflecting the cancer was confined to my milk duct glands but was a quicker grower accompanied by the her2 receptor which creates a protein that generates a more aggressive cancer cell.

I made a personal referral to the University of Michigan Breast Cancer Center that immediately put me in touch with Dr. Hughes and her team of oncologists who would become my care team and be by my side every step of the way.

I said, “Please give it to me straight, don’t hold back, I want your honest and professional opinion. Can this be cured? How bad is it and what do I need to do? I am a provider for members in my community as well, just in a different role—their finances. I give bad news too but in a different format. I have a loving husband and two beautiful children at home who I am not ready to say goodbye to; I am young and have a lot of life left to live. Tell me what I need to do and how do we streamline my treatments and prognosis.”

She looked at me and said, “Brandy, we will treat to cure this – I am so impressed you even noticed the change in your skin. We will start with our own set of tests to make sure the imaging matches up with the details we received from your primary provider, but, based on what I am seeing, your case is very early and I am not sure that you will even need chemo. We can treat with a surgery and radiation.”

At that point, neither of us knew that what was initially identified as stage 0 ductal carcinoma would be upgraded to stage 3 ductal carcinoma. This was found because I asked her, “Can you please double-check as close to my skin line to make sure we don’t miss what can become invasive breast cancer that is overlooked at the base of the skin?”

First Chemo Round

14 Days After 1st Chemo, Hair Loss

Sure enough, that was where the tumor had penetrated the tissue. By April, I would undergo two lumpectomies within three weeks of each other on my left breast to remove the calcifications containing the cancer cells and retrieval of nodes from my arm pit which tested positive as well.

It was weeks of what felt like trial and defeat; after long days of surgery, she would read my test results on her phone and call me from home to share with me the gut-wrenching news that would keep adding to my treatment plan.  Knowing that she cared enough for me—like I do for the clients I serve in my community—to call me after hours, preparing me for what would soon post to my portal to avoid me worrying at night meant the world to me.

That’s when I knew I had to remain positive and strong in my faith to beat this. It may be a long journey, but soon I will look back at the end of this journey and say I did it. So can you if you’re faced with the same lifechanging events.

I remember telling her after getting the last round of hard news before the treatment plan began, “When life gives you lemons; you make lemonade, right?”  The phone fell silent and then she said, “I will never forget your case. This one weighs on me; I have never felt so defeated and you continue to just handle the situation with grace. You remain humble and you’re one of the most beautiful patients I have ever met. We are going to treat you to cure the disease, and I will be here every step of the way with you.” Our next meeting would be a road map for a treatment plan that would include: six rounds of chemo, a third surgery, 30 rounds of radiation, and 17 rounds of targeted treatment for the her2 receptor.

That’s when I finally had my moment: the thought of losing my hair was traumatizing. If I could keep my hair, I could keep my journey a secret and nobody would know, and I could protect my kids from worrying.

It was the turning point for me that kept me awake at night—trying to find a way to tell my sweet boys that mom needs medicine to make me better. I found the courage to tell the boys by saying, “I have a secret to share with you” when it was just the three of us because I knew having a conversation as a family would be very emotional. I didn’t want them to see the raw emotions that Doug and I were having behind closed doors because we were scared. I said, “You know Mom has been going to the doctor a lot lately and I have some bad cells that need some medicine. It will make me lose my hair, I am going to be OK, you have nothing to worry about but if I don’t get the medicine, I could get sick.”

They both looked at me and said, “Does Dad know your secret? I said yes, he does, and he hugged me so much and told me it’s all going to be OK.” They both replied, “OK, Mom, if Dad knows then we are good, Mom.”

They went about their business playing and I walked out to the shop where my husband stood and I said, “I told the boys. I held it together, I did not say the word ‘cancer,’ I just described it as bad cells. They both agreed if you knew about my secret everything was OK and that they both loved me very much.”

We smiled at each other; the biggest weight of how we would tell them was lifted from our chests and I would begin my treatment plan losing my hair 14 days after my first chemo treatment.

The one thing I have learned is once you are told you have cancer; you’re not scared of it anymore and overall, it has not made me feel ill. The hardest thing I did find overwhelming was finding local resources to assist me with education like hair loss, diet, and comfort. But once I started sharing my story with my community of friends and clients, I found so much value in the friendships I have created over the years who have assisted me with their services locally and from a distance:

- Lisa Steward at Nutrition Extreme

- Dr Janelle at Hillsdale Family Chiropractor

- Micki McFarland at Mindful Healing Spa

- Kaidee Murray at Outer Limits Salon

- Rhonda Clendening; Natures Path Healing Arts Center

- Brittany Bowman, Backroads Lash & Nail Salon

I have made all these lovely women who offer services locally part of my self-care routine and it has helped so much along my journey from my diet, comfort, hair loss, sense of beauty, and redlight therapy options.

In addition, I located a team of ladies in Lansing at Another Look Hair Institute who specialize in chemo patients and hair loss; they helped me find the most beautiful wig made from human hair. I am not going to lie, it was expensive, but my hair has always been my signature and to see how that wig which hides the daily reminder of my illness brought a smile to my family was worth every penny.

I have carried out my diagnosis well and so have others, but it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t weigh heavy on us; let this be a reminder give yourself some grace and put yourself first because our families need us and we need each other. Often as women we feel like we can’t talk about it, but I have found talking about my diagnosis has touched a lot of younger women who have been hiding a lump or a tender spot on their breasts for months. In my professional circle there were four of us all diagnosed at the same time, three of us in the same breast, same hormone receptor, all under the age of 50. Breast cancer is on the rise in the younger women including the her2 receptor.

Let my journey encourage you to make the phone call and ask for help. My diagnosis was early, but it could have been much worse if I had waited just a few more months.

Sharing my journey with our community was very important to me because I am a familiar face who has helped many with their dreams of homeownership by providing

— J.E.

Prepping Your Home for Winter

By Elyse Apel

With Michigan winter right around the corner, it is time to start thinking about how to prepare your home for those cold months. Here is a step-bystep guide to help you keep on track and ensure you don’t miss those important must-dos to keep your family safe and home warm.

Winterizing Your Home’s Exterior

Here are a few steps to ensuring your home is ready to weather the winter months:

1. Clean out your gutters! While not an obvious step to preparing for winter, this is essential to preventing water from becoming trapped in your gutters and potentially causing roof damage.

2. Schedule a roof and chimney inspection, ensuring the contractor checks for missing or loose shingles.

3. Prepare your pipes, especially any outdoor faucets. Close any inside valves that supply water to those outdoor faucets to prevent freezing pipes, while also leaving that drain valve open so any remaining water can drain properly.

4. Clean up your yard. Now is the time to drain your hoses, pack up your decorative garden items, and move everything inside or to a garage. Make sure to also prepare your plants for winter by pruning back and mulching perennials and considering bringing more fragile plants inside.

Preparing to Heat Your Home

Being able to heat your home is critical in those cold months of winter. While many of today’s high-efficiency heating units do not require much maintenance, Scott Donihue of Hillsdale Countybased Ryan and Bradshaw says there are a few steps you can take to protect your home’s heat this winter.

“Make sure to regularly change your furnace’s filter,” he explains. “It not only cleans the air inside your home, but it also protects your blower motor from dust buildup that may cause a premature failure.”

Scott adds it’s also important to ensure your vent pipes are free from any foreign objects that might be placed there by birds, bees, or even chipmunks and squirrels. On top of that, there are a few other steps you can take to ensure top performance from your furnace.

“If your system has a condensate pump, you may benefit by putting a half-cup of household bleach in it once or twice a year to prevent it from clogging up,” Scott says. “If your thermostat is battery operated, as many of them are, change the batteries.”

While those are all steps you can take yourself, it’s also important to have your furnace regularly inspected and maintained by a company like Ryan and Bradshaw.

“Be proactive! Call and schedule a maintenance be done on your system by a licensed mechanical contractor,” Scott says. “A properly maintained furnace not only works better but should last longer than a neglected one; it can also provide the homeowner with information regarding the overall condition of the unit and attempt to avoid costly breakdowns.”

For more information or to schedule maintenance, call Ryan and Bradshaw at (517) 437-4259 or visit their website at ryanandbradshaw.com.

Stock Up on Supplies

You never know when you might lose power or icy roads prevent you from going to the store, so it’s important to make sure you are stocked up on all your essentials before those big winter storms hit.

Here are a few items to consider purchasing if you don’t already have them: snow shovel, ice scraper, ice salt, flashlights and extra batteries, candles, and a weather or emergency radio.

Make sure to also keep on hand nonperishable food that does not require cooking or preparation, like beef jerky, dried fruit, and canned beans and veggies. When buying food, make sure you don’t forget your pets and keep some extra pet food on hand.

Winter is a good time to also make sure your car emergency kit is restocked with blankets, an ice scraper, a first aid kit, jumper cables, and more.

Don’t Forget the Interior

There are lots of measures you can take to also make sure the interior of your house is ready for winter. Those include:

1. Adding weather stripping to doors or windows that are causing air leaks.

2. Adjust the thermostat to 68°, as recommended by the Department of Energy. When away or asleep, lower it to 65°.

3. It’s also important to protect any vulnerable interior pipes, such as those in unheated areas like the attic floor, garage, or crawl spaces. To prevent them from bursting, consider using tubular pipe wrap, rolled pipe wrap, or insulation fittings to ensure their insulation.

Following these steps will help you and your home stay safe and warm this coming winter.

The Importance of Volunteering

By Sarah Gray

Volunteering. Giving back. Service. It’s the life blood of a community. Those who volunteer in their city or town not only provide a service, but they also give their community a sense of identity. Service organizations, nonprofits and similar types of volunteering define a community.

How it started, how it’s going

Volunteering in the United States began in the early 18th century when Benjamin Franklin started the first volunteer firehouse in 1736. Over the centuries volunteerism continued to grow and millions of organizations and nonprofits have been created throughout the country.

According to the Americorp organization, “more than 28 percent of Americans - more than 75.7 million people - formally volunteered for an organization between September 2022 and 2023.” This is an uptick from a low that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, but still down from past years. In Michigan, during that same time period Americorp reported that 2,141,460 Michiganders volunteered for a total of 138,630,397 hours.

All these numbers are impressive, but the need is great for more volunteers in every community. The numbers of volunteers are not what they once were because generationally, volunteering is not as big a priority. The Silent Generation (born 1925 to 1945) gave back to their communities and country through WWII. They founded organizations in their cities and towns. But they are aging and not able to give the way they once did. The top two generations for volunteering in the United States are Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964) and Gen X (born 1965 - 1980).  Volunteer numbers are down across the board. This means fewer people are trying to keep service organizations and nonprofits afloat.

Why volunteer

The importance of volunteering is not simply to better a community, It is also to better yourself. Volunteering gives people a sense of ownership in their community. Pride. Connections. It also has physical and mental benefits.

According to the Mayo Clinic volunteering lowers rates of depression and anxiety, reduces stress, and “decreases physical and mental health problems, such as heart disease, stroke,... and general illness. In addition, people who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not, even when controlling for age, gender and physical health.”

Volunteering also improves self-esteem, teaches skills and increases social interaction. A good way to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to participate in a shared activity - such as volunteering.

Studies have shown that there are three main reasons why people do not volunteer - time, information and offers. Most people state that lack of time is the biggest reason why they don’t volunteer. Volunteering does not have to become another full-time job. Start small. An hour here or there. Selling concessions at a child’s sporting event, stocking shelves at a food pantry once a month, or organizing donations at church.

For consistency and longevity, it is important for people to find volunteer opportunities that are interesting to them. It is also proven that those who start volunteering at a younger age are more likely to continue volunteering once they have reached retirement (when they presumably have more time to volunteer).

It can also be daunting to just call up and join a service organization or nonprofit, so those who are already a part of a service group are encouraged to ask, ask again and then ask again. People are more likely to volunteer if they are asked.

How to get started

Volunteering is important for communities. It is important for us as individuals. But for those who have not volunteered in some time, or maybe never at all, what is the best way to start?

Finding the right fit is important. Everyone has a unique skill set - gifts and talents that can benefit their community. One way to start is to match skill sets to service organizations. Social people make great greeters at church or can sell raffle tickets. Those who are great with plants can help clean up community gardens.

But volunteering is not just utilizing people’s skills, it is also about discovering and fostering passions. Service organizations and nonprofits which benefit something people are passionate about (such as children, animals or the arts) can give volunteers a deeper connection to the group and can elevate their dedication.

However, it can take time. Be patient and don’t give up. Volunteer run organizations and service groups are often also run by volunteers. Sometimes it takes time and a few tries before the perfect volunteer match is found.

Communities need more great people to get out and volunteer. Be one of them.

There are so many opportunities to volunteer in southern Michigan it would be impossible to list them all. Here is a generic list of volunteer opportunities that can be found in most communities.

Churches

Service Organizations - Rotary, Lions Club, Exchange Club, Kiwanis

Soup kitchens

Animal shelters

Child’s school - PTA, Athletic Boosters, music programs

Hospitals

Non-profit organizations

Country Living of Hillsdale

Drews Country Living boasts a beautiful country setting just 2 miles outside of historic Hillsdale, Michigan. Two facilities are situated on 19 acres with frequent visits from deer, turkey, ducks and other wildlife. Our homes are conveniently located with access to the Hillsdale Community Health Center, physicians, and emergency services.

Features & Services

Units at Drews Country Living offer private bedrooms with private half-baths.

Each unit has an emergency call system and staff available to meet care needs 24/7.

Activities and a routine exercise program are encouraged to promote an active lifestyle.

Spacious living areas and large outdoor patios provide residents with additional living space to enjoy and socialize.

Here is the new Community Calendar, where local events happening in Hillsdale, Branch, and Coldwater counties will be featured. If you have events that you would like featured in our calendar or city pages in the next issue, please submit those to submissions@simplyhers.net by October 1.

Community Calendar Community Calendar

By Elyse Apel

Hillsdale

Lego Club: Sept. 3, Sept. 10, Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29 at 3:30 p.m. at Hillsdale Community Library. There is no cost, registration, or library card required to attend this weekly event. This is for kids of all ages.

Cardio Drumming: Sept. 4, Sept. 11, Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. at Healthies of Hillsdale. A fun and energizing cardio drumming session. For just a $2 donation, you’ll be working up a sweat while supporting a great cause.

Story Time: Sept. 6, Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Sept. 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Hillsdale Community Library. There is no cost, registration, or library card required.

Artist Reception: Sept. 7 from 1 - 4 p.m. at Studio42. An event organized by Artworks of Hillsdale County. Come discover the latest work of oil and pastel painting by local artist, Diana Drake. Learn how she has incorporated famous works of art into her own unique paintings. Enjoy light conversation with other art enthusiasts, meet one of Hillsdale’s amazing artists, and view her one of a kind paintings, all while enjoying a glass of wine! Free event.

Yoga with Rhonda: Sept. 9, Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Oct. 28 from 5:45 - 8 p.m. at Hillsdale Community Library. There is no cost, registration, or library card required to attend this weekly event. Join Rhonda for a gentle yoga class every Monday. This is for all levels of experience. At 7 p.m., there is a chair yoga class.

Coffee and Books: Sept. 16, Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Hillsdale Community Library. A book is chosen monthly to read and get together and discuss the following month. There is no cost, registration, or library card required to attend.

Next Stop Comedy: Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Hillsdale Brewing Company. Next Stop Comedy brings the best comedians, with new lineups every time, straight to your neighborhood for an unforgettable night of laughter. Register online now.

Jonesville

CPR Class: Sept. 7 from 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at 460 Adrian St., Jonesville. Event organized by CAPA of Hillsdale County. Free CPR and Heimlich training for caregivers over the age of 18: parents, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone caring for children

Coldwater

Benefit Yard Sale: Sept. 6 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 232 Morse St., Coldwater. ADAPT, Inc Haven home will be hosting this event. All proceeds will benefit the Altrusa Teen Share. Altrusa Teen Share is a homeless shelter for teens. They provide a safe haven for teens in Coldwater and the surrounding area. All items have been donated by the community.

Fresh Food Distribution: Sept. 23 and Oct. 28 from 4 - 6 p.m. at 89 West Chicago St., Coldwater. Event organized by Coach Eby Youth and Family Center. Free and open to anyone as long as supplies last.

Pumpkin Train: Sept. 29, Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19, Oct. 26 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. The trees will be changing and pumpkins are ready to be harvested and carved. Come enjoy a spectacular afternoon train ride aboard the Little River Railroad. Pumpkins and gourds will be for sale at the Quincy platform upon arrival. Apples and apple cider will also be available from Coldwater’s local Showcase Gardens & Landscaping. Tickets available online.

Addison

Parade: Sept. 12, Sept. 13, Sept. 14, Sept. 18, Sept. 19, Sept. 20, Sept. 21 at The Croswell Opera House. Based on a true story, Parade follows Jewish newlyweds Leo and Lucille Frank as they struggle to make a life in 1913 Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable and brutal test of faith. Suitable for adults and mature teens. Showtimes at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, Sept. 13, Sept. 18, Sept. 19, Sept. 20 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, Sept. 14, Sept. 20, Sept. 21.

Team Hope Run and Walk: Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. at Trestle Park. Register online now.

K-12 Bicycling Event: Sept. 6 and Sept. 7. Event organized by the MiSCA Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association. These are student-only races for elementary, middle, and high school ages. No team, no problem –students can participate as individuals. To be eligible to race, students must be registered in MiSCA’s online system. Additionally, the rider will register for the races they plan to participate in.

Tecumseh

Classic Car Show: Sept. 18 from 6 - 8 p.m. at 205 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh. Cars and bikes will be displayed in the Old National Bank parking lot. Special recognition awards will be given each month. Registration is free.

Western Weekend at Camp Sequoia: Sept. 19, Sept. 20, and Sept. 21 at Camp Sequoia. On Sept. 20, kids crafts and games, horseshoes, cowboy potluck, and line dancing. On Sept. 21, church service in the chapel.

Live Music: Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. - midnight at The Brick Wall Pub and Grill. Stirred Not Shaken performing.

Duck Race: Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. at Comstock Park, Adrian. The 2nd Annual Kiwanis Duck Race. Your chance to win $2,500 and support good local causes. Tickets are $20 and available now.

Halloween at Camp Sequoia: Sept. 26, Sept. 27, and Sept. 28 at Camp Sequoia. On Sept. 26, ghosts in the graveyard in the athletic field. On Sept. 27, decorating contest, costume contest, campground trick or treating, chili cookoff, hay rides, bonfire, haunted maze. On Sept. 28, church service in the chapel, cider, donuts, and prizes.

Music in the Park: Sept. 18 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Adams Park. A free concert series. TCA Big Band & Vocalaires performing.

Live Music: Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at Tecumseh Brewing Company. An unforgettable evening of live music, great beer, and good vibes! Local singer/songwriter Charlie J will be taking the stage, sharing original tunes and heartfelt lyrics that’ll have you hooked from the first note.

Adrian

Blue Jean Ball 2025: Sept. 4 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee, Adrian Club. Get ready for a night of fun, purpose, and community! Enjoy a delicious dinner, an exciting live auction, and plenty of opportunities to support the incredible youth of the Boys & Girls Club.

Anniversary Celebration: Sept. 12 from 4 - 8 p.m. at Adrian School of Massage. The school will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Bike Tour: Sept. 27 at 8 a.m. at Bohn Pool. Event organized by Adrian Noon Rotary and Lenawee Endurance Club. Enjoy a timed ride with routes through beautiful Lenawee County with a challenging yet versatile ride experience. Choose from three routes; 25 mile, 44 mile, 62 mile, or 100 mile options. A kids fun ride will also take place. Register online now.

K-12 Bicycling Event: Oct. 11 and Oct. 12. Event organized by the MiSCA Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association. These are studentonly races for elementary, middle, and high school ages. No team, no problem – students can participate as individuals. To be eligible to race, students must be registered in MiSCA’s online system. Additionally, the rider will register for the races they plan to participate in.

Bonnie and Clyde: Oct. 17, Oct. 18, Oct. 19, Oct. 23, Oct. 24, Oct. 25, and Oct. 26 at The Croswell Opera House. This cultfavorite Broadway musical retells the unbelievable true story of America’s most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the ill-fated lovers and outlaws whose story has been legendary since they achieved folk hero status during the Great Depression. Suitable for adults and mature teens. Showtimes at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, Oct. 18, Oct. 23, Oct. 24, Oct. 25 and at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 18, Oct. 19, Oct. 25, and Oct. 26.

TECUMSEH

Spending Time Outdoors

Gear up for fall with this Lenawee County tradition: The 31st Annual Tecumseh Appleumpkin Festival. On October 10-11, you can enjoy the smells, tastes, and flavors of fall in historic downtown Tecumseh.

The whole family will enjoy this fun, family-oriented festival. On Saturday, it will run from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The kids can enjoy the midway rides and carnival games, inflatables, bungee jump, and more. Make-it-take-it crafts, corn box and kid’s putt putt golf are all free. There will even be helicopter rides!

For the rides and games, an all-day wrist band will be available for purchase. The helicopter rides will also be available for purchase and each ride can have a max of three passengers.

Also featured will be the antique street fair, flea market, and even an arts and crafts show that will bring many unique vendors with handcrafted creations into Tecumseh.

Throughout downtown, you will have the opportunity to stop by one of three stages and take in the fantastic live performances. After working up an appetite from all that fun, pick up food from one of the many food vendors in town for the weekend, or even stop in one of Tecumseh’s delicious restaurants.

As you make the rounds, don’t forget to visit all your favorite Tecumseh shops, many of which will feature specials and savings for the Appleumpkin weekend.

This event is held in conjunction with Kapnick Orchards Apple Festival, which is just a short drive from downtown. At the apple festival, you can enjoy fresh apples, cider and donuts. Wagon rides, a petting zoo, and over 80 craft booths will also be featured.

On Saturday, you can also stop by the antique tractor and farm equipment show, which will be held on South Evans St. The show will run from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and registration opens at 8:30 a.m.

Free parking is available throughout downtown for the festival and a free shuttle service is also available to transport festival goers to-and-from downtown Tecumseh and the Kapnick Orchards Apple Festival.

For more information, to learn how to volunteer, or for vendor applications, visit www.downtowntecumseh.com.

By Elyse Apel

*includes

JACKSON

Farm Finds and Fun in Jackson Michigan

by Noah Hansen

The Grand River Farmers Market

The Grand River Farmers Market in Downtown Jackson is a vibrant celebration of local farmers and vendors running from May through October. Three mornings each week, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, the market springs to life as local farmers and makers provide freshly-harvested fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, locally-sourced dairy, fresh-baked breads, home-raised honey, Michigan maple syrup, handmade condiments, and artisan creations. Right on the river next to local favorite Grand River Brewery, it’s a place where neighbors gather, local labor is celebrated, and community thrives.

When the fall chill arrives, the market moves indoors as the Grand River Winter Market, running November through April, maintaining that rich tradition of local food and handcrafted goods under one roof.

SOAR Café & Farms

Beyond the weekly market, Jackson offers delightful farm-to-table dining experiences: SOAR Café & Farms, a social enterprise that blends healing and hospitality by serving up locally-sourced dishes in a welcoming space. Not only are you eating a quality homestyle meal, you are directly supporting a great cause. SOAR Café

& Farms hires women survivors of sexual abuse, trafficking, and trauma, providing a path forward for those who need one. Every dollar spent at SOAR supports a mission to empower and uplift women in need.

Westend Farm to Table

Westend Farm to Table is a cozy breakfast and lunch spot on West Michigan Avenue offering clean, fresh ingredients in a comfortable, family-style setting. They use locally-sourced ingredients whenever they can, and are known for their famous Quiche Lorraine according to owners Jessica and Jacob Wojtusik.

Lowry’s Little Flock Farm

Another great option for more farm fun is Lowry’s Little Flock Farm, a charming alpaca farm known for its bakery pastries, cooking classes, and community events that connect people with the source of their food. This is a unique opportunity to directly interact with animals that produce the goods you purchase at Lowry’s.

Together, these options ensure that fresh, local food and meaningful connections to the land are accessible to Jackson residents year-round.

It can rock our world when someone we love passes away before we’re ready to comprehend what’s happening. We’ve all experienced moments like that. We take for granted how fragile life really is, but a sudden loss brings it home. That is why it can be so beneficial for your loved ones when funeral plans are arranged ahead of time. This gives those closest to you the room to grieve without the stress of planning and preparing. It also allows you the opportunity to create your own unique celebration of life with your family by your side and can help them feel connected to you in life and death. No matter what life throws your way, pre-planning will be a blessing to your dear ones.

ADRIAN

Fine Arts, Food, & Entertainment

Fine arts, food, or entertainment up your alley? Then be sure to make plans to attend the 2025 Artalicious Fine Arts Fair, which is celebrating its 18th anniversary this year with many new and exciting additions.

Held on Saturday, September 20, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 21, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., this is the perfect event for the whole family.

This fair will feature many talented local and regional artists. It will provide a great learning opportunity as many of the vendors will have demonstrations of their craft. As you shop, you will also get to enjoy ongoing live musical performances from local musicians.

Held in downtown Adrian, this event will have free parking. You can also take this as a great opportunity to visit one or all of Adrian’s local shops and restaurants, and you could even make a weekend out of it by staying with friends or your spouse at one of the many local hotels.

Do you want to learn more about the local community? Be sure to stop by the 10th Annual Free Community Carnival, held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Adrian on Sunday, September 28 from 4 - 6 p.m.

Visit local vendors, learn more about the services local non-profits can offer, play games, get prizes, jump on inflatables, enjoy the magician, listen to live music, get your face painted, take pics with the characters, climb in the fire trucks and police cars, get your car seats checked for safety, and more!

Everything is free, except for the hot dogs from the Funky Dogs food truck. For vendor or volunteer information, contact Karmen Wilharms at outreach@stjohnsadrian.org.

By Elyse Apel

COLDWATER

Weekends to Remember

By Elyse Apel

September and October bring some weekends to remember in Coldwater, so buckle up!

In September, there will be both the 2025 Annual Apple Fest and Craft Show in downtown Coldwater as well as the inaugural Troy Link Memorial Truck Show at the Branch County Fairgrounds.

Families will have their pick of fun and family-friendly activities at these events. The 2025 Annual Apple Fest and Craft Show is hosted by the Coldwater Recreation Department and will be in historic downtown Coldwater on Saturday, September 20, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Attendees will get to choose from a wide variety of activities and shop at over 200 local vendor booths. The festival will feature apples, both craft and food vendors, live music, kids activities, and more! It is free and open to the public. For more information or for the vendor application, visit coldwater.org.

That same weekend, the first annual Troy Link Memorial Truck Show will take place at Branch County Fairgrounds. This three-day event will feature many amazing trucks from across the tri-state area and a light show on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Additionally, there will be kids activities, food trucks, vendors, and much more. On Saturday, there will also be a BBQ festival and cornhole tournament. The event will run from September 19-21, from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

The fun isn’t over in October though, as the community gears up for Halloween festivities. On October 10-11, the Coldwater Recreation Department will host the Haunted Forest spooktacular community event.

Entry for the haunted forest is $5 and will include the haunted trail, a few treats, and Insta-worthy decorations. The less-scary walk is from 5 - 7:30 p.m. followed by the scary walk from 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Paige Marie NP Health | Beauty Wellness

HORMONE REPLACEMENT

PLATELET

VITAMINS AND PEPTIDES BOTOX/DYSPORT

JOINT

INTERNAL

TESTOSTERONE

MANITOU BEACH

Golf, Sip and Shop, & More!

And just like that, summer flew by and now it’s time to Welcome Fall to the Lake! During fall, the bright and colorful trees, the smell of campfires, the sparkling water, the crisp sky and quieter days bring on a totally different feel.

What a great time to kick back and enjoy a stroll through Manitou Beach Village to enjoy the wonderful shops, eateries and various local businesses. Even though summer has passed, we still offer some fun activities throughout the year.

The Devils and Rounds Lake Men’s club offers a fun Golf Outing on Sunday, September 7, at 8:30 a.m. (check in 8:00 a.m.) at Devils Lake Golf Course. The course is located at 14600 U.S. 223 in Manitou Beach MI. Cost is $75.00 per player which includes 18 holes/cart, hot dogs at the turn and a New York strip dinner at Highland Inn. Get a Hole-in-One and win a 2-year lease on a Ford Bronco Sport from Bell Ford. Contact AJ at 517-403-5236 or check their Facebook page for information. This year’s Gold Outing is dedicated to Claudia Conners from Highland Inn. Her unwavering commitment to her community and the Men’s Club was immeasurable. She will be deeply missed by all, making this a heartfelt dedication.

Manitou Beach Village will be hosting a “Sip and Shop” on Thursday evening, Sept 25, from 4-8 p.m. This has become a fun annual event! Bring your friends to check out the new fall merchandise while sipping and nibbling on goodies. Located at Walnut Street, Devils Lake Hwy. and N. Lakeview Blvd.

The Devils and Round Lakes Men’s Club offers Halloween for the kids at Sterling Market on Friday evening, October 31.

Looking for a little fall get-away? Enjoy a weekend at the Devils Lake Inn & Devils Lake Inn Two located in the Manitou Beach Village and stay in one of the creative and fabulous themed rooms. For longer stays and larger groups, be sure to check The Trillium House for your next stay.

In September, Ang & Co will be making a move to their new location in the historic 1800’s cottage located at 141 N Lakeview Blvd. in the Manitou Beach Village, across from Michigan Gypsy. The building was carefully moved to make way for a retail business.

The Blackbird Café and Baking Company has been getting rave reviews this summer! They start at 6 a.m. for the early coffee drinkers and stay open until 2 p.m. with breakfast and lunch items, great fresh baked goods and more. If you are looking for something extra delicious and not the norm, be sure to check them out; they are located on the corner of Devils Lake Hwy. and Walnut St.

The Faust House Scrap -N-Craft and Art Supplies is now serving Michigan Made Brown Dog Creamery Ice Cream! They opened their doors in May so if you have not made a stop yet, be sure you do. They are located at 140 N. Lakeview Blvd. in the Lakeview Shops.

Shopping, local art, all-day dining, healthy choices, sweet treats, spirits, salon and spa services, dog grooming, cozy stays, boat marinas, real estate service and lots of fun activities!

Come visit Devils Lake View Living, Ang & Co, Michigan Gypsy & Manitou Beach Art Gallery, Blackbird Café and Baking Company, Two Lakes Tavern, Phoenix Rising, Trends Salon, Devils Lake Inn & Devils Lake Inn Two, Trillium House, Diamond in the Ruff, Foundation Reality, Faust House Scrap-n-Craft and Art Supply, Creative Corner Art Camp and the summer Manitou Beach Farmers Market.

Visit our Manitou Beach Village website and Facebook pages for more details: manitoubeachmichigan.com. You can also visit the individual businesses’ websites and Facebook pages throughout the area for additional details.

We look forward to seeing you!

Hey beauty lovers — it’s Kissy from Kissy Face Med Spa! Let’s talk about one of my favorite treatments that flies under the radar: Thermage FLX. Here’s the real deal — as we age, collagen decides to peace out. (Rude,

right?) Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency to heat the deep layers of your skin, giving your collagen a serious wake-up call. The result? Tighter, smoother skin without surgery, needles, or downtime.

✅ Face + Neck tightening in ONE treatment

✅ No downtime

✅ Long-lasting results

✅ Great for eyes, jawline, and more

And right now, I’m offering Thermage FLX for just $900 — that’s hundreds less than the average price of $1500–$2200!

BONUS: Book now and get a complimentary skin-tightening consult + a free medical-grade skincare sample pack curated by me.

Come see me at Kissy Face — where real talk meets real results.

HILLSDALE

Fair Time is Here!

By Elyse Apel

Car and music enthusiasts alike will enjoy these weekend events in Hillsdale this September.

On Saturday, September 13, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Stillwell Ford will host its 9th Annual Car Show. Open to the community, this event will feature food vendors on site. Register your car online for the opportunity to receive awesome awards and support local nonprofits.

Later in September, a country star is coming to Hillsdale to perform and you could be there to enjoy it! On Friday, September 26, Tyler Farr will hold a concert at Hillsdale County Fairgrounds.

Recognized as “one of the best male vocalists in Country music today” by Taste of Country, Tyler Farr has made a significant impact on the genre with his powerful voice and authentic storytelling. Farr first burst onto the country music scene with the release of his debut album, Redneck Crazy in 2013, which quickly climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200. His single with the same title, “Redneck Crazy,” peaked at numbers two and three on both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts respectively.

Subsequent hits like “Whiskey in My Water” and “A Guy Walks Into a Bar” continued Farr’s string of successes. His sophomore album, Suffer in Peace, debuted in the Top 5 on both the Billboard Top 200 Albums and Billboard Country Albums Charts. This achievement made him the only solo male country artist in the past decade to have his first two studio albums debut in the Top 5 on the Billboard 200 Chart.

The Hillsdale show will open with special guests Hayden Ladd and Jason Cross also performing. Everyone is welcome at this family-friendly event, which has general admission tickets for just $29. You can buy tickets online now.

By Olyvia Farler

Securing Your Future: The Importance of Retirement Contributions for Women Dollars & Sense

Olyvia Farler Financial Wellness Specialist at American 1 Credit Union

As women navigate their careers, families, and personal aspirations, it’s easy to put retirement planning on the back burner. However, contributing to a retirement fund is a critical step toward securing financial independence and peace of mind in later years.

One compelling reason for women to prioritize retirement savings is the significant financial impact of life choices. For many, taking breaks from work to raise children or care for family members can disrupt earning potential. This makes it crucial to focus on building retirement savings during working years. By making regular contributions, even small ones, you can establish a solid financial foundation that will pay off in the future.

Another important aspect of retirement contributions is the power of compound interest. The earlier you start saving,

the more time your money will have to grow and earn interest. This principle emphasizes the value of establishing a habit of saving—starting today can make a big difference down the line. Every dollar saved today can grow into a much larger sum, allowing for a more comfortable retirement.

Financial independence is a significant motivator for women. When you invest in your retirement, you cultivate the freedom to make choices that align with your desires and needs, rather than being constrained by financial limitations. This independence allows you to take control of your future, whether it means traveling, starting a business, or simply enjoying a stress-free retirement.

Prioritizing retirement contributions is not just about securing financial stability; it’s about empowering yourself to live life on your terms. Take charge of your financial future today—contribute to your retirement fund and create the security you deserve. The steps you take now will pave the way for a fulfilling and independent life in your golden years.

Local Beat

by Melissa McCance

Are you a new parent? A grandparent of any vintage? Are you a caregiver age 18 or older who takes care of children? CAPA of Hillsdale is providing free CPR and Heimlich Maneuver training on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Knowing what to do if a child in your care stops breathing or is choking can literally make the difference between life and death. The course will be held from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Jonesville High School, Classroom 115 (460 Adrian St.). Enrollment is limited to 28, so contact CAPA now to see if space is available! You can reserve a spot directly at this web address: www.capahillsdale.net/event-details/freecpr-heimlich-training-for-caregivers-2025-09-07-12-00. The class will also be offered in December, 2025, and March and June, 2026.

Get ready for a vehicle extravaganza when Stillwell Ford hosts its 9th Annual Car Show! This popular event draws many exhibitors and visitors every year and matches offering the community a fun day with supporting a worthy cause. The date is Saturday, September 13, and the hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This show is free and offers fun for everyone. There will be a 50/50 drawing, food vendors, doughnuts and coffee, and door prizes. Enjoy seeing which vehicles win one of the various awards! All proceeds from the event will be donated to St. Peter’s Free Clinic which provides medical care for uninsured and underinsured people in our area. Come out and have a good time while supporting a great cause.

Did you know that the Country Wedding Chapel & Event Center in Quincy has an indoor farmers market every first and third Thursday? This great shopping spot takes place June through October, and you can check their Facebook page (Country Wedding Chapel) for vendor spotlights and updated information. And, the final market on October 16 will not only be a regular market week, but will also include a Fall Harvest Party with entertainment, food trucks and lots of family fun!! The vendors change some from market to market, but there will always be a good variety of things to buy. Offerings have ranged from baked goods to produce, paracord bracelets to fresh flowers, organic skin products to 3D printed items, raw honey from less than five miles away . . . even all-natural dog treats! The venue is located at 295 N. Ray Quincy Rd. in Quincy—just one mile south of the stoplight in downtown Quincy on the east side of the road.

The holidays are coming, and the Salvation Army’s red kettles will be appearing on countertops, street corners, and in front of many area stores. The Hillsdale 360 Life Center helps area residents with rent and utilities, free lunches four days per week, a food pantry, thrift store vouchers for clothing, life skills counseling, and more. Your help with bell ringing is sorely needed! You can sign up as an individual, a two-person team, or a group. There’s even an option for a virtual online ringing campaign! Shifts are just two hours and sign up is easy. Visit registertoring.com or stop by the center at 160 E. Bacon, Hillsdale, for an application. Please—give a little time and make a big difference for local people in need! (Important! If you’ve never rung before, you can still register online, but you also must pick up and complete an application from the center.)

Aim for Luxury

After a day on the range at the John A. Halter Shooting Sports Education Center, Hillsdale College’s world-class facility, indulge yourself with a stay at one of the Halter Center’s cottages. It’s a luxury experience right on site!

Enjoy the amenities and comfort of a spacious cottage while taking advantage of everything that the Halter Center has to offer:

• Sporting clays

• Pistol and rifle

• American and International Skeet and Trap

• Archery

• Range instruction

• AcuSport Grille

• Liberty & Co. Outfitters

Custom packages available. The Halter Center is open year-round!

To book your experience, please visit haltercottages.lodgify.com or call (517) 610-5593.

The Leaves They Are A-Changin’

By Emma Verrigni

Plenty of philosophers and scientists have theorized about why the leaves change color with the seasons. We’ll explore some of their theories, and then discover the true explanation for leaves’ change in color.

Going Back in Time

A lot of people think the leaves change color because it gets colder outside. Actually, this view is not far from the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle’s theory. Aristotle thought the earth was made out of four different elements: fire, earth, water, and air. He thought each of these elements corresponded with two of four properties: hot, cold, dry, or wet. For example, he would have considered fire to be hot and dry, and water to be wet and cold. Aristotle thought that a change in these properties (hot, cold, dry, and wet) accounted for seasonal changes, like what occurs when a leaf changes color. Aristotle thought life depended on heat, which seems to explain why leaves fall off the trees and die when it gets colder outside.

The medieval scholars adopted Aristotle’s thought process. They thought different colors in leaves appeared because of a change in the properties such as hot and wet. One medieval scholar called Albertus Magnus thought leaves were composed of a vapor called a “humid vapor.” Other medieval scholars thought that the changes that occurred with the seasons were a symbol of moral or symbolic decay.

According to Celtic folklore, the changing color of the leaves on trees represents birth, death, and rebirth. In Japanese folklore, the changing colors also represent rebirth. In Japanese, momijigari refers to the act of looking at the beauty of the changing leaves.

A legend originating from the Native American Algonquin tribe says that the leaves change color because hunters chased away a bear that was terrorizing people. The hunters chased the bear for a long time before the bear finally ran into the sky. The red color that the leaves change to is the blood of the bear dripping from the sky.

Most people have heard of Jack Frost. He originated in Norse mythology, and he is most well known as a mischievous winter spirit. According to folklore, he turned leaves red, orange, and yellow by touching them with his cold fingers.

What’s The Truth?

Aristotle thought that physical changes — like the evaporation of water and changes in heat — directly affected the colors of the leaves. In reality, chemical changes mostly affect leaf coloration during the autumn months.

Leaves begin to change their color from green to brown as chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants responsible for capturing light for photosynthesis, breaks down. During the fall and winter months, leaves receive less sunlight, limiting their ability to perform photosynthesis. As the green color fades away, other pigments present in the leaf show. Pigments called carotenoids produce yellow, orange, and red colors. Anthocyanins produce red and purple tones.

Not all trees lose their leaves. Ultimately, whether or not a certain species of tree loses its leaves comes down to a trade-off between the amount of energy it requires to regrow its leaves and the amount of energy it produces through photosynthesis.

For trees like evergreens, it requires less energy to keep its leaves year-round. Evergreens continue photosynthesis all year as a result of their slow photosynthetic rate and the low surface area of their needles. Further, their needles are coated in wax, which prevents water loss and overall allows the evergreen to maintain more of its resources — maybe Aristotle’s theory had some wisdom to it!

Choosing a Good Dog Groomer

Does the thought of battling your dog into the bathtub one more time make your back ache and head hurt? Well, it might be time to find a professional dog groomer. However, finding the right pet groomer can be as difficult as finding the right hairdresser. Sure, you want your dog to look great and feel fabulous, but you also want to be sure she is safe throughout the grooming process.

Ask Questions

When selecting a groomer for your pet, it is very important to ask about the groomer’s experience. Ask how long she/he has been grooming. What breeds is she/ he proficient at grooming? Ask if the groomer attends continuing education seminars. A good groomer will always be interested in staying up-to-date. A good groomer will also be able to provide you with a list of clients you can contact for references. Remember, while groomers are not licensed by most states, they should be certified by a dog grooming school.

Check Out the Salon

When visiting a grooming salon, it is very important to take note of the surroundings. Here are some questions to ask: Where are the dogs kept? How are clippers, scissors and blades, etc., cleaned between uses? Do you require pets to be up-to-date on vaccines?

If you own one of the brachycephalic breeds, such as a bulldog or pug, you need to ask the groomer how she/he will dry your pet. A breed of this type should not be left with a hot dryer blowing on the kennel. The same applies for an elderly pet or a pet with special health needs.

Request Grooming Fees in Advance Grooming fees vary from salon to salon and it is

By Shelley Williams

important to make sure you know what is included in the cost of the grooming service. Will the groomer cut nails, clean ears, brush teeth, etc.? What type of shampoos and conditioners are used? If your veterinarian recommends a certain shampoo, do you need to supply it? You might want to ask if the groomer will express your dog’s anal glands. (If your dog does have a problem with his anal sacs, this is something that should be checked by your veterinarian.) By asking what is included, there will be no surprises when you pick your dog up after her appointment.

Let the Groomer Know Your Specific Needs

Remember that groomers are not miracle workers. You need to do your part in keeping your dog brushed between visits. Be sure to explain how much you want cut off of your dog’s coat. Also, if you have allowed your dog’s coat to become matted, they might need to be cut out, which you will be charged for.

Most groomers will not allow you to stay while your pet is being groomed. Your dog will most likely be calmer and remain still on the grooming table without you there. The more excited and jumpier the pet is, the greater the risk for an accidental cut.

Make Time

Lastly, be considerate of your groomer’s time. Be sure to cancel appointments you cannot keep. Also remember your groomer spends a lot of time going over your dog’s skin and coat, which is much longer than your veterinarian will spend. A good groomer will find things on your dog you might have never noticed, such as lumps, growths and infections.

These are just a few things to remember when looking for a groomer. It may take a few tries to find a groomer you are happy with. Your relationship with your pet’s groomer is essential. She/ he should listen to what you want and you should listen to her/his advice before making your decision.

Adoptable Pets

Shayla Domestic shorthair Spayed female 8 yrs. old

This fabulous, full-figured queen is looking for her very own Life Coach to help her embrace a more active (but still extremely chill) lifestyle. Shayla is sweet, sassy, and diabetic - but don't worry, we'll teach you how easy it is to manage! Sign up to adopt Shayla at lenhumanesoc.org!

Patches is a handsome 7-year-old boy weighing in at 15 pounds! He wouldn't mind sharing his space with a dog—as long as they didn't steal his bed! He seems to be okay with some cats. He loves lounging and would love to cuddle up with you!

Hillsdale Lions Club

Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Hillsdale Assembly of God | 4075 Beck Rd., Jonesville, MI

Come shop the vendors & check out the crafts.

Snacks, drinks & raffle tickets available for purchase

Hillsdale Lions Club is always looking for new members!

Meetings are first Tuesday of each month at Hillsdale First United Methodist Church 45 N Manning St Hillsdale

Hillsdale Lions Club is an organization founded to help those in the community who need assistance with:

Obtaining eye glasses and eye surgery. Hearing aids. Provides information on diabetes. Groups they support: The Penrickton Center Bear Lake Camp for the Blind Paws with a Cause Hillsdale Library Summer Reading Program

Sammie

OU T D O OR LIVI NG

Inside orhaveoutside, you covered! Inside orhaveoutside, you covered!

ONES V ILL E LUM B E R

Thank you to Kraft Foods employee Dan Walker for inventing

caramel apples

Grab your favorite pair of jeans to celebrate on October 3! Established in 1996, it’s the first Friday in October. in the 1950s!

Kalamazoo Scottish Festival The 33rd

is September 6, and this familyfriendly event is free! Visit www.kalamazooscottishfest.org for details.

- John Sinor

By Melissa McCance

Breakfasts Make-Ahead

It’s September, the school year is in full swing, the activities are ramping up creating full schedules, and you’re trying to hold everything together and keep your head above water! Or, perhaps you’re an empty-nester who’s just started a job, a volunteer commitment, or a new activity that’s taking more of your time. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some solid, ready-to-eat breakfast options available for your family or just you?

To help with the morning madness, we’ve collected some recipes that you can prepare in advance and have ready so your day will start with a good breakfast. All of them can be eaten cold—a couple can get a quick warm-up in the microwave if you want a hot breakfast.

As the proud owner of a local Farm Bureau Insurance agency, I’m honored to serve the families, farmers, and businesses that make our Michigan community so special. Farm Bureau is more than just an insurance company—it’s Michigan-born and Michigan-strong, built on the values of hard work, trust, and genuine connection.

Here at my agency, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all policies. We take the time to get to know you, your story, and your needs—because protecting your home, your livelihood, and your future should feel personal.

Whether you’re looking for home, auto, life, or business coverage, I’d love the chance to sit down and see how we can help. My door is always open, and in a world full of big-box options, it never hurts to check in with someone who knows your neighborhood—and truly cares.

CRUSTLESS SPINACH QUICHE

Ingredients:

¾ lb. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon dried onion

½ teaspoon dried dill (can be omitted if you like)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon nutmeg

¾ cup flour

10 oz. packaged of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

5 large eggs

1 cup milk

¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mix cheese, dried onion, dill, baking powder and nutmeg. Sprinkle with flour and toss until everything is well coated.

2. Add the spinach and mix well.

3. Beat the eggs with the milk and melted butter and add to the spinach mixture. Mix well.

4. Spread in greased 9” pie plate and level the mixture.

5. Bake in preheated 350° oven for 20-30 minutes. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean of uncooked egg.

6. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. If you’re going to store it for future meals, allow the quiche to cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate.

BAKED OATMEAL WITH PEACHES

From Hannah Sayles

This is an easy, make-ahead and bake in the morning, breakfast recipe. It makes enough for a large family, so if you want to split the recipe between two smaller square pans and freeze one it is easy to do.

Ingredients:

1 cup oil (I prefer unrefined coconut oil, but you can use canola oil if you prefer)

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

6 cups old-fashioned oats

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons salt

2 cups milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 quart canned, sliced peaches

Instructions:

1. Beat eggs. Add sugar, oil, milk and vanilla. Mix all wet ingredients well.

2. Add oats and dry ingredients and continue to mix well.

3. Add in the peaches WITH the can juice.

4. Bake at 350° for 35-45 minutes until golden around the edges. Delicious as is or served with a splash of milk and a dash of cinnamon.

5. To save for later, cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Tasty cold or a serving can be reheated in the microwave.

OVERNIGHT OATS

Ingredients:

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup milk, dairy or dairy-free as you prefer

1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a two-cup glass jar or container with a lid.

2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 3 days.

3. To serve, portion some of the oats into a small bowl (about one-third of the mixture or roughly oneAdd any toppings you wish such as fresh fruit, toasted nuts, maple syrup, or honey.

CHEWY GRANOLA BARS

From Hannah Sayles

These have been a family favorite for many years! I discovered a recipe on Pinterest years ago and fine-tuned it to fit what we liked. I added some bake time to solidify the bars a little, and voila - we have a recipe we make over and over again. The bars are cut and wrapped individually and then stored in the refrigerator for weeks on end. They have a fabulous shelf-life and are very easy to grab on the way out the door on a busy morning. Loaded with dried fruits and nuts, seeds and protein, these bars prove to be an excellent source of energy to keep you going through your morning!

Wet Ingredients:

Measure and warm in a sauce pan on medium-low until melted and stirred together.

1 cup crunchy peanut butter (not natural)

⅔ cup honey

½ cup coconut oil

Dash of salt

Several dashes of cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla

Dry Ingredients:

Measure out each ingredient in a large mixing bowl, keeping in mind that it is a one-to-one ratio of oats to other ingredients. So, whatever else you choose to add should have a combined total volume of 2 cups. Stir together and wait for the wet ingredients to melt together.

2 cups old-fashioned oats

2 cups of all other ingredients of your choice, the following are what we use:

¼ cup dried cranberries

⅛ cup flax seeds

⅛ cup dried coconut flakes

¼ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup pepita seeds (pumpkin seeds)

1 cup of dried tropical fruit mix containing pepitas, pineapple, banana chips, raisins, cranberries.

¼ cup dry roasted almonds

Instructions:

1. Mix wet with dry and stir to mix well. Pour out of bowl onto a baking sheet lined with rubber mat or wax paper.

2. Form into a rectangular shape with sides pulled tight and bake at 260° for about 20 minutes.

3. Remove and let cool, then chill in the refrigerator for several hours. Cut into individual portions sizes and wrap with plastic wrap. Keep stored in the refrigerator to use as needed.

*You can even dip the bottoms of these in melted semi-sweet chocolate or add chocolate chips to the dry mixture and they're extra decadent, too!

New job, new retirement account options

Changing jobs? Consider these 401(k) options:

• Leave the money in your previous employer’s plan

• Move it to your new employer’s plan

• Roll it over to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

• Cash out the account subject to early withdrawal penalties

We can talk through your financial goals and find the option that works best for you.

Don L Toffolo , AAMS™ Financial Advisor

253 E Chicago St Suite 1 Jonesville, MI 49250 517-849-7771