DECEMBER 2016

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CONTENTSVOLUME XIII • ISSUE 2

A VERY SPECIAL HOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS

By Darla Miller

BELOVED HOLIDAY CLASSIC “THE NUTCRACKER” RETURNS

By Mona Shand

SOUTH LYON PLANS “COOL YULE” CELEBRATION By Darla Miller

NEWS BRIEF

WISHING YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!

THE STAFF OF THE COURANT

Hanging Out with the Cellar CatsJULIAN K’S MUSIC SCENE, PAGE 2

LOCAL VETERANS NEED YOUR HELP Rolling Thunder MI Chapter 5 is soliciting coats, hats and gloves, blankets, sheets, hand towels and wash cloths for local veteran facilities and the homeless shelter for veterans. You may drop off the donations at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce offices from December 1 through December 16. The offices are locat-ed at 218 E. Grand River, Brighton The office is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Attention all Humbugs! The Christ-mas House, 216 E. Lake St, South Lyon, will help you chase away those blues and get you into the holiday spirit!

Built in 1883, the home now belongs to Jennifer and Ralph Dunigan, whose Christmas adventure actually started 27 years ago with a Christmas themed wedding. Every year, for the past 19 years, they’ve opened their house to the public to view their decorations. Last year they turned the lower level of their home into a Christmas gift shop, which is open for business on Sat. 9 AM-8 PM, Sun. 1-4 PM from November 1 to De-cember 30.

Just approaching the entrance, one gets a feeling that there is something special awaiting behind the front door. Once inside, you are met with the splen-dor of a red, green and sparkly Christ-mas! This grand, old building houses 23 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, colorful new and vintage ornaments, greenery, Santa Bears and other holi-day décor all for sale, with prices even Scrooge would find reasonable. All sales help with the Dunigan children’s college expenses.

“We have always loved Christmas,

“Jennifer says of herself and her hus-band. “It started when we wanted to downsize some of our items. We’ve had such great feedback from the commu-nity, that we will continue doing it each year.”

This Italianate Victorian house was built by distinguished Civil War veteran, Captain William A. Weatherhead. The Captain also managed the Greenock gristmill in Green Oak Township. Allow-ing the railroad access to his property, Captain Weatherhead built a post office on his site, then acted as Postmaster and Treasurer of the township.

Because of its interesting history, The Christmas House is featured every year during the South Lyon Cool Yule holiday event. The Dunigans prefer to show their home at night when the Christmas trees and other lighted décor can assure a lasting memory for those taking the tour. Yes, the Dunigans do live on the premises.

The home tour itself is free, but the Dunigans ask that those coming for the tour bring a food item that will be donated to the Active Faith Food Bank. Until then, stop in for a little shopping. It’s worth the visit, even for Humbugs!

Now entering its fourth decade of supporting and delighting the Liv-ingston County community, Brighton School of Ballet (formerly Fountain Ballet) is pleased to announce the 31st annual production of the Nutcracker Ballet. This high-quality and much cher-ished holiday spectacular is the county’s original Nutcracker performance and features nearly 100 local dancers and performers, beloved music, colorful cos-tuming and props, and a Christmas tree that grows right before the audience’s eyes!

In addition to Brighton School of Ballet’s dedicated students, this year’s performances will once again feature exciting guest artists from near and far. Professional dancers Ma-rena Perez and Daniel Ramirez from the National Ballet Theatre of Puerto Rico will reprise their dazzling rendition of the ‘Sugar Plum Pas de Deux,’ while Livingston County’s dynamic Jumpin’ Allstars jumprope team will “hop to it” in a vibrant and en-

tertaining twist. With its rich history, the performance

has become a treasured tradition that helps kick off the holiday season for so many families. “We’re honored to play a part in creating treasured memories for local families, as we continue to showcase the depth of artistic talent and appreciation in this community,” said second-generation artistic director Katrina Frelich.

Performances are Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2:00 pm at the beautiful Jane Tasch Performing Arts Theatre, 2130 E. M-36, Pinckney.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.brightonschoolofballet.com.

Ticket prices are $20 (adult) and $18 (child/teen/senior). All seats are re-served.

For the second year, Brighton School of Ballet will be donating 100% of the weekend’s bottled water sales to Rain Catchers, the Howell-based charitable organization that leads missionary vol-

unteers to the southeastern mountains of Haiti to build sustainable and life sav-ing rainwater collection systems.

The Brighton School of Ballet is locat-ed at 431 W. Main Street, Brighton, MI 48116, (810) 229-7690, www.brighton-schoolofballet.com

The South Lyon DDA presents a Cool Yule Holiday Celebration, Saturday, De-cember 3, 2016, 9 AM -7 PM, downtown South Lyon and at various locations around town. This celebration is free with some activities charging a small fee to participate. It is aimed toward family fun, while supporting local charities.

9 AM: Have your breakfast with Santa, First Presbyterian Church. Don’t forget to have your picture taken with the Jolly man himself! Price: $8

10 AM: Head on over to the Christ-mas in the Country Craft Show, S.L. High

School. Price is $3 with a canned good donation to Active Faith Food Bank.

Or if you’d rather, attend the Ginger-bread House contest or Candy Cane Hunt at McHattie Park! Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church is offering a one-day VBS for kids, for ages 4-10 years old.

12 PM-5 PM: Activities continue throughout the afternoon with games, prizes, baked goods and music in the Veteran’s Lot.

5 PM: The Historical Society offers an open house at the Witches Hat Museum & Freight House.

5:30- 6:30 PM- Cool Yule Fun Run AND THEN the Cool Yule Lighted Parade down Pontiac Trail! PLUS a Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa (yes, he’s sticking around all day)!

5:45-7 PM: Listen to various musical groups at the Historical Village Church, take advantage of the Kiwanis tree sale, judge the floats and take the house tour!

Whew! There is something for every-one at this celebration, so plan to have fun, fun, fun!

For more information, go to: www.southlyoncoolyule.com.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE OFFERS

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

By Margaret Vergith

Get into the holiday spirit at the Friends of the Brighton District Library Holiday Open House, Saturday, Decem-ber 10, 11:00am - 3:00pm. Meet Santa and his reindeer. Enjoy music, treats, stories, crafts, bell ringing, and more. There’s something for everyone from tot to adult and admission is free! Join us for a fun afternoon of holiday cheer.

11am to 3pm• Santa will arrive straight from the

North Pole to visit with kids about their wishes for Christmas.

• Stop by the craft station to make seasonal decorations and crafts cel-ebrating holidays from around the world.

• Refreshments and treats

11am to 12:30pm • Join us outside for a special oppor-

tunity to meet of one of Santa’s magical reindeer.

11:30am to 12pm and 1pm to 1:30pm

• Snuggle up with the family for sea-sonal stories and winter tales read to you by Youth Services librarians.

12pm to 2pm• Sing along to seasonal tunes per-

formed from by Vintage Strings of Michigan. This ten piece band, of local musicians, play the banjo, guitar, man-dolin, twin fiddles, hammer dulcimers, harmonica, keyboard, and base.

2pm to 2:30pm• Ring in the holidays with Brigh-

ton’s First United Methodist Church Echoes of Praise Hand Bell Choir. Enjoy bell ringing, caroling, and fun audience participation for everyone.

Enjoy an afternoon of family fun and memories for the whole family at the twenty year and running Friends of Brighton District Library Holiday Open House, 100 Library Drive. Call 810-229-6571 ext. 223 for information.

2 • THE COURANT • DECEMBER 2016

JULIAN K’S MUSIC SCENE THE CELLAR CATSStory & Photo By Julian Konwinski

I was having lunch recently and over-heard the conversation at the next table where the lunchies like myself were discussing their desire to find

a new local dance band that would play more music from the 60’s, 70’s, and early 80’s with a sprinkling of recent hits. Luck is on their side as only a few days later I met a singer from a rather new band from Ann Arbor. They have been playing together for nearly two years and have had only a few public gigs as they work up their total program. At her invitation I went to see and photograph them at Zal Gaz Grotto Club on West Stadium in Ann Arbor.

The group is known as “The Cellar Cats,” having come together and prac-ticed in a basement for months on end. The prep has paid off handsomely so that what has emerged is a tight knit seven piece band that can roam the musical landscape picking what suits and fits

their palate. They advertise on their card that they play “Rock and Roll,” “R and B,” and “Motown.” For dancing and singing that sounds like they have covered all bases. However, they deliver even more. They can be jazzy, funky, and popish, all with the idea of getting people moving. Listening to them and watching them you can see their enjoyment while play-ing and glancing around the room you can see the effect on the patrons. Heads are bobbing, fingers and toes are tapping, and smiles abound.

The band is large with a full fine sound. On vocals and flute is my contact Patty O’Connor. Next to her is Myron Grant on vocals, rhythm guitar, and harmonica. Kip Goodwin plays lead guitar and Terry Gordinier plays bass and some lead gui-tar. Mark Wright is on keyboards, John Marion drums and sings vocals. Finally, on saxophone, bass clarinet, and congas is Charles Dayringer.

When you add it up it’s a large infec-tious sound that will surely get you off your duff and onto the dance floor.

Check out their Facebook page, “The Cellar Cats,” to see where and when they will be performing.

WWW.COURANTONLINE.COM • 3

CAUGHT READING

Phil and Pam Weipert caught reading the Courant at Disneyworld!

Not much happens in our quaint little Town of Whitmore Lake in Northfield Township. There are no big shopping centers where teenagers meet up on the weekends or moms can escape to for some retail therapy. There is no grand, architecturally beautiful theater showing the best Broadway shows or any muse-ums displaying timeless art. We lack a cinema and fancy restaurants serving global cuisine. However, our town is bursting with a close-knit bond between every member of the community. It is a cliché but honest truth, everybody knows everybody.

For as long as residents of Whitmore Lake can remember, the plot of land next to the Post Office on Main Street has been nothing more than a sea of grass and weeds. Although it was used a few times for a fall festival and some carnival rides, for most of the time it has remained a bar-ren wasteland spotted with litter. Some of Whitmore Lake’s buildings have faced the tide of change from their original purpose, the 1841 Clifton house became the North-field Township Library and the Lakehouse Hotel was rebuilt as Polly Market but this plot has remained stagnant.

The wide expanse used to be known as the “Van Curler or Flying Dutchman’s Property.” During the years 1911 to 1913, the University of Michigan football team used the area for their practices.

Now it has become something that will bring the community together even more than the Fourth of July Fireworks or a Trojan home football game. On October 23, 2016, Northfield Township signed the final papers to establish the area as Northfield Community Park.

The still and silent field has been given new life. Tents were pitched and trucks were parked. Hot chocolate was poured and music filled the air. Every walk of the community coalesced to celebrate. Firefighters, policemen, parents and children, even the high school marching band came to the new park.

Many local businesses participated in the event, including Marco’s Pizza, Costco, the Kiwanis, and Living Waters Church. Captain Joe’s provided warm, delicious barbeque chicken while Living Waters Church pitched in free apple cider and hot cocoa to warm both the hands and the hearts of Whitmore Lake’s resi-dents. There was a puppy adoption booth which was a big hit among the children. To help celebrate Halloween, there was a fun activity appropriately called Trunk or Treat. Children were able to trick-or-treat from car to car and get candy. They also got the opportunity to explore the activities tent to paint pumpkins and col-or while the marching band played.

Dee Koehler, a paraprofessional at Whitmore Lake High School, is excited to see what might be added to Northfield Community Park in the future and how it will progress over time. She wonders if the area will still be used for overflow parking on the Fourth of July or if any-thing will be built there, such as a gaze-bo. What was once an empty space in our town and a missing piece between its residents has been filled with the joy and excitement of complete unification. The residents of Whitmore Lake will now be able to meet at this park for years and years to come, enjoying the fresh air and making memories to last.

WHITMORE LAKE GETS NEW PARK Story By Angela Meyers • Photos By Frank Boyd

4 • THE COURANT • DECEMBER 2016

BACKING THE BLUEI love your front page article in the No-

vember Courant. I totally agree, we need to support our First Responders.

I have had a blue lightbulb on my front porch for about 10 years now. My son is

autistic and years ago, there was a call for Autism Awareness by placing a blue bulb in your front porch light fixture.

Now, my little blue light can do double duty!! Already done!!Dr. Shanimah Leal Ra, PhD.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

L ast month, in the midst of Hurri-cane Matthew, Jim and I visited Topsail Island in North Carolina, a long barrier island just south of

the Outer Banks. We weren’t sure we’d get there at all or what we’d find if we did. After a few days of uncertainty, we headed south and had little trouble getting there (one detour because of flooding) and found everything in place on the island, which had been pretty much missed by the hurri-cane.

I first visited Topsail Island about 10 years ago, with three of my granddaugh-ters. We had a wonderful time there in a cottage I rented that was right on the beach, and I mean that literally: during high tide our stairs down to the beach were in the water! Last year, Jim and I went in June. I looked for the same cottage, but it was no longer on the rental market. It turns out the new cottage I chose was only about five houses down from the first one. It, too, was right on the beach, but this time high tide didn’t quite make it to the stairs.

Topsail Island feels like two or even three

different islands. North Topsail is really a suburb of Jacksonville, NC, and there’s a lot of commerce there, including chain stores and restaurants, a lot of tourist shops, and many upscale homes and condos. Surf City is smaller with no chains, but has its share of tourist shops; on the other hand, there is a fish market on the wharf selling the catch of local fishermen, a neighborhood bakery, and a sea turtle rescue, which my grand-daughters and I really enjoyed. Topsail Beach, on the southern end of the island where we stayed, offers only a few restau-rants and gift shops, but has the Missiles and More Museum. Camp Davis, an antiair-craft training center during WWII, was on the mainland just across the river from the island. As an offshoot of that, the Navy be-gan Operation Bumblebee, a secret guided missile testing program housed on Topsail, after the war. Some of the towers used during the testing are still standing, some in their original state, others incorporated into luxurious homes. You can also go on fishing on party boats or private charters from the pier on that end of the island.

Topsail Beach offers miles of sandy beach. When we were there in October, the water was still warm enough for swim-ming. The waves were high, so there were a lot of shells -- a new supply with every tide. Probably because of the hurricane, there were very few people there at the begin-ning of the week, but that had changed by Thursday. By the time we left on Saturday,

everything was back to normal -- at least on the island. We endured about 1 1/2 hours of detours around flooded inland roads before we made it out of the state. It was worth it, though -- a great week on the beach!

©2016 Phyllis Kreger Stillman. Phyllis may be contacted at pkstill@umich.edu.

EXPANDING HORIZONS TOPSAIL ISLAND, NCStory & Photo By Phyllis Kreger Stillman

with Gary Wellings

Catch The Drift on podcast at www.thedailydrift.com Call in line 734-822-1600 and email gary@thedailydrift.com

onCatchSATURDAY AFTERNOONS FROM 2PM to 3PM

OR LIVE ONLINE AT WWW.WAAMRADIO.COM

FROM THE LYON’S DENBy Tedd Wallace

Well the South Lyon Hotel is now officially history, with some of its bricks on fireplace mantels in homes

around town and others actually out of state. Now a packed sand plateau build-ing site is in place for hopefully a dupli-cated red brick structure to be built. The Hotel wasn’t quite as old as first thought although the name goes back to 1867 at another site down the street. It was in 1884 that Hiram Jones and Gates Dunlap took the job of exhuming the graveyard bodies for $2.50 a piece to make the downtown site available for the new hotel called the Whipple House. Whipple Blvd along side of it was named for it.

It was April 24,1896 that the Whipple House burned down according to local trivia nut Norm Somers from newspa-per accounts. Then came the Hotel com-pletion by 1899 which experienced a couple fires before its final fiery ending June 23, 2016. Building on old cemetery sites seems to have grave consequences.

Across the street to the south is an-other long time building that was owned by the Calkins brothers, one of the original families from the mid-1800’s. It is currently called the “Coral Sash,” a lovely ladies apparel shop. In the back of this building was a buggy factory owned by Thomas Harker in the late 1880’s. He stored his fire wood in the rear of the building. Because the wood seemed to disappear faster than he was using it, he figured someone was help-ing themselves. So he drilled a hole in a log and packed it with gun powder and waited. It wasn’t much time later that an explosion in a nearby house proved his suspicion correct and promptly halted the thefts!

It is with pride that I happily proclaim “MERRY Christmas and Happy New year to our Courant readers!!”

Tedd Wallace is a former mayor and retired teacher from South Lyon, email: Teddmwallace@sbcglobal.net

WWW.COURANTONLINE.COM • 5

JACK’S CORNER TRUE STRIPES By Jack Belisle

Well, well, well, in a span of 12 short hours on No-vember 8, the true stripes of the party of compas-

sion, goodness and tolerance emerged. It wasn’t a pretty sight. The birthright of their anointed one had been trag-ically snatched away by a brash, in-your-face upstart without the required pedigree and Harvard law degree.

Wailing and calls for assassination were heard throughout the land. Stu-dent anarchists grabbed their bongs and dog eared copies of Rules for Radicals and ventured out of their campus safe spaces into the streets shouting “not my President” and carrying signs that said “Stop Hate” that didn’t’ stop them.

All the deplorables, all the Andy Tay-lor’s, Barney Fife’s and Women-Latinos-and-Blacks-for-Trump and all the cling-ers to their guns and religion living in all the Mayberry’s across the land opened their windows, stuck out their heads and yelled as loud as they could “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore.” Howard Beale would be impressed. Now a wish list.....

Everyone sees “The Enemy Within.” It’s free on Amazon Prime, worth buy-ing if need be. It names the politicians and organizations actively trying to un-dermine our Republic and now Trump.

Barack Obama riding off into the

sunset never to be seen or heard from again unless invited just like George Bush has graciously done the past eight years.

Stop all this nonsense about the Electoral College stealing the election. Clinton won 19 states, 38% of the country. Trump won 31 states, 62% of the country, a landslide margin.

That’s what the Electoral College was designed to do, give votes in all states equal weight regardless of population. That’s democracy. A minority of dense-ly populated states dictating to the ma-jority is not.

Pass Senate Resolution 2230, the “Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Desig-nation Act” that has been held up for a year because Obama supports them. The Enemies Within will show why.

That Democrats and their media partners realize painting anyone and anything remotely connected to Trump as racist or sexist is getting very old, very tiresome, bordering on the hu-morous and is falling on deaf ears as evidenced by the election.

Watching the celebrities, who promised to leave the country if Trump wins, waving ta-ta as they disappear into the jet-way, then watching them whine on social media about their for-eign banks reporting all their financial activity to the IRS as required by feder-

al law.That universities stop the liber-

al indoctrination and using political correctness in calculating grades and realize there’s no First Amendment protection against having your feelings hurt and forbidding campus speech that does, violates it.

More people realize all the “isms” and “phobias” supposedly engulfing our nation are far less prevalent and severe than portrayed by the race baiters and other “enemies within” who desperately need a divided and agitated nation to impose their fascist agendas.

Jesse Jackson explains why he wants Barack Obama to pardon Hil-lary Clinton. Pardon for what? Clinton hasn’t been charged with anything. Pardoning her for something she might be charged with is like Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize given for something peace-ful he might do someday.

How bout we all get one “get-out-of-jail free card” too. Let’s end all this jus-tice inequality. We should protest, car-ry signs “Pardons for everyone, not the just the guilty.” Absurd you say?....yup, just like awarding pardons and peace prizes on the come.

That all facts and supportive re-search that counters the “not-to-be-questioned-settled-science” of climate change finally see the light of day after

being suppressed by the stakeholders in this $1.5 trillion dollar global extor-tion racket and that “Climategate’s” Michael Mann and Phil Jones be pros-ecuted for fabricating the junk science behind it.

That we respect peaceful Muslims yet do whatever it takes to root out their Islamic fundamentalist brethren who embrace Mohammad’s 7th centu-ry totalitarian ideology and the violent methods to achieve it before they pull off another 9/11, San Bernadino or Fort Hood massacre, Boston Marathon bombing or military recruiting office attacks like those in Little Rock and Chattanooga.

That all the groundless hysteria about mass deportations stops. Take a cue from Mark Twain who said he worried about a lot of things in his life, most of which never happened.

The military warriors forced out for challenging Barack Obama’s dan-gerous foreign policies and rules of engagement come back to rebuild our downsized, weakened military into the dominant force it once was able to enforce the “peace through strength” mantra of Ronald Reagan.

Your comments are welcomed and could be referenced in future columns. Email jackscorner4345@yahoo.com.

TheCourantDECEMBER 2016 EDITION

Published Monthly by Marula Management and Consulting LLC

Copyright © 2016P.O. Box 440

Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 (734) 922-2502

courant.online@gmail.com www.courantonline.com

THE COURANT STAFF CHIEF EDITOR

Gary Wellings • 734.629.6010DESIGN

Kevin SerbusAD SALES & DISTRIBUTION Gary Wellings • 734.629.6010

Thank You to All of Our Volunteer Contributing Writers

Printed by Michigan Web Press

THE LEGAL SPOT CONSTITUTION 101 – REVISITING THE DECLARATION

By Derek Edwards

When in the course of hu-man events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political

bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evi-dent, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. ---That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the con-

sent of the governed. ---That whenever any Form of Government becomes de-structive to these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and orga-nizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long es-tablished should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invari-ably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw

off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security…

In every stage of these Oppressions, We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Pe-titions have been answered only by re-peated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people…

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rec-titude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Inde-pendent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiances to the British Crown,

and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, con-clude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mu-tually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Disclaimer: The information in this article does not constitute legal advice. Derek Edwards is an attorney serving southeast Michigan. For a free initial consultation, call Derek at (734) 502-1176 or email AffordableLegalSer-vicesPLC@gmail.com.

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Lovely Monkey Tattoo, located at 9541 Main Street, opened in September 2016 with a mission – to help women who have battled breast cancer feel “normal” again.

Artist Jamie Epsy Bollerud tattoos realistic looking nipples and areolas on women who have undergone breast sur-geries. She often restores self-esteem and confidence in the process.

Owned and operated by Whitmore Lake residents Dana Forrester and James Trunko, the married couple also owns the very successful, and award winning tattoo shop Lucky Monkey Tattoo in Ann Arbor, Michigan. After 15 years in the body art business, Forrest-er was frustrated by not being able to fulfill the magnitude of requests from

women who sought tattoo artists to ink their post mastectomy, reconstructed breasts.

“We’ve been getting requests for this service since 2010 - and finally the right artist and opportunity to open a shop in Whitmore Lake came along,” explains Forrester. “Jamie is the per-fect artist to provide this service. In addition to her artistic skills, Jamie has a wonderful bedside manner, and pro-vides her clients with lots of TLC” she adds. While insurance does not cover the tattoos, Forrester is working with a grant writer to get some of the costs sponsored by a nonprofit organization for women who can’t afford it. “Our prices are actually pretty reasonable - and lower than the national average,”

she says.“This is a very personal mission for

my husband and I. My sister in law died of breast cancer at the age of 42. Lovely Monkey Tattoo is our way of honoring her, and helping women heal and feel whole again.” Forrester adds.

Lovely Monkey Tattoo also offers tra-ditional and realistic custom tattoos for women and men 18 years and older. “We have a fantastic artist Robert Casper who can tattoo amazing portraits, and pretty much anything you can imag-ine,” says Forrester. “Our apprentice Bri Howard is also a very talented artist.”

Women interested in setting up a free consultation with Jamie Epsy Bollerud should call or email the shop at 734-333-5067 or artist@lovelymonkeyink.com.

NEW TATTOO SHOP IN WHITMORE LAKE HELPS WOMEN HEAL

LOVELY MONKEY HELPS BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS REGAIN SELF – ESTEEM THROUGH INK By Dana Forrester

6 • THE COURANT • DECEMBER 2016

CALENDAR OF EVENTS DECEMBER 2016EUCHRE Every Wednesday. Begins at 7pm. For more information call the American Legion at 734-878-9522.

PINOCHLE Every Tuesday and Thursday. 2:00p.m.–4:00p.m. FREE! Northfield Twp. Community Center, 9101 Main St., Whitmore Lake. Everyone wel-come! For more information, contact the Community Center at 734-449-2295.

WHITMORE LAKE KIWANIS meetings at 6:30 the first and third Thursdays at the community center. Our rummage sale is every Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm and every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at 9567 Main Street, Whit-more Lake.

DECEMBER 6TUESDAY NIGHT MOVIE- CHURCHILL’S SECRET 6:30 p.m. Pinckney Community Public Library, 125 Putnam St. Pinckney, MI 48169. FREE. Registration Required: No. Free movie showing. Popcorn and mov-ie style snacks provided. Call 734-878-3888 for more information about this or any upcoming events or visit our website www.pinckneylibrary.org or on Facebook, & Twitter.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AT THE NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP AREA LIBRARY 7:00 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit at our an-nual tree lighting. We will be celebrating the beginning of the holiday season with hot cocoa and holiday music. Santa Claus may even make an appearance. Bundle up warmly as this great community event will go on come rain or snow.

AMERICAN TRAIN STATIONS 6:30 pm. Learn about the history and architecture of American train stations at the Hamburg Township Library. Pre-registration is required for this free event at 810-231-1771, www.hamburglibrary.org, or stopping by the library, located at 10411 Merrill Road, Hamburg.

DIGITAL MARKETING TRENDS for Small Busi-ness with Candy Jones-Guerin from Web-World Advantage. 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM. Salem-South Lyon District Library Meet-ing Room. Join us as we look forward at just a few of the trends in digital mar-keting that we believe small businesses should be paying attention to in the year to come. We’ll explore what the trends are and some simple ideas for jumping on and taking advantage of them. Regis-ter online or call the Public Service Desk at 248-437-6431 x201 for assistance.

DECEMBER 7PRESCHOOL HOLIDAY STORY TIME AT THE NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP AREA LIBRARY 11:00 a.m. Santa will be here to read some of his favorite holiday stories. After story time Santa will be visiting with the children and listening to their holiday wishes.

COME VISIT WITH SANTA AT THE NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP AREA LIBRARY Santa will be vis-iting with the children of the community to hear what is on their holiday wish lists. One complimentary photograph will be given to each child. Wednesday, Decem-ber 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thurs-day, December 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

VISIT WITH SANTA CLAUS and enjoy stories and treats at the Hamburg Township Library, located at 10411 Merrill Road, Hamburg. No pre-registration required for this free event. 6:30 pm.

DROP-IN KNITTING & CROCHET GROUP 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Salem-South Lyon District Library Study Room #4. If you want to learn to knit or crochet, or if you’re an ex-perienced knitter/crocheter who would like to have company while you craft, this

is the group for you! All skill levels are welcome. In fact, we have advanced knit-ters and crocheters who are more than delighted to help out those getting start-ed. Join us for a fun evening of needlec-rafts! Salem-South Lyon District Library, 9800 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, MI 48178 (248) 437-6431 - ext. 201 | Fax: (248) 437-6593. dolson@ssldl.info. http://www.ssldl.info.

DECEMBER 8ANTIQUE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS 12:00 pm. Learn about and view some antique Christmas ornaments at the Hamburg Township Library. Please bring your lunch – drinks will be provided. Pre-reg-istration is required for this free event at 810-231-1771, www.hamburglibrary.org, or stopping by the library, located at 10411 Merrill Road, Hamburg.

LIVING WATER MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. “The Bethle-hem Star” & Christmas Traditions. Hot Breakfast, Friendship, Craft, Discussion. Fine Arts Academy; 238 Jennings Road, WL. Free Child Care in Moppets Program. Contact 248.231.0128.

DECEMBER 9PIZZA & A MOVIE NIGHT “Elf.” 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. $3.00 per person for dinner. Seating is limited. Pre-registration is sug-gested. Call the Northfield Twp. Commu-nity Center at 734-449-2295 for more in-formation, featured movie or to register. Northfield Twp. Community Center, 9101 Main St., Whitmore Lake.

SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM 12:15p.m. Cost: $3.00 suggested donation for 60 yrs. & up; $5.50 for those under 60 yrs. Please register 24 hours in advance at 734-449-2295. Northfield Twp. Community Center, 9101 Main St., Whitmore Lake. Seniors aged 60 or over and their spouses can get a tasty and nutritious meal at the Com-munity Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:15p.m. The suggested contribution is $3.00; however, people 60 and over will not be turned away be-cause of inability to pay. Anyone wishing to attend the lunches should contact the Community Center at 734-449-2295, 24 hours in advance of the scheduled meal.

DECEMBER 10BAKE SALE/COOKIE WALK/GIFT BOUTIQUE Featuring our favorite Farmer’s Market vendors. 9:00am - 3:00pm. St. Paul’s Epis-copal Church. On the Millpond. 200 W. St. Paul Street, Brighton. 810-229-2821.

LIVING WATER CHURCH 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Annual Christmas Carol Sing & Tree Lighting. 200 Barker Road, Whitmore Lake. Free Hot Cocoa & Cookies! Contact 734.426.4006.

DECEMBER 11RJ SPANGLER TRIO: LIVE JAZZ MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY! 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Salem-South Lyon District Library Meeting Room. Attention all music lovers, dreamers, musicians and wannabees! Back by pop-ular demand! Join us for an afternoon of live Detroit Jazz, Blues, and history with RJ Spangler Trio and friends. Sponsored by the Jazz Foundation of America and the Metro Detroit Book & Author So-ciety 2016 James Dance Performance Grant. Light refreshments provided. Salem-South Lyon District Library, 9800 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, MI 48178 (248) 437-6431 - ext. 201 | Fax: (248) 437-6593. dolson@ssldl.info. http://www.ssldl.info.

DECEMBER 12CHRISTMAS-THEMED ADULT COLORING PAGES 6:30 pm. Enjoy cookies, cocoa, and carols while coloring some Christmas-themed

adult coloring pages at the Hamburg Township Library. Pre-registration is required for this free event at 810-231-1771, www.hamburglibrary.org, or stopping by the library, located at 10411 Merrill Road, Hamburg.

COCOA & COOKIES AT THE COMMUNITY CEN-TER 10:00a.m. - Until we run out! FREE! Northfield Twp. Community Center, 9101 Main St., Whitmore Lake. Come celebrate National Cocoa Day! Stop in and enjoy a cup of cocoa, cookies and some chit chat! A nice break from the Holiday hustle and bustle!

DECEMBER 13GENEALOGY DROP-IN ASSISTANCE 6:30- 8 p.m. Pinckney Community Public Library, 125 Putnam St. Pinckney, MI 48169. FREE. Registration Required: No. Call 734-878-3888 for more information about this or any upcoming events or vis-it our website www.pinckneylibrary.org or on Facebook, & Twitter.

DECEMBER 14NOVEL TEA BOOK CLUB 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Join us for tea and cookies as we discuss the book of the month. For more informa-tion or to join this FREE book club, please call the Northfield Township Area Library at 734.449.0066.

SCORE COUNSELING FOR BUSINESSES Sa-lem-South Lyon District Library Study Room #2. Thinking of starting your own business? Ready to grow an existing busi-ness? Do you have questions? Need men-toring? Meet with an Ann Arbor SCORE counselor, Ken Kuna or Lisa O’Connell for one-to-one counseling to answer your questions or put you in touch with others who can. SCORE provides small business mentoring and business coaching for all aspects of starting and operating a small business. One hour appointments can be scheduled for 5:00, 6:00, or 7:00pm every 2rd Wednesday of the month or the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00 am & 12:00pm. Register online or call the Public Service Desk at 248-437-6431 x201 for assistance.

FREE CONCERTS AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER Brian Delany, Guitarist. 1:00p.m.-2:00p.m. Northfield Twp. Community Center, 9101 Main St., Whitmore Lake. Sponsored by the National Council on Aging, Ann Arbor Federation of Musicians & AFM Local 625.

DECEMBER 15FOREVER YOUNG BOOK CLUB 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For those readers that are a little more than “Y” (young) and a lit-tle less than “A” (adult). The Forever Young book club is for adults who enjoy reading young adult fiction. Please call 734.449.0066 to sign up for this FREE book club.

“LOVE & FRIENDSHIP” 1:00 pm. Come watch “Love & Friendship,” rated PG, at the Hamburg Township Library, located at 10411 Merrill Road, Hamburg. No pre-registration required for this free event.

CHINESE MEDICINE AND ACUPUNCTURE 6:30 pm. Learn about traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture at the Ham-burg Township Library. Pre-registration is required for this free event at 810-231-1771, www.hamburglibrary.org, or stopping by the library, located at 10411 Merrill Road, Hamburg.

DINNER WITH SANTA 5:00p.m.-7:30p.m. Free will donation. Northfield Twp. Com-munity Center, 9101 Main St., Whitmore Lake. Enjoy dinner with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Share your Christmas list with the jolly old Elf! Visit with one of his magical reindeer! Games, crafts and lots of fun! Call 734-449-2295 to register or for more information.

DECEMBER 16CHRISTMAS KARAOKE SING ALONG! 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. FREE! Northfield Twp. Com-munity Center, 9101 Main St., Whitmore Lake. Join us for an evening of holiday music and fun! Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies as we sing holiday favorites!

DECEMBER 17FRIENDS OF THE PINCKNEY LIBRARY BOOK SALE 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Pinckney Communi-ty Public Library, 125 Putnam St. Pinck-ney, MI 48169. The Friends of the Library will hold a used book sale from 10 am – 2 pm. Call 734-878-3888 for more informa-tion about this or any upcoming events or visit the Friends of Pinckney Library Facebook page.

KIDS CRAFT AND PIZZA 11:00 a.m. to 1:00

p.m. Kids age 10 and up are invited to join us to make a FREE craft and pizza for lunch. This month we will be making hol-iday ornaments. Space is limited! Please call the Northfield Township Area Library at 734.449.0066 to register for this pro-gram.

DECEMBER 18“CAROL’S OF CHRISTMAS” CANTATA 11a.m. Salem Bible Church, 9481 West Six Mile Road. Pastor Lance Rubringer 248-349-0674.

HOMELY HOLIDAY SWEATER SOIREE 2:00p.m.-4:00p.m. FREE! Northfield Twp. Com-munity Center, 9101 Main St., Whitmore Lake. Come in and strut your stuff in your favorite Holiday sweater! Refreshments! Prizes! Fun for all ages!

DECEMBER 19“SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS” SEMINAR A GriefShare “Surviving the Holidays” sem-inar will be held from 7 pm to 9 pm at Crossroads Community Church, 28900 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon. This event is for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. This one-time event provides a safe place for you to learn how to deal with all the emotions and events the holidays bring. Please register with Deborah, the group leader at 248-444-8181 to insure that we have enough materials available.

GROWN-UPS CAN COLOR, TOO! COLORING PAR-TY! 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. FREE. Northfield Twp. Community Center, 9101 Main St., Whitmore Lake. Teens and adults, put aside the worries of the day and join us for an evening of fun and stress-relief! Coloring sheets and pencils, crayons and markers will be provided or feel free to bring your own. Refreshments!

MOM & TOT TIME HOLIDAY FUN. 10:00-11:00 a.m. Fee: $2.00 suggested donation. Pre-registration is suggested. Call the Community Center at 734-449-2295 to register or for more information. North-field Twp. Community Center, 9101 Main St., Whitmore Lake. Moms (Dads, Grand-parents & Caregivers, too) bring your little ones in for an hour of fun! Crafts, games, stories – something different each visit! Call for daily themes.

DECEMBER 21DROP-IN GENEALOGY 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Northfield Township Area Library’s resident genealogist, Mary Ferguson will be on hand to assist you with your journey into your past. No registration is required. Please call the library at 734.449.0066 for more information.

DECEMBER 22“A CHRISTMAS STORY” PJ PARTY 5:30 – 8 pm. Pinckney Community Public Library, 125 Putnam St. Pinckney, MI 48169. FREE. Registration Required: Preferred. Wear your pajamas and join us for some holiday fun! We will start with a book and craft at 5:30, then watch the movie “A Christmas Story” (PG) at 6:00. Call the library at 734-878-3888 for more information about this or any upcoming events or website www.pinckneylibrary.org or on Facebook, & Twitter.

DECEMBER 24CANDLE LIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 7p.m. Salem Bible Church, 9481 West Six Mile Road. Pastor Lance Rubringer 248-349-0674.

DECEMBER 25CHRISTMAS DAY 11:00 a.m. service only. Salem Bible Church, 9481 West Six Mile Road. Pastor Lance Rubringer 248-349-0674.

LIVING WATER CHURCH 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Whit-more Lake High School, 7430 Whitmore Lake Road. Contact 734.426.4006.

DECEMBER 27CHRISTMAS BREAK GAMES AND MOVIES AT THE LIBRARY December 27 – December 30, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hey Moms! Are the kids driving you crazy yet? Drop your kids (age 8 and up) off at the library at 1:00 p.m. we will be showing a movie suitable for kids 8 and up. Popcorn and a beverage will be provided. Board and card games will be available as well. All children left at the library must have a permission slip signed by their parent. Please call 734.449.0066 for more infor-mation.

DECEMBER 31NEW YEARS EVE GATHERING 5:30 p.m. Salem Bible Church, 9481 West Six Mile Road. Pastor Lance Rubringer 248-349-0674.

WWW.COURANTONLINE.COM • 7

8 • THE COURANT • DECEMBER 2016

More local, state and national news and opinion and more

links to all your favorite websites and news sources.

Stay informed on a daily basis with the Daily Drift at

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with Gary WellingsCatch on SATURDAY AFTERNOONS

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THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

One of the most frequently re-quested services offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a replacement social

security card. For example, in 2016, we issued more than 10 million replace-ment cards. SSA introduced the expan-sion of online services for residents of Michigan available through its my Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commis-sioner of Social Security, announced earlier this year that residents of Mich-igan could use the portal for many re-placement Social Security number (SSN) card requests. This will allow people to replace their SSN card from the comfort of their home or office, without the need

to travel to a Social Security office.“I’m thrilled about this newest online

feature to the agency’s my Social Secu-rity portal and the added convenience we are providing residents of Michigan,” Acting Commissioner Colvin said. “We continue to provide world-class cus-tomer service to the public by making it safe, fast and easy for people to do busi-ness with us online and have a positive government experience. I look forward to expanding this service option across the country.”

Currently available in 15 states, in-cluding Michigan, it’s an easy, conve-nient, and secure way to request a re-placement card online. This service will mean shorter wait times for the public in the more than 1,200 Social Security

offices across the country and allows staff more time to work with customers who have extensive service needs. U.S. citizens age 18 or older and who are residents of Michigan can obtain a re-placement SSN card online by creating a my Social Security account. In addition, they must have a U.S. domestic mailing address, not require a change to their record (such as a name change), and have a valid driver’s license, or state identification card in some participating states.

my Social Security is a secure online hub for doing business with Social Se-curity, and more than 26 million people have created an account. In addition to Michigan residents replacing their SSN card through the portal, current Social

Security beneficiaries can manage their account—change an address, adjust direct deposit, obtain a benefit verifi-cation letter, or request a replacement SSA-1099. Medicare beneficiaries can request a replacement Medicare card without waiting for a replacement form in the mail. Account holders still in the workforce can verify their earnings and obtain estimates of future benefits.

For more information about this new online service, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

For more information about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov. Mike Laird is the Social Security District Man-ager in Ann Arbor. He can be contacted at 800-772-1213 or Mike.Laird@ssa.gov.

SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACE SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS ONLINEBy Mike Laird

BRIGHTON GYMNAST CAPTURES GOLD AT FUTURE STARS NATIONALS

By Jeanine from Infinity GymnasticsLanden Blixt, a 12-year-old Level 9

gymnast at Brighton’s Infinity Gymnas-tics Academy, took first place all-around title at the 2016 Future Stars National Championships in Colorado Springs, Colorado with a total score of 84.95 out of 90. Blixt, who competes against 13-year-olds, placed in the top three for all events with Floor, Pommel Horse and Trampoline being his first place events. He will head back to Colorado to partic-ipate in the special Future Stars camp to be held at the US Olympic Training Cen-ter next summer, an opportunity only offered to the top three gymnasts in his division. Blixt, who started in a Parent Tot program at Infinity Gymnastics Academy when he was just two-years-old, has risen to be one of USA’s leading gymnasts in his age group.

Blixt is coached by George Gagua, a coach who has earned coaching honors as “Michigan’s Coach of the Year” for three straight years. Coach Gagua attri-butes Blixt’s success to his dedication to the sport. “Landen has been in the Future Stars Program for the past five years and has made National team for the past three years. It has taken long hours of practice and a lot of patience, hard work, and determination to achieve such a high level in gymnastics, Coach Gagua stated.

The Future Stars National Champi-onships showcase top 10-, 11-, 12- and 13-year-old male gymnasts who per-form special Future Stars competition routines on all Olympic gymnastics events. Elite gymnasts are evaluated on skill, strength and flexibility. Based

on the results at the championships, USA Gymnastics identifies the Junior National Developmental Team, which includes the top six gymnasts in the 13-year-old division. The program is designed to identify talented athletes

and to start them on the right develop-mental path to national and interna-tional success.

A big “CONGRATULATIONS” goes out to Landen! Chances are this won’t be the last time you read about him.

WWW.COURANTONLINE.COM • 9

The Christmas season is a time to make your list for your gardening gifts. My friend liked her scuffle hoe that I gave her for her job in

the gardening field. It is small and very useful when the weeds are just coming up in the garden. I like ordering online as most stores will turn over there stock from each season very quickly and some items are not available out of season.

At the top of my list is a couple bales of straw. I am hooked on straw bale gar-dening. The bale is best when it is tight. Some bales have loose strings on them and by the end of the season will fall apart easily. The more compact it is the better the bale will compost inside. The best book, Straw Bale Gardens Complete by Joel Karsten, is on my list. A new roto-tiller would be good. It is a tool that you do not use all that often but it helps turn over your soil. Mine was given its last rites as the piston is very loose inside

the engine and smokes pretty bad. I keep saying one more year. The value of a walk behind snow blower to your garden enjoyment is great. I walk down the path made by the snow blower with my dog, Loongy. I enjoy and look over my garden. Wildlife use the path, also.

The most important item is a large brim hat with side protection that cov-ers your ears and the back of your neck. Some hats come with a built in face mask that you can pull over your face. We spend hours outside in our gardens and have to be protected against the sun and cancer. You can get sun gloves to protect the tops of your hands. Both are inexpen-sive to buy and will be at your doorstep for Christmas. I bought mine on Amazon. The hat is a Bluecell UV 50+ protection against the sun. It is an outdoor, multi-functional flap cap, with removable sun shield and mask. You may stand out but the next time your friends with have one,

too. If you like to fish, this is a great gift for those long hours in the sun.

The Four Seasons Garden Club of South Lyon will meet on Tuesday, Janu-ary 17, at the South Lyon High School in the Center of Active Adults at 7:00 p.m. Our members will discuss their favorite gardening techniques. Come on out, learn and meet other gardeners. Joining a gar-

den club can help you make new friends and learn different types of gardening. In our club, we go out to members houses and see how different plants accent their homes. Information: 248-437-8539

John Keast is an Advanced Master Gar-dener. Q&A at Gardenspotkeast@aol.com Copyright©2015 John Keast.

GARDEN SPOT MY CHRISTMAS LISTBy John Keast

10 • THE COURANT • DECEMBER 2016

Jerry Kniffen of Whitmore Lake scored his third hole in one at the Riverbank Golf Course in South Lyon on September 27, 2106. The details: Par 3, 169 yards, 6 iron, Titlest Pro V 1 golf ball. Great job!

CONGRATS JERRY!MATCHING MONEY MONDAY

By Jeanne Clum

Donations to the Livingston County United Way on Monday, December 12, will be matched up to total matching funds available, thanks to generous sponsors.

Matching Money Monday has become not just a day to raise funds for com-munity initiatives and programs, but an event that brings Livingston County res-idents together to celebrate the spirit of the season by generously giving.

“We continue to see local families that work hard, yet struggle. And the Living-ston County United Way’s priorities help those families reach stable ground,” ex-plained Carol Griffith, Livingston County United Way campaign co-chair. “In its 9th year, Matching Money Monday is full of energy and excitement, because our generous residents know that giving to the United Way helps struggling families get back on their feet through a variety of programs. And they love having their gifts matched for greater local impact!”

“The economy continues to improve, but we know 20 percent of county residents struggle to make ends meet – that’s on top of seven percent living in poverty,” Rick Scofield, Livingston County United Way campaign co-chair added. “The United Way’s programs are life-changing and move families forward … to become independent and stable.”

The Livingston County United Way empowers struggling working families with crucial programs like nutritious food in local pantries, utility and shelter assistance, an eviction diversion pro-gram, quality preschool for at-risk chil-dren, and much more.

Matching Money Monday is a heart-warming community event with a vari-ety of ways to participate. There are col-lection locations throughout the county – with many local businesses offering incentives to donate.

In addition to giving online at www.lcunitedway.org or by phone (810-494-3000), residents are encouraged to do-nate in person at any of these collection sites during regular business hours:

• Livingston County United Way, 2980 Dorr Road, Brighton (7am-7pm, home-made cookies and hot coffee)

• Brighton Area: Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, FirstMerit Bank, Brighton Ford, Ross Mortgage

• Fowlerville Area: FirstMerit Bank• Hartland Area: Hartland Chamber

of Commerce, FirstMerit Bank, Hartland Insurance Agency (a free gift to warm generous hands)

• Howell Area: Howell Area Chamber of Commerce (holiday surprises), First-Merit Bank (complimentary coffee bar), Jonna’s Market (free slice of pizza)

• Pinckney Area: FirstMerit BankMatching Money Monday is possible

through these generous sponsors: How-ell Rotary’s Tour de Livingston, St. John Providence Health System, Anonymous Sponsors, Ravago (Randy Rudisill Lead-ership Match), Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI and Blue Care Network, Griffith Re-alty, Kania Family Memorial, and Crystal Gardens/NACE.

To learn more about the work of Liv-ingston County United Way and how to get involved, visit www.lcunitedway.org.

WWW.COURANTONLINE.COM • 11

Businesses need to advertise. Many businesses are now trying the direct email ads. If you’re like most people you probably delete before even read-ing them. The trick to advertising is to get into people’s consciousness through a visual or audible ad. For print that means visual.

A few years back we increased the size and shape of the Courant to try and ensure content on each page to go with advertising. That was done to help our existing customers keep their ads within visual range of readers for a few minutes longer. That’s something you don’t get with emails that flood people’s inbox or advertising mailers that may get a few seconds of viewing

on their way to the recycling bin. The other problem with email advertising is that you get filtered out after your first email or two. GMAIL now even fil-ters ads into a sweep out “Promotions” box that people can just swipe to de-lete all advertising emails. Your money is wasted.

In today’s internet world people use Google or other search engines to search for products or services. If they input a general term for your product or service you’ve probably already lost that customer to the dozen or so com-panies that paid more for Search En-gine Optimization than you did.

The real trick to advertising is to have your business branded so well

that when a prospective customer finds themselves in need of your ser-vice or product they think of you. If they Google your company name in-stead of a word or term you’ve won a possible sale. That kind of branding takes repetitive and consistent output on the part of the business. Running an ad once or not at all is a sure way to lose a customer. The chance of a cus-tomer seeing your ad the same day they need your service is millions to one. Customers need to associate your company brand with the product or service you offer and that takes time, effort and yes money to advertise. If you’ve done that over a period of time and with good ads people will remem-

ber your business name when the time comes to buy your service or product.

The internet has changed many things but it hasn’t changed how the human mind makes decisions when shopping. The human mind likes brands that seem familiar. Get your business familiar and comfortable to prospective consumers. Get your ad seen and read by advertis-ing in the Courant and the bonus is you keep local news and content alive and well in the community. We can also give you internet and radio exposure you cannot get with other publications.

Call Gary Wellings, Chief Editor, at 734-629-6010 for info and pricing to get your message out today!

WHY ADVERTISE IN THE COURANT?By Gary Wellings

For more info please call 734.629.6010

ADVERTISE IN THE COURANT

ADVERTISE IN THE COURANT

12 • THE COURANT • DECEMBER 2016

GRIFFITH VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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Become a part of the Courant ad sales team!For more info call 734.629.6010

THE RESOLUTIONISTBy Amy Scholl

HORSESHOE LAKE CORNERBy Lisa Craft

At the risk of sounding like the pro-verbial “Debbie Downer” during the holidays, I wanted to take a break from the typical Q&A format of this column in order to address a seasonal issue, which is increased conflict this time of year. Absolutely, this season is the best for many people, but it can also be one of the toughest times of year for countless others. Research has shown that many people experience increased depression, anxiety, and conflict during this season of merriment. I too have fallen victim to the “I wish this…” or “I wish that…”, dreaming of an easier sea-son in one way or another. So, what’s the conflict resolutionist’s cure? A good old fashioned RX of doing for others in-

stead of focusing on oneself. This cliché approach is not only backed by count-less Hallmark Christmas movies, but also by sound science: Research shows that when we’re depressed we’re typ-ically focusing more on ourselves than on others. Therefore, look outward to the world around you…a world in dire need of compassion and love. Help a friend, animal, neighbor or relative in-need and see if your conflict doesn’t begin to diminish. Even if you get no outward credit for your good deeds, they may begin to mend your conflict-ed heart.

Amy is a Mediation and Conflict Reso-lution Specialist.

The Horseshoe Lake Corporation, (HLC) hopes everyone enjoyed the mild weather we experienced during most of the month of November. We also hope everyone had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Holiday! Stay posted for our annual HLC Holiday Light judging contest within our corporate boundaries. We award prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place! HLC also wish-es everyone a very Merry Christmas and the best this upcoming New Year!

As we continue to prepare for winter and pull and winterize our water crafts,

docks and other items, please also try to clean around the lake side and be mind-ful not to put leaves into the lake. It is a good idea to pull all tables, chairs and other items you may have close to the shore due to spring flooding. If not, you may find your items located on the other side of the lake or never found come May or June.

Feel free to please check out our Horse-shoe Lake website for pertinent neighbor-hood, lake, and corporation information at www.hlcneighborhood.com

HOLIDAY BLUES

LEO’S MAGIC GRIDBy Leo Tschirhart

Look for the answer to this puzzle next month.

R=8, O=7, B=6, I=4 & N=2

The two upper and lower groups of four and the two diagonals sum to 34. The numbers 1 thru 16 are used once. Three numbers have fallen. Put ‘em back.

Here is the answer to last month’s puzzle.

0

16

8 910

12

6 113

4

0

014

20

7

5

15

0

00

13

1

0

RIGHT AT HOME CARING FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE PATIENTSBy Barry Paxton

Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox, Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Cash, Billy Graham and Estelle Getty are among a number

of famous Americans diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the nervous system disorder that disrupts body movement. Nearly 1 million Americans are living with the progressive condition, and each year, more than 50,000 people in the country are diagnosed. The chronic mo-tor disease mainly affects older adults but can occur at any age. Michael J. Fox was diagnosed at 29 and major league baseball player Ben Petrick at age 22.

Parkinson’s disease gradually attacks nerve cells in the brain’s mid-portion, decreasing the production of dopamine, a biochemical that helps carry electri-cal signals to control body motion and emotional responses. Initial symptoms often present with muscle weakness, stiffness, or a slight shaking in a hand or foot. As Parkinson’s advances, a person may experience muscle rigidity, tremors, postural imbalance, gait changes and de-creased facial expression.

The exact cause of Parkinson’s dis-ease is still unknown, but a number of research studies are focusing on a com-bination of genetics and environmental factors (such as head trauma and expo-sure to certain pesticides and medica-tions). Although there is no one standard diagnostic test to diagnose Parkinson’s, a thorough neurological exam and medical history look for classic disease signs. Pa-tients are also tested for their response

to a dopamine-producing medication. If a person experiences significant improve-ment with a drug that boosts the brain’s chemical neurotransmitters, then Par-kinson’s is typically the diagnosis versus similar conditions, secondary parkinson-ism and Parkinson’s plus syndromes.

Complications of Parkinson’s disease may include swallowing difficulties, sleep problems, bowel and bladder issues, depression, and mood changes. Compre-hensive management of the movement disorder specifically addresses exercise, nutrition and medications tailored to each individual. Some patients are candi-dates for therapeutic surgery, including an implant of an electrode stimulator in the brain to improve motor function or a tube in the stomach for a continual supply of the gold-standard Parkinson’s drug, carbidopa/levodopa.

“Presently, there is no cure for Parkin-son’s disease, but with early detection and individualized treatment, patients can live full, rewarding lives for decades after their diagnosis,” said Barry Pax-ton, owner Right at Home of Central Michigan. “We have served a number of Parkinson’s clients and their caregiver families who find that a strong support system is essential in bolstering the physical limitations and emotional lulls of the disease. Parkinson’s affects not just the person diagnosed but also their entire circle of family, friends and loved ones.”

In assisting those with the neurologi-cal disorder, Paxton advises that family

and professional caregivers consider the following care and support approaches:

• Encourage independence. Many Par-kinson’s patients can carry out regular daily functions — they just need more time to complete them. Staying active with an in-motion body is key to combat-ing the muscle constraints of Parkinson’s.

• Stay flexible as the disease fluctuates. Throughout each day, Parkinson’s symp-toms can vary as medication takes effect and the person regulates diet, activity and rest. Sometimes Parkinson’s is un-predictable, and caregivers help most by choosing to adapt to symptoms as they occur instead of expecting the patient to follow a regimented schedule.

• Determine reasonable limits. It’s best for the Parkinson’s patient and care-givers to discuss activities and lifestyle changes upfront and adjust as needed. For example, lifting heavy objects can throw off balance and cause a fall. Climb-ing a number of steps or a ladder is not advisable. The key is to keep active with-out taking on tasks that aggravate symp-toms or increase risk for injury.

• Keep an eye on the emotional downside. Discouragement, anxiety, de-pression and apathy are common with Parkinson’s patients. The off-kilter brain messaging and physical challenges can throw off the body’s ability to stay emo-tionally level. Mood changes may result from the disease-fighting medications or from the personal loss of a body that does not always cooperate. A caregiv-er’s patience and active listening are

invaluable to Parkinson’s individuals in weathering their emotions. Meeting with a psychotherapist can also help with the ongoing adjustments to the neurological disease.

On Dec. 8, the national office of Right at Home is hosting a free webinar, “Understanding Parkinson’s: Tips for Disease Management,” featuring Becky Dunlop, Associate Director and Instruc-tor of Neurology at a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence. Dunlop has worked with Parkinson’s disease pa-tients for more than 20 years and will ex-plain the differences between idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism; the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s; and pharmacological, surgical and allied team treatments of Parkinson’s disease. Designed for health professionals and family caregivers, the webinar will be held at 3 p.m. EST, 2 p.m. CST, 1 p.m. MST and noon PST. To regis-ter for the webinar, click here.

For additional information on Parkin-son’s disease resources, contact the Na-tional Parkinson Foundation at parkin-son.org or 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636), and the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at pdf.org or 800-457-6676.

Right at Home offers in-home companion-ship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. For more information, contact Right at Home of Central Michigan at www.RAH-MI.com, 810-225-4724.

For more info please call 734.629.6010

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