John Charles Mills

On January 2nd, 2022 John Charles Mills peacefully passed away, surrounded by his loved ones. John Mills lived a full life, filled with kindness and generosity. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed, but we rejoice in knowing that he is at peace in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

John was born and raised in Williamston, Michigan. In 1970-72, John proudly served as a US Marine and went on to obtain his Master Plumber License. In 1990, John started his own business, J Mills Plumbing, with his loving and supportive wife, Jane (Palmerton) Mills, who he adored. John worked hard to support his family financially, but also took every opportunity to teach the value of hard work and instilled a passionate love for Jesus by setting an example and making church attendance nonnegotiable. He was kind and compassionate, treating everyone he met like family.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Earl Mills and Beth Marie (Brenner) Patterson.

He is survived by his siblings, Linda (Larry) Ondrias, Kay Spencer, and David (Shelly) Mills. He dedicated his life to faithfully raising his 14 children: Carrie (Jay) Hill, Shannan Mills, Jamie (Paul) Gendron, Emily (Michael) Piccolo, Kimberly (Joseph Shelby) Mills, Sarah (Christopher) Brewer, Zachary Mills, Jacob (Aletia) Mills, Heidi Mills, John (Jessica) Mills, Joseph (Paige) Mills, Grace Mills, Hannah (Cody) Leggert and Chloe Mills. He was the proud Grandpa of 23 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. John also leaves a lasting impression with many nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and even strangers.

Visitation and Memorial Service were held at Place of Refuge in Fowlerville, MI on Thursday, January 6th

 Livingston Health Department declares January as Radon Action Month

January is National Radon Action Month – an opportune time for Livingston County residents to test for radon in their homes, a health risk facing millions of Americans.

Because families are spending more time indoors during the winter months, January is a good time to test for this radioactive, invisible, odorless gas. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The EPA estimates that approximately 21,100 lung cancer deaths each year are radon-related.

Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon enters buildings through openings in the foundation floor or walls (sump openings, crawlspaces, floor/wall joints, cracks, etc.). Radon can become trapped in buildings and lead to elevated and harmful radon levels.

One in eight Michigan homes is likely to have an elevated radon level. According to a study conducted by the MDEQ, radon is present in elevated levels in about 40% of Livingston County homes. Radon is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, and it has no warning symptoms (it does not cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, etc.). Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk for health issues caused by radon.

The Livingston County Health Department (LCHD) has short-term radon test kits available free of charge during the month of January and $5 throughout the year. Test kits can be picked up at the Environmental Health Division office, located at 2300 East Grand River Avenue, Howell, MI, 48843. Kits may also be picked up at participating local municipalities, while supplies last or purchased at local hardware stores, home improvement centers, some supermarkets, or directly from a laboratory.

The EPA recommends that houses with radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter or more of radon be fixed to prevent accumulation of the gas indoors. Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost similar to that of many common home repairs, such as painting or having a new water heater installed (anywhere from $500 to about $2,500).

For more radon information, contact LCHD at (517) 546-9858, or the State of Michigan Radon Program at 1-800-RADON-GAS. Radon information can also be accessed via the web at https://www.livgov.com/health/eh/Pages/radon.aspx or www.michigan.gov/radon.

 Howell Library, League of Women Voters, & Livingston Diversity Council celebrate MLK Day with virtual event

In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, the Howell Carnegie District Library, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Livingston County and the Livingston Diversity Council will host a virtual presentation, The Sarah E. Ray Project with Desiree Cooper and Aaron Schillinger, on Monday, January 17, 6:30- 8:00pm.

Until now a Detroit civil rights pioneer named Sarah Elizabeth Ray has been largely forgotten.

"As we honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, the LWV of Livingston County is proud to co-sponsor this event as we join with the Livingston Diversity Council and the Howell Carnegie library in saying the name of Sarah Elizabeth Ray," Ellen Lafferty, chairperson of the League of Women Voters of Livingston County, said.

Seventy-five years ago, a 24-year-old African American secretary was denied a seat on the segregated Boblo boat SS Columbia. Like Rosa Parks, she refused to back down, taking her fight for integration all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Represented by fabled NAACP lawyer Thurgood Marshall, Ray won her case. Scholars argue that she paved the way for the seminal 1954 Brown v. Board of Education, which found that separate was inherently unequal.

"The Livingston Diversity Council is proud to partner with the Howell Carnegie District Library and the League of Women Voters to bring the Sarah E. Ray Project to light and to share her critical contribution to desegregation in Detroit," said Nicole Matthews-Creech, MA, CFLE, president of the Livingston Diversity Council Board of Directors.

Presenting this virtual event will be Desiree Cooper, 2015 Kresge Artist Fellow, Pulitzer Prize nominee, former attorney, and 2017 Michigan Notable Book author, and Aaron Schillinger, the director of Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale. Attendees will learn from Cooper and Schillinger about Sarah E. Ray, Detroit's Other Rosa Parks, and the efforts of The Sara E. Ray Project (www.detroitsotherrosaparks.com) to save this civil rights activist's legacy from obscurity.

Registration is required to receive the virtual event's Zoom meeting link and password; sign up on the Library's website at: https://bit.ly/saraheray. For more information about the event, visit www.howelllibrary.org, or call the library at 517-546-0720

 Volunteers needed for Livingston County’s annual Community Connect

Area residents are invited to attend the 15th Annual Livingston County Community Connect on Saturday, February 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at 2|42 Community Church, 4526 Grand River Ave, Brighton.

The Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care Committee hosts this free event each year to connect people with needed information, resources, and free services in a convenient “one stop shop” environment. In addition to information from many local nonprofits, guests will have access to legal consultation, food, books, personal care items, haircuts, laundry detergent, socks and much more.

Breakfast and Lunch are also provided on-site, at no cost. No registration is required. Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event.

Hundreds of dedicated volunteers are needed to welcome guests, help them find resources, keep the facility clean and safe, take-down after the event, and also set-up on Friday evening. Free lunch, snacks, and beverages are also provided to Saturday volunteers.

The Committee recognizes the concern for public health in gatherings, so to mitigate the spread of disease, mask wearing is encouraged. If you are experiencing any symptoms on event day, please stay home and rest.

Community Connect 2022 is sponsored by Brighton Masonic Lodge, Livingston Sunrise Rotary, The Homeless Continuum of Care and Livingston County United Way.

Volunteers may register on-line at https://bit.ly/3HACNOf or call Liz Welch for more information at (517) 494-3000. Registrations are due by January 21st.

Fowlerville District Library

Upcoming Events

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

Thursday: 9:30 am to 9:00 pm

Friday: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

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For questions or more information on any of our materials or programs, email info@fowlervillelibrary.org or give us a call at (517) 223-9089.

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ALL AGES

Family Fun Storytime

Saturday, January 8 at 10:00 am

What’s better than family and free? Come enjoy a special storytime for all ages with Storm, featuring stories, games, and songs! No registration required, just stop in to join the fun.

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Glowforge Program

Friday, January 21, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Meet our newest makerspace tool, the Glowforge laser printer, and learn about the capabilities and uses from Connor. We’ll also be accepting requests for print jobs.

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ADULTS

Adult Game Night

Third Mondays, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Play new board games, cards, and trivia here at the library. Meal provided.

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Fitness/Yoga with Belinda

Mondays, 10:00 am– 10:45 am

Practice postures to strengthen and promote flexibility in all parts of the body with an emphasis on balance and core strengthening. This class is for all levels of fitness. Bring bottled water and your yoga mat.

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Line Dancing

Wednesday, January 19,6:30 pm

In celebration of country music, learn to line dance.  Registration required.

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Monthly Cardmaking

Thursday, January 20, 6:30 pm

Join Card Queen Mary to create four stunning Valentine’s Day themed cards. All supplies included, guaranteed hands-on fun. Classes fill up fast, call to reserve your spot.  Registration required.

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Monthly Book and Coffee

Monday, January 24, 1:00 pm

Join Zoe in the afternoon for a traditional book club that includes coffee and dessert. This month’s selection is Orphan Train: A Novel by Christina Baker Kline. Registration required.

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Monthly Beyond the Book

Thursday, January 27, 6:30 pm

Join Zoe in the evening for a book discussion of Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult, followed by some extra special materials.  Registration required.

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Alzheimer’s and Dementia Series

Monday, January 10, 11:00 am -on Zoom

Michelle Phalen, Program Coordinator from the Alzheimer’s Association, presents the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s. Be smart and learn more about early detection. Sign up with an email address to receive the Zoom link.

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TEENS

Tabletop Wednesday

Wednesdays, 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Drop in and play your favorite tabletop RPGs. Play with your friends or have out teen librarian Connor run a one-shot. All are welcome, no registration required.

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Teen Craft Wednesday

Wednesdays, 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Mary has her finger on the pulse of what teens are into. Dabble in fun and free arts and crafts, such as acrylic jewelry art, hedgehog embroidery, and other secret projects.

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Friday Gaming

Fridays, 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Join us for free play on the Nintendo Switch. Enjoy multiplayer classic like Smash and Mario Kart or choose games from the library’s collection.

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Magic the Gathering Draft

Saturday, January 8, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Join Connor’s free MTG booster draft. Assemble decks, challenge other participants, win prizes, and take home the cards you open! The best deal in town. Drop in, or pre-register to hold a guaranteed spot.

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Teen Book Club

Tuesday, January 25, 4:00 pm

January’s theme is Book Turned Into a Movie. Read a book that fits that theme and then join Zoe after school for a lively discussion accompanied by snacks and a craft.

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FOR KIDS

Drop in with the kids for any of our revamped storytime programs – open to everyone!

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Preschool Storytime (ages 3 to 5 with caregiver)

10:00 am Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Join our wonderful Mrs. D. for engaging stories, sing-a-longs, neat crafts, finger plays, and so much more!

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Toddler Storytime (ages 1 to 3 with caregiver)

10:00 am Thursdays & Fridays

Get ready to move and groove with some funky tunes and stories with our dynamic youth librarian Storm.

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Baby Lap Sit (ages 0 to 2 with caregiver)

9:30 am Fridays

Come and make some new baby friends in this musical storytime led by Storm. Babies and their caregivers will socialize, sing songs, and play together.

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Facebook Live Storytime (ages 2 to 8)

12:00pmThursdays on Facebook

Join LIVE on our Facebook page for this amazing program where kids can interact with Storm from home! Build some early literacy skills in your pajamas.

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STEAM Unplugged (ages 6 -12)

Tuesday, January 11, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Stop in and take part in exciting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) exercises, contraptions, and challenges. You won’t believe how fun learning can be.

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K-5 Book Club (Ages 5 -12)

Tuesday, January 18, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

January’s theme is Book With an Animal. Read a book that fits that theme and then join Zoe after school for a fun discussion accompanied by snacks and a craft. 

 Robert Alan Meyers

Robert Alan Meyers, 71, of Brighton died on December 18, 2021 at St. Joseph Hospital Oakland surrounded by his loving wife Jody and his three children: Crystal, Todd and Robbie by his former wife Karen. Bob was born on Oct. 8, 1950, to Albert William Meyers and Patsy Rose Wakefield—the first of their four children. He grew up in Farmington Hills before the family moved to Fowlerville in 1965.

Bob and his sister Linda were members of the Fowlerville High School Class of 1969.

Bob enjoyed many careers throughout his life, one being at Kelsey Hayes in Howell where he met his present wife Jody of 25+ years. After Kelsey Hayes closed, he took truck driving classes and after a couple of years got a job in Detroit working with the Ford Motor plants driving trucks to take parts where they were needed.

Family always came first with Bob. It may have been visiting his kids, grandkids or sisters and their families. Every weekend he was at someone’s house for a meal or to help on a project or work on a car.

His one special love was his Harley Davidson bike. Any day on a bike ride was a good day as far as he was concerned.

Bob leaves behind his loving wife Josephine, step-son Danny, his children Crystal (Shannon) Hawk, Todd (Dana) Meyers, and Bobbie (Amanda) Meyers, six grandchildren, sisters Linda Porter of Fowlerville, Vicki (Gene) Hayward of Fowlerville and Sherry Meyers of Webberville.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

 Gerard (Jerry) Carl Byrne

On December 24th, 2021, Gerard (Jerry) Carl Byrne was sent to heaven and his family and friends will be forever grateful for the time they had with him. Although he is no longer with us physically, the memories he created will be forever remembered.

Jerry lived his life fully and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. “Work hard and Play Hard” was a saying of his. Jerry worked 42 years at Copper and Brass Sales in Detroit as an Outside Salesman before retiring. Jerry moved his family to Fowlerville from Detroit in 1978 where they still reside. Jerry and his wife Lori have spent the last 17 years as snowbirds in Hudson, Florida where many fabulous friends and memories were made.

He was born on 05-14-1941 to Andrew and Jeanette (Bickford) Byrne in Detroit, Michigan. On 02-01-1964 Jerry married the love of his life Lorraine (Zielinski) Byrne, and they were married for 57 years. Three loving sons Brian (Sharyl), Kevin, and Randy mourn the loss of their very loving father along with 9 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren who will forever remember their grandpa. Jerry was also survived by two loving sisters Cheryl (Greg) and Mary (Ron), who truly loved their big brother. Several loving nephew, nieces, cousins, and longtime friends will forever remember him.

Cremation has taken place and family will have a celebration of life later at St Agnes Catholic Church in Fowlerville, Michigan.