Lillian Marie Roman
Lillian Marie Roman of Manistee, Michigan, passed away on June 12, 2021. Dearest wife of James, loving mother of Lynne, Bradley, and Connie. Grandmother of Kristen, Kelsey, Connor, Elizabeth, and Kate. She was born September 27, 1936 in Milan, Michigan. Services were held on Friday, June 18, at 11 AM at Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Fowlerville, Michigan. Arrangements entrusted to Herrmann Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at pjherrmannfuneralhome.com
Parade, fireworks to highlight Fowlerville 4th of July Celebration
By Steve Horton
It’s back!
After being cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the public-health restrictions in place, the Fowlerville 4th of July Celebration returns next Sunday. And as in past years, the evening parade and a fireworks diplay at dusk will highlight the local event.
New this year will be the landing of a Blackhawk helicopter at the Fowlerville Community Park. The First Baptist Church will once again host their “God & country Celebrtion prior to the parade, while the Fowlerville United Brethren Church will have a “4th of July Party” that starts after the parade and continues until the fireworks.
There’ll be inflatables at the Park and food vendors located in the Downtown and at the Community Park during the day and evening and at the fairgrounds prior to the fireworks.
“We’re looking forward to putting on this event after a year’s delay,” said Brandon Denby, chair of the organizing committee. “It’ll be nice to get the community back together to enjoy the various activities that are planned.”
The inflatables—provided courtesy of the Michigan National Guard—will be set up near the park pavilion, with kids able to start using them at noon.
The Blackhawk helicopter is also being provided by the National Guard and is scheduled to land in the outfield area of the two ball fields at 1 p.m. Extra special is the fact that it will be flown by three 2008 Fowlerville High School graduates and current residents: CW3 Ian Mihfeld (pilot in command), CW2 Mike Mallon (pilot) and Sgt. John Tiefenbach (crew chief).
“The public is encouraged to watch the helicopter land,” said Denby, adding that the Blackhawk will be available after that for a close-up view and people can talk with the crew from Fowlerville until their departure at 4:30 p.m.
The “God & country Celebration” will be held at the Baptist Church on South Grand River Avenue from 3 to 6 p.m. Games, inflatables, food, a bingo tent, mini-golf, and a 3-point contest are among the activities. A Corn Hole Tournament will take place, starting at 4 p.m. Sign-up for this competition begins at 3 p.m.
The United Brethren’s “4th of July Party” features food, summer treats, and live music. The public is also invited to watch the fireworks from the church grounds. The church is located at 9300 W. Grand River.
The parade starts at 7p.m. The route will start at Veterans Drive on the west end of town and then proceed east along Grand River Avenue through the Downtown to the St. Agnes Catholic Church parking lot. Joe Hune, the former Fowlerville state legislator, will once again serve as the emcee, while Michelle Soli will be singing the National Anthem once the Honor Guard reaches the Main Four corners.
The organizing committee has launched a new award this year, named after ‘Smokey the Clown’ aka Allen Hale who was a founding member of the committee. Hale, who passed away in 2011, headed the crew that launched the fireworks. He was a longtime member of the local fire department and served on the Webberville Village Council, where he and his wife Liz and family resided. Part of that time on council included a stint as Village president.
As ‘Smoky the Clown,’ he took part in different community events, most notably at Kids Day during the Fowlerville Family Fair.
“Allen Hale was a longtime community volunteer and a key part in putting on the annual July 4th Celebration, so we wanted to name the award in his honor,” said Denby. “The recipient will be someone who reflects his many years of involvement and commitment to this community.”
Plans are to announce the inaugural winner of the award after the singing of the National Anthem.
As for parade participants, Denby urged churches, organizations, businesses, and interested individuals to take part. While reservations are not required, if you’d like to reserve a spot or have questions email Michelle Soli at michellesoli@yahoo.com .
He noted that floats, marching units, classic cars, tractors, horses, and decorated bikes are among the types of entries that are welcome to take part. Denby added that elected officials and political candidates are welcome as well. Line-up begins at 5:45 p.m. at Veterans Drive.
As always, the main attraction of the Celebration and the concluding act is the fireworks display that begins at dusk, shortly after 10 p.m. Prime viewing areas are the Community Park and the Fowlerville Fairgrounds. While entrance to those venues is free, a $5 donation to help pay for next year’s fireworks is requested.
“The value of this year’s fireworks is around $16,000,” said Denby, who noted that the display typically lasts around a half-hour. “We feel we’ll be offering a very entertaining show this Sunday night, and our goal for next year is to put on an even more spectacular display. We invite everyone to come out, enjoy the different activities, visit with each other, have fun, and celebrate our nation’s birthday.”
Livingston County Genealogical Society to hold Zoom meeting on July 8
The Livingston County Genealogical Society will meet via ZOOM on Thursday, July 8th at 7pm. The Learners Group will begin at 6pm. Cynthia Grostick will present “Researching Collateral Lines.” All are welcome. Please send an email to “ContactLCGSMI@gmail.com and request an invitation to this zoom meeting; someone will respond to you.
Caregiver Support Group holding Zoom sessions twice a month on Wednesdays
Are you caring for a loved one with dementia or other memory related disease? Until they can meet again in person, the Caregiver Support Group is continuing its monthly sessions via Zoom. Connect with others who are on the same journey; learn valuable tools to help you navigate the changes that occur in the disease and more. Meetings will be held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 5:00-6:00 PM. Register in advance by emailing Leann@LivingstonCatholicCharities.org. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
American Red Cross holding blood drive at St. Joseph Catholic School
The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at St. Joseph Catholic School on Friday, July 16th from noon to 6pm. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code SJCCHowell or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Fowlerville District Library Events
Tails and Tales
Summer Reading 2021 Programs
Summer Lunch Bunch – Wednesdays June 16th-August 25th 12PM - 12:30PM
The Salvation Army is handing out lunch boxes, pantry kits, and craft packs. Check our website for more of Salvation Army Lunch bunch locations.
* * *
Animal Scavenger Hunts – K-5th Graders -June 1-30
Get your checklist at the front desk. Search around the library during open hours for some animal friends. Grab a checklist and see if you can find them all!
* * *
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!
* * *
Take and Make Craft Kits: Monday, June 28 – Friday, July 2nd 2021 – Bubble Fun
K-5th Graders Crafts change weekly and are available while supplies last. Each kit comes complete with all supplies needed and instructions. This activity requires no sign–up. Please call or stop in to find out about this week’s craft.
* * *
Tuesdays with Mrs. D – Tuesday, June 29, 2021 10:30 AM - Zoom
Preschool - For ages 2 1/2-5 years. Come and search for wild animals and the places that they call home. Through stories, fingerplays and songs join in the fun/adventure. All on Zoom.
*Register with email by phone or visiting the front desk.
* * *
Summer at the Tabletop –Tuesday, June 29, 2021 1-5PM- Discord
Teens - Has the pandemic left you bored? Do you wish to be somewhere - or someone - else? Join us online every Tuesday for a tabletop RPG! Every week will be a different game and a different system. Sign up or just come hang out on Discord at https://discord.gg/sKumgbBy4t
* * *
Rock & Read Storytime with Storm – Wednesday, June 30, 2021 10 AM-Zoom
K-5th Grades - Jump in this Zoom Storytime for some stories, music, and fun! *Must provide email to receive the Zoom link.
* * *
Petting Zoo – Saturday, June 26, 2021 12 – 2PM –side yard
Family - Goats, bunnies, sheep, a mini horse, an alpaca, and more! Come check out a variety of animals in a socially-distanced climate, courtesy of Carousel Acres!
* * *
Frederick Stonehouse Presentation -Rum Running and Red Lights – Tuesday June 29, 2021- 6:30 PM-Zoom
Adults - Frederick Stonehouse author of over thirty books about maritime history and the Great Lakes is to give a presentation on some of Michigan’s Great Lakeshistory. Sign up to learn about Great Lakes exciting and scandalous history and involvement in rum running during the prohibition era “as hundreds of boats hauled millions of gallons of illegal booze over the Lakes to the USA,bribes were often paid but bullets sometimes flew between bootleggers and government agents as they fought it out on the Inland Seas.”Please be advised this presentation will contain mature themes including but limited to the discussion of prostitution.
* * *
Digital Escape Room Monday July 1 – Saturday July 31, 2021
Kids 8+ - Will you escape the locked zoo? Go to the Fowlerville District Library’s Facebook page or to Fowlervillelibrary.net for the link to the adventure.
* * *
Flipflop Sign Adult Crafts Thursday, July 8, 2021 6:30PM Zoom
Adults - Craft kits will be available to pick up July 1st, 2021
* * *
Bookworm Buddies: A Book Group for Tweens – Wednesday, July 14, 2021 2:30 PM-Zoom
Tweens - Read a book in the monthly theme and come ready to share what you think and learn about some new reads. July’s theme: Graphic Novels
* * *
Summertime Cardmaking – Thursday, July 15, 2021 6:30 PM– Zoom
Adults - Join library staff members Mary and Zoe, as they guide you through making four different cards to celebrate summer July’s card theme is Under the Sea. Kits are available to pick-up and includes all supplies needed to make four different cards. Supplies and spaces limited, sign-up today!
* * *
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.
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###
St. John’s Luthern Church preparing for upcoming Vacation Bible School
Continuing the tradition of summer faith and fun, St. John's Luteran Church in Fowlerville is busy preparing for Vacation Bible School during three nights, July 13-15. The gatherings will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and offer kids an opportunity to grow in faith, lean on God's strength, truth and salvation under the theme, "The Knights of North Castle."
Each evening offers a time of Bible study, singing, crafts, games and friendship. This year, most of the activity will be taking place outdoors, under tents and shade trees at the church location on the corner of Church and Benjamin streets. Youth ages 4 through teen are invited and parents are welcome to stay. A take-home, interactive snack will be supplied at the end of each evening and a family picnic will be held on Thursday July 16 at 6 p.m.
This is a free event! Please register students by phone, 517.223.9108 or by email, stjohnsfowlerville@yahoo.com or on our website, wwwstjohnsfowlerville.org.
Meals on Wheels needs volunteer drivers in Fowlerville area
The Meals on Wheels program needs volunteers in the Fowlerville area! We would love the opportunity for you to be part of our team. This is a commitment of 1-2 hours of your time as little or as often as your schedule will allow. Once a month, once a week, temporary or on a continuous basis. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!
For more information please call Lucy @ 810-632-2155 or email info@lwmow.org
Free Summer Internship Prep Course offered to young adults
Young adults will be prepared for the world of work thanks to a free summer internship prep course, a new initiative with Michigan Works! Southeast and Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG).
#MI-Internship Prep is a free course offered virtually throughout the year for young adults aged 16-24 years old. In four weeks, participants will learn how to create a professional portfolio, develop essential skills, and practice interview strategies with high-profile employers.
“Guiding youth within our region allows us to equip them with essential skills to launch their career. That is truly a fulfilling role as a teacher” says Vincent D’Ettorre, Acting Adult Education Supervisor at Michigan Works! Southeast. “The virtual platform allows students to build upon their strengths in a safe environment,” said D’Ettorre.
“The Internship program from MWSE provides youth with an opportunity to focus in on their career of choice based on their interest and aptitude turning that interest into an actionable plan for their future employment success,” says Pam Gosla, Research and Education Manager at Michigan Works! Southeast.
Sonya Blanzy, Director of Operations at Youth Solutions, the organization who oversees the JMG program believes in the value of this program. “Preparing young people for the world of work, including internships, is essential to their long-term success. We applaud Michigan Works! Southeast as they help young adults discover their passions and begin their career path. Teaching youth the skills they need to be successful in life is not only benefiting them, but also a solution to the labor shortage felt across Michigan.“
Young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 are encouraged to apply and can learn more at mwse.org/mi-internship-prep. The first cohort began Monday, May 24th, with cohorts recurring throughout the summer.
