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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.

Mason

Mason

Featured Story

Vietnam Veterans Annual Picnic

Christi Whiting 

Editor

(Photo Provided)

 

This year’s picnic is planned for August 26 at noon at Bennett Park in Charlotte. All Vietnam vets and their spouses are invited and should bring a dish to pass. Whistlepig BBQ in Charlotte will be furnishing pulled pork for the group, with water and place settings also provided. “As long as you guys meet, I’ll help you out,” Whistlepig BBQ owner Jason Strotheide told Jerry Taylor, one of the organizers of the now-annual event. “The guys appreciate this very much,” Taylor added. The last picnic was held in 2022 with 38 people attending.

Many veterans remember some tough stuff about their experience in the military during the Vietnam war. How they were treated when they returned home is especially painful. There were no parades or welcoming parties. Many were treated disrespectfully due to the war being so unpopular. They learned to hide their veteran status, and many have refused to discuss their experience in Vietnam over the years because of the attitudes that were directed toward them. 

Jerry Taylor, Dave Smith, Fred Meyers, and Darrell Gingrich – all Eaton County Vietnam veterans – decided to do something about it and started this back in 2017. They set out to bring as many Eaton County Vietnam veterans as possible together, as a kind of reunion, to talk, share stories, and reminisce about their mutual experiences. They organized a Vietnam veterans’ picnic and invited everyone that they knew to be a veteran of the conflict. “The stories and the camaraderie are what keep many vets coming back,” Taylor said. Taylor is the last man still alive from his unit, so there’s no chance of a reunion with those with whom he served. “We don’t want to see it end,” said Taylor. “We look forward to it.”

In addition to the annual picnic at Bennett Park, a group of Vietnam veterans also meets at the Charlotte Big Boy restaurant about 8 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. They have breakfast, and sit and talk about a little of everything, Taylor said, and they welcome others to join them.

They also utilize the services of Thomas Lewis, Veterans Service Officer for Eaton County. Lewis provides services for veterans and their spouses. “He’s great at helping folks out,” explained Taylor, “whether it’s death benefits, housing, education, insurance, pensions, or medical care, he’s there for us.”

For additional information about the veterans’ events contact Jerry Taylor at 517-242-3048.

DIMONDALE

Dimondale

Featured Story

Cottage Gardens growing strong after 100 years

Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer

(Photo Provided: Cottage Gardens has take over the BestMaze and it will now be called BestMaze II.)

To be in business one hundred years is no small feat. We have endured four pandemics, a Great Depression, six foreign wars, ups and downs in the economy that were tough times for small business as well as conglomerates. Perhaps the secret of success for a time-tested business is strong roots. Cottage Gardens has served Mid Michigan and beyond since 1923. 100 years of growth in large part due to the care of their roots which is something they know a lot about.

Cottage Gardens was founded by Nick Kriek in 1923. It all began with a small but growing farm and landscape business. Kriek passed the business down to his daughter and son-in-law Wilma and Harold Hicks. Cottage Gardens remains in the Hicks family to this day.

“We started off as a small farm in Lansing and now have several growing locations throughout the country, Lansing being the original location and only retail facility,” said retail manager Britney Keiffer. “We sell landscape ready trees, shrubs and perennials. We also have annuals and Christmas greens, too.”

“We work hard to supply the highest quality in plant material for all of their (the public) landscape needs. As we continue to grow as a business our goal is to create more environments that bring our communities together in fun and unique ways, such as our new adventure BestMaze ll Corn Maze now at our Lansing location.” Keiffer informed.

Indoor and outdoor plants, perennials, trees and shrubs cover the grounds in vast variety. Trees make any home or business more inviting. Cottage Gardens carries a seemingly never-ending selection of trees from Maple, Oak, and Beech to Pine, Willow and fruit trees. Your grounds will be the prettiest around with one shopping spree at Cottage Gardens.

House plants have been known to reduce stress, boost mood, possibly stave off depression and improve indoor air quality. However, the massive variety and different needs of individual plants can be daunting and overwhelming. Cottage Gardens vast knowledge of plants can turn even the least skilled horticulturist into a successful plant owner. Some plants require little care while others require great care. The staff can see that you are paired with the species of plant that suits your style.

As a pet owner, the health and safety of your furry loved one is of great importance. Cottage Gardens carries safe plants for reptile enclosures and also are knowledgeable in which plants are safe to have in a home with dogs and cats and which plants could pose a danger to them.

BestMaze ll is the newest expansion at the locale. What was once hosted at the Benjamin Farm in Williamston, Cottage Gardens is proud to carry on the fun family attraction. BestMaze ll is a corn maze with a garden theme. For admission prices, group rates, field trips and other inquiries call (517)882-5728, extension 7. The maze is open Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cottage Gardens is located at 2611 South Wavery in Lansing. Their hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Check them out at cottagegardenslansing.com for a database of in-depth information on the varieties of trees, shrubs and plants that are available.

 

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.

Onondaga

Onondaga

Featured Story

Vietnam Veterans Annual Picnic

Christi Whiting 

Editor

(Photo Provided)

 

This year’s picnic is planned for August 26 at noon at Bennett Park in Charlotte. All Vietnam vets and their spouses are invited and should bring a dish to pass. Whistlepig BBQ in Charlotte will be furnishing pulled pork for the group, with water and place settings also provided. “As long as you guys meet, I’ll help you out,” Whistlepig BBQ owner Jason Strotheide told Jerry Taylor, one of the organizers of the now-annual event. “The guys appreciate this very much,” Taylor added. The last picnic was held in 2022 with 38 people attending.

Many veterans remember some tough stuff about their experience in the military during the Vietnam war. How they were treated when they returned home is especially painful. There were no parades or welcoming parties. Many were treated disrespectfully due to the war being so unpopular. They learned to hide their veteran status, and many have refused to discuss their experience in Vietnam over the years because of the attitudes that were directed toward them. 

Jerry Taylor, Dave Smith, Fred Meyers, and Darrell Gingrich – all Eaton County Vietnam veterans – decided to do something about it and started this back in 2017. They set out to bring as many Eaton County Vietnam veterans as possible together, as a kind of reunion, to talk, share stories, and reminisce about their mutual experiences. They organized a Vietnam veterans’ picnic and invited everyone that they knew to be a veteran of the conflict. “The stories and the camaraderie are what keep many vets coming back,” Taylor said. Taylor is the last man still alive from his unit, so there’s no chance of a reunion with those with whom he served. “We don’t want to see it end,” said Taylor. “We look forward to it.”

In addition to the annual picnic at Bennett Park, a group of Vietnam veterans also meets at the Charlotte Big Boy restaurant about 8 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. They have breakfast, and sit and talk about a little of everything, Taylor said, and they welcome others to join them.

They also utilize the services of Thomas Lewis, Veterans Service Officer for Eaton County. Lewis provides services for veterans and their spouses. “He’s great at helping folks out,” explained Taylor, “whether it’s death benefits, housing, education, insurance, pensions, or medical care, he’s there for us.”

For additional information about the veterans’ events contact Jerry Taylor at 517-242-3048.

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.

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