Ruth Ellen Sova

    Ruth Ellen Sova, age 89, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026.

    Born December 26, 1936, to the late Paul and Minnie Green, Ruth was born and raised in Detroit. She graduated from Cooley High School in 1954 before attending Mercy School of Nursing, Mt. Carmel Unit, where she earned her Registered Nurse degree in 1957. Nursing was not just Ruth’s profession, but truly part of who she was. She spent her career caring for others at McPherson Hospital, where her patience, kindness, and calm nature made a lasting impression on so many people through the years.

    Ruth met the love of her life, Gary Sova, at a party where the two shared a dance. That dance turned into a marriage that lasted 65 years. They were married on October 22, 1960, in Detroit and together built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and love while raising five children.

    Ruth found happiness in the things she loved most: sewing, swimming, watching tennis and figure skating, and cheering on the Detroit Tigers. One of her favorite memories was attending the last championship game won by the Detroit Lions on December 29, 1957, alongside her father — a moment she talked about and treasured throughout her life.

    More than anything, Ruth loved being a mother and grandmother. Her family knew her as a patient, gentle person who rarely raised her voice or became angry. She had a quiet strength about her and made everyone around her feel cared for.

    She is survived by her children, Doug (Lisa) Sova, Mark (Laurie) Sova, Matt (Sheila) Sova, Denise (John) Dragonov, and Brad (Amy) Sova; her grandchildren, Kristina Sova, Kevin (Christine) Sova, Renee (Kyle) Bowman, John (Sicilee) Dragonov, Jessica (Jake) Baibak, Jordan (Reed) Wilmot, Luke Sova, Brandie Sova, Mitchell Sova, Shaw Sova, Mason Sova, Emma Sova, and Cole Sova; step-grandchildren, Bruce (Rachel) Croft and Nichole Croft; six great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; and three step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Carole Figures.

    Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Gary Sova; and her brother-in-law, Derrick Figures.

    A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at St. Agnes Catholic Church. 855 E Grand River Ave, Fowlerville, MI 48836. A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Fowlerville, MI.

    Memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s name to All American Hospice.

    Memories and condolences can be shared with the family online at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com

 Williamston ‘Concert in the Park’ starts this Thursday, May 21st, with jazz bands

    The Williamston’Concert in the Park’ starts the new season this Thursday, May 21st. The Williamston High School & Middle School Jazz Bandswill be performing in McCormick Park, starting at 7pm. Seniors LAST DAY! Hence the early concert! This is the first of 12 concerts "in the Shell." This first concert is sponsored by the Williamston Area Beatification Fund, the foundation that built the Band Shell. Concession by the Williamston Area Senior Center.

 Fowlerville High School Jazz Band to kick off ‘Music at the Park’ schedule on May 26th

    ‘Music at the Park’ begins its schedule of outdoor shows next Tuesday, May 26, with a performance by the Fowlerville High School Jazz Band starting 7 p.m. at the Centennial Park Gazebo (next to the EMS station). The rain date is Thursday, May 28.

    The band is led by Matthew Winright Jr., the junior high school band director, and the ensemble will be playing an assortment of jazz standards and contemporary pieces. The junior high school jazz band and a jazz combo will also be featured with each group playing a couple of selections.

    ‘Music at the Park’ will once again feature a June Series and a Summer Series, with a total of ten performances on the schedule. The first six concerts will be held at the Centennial Park with the final four taking place at the Fowlerville Community Park’s Glover Amphitheater.

    All of the concerts are scheduled on Tuesday evenings, with all but one having rain dates on Thursday.

    Next up on the schedule will be Blake James on June 2 (rain date June 4) playing a variety of blue grass and country songs. The Fowlerville musician has been a regular in the ‘Music at the Park’ line-up since its start and he also performs at several venues around the area, including the Fowlerville Family Fair.

    Velocity Shift is set for Tuesday, June 9 (rain date June 11). The three-member band plays classic rock from the ‘60s thru the ‘90s. One of the members is Mark Gastambide who was the music teacher at Smith Elementary for 30 years prior to retiring four years ago. He’s looking forward to coming back and playing for the Fowlerville folks again.

    The rest of the June Series includes the Stonghold Quartet on June 16 (rain date June 18), the Livingston County Concert Band on June 23 (no rain date) and finally Kari Holmes on June 30 (rain date July 2).

    The first five June Series concerts are sponsored by the Village of Fowlerville Downtown Development Authority, with Bob Maxey Ford of Fowlerville sponsoring Kari Holmes’ concert..

    The Summer Series will feature the The New Librarians on July 7 (rain date July 9), sponsored by Fowlerville Rotary; Harmonized Steel on July 14 (rain date July 16), sponsored by Fowlerville Dental Center; William Shadrick on July 21 (rain date July 23), sponsored by Vermeer Midwest; and Bryce Engle on August 4 (rain date August 6), sponsored by Fowlerville Rotary.

    All of the concerts start at 7 p.m., with the exception of the Livingston County Concert Band which has a warm-up at 7 p.m., followed by their performance at 7:30 p.m.

    “It’s nice to welcome back the High School Jazz Band to launch our concert season,” said Dawn Horton, who organizes the event. “We have other returning performers and have added a new one. We’ve tried to offer a variety of musical styles, including country, classic rock, gospel, marches and show tunes, swing and R&R, and blue grass.”

    The Fowlerivlle High School Jazz Band will perform two sets of music at the concert.

    The Fowlerville Junior High School Jazz Band will be playing at the park on May 26th.

Memorial Day observances being held in Fowlerville & Webberville May 25th

    Memorial Day observances are being held on Monday, May 25th, in Fowlerville and Webberville.

    A parade and ceremony will take place in Webberville at 8 a.m. The parade will form at the high school and proceed along Grand River to the Veterans Monument at the Main 4 Corners. Services will then be conducted.

    A ceremony will also be held in Fowlerville at 10 a.m. Particpants will gather on Cemetery Road at the south side of Greenwood Cemetery by the Post Office, then proceed to the main entrance. Services will then be conducted at the site of the memorial cannon. 

 Hartland Senior Activity Center to host Community Health Fair on June 4th

    The Hartland Senior Activity Center is excited to announce its upcoming Health Fair, taking place on Thursday, June 4, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Center located at 9525 E Highland Road, Howell.

    This free community event for adults aged 50+ will feature a wide variety of local health-related resources, offering valuable information on wellness, fitness, preventive care, and services available in the area. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with professionals in the field, ask questions, and gather helpful materials.

    In addition to health information, the event will include giveaways and prize drawings, making it a fun and informative experience for all who attend.

    “We’re proud to bring together local health organizations and community members in one place to promote wellness and awareness,” said Kim Konarski, Director of the Hartland Senior Activity Center. “Whether you're looking for information, support, or simply a chance to connect, this event is for you.”

    The Health Fair is open to the public aged 50+, and all are welcome to attend. For more information, please call the Hartland Senior Activity Center at (810) 626-2135.

 Community support needed as Family Impact Centers organizes 3 major spring efforts

By Michael Shafer

Executive Director of Family Impact Centers

    Family Impact Centers is asking the community to come together in a major way over the coming weeks as three important fundraising and support efforts work toward helping local families facing food insecurity.

    Today, Family Impact Centers is feeding more people than ever before.

    Currently, the organization serves nearly 150 families every week directly through its food pantry operations, while also helping another 140 families weekly through its Promise Of Impact Initiative — partnerships that extend food support beyond the pantry walls into schools, churches, and community organizations.

    Combined, that means nearly 300 families each week are receiving support throughout the region.

    As summer approaches, the need remains high while food donations traditionally begin to decline.

    To help continue meeting the growing need, Family Impact Centers is encouraging the community to support three major upcoming efforts.

    The first upcoming event is the Family Impact Centers Rummage Sale, taking place May 21–23. All proceeds from the sale will directly support local families through the organization’s food assistance programs and operations.

    The rummage sale will run Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations for the sale are currently being accepted through May 20 during regular office hours.

    Another major event is the Sheila Larson Run For The Impact 5K Fundraiser, one of Family Impact Centers’ primary annual fundraising efforts.

    The 5K will take place June 6 at 9 a.m. at Family Impact Centers, located at 9430 W. Grand River Ave. in Fowlerville.

    Community members are encouraged to come participate however they are able — whether that means running, walking, or simply coming out to support the cause and encourage participants.

    The event is designed to bring the community together while helping provide continued food assistance and support to local families throughout the region.

    Registration information for the 5K, donation opportunities, and additional event details can all be found at Familyimpactcenters.com

    Family Impact Centers is also encouraging businesses, churches, schools, and community organizations to host food drives throughout June to help keep pantry shelves stocked during the summer months.

    Some of the greatest immediate needs include ravioli, beef stew, chili, canned meats, soups, Hamburger Helper, seasoned rice and pasta sides, pancake mix, and syrup.

    Summer is traditionally one of the most difficult seasons for food donations, while many families continue facing financial pressure and rising costs.

    Financial donations are also being accepted to help support ongoing pantry operations and food sourcing efforts.

    Family Impact Centers emphasizes that every dollar given helps stretch food resources further and allows the organization to continue expanding its reach throughout the community.

    More information about Family Impact Centers, upcoming events, volunteering, or donating can be found at: Familyimpactcenters.com

 Fowlerville District Library

Upcoming Events

Monday – Wednesday: 9:30 am to 7:00 pm

Thursday: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm

Friday: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

For any questions, or to register for programs, call us at                517-223-9089 .

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KIDS & FAMILY

Homeschool Hangout

This is a fun drop-in program for homeschoolers to connect with one another over games and activities. Each session includes a STEAM activity. 

Wed, May 20 ● 1-2pm

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Family Storytime (Ages 1-5)

For families with “littles” to learn, play and grow through a variety of stories, songs, rhymes, movements, and activities. Playtime and crafts included! (No story time the first week of June) 

Tues ● 10-11am

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Toddler Storytime (Ages 0-3)

A storytime for the “littlest littles” to learn, play, and grow through a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movements that appeal to short attention spans. (No story time the first week of June) 

Wed ● 10-11am

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Kids Club (Ages 6-12)

All the fun of Lego Club, but with more! Now you can play a game, complete a craft or activity, and still build with your favorite bricks. (There will be no Kid’s Club the first week of June.) 

Thurs.● 4pm

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Graphic Novel Book Club

Read the book and then come to discuss it. Snacks provided. Books are available at the front desk and are yours to keep. We will be discussing ALLERGIC by Megan Lloyd. 

Mon, May 18 ● 4pm

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Book Boxes (All ages)

Fill out the online form by visiting the events page on our website. Let the librarians pick a surprise selection of books for you. Register the first two weeks of every month to get next month’s box, which will be ready to pick up the first of the following month.

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Reading Dragons (All Ages)

Game on! Read to earn creature cards to collect and play games! Can you collect them all? Stop by the library to grab a reading log and a starter set to begin your adventure.

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Live Homework Help

Free with your library card! Log on to HelpNow, click “Live Help”, Enter subject and grade level and enter the online classroom for expert assistance. You can find a link on our homepage.

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Sensory Playtime (Ages 2-5)

This is a drop-in playtime filled with unstructured, sensory fun! Watch your littles use their imaginations to turn everyday things into toys. Caregiver supervision is required. 

Friday, June 19 ● 10-11am

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TEENS

Dungeons & Dragons (Ages 12-18)

Come play D&D 5th Edition! No prior experience needed.

Wednesdays ● 2:30-5pm

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Switch Free Play (Ages 10-18)

Open gaming time with the library's Switch.

Fridays ● 2:30-5 pm

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ADULTS

Board of Trustees Meeting

The Board will meet to discuss library business, the public is invited and encouraged to attend. 

Thurs, May 21 ● 6pm

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Writer’s Group Meeting

Are you an established or aspiring author? You are not alone. There are many writers in Fowlerville and the surrounding areas. We will meet in the historical room. 

Fri. June 19 ● 11am

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The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

Owen McMaster will be here in honor of our upcoming 250th Semiquincentennial, celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence 1776. Always an entertaining speaker, he will get us in the zone to feel proud of our country. 

Thurs, May 28 ● 6pm

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Cardmaking (Adults)

Enjoy camaraderie and cards at this popular program. You will make four different cards to take home. All supplies included. Registration is required. 

Thurs, May 21 ● 6:00 pm & Fri, May 22 ● 11 am

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Scrapbooking (Adults)

Make the most of your memories and join us for a fun day of scrapbooking your favorite photos. Stay the whole time or for just a few hours. Everyone gets their own table. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required. 

Sat. June 20 ● 10:30 – 3:30pm

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Shelf Indulgence Book Club (Adults)

Members take turns facilitating discussions. Come and enjoy some literar y camaraderie! Register to get a free copy of the book, while supplies last. Registration begins one month before each scheduled meeting. Next meeting, we will discuss THE LOST STORY by Meg Shaffer. 

Thurs, May 21 ● 2-3pm

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Sewing (Adults)

Bring your sewing machine and learn from a master seamstress. All levels of skill are welcome. Registration is required. 

Wed, June 17 ● 5:30pm & Fri, June 26 ● 10-2 pm

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Holistic Wellness (Adults)

Lyndsey Johnson from Natural Roots and Wellness presents workshops for promoting health and vitality through holistic practice. In this class, we will discuss herbal remedies for allergies and bug bites. Registration is required. 

Mon, June 1 ● 5pm

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Uncle Sam Gnome (Adults)

Join us to make a whimsical gnome to hang up and get you in the spirit for America’s 250! All supplies are included. Registration is required. 

Friday, June 12 ● 2 pm

Healthy Adult-Caring for the Caregiver (Adults)

During this one-hour workshop, we explore the many ways informal caregiving affects caregivers’ mental and physical health, learn the importance of self-care for caregivers, practice some strategies for self-care, and find resources for learning more for caregivers. Lunch is provided. Please register. Space is limited. Presented by Abigail Cudney, MS, health educator at MSU Extension. 

Monday, June 1 ● 12:15-1:30 pm

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Healthy Adult-Keep Moving (Adults)

We know how important physical activity is for our health, but barriers can get in the way of staying active. You will learn ways to cope with these barriers and discover the various types of physical activity and options for staying active for your health goals. Participants will be invited to enjoy a little bit of chair yoga during the presentation. Lunch is provided. Please register. Space is limited. Presented by Abigail Cudney, MS, health educator at MSU Extension. 

Monday, June 8 ● 12:15-1:30 pm

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Healthy Adult – Smart Food Choices (Adult)

Planning meals can be overwhelming and sometimes frustrating. During this presentation, we will break down the process into steps, starting with food choices that support your health goals and identifying ways to shop for healthy foods with your budget in mind. We will finish with ideas and tips on making shopping for food less stressful. Lunch is provided. Space is limited. Please register. Presented by Abigail Cudney, MS, health educator at MSU Extension.

Monday, June 15 ● 12:15-1:30pm

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Repair Cafe

Don’t throw it away! Bring your broken items here for repair and advice from handymen. 

Sat, May 30 ● 10-12pm

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Computer Assistance

Do you need help formatting a resume? Making columns on a document? Saving something to a flash drive? Whatever you may need help with, a computer expert will be here to assist you near the public computers. 

Mon 5/18 & 6/11 ● 1-2pm

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Library Lounge A Reading Ungroup for Grownups

Bring your own book, or read one of ours, and come to our monthly after-hours silent reading program.  For adults 18+ only, you can imbibe with a non-alcoholic literary-themed signature MOCKTAIL, grab some pub snacks, then go find a comfy chair and read in uninterrupted delicious silence for an hour. Registration is required. 

Tues, June 9 ● 7pm

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Fiber Arts Lounge

Spend some time with other fiber artists. Bring your latest project and share your passion for an hour or two. We will meet by the fireplace, as space allows. 

Thurs, June 4 ● 6 pm. Registration is not required.

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Fairy Door Decorating

Come and create a portal into the wonderful world of fairies. Whether inside your home or in the garden, these mythical creatures need a place to come and go between our worlds. Registration is required. 

June 11 ● 6 pm

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All About Backyard Chickens

Having your own flock of chickens in the backyard can be so much fun and so rewarding. Learn the benefits and dirty bird truths about this fascinating hobby. 

Thursday May 28 ● 6 pm. Registration is not required.

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Fowlerville Area Historical Society Meeting

The Historical Society will meet here. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. 

Thurs, June 4 ● 6pm

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Did You Know?

Did you know that we are a food collection location for the Family Impact Center? Non-perishable foods may be dropped off in the cafe area, and we thank you!

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A Friendly Reminder

We are happy to be fine-free, however after a book is 8 weeks overdue, the item will be withdrawn from our system and can no longer be returned. A library lost/replacement fee will be applied to the account. Please return your items on time so that others can enjoy them too.