Michiganders reminded to use safe firewood practices when camping

    With camping season underway, the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Natural Resources (DNR) are reminding residents and visitors that invasive pests and diseases can hitchhike in untreated firewood, spreading easily from one location to another.

    More than 140 pests and plant diseases can hitch a ride in untreated firewood, traveling hundreds of miles before emerging to wreak havoc on local ecosystems. Many of these harmful pests, including hemlock woolly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt are difficult to see with the naked eye, making them easy to transport unintentionally. Once established, these pests are extremely difficult—and often impossible—to eliminate, leading to costly, long-term impacts on our environment, economy and agricultural industries.

    Invasive species can: · Threaten Michigan’s nearly $126 billion food and agriculture industry and $26 billion forest products industry.

        · Kill native trees and plants and reduce biodiversity.

        · Damage habitats critical for wildlife and recreational activities.

        · Lead to quarantines or restrictions that affect local communities and businesses.

    MDARD and DNR recommend the following tried-and-true solutions to avoid transporting hidden pests and help keep Michigan’s forests safe:

        · Buy certified, heat-treated firewood, which is safe to transport            long distances because it has been treated to eliminate                          invasive pests.

        · Collect or purchase firewood at your destination. Firewood                should never be moved more than 10 miles from where it was            originally cut, unless it has been heat-treated.

        · Leave unused firewood behind. Do not take it home or to                    another campsite.

    In addition to protecting Michigan’s natural resources from invasive pests, campers also should be mindful of general fire safety to reduce the risk of wildfires, especially during dry summer months and near heavily wooded areas.

    Simple safety tips include:

        · Keep fires small and manageable.

        · Build fires away from trees and low-hanging branches.

        · Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.

        · Always douse fires thoroughly with water, stir the ashes and              douse again when finished.

    MDARD and DNR are reinforcing this message through a statewide outreach campaign this summer, including billboard placements and other educational efforts to remind residents and visitors not to move firewood.

 ‘Rochelle Clark & The Familiars’ to perform at Williamston Theatre Billtown Program on June 4th 

    Williamston Theatre, located at 122 S. Putnam Street in downtown Williamston, has an exciting Music in Billtown program for June that will feature ‘Rochelle Clark & The Familiars’. The group will bring their unique blend of folk, Americana, and country that sparks joy, inspiration, and reflection to the stage.

    This second event in the Music in Billtown series for Season 19 will be aon Thursday, June 4 at 7:30pm. Tickets are priced at $30 and are currently on sale.

    Rochelle Clark & The Familiars are an original Americana group blending lush, roots-driven soundscapes with raw storytelling. Fronted by singer-songwriter Rochelle Clark, the band weaves together elements of folk, country, and indie rock, creating a sound that feels both deeply personal and widely resonant. Backed by The Familiars, Clark's songwriting takes on a dynamic life of their own - moving seamlessly from intimate, stripped-down moments to full-bodied and harmony-rich arrangements.

    Rochelle Clark is a former Stage Manager and member of Actors’ Equity Association who worked on several shows at Williamston Theatre. She also composed the theme song for the theatre’s 2012 production of Dead Man's Shoes, "The Ballad of Injun Bill."

    For more information about the company, our current production Bad Books, and our entire 2025-2026 Season please visit our website at williamstontheatre.org or call (517) 655-SHOW (7469).

 Livingston County United Way accepting work proposals & volunteer registrations for ‘Day of Caring’

    Wednesday, August 5 marks the date for Livingston County United Way’s 24th Annual Day of Caring. The Day of Caring is a one-day community impact event that brings together volunteers to assist those needing help in our community. In 2025, 79 projects took place and involved over 850 volunteers.

    Every year Livingston County United Way accepts worksite proposals from local residents, seniors, schools, churches, disabled residents and non-profit agencies. The work requests are often minor household repairs/projects, cleaning and yard work that the homeowner cannot do on their own. Anyone can recommend a worksite and is encouraged to apply for a neighbor or friend who needs extra help. Registration deadline for worksites is Monday, June 15th.

    Volunteers are invited to register individually or as a group. Companies, clubs and organizations are invited and encouraged to participate together. What better way to showcase a company’s volunteer spirit while making a difference. Bolster employee morale through team building and connecting individuals to their community. Volunteers can choose to work a morning or afternoon shift, or all day. Registration deadline for volunteers is Tuesday, June 30th.

    “The impact made on Livingston County by Day of Caring volunteers is priceless,” stated Carrie Newstead, Executive Director of Livingston County United Way. “This day proves that when the community unites, we can make a tremendous impact together.”

    “Additionally, our wonderful friends at Citizens/Hanover Insurance are hosting a picnic luncheon for all Day of Caring volunteers at their Howell headquarters,” continued Newstead. “This gives volunteers an opportunity to relax, connect with one another, and celebrate community spirit together.”

    To register for a worksite, to volunteer, or learn more about Livingston County United Way, visit www.lcunitedway.org.

 Livingston County Sheriff’s Office invites community to take part in safety event on June 14th

    The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the upcoming LivCo Connected Safety Enrollment Event and is sharing the details in hopes of inviting our community to participate.

    It will take place June 14th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Livingston Educational Service Agency in Howell.

    The event is designed to support individuals with disabilities, communication barriers, medical conditions, sensory needs, and other vulnerable populations.

    Families and caregivers can:

        · Complete MSP VIP fingerprinting & photographs

        · Receive LivCo Connected identifying stickers for vehicles &              residences

        · Submit a 911 address flag

        · Enroll in the STS (Simple Tracking System)

        · Connect with local resources and support

    This event is sensory-friendly, welcoming, and designed with families in mind.

    Please help us spread the word by sharing with caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, and community members who may benefit. Register at: https://forms.gle/Xz9hgZuRboKhySg99

 Fowlerville High School to hold graduation ceremony Sunday, May 31st

    Fowlerville High School will hold its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026, starting at 1pm on Sunday, May 31, in the competition gym.

    The program begins with a Welcome by High School Principal Nicholas Zajas, followed by an Address to the FHS graduates by Superintendent Matthew Stuard and the Presentation of the School Board by Board President Amy Sova.

    Michaela Gulledge will give the Class Welcome, followed by Anna Horne giving the Salutatorian Address and then Maria Beach offering the Valedictorian Address.

    The ceremony will conclude with the Presentation of Diplomas, with Board President Amy Sova, Principal Nicolas Zajas, Assistant Principal Tammy Steffee, and Athletic Director Jeff Finney taking part.

    The high school band, under the direction of Katherine Wiley, will play the Senior Processional “Pomp and Circumstance” as the seniors enter the gym and the Recessional as they exit. The band will also perform the ‘Star Spangeled Banner’ prior to the start of the program.

 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

Summer Reading Kickoff

The Summer Reading Program will begin on June 12 with a concert from Music at the Blissful at 10 am and face painting from 11-1. For all ages. 

Friday, June 12 ● 10am

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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 SHERLOCK BONES by Renee Treml. 

Mon, June 22 ● 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, June 25 ● 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, June 18 ● 6:00 pm & Fri, June 19 ● 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 MIDNIGHT ON THE POTOMAC by Scott Ellsworth. 

Thurs, June 18 ● 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

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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 6/8 & 6/15 ● 1-2pm

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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.  

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.

 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