Saturday, April 19, 2025

Eddie ‘Ed” Jeffrey

    Eddie Otis Jeffrey, known to many as Ed, raced his last race in this world on April 14, 2025, at U of M Health - Sparrow Hospital, with the same dignity and grace that he carried throughout his life. Ed was born on June 11, 1951, in Howell, Michigan, to the late Lester Duffer Jeffrey and Mary Elsie Gould, where he established deep roots and became a cornerstone of the community.

    As a graduate of Webberville High School, Ed demonstrated early on his passion for mechanics. He furthered his expertise by attending trade school, setting the stage for what would become a fulfilling lifelong career in the automotive field. Ed's professional journey began in 1973 at Bob Smith Ford in Fowlerville, where his dedication and skill quickly became apparent. He took numerous Ford classes to keep his skills updated. After nearly three decades of service, he took a leap of faith, and launched Jeffrey Automotive in 2001, where he remained at the helm until his retirement in 2021. His commitment to his work and customers was not merely a job but a testament to his character.

    Ed leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Kathy and their children, April (Todd) Siegel, Curtis (Holly) Holmes, and Chad Holmes. His legacy flourishes through his eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who gave him immeasurable joy and pride. He also leaves behind his lifelong best friend, Rich Kurchin, and his wife Amy; sister Darlene, along with his nephews, a niece, and cousins. Ed gave his unwavering support and guidance to all of his family and his many friends.

    He is reunited in passing with his parents, Lester and Mary, as well as his brother Milo.

    Ed's zest for life went beyond his professional achievements. His love for drag racing was more than a hobby. He started a business called, Jeffrey Racing, LLC, and had many sponsors. His passion took him to racetracks across the state, including Milan, Onondaga, and Mid-Michigan. His fondness for fast cars and his youthful days of street racing were eclipsed only by the love he had for his customers and the friendships he forged through his automotive endeavours. To Ed, work never truly felt like work because he loved what he did, and it showed to everyone who crossed his path.

    Throughout his life, Ed's integrity resonated with the sense of community that he cultivated, making friends through every facet of his life. He was known for his sense of humor, his generous spirit, and his ability to recall and tell a story in a way that would leave everyone smiling.

    Ed lived a life in alignment with success, by all accounts, is the hallmark of Ed's time among us, for he lived by this principle and, in doing so, touched the lives of every person lucky enough to have known him.

    Ed Jeffrey—husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and community pillar—will be dearly missed, yet his memory and the indelible impact he had on those around him will endure forever. He will be remembered as a man who not only mastered the art of automotive maintenance but also the art of maintaining lasting and loving relationships with all he knew.

    Online condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com

    The family is being served by Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Perry Chapel. 

 VINA Community Dental Center announces 2025 Corvette Raffle

    VINA Community Dental Center announced an exciting fundraiser to support their mission of providing affordable dental care to those in need, including veterans, seniors, the uninsured and other limited-income individuals. In partnership with Champion Chevrolet and First Impression Print & Marketing, the 2025 VINA Corvette Raffle will allow one lucky winner to drive away with a 2025 Chevrolet Corvette or $60,000 cash.

    Tickets are $100 each and on sale at VINA Community Dental Center or by using the online payment portal.

    The funds raised from this raffle will benefit VINA’s essential dental care services and further support the organization’s partnerships in providing free dental care to veterans in need.

    “The 2025 VINA Corvette Raffle is an incredible opportunity for our community to come together and make a positive impact on the lives of veterans, older adults and other uninsured patients in need,” said Samantha Jorgens, Executive Director at VINA. “By participating in this raffle, not only will individuals have the opportunity to win an incredible prize but also help restore and spread smiles by helping us provide crucial dental care services.”

    The raffle will run until Friday, July 4, 2025, where the winning ticket will be drawn on the reviewing stand at the Brighton 4th of July Parade. A maximum of 3,000 tickets will be sold, and the lucky winner will have the option to choose either the 2025 Corvette or a cash prize of $60,000. Raffle ticket holders do not need to be present to win.

Fowlerville Family Fair announces Extreme Open Class Makeover

By Dawn Bhajan,

Superintendent of Fowlerville Family Fair

Open Class Home Arts

    Everyone loves a good makeover story – a dilapidated cabin turned cozy getaway, a rusted-out junkyard find turned car show cruiser, a social wallflower turned prom queen. We humans love to give new life to repurposed things and to see their potential bloom. How exciting, then, to have a tale of total transformation taking place right now in our very own Fowlerville Fair…

    If you’ve been following this article series, you already know where we started from… an Open Class program cancelled in 2023 on the heels of a steep, post-2020 decline. Open Class is our Fair’s Livestock and Home Arts competitive classes, open to ALL Michigan residents ages 5+ (no memberships/affiliations required), in which animals, arts, crafts, canning, baked goods, plants, collections—and other entries made or cultivated by you—have a chance to win ribbons and cash awards.

    To have this program come roaring back in 2024 with such vigor shows just how much our community values this deeply-rooted, all-inclusive showcase of community talent!

    As our Extreme Open Class Makeover continues into 2025, you’ll spot all sorts of exciting transformations, starting with a major overhaul of our Open Class Entry Book, which is NOW AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE at www.fowlervillefamilyfair.com/fair/open-class!

    Registration will open June 16th and run through July 1st.

    In addition to a complete reorganization and clean-up, look for over 100 brand new competitive Classes in the Entry Book, such as Farm Display (1/64th scale), Sourdough Bread, Illustrated Poem, Handmade Costumery, Sports Memorabilia Collection, Paint-by-Number, Upcycled Paper/Cardboard Art, T-Shirt Quilt, Native Plants Arrangement, Macramé, and Homemade Cider. And that’s just to start!

    In one bold stroke, we’ve restructured the Photography Department to feature both Professional and Amateur Classes. This means more chances to win and an opportunity to compete with peers in Open Class’ most popular Department.

    Also new this year, our coveted Best of Show ribbons, awarded to entries demonstrating exceptional merit within their Section (group of Classes), now also come with a $10 cash award in addition to the 1st place ribbon premium and a frameable Award Certificate.

    Our low- and no-tech friends will be delighted to hear that mail-in paper entry forms are BACK in the 2025 Open Class Entry Book as an alternative to online registration.

    And even beyond Entry Book changes, there are improvements to Entry Tags, Exhibit drop-off schedules, registration timelines, the Exhibitor Reception, and much more. You can stay up-to-date on all these exciting changes by joining our “Fowlerville Fair Open Class Home Arts” Facebook group, staying tuned to Fowlerville News & Views, AND now also signing up for our brand new monthly/semi-monthly E-mail Newsletter containing the latest Open Class highlights, critical intel, fun trivia, people-to-know, and helpful resources. Enter your email at http://eepurl.com/iSEgT2 to make sure you don’t miss a single Open Class update.

    Best of all, this is a makeover story that YOU get to be a part of – as Exhibitors, Volunteers, Sponsors, and visitors to the Open Class Exhibits. Let us know how you would you like to be involved!

    For questions, ideas, and interest in sponsorship or volunteering, please contact me at (810) 923-4582 or dawnbhajan@gmail.com. 

 Fowlerville High School Aumni Banquet tickets now available for purchase

By Meghan Swain,

Fowlerville Alumni Association Committee

    Punch your ticket to the 131st Fowlerville High School Alumni Association Banquet. This is the alumni’s only fundraiser. For the last 51 years, we have provided scholarships to FHS graduating seniors pursuing college, university, or trade school.

    Join us Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Fowlerville High School (700 Grand Street, Fowlerville, Michigan) starting at 4pm for social hour, 5pm class photos, and 6pm dinner/program.

    This year, we toast the Classes of 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1985 (to include a class speaker), but are still looking for representatives of classes 1980, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 to join us. You can pick up your ticket(s) at Reggie’s Barber Shop. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Or, you can order your tickets online securely at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/fhsalumniassociation/fhs-alumni-association-131st-annual-banquet. There is a small fee to do so.

    We also remember those that we have lost through memorial donations. They are printed in the onsite program and the Fowlerville News & Views. Donations can be made out to FHS Alumni Association and mailed to PO BOX 446, Fowlerville, Michigan 48836. We accept and recognize donations all year.

    Own a business and would like to advertise? We got that too! For a minimum donation of $25, you will have your business card printed in the onsite program, dinner tables, recognition on social media and in the Fowlerville News & Views.

    We hope that you will join us on Saturday, June 7th!

 Community Theatre of Howell presents afternoon of Classic Radio Drama

    Community Theatre of Howell (CTH) is excited to bring audiences another unforgettable afternoon of live radio storytelling with the WCTH Radio Hour on Sunday, April 27. This month’s performance will feature two iconic episodes from the Golden Age of Radio: The Life of Riley –“The Mother -in-Law” and The Thin Man Adventure Series – “The Case of the All-American Menace.”

    The Life of Riley –“The Mother -in-Law” In this episode, the lovable but bumbling working-class family man, Chester Riley, faces comedic chaos when his formidable mother-in-law, Mrs. Stevenson, comes for a visit. Determined to assert himself as the head of the household, Riley's attempts to stand his ground backfire hilariously, leading to a series of misunderstandings and laugh-out-loud moments. The episode humorously explores family dynamics, with Riley ultimately learning a lesson about patience and respect.

    The Thin Man Adventure Series – “The Case of the All-American Menace”A young woman seeks the advice of Nick Charles in how to get away with murder. Nick and Nora then notice that the potential victim is dead. However, things are never as simple as they seem.

    Date & Time: Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 2:00 pm

    Location: Community Theatre of Howell, Howell High School Freshman Campus Auditorium, 1400 W. Grand River Avenue, Howell, MI

    This activity is supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts.

    For further information and updates, please visit Community Theatre of Howell's website at www.cththeatre.org/wcth-radio-shows or follow CTH on Facebook and/or Instagram.

    About Community Theatre of Howell: Community Theatre of Howell's mission is to foster and encourage the study of and public appreciation for the performing arts. We offer quality productions to the community each year and educational opportunities for adults and youth. We pride ourselves on family entertainment and we provide a structured cultural experience for everyone involved.

 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

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! 

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. 

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. 

Thursdays ● 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. Next meeting, we will discuss PAWS GABBY GETS IT TOGETHER by Michele Assarasakorn and Nathan Fairbairn. 

Mon, April 21 ● 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! Long 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. 

Fridays beginning May 2 ● 10-11 am

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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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Maker Space Open House (All Ages)

Join us in for a Maker’s Space Open House. Connor will be on hand to help with the 3D Printer and Glowforge. What will you create? 

Tues ● 4-5 pm

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International Snack Tasting

Try some unusual snack items from around the world. 

Monday, May 5 ● 3-5pm

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ADULTS

Mother’s Day Trivet

Treat yourself or someone you love to a personalized in-laid tile trivet. There will be a choice of designs. All supplies are included, registration required

Thurs, May 1 ● 6pm

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Me and My Human Pet Portraits

May 4-10 is Be Kind to Animals Week. Celebrate with a special photo of you and your fur (or scale or feather) baby. Andrea Shepard Photography will send a professional digital file to your email for printing and sharing. An appointment is required. Please call the library to schedule a sitting time.

Monday, May 5 ● 9:30-11:30am & 5-7pm

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Livingston County According to Buddy Moorehouse

The longtime journalist and editor of the Livingston County Press and Argus will dish about all things “Livingston County” with a special emphasis on Fowlerville. His book, A TACO BELL FOR HOWELL was published in 2023 and is available for check out. He is working on his second book. Join us for this enjoyable evening. 

Wed, May 14 ● 5:30 pm

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The Founding Fathers

Calling all history buffs! Owen McMaster is back by popular demand to present an engaging and entertaining program on our nation’s founding fathers. 

Thurs, May 22 ● 6pm

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Find Your People at the Library (Please note this change in date and time)

We are thrilled to continue this popular working group to explore the Ancestry Library Edition and other valuable genealogy resources. Bring your laptop or use one of our computers. Registration Requested.

Thurs, May 8 ● 2-3 pm

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Jam Session (Adults and teens)

Open Jam Sessions are becoming a monthly tradition here at the library. Led by community members who love to learn, share and connect; all levels, instruments and genres are welcome! Newcomers are encouraged to lead tunes when they feel called. Song leads call out chords and changes. Questions? Email kjdamerow@gmail.com, OPENJAM in the subject line. 

Tues, May 13 ● 5:30 – 6:45pm

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Cardmaking (Adults)

Greet your friends and loved ones with beautiful homemade greeting cards-made by you! You will make four different cards to take home. All supplies included. Registration is required. 

Thurs, Apr 24 ● 6:30 pm & Fri, Apr 25 ● 11am

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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. Apr 26 ● 10:30 – 3:30

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Shelf Indulgence Book Club (Adults)

Members take turns facilitating the discussions. Come and enjoy some literary camaraderie! Register to get a free copy of the book, while supplies last. Registration begins one month before each scheduled meeting. Next up we will discuss UNDERGROUND LIBRARY by Jennifer Ryan. 

May 15 ● 2pm

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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

Friday, May 9 ● 10-2 pm

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A Friendly Reminder

We are happy to be fine-free, however after 3 months 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.

Saturday, April 12, 2025

 Carl Arthur Smyth

December 17, 1951 – April 5, 2025

    It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carl Arthur Smyth, who departed this life on April 5, 2025, at the age of 73. A lifelong resident of Fowlerville, Michigan, Carl was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather-to-be, brother, uncle, and friend. His kindness, wisdom, and steady presence left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

    Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Ida M. Stambaugh, stepfather, Ivan Stambaugh, and granddaughter, Kesa Shaposka-Fountain.

    He is survived by his loving wife, Beverlee Ann Smyth, and his children: Tom Smyth (Krista Bauby), Christopher Smyth, and Jennifer Smyth. He was also a proud stepfather to Tracie (Arletus) Fountain, Tonya (Craig) Woodward, Paul Shaposka Jr., Kimberly Shaposka, and Robert Copeland.

    Carl leaves behind eighteen cherished grandchildren, with two great-grandchildren on the way, as well as his brothers Dan Smyth (Jan), Jesse Smyth (Mary), and Jerry Smyth, and countless extended family members and dear friends who loved him.

    Born in Howell, Michigan, Carl lived a life rooted in service and community. He proudly served as a Deputy with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department for 27 years, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and community for his dedication, quiet strength, and unwavering integrity.

    Carl had a lifelong fascination with science fiction and space exploration, especially Star Trek. One of his favorite adventures was visiting the NASA Space Center in Houston—a trip that combined his love for travel, learning, and sharing wonder with his wife. Whether embarking on road trips to Lake Michigan, spending time with family, or slipping a dad joke into conversation, Carl found joy in the simple, meaningful moments.

    He had a deep love for movies, history documentaries, Michigan sports teams, and music partic-ularly the kind that gave him a chance to show off his signature dad dance moves. His faith was a guiding light throughout his life. Carl loved Jesus and trusted wholeheartedly in God's plan. He was a man of quiet strength, quick humor, and a heart that embraced everyone he met. He never complained, always cared, and made it his mission to help others—saving lives and lifting spirits wherever he went.

    Visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, followed by a funeral service at 12:30 p.m., at Herrmann Funeral Home, 1005 E. Grand River, Fowlerville, MI.

    Carl will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

    Arrangements entrusted to Herrmann Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at pjherrmannfuneralhome.com