Basil Bloss                                                                                                                                                                                                                Howell, MI

    Basil Benjamin Bloss, 83, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025. He was born on January 14, 1942, in Gaines Township, Michigan to Laverne Bloss and Elma (Muchler) Bloss. He graduated from Swartz Creek High School in 1960. After graduating, Basil held several jobs, including co-owner of a local gas station before his first call to service. He served in the Army from 1965-1967 with his last post in Bindlach, Germany as Specialist E5. After returning from overseas, Basil started working at the Swartz Creek Department of Public Works. He met the love of his life, Coralene Jackson, on a blind date in February 1968. They married on August 24 of that year. Their union of 57 years was filled with many adventures.

    Basil will be remembered for his participation in many activities with his church and community. He assisted with both Boy Scout & Girl Scout troops during his own children's involvement, and later became Scoutmaster of Troop 122, supporting many of his scouts to reach the rank of Eagle.

    He retired from Swartz Creek DPW in 1995 after 28 years of service, 22 of which he was foreman. Following his retirement, he worked part-time at Gillroy’s in Swartz Creek where he enjoyed helping those who came in the store and maintaining a connection to the community.

    He and Coralene moved to Howell in 2006 where they joined First United Methodist Church of Howell. While on the family farm, he found peace and solitude outdoors, enjoying hunting, gardening, mowing the lawn, or just being outside. He participated in many mission trips over the years to Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and several in the U.S. He was a faithful participant in many local missions as well, including the CROP Walk, Walk for Warmth, and Gleaner’s Food Pantry. For all these things he will be remembered for his strong devotion to his faith and family, along with his kindness and servant's heart.

    Basil will be missed by his loving wife, Coralene; his children, Christopher (Jennifer) Bloss, Ruth DeLong; siblings, Beverley Hartman, Bradley Bloss; grandchildren Alexandra (Jorge), Elizabeth (Caleb), Nathaniel, Andrew, Michaela, Josephine, Zachary; many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Laverne and Elma Bloss; and brother, Bernard Bloss.

    Basil’s family and friends are invited to gather from 3-7pm on January 16, 2026 at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Howell Memorial Chapel in Howell, Michigan. His Celebration of Life will be held at Noon on January 17, 2026 with a visitation held at 11am at First United Methodist Church in Howell. Pastor Doug McMunn will serve as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions are suggested to First United Methodist Church in Howell. Please leave a message of comfort for Basil’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

 JoAnn Phillips

    JoAnn Phillips, age 90 passed away on October 20, 2025. She was born September 30, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan to Martin and Mary Nelson.

    JoAnn was employed at Citizens Insurance Company for several years. During that time, many longlasting friendships were created. She always wore a smile on her face and had a great sense of humor. Retirement provided her time to enjoy her favorite passion of rummaging though garage sales, flea markets and estate sales searching for nothing in particular but always walking with another trinket for her already full china cabinet.

    JoAnn spent her final years residing in Bethlehem, Ct, being taken care of by family relatives, Julie and Robert Eastin and their kids, Jacob, Kaleb and Geevieve. JoAnn was pre-deceased by her parents, Martin and Mary Nelson, her longtime companion Jim Nagy and her daughter Derise Burgess. She is survived by her son Marty Phillips.

 Gov. Whitmer proclaims December as Michigan Christmas Tree Month

    Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed December as Michigan Christmas Tree Month, honoring the economic, environmental and social benefits of the state’s Christmas tree industry. To celebrate the start of the month, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Christmas Tree Association (MCTA) toured Peacock Road Family Farm in Laingsburg.

    “Real Michigan Christmas trees are a holiday tradition for many families, whether you visit a Christmas tree farm or a retail tree lot,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “You not only get a fresh, fragrant, beautiful tree as the centerpiece of your celebrations, but at many locations you also get to experience activities like hayrides or sleigh rides, petting farms, visits with Santa and more. We continue to see that Michiganders are interested in connecting directly with agriculture, and establishments like Peacock Road Family Farm are really the fabric of our state culture this time of year.”

    Michigan's integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers and retailers work together to ensure a quality product celebrated by millions throughout our state and country.

    The state ranks third in the nation for the number of Christmas trees harvested, supplying about two million fresh trees – with an annual net value of more than $45 million – to the national market each year. There are more than 500 Christmas tree farms on a combined 33,000 acres in Michigan, ranging from large wholesale farms, to choose and cut farms, to small farms with a few acres selling pre-cut trees.

    “Michigan’s Christmas tree industry delivers more than just holiday cheer,” said Amy Start, Executive Director of MCTA. “It generates jobs, supports environmental sustainability, and provides joy to millions of families during the holiday season. It means a lot to know Gov. Whitmer supports our industry and celebrates our role as a memory maker for Michiganders.”

    Michigan grows and sells more than a dozen Christmas tree varieties on a wholesale level, which is more species than any other state. The most popular types of Christmas trees available in Michigan are Fraser fir, Scotch pine, Colorado blue spruce, Douglas fir, Concolor fir and Canaan fir. In addition to Christmas trees, the industry makes an additional $5 million in sales of wreaths, cut boughs, garland and other fresh greenery products.   “The holidays are always a magical time at Peacock Road Family Farm, and we’re excited to welcome families back to the farm this Christmas season,” said Farm General Manager Christian Voorheis. “You can take a wagon ride out to the field to cut your own tree or choose from our pre-cut lot and visit Santa in his cabin, roast marshmallows at a firepit, sip cocoa, buy lunch or a snack, visit our Christmas store, and leave with a beautiful Christmas tree, a warm heart and lasting holiday memories.”

    Real Christmas trees are also a great environmental choice. They grow on rocky soil typically unsuitable for other crops and provide extra woodland for animals, create oxygen, and take carbon dioxide out of the air, helping combat global warming. Christmas trees are renewable resources and 100 percent recyclable. The best way to recycle your tree after Christmas is to chip it into mulch, which can be used for landscaping projects.

    Christmas trees take six to eight  years to reach marketable height. For every Christmas tree harvested, Michigan growers plant three new trees for future harvests.

Livingston Dems invited area high students to take part in Martin Luther King Contest

    Livington County Democrats invite area high school students to take part in an essay/art/video contest in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

    The contest will offer $100 cash prizes for the top entry in each of three different categories.

    “It has been more than a half century since Dr. King’s death, and there are many streets, parks, and monuments named after him. But we can’t let the real meaning of his life and struggle fade away with time. That’s why Livingston Dems are inviting high school students to express what his legacy means to them and how it can apply to society today,” said Judy Daubenmier, party chair.

    Students may choose to enter in one of the three categories:

    --Essay of no more than 3 pages, typed, single spaced based on one of the following prompts:

            1. How can you apply Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to today’s world?

            2. What social justice issue matters most to you, and how can you raise your voice to lead change, as Dr. King would suggest?

            3. What does carrying on Dr. King’s dream look like in today’s world?

    --"Acts of Kindness Challenge” Mini-Documentary. Students record themselves completing three acts of kindness during a week. The video must be seven minutes or less and include narration explaining why they chose each act, how it helps others, and how it connects to Dr. King’s message.

    --Martin Luther King Poetry and Art Video Mash-Up. An original drawing or painting inspired by Dr. King’s dream with a voiceover of the student reading a short, original poem expressing their interpretation. The video must be seven minutes or less.

    The winner in each category will be invited to share their work at the Livingston County Democrats’ Martin Luther King Day event on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Historic Howell Theater.

    To enter, students should email their entries to livcodems@gmail.com with an active, viewable link such as to a google document. Those entering should include their name, high school, parent/guardian’s name, email, and phone number.

    Entries are due Jan. 1, 2026. Questions may be emailed to livcodems@gmail.com.

    The party’s Martin Luther King observance will also include a film showing at the Historic Howell Theater on Jan. 18 and a day of service. Details on those events will be announced later. 

 ‘Wreaths Across America’ planned at Greenwood Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 13

    The Fowlerville Fourth of July Committee is proud to announce that they are sponsoring the 8th Annual ‘Wreaths Across America’ on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville.

    The program will start at 12 noon, with the gates open at 11 a.m.. The noontime start will coincide with the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and similar events at over 4,225 other locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Each ceremony is as varied as the men and women it honors with speakers, moving sentiments, pageantry and often music. One thing every ceremony has in common is the placing of wreaths on grave sites to honor those who have served, many offering the ultimate sacrifice while serving this nation. On that day more than two million of them will be placed.

    The approximate hour-long ceremony in Fowlerville will include remarks by Laura Goldthwait, the Commander of American Legion Post 141, and State Rep. Jason Woolford, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Pastor Robert Storey of the Place of Regfuge will serve as chaplain.

    Fourth of July Committee members Melissa Salgado will serve as the emcee.

    The ceremony will be highlighted by the laying of wreaths honoring all of the military service branches (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard/Merchant Marine, Aire Force, and National Guard) as well as law enforcement & first responders, MIA/POWs, and Gold Star families. Special recognition will be given this year to the Special Forces

    There is no charge for this event. Veterans, their family and friends and the general public are all welcome to attend.

    Donations to the Wreaths Across America Fowlerville celebration can be made at the Village of Fowlerville office. A wreath costs $17, with the local group receiving $5. This money, noted Committee member Mary Helfmann, is used to purchase wreathes for next year’s ceremony. Wreaths that people have already purchased for this year will be available at the event to lay on veterans gravesites.

 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, Dec 17 ● 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! 

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. 

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 MAX A LITTLE AXOLOTL by Joey Spiotto. 

Mon, Dec 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, Dec 19 ● 10-11am

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TEENS

Origami (Teens Age 13+)

Learn or practice origami skills. Instructions are provided for those without prior experience or who need a refresher.

Thurs, Jan 8 ● 3-4pm

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Button Making (Teens Age 13+)

Create your own unique pinback buttons, or build one from an existing design. 

Thurs, Dec 11 ● 3-4pm

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Murder Mystery Puzzle Boxes (Teens Age 14+)

Immerse yourself in the mystery as you try to solve one of these puzzle boxes. Handle clues, profile suspects, and find the killer with your deductive reasoning. 

Thurs, Dec 18 ● 3-4pm

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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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Build your Own Touchscreen Gloves (Teens Ages 13+)

Get ready for winter by upgrading your gloves to make them with your touchscreen. BYOG (Bring your own gloves) 

Tuesdays in Dec ● 3 pm

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Gaming Playground (Teens Age 13+)

School’s out, so come try out our new Nex Playground Console, or just use the Switch like it’s Friday.

 Tues Dec 23 & Dec 30 ● 2-3pm

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ADULTS

Board of Trustees Meeting

The library board will meet. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. 

Thurs Dec 18 ● 6 pm

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Find Your People at the Library

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. 

Wed, Dec 17 ● 2-3 pm

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Cardmaking

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

Thurs, Dec 18 ● 6:00 pm & Fri, Dec 19 ● 11am

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Christmas Garland

Let’s explore Craft and Hobby together and make a Christmas garland that would be lovely on a mantle, door frame or Christmas tree. We can watch and follow along and see what develops. Registration is Required. 

Dec 11 ● 6pm

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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. Dec 20 ● 10:30 – 3:30pm

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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 YOURS EVENTUALLY, by Nura Maznavi. 

Thurs, Dec 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, Dec 17 ● 5:30pm & Fri, Dec 12 ● 10-2 pm

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Repair Cafe

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

Sat, Feb 28 ● 10-12pm

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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.

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Library Survey

Please take a few minutes to fill out our on-line survey. Paper copies are also available at the front desk by request.