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Volume 2, Issue 14 Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Published Weekly

He’s been putting on a Santa suit for 30+ years and loves every minute of it. “Plain and simple, I do it for the kids,” explained Wes Lentz of Stockbridge. His wife Judy had a daycare business for 25 years in Kansas before they moved to Stockbridge. Of course the kids there loved to see Santa, too. It’s been 12 years now that Stockbridge has been their home and it was shortly after arriving that the Lentz’s began contributing to the community. Judy joined the Lioness Club 10 years ago and has held many officer positions with the club. Wes began with the Lions Club 9 years ago, has been on the Board and in an officer role most of that time. Wes can be found every Monday helping run the Bingo held at the Legion Hall in Stockbridge. Bingo is one of the major fundraisers for

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Keep Thanksgiving Safe for All

by Julie Glair, Freelance Writer

As we begin preparing our homes and food for Thanksgiving dinner, there is an important step, often forgotten and worth pet owners attention. What is a delicious dinner to us can be dangerous or even deadly for our pets. For example: ♦ Turkey skins, gravy and any rich

fatty foods can contribute to digestive stress and pancreatitis.

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The Forgotten “Thank You” - Wes & Judy Lentz by Julie Glair, Freelance Writer

Red Sky Coffee House to Close by Corinda Hackworth

Red Sky Coffee House, located at 140 S. Clinton Street, is slated to close per-manently November 30. Customers were stunned to find the following note taped to the counter last Friday morning: “Hello Red Sky Fans. We’re very sorry to say that we will be closing our doors at the end of Novem-ber. We’ve truly loved your support in the time that we spent making your drinks and dinner. Thanks again for making Red Sky a wonderful place for us to work.” Red Sky first opened to a warm recep-tion on February 25, 2008, offering to the public a veritable pantheon of coffees and teas, soups, salads, sandwiches and pastries. Nestled next door to the former Stockbridge Antiques Market, Red Sky kept shoppers caffeinated, gave them a place to lounge and kept visitors coming. “When we first opened, [it] was still open,” Sherrill Rodriguez, owner and proprietor of Red Sky, said. “I guess initially I’d anticipated getting some business from people who would come to town that don’t live around here.” However, upon the closing of the an-tique market shortly after Red Sky open-ing, Rodriguez noticed a minor dip in sales. Red Sky continued a slow, but steady business by reputation and word of mouth. Even after the closing of Stock-

bridge’s only other coffee shop, Go Brew, in late 2008, Red Sky business remained steady, but not booming. “I thought business might grow a little more,” Rodriguez said, of their closing. “I think with them having a drive thru and we don’t, people just found another place to go.” Determined, Rodriguez kept waiting for an increase in business that seemed slow to come. “We have lots of steady customers,” Rodriguez stated. “It’s just that the cost of keeping a business is higher than what we’re bringing in. “Maybe in a little bit of a bigger town or a place with higher foot traffic, maybe it would’ve been okay.” Rodriguez said. “We definitely have regulars who stop in the morning who don’t live in the area. We do get those people.” Less than a month ago Red Sky cus-tomers noticed a slight increase on some items. However, the boost didn’t have so much to do with a floundering business as it did with the supplier raising its prices twice since doing business with them since their opening. “I just felt like it was time.” Rodriguez said of the in-crease. Rodriguez did not come to her deci-sion to close easily. “It had been coming for awhile,” she sighed. “We’d have good days and then it would slow down.”

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The Stockbridge Area Arts Council is sponsoring a FREE CHRISTMAS concert by Barons of Brass on Sunday, December 6th at 4:00 p.m. at the Historic Stockbridge Township hall in downtown Stockbridge. The Barons of Brass are leaders in Michigan’s top community music ensembles since 1983. The group consists of Dick Borden, Todd Young, John Endahl, Scott Toaz, and Jim Kasfrzak. This group of talented men also perform with either the Lansing

Concert Band, the Capital City Brass Band, or both bands. You will hear the beautiful brass music of the French horn, trumpet, baritone, and trombone. You’re invited to come and bring your family and friends to the FREE concert – Barons of Bass. You will be rewarded with a very special night of holiday Christmas music. The hall will be open for seating starting at 3:30 p.m. Please come and get into the Christmas spirit for the holidays.

Barons of Brass to offer Free Christmas Concert Submitted by Joan Noel

Barons of Brass

Friday the 13th proved unlucky for a 28 year old Jackson man after he was arrested on a felony warrant at his home on S. Elm St. in the city. The incident started when Waterloo Police went to the area of the house looking for a Waterloo burglary suspect to interview. When Waterloo Police arrived in the area, they noticed a couple of vehicles of interest and numerous suspicious characters hanging around the two story house. The Waterloo officer requested assistance from the Jackson Police in order to look for the suspect. Once the JPD officer arrived they agreed the JPD

officer would take the front door and the Waterloo officer would cover the back door. No sooner did the JPD officer knock on the front door when someone running toward the back of the house could be heard. The Waterloo officer took a position just outside the back door and as soon as the man yanked the door open he was greeted with a red TASER dot on his chest. The man looked down and agreed to cease his flight and return to the

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Waterloo Township Police Get Their Man

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November 24, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

Mondays - Free Play Group - ages 1-4 from 10-11am - Leslie First Baptist Church, 202 E. Bellevue St. Mondays - Support Group for Taking Off Pounds Sensibly. Weigh in from 5:15-5:45pm at the First Baptist Church in Leslie. Meeting from 6:00-6:45pm Contact Coleen, 589-8145. Thursdays - Free Play Group - ages 1-3 from 10-11am - Stockbridge Heritage Elementary Gym, 222 Western Ave - Contact Wendy Moncada, 517-372-9411 ext.6. Fridays - Reformers Unanimous Christ Centered Addiction Recovery Program - Jeruel Baptist Church, corner of Neu Rd and M-106. 7:00-9:30pm. “Jesus is the truth, so let the truth make you free.”

Wednesday, November 25th - Jeruel Baptist Church Thanksgiving Pageant, with specials by the children’s club, Bible Light Cadets, teens, and adults. Pastor Bob Castle wants to remind everyone the God considers being thankful is one of the greatest gifts we can give Him. Let this program help you revive the spirit of Thanksgiving - 7:00pm. Thursday, November 26th - FREE Thanksgiving Dinner - Heritage Elementary School - Delivery & Take-out available - ph 517-565-3051 - 11:30am-2:00pm Friday, December 5th - 3rd Annual Winter Wonderland as organized by the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce. Holiday Sales at local business, free concert, and lighting of the Christmas tree - 10am - Dusk

Saturday, December 6th - Leslie American Legion Riders will be hosting a Chili Cook-off and Dance. Cook-off will run from Noon - 5:00pm with the Dance to follow from 7:30-Midnight. For more information call 517-589-9122 Sunday, December 6th - Stockbridge Area Arts Council will sponsor a FREE Christmas concert - Barons of Brass - starting at 4:00 pm at the Historic Stockbridge Township hall in downtown Stockbridge. Seating will start at 3:30pm Saturday, December 21st - Sons of the American Legion will be hosting Santa Days at the Leslie American Legion Post located at 422 Woodward Street in Leslie. Children are asked to bring a canned good to be donated to the local food panty. - 11am - 1pm

COMMUNITY CALENDER

Bunkerhill 7th Day Adventist 3820 Williamston Road, Stockbridge 517-589-0659 Church of Christ 4783 S. M-52 Hwy, Stockbridge (517) 851-8141 Sunday Bible Study 10:15 am Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Bible Study 6:30 pm Ministers Bruce Harris and Larrel Whitaker Christ Episcopal Church 9900 N. Meridian Road, Pleasant Lake Sunday Morning 9:00 Youth Sunday School 9:00 Phone 517-769-2333 Dansville Free Methodist Church 1340 Mason Street, Dansville (517) 623-0365 Pastor Amy Thompson SS 9:30-10:30 am Morning Worship 10:30-11:30 Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer meeting 7:00 pm Dansville United Methodist Church 1317 Mason Street, Dansville (517) 623-6591 (517) 623-6594 Worship & Sunday School 9:15 am Pastor Don Fry Family Tabernacle Church of God 5115 Green Road, Stockbridge (517) 851-8327 Sunday Worship 10:30 am Wednesday Evening 7:00 pm at Howlett School 126 Webb St, Gregory www.familytabernaclecog.net Pastor Jeff Howard First Baptist Church “Who knew Church could be this FUN?” 950 S. Clinton Road, PO Box 64, Stockbridge (517) 851-7075 Sunday Worship 9:15 & 11:00 am Discovery Island Sunday 11:00 am The best hour of every kids week (0-5) Wednesday 5th Dimension Youth Group 6:00 - 8:30pm www.1stbcs.org pastorb@1stbcs.org Pastor Brian Johnson Youth Minister Tim Wheaton timw@1stbcs.org Angie Stolarz thehaircutgirl@yahoo.com

First Methodist Church of Waterloo Territorial Road, Stockbridge (517) 851-7287 First Presbyterian Church 101 S. Center Street, Stockbridge (517) 851-7015 Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am Church Offices Open T-W-F 9am-12 Pastor Shannon O’Leary Freedom Community Church “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 Leslie Public Middle School Cafeteria Kimball Road, Leslie, MI Pastor Wes Emmerson 517-676-3222 Sunday Worship – 10am Good Shepherd Mission 5050 E. M-36, Stockbridge (517) 851-9800 Morning Service 10:30 am Tuesday Bible Study Parson Billy R. Allen Grand River Community Church "Where Living Water Flows" 2443 Olds Rd, Leslie Pastor Bruce Crockett bruce_crockett@sbcglobal.net (517)589-5448 Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Gregory Community Church “A Caring Community” 126 Church Street, Gregory (734) 498-2591 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. Rev. Heidi DeMott-Shanes, Pastor gregcomchur@hotmail.com Highest Praise Worship Center 5107 S. Clinton Street, Stockbridge (517) 851-7758 Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Family Enrichment Night 7:00-8:00 pm Bishop Jeffrey Lambert

Heritage United Brethren Church Meets at Dansville High School (517) 281-8931 Sunday School 9:00 am Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am Sunday Night HS Youth Group 7:00 Tuesday Night MS Youth Group 7:00 Monday Night Elementary Youth Group 3:00 pm www.hubchurch.weebly.com Pastor Cal Hodgson Email: DansvilleHUB@yahoo.com Pastor: Jeruel Baptist Church 11400 Plum Orchard Road, Munith (517) 596-2128 Sunday School 10:00 am Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Youth Clubs & Prayer Meeting 6:30 pm Pastor Bob Castle Millville United Methodist Church 1932 N. M-52 Hwy, Stockbridge (517) 851 -7853 Pastor Robert Freysinger millvillechurch@hughes.net www.millvillechurch.org Sunday Services: Breakfast from 8:30 - 9:30 Blended Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study Class 11:00 a.m. Tuesday Bible Study - 1:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Munith United Methodist Church 224 N. Main Street, Munith (517) 596-2441 Worship Hour - 9:30 Rev. Larry Rubingh Plainfield United Methodist Church 17845 M-36, Gregory Sunday School 10:00 am Sunday Worship 11:15 am Minister Judi Darling S.S. Cornelius & Cyprian Catholic Church 1320 Catholic Church Road, Leslie (517) 589-8492 Weekend Masses: Sunday 8:00 am & 10:30 am Saturday Confessions 4:00-4:30 pm Father Mike Petroski

Southwest Church of the Nazarene 14555 Holmes Road PO Box 74, Gregory, MI 48137 Church : (734) 498-2682 Pastor : (734) 395-9157 Sunday Services: Sunday School - 10:00am Morning Worship - 11:00am Evening Service - 6:00pm Wednesday - 7:00pm NETS (Teen Program) Caravan for Grades 1 - 6 Benson’s Buddies - Age 3 - K Pastor Gary A. Slusher southwestnaz@charterinternet.com St Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church 12501 Riethmiller Rd, Grass Lake (517) 522-4187 Sunday Worship 10:15 am Pastor Scott Schwertfeger www.stjacobgrasslake.org Stockbridge United Methodist Church 219 E. Elizabeth Street, Stockbridge (517) 851-7676 Rev. Larry Rubingh Worship Hour - 11:00 am Trinity Pentecostal Church 4935 Freiermuth Road, Stockbridge (517) 565-3310 Sunday School 10:00 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am Wednesday Youth Group 7:00 pm Thursday Bible Study 10:30 am Pastor Mark Roark Trinity Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 5758 West M-36 Putnam Township 734-878-5977 Pastor Merelyn Snider Sunday School 8:45 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am Pastor: Unadilla Presbyterian Church 20175 Williamsville Road, Gregory (734) 498-2348 Sunday Worship 11:00 am Pastor John Qiu United Baptist Church 2510 Heeney Road, Stockbridge (517) 565-3121

If your church is not listed please let us know! Email editor@theweeklypride.com.

November 24, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

PAGE 3 - THE WEEKLY PRIDE

the Lions’. He is the Lions Club ‘Santa’ and helps maintain the Lions Air Force Planes before parades. Together, the Lentz’s founded the Stockbridge Stompers square dance club 10 years ago and maintain the co-president positions. Judy is an animal lover and shares her heart by visiting the dogs and cats at the Midwest Animal Blood Bank as often as possible. “I think volunteering is good for the soul,” explained Judy. In addition to their many monthly hours as philanthropists, both Wes and Judy work full-time for Chelsea Milling Company also known as the Jiffy Plant in Chelsea, Michigan. Wes is the Department Manager of the Flour Milling Operation and Judy works as a Packaging Line Operator. Before Judy began at Jiffy in 2002, she worked in daycare for Stockbridge Community Education. Wes and Judy grew up in Kansas, Judy in a small town and Wes on a farm. Wes recalled, “On a farm, you don’t hire someone to fix something. Because of that, I learned a lot as a boy. My father passed away when I was just five years old. My grandfather was very talented and he taught me a lot. He was always helping the neighbors with all kinds of things.” The couple met at ages 15 and 17 and were high school sweethearts. They were married three years later and have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. Together the Lentz’s have one daughter, Kim (Williamson) of Stockbridge and two sons, Andrew and Phil that both live in Illinois. They have three grandchildren and the Lentz’s agree: “We thoroughly enjoy our grandchildren!!” Between August, 1994 and July, 1995,

while their children were still in high school, Wes and Judy hosted a German foreign exchange student. “She’s a great young lady,” Wes explained. “She became like another daughter to us and we’re still in touch today. She has visited us in Michigan twice and we went to Germany to meet her family in 2003. The hardest part was letting her go!” Judy added, “It was a great learning experience for all of us.” Wes enjoys his HO trains he has set-up in the basement. He enjoys going to train museums, too. Judy likes to read and crochet and take care of their animals. Two years ago they found a new hobby they both enjoy together: camping!! They now have a fifth-wheel they take to visit kids in Illinois and family in Kansas. “Nightly bon-fires are great and fun for the kids and grandkids, too. Judy said with a big smile, “We really love it!” “We plan on staying in this area. Stockbridge is quiet, friendly, a small town yet we’ve made a lot of friends.” explained Judy. When asked why they spend the little bit of extra time they have volunteering, Wes was quick to answer: “Because we can! It’s good for us to keep busy and as I give joy to others – it gives me joy, too!” How refreshing it has been to meet a couple that felt they should and wanted to give back to a community they had just joined. What a great addition you are to our area, and because of that, Wes and Judy Lentz… …I thank you both for all you do, for all of us! If you know someone deserving of a Forgotten “Thank You”, please email me at: forgottenthankyou@yahoo.com.

Thank you (Continued from page 1) Library Events

DANSVILLE ALL AGES Animals in Winter Saturday, Dec. 5, 2-3 pm Join us for this special live animal program presented by the Potter Park Zoo. You will be amazed by the variety of ways animals prepare for winter, including coat changes, fat deposition, hibernation, and migration. Registration is required by calling (517) 623-6511. LESLIE CHILDREN Drop-in Thanksgiving Crafts Tues., Nov. 24 & Wed., Nov. 25 Drop in any time between 3-5:30 pm. TEENS & TWEENS Game Night @ the Library Tuesday, Nov. 24, 6-7:30 pm Enjoy board games, card games and Wii competitions. ADULTS “Hugs for Hospice” Knitting Mondays, Nov. 30, 6-8 pm Knit or crochet projects for Heartland-Hospice.

If you need more information or have any questions, you may email me at RJSmithagent@AOL.comor cal l 888-333-3721, ext 2117, cell 734-469-6420 SELF FUND OR NOT SELF FUND LONG TERM CARE The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance has recently reported the two largest open claims for LTC have each surpassed $1 million. According to their director, Jesse Slome, there are two crucial points involved. 1.) Self-funding is not really an option for most people. 2.) Million dollar claims can strike at any time. Most people will read this and feel the company must have paid out claims for 50 years to reach that level. In reality, here are the numbers to date and counting: A.) Over $1.2 million in claims. A woman invested in her program at age 43, annual premium of $1,800 for three years when her claim started. She has received benefits for 12 years. B.) $1.02 million in claims. A

woman invested in her program at age 72, annual premium of $12,766 for three years when her claim began. She has received benefits for nine years. As you can see, the younger and healthier you are the less the premium for a program like this is. According to Slome and AALTCI there were 180,000 Americans receiving $8.5 million in LTC benefits from their programs in 2008. Most people think they can self fund their long-term care. Most people can’t afford a $1 million plus bill for care. The Post Hospital Care lotto is not something you want to win but the peace of mind that you have a program in place to protect you can sure pay off. For thousands of people every year it increasingly is paying off. In 2008, over 1/3 of programs written were for people ages 45 to 54 with a daily benefit amount of $100 to $149 and over 2/3 of all programs written carried inflation protection to guard against annual increases in the cost of care. Please call me today to discuss your insurance needs.

INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES CORNER WITH RICHARD SMITH, LICENSED REPRESENTATIVE

“I’d feel like ‘This is just terrible, I can’t do this anymore’ and then it would get better for awhile somehow.” She explained. “Or there would be some financial crisis that we’d squeak through and get everything paid and then it’d be okay again for awhile. And then some-thing else would happen.” “I finally thought ‘I don’t want to place an order and wonder if I’m even going to stay open’,” Rodriguez said. “That’s why I just picked a date.” Rodriguez gathered her employees and broke the news to them Thursday evening. “I think they were surprised for the most part,” she said. Being the owner of the building, Rod-riguez has the opportunity to be open to leasing options, although at this point, the future is uncertain. She is currently working at a job that ends in January. “I’m definitely staying there until then,” she assured. “After that…” her voice trailed off. “I think we’ll be okay,” she said, upbeat once more. “I’ve just enjoyed it, really,” Rodri-guez says of Red Sky. “I have enjoyed it a lot. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s fun!” “That’s probably the best part,” Rod-riguez continued, “meeting so many peo-ple.” “The employees all worked really hard, too, and I have to give them credit,” she concluded. Red Sky will be closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday, opening back up on Saturday and closing for good on Monday. “I think people have gotten used to the idea of us being here,” Rodriguez finished, wistfully. “It was a lot of work, but I didn’t mind that.”

Red Sky (Continued from page 1)

♦ Turkey bones can splinter and cause tears or obstructions in a pet’s digestive tract.

♦ Baking strings can also cause obstructions within the intestines.

♦ Grapes and raisins contain toxins that can cause kidney failure.

♦ Chocolate, caffeine and alcohol can cause seizures or even death.

♦ Onions and garlic, often found in stuffing, can lead to canine anemia. Most recently M.S.U. Vet School has proven that onions are far more toxic to dog and cats than chocolate and should be seriously avoided.

It’s wise to place dogs and cats in a separate room or behind a baby gate or in their crates with play toys during dinner. Often it’s the guests that offer scraps so be sure all dinner guests know not to feed your pets from the table. It is also important to store leftover food out of reach and in tightly closed containers. One of the biggest problems veterinarians see during the holidays is when a dog or cat gets into the garbage after the holiday activities. In addition to the toxic items listed above, chewing on leftover tinfoil and consuming e-coli are hazards you want to protect your pet from. Our pets are valuable “family members” that are worthy of our extra care and diligence to ensure their safety throughout the holidays. Please add these safety steps to your holiday regiment.

Thanksgiving Saftey (Continued from page 1)

interior of the house and talk to the JPD officer. A file check on the man revealed a felony warrant from the Jackson Police and the man was immediately handcuffed and taken to the JPD car. A further search of the house failed to expose the man the Waterloo Police were searching for but interviewing the residents revealed the true location of the suspect. After the Jackson man was arrested and taken away, the Waterloo Police continued on to an address in Leoni Township where they found their suspect.

Waterloo Township Police (Continued from page 1)

Courtesy Call This past week we received a request for an article to be written about pet owners, specifically dog owners, not picking up after their themselves while out walking. We were even blessed with photographic evidence of an “issue” just off the sidewalk near the Elementary Schools. We would have to agree with the writer, as I am sure you will as well, that it would be most unpleasant to step or fall into such a deposit left by the side of the walkway. The issue is further complicated because the leaves are on the ground making the “issue” blend in more than it might otherwise. We would like to ask that dog walkers consider bringing along a bag to clean-up after your pet. We feel it is common courtesy to do so. The writer wanted us to question whether or not there was an ordinance about this topic, and while there might be, we feel that we can do without more government oversight and hope that as individuals we are able to handle the situation ourselves, very, very carefully mind you..

PAGE 4 - THE WEEKLY PRIDE

November 24, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

Real Estate Corner With

Sandy Goetz, Realtor ® Greg Uihlein, Realtor ®

www.countrycomputercare.com In Home PC Repair and Website Design

Jody King (517) 414-1892 Email: jodyking@verizon.net

As we enter the Holiday season we were thinking about a good topic for the corner this week. For the next few months we will spend time with family and friends and partake in what most folks think is the greatest time of the year and as New Year approaches can all reflect on what has been a stressful year for everyone in our community. We didn’t want to throw numbers and statistics at you this week or write about the latest way to buy a home. Our goal this week is to reflect on the good things we have in our town. The things we experience as we go from the shop to shop is a great representation of a friendly, caring and quaint little town we all live in. From the smiles you get when you eat in one of our restaurants, or the greeting you receive when you get gas at any of our convenience stores and don’t forget the warm feeling you experience when you hand over your letters for mailing. You can get your hair cut or prepare for your next home project, grocery shop,

get your teeth cleaned or receive legal advice in town. For the holidays we take our children to see Santa and a magic show in a town square that takes a piece of history and presents us with the dedication of our town’s heritage as a gift for us to appreciate. These are the many things that bring people to Stockbridge and make our town strong. As realtors in this community, these are the things we show when someone is looking to purchase a home in town or when we’re making a presentation to other realtors as it pertains to marketing a home here. Please enjoy these holiday months and remember our town is a great one. Happy holidays!

If you need more information or have any

questions, you can email us at sandygoetz@verizon.net,

guihlein@reinhartrealtors.com or call us at Reinhart Realtors, 734-475-9600.

Happy Holidays!

Stockbridge and Leslie squared off in a tough physical match up. Stockbridge’s Coach Nichols background in Big Ten basketball may have come into play. Both teams came out sloppy turning the ball over a lot in the first half. Stockbridge missed good opportunities off of turnovers, but fought through Leslie’s stiff defense to take a 22-12 lead at halftime. Stockbridge started cashing in from long range as Skeeter Ballagh, Nick Novak, and Zach Runciman connected on three pointers. Leslie kept up with the Panthers in the race though hitting a couple threes of their own and rebounding well. The Panthers shot poorly from the free throw line as well as turning the ball over a lot which helped Leslie keep it close. The score going into the fourth quarter was 33-25 with the Panthers running away with the game. More sloppy play from the Panthers started to convert to

Leslie points. It was a five point game with less than a minute left when Leslie stole the ball and scored on a lay-up to make it a one shot game. With a mere 8 seconds left, Leslie got the ball needing a three pointer and missed the shot. Stockbridge won the stalemate by a slim margin of 42-39. Turnovers were high as Stockbridge had 19 and Leslie had 28 turnovers. The top Stockbridge scorers were Zach Runciman with 11 points, Kaleb Grammer with 9 points, and Skeeeter Ballagh with 7 points. I met with Coach Nichols after the game and he commented on his teams play. “We played good defense in the first half, but we didn’t adjust well in the second half, but I’m proud of them (players),we played hard tonight”, Coach Nichols. The Stockbridge win pushed their record to 3-0.

MS Basketball Stockbridge vs. Leslie Basketball 8th Grade

Alex Noffsinger - Student Writer

Coaches go through a career hoping that the gentlemen and ladies they coach realize that it is not about the wins or losses that accumulate throughout their career but the process in becoming part of something bigger than them and devel-oping relationships on that journey. I have looked back on my own career and when I have, the things that stick out most are the relationships that have been built. Tonight something took place be-fore the game that I have not seen in my 16 year coaching career, a player gave up his starting position because he thought someone else deserved it more. This may seem small to some, but for the players who have played for me throughout my 16 years, they know that to start a game, you earn it. Boys and Girls always wait with anticipation to see who is going to start. I always have an-nounced right before the game. I named the starters, as young men patted each other with congratulations. Right when I finished, a young MAN said, "Coach, I

think ______ should start, he deserves it." I truly thank God that I did not have much time to think, and granted this players wish. As we walked out of the locker room, some boys went up to the young MAN who gave up his starting spot and I could tell they were asking him about what he did, the young MAN simply shrugged his shoulders and smiled. This young MAN defines the team that I am lucky to coach this year. It also defines the community that I have coached in for the last 10 years. I have a feeling that these boys might forget the points that were scored tonight, but I guarantee they won't forget that act of selflessness. To that young MAN that did that tonight, Thanks. Coach Nichols 8th Grade Boys Basketball

Letter to the Sports Desk

Two weeks ago Wednesday the 8th grade boys defeated Albion 40-28. The 8th grade team played very well defensively and were able to force Albion to turn over the ball. The boys were led by Kaleb Grammer 15 points and Lucas Showerman's 10 points. Last Monday night the boys were able to defeat Leslie 42-39. Zach Runcimann led the team with 11 points followed by Kaleb Grammer with 9 and Skeeter Ballagh with 7. Nick Novak came off the bench to help solidify the defense and Tyler Patrick sank a crucial free throw at the end of the game to give Stockbridge a

bigger cushion. The 8th grade basketball team was at it again and suffered their first loss of the season as they lost a tough battle on Wednesday night to Hillsdale 64-53. Both teams battle for the lead throughout the game with Hillsdale pulling away at the end. Kaleb Grammar led the Panthers with 16 followed by Zach Runciman with 11, Jesus Cordero with 9 and Lucas Showerman with 9. The boys played hard and look to correct some mistakes so they can put Western to the test on TUESDAY night at Western. The 8th grade team is now 3-1.

MS Basketball 8th Grade Team Starts Season 3-1

Submitted by Coach Nichols

November 24, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

PAGE 5 - THE WEEKLY PRIDE

The sound of rain hitting the roof greeted me as I struggled to get out of the fog of sleep this morning. That was not the sound that was desired. Yesterday may have been the most beautiful day of my life. The sun was out shining on the colored leaves and some of those leaves were just about at their color peak. Fall in Michigan can totally overpower. A nearby lady commented that after all those years she was surprised that she could still be touched by the changing color of leaves on the trees. Yesterday was one of those days when folks are touched. Even just driving around, looking everywhere, trying to inhale the beauty, to get around the enormity of it, repeatedly my mind returned to thanking the Almighty, time and time again for this overwhelming piece of intense and simple beauty. Fresh in my mind are the thousands of

visuals that swung past me as I drove along Michigan roads. The individual trees were beautiful, but the blends were what touched the soul. There were reds that were prime reds; reds that were a mix of red and an almost orange, and some pure greens were mixed in to add a contrast. As the road curved around, climbed up and down, crossed water, vision followed vision as each faded behind and another just ahead brought the eyes forward. There was a small area of naked sand that was placed amongst the varied leaves for contrast. “Thank you! Thank You! THANK YOU, ALMIGHTY! Moving from the hard surface roads to the gravel ones that nudge right up to the trees is a giant step toward intimacy. The feeling can almost be touched. Cameras could never capture what was there to see, but one could try the capture, but the color changes were almost moment to moment, as the light moved from place to place. Like the farmer shudders at the sound of rain when the grain is ready for harvest, that is how it felt this morning with the rain on the roof. Often the rain is a glorious sound. This morning it isn’t. Just last night the light disappeared, then the cameras were retired for the day, in that order. Even when it was too dark, the comfort of that shutter clicking in that little black box was too intense to quit. There are images captured that will never see the light of day because the “light of day” was already gone when the attempt to capture was made. My plan was to rush out there this morning and shoot more pictures with the help of the early morning light. Morning light doesn’t greet one with the sound on the roof like the rain does. Just think of the film that will be saved. How horrible. Even a couple of hours of sunshine this morning would have been nice.

But it was not to be. There were a couple of areas that were discovered at dark last night that were targets for this morning. Did the Almighty decide that I had had all the drowning in beauty that my system could accommodate? Once upon a time, the reds were the most appealing leaves to my eye. Then the yellows (those bright, fluffy ones that magnify bright sunlight) took their place in the pure desire of eye pleasing strokes. Then the many blends that make up the whole canvas seemed to become more desirable. Yesterday was a wonderful experience. Still, a couple of hours this morning would have been nice. The rain is knocking some of those leaves off the trees even as we think about the process. Even if the sun shows up later in the day, the influence of this rain on the will show up on the color presentation following the rain. That edge that was there in abundance yesterday will be absent. That is the way it is. How many times have the farmers prayed for rain to make the seeds grow into crops that would sustain life? This morning wasn’t one of those times. Nourishment for the body may come from the rain on the seeds, but nourishment for the soul is the pure color of Michigan Fall. Both body and soul need nourishment. Thinking about the color experience is still warming, but then I am inside out of the rain. Folks were out enjoying the color yesterday. In their vehicles you would see them drift to the shoulder of the road as a particularly beautiful color collection would appear, then they would snap back on the road when they realized what they had done. Along the side roads the feeling of humanness was so near the surface. As this aging tourist left the car and walked forward carrying a camera, a young man with his dog in a pickup stopped and asked if I was “broke down? I wasn’t but appreciated his concern. A bit later, edging down a two track “seasonal road,” there was a man in an extended cab vehicle (who also had his dog in the truck) who pulled as far to the side as he could so I could get past him. His truck looked like it might have cost more than my house. He was friendly and commented on how “glorious” the color was. This word wasn’t expected from him by me. How wrong my early thinking proved to be. After the rain in the early morning hours, the sun appeared mid-morning and the color was as sharp as it was yesterday. The leaf loss from the rain was miniscule and the colors remained in full sharp color. Once again the sound of the camera soothed away the stresses. All indications are that this may have been the most productive color weekend ever. What an emotional drunk these amazing days of pure emotional soul soothing proved to be. What beauty. What power. What wonder. What magic.

Overwhelming Natural Beauty Special Writer Cecil E. Darnell

PAGE 6 - THE WEEKLY PRIDE

November 24, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

2 3 4 8 6 1 7 9 5 8 7 6 3 9 5 1 4 2 9 5 1 2 4 7 8 3 6 5 2 9 6 8 4 3 7 1 4 1 3 9 7 2 6 5 8 6 8 7 5 1 3 9 2 4 7 4 8 1 2 9 5 6 3 3 6 2 7 5 8 4 1 9 1 9 5 4 3 6 2 8 7

2 7 9 6 3 4 1 5 8 3 1 4 8 9 5 2 7 6 8 5 6 2 1 7 4 9 3 5 2 1 7 4 8 3 6 9 6 4 8 3 2 9 7 1 5 9 3 7 1 5 6 8 2 4 7 9 5 4 8 2 6 3 1 1 8 2 9 6 3 5 4 7 4 6 3 5 7 1 9 8 2

Currently, we are steaming full speed ahead into the Christmas season. Most kids have long forgotten about the candy sitting pitifully at the bottom of their plastic pumpkins. Pathetic piles of banana Laffy Taffy scatter the orange bottoms along with the disregarded sour apple suckers and Good ‘n Plenty’s. But what happened to Thanksgiving? Halloween isn’t even over before Corporate America begins hauling out the Christmas commodities. November 1st now marks the “official” beginning of the

Christmas season by radio stations playing Christmas songs. Granted there aren’t any Thanksgiving songs, but still. Aren’t we rushing things just a bit? Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. But have you ever tried to buy anything decorative for Thanksgiving? Pickin’s are slim. For example, one year, I made this fabulous pumpkin dip for Thanksgiving dinner sent Himself out to buy a festive Thanksgiving dish in which to serve said dip. Who knew that it would turn into an all night (literally) scavenger hunt that would yield nothing? The best Himself could do was a large glass pumpkin with the top of the pumpkin lifting off. (I think it was supposed to be a cookie jar.) The dip ended up filling only half of the pumpkin and being that the top of the pumpkin was quite narrow, it was very challenging to find a spoon long enough to fit down in it, get a

scoop of dip and pull it back out successfully. (It was quite messy, as you can imagine.)

I can admit now, that back then I considered Himself to be an inferior shopper and consoled myself in the fact that he wasn’t quite in the know about these things. I granted him immunity from my disappointment by telling myself that he just didn’t look hard enough. And since I consider myself to be a superior shopper, I began watching for Thanksgiving notions ever since that disappointing year. Come Halloween, I begin ferreting out anything Thanksgiving. And we go from Halloween straight into Christmas. Maybe you can find an obscure item or two that might work for Thanksgiving (like a glass pumpkin). But as far as anything touting the words “thanks” or “Thanksgiving”? No way! Maybe if you’re lucky, you can find some things with the word “Harvest” in it, but that’s as far as it goes. Even now, the week before (well, now the week of) Thanksgiving, communities are

celebrating their “Christmas in the Village” festivities or “Silver Bells in the City” where everyone hosts their annual lighting of the Christmas Tree merriment. We’ve not even had Thanksgiving yet, but everyone is already in the Christmas mode! The only place where Thanksgiving is duly noted is on the Food Network. Program after mouth-watering program can be seen with the “Ode to Thanksgiving” theme. (To quote the ever annoying Rachel Ray: Yum-o!) Thanksgiving is a time for being thankful. Taking an entire day-one day out of 365- and counting our blessings. No matter what we’ve been through in the past year, we all have something in which to give thanks for. If nothing else, we can celebrate life; being here another year. But Corporate America does not want us to be thankful. They want us to spend money. Hurry into Halloween, spend money, hurry into the Christmas season, spend money, hurry out, celebrate the New Year and spend money. Even the acclaimed movie,

“Miracle on 34th Street” is hardly seen around anymore. And when does the movie begin? Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Everyone complains about times being so bad, money is so tight, the economy is rapidly declining yet they encourage us to be optimistic. But how do we face optimism when they want us to rush past the appointed day in which we give thanks? We’re told to be thankful, but commemorating an entire day to being thankful? Nuh-uh. There’s no money involved in that. And if Thanksgiving does get mentioned at all, it is usually followed by the words “Black Friday”. How exciting does “celebrate the day before Black Friday” sound? That’s not to say I don’t enjoy Christmas. I just think we should observe each and every holiday and celebrate them in the way they were meant to be enjoyed. Except maybe Valentine’s Day. That one could go….and for that I’d be truly thankful.

SUDOKU PUZZLES OF THE WEEK If you have never completed one of these you might be asking what the rules are. They are quite simple. Each column needs to contain the numbers 1 - 9, each row needs to contain the numbers 1 - 9, and each 3 x 3 set of squares needs to contain the numbers 1-9.

1 3 2 8

3 9 4

2 6 1

6 3

9 4 5 7

7 5

9 6 8

8 1 3

3 2 6 9

Last weeks solutions at right.

Giving up the Thanks By Corinda Hackworth

corinda@theweeklypride.com

4 9

4 2

3 9 1 8

6 5

4 2 3 6 7

1 9

5 6 3 1

7 1

8 4

November 24, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

PAGE 7 - THE WEEKLY PRIDE

BackStreet Steakhouse and Seafood is now on Facebook. Become a fan

and receive the latest specials.

114 N. Center Street, Stockbridge - 517-851-7785

Kitchen Hours Mon - Thurs - 7am - 9pm

Fri - Sat - 7am - 10pm Sunday 7am - 8pm

Medina’s Mexican Cuisine Monday 11-5

Wednesday 11-7 Friday 11-5

November 25th Join us for our “Pre Thanksgiving Day Bash”

Musical guest-Hillbilly Deluxe 9pm-1am

We will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Have a great holiday!

The following is an editorial written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have questions about this commentary, please contact Rep. Byrum's office by calling (517) 373-0587. As the weather gets colder, we we will begin waking up earlier to scrape frost off our cars, and the warm days of summer will seem like a distant memory. It is

almost wintertime here in mid-Michigan, and that means the holidays are just around the corner. Soon, the shopping centers and stores will be busy as residents hunt for the perfect gift for their friends and loved ones. As you head out, this holiday season, I hope you will not forget about looking in our local shops for gifts.

Our state has suffered greatly in the economic recession that has gripped our country for much of the past two years. The holidays usually are the best time of the year for retailers and businesses. It is vital for our locally-owned businesses that we come out and support by shopping in our local shops, during these

tough times and help keep their doors open and our neighbors working. That is why it is so critical that when we go out searching for gifts and bargains this year, we look to make our purchases from locally-owned stores and shops. These stores are vital to our downtowns, our communities and our economy. In fact, small and local businesses make up more than 95 percent of our state's employers. These small shops can provide you with the customer service and the friendly faces that are all too often absent in some of the larger retailers, especially around the holidays. There are other benefits to you for choosing a locally-owned business. These businesses give back and make our community a stronger, better place to live. Studies have shown that for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $45 goes back into the community, and

nonprofit organizations receive more than two and a half times more support from small, local business owners than they do from the big chains. These are the businesses that make our community unique. You can go to the big box stores in any city – you cannot find the stores lining Main Street in towns and villages throughout Ingham County anywhere else. In order to strengthen our local economy, we should all look to make our purchases from locally owned businesses. We will keep the heart and soul of our downtowns strong and vibrant while keeping our friends and neighbors employed and helping them put food on the table. This year, try beating the crowds and avoid the long lines at the chain stores, and spend some time searching our locally-owned businesses. You will be glad you did.

Capitol Notes

Barb Byrum State

Representative

Services

The Classifieds We offer the lowest rates around!

Email - advertising@theweeklypride.com or call - 888-318-1766 to place a listing. Rates are $5 for the first 25 words and $0.10 per word thereafter. Add $1 to get your ad stylized with bold letters and fancy boxes!

For Sale NEW 3.5 HP Horizontal Shaft B&S Gas Engine - $75. NEW 90 Amp Motorolla Alternator - $100 PSE Compound Bow/Case - $75 1000’ Roll #6 THHN Insulated Copper Wire - BO 1978 Ford 4x4 - Parting Out NEW Holly 600 GFM Carb - $125 1965-1966 Mustang 6-cyl, 3-speed Transmission (2.77) - $125 NEW Performer 351 M-400M Intake Manifold - $125

Call 517-851-4102 for information

Guitar and Banjo Lessons - Individual or groups. Call Vic 517-589-9933

Transmission repair start at $495. Check out low prices on transaxles and overdrives. 30 years experience. Free towing. Phone Pierce Auto 517-623-6277 Buying disabled cars and trucks. 1998 and newer. Will pay up to $1000. Free Towing. Phone Pierce Auto 517-623-6277

Music Lessons Piano, Songwriting, guitar, and voice.

All ages, levels, and styles. Traditional, Play-by-ear, and originals

Call Laura, MA-Music Ref. Provided

H: 734-433-0171 C: 734-717-3253

Forest & Land Management

Buyer of Standing Timber For a Free No-Obligation Estimate of Your Timbers

Value, Please Call (517) 243-4996

SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT

- Fall Clean-Up - Storm Damage/Insurance Work - Gutter Cleaning - Tree Trimming, Cutting, Planting - Landscaping - Plumbing - Electrical - Carpentry

Mel & Chris - 734-389-3880 (Members of BBB)

Daycare/preschool – Offering before and after school, all day, and part-time care. Located in

Northwest School District. Licensed, food program, and

teacher schedule offered. Call for an appointment.

517-499-7043.

*Payments & prices quoted after GMS and Manufacturer's rebate and GM Loyalty. *PRICE includes destination charges, subject to pre-sale, just ad 6% sales tax, dealer retains all rebates and/or incentives. **Special APR on selected vehicles only, with approved credit. Customers may not be eligible for all rebates. All prices and payments plus taxes, and state fees. See dealer for details. Vehicles may not be exactly as pictured. Used for advertising purposes only. *See dealer for details. 39 month lease, 10,000 mile per year with approved credit.

1997 Ford Taurus Wagon Red, Leather, Roof, Loaded, 95K miles

2005 Checy Silverado Ext. Cab LT, Red, 4x4, Power Pkg., 102K miles

$4,150 $13,495

Contact Certified Sales Person Kellie Morland

Elvis Tribute Show Starring Matt King Saturday, December 12th, 2009.

Leslie American Legion, 422 Woodward St. Leslie

Show starts at 7:00pm doors open at 6pm. Tickets $20/Adult, $10/kids 12 and under. For ticket information

call 517-676-1721.

Notices

2010 CAMARO’S IN STOCK!

880 S. Grand Ave, Fowlerville, MI 48836 Sales: (517) 219-4082

Service: (517) 219-4102

Visit www.theweeklypride.com for more information.

www.waldeckerchevrolet.com

PAGE 8 - THE WEEKLY PRIDE

November 24, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

STOCKBRIDGE Tuesday - 11/24 HS Girls Basketball Scrimmage vs. Fowlerville - 3:30pm MS Boys Basketball @ Parma Western - 4:30pm Wednesday - 11/25 No Events Thursday - 11/26 No Events Friday - 11/27 No Events Saturday - 11/28 No Events Monday - 11/30 Boys MS Basketball @ Lansing Christian - 4:30pm Tuesday - 12/1 JV Girls Basketball @ Corunna - 6:00pm Varsity Girls Basketball @ Corunna - 7:30pm

DANSVILLE Tuesday - 11/24 No Events Wednesday - 11/25 No Events Thursday - 11/26 No Events Friday - 11/27 No Events Saturday - 11/28 No Events Monday - 11/30 MS Volleyball @ Portland St. Pats - 5:00pm Tuesday - 12/1 JV Girls Basketball @ Webberville - 6:00pm Varsity Girls Basketball @ Webberville - 7:30pm

LESLIE Tuesday - 11/24 MS Boys Basketball vs. Webberville - 4:30pm Wednesday - 11/25 No Events Thursday - 11/26 No Events Friday - 11/27 No Events Saturday - 11/28 No Events Monday - 11/30 MS Boys Basketball @ Parma Western - 4:30pm Tuesday - 12/1 JV Girls Basketball @ Saranac - 6:00pm Varsity Girls Basketball @ Saranac - 7:30pm

Area Sporting Events For The Week of November 24 - December 1

Sports@theweeklypride.com is your contact for reporting all your sports results! Send us your news.

Offering: Full Surgery *** Dentistry *** X-RAY capabilities

*** Full Line of Science Diet Food***

Shelly Rutledge-Walker, D.V.M. 214 S. Center St. PO Box 758, Stockbridge

stockbridgeanimalclinic.com 517-851-7100

Housecall services available. Call us for details.

Help us help others this holiday season Support Angel Food Ministries!

For every appointment seen between Thanksgiving and Christmas, a donation will be made to Angel Food Ministries to help struggling families right here in mid-Michigan. Please call for an appointment today!

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace” - 1 Peter 4:10

3rd Annual Winter Wonderland

STOP AT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS FOR:

• INDOOR SIDEWALK SALES

• PRE-HOLIDAY SALES

• HOLIDAY MUSIC

• GIVE-A-WAYS

• DRAWINGS

Christmas Concert in the Town Hall

Starring The Barons of Brass, Sunday, December 6th at 4pm

Sponsored by the Stockbridge Area Arts Council

Organized by the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5TH ~ 10AM‐DUSK 

BACKSTREET STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD

HOSTED

SSBBANK MCDONALDS

52 LANDSCAPE

COUNTRY PETALS

KIM & COMPANY

SPECIALTY SATELLITE STOCKBRIDGE LIBRARY STOCKBRIDGE PHARMACY

STOCKBRIDGE ANIMAL CLINIC

DRAGONFYRE DESIGN STUDIO

ABBOTT & FILLMORE INSURANCE AGENGY

Lighting of the Tree on the Town Square at Dusk

By: