homefront winter 13 1

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Publisher: Jim Lincoln Creative Director: Suzanne HayesProduction Artists: Hollie Smith and Koda Woodward

Contributors: Mickey Alvarado, Lynn Boughton,Deane Erts, Rebecca Peach, Mary Kay McPartlin, Deb Wuethrich.

Advertising Sales Staff: Adrienne Ayers, John Beyer, Sue Kotts Garcia, Suzanne Hayes, and Carla Reed

7 ...... HOLIDAY HOME TOURS Tecumseh & Clinton landmarks shine

9 ...... TWAIN RETURNS TCA concert and SMR train ride

10 .... PERSONAL BEST Winter fitness opportunities

19 .... FROZEN ASSETS Tecumseh Ice Sculpture Festival

20 ....TOY CRAZY The Doll Cottage has it all

22 .... CHRISTMAS SHOPPE Winter wonderland above The Grind

24 .... WINTER PHOTO ESSAY26 .... SERVICE CLUB Tecumseh gathers for the needy

28 .... HOME THEATERS Lights, camera, action

30 .... STORY TELLING Tecumseh Dance Workshop performs

34 .... HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Martin's Home Center prepares

38 ....HAPPENINGS

44 .... NEW YEARS GREETINGS from the Grazianos

46 .... SEASONAL FLAVOR New cookbook from Boulevard Market

Published seasonally by Herald Publishing Company 15,000 Circulation

Mailed free of charge to homes and businesses in the Tecumseh School District and beyond.Distributed at shops and festivals all over S.E. Michigan and at State of Michigan Welcome Centers.

[email protected]

www.homefronttecumseh.comP.O. Box 218, 110 E. Logan, Tecumseh, MI 49286

homefrontPhoto of festive

home on Tecumseh's

Boulevard bySuzanne Hayes

On thecover

Tecumseh'sAugustCompanydeckedtothe"nines"

contents


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thankyou

PAPERCLIPCONTEST

Michelle Clarof Adrian found the pape

clip on page 18 in the Carpeon Wheels ad in the 2012

Fall issue of Homefront

Weve placed this paper clip inone of our advertisements inthis magazine. Simply tellus which ad you found it in.Well draw from all correctentries on January 4, 2013,and give $100 to the luckywinner. To enter, send answersto The Tecumseh Herald, P.O.Box 218, Tecumseh, MI 49286,or submit online at www.homefronttecumseh.com

Abbot t Accountin g .... .... .... ..... .... .... ..... .... ..... .... ..40Abstr act Build ers LLC ..... .... ..... .... .... ..... .... .... ..... 29Adams Chiro prac tic ..... .... .... .... .... .... ..... .... ..... .... ..7Adrian Colle ge Bri dal S how................................33Adrian Locks mith & Cyc lery .. ..... .... .... ..... .... .... ...3 8Adrian Sympho ny Or ches tra ...... .... .... ..... .... .... ...2 4All Tog ether Bride ... .... .... .... .... .... ..... .... .... ..... .... 40Alleg iance Health .. .... ..... .... ..... .... .... ..... .... .... ..... 12Angela 's Ang els ... .... .... .... ..... .... .... ..... .... ..... .... ..41ASC Or thotic s & P rosth etics ... .... ..... .... ..... .... .... .37August Compa ny ..... ..... .... ..... .... .... ..... .... ..... .... ..46Bailey's Water Care .............................................4Baker Propane & Welding ..................................42Basil Boys .........................................................23Beatty & Company .............................................40Bellus Salon and Spa ........................................14Big Boy .............................................................44Billy White Roofing ............................................18

Blissfield State Bank .........................................35Blissful Living ....................................................40Blush Boutique .................................................22Boulevard Chiropractic......................................26Boulevard Market .............................................21Boutique de Joie ......................................... 14,18British Tea Garden ............................................17Burdick & Associates, Inc. ...................................5Calder Dairy Farm .............................................37Cambrian Assisted Living...................................23Carter Rehab ....................................................38C'est la Vie........................................................41Cherry Creek Winery..........................................18Citizens Gas Fuel Company ................................10Classic Cabinets ................................................16Clinton Historical Society ...................................40Communities in Schools.....................................40Companion Animal Clinic ....................................31D & P Communications ......................................31Daily Grind Christmas Shoppe ............ ............. .....7Desjarlais, Lawrence, MD, PC ............................21D'Printer, Inc. ....................................................34DS Auctions ......................................................40Eden Foods.......................................................31Evans Street Station ...........................................4Eye Care Center ................................................33F & S Landscape, Inc. .......................................40Farm Bureau Insurance ....................................39First Federal Bank ............................................42Flying Otter Winery ............................................44Foundation Realty ...............................................8Golden Acres ......................................................9Governor Croswell Tea Room .............................22Great Ideas .......................................................27H & R Block ......................................................23Hacker Jewelers ................................................17Handler Funeral Home ......................................38Hidden Lake Gardens ........................................17Hitching Post Antique Mall...................................3Howard Hanna ..................................................47idk Creative Dcor .............................................27

IHA Clinton Family Practice ................................18International Diamond .......................................15Irish Hills Tree Farm ............ .............. ............. ...40J and L Motorsports ............. ............. ............. ...11Jessee Salon Group ...........................................19Kelly, John J., MD, MPH ........................................3Kemner-Iott Agency...........................................34Killarney Real Estate .........................................23Lady C ..............................................................41Lancaster Agency..............................................44Lenawee Fuels ..................................................14Lenawee Humane Society ..................................43Lev's Bakery .....................................................35Local Parcel Service..........................................23Lomonaco Chiropractic......................................38Martins Home Center ........................................24Masten Wealth Management ..............................37Meckley's Flavor Fruit Farm ..............................25

Merle Norman ...................................................41Naugle Heating & Plumbing ...............................34New China Buffet .................................................9O'Hara Dodge Chrysler Jeep................................6Ollie's Group .....................................................38Pentamere Winery .............................................31Persnickety .......................................................17Pheasant Brook Apartments .............................19Promedica ........................................................48Promenade Tecumseh CandlelightHome Tour ........................................................38Radio Shack ......................................................38Random Comforts .............................................23Red Mill Pet Supplies ............ ............. ............. ...18Rock, Paper, Scissors ..........................................3Schmidt & Sons Pharmacy.................................46Seasons Salon & Spa ........................................18Silver Bells Christmas Shop ...............................39Southern Michigan Railroad ..............................40Splash Universe Dundee ...................................39Susie's Swipe the Grime ....................................40Tecumseh Center for the Arts ............................11Tecumseh Dance Workshop ...............................21Tecumseh DDA ....................................................2Tecumseh District Library ............................ 11,20Tecumseh Family Dental ....................................26Tecumseh Insurance .........................................10Tecumseh Place ................................................25Tecumseh Plublic Schools..................................30Tecumseh Plywood ............................................35Tecumseh Veterinary Hospital ...........................40The Book Abbey ................................................17The Pink Door Boutique ....................................41TLC Community Credit Union ..............................43Underwood Chevrolet ........................................13Wacke r ..... .... ..... .... .... .... ..... .... ..... .... .... ..... .... ..... 36Water Lily ..... .... ..... .... .... ..... .... .... ..... .... ..... .... .... .10Weeden , Jos ephin e C., DDS, MS, PC .... ..... .... .... ..20What A Fin d Cons ign fo r the Home ... .... ..... .... .... 33Wild Iris ........ ..... .... .... ..... .... .... ..... .... ..... .... ..... .... 20Zumba ..............................................................35

Find thePaperclip

advertisers


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HEALTH

hether youre

training for an

ironman triathlon,

trying to stay fit, working

off those extra holiday

pounds, or looking to rehabilitate aninjury while exercising the rest of your body,

you can find a place in Tecumseh to meet your

needs. The Tecumseh Community Pool, Fitness Connection

and Carter Rehabilitation and Aquatic Center offer ways to

increase cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility,

coordination, agility and the ability to fight the aging process.

Sarah Eubanks, Tecumseh Community Pool (TCP) coordinator,

said the pool is used by a variety of different age groups for many

different reasons.

Right now we have three men and two women who are using

the pool to train for an Ironman Triathlon, Eubanks said. The

Ironman competitions require participants to bike 112 miles, run a

26.2 mile marathon and swim 2.5 miles. Thats 165 laps at TCP.

Besides lap swimming, which is offered Mondays, Wednesdays

and Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and 8 to 9 p.m., plus a seniorlap swim (55 and older) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to

11 a.m., water aerobics are a mainstay at TCP. They are offered on

Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. and 8 to 9 p.m.

The cost of attending the classes and open swim vary, but punch

passes are available for purchase.

Besides the fact that it offers a wonderful work-out, its

great for people who have stress fractures, joint pain or arthritis,

Eubanks explained. Its no impact. People who par ticipate have

bestpersonalFEEL GREAT STAY FIT///

Story by Kerry Hamilton SmPhotos by Suzanne Hayes


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a feeling of movement without having the force of gravity

come down on them. Eubanks said people have lost 25-

30 pounds with the aid of the program. Its a lifestyle

change. They are committed to exercising, she said.

Other benefits of aquatic exercise include the increaseof flexibility, reduction of blood pressure, stress and risk

of injury, burns more calories during and after exercise

and all of the benefits of land exercise without the

sweat.

We use water weights, but the water itself

acts as a resistance and helps to strengthen

muscles and helps with cardio, Eubanks

explained. Water exercise is like exercising with

weights or machines on land, but safer.

Besides swim lessons, open swim and

high school practices and meets, another

important program for the TCP is the Tiger Shark

program, which offers both exercise and training for

swimmers ages 5-18.

Built in 1989, the TCP was operated by TecumsehPublic Schools. The aging facility required more repairs

and renovations than the school district could afford. In

Feb. 2012, the community passed a millage which allowed

TCP to be independent of the district, receive upgrades

and funds to operate. Besides being thoroughly cleaned,

the pool received a new paint job, new rugs, lighting,

storage containers, corrosion-resistant doors and several

other refurbishments. The TCP is now operated by a

volunteer board, Friends of the Tecumseh Community Pool

(FTCP).

Eubanks said that FTCP has ar ranged for two

Olympic swimmers, Peter Vanderkaay and Claire

Donahue, to come to the pool to help

promote the Fitter & Faster Tour with a

clinic on April 13, 2013. More informationabout Fitter & Faster clinic and TCP class

times are available at www.ftcp.org. The

pool is located at 307 N. Maumee. Call

(517) 423-5585 for more information.

f variety found in free weights,

selectorized and plate-loaded

strength machines, cardio

equipment, or classes, is what

youre after, then ProMedica Fitness

Connection (PFC) is the place for you. PFC

is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30

a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30

p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m to 2 p.m. and Sunday from

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 703 E Chicago Blvd.(The Community Center).

General Manager Sean Lachance said PFC can meet

the needs of anyone looking to build strength, get in

shape or stay fit. We have personal training services,

Lachance said. Wed be more than happy to guide you.

Everybodys different and we design a program based on

their goals and objectives. We guide you through a fitness

plan and healthy lifestyle changes.

don'tmiss


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Even after you have recovered from knee replacement surgery, its important not to lift or carry more

than 20 pounds, as it places too much stress on your new knee. To learn more, visit AllegianceHealth.org

and search New Knee Joint.

Thank You, Joint Camp!

Kandie Collier lives near Toledo, but she chose Allegiance Health for knee-replacement surgery. My two dearest friends had great

results there, she said, and as a retired nurse, I know the work of a good orthopaedic surgeon when I see it.

Allan Tompkins, MD, performed Kandies successful surgery. The whole experience was smooth and streamlined, Kandie said.

Ineed to have my other knee replaced soon, and I wouldnt think of going anywhere but AllegianceHealth.

If joint pain is keeping you from the activities you enjoy, call (517) 796-6455 for a personal tour of the Allegiance Health Joint

Camp, orvisit AllegianceHealth.org/Joint for more information.

Designation as a Blue Distinction Center means this facilitys overall experience and aggregate data met objective criteria

established in collaboration with expert cliniciansand leading professional organizationsrecommendations. Individual

outcomes may vary. To nd out which services are covered under your policy at any facilities, please call the customer service

number on the back of your Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield identication card or call your local Blue Cross and/or BlueShield

plan.

EEO/AA Employer Jackson, Michigan


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Because we are affiliated with ProMedica, we have

dieticians on staff to help with dietary suggestions and

education, Lachance explained. PFC also has staff on hand

who are trained in exercise physiology.

A combination of free weights and/or selectorized

machines plus a cardio workout that can include tr eadmills,

elliptical machines, rowing machines or stationary bikes is a

common work-out.

Selectorized units are those that have one or

more stacks of flat weight plates that are

permanently mounted on the frame.

They provide a more controlled

motion and specifically

isolate certain muscle

groups. Machines also

allow you to track

progress and provide

objective feedback

while increasing

the protective

participation of

the healthy limb or

muscle group. Plate-

loaded equipment

utilizes round weight

plates, which are

normally used on barbells,

to be hung on the machine.

At PFC, free weights range

from five- to 120-pound dumbbells

and plates. Free weights recruit

more muscle groups, require more

balance and promote quicker

strength gains than machines.

However, it is sometimes safer and

more stable to use machines to

isolate muscles.

While the weights and selectorized

machines build strength, Lachance said the

heart muscle also needs strengthening. Raising the heart-

rate through walking, running, rowing or biking is a good

way to do that. But other ways include classes offered by

PFC in the Glass Room above.

We have Zumba, which is a Mexican dance and is very

popular, Lachance said. We have indoor bikes (spinning)

with choreographed courses, aerobics and Fitness Plus

(kickboxing). They all elevate the heart-rate. We also offer

pilates, which elongates muscles and yoga, which improves

flexibility. We have the whole shebang, he laughed.

Lachance recommended a program called Fitness is

Ageless for seniors. This program requires permission

from a physician before the client is allowed to par ticipate. A

strength and conditioning Bootcamp is offered to adults on

Saturday mornings. More information about PFC is available

at www.promedica.org/fitnessconnectionprograms or you

can call 424-3399.

Personal Best continued...


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hanges in the way physical

and occupational therapists

received insurance payments

led to the creation of thefitness and aquatic programs at

Carter Rehab and Aquatic Centers

(CRC) at 902 Industrial Dr. CRC began

as a physical and occupational therapy

business which helped people rehabilitate

from injuries and illnesses.

Managed care has limited how many times

a patient can have therapy, explained Bob Leffler, Director of the

Tecumseh facility of CRC. We had a lot of patients ask why we didnt

open up our facilities to the public after they

finished their therapy. A lot of it was Kelly

Carters idea.

Carter is the person for

whom CRC is named and is

the former director whodied of Lou Gehrigs

disease. After further

research, CRC decided

to open up its facilities

to former patients and

the public.

Many patients

who were feeling bette

after therapy, wanted

to continue their exercise

regime to maintain their

strength and improve their

overall health. Whether it was

using selectorized machines,

therabands, parallel bars orthe pool, the equipment

was unavailable after they

were discharged.

We wanted to

respond to our clientele.

Its a good service, Leffle

said. Its been fantastic;

we have a different niche. We

can still monitor them through

our community fitness and aquatic

wellness program. We have 10 physical

therapists here so if we see a client doing an exercise wrong, we can

correct them. Or sometimes they may say, Hey, my shoulders bothering

me, and we can do a mini assessment and give them direction as to how

to proceed so they dont injure themselves further.One of the goals of the program is to offer the services at an

affordable price to the public. A three-month membership is $60. Hours

at CRC are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 :30 p.m. and Saturday,

8 a.m. to noon. CRC is closed on Sunday. Gift certificates are available

and those who are members in Tecumseh can also use the facility in

Adrian. For more information about the CRC community fitness and

aquatic wellness programs, visit carterrehabcenter.com or call (517)

423-7722.

Personal Best continued...


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FESTIVAL

hat the weather will

be for the 2013Tecumseh Ice Sculpture

Festival is anybodys guess at this

date. The celebration welcomed

visitors in their shirtsleeves for

the first one in 2010 and in their

mufflers and mukluks in the last

one. But one thing is for cer tain,

regardless of the temperature,

everyone will have fun. This years

event will be Saturday, Jan. 19,

from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday,

Jan. 20, from noon to 5 p.m., and

Tecumsehs Economic Development

Director Paula Holtz predicts that it

will be every bit as successful as theprevious three.

She said there will be many of

the events and attractions that have

become traditions for visitors but

there will be some new additions.

One of the main attractions, of

course, is the ice sculptures

themselves and the artists who

create them as they line the streets

with crystalline carvings.

Last year, businesses did really

well, Holtz said. The festival is

made possible through the efforts

and support of business people, so

we always check with them afterward,and everybody was upbeat about the

turnout.

Besides the artistic ice

sculptures, there will be interactive

sculptures that will allow viewers to

become part of the works of art,

themselves. There also will be the

very popular dueling carvers, who

always attract large crowds as they

compete to complete sculptures with

chainsaws, ice chips flying.

If the weather cooperates, there

will be a snowman make-it-display-

it at the Tecumseh Chamber of

Commerce, 132 W. Chicago Blvd.Entertainment will include bell choirs

and, once again depending on

the weather, a performance by the

Tecumseh Fiddlers.

Visitors will have plenty of

opportunities to warm up after the

outdoor activities by ducking into

stores and shops or checking out

By DEANE ERTS

the Evans Street Stations man cave activities, a popular

destination for husbands while their wives shop. The

restaurant is one of the leading sponsors of the weekend

event. There will be lost arts demonstrations, a chocolate

walk, and a winter warm-up walk to get the blood

circulating again.

Holtz expressed a debt of gratitude to the Central

Business Association, which is a collaboration of business

owners who support the festival through organizing

attractions, as well as through monetary contributions.

Its a very proactive group, she said, and the event

would not be the success it has been without all of the

hard work that they put into it. Theyre a dedicated bunch

that has really stepped forward to keep this alive andthriving.

Holtz also said that the event has an effect on

business that lasts longer than the weekend. People are

still coming to see the sculptures for as long as they last,

she said. Thats why we always hope for colder weather,

so the sculptures can last at least a couple of weeks.

frozenassets

carversdemosmusic

chocolate

January

20TecumsehIce ScluptureFestival


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active during the various parades and events.

During Promenade, wed all dress up, and

Id bring in my vintage carriage collection and

round up kids who would push them down the

street in the parade, she recalls fondly.

Parents who want to unplug from the

electronics for some creative play might

introduce their kids to such standards as

Melissa and Doug toys, a durable wooden

variety, or the popular Thomas the Train set.

Puppets are also popular, Jan said. We have

quite a lot of those. Sometimes kids dont know

how to play anymore and these type of toys

help them interact and learn.

While small shops such as The Doll Cottage

face fierce competition from the big box stores,

even when it comes to ordering where a large

minimum order is often required, visitors often

find such stores quaint and refreshing. Some of

the wares are ways to help kids unplug from

the modern fast-pace and get back to the basics

of imaginary play.

Also on the showroom floor are kitchen sets

with a variety of make-believe food. Two-year-

olds and toddlers always like those, she said.

The giant stuffed animals are also timeless.

Some customers even buy the big dogs

because they look like a dog they once had.

Other adults have purchased large giraffes or

other animals for jungle theme rooms. Ive

just always loved dolls and kids I had seven

kids of my own, said Jan as she surveys the

collection in her small shop.

There is also a miniature art gallery on the

hallway walls behind her shop, the work of96-year-old artist Edna Hibel, who Jan said is

internationally known. I just fell in love with her

work, she said. Can you see why? It shows

the expressive faces of kids and moms and

babies.

then, but recalls that she mostly just called

them Baby.

As a young teen, she began babysitting

for neighbors, caring for the real babies in

her community, and later obtained a degree

in nursing. My husband, Richard, was in

medical school back then. He became a

radiologist, Jan said. I worked for a time in

pediatrics.

Jan held on to her love for dolls, and

started collecting some. At one point, her

husband enrolled her in a doll-making class.

Im an artist and Id had some one-

person shows with oil paintings, and was

able to do that kind of thing, and people

in those classes would say, Why dont you

teach? Jan said. Thats what led to my

opening a business in the Bidwell building.

For 20 years she did antique doll repairand made clothing for dolls out of vintage

material. It was great to be able to touch

beautiful old dolls that were in circulation in

the 1860s to 1920s, she said. When the

present building at 109 E. Chicago opened

up, Jan decided to move the business

and her shop became more toy

oriented. But dolls are still the focal

point. I have Lee Middleton dolls

and we sell the popular 'Carolle'

dolls that are durable, she said.

The dolls can range in price from

$1,000 down to $15. The whole

idea of purchasing durable dolls

and toys is that when you growup, you will still have them to give

something to your kids that you

played with.

Jan also picked up an interest

many years ago in collecting

vintage prams and doll buggies,

and recalls a time when the

downtown shop owners were more


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VOLUNTEER

Q. Describe what the Tecumseh

Service Club is all about.

A.We are an independent charitable organization thatoperates solely with donations, and each one is importantto us, whether it is an article of clothing, a toy, food, orcash. As the areas economy has declined, local charitableorganizations like Tecumseh Service Club have been calledupon to help individuals and families in need even morethan in past years.

Q. The Tecumseh Service Club hasbeen known for keeping it local,when it comes to recipients of its

programs. How does that work?

A. The Tecumseh Service Club serves eligible families inTecumseh, Clinton, Britton, Ridgeway and Tipton areas.

Q. You sponsor a food pantry.How often is it used?

A. In 2011, we opened our food pantry to thecommunitys hungry people more than 305 times. Thisresource enabled 175 families, 475 persons, 225 of whom

were children, to have access to food during the year.For many of those served, our food pantry was the onlyresource between them and hunger. This year we have sofar served 233 families, 368 adults, and 330 children.

Q. How do you keep thepantry stocked?

A.Individuals, groups and area churches help keep ourpantry stocked with food, household and personal items.Each year, Tecumseh Public Schools hosts a food drivethat helps contribute a major part of our Christmas fooddistribution. Turkeys for that program are also locallydonated. Buschs has food drives where their customersdonate $10 and the store puts together bags of groceriesfilled with groceries for a child. The Knights of Columbushas also donated money to keep our freezer supplied withmeat.

donations come from?

A.We have received funding through the United Way,area churches and church groups, Knights of Columbus,business, organizations, and individual donations.

The Tecumseh Service Club is never more visible than during its holiday Adopt-A-Familyprogram, however, the organization, which has been active in the community since 1932,stays busy providing assistance for people all year long. Homefront recently caught upwith Colleen Sunderland, who has served with the group for over 25 years.

ClubServiceTecumseh

Story and photo by Deb Wuethrich


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Q. Who regularlyhelps with the

annual Christmasdistribution?

A.Area students hold Coins for Canscollections; the Marines Toys for Tots

add toys to our program; we have had

donations from the Tecumseh Township

Foundations Lilley Fund, the CROP Walk,

and numerous other entities. We are

fortunate to have manpower supplied

by boys from Boysville, the Knights

of Columbus and the Kiwanis Club.

Tecumseh District Library has a Gift of

Reading program where the community

can bring in new books to be given to

the kids at Christmas. The Friends of

the Library donate funds to purchase

additional books. The Daily Grind has a

Christmas tree with items that people

can purchase to help us provide for the

families not adopted. We are so grateful

for the support of the community and

without them, we wouldnt be able to do

what we do.

Q. Describe theAdopt-A-Family

program and howit works.

A. Individuals, families and groups may

sign up to adopt a family who might

not be able to have a good Christmas

otherwise. We identify families throughreferrals from Lenawee Associated

Charities, churches, area schools,

individuals in the community and a

solicitation through the areas media.

Families are interviewed at a sign up

day in November. Each child in the

family receives at least one complete

outfit, pajamas, socks, hat and mittens,

and several new toys. The gifts are

then brought to a central distribution

place, at the Tecumseh United Methodist

Church on Bishop Reed Drive, by a

specific date (this year December 21)

and families come to pick up their gifts

on a specified day (this year December

22). We also provide food and giftbaskets for families, and some gift

certificates for seniors and others so

they can shop for their own special

diets.

Q. How many familiesdid the TecumsehService Club assist

during Christmas 2011?

A.We were able to provide food and giftbaskets for 207 families (470 children),

with 155 of those families adopted invarying degrees, whether its through toys,

food or gifts. The individuals and groups

that came forth from the community to

adopt so many of our families, greatly

relieves our expenses associated with the

Christmas distribution and enables us to

do more with our donated funds. In 2011,

the Tecumseh Service Club shopped for 52

families with 122 children that were not

adopted.

Q. Can individuals,families or groupsstill adopt families in

December?

A. This year, families may be adoptedas late as December 16. To adopt, call

Jennifer Shearer at 423.7662. The Service

Club provides for the families not adopted.

Q. In what other waysdoes the TecumsehService Club provide

services?

A. The Club assists with rent or housingpayments, utility payments, transportation

and home care expenses as well as

medical related expenses and transient

persons expenses. We are an emergency

support agency and channel the families

to agencies that can provide ongoinghelp. Total expenditures for 2011 were

$46,717.65.

Q. If someone would liketo become a memberof the group, offer the

name of a needy family,or obtain moreinformation, how would

they do that?

A. We are a unique organization in that,

although we help families throughout the

year, we only have meetings September

through January. We meet the third

Monday of those months at Gloria DeiLutheran Church. Dennis Bowman is the

President of the Service Club and our main

contact. He can be reached at 423.5307.

Our investigators are divided by territory

so when Dennis gets a call for a family

needing assistance he will forward that

familys information to that area.


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701 Tecumseh Road, Clinton | 517-456-7457 | [email protected]

300+ Pantry Foods &SundriesThe Eden Store is a complete selection of Eden foods, and more.

Gift baskets are delightful arrangements that are sure to please,ideal for the holidays and every gift occasion.

StoreEden

Popcorn Basket

2012EdenFoods

06284


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SHOPPING

veryone is hustling around getting ready for Christmas, myself included.

I stopped by my favorite Tecumseh store, Martins Home Center, and was

delighted to see the aisles brimming with Christmas. The trees, decorations and

their lighted village display immediately put me in the holiday spirit and gave mea good feeling just to be in the store. Its r eally true, my holiday shopping is always made

easier by visiting Martins. Martins is one of the best things about living in a small town.

I hear that phrase frequently when I talk to people about shopping in Tecumseh. In fact,

our Realtor mentioned similar words to my husband and me nearly 25 years ago when we

moved to town. Having lived and visited other small towns, we soon discovered Martins

Story by Rebecca PeachPhotos by Suzanne Haye

H O M ETecumseh's department store gets ready

holidfor

the


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Home Center is unique among towns of any

size. It still is today.

The store is truly a gem of Tecumseh.

Martins is actually a full ACE Hardware. The

hardware, home wares, small appliances,

sporting goods and more are found on the east side of the store while the west

section features two floors of fine furniture, bedding, large appliances, Herman Miller

clocks and curios, electronics, TVs and home dcor fashions.

Yes, Martins Home Center is actually Tecumsehs department store with f abulous

customer service and helpful staff, always ready to assist. If Mar tins doesnt have it,

ask, they may be able to order it.

Martins is run today by third generation store owners and siblings, David Martin

and Jenny Clarke. Their dad, D.J. Martin, says hes semi-retired but he is often seen

in the aisles chatting and helping customers. Martins convenient location in downtown

Tecumseh, is just one reason people shop at the store. The extraordinary customerservice, their well-stocked shelves and wide selection of competitively priced goods

are reasons customers return often.

I talked with David and Jenny recently about what it takes to

get Martins Home Center r eady for the holiday season. Where

do they shop to fill Martins for Christmas? How do they select

and fill the store throughout the year? What I learned amazed

and impressed me.

Martins, like many merchants, sends representatives to

trade shows to help select the products offered in the store.

Trade shows are industry events where vendors display their

wares to retail stores. These seasonal events are one-stop

shopping for merchants. There are so many trade shows, we

could attend one every month David said. Were very selective

on which shows we attend.

Generally, they attend one Christmas show, one ACEhardware show, one furniture trade show, and usually a show

or two for electronics. Utilizing trade shows as well as vendors

provides Martins with information on the current trends of whats hot, whats new,

and what excites people. For Christmas we actually start a whole year ahead, said

David, At the end of the year, we take inventory, noting what people shopped for and

what was in demand.

David explained that every January, Martins attends one of the largest Christmas

trade shows in the country. Selected are the trees, dcor and many gift items for the

next holiday season. He said, Just for the Christmas season items, we order a full

Martins is

one of the

best things

about living

in a small

town

sdon'tmissthesecondfloor


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semi-truck that is delivered in early fall.

Jenny Clarke described the furniture

trade show they attend each year, The

North Carolina furniture show is amazing. It

is the largest in the country, allowing us to

select the latest in home fashion designs.

Martins offers two floors of furniture,

displaying living room furniture, including

La-Z-Boy, as well as Sealy bedding on

the main level. The second floor features

home dcor items, bedroom suites, dining

room sets, as well as other pieces such as

bar stools, book cases, desks, and chairs

from such brands as Ashley, Flexsteel,

and Cochrane. Some people just dont

realize we have a second level, Jenny sad.

They are missing out if they dont venture

upstairs.

The second level is accessible by the

front winding staircase or by the elevator at

the rear of the store. Special order furniture

is also available and Martins can assist in

selecting fabric to fit specific design needs.

Often people dont realize all we offer

in this section of the store, said David .

They dont realize we have a tremendous

warehouse allowing us to take advantage of

special buys from manufacturers.

Martins carries home appliances by

Maytag, Amana, GE, Hotpoint and Whirlpool.

They offer delivery, and set up.

David and Jenny are staying with the times

and have recently launched a new web site,

martinshomecenter.com. Its an exciting time

for us, Jenny commented, We work to keep

up with the latest needs and fashions for the

home.

While Christmas season is retails busiest

time of the year, for the Martin family it is also

a time to give thanks and reflect on seasons

past. Jenny said, Christmas time, we always

remember the year the roof collapsed on

the west section of the store. David and

Jenny reminisced about how the Tecumseh

community supported Martins through that

catastrophic event and the rebuilding of the

store.

David commented that his favorite part

of the season is seeing the generations shop

together in the store. Its incredible to serve

people today that years ago, as a kid, I helped

them and their parents. Now they come in with

their children and grandchildren. Its a good

feeling.

Stop in at Martins Home Center in

downtown Tecumseh, or visit their web site at

www.martinshomecenter.com.

Home for the Holidays continued...


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JANUARY 1922nd WLEN Annual BridalExpo 1-4pm. Siena Heights Unversity'sDominican Hall. Many local vendors will beon hand, from caterers to cakes, bridalfashions to DJ's, flowers to beauty supplies,photographers to rental halls, all under oneroof.

JANUARY 19 & 204th AnnualIce Sculpture Festival Ice Carvingdemonstrations, dueling carvers, Winter Warm-

up Walk, Chocolate Walk, Man Cave activitiesand interactive sculptures. Fun for the wholefamily! www.downtowntecumseh.com or517.424.6003

JANUARY 25 - 264=1, A StringQuartets Challenge Leave your tie athome and enjoy this Casual Classic fun! AdrianSymphony OrchestraFather Williams Hall, St. Joseph Church 415Ormsby St., Adrian, 517.264.3121JANUARY 25-27Pippin All Area High SchoolMusical. Come enjoy a story of discovery andfinding your way through life! Croswelll OperaHouse, Adrian 517.264.SHOW (7469)

JANUARY 27"The Olivetians" Singinggroup from Olivet Nazarene University will bein our morning worship service. The servicebegins at 10:45am. Tecumseh Church of theNazarene. 517.423.4960

F e b r u a r yFEBRUARY 8 & 9Daddy-Daughter Dance7 - 9pm. Bring your little sweetheart out fora fun filled evening of dancing and memoriesthat will last a lifetime. Ages: 5-12. PiotterCenter, Adrian. adrianmi.gov

FEBRUARY 8-17Disneys LittleMermaid, Jr. Its Ariels magical kingdomUnder the Sea, brought to life on theCroswell stage! Croswelll Opera House, Adrian517.264.SHOW (7469)

FEBRUARY 9The Jason Bishop Show7:30pm. Large illusions, slight of hand, and closeup magic that is captured and projected onto LCDscreens for a clear view of every detail! TecumsehCenter for the Arts, 517.423.6617 or www.thetcaorg.com

FEBRUARY 12Lure of Alaska 7:30pm.Kiwanis Travel Adventure Cinema hosted by filmmaker and world traveler Dale Johnson. TecumsehCenter for the Arts, 517.423.6617 or www.

theTCA.orgFEBRUARY 13Valentines Craft 11:30am.Story and craft time Valentines Day. ClintonTownship Public Library. 100 Brown Street, Clinton517.456.4141

FEBRUARY 15 ComedySportz 8pm. WhoseLine Is It, Anyway? meets Saturday Night Liveas the audience participates in this high speed,all-action Improv game! Croswelll Opera House,

Adrian 517.264.SHOW (7469)

FEBRUARY 15Friday Movie @ the library1pm. School lets out early, come enjoy a movie atthe library. Clinton Township Public Library. 100Brown Street, Clinton 517.456.4141

FEBRUARY 16Moms & Sons Night Out7 - 9pm. Bring your little champion out for a nightof friendly competition, snacks, memories anda special presentation by Bits N Pieces RadioControlled Plane Club. Ages: 5-12. Piotter Center,

Adrian. adrianmi.gov

FEBRUARY 16-17Free Fishing Weekend!DNR says: Grab a pole and your family and friends,and let's go fishing! All fishing license fees willbe waived for two days. Residents and out-statevisitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and GreatLakes' waters for all species of fish.

FEBRUARY 20Book Bingo 1-2 pm. Play bingoto win books and other prizes, have fun andmake new friends. All adults are welcome to play.Tecumseh District Library. 517.423.2238 or www.tecumsehlibrary.org


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FEBRUARY 22 Wine, Women, Chocolateand Shoes 6:30pm. Tecumseh Area Chamber ofCommerce 3rd annual Wine, Women, Chocolateand Shoes. Fun ladies night out! Tickets $35,517.423.3740

FEBRUARY 23Promise of Light 8pm. Anne-Marie McDermott, piano. Come enjoy this ClassicalConcert, highlighting Mozart & Beethoven! AdrianSymphony Orchestra, Dawson Auditorium AdrianCollege 517.264.3121

FEBRUARY 28Stinky Cheese FestivalBoulevard Market, Tecumseh 517.423.6000

M a r c hMARCH 3Bridal Show12-4pm. Wedding professionals showcasing everyresource a bride will need to plan the wedding ofher dreams! Founder's Hall. Sauder Village, www.saudervillage.org or 419.446.2541

MARCH 8-17Kitchen Witches Its MarthaStewart meets Jersey Shore in this comedy ofdueling divas who stir up a big helping of fun!Arch-enemy TV chefs, Dolly Biddle & Isabelle Lomax,are tricked into appearing together on a cookingshow. Croswelll Opera House, Adrian 517.264.SHOW(7469)MARCH 9Pinocchio 10am. Classic fairy talethat includes original music written by Adrians own,Betsy Lackey! Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Adrian

High School, Performance Theater517.264.3121MARCH 9Hollywood: Songs from the SilverScreen 7:30pm. Star of stage & screen, the awardwinning, best voice of Broadway Frank DAmbrosio.Tecumseh Center for the Ar ts, Tecumseh.517.423.6617

MARCH 14Toledo Symphony 7:30pm. TheToledo Symphony will present a spectacularperformance in Founder's Hall, Sauder Village, www.saudervillage.org or 419.446.2541

MARCH 16The March Mingle Help usempower kids to stay in school and achieve in life!Proceeds to Benefit Communities In Schools ofthe Tecumseh Area. AJ Smith Recreation Building,Evans St Tecumseh. 517.423.7574 or www.cistecumseh.org

MARCH 23Summer Nights 8pm. ClassicalConcert. Beethoven and Berlioz . Adrian SymphonyOrchestra, adriansymphony.org or 517.264.3121

MARCH 28Downtown Divas at DuskSpecial diva pampering and prizes at downtownmerchants. Bring your sister, mom and BFF for atfab-U-lous time. www.downtowntecumseh.com or517.424.6003

SpringHomefrontpublishedMarch 27Advertising Deadline February 25Call Suzanne Hayes 517.423.2174 oremail [email protected]

Send us your events happeningMarch 27 - June 26 in 25 words orless. Include contact information andwe will include them free of charge,space permitting. Send to [email protected] or mail to P.O.Box 218, Tecumseh MI 49286.


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CREATE

t all started innocently in 1985 as a way to

send out a cheerful New Years greeting from

the Graziano family to their friends and family.

Sheila Graziano, now a server at Evans Street

Station in Tecumseh and a local dance teacher and

performer, decided to exercise her two-dimensional

creative side.

She sat down to cut and paste pictures of family

members into a whimsical scene with a par ticular

theme and adorned with stickers and dr awings.

That simple and delightful transition commemorating

the end of 1985 and the start of 1986 set a trend

in motion. Now 27 years later, Sheila, has 140

families waiting anxiously to see what the Grazianos

come up with this year. We wanted

to send out greetings to people,

Sheila said with a laugh. It started

out simple, but we just couldnt

keep it that way.

In the beginning Sheila and

her husband Angelos children,

Alana and Ezra, were not thrilled

with their new job as greeting card

models for the New Years cards.

Now, the whole family takes part

in coming up with a theme, and

Ezra designs the cards in Adobe

Photoshop. Technology has really changed it,

Sheila said.

Her early card designs were enhanced with

stickers, which have become hard to find. As Sheila

is afraid if she ever starts working in Photoshop

she may never leave the computer, Ezra has taken

over as card designer. He is able to use gr aphics

in Photoshop to complement the specially posed

photos of family members. Planning for the card

By Mary Kay McPartlin

design usually starts in September.

We usually have a family discussion,

Sheila said, and adds that pop culture

is off limits for a theme.

Always appearing with the

Grazianos are the familys beloved

birds, who often steal the show

from their human counterparts.

The details in each years carddesign are elaborate and filled with

humorous references to activities

and personalities of all

the Grazianos, human and

avian members alike.

The final card design is

a secret until the mailing

goes out in December.

Last year the family had

a late send off, because

new grandchild, Lorenzo,

didnt make his appearance

until the beginning of

December. One of his first

requirements was to pose,which he did beautifully.

Sheila has an album with the

cards arranged chronologically to

avoid repeat designs and to marvel

over the changes in the family over

the years. For me its a good

running history, she said.

GRAZIANO

FAMILgreetings

It started

out simple,

but we just

couldnt

keep it that

way.

ANCASTER

GENCY, INC.


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yearnewgreetings


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April Gunder517-403-3119

Kim Goldmann517-605-1522

Greg Brown517-673-8902

Joan Haligus517-206-3983

Jim Hammond517-403-1129

Glenna Stroud517-403-0455

REALTORS

EDWARD

SUROVELL


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