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Charlotte

Charlotte

Featured Story

Remember Pawsibilities as the months grow cold

Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer

(Photo provided)

 

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we can expect a cold winter with plenty of snowstorms, sleet and ice rain for the Great Lakes region, or as we call it: typical Michigan. This is a time when costs to house and feed animals increase astronomically. As you enter the giving season, consider giving to an organization that cares for our four-legged friends who need a home.

Pawsibilities Rescue, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in Olivet knows all too well about displaced animals. The 16-acre farm rescues animals from Michigan and other states that have been surrendered by the owner and accommodates many animal controls. Pawsibilities rehomes dogs, cats, livestock, exotics, birds and reptiles. President Connie Friedly, who has been rescuing animals for over 50 years, is known for saying, “Don’t shop, always adopt. Rescue pets are the most grateful.”

While every animal that finds themselves at Pawsibilities Rescue gets placed in a loving home, the harsh facts are that there are more displaced pets than there is space. With temperatures becoming increasingly colder, consider fostering or adopting a grateful hearted companion from this loving rescue. Every animal that is rehomed makes room for others that need the rescue’s help, as Freidly states, “We only house what we can accommodate and care for properly.”

In addition to cold temperatures, the holidays often are a time that increases home displacement for pets. In order to prevent a pet needing rescue, Friedly says that it’s very important that prospective pet owners research the kind of pet that they are considering adopting. This includes their breed, their feeding and cleaning needs and the amount of space and equipment needed to house the animal. Also, being realistic about the time one has available to take care of such a pet.

Pawsibilities Rescue is 100% funded by public donation. “We are strictly a donation based non-profit. If people don’t donate, we don’t exist,” she said. Pawsiblilities is in need of financial help for spay and neutering, gas cards and a multitude of other expenses that the rescue incurs on a daily basis.

Pawsibilities Rescue provides to surrounding communities to help pet owners with the needs of their pet. They donate food to churches, food banks, other animal shelters and local families in need. “We do so much, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the local community,” she said gratefully, “This little rescue does a lot for a lot of communities.”

Pawsibilities Rescue can be contacted at (517)652-9353, calling or texting first for an appointment is requested. Consider a loving pet that needs a home or volunteer to help an animal in need.This organization only accepts animals that are safe to rehome. Volunteers and community service help is needed. If it is in your heart to financially donate, checks may be mailed to Pawsibilities Rescue, 2200 W. Bellevue Hwy, Olivet, MI 49076.

Olivet

Olivet

Featured Story

Remember Pawsibilities as the months grow cold

Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer

(Photo provided)

 

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we can expect a cold winter with plenty of snowstorms, sleet and ice rain for the Great Lakes region, or as we call it: typical Michigan. This is a time when costs to house and feed animals increase astronomically. As you enter the giving season, consider giving to an organization that cares for our four-legged friends who need a home.

Pawsibilities Rescue, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in Olivet knows all too well about displaced animals. The 16-acre farm rescues animals from Michigan and other states that have been surrendered by the owner and accommodates many animal controls. Pawsibilities rehomes dogs, cats, livestock, exotics, birds and reptiles. President Connie Friedly, who has been rescuing animals for over 50 years, is known for saying, “Don’t shop, always adopt. Rescue pets are the most grateful.”

While every animal that finds themselves at Pawsibilities Rescue gets placed in a loving home, the harsh facts are that there are more displaced pets than there is space. With temperatures becoming increasingly colder, consider fostering or adopting a grateful hearted companion from this loving rescue. Every animal that is rehomed makes room for others that need the rescue’s help, as Freidly states, “We only house what we can accommodate and care for properly.”

In addition to cold temperatures, the holidays often are a time that increases home displacement for pets. In order to prevent a pet needing rescue, Friedly says that it’s very important that prospective pet owners research the kind of pet that they are considering adopting. This includes their breed, their feeding and cleaning needs and the amount of space and equipment needed to house the animal. Also, being realistic about the time one has available to take care of such a pet.

Pawsibilities Rescue is 100% funded by public donation. “We are strictly a donation based non-profit. If people don’t donate, we don’t exist,” she said. Pawsiblilities is in need of financial help for spay and neutering, gas cards and a multitude of other expenses that the rescue incurs on a daily basis.

Pawsibilities Rescue provides to surrounding communities to help pet owners with the needs of their pet. They donate food to churches, food banks, other animal shelters and local families in need. “We do so much, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the local community,” she said gratefully, “This little rescue does a lot for a lot of communities.”

Pawsibilities Rescue can be contacted at (517)652-9353, calling or texting first for an appointment is requested. Consider a loving pet that needs a home or volunteer to help an animal in need.This organization only accepts animals that are safe to rehome. Volunteers and community service help is needed. If it is in your heart to financially donate, checks may be mailed to Pawsibilities Rescue, 2200 W. Bellevue Hwy, Olivet, MI 49076.

Bellevue

Bellevue

Featured Story

Bellevue locals win awards

Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Kelsey Klont/TCJ: Mary and Larry Haigh)

Haigh’s Sugar House Farm LLC is located and operated by Bellevue residents, Larry and Mary Haigh.
The 2023 North American Maple Council was hosted in Sturbridge, Massachusetts on October 25-28 where maple producers can attend bringing their last year’s bounty to be submitted for contest. While there producers learn new techniques from the top maple researchers, take tours of renowned syrup farms, and visit manufacturer booths at the council that showcase the new equipment.

By the end of the council, Haigh’s Sugar House Farm placed second for Granulated Maple Sugar. The Haighs also walked away placing second with their Pure Maple Syrup- Golden, receiving a nearly perfect score of 98 out of 100.

For many that may not know there are four classifications when it comes to maple syrup, all of which are determined by light transmittance (Tc) levels. Golden, that the Haigh’s placed very highly with, is classified by having a color that does not allow less than 75% Tc. Other syrup categories are: Amber, with Tc level of 50-74.9%; Dark is considered 25-49.9% Tc; and the last is Very Dark with color 25% or less Tc.
Haigh’s Sugar House Farm primarily makes Amber and Golden syrups, very rarely do the Haighs produce Dark Maple Syrup. The type of maple syrup that a sugar shack makes is fully determined by what the trees produce.

Larry has been surrounded by the maple syrup industry all of his life when his parents had a maple woods that they started tapping in 1959. He carried on the family tradition from his great grandparents when he bought his own woods in 1980, the same woods that they are still producing from in Bellevue. Haigh’s Sugar House Farm has 20 acres of maple syrup producing trees, Haighs started tapping in 1980 then boil at Larry’s parents, but in 2008 they started to boil their own. Currently, there are 700 taps on their property. They also process sap from 200 additional taps from surrounding maple syrup producers.

Larry, a fourth-generation maple syrup producer, has been on the board of the Michigan Maple Producers Association for 23 years, where he served many roles. For three years he was the Treasurer, served as President for 15 years, and has also been a delegate for the National American Maple Council for 15 years where he voted on the minutes of past meetings. Delegates also provide grants to universities that perform maple syrup research on vacuum systems and new tapping techniques for efficient production. As a very well respected peer by many producers, Larry gave me a hint about making great maple syrup, saying what temperature you cook and stir the sap at are key factors.

Primarily at Haigh’s Sugar House Farm it is just the husband and wife duo, Larry and Mary, with family members stopping in to help makes the process all the more enjoyable for everybody.

In 2021 the Haigh’s won first place at the Michigan Maple Conference for their Grade A Amber Maple Syrup. That is of course on top of their most recent second place winnings of Granulated Maple Sugar and Golden Maple Syrup. As Bellevue residents we applaud Haigh’s Sugar House Farm for all of their great successes and representing the local area well.

Haigh’s Sugar House Farm is welcoming visits at their farm located at 6903 S. Lacey Lake Road in Bellevue or call them for their great priced delicious maple syrup and many other maple products at 269-763-3107. Visit their website at www.haighsmaplesyrup.com.

Eaton County

Eaton County

Featured Story

Happy Feet Pet Rescue wins annual Charitable Giving Campaign and $5,000 donation

Submitted by Eaton Community Bank

(Photo Provided: Eaton Community Bank President Timothy Jewell, right, presents a $5,000 donation to Happy Feet Pet Rescue as the winner of the bank’s fourth annual Charitable Giving Campaign on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Receiving the check (from left) are Happy Feet employee Clare Pike, co-founders LuEllen Smith and fellow co-founder Patience Cole, along with a pair of furry friends.)

 

A good cause paired with cute puppies and kittens are simply tough to beat.

With an impressive 58 percent of the final vote, Happy Feet Pet Rescue won Eaton Community Bank’s fourth annual Charitable Giving Campaign and subsequent $5,000 donation.

“What Eaton Community Bank does with this Charitable Giving Campaign is just amazing,” Happy Feet Pet Rescue co-founder Patience Cole said. “There are so many wonderful organizations in our communities, and each of the five finalists are so deserving. Thank you so much; we’re so honored to receive this donation. We’re just so grateful to have the support of our community.”

Eaton’s annual campaign lives on social media and is 100 percent community driven. Each year the bank announces the campaign’s start in early October across its social media channels with a public call for nominations. Requirements for participation are simple; nominees must be a registered non-profit organization based locally and serving the local communities. In early November the five finalists are announced as voting opens via the bank’s social media channels. Each organization has until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to generate as many community votes as possible with the winner announced on Giving Tuesday.

While the winner is presented with a $5,000 donation, each of the remaining finalists receive a $1,000 donation.
“This is one of our favorite things we do every year,” Eaton Community Bank President Timothy Jewell said. “There’s so many great organizations with amazing people behind them throughout our communities, we’re just happy we can build awareness for as many like-minded organizations as possible. The vitality of our communities is at the heart of everything we do at Eaton, and our annual Charitable Giving Campaign is a fun way to demonstrate our support.”

Happy Feet Pet Rescue is primarily a foster-based rescue committed to helping dogs and cats in distress. It opened a permanent location affectionally named “Landry’s Landing” located adjacent to the Jolly Road Veterinary Clinic at 3276 E Jolly Road, Suite B, in Lansing with more than 100 foster families. Happy Feet also offers spay/neuter services for pet owners within our communities experiencing financial constraints, as well as access to food and supplies for their pets.
“If you know someone who needs to get their pets spayed or neutered, please encourage them to check out our website at www.happyfeetpetrescue.com,” Cole said. “We have a community support form, and a lot of this money will go directly toward the community that way.”

 

More –
The remaining finalists for the 2023 Charitable Giving Campaign were CASA for Kids Inc., Focus on Love Foundation, Michigan’s Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall and Museum, and Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary. To learn more about each of the finalists, visit www.eaton.bank/community-strength.

Happy Feet Pet Rescue joins previous Charitable Giving Campaign winners Ken Clark’s Coat Closet & GECKO (2022), Waterloo Area Historical Society (2021) and Stockbridge Community Outreach (2020).

Eaton Community Bank has served mid-Michigan since it was chartered by two local businessmen in 1937 to help local families buy a home and provide a safe place to invest their savings. Today, Eaton provides expanded services and solutions to meet the financial needs of the diverse communities it calls home.

Vermontville

Vermontville

Featured Story

The Voice of Maple Valley lays down the mic

Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Christine Terpening: Long time announcer, Jeff Weiler, has served MVS for over 25 years.)

Imagine. It’s Friday night in The Valley…Maple Valley. There’s a crisp chill in the air. A bright harvest moon shines a spotlight on a team of boys, and the occasional gritty girl, that are amped up to live their football dreams. They are living in the moment and the electricity is felt in every fan on both sides of the field. To round out the thrill of the ambiance, a voice with a football drawl like no other rings through the air. A voice that adds a momentous kick to Maple Valley Football.

Jeff Weiler, otherwise known as The Voice of Maple Valley, has laid down the mic after more than a quarter century of announcing. The small, consolidated school has been proud of their big talent that has showcased athletes as though they were D1 college athletes, because in Weiler’s eyes, they were just as important. “Retiring from announcing is a bittersweet thing and I will miss the kids,” said Weiler. He relays in words and emotion that the outpouring of love from the community has been ‘heartfelt.’ “It’s never been about me.It’s always been my love of the kids,” he humbly expressed.

A 1981 graduate of Maple Valley, Weiler was quite the baseball player. “I had the privilege to play baseball for the great coach, Larry Lenz,” he said proudly. Weiler’s senior year earned him first team all-conference and first team all-county for his third base prowess.

Weiler’s announcing career came about by pure chance. It was 1998 as he settled into the bleachers to cheer on his stepson, Chris Loveall, as he played youth football. “He’s where it all began,” as Weiler fondly recalls. Rob Goris, the head of youth football at the time, approached him and said ‘Jeff, I don’t have an announcer today. Do you think you could help us out?’ Not having the heart to say no, Weiler announced his first football game. He stayed the entire day and announced every game after. In fact, Weiler announced the rest of the season. “The next couple years that followed I was announcing everything out here at the high school and it’s been that way ever since,” he said proudly.

Weiler’s voice has graced more than just Maple Valley Football. He has traveled with the MV band to competitions, called baseball, basketball, competitive cheer, band, and soccer a time or two when they were in a pinch and emcees the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival.

Weiler’s most memorable moments were from lending his talents during his own children’s extracurriculars. His daughters Jenna was drum major in her band years and Iva a four-year competitive cheer athlete. “Cheer was just getting started when Iva was in high school. I’ve announced a whole bunch of competitive cheer…and that’s with not knowing a thing about it. I did just fine,” he recalls with a laugh.

Weiler recalls a poignant moment while announcing his son Brock’s varsity football game. In 2015, Brock Weiler rushed for 1,000 yards becoming only the 5th running back in Maple Valley history to do so. Holding back a tear, Weiler said “It happened here at home. We kind of knew it was going to. Had it been anybody’s kid but mine I would have made a far bigger deal out of it than I did. I owe Brock for that. But that was a big thrill. One of the great thrills of my life.”

When asked if he ever considered being a professional announcer, he emphatically says no. He did announce a college baseball game at Cornerstone and some basketball games at Olivet College. Weiler said, “I had a few big thrills. A couple years ago I got to announce at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek for the big boys of Class A High School Semifinals and Championship games right in a row. I was over there in that fancy stadium, I’ll be damned, got ready for the national anthem on the first game and it wouldn’t come on and there were a thousand people there and I sang it. And then later the lady that runs the stadium said ‘I don’t know how you just did that but just to warn you, you have to do it two more times today’ and I did,” Weiler laughed. Though he is not known for his singing ability and does not profess so, he says, “I can fake my way through it.” The fact remains, Jeff Weiler is good in a pinch.

Maple Valley Athletic Director Landon Wilkes said it best of Weiler’s tenure, “The impact Jeff has had on Maple Valley is truly amazing. He brings the game to life in a sense. Many people including myself have appreciated all that Jeff has brought to the table. As an AD to get compliments on Jeff The Voice is something I will always cherish. I want to say every team he has announced for, at some point, mentions to me that they appreciate the job he does.”

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Weiler is that he calls an honest game. He treats every athlete, both home and visitors, with the same respect and attention. “I would like to stress that I take pride that nowhere in America does the visiting team get a fair shake from the announcer other than at Maple Valley. I take a lot of pride in that,” said Weiler.
Wilkes adds, “I cannot say enough for how grateful we all are for the announcing we have been fortunate to have had for over 26 years. As Jeff, himself, said he has attempted to use the mic to instill in these great kids that we always love and salute our veterans, our active military, our flag and our country. His pride for Maple Valley and being a Lion runs deep and I cannot thank him enough for the countless hours he has given for Maple Valley Athletics.”

Knowing his love of the kids and the game, it’s hard to believe that Weiler is retiring. “I’m an old Lion ya know,” he grimaces. Going out on top while he is still healthy allows for him to explore other aspects of a good life.

Weiler declined the idea that he will suffer from FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) “No, I’m at peace with it. I’ll miss the kids and interaction with them. When you do it as long as I have, especially in basketball, right down close to the court, I’ve made a lot of relationships with visiting players,” he said, “I’ve made relationships with several visiting players that send me a text once in a while which is why I do this. Visiting coaches, I’ve gotten real close with. It’s been a joy.”

Have Maple Valley athletics seen the last of Jeff Weiler? Absolutely not. Weiler assures,” I have never told Maple Valley no. I’ll do anything they ever ask of me. If they ever need me, I’ll be there for them if they’re in a pinch.”

Wilkes has his work cut out for him to find a replacement and says, “As for a plan that will be a work in progress. Of course, the goal is to find someone to cover all the sports that Jeff did, but the reality is that will be tough. So it will probably be several people stepping in and helping out. Again, they are big shoes to fill.”

With final thoughts, Weiler leaves this advice to students and athletes– “Always be positive.You can do anything in this life. You can be anything.”

Weiler will surely be missed and says, “I’ll miss it, but I’m at peace with it.”

Potterville

Potterville

Featured Story

Remember Pawsibilities as the months grow cold

Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer

(Photo provided)

 

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we can expect a cold winter with plenty of snowstorms, sleet and ice rain for the Great Lakes region, or as we call it: typical Michigan. This is a time when costs to house and feed animals increase astronomically. As you enter the giving season, consider giving to an organization that cares for our four-legged friends who need a home.

Pawsibilities Rescue, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in Olivet knows all too well about displaced animals. The 16-acre farm rescues animals from Michigan and other states that have been surrendered by the owner and accommodates many animal controls. Pawsibilities rehomes dogs, cats, livestock, exotics, birds and reptiles. President Connie Friedly, who has been rescuing animals for over 50 years, is known for saying, “Don’t shop, always adopt. Rescue pets are the most grateful.”

While every animal that finds themselves at Pawsibilities Rescue gets placed in a loving home, the harsh facts are that there are more displaced pets than there is space. With temperatures becoming increasingly colder, consider fostering or adopting a grateful hearted companion from this loving rescue. Every animal that is rehomed makes room for others that need the rescue’s help, as Freidly states, “We only house what we can accommodate and care for properly.”

In addition to cold temperatures, the holidays often are a time that increases home displacement for pets. In order to prevent a pet needing rescue, Friedly says that it’s very important that prospective pet owners research the kind of pet that they are considering adopting. This includes their breed, their feeding and cleaning needs and the amount of space and equipment needed to house the animal. Also, being realistic about the time one has available to take care of such a pet.

Pawsibilities Rescue is 100% funded by public donation. “We are strictly a donation based non-profit. If people don’t donate, we don’t exist,” she said. Pawsiblilities is in need of financial help for spay and neutering, gas cards and a multitude of other expenses that the rescue incurs on a daily basis.

Pawsibilities Rescue provides to surrounding communities to help pet owners with the needs of their pet. They donate food to churches, food banks, other animal shelters and local families in need. “We do so much, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the local community,” she said gratefully, “This little rescue does a lot for a lot of communities.”

Pawsibilities Rescue can be contacted at (517)652-9353, calling or texting first for an appointment is requested. Consider a loving pet that needs a home or volunteer to help an animal in need.This organization only accepts animals that are safe to rehome. Volunteers and community service help is needed. If it is in your heart to financially donate, checks may be mailed to Pawsibilities Rescue, 2200 W. Bellevue Hwy, Olivet, MI 49076.

Eaton Rapids

Eaton Rapids

Featured Story

Remember Pawsibilities as the months grow cold

Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer

(Photo provided)

 

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we can expect a cold winter with plenty of snowstorms, sleet and ice rain for the Great Lakes region, or as we call it: typical Michigan. This is a time when costs to house and feed animals increase astronomically. As you enter the giving season, consider giving to an organization that cares for our four-legged friends who need a home.

Pawsibilities Rescue, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in Olivet knows all too well about displaced animals. The 16-acre farm rescues animals from Michigan and other states that have been surrendered by the owner and accommodates many animal controls. Pawsibilities rehomes dogs, cats, livestock, exotics, birds and reptiles. President Connie Friedly, who has been rescuing animals for over 50 years, is known for saying, “Don’t shop, always adopt. Rescue pets are the most grateful.”

While every animal that finds themselves at Pawsibilities Rescue gets placed in a loving home, the harsh facts are that there are more displaced pets than there is space. With temperatures becoming increasingly colder, consider fostering or adopting a grateful hearted companion from this loving rescue. Every animal that is rehomed makes room for others that need the rescue’s help, as Freidly states, “We only house what we can accommodate and care for properly.”

In addition to cold temperatures, the holidays often are a time that increases home displacement for pets. In order to prevent a pet needing rescue, Friedly says that it’s very important that prospective pet owners research the kind of pet that they are considering adopting. This includes their breed, their feeding and cleaning needs and the amount of space and equipment needed to house the animal. Also, being realistic about the time one has available to take care of such a pet.

Pawsibilities Rescue is 100% funded by public donation. “We are strictly a donation based non-profit. If people don’t donate, we don’t exist,” she said. Pawsiblilities is in need of financial help for spay and neutering, gas cards and a multitude of other expenses that the rescue incurs on a daily basis.

Pawsibilities Rescue provides to surrounding communities to help pet owners with the needs of their pet. They donate food to churches, food banks, other animal shelters and local families in need. “We do so much, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the local community,” she said gratefully, “This little rescue does a lot for a lot of communities.”

Pawsibilities Rescue can be contacted at (517)652-9353, calling or texting first for an appointment is requested. Consider a loving pet that needs a home or volunteer to help an animal in need.This organization only accepts animals that are safe to rehome. Volunteers and community service help is needed. If it is in your heart to financially donate, checks may be mailed to Pawsibilities Rescue, 2200 W. Bellevue Hwy, Olivet, MI 49076.

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