Fowlerville 4th of July Committee’s Chili Cook-Off to be held Saturday, April 24

The Fowlerville 4th of July Committee’s 16th annual Chili Cook-Off will be held on Saturday, April 24, with lots of chili and soup to taste test and other, new surprises as well.

This year the event is also presented by The Connect Five Veterans Foundation and The Michigan Army National Guard Howell Office.

The money raised from the Cook-Off helps fund the Fowlerville 4th of July fireworks and other activities held during the local Independence Day celebration.

Because of social restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event will be held at a new family-friendly outdoor venue at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds on Grand River road just west of the Village limits.

Besides offering the best chili in the area, the Cook-Off will also give chili chefs the opportunity to compete with soups of their choice for ribbons and bragging rights.

Categories include: Best Hot Chili, Judges Choice Chili, Peoples Choice Chili, Most Unique Soup, Soup DeJour, Peoples Choice Soup, and Best Presentation by a Chef.

Along with the public being able to taste test the entries and vote for their favorites by making a monetary donation, the fun afternoon will include raffles and an all new Silent Auction.

The public is also invited to take home tree saplings with a choice of over 4,000 to chose from. Individuals can select from Blue Spruce or White Pine. The suggested donation is $1 for a tree or $10 for 12 trees.

While taste testing gets your participation started, those attending can also order a dinner. The cost is $10 per person, with children 5 and under served for free. The meal includes one full bowl of Chili or Soup as you prefer, salad, a drink and a dessert.

The event, whick runs from 4 to 7pm, will be held in the Brown Commercial Barn near the Fair Office. Parking is free. In following Covid Safety Guidelines, masks are to be worn and the committee requests that proper social distancing be observed.

There are still a few limited spots for Chili/Soup entrees. Anyone interested should contact Michellesoliu@yahoo.com or BDenby@livgov.comor by phone at (517) 540-8823 for registration detail

 Webberville Kindergarten/Preschool Round-Up rescheduled for May 6

Webberville Elementary School is hosting Kindergarten and Preschool Round-Up on Thursday, May 6, 2021. Round-up will occur from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the elementary school building located at 202 North Main Street, Webberville, MI.

Children turning age 5 on or before September 1st may begin kindergarten. Please call the elementary office at 521-3071, extension 7935 to pre-register your child. We look forward to meeting our newest Webberville STARS!

Preschool registration will be held at the same date/time. Online registration is required, with applications available at inghampreschool.org

 League of Women Voters holding virtual town hall on redistricting process

The League of Women Voters of Brighton/Howell Unit is holding a town hall event to educate Michigan voters on the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission’s process in drawing new legislative and congressional maps.

The virtual town hall will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 29th via Zoom. Guest Commissioner M.C.Rothhorn of the MICRC and League representatives will discuss redistricting in Michigan, the commission and opportunities for the public, including Communities of Interest, to provide input to the commission before it draws the maps.

“Redistricting in Michigan has been a very political process that has historically taken place behind closed doors and out of the public eye,” said Ellen Lafferty, Chairperson. “This new independent process gives regular, everyday Michigan residents the ability to draw the state’s legislative districts. We want the public to be empowered with information so they can participate in this important democratic process.”

Leagues across the state have undertaken a widespread educational effort to help voters understand redistricting and to ensure the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is being what voters have asked: for citizens to draw district lines instead of legislators or special interests, and for the commission to respect Communities of Interest.

Register for the at

https://howelllibrary.libcal.com/event/7573653.

 Donated items sought for upcoming Grandma’s Attic Sale on 

May 13-15

The committee for the Livingston Centre Historic Village again reminds area residents to consider donating unwanted good-condition items for the annual Grandma's Attic Fundraising Sale on May 13-15. As you continue spring cleaning, please set aside items no longer needed for the benefit of the Historic Village.

Accepted items include smaller furniture (please, no sofas nor overstuffed chairs), clothing and jewelry, kitchen and household, toys, tools and hardware items, fabrics and crafts, books and dvd's (please no VHS tapes), smaller sporting goods, collectables and vintage items. The historic society appreciates your donations of good condition, usable items; please make sure all pieces and parts are included, and that everything works.

For more information about drop-off, please call Marj. C. at 517-223-3831.

 Fowlerville District Library News

Special Announcements

The library is opening to 30% capacity. Appointments will no longer be required and we will continue to offer curbside service.

Face masks are still required for all library patrons and staff, as well as maintaining the social distancing of 6 feet.

Monday-Thursday

9:30am – 7pm

Friday

9:30am – 5pm

Saturday

10am – 2pm

How to Use Curbside Service

Step 1: You can make requests: by calling the Library directly, emailing us or make your holds through the FDL’s card catalog (Max 10 items) –Not sure what you would like to read? Use our reader’s advisory at the desk, they can help! All you need is to give them a subject, author, or genre, and they will do the rest.

Step 2: One hour after your request has been made, please come to the Library and park in the curbside pickup designated parking located in front of the side yard.

Step 3: From your car, call the Library and someone will come out with your requested materials.

Step 4: Please present your library card or driver's license and your materials will be given to you.

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Upcoming Programs for April and May

All programs are intended for Fowlerville School District residents.

All programs are on Zoom unless otherwise indicated. Registration is required unless otherwise noted. To register for any FDL’s programs please contact us by phone, Facebook, or email with your contact information including a valid email address. Zoom links will be sent out the day before the event.

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Magic Wand Reading Pointer Take and Make Craft Kits – K-5thGraders

A reading pointer is a fun way to show children the words you are reading! It helps them make the connection between written word and spoken word. It can prepare them to be excellent readers! Kits are available now through April 29 while supplies last. Pick one up at the front desk or through curbside.

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ASL Storytime Live!– Every Thursdays 10 AM FDL’s Facebook Page

Meet our new Youth Librarian, learn signs, sing songs, and play in this interactive story time!

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Button Bouquet Craft Kits and Zoom Tutorial – Thursday, April 29, 2021 6:30 PM – Adults – Zoom

Take home a button bouquet kit and sign up to attend a Button Bouquet Zoom tutorial. Learn how to make a button bouquet and chat with friends while doing this fun and relaxing craft.Kits will be available for pick up beginning Tuesday, April 20, 2021 andincludes all supplies needed to make a button bouquet.

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Springtime Cardmaking on Zoom – Thursday, May 6, 2021 6:30 PM – Zoom

Join library staff members Mary and Zoe, as they guide you through making four different cards. Kits will be available for pick up beginning Tuesday, April 20, 2021 andincludes all supplies needed to make four different cards.

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Beginner Gardener Series – Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 6:30 PM –Adults – Zoom

Learn to garden with Master Gardener Nan-Marie Fox. May’s topic is transplanting starters into the garden.

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Beyond the Book and Movie – Thursday, May 20th, 2021 @ 6:30 PM – Adults – Zoom

Adults – May’s selection: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. Please read the book and watch the movie at home, then meet up with friends on Zoom to discuss them both. Everyone who signs up will get an opportunity to check out the movie and watch it on their own. Registration is required. Sign up with a valid email address to receive a book and a Zoom link. Registration is done in person inside or through curbside service at the Library. Books will be available to check out.

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For more information regarding any of our programs or services please call us at (517) 223-9089 or checkout our Facebook page.

Follow us on Facebook: @fowlervillelibrary or visit our website at www.fowlervillelibrary.org. Email any questions to:info@fowlervillelibrary.org

 VINA Spring ‘Out of Quarantine’ Auction announces four trip packages

VINA has four different trips across the country to bid on in the Spring “Out of Quarantine” Virtual Silent Auction. The auction opens April 14, 2021 at 6 am and closes April 17, 2021 at 5 pm.

The first national auction item is a trip to sunny Arizona! Bidders have the chance to win a three-night stay at JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona along with a certificate to Top golf and gift card to use at the resort on the many amenities.

Another auction item down south is a trip for two to San Antonio, Texas. This package includes a two-night stay at the Omni La Mansion del Rio hotel, a tour of historic San Antonio and dinner for two at Boudro’s Texas Bistro.

A third sunny and bright package is a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove in Miami. Two people can enjoy two nights in a deluxe room at the beautiful resort overlooking either Miami or the beach in addition to a $300 credit to Council Oak Steaks & Seafood located at the Hard Rock Casino.

The final national trip is only an eight-hour drive away to Nashville, Tennessee. This package includes two tickets to a show of your choice at The Grand Ole Opry, a post-show backstage tour, two-night hotel accommodations at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center and dinner for two at one of two restaurant choices: The Old Hickory Steakhouse at the Gaylord Opryland Resort or the Opry Backstage Grill at the Inn at Opryland.

There are many local trips, golf packages, Michigan getaways and staycation items up for auction for those not ready or able to travel to different states quite yet.

For more information on trip expiration dates, restrictions and starting bids, please see the auction website: https://cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=vina

People can also text “VINA” to 56651 to register to bid and that will give them a link to the website or can visit www.vinadental.org and there is a pop up with a link to the auction website.

The auction is open to the public and bidders can register for free up until the auction closes.

All money raised during the Spring “Out of Quarantine” Virtual Silent Auction benefits VINA Community Dental Center and the many uninsured, low-income patients in need of dental care.

 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest coming to Howell with a ‘Twist’

The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce plans to move forward with a modified version of the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest on June 25, 26, and 27th .

The event will feature four flights throughout the weekend with launches taking place throughout the Howell Area and flying over downtown Howell. We are working to incorporate pop-up entertainment throughout our downtown during the weekend.

Although we will not be gathering at the event site as we have traditionally, we are adding an exciting new twist! The event will have increased coverage so that the greater community can share in the ballooning experience without being at the event in-person.

-The event will include radio and digital promotions

-Live video feeds and on-site pilot interviews

-Live video of balloon inflations, take-offs, and landings

-Live Sponsorship highlights for sponsors on-site or remoting-in

Twenty-four pilots will be competing in this year’s challenge. The main goal of the event this year is to attract people to the region to shop, dine and enjoy the sights of the balloons from a safe distance while avoiding large crowds and congregation.

Updates regarding the event with a complete list of downtown activities will be made available on the Michigan Challenge website as they are confirmed. We’re sincerely thankful for the support of our Balloonfest Committee, sponsors and community partners.