Winter 2012-13

Life in Tecumseh and Surrounding Areas

homefront
Commodity Code #8014-0734
Whether
you think
you can,
or think
you can't,
you're right.
~ Henry Ford
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Publisher: Jim Lincoln Creative Director: Suzanne Hayes
Production Artists: Hollie Smith and Koda Woodward
Contributors: Mickey Alvarado, Lynn Boughton,
Deane Erts, Rebecca Peach, Mary Kay McPartlin, Deb Wuethrich.
Advertising Sales Staff: Adrienne Ayers, John Beyer, Sue Kotts Garcia, Suzanne Hayes, and Carla Reed
7 ...... HOLIDAY HOME TOURS Tecumseh & Clinton landmarks shine
9 ...... TWAIN RETURNS TCA concert and SMR train ride
10 .... PERSONAL BEST Winter fitness opportunities
19 .... FROZEN ASSETS Tecumseh Ice Sculpture Festival
20 .... TOY CRAZY The Doll Cottage has it all
22 .... CHRISTMAS SHOPPE Winter wonderland above The Grind
24 .... WINTER PHOTO ESSAY
26 .... SERVICE CLUB Tecumseh gathers for the needy
28 .... HOME THEATERS Lights, camera, action
30 .... STORY TELLING Tecumseh Dance Workshop performs
34 .... HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Martin's Home Center prepares
38 .... HAPPENINGS
44 .... NEW YEARS GREETINGS from the Grazianos
46 .... SEASONAL FLAVOR New cookbook from Boulevard Market
Published seasonally by Herald Publishing Company 15,000 Circulation
Mailed free of charge to homes and businesses in the Tecumseh School District and beyond.
Distributed at shops and festivals all over S.E. Michigan and at State of Michigan Welcome Centers.
517.423.2174 800.832.6443
homefront@tecumsehherald.com
www.homefronttecumseh.com
P.O. Box 218, 110 E. Logan, Tecumseh, MI 49286
homefront
Photo of festive
home on Tecumseh's
Boulevard by
Suzanne Hayes
On the
cover
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contents
4
thankyou
PAPERCLIP
CONTEST
Michelle Clark
of Adrian found the paper
clip on page 18 in the Carpet
on Wheels ad in the 2012
Fall issue of Homefront.
Weve placed this paper clip in
one of our advertisements in
this magazine. Simply tell
us which ad you found it in.
Well draw from all correct
entries on January 4, 2013,
and give $100 to the lucky
winner. To enter, send answers
to The Tecumseh Herald, P.O.
Box 218, Tecumseh, MI 49286,
or submit online at www.
homefronttecumseh.com
Abbott Accounting .............................................40
Abstract Builders LLC ........................................29
Adams Chiropractic ............................................. 7
Adrian College Bridal Show ................................33
Adrian Locksmith & Cyclery ...............................38
Adrian Symphony Orchestra ..............................24
All Together Bride .............................................40
Allegiance Health ..............................................12
Angela's Angels ................................................41
ASC Or thotics & Prosthetics ..............................37
August Company ...............................................46
Bailey's Water Care ............................................. 4
Baker Propane & Welding ..................................42
Basil Boys ......................................................... 23
Beatty & Company .............................................40
Bellus Salon and Spa ........................................14
Big Boy ............................................................. 44
Billy White Roofing ............................................18
Blissfield State Bank .........................................35
Blissful Living .................................................... 40
Blush Boutique .................................................22
Boulevard Chiropractic ......................................26
Boulevard Market .............................................21
Boutique de Joie ......................................... 14,18
British Tea Garden ............................................17
Burdick & Associates, Inc. ................................... 5
Calder Dairy Farm .............................................37
Cambrian Assisted Living...................................23
Car ter Rehab .................................................... 38
C'est la Vie........................................................41
Cherry Creek Winery..........................................18
Citizens Gas Fuel Company ................................10
Classic Cabinets ................................................16
Clinton Historical Society ...................................40
Communities in Schools .....................................40
Companion Animal Clinic ....................................31
D & P Communications ......................................31
Daily Grind Christmas Shoppe .............................. 7
Desjarlais, Lawrence, MD, PC ............................21
D'Printer, Inc. .................................................... 34
DS Auctions ......................................................40
Eden Foods ....................................................... 31
Evans Street Station ........................................... 4
Eye Care Center ................................................33
F & S Landscape, Inc. .......................................40
Farm Bureau Insurance ....................................39
First Federal Bank ............................................42
Flying Otter Winery ............................................44
Foundation Realty ............................................... 8
Golden Acres ...................................................... 9
Governor Croswell Tea Room .............................22
Great Ideas ....................................................... 27
H & R Block ......................................................23
Hacker Jewelers ................................................17
Handler Funeral Home ......................................38
Hidden Lake Gardens ........................................17
Hitching Post Antique Mall................................... 3
Howard Hanna ..................................................47
idk Creative Dcor .............................................27
IHA Clinton Family Practice ................................18
International Diamond .......................................15
Irish Hills Tree Farm ..........................................40
J and L Motorspor ts ..........................................11
Jessee Salon Group ...........................................19
Kelly, John J., MD, MPH ........................................ 3
Kemner-Iott Agency...........................................34
Killarney Real Estate .........................................23
Lady C .............................................................. 41
Lancaster Agency ..............................................44
Lenawee Fuels ..................................................14
Lenawee Humane Society ..................................43
Lev's Bakery .....................................................35
Local Parcel Service ..........................................23
Lomonaco Chiropractic......................................38
Mar tins Home Center ........................................24
Masten Wealth Management ..............................37
Meckley's Flavor Fruit Farm ..............................25
Merle Norman ...................................................41
Naugle Heating & Plumbing ...............................34
New China Buffet ................................................. 9
O'Hara Dodge Chrysler Jeep ................................ 6
Ollie's Group ..................................................... 38
Pentamere Winery .............................................31
Persnickety ....................................................... 17
Pheasant Brook Apar tments .............................19
Promedica ........................................................ 48
Promenade Tecumseh Candlelight
Home Tour ........................................................ 38
Radio Shack ......................................................38
Random Comfor ts .............................................23
Red Mill Pet Supplies .........................................18
Rock, Paper, Scissors .......................................... 3
Schmidt & Sons Pharmacy.................................46
Seasons Salon & Spa ........................................18
Silver Bells Christmas Shop ...............................39
Southern Michigan Railroad ..............................40
Splash Universe Dundee ...................................39
Susie's Swipe the Grime ....................................40
Tecumseh Center for the Ar ts ............................11
Tecumseh Dance Workshop ...............................21
Tecumseh DDA .................................................... 2
Tecumseh District Library ............................ 11,20
Tecumseh Family Dental ....................................26
Tecumseh Insurance .........................................10
Tecumseh Place ................................................25
Tecumseh Plublic Schools..................................30
Tecumseh Plywood ............................................35
Tecumseh Veterinary Hospital ...........................40
The Book Abbey ................................................17
The Pink Door Boutique ....................................41
TLC Community Credit Union ..............................43
Underwood Chevrolet ........................................13
Wacker .............................................................. 36
Water Lily .......................................................... 10
Weeden, Josephine C., DDS, MS, PC ...................20
What A Find Consign for the Home ....................33
Wild Iris ............................................................. 20
Zumba .............................................................. 35
Find the
Paperclip
advertisers
5
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7
HOME
he tradition of
decorating the home in December
with greenery goes back to ancient
times. Ancient Egyptians brought
green palms into their homes in winter
to celebrate life over death. In England and Europe,
evergreens, bay, holly and ivy were brought in to ward
off evil spirits and bring good luck.
During the early 1500s, Martin Luther began the
German tradition of bringing a whole tree into the
home, and lighting it with candles. During the 16th
century, cookies, cakes and candied fruits became a
part of the seasons festivities and dcor in Europe.
The tradition grew and evolved and by 1900 in
America, most homes celebrated the season with
a Christmas tree and sweets. Today, the tradition
continues, with the Christmas tree as a focal point,
and the use of wreaths, garland, ribbons, bows and
twinkling lights to brighten the long dark nights of
December.
You can enjoy the best of the holiday season,
gather ideas for decorating your home and experience
the warm hospitality in Tecumseh and Clinton when
residents in each community open their homes during
the annual Tecumseh Candlelight Home Tour and the
Clinton Christmas Home Tour.
Tecumsehs Candlelight Tour is a two-evening
event, held Friday, December 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8,
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Clintons Home tour is held on
Saturday, Dec. 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Candlelight Tour, sponsored by the Promenade
By Rebecca Peach
Tecumseh Committee, has become an on-
going popular tradition. This year the tour
features three distinct homes: a circa 1840
modified Greek Revival, which is one of the
land-mark homes of the Historical District,
at 402 W. Chicago Blvd., a marvelous mid-
20th century classic ranch at 1013 Red
Mill Drive in a tranquil setting overlooking
Red Mill pond; and nearby a mid-1800s
vernacular-Italianate style farmhouse
at 907 Macon just east of N. Evans. The
Tecumseh Historical Museum on E. Chicago
Blvd. is part of the tour and worth a visit
to see the newest displays. Home tours
will continue during the parade on Friday
evening.
Promenade Committee President Pat
Van Camp said, Candlelight Tour is always
special, its not just a home tour.
She compared the Candlelight Tour with
next Junes Promenade Home
tour. The emphasis is on the
seasonal dcor and architecture,
and not as much of the history
of the home said Van Camp.
Candlelight Tour offers all a
chance to slow down and enjoy
the best of the season, the
hospitality of our community.
Saturday evening special
entertainment at the Tecumseh
homes will be provided by
the TCA Big Band sax quintet,
dulcimer players and a visit
by Mark Twain impersonator,
Michael Bateson. Light refreshments,
cookies and door prize
drawings will be offered at
each home.
Tickets
are $5 for
the Tecumseh
Candlelight tour
and are available at The Daily Grind, the
Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce, and
the Historical Museum as well as at each
home during tour hours.
The Village of Clinton is celebrating
its third annual Christmas Holiday Home
Tour on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 6 p.m. to
9 p.m. Home Tour Chair Norleen Hicks is
excited about this seasons offering of
tour locations. The tour includes three
homes: a Victorian at 214 N. Jackson
St., circa 1869, a vernacular style, circa
1862 at 319 Clark St,; and at 314 S.
River St., an 1860 Greek Revival once
owned by the same family for over 70
years.
Clintons expanded tour includes
Floyds Woodcarving at 134 W.
Michigan Ave., downtown, with carving
demonstrations and displays; the circa
1929 mortuary chapel in
Riverside Cemetery off
Edgar St. Included on the
tour is the current Solid
Rock Church located at
112 E. Church St. At one
time this church, built
in the 1800s, had the
distinction of being the
oldest Methodist Church
in Michigan. The Southern
Michigan Railroad Society
is celebrating it's 30th
Anniversary on December
8. To celebrate it will host
an open house during tour hours at the
depot at 320 S. Division St. in Clinton.
Hicks credits the Tecumseh
Promenade committee with providing
her with inspiration and encouragement
in organizing the home tour. Were
delighted about having our third tour,
she said. We choose the same
weekend as Tecumsehs tour to
complement Tecumseh, in hopes
that people will visit both tours
and enjoy the hospitality
and friendship that our
communities share.
Tickets for the Clinton
Christmas Home Tour are
$6 and are available at
Floral Fantasy, Schmidt
and Sons Pharmacy in
downtown Clinton, Clinton
Inn, and CJs Salon, as well
as at the homes during
tour hours.
Holiday
Home
Tours
December 7 & 8
5:30 - 8 pm
Tecumseh
December 8
6 - 9 pm
Clinton
slow down
and enjoy
the best of
the season,
the hospitality
of our
community
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HISTORY
n the cold and snowy day after Christmas in December
1868, Samuel Clemens arrived in Tecumseh as part of his
Mark Twain American Vandal Abroad tour. He stayed
in a downtown Tecumseh hotel and entertained
residents with his witty commentary on his trip
through Europe. Twain was well received by the
community as he shared his memories of travel
through Europe in 1867.
On December 8, 2012, in honor of the
Southern Michigan Railroad Societys 30th anniversary,
Twain returns to Tecumseh to ride the rails and give a
performance at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts. Twain
scholar Michael Bateson brings the author to life by sharing
insights and thoughts from the speeches and writing of
Mark Twain. He has spent 15 years studying this well-loved
American author. As a Twain scholar, Bateson incorporates
stories and information about Twains life on the Mississippi,
as well as his roles as writer, husband and father, into his
performances as Mark Twain.
As a student of the man, his life and his works, to
be able to portray Mark Twain in the actual location
in which he appeared is like a dream come true, said
Bateson. I look forward to bringing Mark Twain to
the descendants of people he actually presented to.
I would hope that we could establish a new Twain
tradition.
Twains original 1868 stop in Tecumseh was
partially to promote his book Innocents Abroad, written
about his 1867 voyage from New York throughout the
Mediterranean. e lecture tour, like his book, was an
Returns
aectionate but humorous look
at American tourists in Europe.
His talk encompassed all aspects
of travel from descriptions of
dierent locales to the natives
as well as the impressions and
behavior of American tourists
abroad.
Gifted with the ability
for impromptu speech,
Twain specically tailored his
remarks for each town visited
on his tour, winning over
audiences with his deadpan and
deprecating humor. Michigan
audiences responded well to
Twains oratory, and he spoke
highly of his Michigan fans in
letters to family and friends.
As a special holiday treat,
the Southern Michigan
Railroad Society is bringing
Mark Twain back to ride the
rails on Friday, Dec. 7. en
on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m.,
step back to 1868 as Michael
Bateson presents An Evening
with Mark Twain at the
Tecumseh Center for the Arts.
During the interactive two-hour
performance at TCA, Bateson
will recreate many of the
humorous stories and sketches
that made Twain one of the
most sought after lecturers and
after dinner speakers in the
world. Following the afternoon
presentation, Twain will wander
around dierent local holiday
happenings in the evening on
Dec. 8.
Tickets for A Visit with
Mark Twain on the SMRS
are $15 for adults and $9 for
children two through 12, and
available by calling the SMRS
oces at 517-456-7677.
Contact the TCA at 423-6617
for tickets to e American
Vandal Abroad with Mark
Twain, which are $15 for
admission. e prots from
the Saturday TCA performance
support the SMRS. Twains
visit was made possible from
a grant from the Elizabeth
Ruthru Wilson Foundation
and a generous donation from
Midwest Energy.
Travel is fatal to
prejudice, bigotry, and
narrow-mindedness, and many
of our people need it sorely on
these accounts. Broad, wholesome,
charitable views of men and things
cannot be acquired by vegetating
in one little corner of the
earth all ones
lifetime.~Mark Twain
By Mary Kay McPartlin
Mark
Don't miss the
December 7- 8
Michael Bateson
performances
aboard the Southern
Michigan Railroad
and at the TCA
10
HEALTH
hether youre
training for an
ironman triathlon,
trying to stay fit, working
off those extra holiday
pounds, or looking to rehabilitate an
injury while exercising the rest of your body,
you can find a place in Tecumseh to meet your
needs. The Tecumseh Community Pool, Fitness Connection
and Carter Rehabilitation and Aquatic Center offer ways to
increase cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility,
coordination, agility and the ability to fight the aging process.
Sarah Eubanks, Tecumseh Community Pool (TCP) coordinator,
said the pool is used by a variety of different age groups for many
different reasons.
Right now we have three men and two women who are using
the pool to train for an Ironman Triathlon, Eubanks said. The
Ironman competitions require participants to bike 112 miles, run a
26.2 mile marathon and swim 2.5 miles. Thats 165 laps at TCP.
Besides lap swimming, which is offered Mondays, Wednesdays
and Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and 8 to 9 p.m., plus a senior
lap swim (55 and older) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to
11 a.m., water aerobics are a mainstay at TCP. They are offered on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. and 8 to 9 p.m.
The cost of attending the classes and open swim vary, but punch
passes are available for purchase.
Besides the fact that it offers a wonderful work-out, its
great for people who have stress fractures, joint pain or arthritis,
Eubanks explained. Its no impact. People who participate have
best
personal
FEEL GREAT STAY FIT///

Story by Kerry Hamilton Smith
Photos by Suzanne Hayes
11
Story by Kerry Hamilton Smith
Photos by Suzanne Hayes
a feeling of movement without having the force of gravity
come down on them. Eubanks said people have lost 25-
30 pounds with the aid of the program. Its a lifestyle
change. They are committed to exercising, she said.
Other benefits of aquatic exercise include the increase
of flexibility, reduction of blood pressure, stress and risk
of injury, burns more calories during and after exercise
and all of the benefits of land exercise without the
sweat.
We use water weights, but the water itself
acts as a resistance and helps to strengthen
muscles and helps with cardio, Eubanks
explained. Water exercise is like exercising with
weights or machines on land, but safer.
Besides swim lessons, open swim and
high school practices and meets, another
important program for the TCP is the Tiger Shark
program, which offers both exercise and training for
swimmers ages 5-18.
Built in 1989, the TCP was operated by Tecumseh
Public Schools. The aging facility required more repairs
and renovations than the school district could afford. In
Feb. 2012, the community passed a millage which allowed
TCP to be independent of the district, receive upgrades
and funds to operate. Besides being thoroughly cleaned,
the pool received a new paint job, new rugs, lighting,
storage containers, corrosion-resistant doors and several
other refurbishments. The TCP is now operated by a
volunteer board, Friends of the Tecumseh Community Pool
(FTCP).
Eubanks said that FTCP has arranged for two
Olympic swimmers, Peter Vanderkaay and Claire
Donahue, to come to the pool to help
promote the Fitter & Faster Tour with a
clinic on April 13, 2013. More information
about Fitter & Faster clinic and TCP class
times are available at www.ftcp.org. The
pool is located at 307 N. Maumee. Call
(517) 423-5585 for more information.
f variety found in free weights,
selectorized and plate-loaded
strength machines, cardio
equipment, or classes, is what
youre after, then ProMedica Fitness
Connection (PFC) is the place for you. PFC
is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30
a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30
p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m to 2 p.m. and Sunday from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 703 E Chicago Blvd.
(The Community Center).
General Manager Sean Lachance said PFC can meet
the needs of anyone looking to build strength, get in
shape or stay fit. We have personal training services,
Lachance said. Wed be more than happy to guide you.
Everybodys different and we design a program based on
their goals and objectives. We guide you through a fitness
plan and healthy lifestyle changes.
don't
miss
12
Even after you have recovered from knee replacement surgery, its important not to lift or carry more
than 20 pounds, as it places too much stress on your new knee. To learn more, visit AllegianceHealth.org
and search New Knee Joint.
Thank You, Joint Camp!
Kandie Collier lives near Toledo, but she chose Allegiance Health for knee-replacement surgery. My two dearest friends had great
results there, she said, and as a retired nurse, I know the work of a good orthopaedic surgeon when I see it.
Allan Tompkins, MD, performed Kandies successful surgery. The whole experience was smooth and streamlined,Kandie said.
Ineed to have my other knee replaced soon, and I wouldnt think of going anywhere butAllegianceHealth.
If joint pain is keeping you from the activities you enjoy, call (517) 796-6455 for a personal tour of the AllegianceHealth Joint
Camp, orvisit AllegianceHealth.org/Joint for more information.
Designation as a Blue Distinction Center means this facilitys overall experience and aggregate data met objective criteria
established in collaboration with expert clinicians and leading professional organizations recommendations. Individual
outcomes may vary. To nd out which services are covered under your policy at any facilities, please call the customer service
number on the back of your Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield identication card or call your local Blue Cross and/or BlueShield
plan.
EEO/AA Employer
Jackson, Michigan
13
Because we are affiliated with ProMedica, we have
dieticians on staff to help with dietary suggestions and
education, Lachance explained. PFC also has staff on hand
who are trained in exercise physiology.
A combination of free weights and/or selectorized
machines plus a cardio workout that can include treadmills,
elliptical machines, rowing machines or stationary bikes is a
common work-out.
Selectorized units are those that have one or
more stacks of flat weight plates that are
permanently mounted on the frame.
They provide a more controlled
motion and specifically
isolate certain muscle
groups. Machines also
allow you to track
progress and provide
objective feedback
while increasing
the protective
participation of
the healthy limb or
muscle group. Plate-
loaded equipment
utilizes round weight
plates, which are
normally used on barbells,
to be hung on the machine.
At PFC, free weights range
from five- to 120-pound dumbbells
and plates. Free weights recruit
more muscle groups, require more
balance and promote quicker
strength gains than machines.
However, it is sometimes safer and
more stable to use machines to
isolate muscles.
While the weights and selectorized
machines build strength, Lachance said the
heart muscle also needs strengthening. Raising the heart-
rate through walking, running, rowing or biking is a good
way to do that. But other ways include classes offered by
PFC in the Glass Room above.
We have Zumba, which is a Mexican dance and is very
popular, Lachance said. We have indoor bikes (spinning)
with choreographed courses, aerobics and Fitness Plus
(kickboxing). They all elevate the heart-rate. We also offer
pilates, which elongates muscles and yoga, which improves
flexibility. We have the whole shebang, he laughed.
Lachance recommended a program called Fitness is
Ageless for seniors. This program requires permission
from a physician before the client is allowed to participate. A
strength and conditioning Bootcamp is offered to adults on
Saturday mornings. More information about PFC is available
at www.promedica.org/fitnessconnectionprograms or you
can call 424-3399.
Personal Best continued...
14
hanges in the way physical
and occupational therapists
received insurance payments
led to the creation of the
fitness and aquatic programs at
Carter Rehab and Aquatic Centers
(CRC) at 902 Industrial Dr. CRC began
as a physical and occupational therapy
business which helped people rehabilitate
from injuries and illnesses.
Managed care has limited how many times
a patient can have therapy, explained Bob Leffler, Director of the
Tecumseh facility of CRC. We had a lot of patients ask why we didnt
open up our facilities to the public after they
finished their therapy. A lot of it was Kelly
Carters idea.
Carter is the person for
whom CRC is named and is
the former director who
died of Lou Gehrigs
disease. After further
research, CRC decided
to open up its facilities
to former patients and
the public.
Many patients
who were feeling better
after therapy, wanted
to continue their exercise
regime to maintain their
strength and improve their
overall health. Whether it was
using selectorized machines,
therabands, parallel bars or
the pool, the equipment
was unavailable after they
were discharged.
We wanted to
respond to our clientele.
Its a good service, Leffler
said. Its been fantastic;
we have a different niche. We
can still monitor them through
our community fitness and aquatic
wellness program. We have 10 physical
therapists here so if we see a client doing an exercise wrong, we can
correct them. Or sometimes they may say, Hey, my shoulders bothering
me, and we can do a mini assessment and give them direction as to how
to proceed so they dont injure themselves further.
One of the goals of the program is to offer the services at an
affordable price to the public. A three-month membership is $60. Hours
at CRC are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday,
8 a.m. to noon. CRC is closed on Sunday. Gift certificates are available
and those who are members in Tecumseh can also use the facility in
Adrian. For more information about the CRC community fitness and
aquatic wellness programs, visit carterrehabcenter.com or call (517)
423-7722.

Personal Best continued...
15
16
17
givers
keepers
and
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cardinal
rule
inspired by
nature
Our gift shop
has something
for everyone.
Garden books and
ornaments, jewelry,
Audubon plush,
children's books,
crafts and the gift
of membership.
|-50 !|tca 8 |||es w. c| !ecamse|
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winter
whites
Century Furniture showroom
Interior Design
Scherer Clocks
Uttermost Lighting
and gifts galore
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PERSNICKETY
color
world
with an original design...Citrine
and Diamond 14K gold
slide pendant.
$2,350.
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511.423.310 www.|ac|erewe|ers.ccm
her
art sale
Sale starts December 7-8 (Winterfest Weekend)
runs thru New Years Week. Local artists add new
items regularly. Paintings, prints, pottery, stained
glass... good condition books starting at 25
511.25.1939 130 |. |aamee /cr|aa
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Christmas
annual
it's a
that shopping
in Tecumseh
has to
include
a spot of
tea...and
books
and gifts
galore.
BRITISH
TEA
GARDEN
18
19
FESTIVAL
hat the weather will
be for the 2013
Tecumseh Ice Sculpture
Festival is anybodys guess at this
date. The celebration welcomed
visitors in their shirtsleeves for
the first one in 2010 and in their
mufflers and mukluks in the last
one. But one thing is for certain,
regardless of the temperature,
everyone will have fun. This years
event will be Saturday, Jan. 19,
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday,
Jan. 20, from noon to 5 p.m., and
Tecumsehs Economic Development
Director Paula Holtz predicts that it
will be every bit as successful as the
previous three.
She said there will be many of
the events and attractions that have
become traditions for visitors but
there will be some new additions.
One of the main attractions, of
course, is the ice sculptures
themselves and the artists who
create them as they line the streets
with crystalline carvings.
Last year, businesses did really
well, Holtz said. The festival is
made possible through the efforts
and support of business people, so
we always check with them afterward,
and everybody was upbeat about the
turnout.
Besides the artistic ice
sculptures, there will be interactive
sculptures that will allow viewers to
become part of the works of art,
themselves. There also will be the
very popular dueling carvers, who
always attract large crowds as they
compete to complete sculptures with
chainsaws, ice chips flying.
If the weather cooperates, there
will be a snowman make-it-display-
it at the Tecumseh Chamber of
Commerce, 132 W. Chicago Blvd.
Entertainment will include bell choirs
and, once again depending on
the weather, a performance by the
Tecumseh Fiddlers.
Visitors will have plenty of
opportunities to warm up after the
outdoor activities by ducking into
stores and shops or checking out
By DEANE ERTS
the Evans Street Stations man cave activities, a popular
destination for husbands while their wives shop. The
restaurant is one of the leading sponsors of the weekend
event. There will be lost arts demonstrations, a chocolate
walk, and a winter warm-up walk to get the blood
circulating again.
Holtz expressed a debt of gratitude to the Central
Business Association, which is a collaboration of business
owners who support the festival through organizing
attractions, as well as through monetary contributions.
Its a very proactive group, she said, and the event
would not be the success it has been without all of the
hard work that they put into it. Theyre a dedicated bunch
that has really stepped forward to keep this alive and
thriving.
Holtz also said that the event has an effect on
business that lasts longer than the weekend. People are
still coming to see the sculptures for as long as they last,
she said. Thats why we always hope for colder weather,
so the sculptures can last at least a couple of weeks.
frozen
assets
carvers
demos
music
chocolate
January
20
Tecumseh
Ice Sclupture
Festival
Manicure
Pedicure
Foot Soak
Facial
Spa Facial
Massage
INFUSE
SPA MENU
Voted Best of Lenawee
Gift Certicates
20
o walk into The Doll Cottage in
downtown Tecumseh is a little like
stepping into the past, to a time when
every little girl desired a beautiful baby
doll and carriage, and every little boy would
have been overjoyed to find a wooden train under
the Christmas tree. While many kids today look for the
latest electronic toy, theres still a place for toys of yesterday,
and oftentimes, its grandparents who come shopping at The
Doll Cottage, or adults who remember something they had as a
youngster and want to pass on the tradition to their little ones. Ive
loved dolls since I was a little girl, said shop owner Jan Taylor, who has
been in business downtown for 27 years. I carried a doll around with me all
the time. She said her family was not well off, and she only had a couple back
PROFILE
Story and photo by
Deb Wuethrich
help kids unplug
from the modern
fast-pace
and get
back to the
basics of
imaginary
play
21
active during the various parades and events.
During Promenade, wed all dress up, and
Id bring in my vintage carriage collection and
round up kids who would push them down the
street in the parade, she recalls fondly.
Parents who want to unplug from the
electronics for some creative play might
introduce their kids to such standards as
Melissa and Doug toys, a durable wooden
variety, or the popular Thomas the Train set.
Puppets are also popular, Jan said. We have
quite a lot of those. Sometimes kids dont know
how to play anymore and these type of toys
help them interact and learn.
While small shops such as The Doll Cottage
face fierce competition from the big box stores,
even when it comes to ordering where a large
minimum order is often required, visitors often
find such stores quaint and refreshing. Some of
the wares are ways to help kids unplug from
the modern fast-pace and get back to the basics
of imaginary play.
Also on the showroom floor are kitchen sets
with a variety of make-believe food. Two-year-
olds and toddlers always like those, she said.
The giant stuffed animals are also timeless.
Some customers even buy the big dogs
because they look like a dog they once had.
Other adults have purchased large giraffes or
other animals for jungle theme rooms. Ive
just always loved dolls and kids I had seven
kids of my own, said Jan as she surveys the
collection in her small shop.
There is also a miniature art gallery on the
hallway walls behind her shop, the work of
96-year-old artist Edna Hibel, who Jan said is
internationally known. I just fell in love with her
work, she said. Can you see why? It shows
the expressive faces of kids and moms and
babies.
then, but recalls that she mostly just called
them Baby.
As a young teen, she began babysitting
for neighbors, caring for the real babies in
her community, and later obtained a degree
in nursing. My husband, Richard, was in
medical school back then. He became a
radiologist, Jan said. I worked for a time in
pediatrics.
Jan held on to her love for dolls, and
started collecting some. At one point, her
husband enrolled her in a doll-making class.
Im an artist and Id had some one-
person shows with oil paintings, and was
able to do that kind of thing, and people
in those classes would say, Why dont you
teach? Jan said. Thats what led to my
opening a business in the Bidwell building.
For 20 years she did antique doll repair
and made clothing for dolls out of vintage
material. It was great to be able to touch
beautiful old dolls that were in circulation in
the 1860s to 1920s, she said. When the
present building at 109 E. Chicago opened
up, Jan decided to move the business
and her shop became more toy
oriented. But dolls are still the focal
point. I have Lee Middleton dolls
and we sell the popular 'Carolle'
dolls that are durable, she said.
The dolls can range in price from
$1,000 down to $15. The whole
idea of purchasing durable dolls
and toys is that when you grow
up, you will still have them to give
something to your kids that you
played with.
Jan also picked up an interest
many years ago in collecting
vintage prams and doll buggies,
and recalls a time when the
downtown shop owners were more
22
SEASONAL
o get a true vision of the spirit of the season, you dont
have to mush north to Santas Workshop, just visit The Christmas
Shoppe above the Daily Grind in downtown Tecumseh. Sisters Pat Van
Camp and Sue Laurinec, owners of the Grind, transform their bed and
breakfast retreat, Chicago Street Suite, aka The Christmas Shoppe, into
a dazzling Christmas wonderland this time of year.
The furniture stays in place in the lovely suite, but for the holidays, it
is decorated with 10 Christmas trees wearing twinkling lights, gifts and
ornaments galore for anyone who wishes to browse or buy.
The Christmas Shoppe (accessible from the Boulevard) is up a steep
but quaint staircase. The brick building was constructed in the 1870s
and still retains that periods charm. When it is operating as Chicago
Street Suite, lodgers delight in the ambiance and the unique skylight,
characteristic of that era.
The sisters and their staff take great pleasure in getting it ready for
the holidays.
Its become a tradition for us, said Van Camp. Its a lot of work,
but we really look forward to it.
CHRISTMAS
SHOPPE
She said that when she and Laurinec
opened DG II Gift Shop next door, customers
were concerned that they would not continue
The Christmas Shoppe. But after 12 years,
we just couldnt think of not doing it, Van
Camp said. So many people would be
disappointed, and we love decorating for it.
When shoppers or browsers are finished
taking in the sparkling scene, they may wish
to descend the stairs and enjoy milk and
cookies at the Grind. Theyre not free, but it
beats the North Pole, and you dont have to
deal with the elves.
The Christmas Shoppe is open through
the holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on
Sundays.
Story by Deane Erts
Photos by Suzanne Hayes
dazzling
Christmas
wonderland
a few steps
above the
Daily Grind a
awaits!
23
Authorized Shipping Outlet
24
Winter
reflections
sights of nature as seen at
tecumseh's indian trails crossing park
photos by mickey alvarado
25
One does not
meet oneself until
one catches
the reflection
from an eye
other
than human.
~ Loren Eiseley
Winter
reflections
26
VOLUNTEER
Q. Describe what the Tecumseh
Service Club is all about.
A. We are an independent charitable organization that
operates solely with donations, and each one is important
to us, whether it is an article of clothing, a toy, food, or
cash. As the areas economy has declined, local charitable
organizations like Tecumseh Service Club have been called
upon to help individuals and families in need even more
than in past years.
Q. The Tecumseh Service Club has
been known for keeping it local,
when it comes to recipients of its
programs. How does that work?
A. The Tecumseh Service Club serves eligible families in
Tecumseh, Clinton, Britton, Ridgeway and Tipton areas.
Q. You sponsor a food pantry.
How often is it used?
A. In 2011, we opened our food pantry to the
communitys hungry people more than 305 times. This
resource enabled 175 families, 475 persons, 225 of whom
were children, to have access to food during the year.
For many of those served, our food pantry was the only
resource between them and hunger. This year we have so
far served 233 families, 368 adults, and 330 children.
Q. How do you keep the
pantry stocked?
A. Individuals, groups and area churches help keep our
pantry stocked with food, household and personal items.
Each year, Tecumseh Public Schools hosts a food drive
that helps contribute a major part of our Christmas food
distribution. Turkeys for that program are also locally
donated. Buschs has food drives where their customers
donate $10 and the store puts together bags of groceries
filled with groceries for a child. The Knights of Columbus
has also donated money to keep our freezer supplied with
meat.
Q. Where do the 0nonc|o|
donations come from?
A. We have received funding through the United Way,
area churches and church groups, Knights of Columbus,
business, organizations, and individual donations.
The Tecumseh Service Club is never more visible than during its holiday Adopt-A-Family
program, however, the organization, which has been active in the community since 1932,
stays busy providing assistance for people all year long. Homefront recently caught up
with Colleen Sunderland, who has served with the group for over 25 years.
Club Service
Tecumseh
Story and photo by Deb Wuethrich
27
Q. Who regularly
helps with the
annual Christmas
distribution?
A. Area students hold Coins for Cans
collections; the Marines Toys for Tots
add toys to our program; we have had
donations from the Tecumseh Township
Foundations Lilley Fund, the CROP Walk,
and numerous other entities. We are
fortunate to have manpower supplied
by boys from Boysville, the Knights
of Columbus and the Kiwanis Club.
Tecumseh District Library has a Gift of
Reading program where the community
can bring in new books to be given to
the kids at Christmas. The Friends of
the Library donate funds to purchase
additional books. The Daily Grind has a
Christmas tree with items that people
can purchase to help us provide for the
families not adopted. We are so grateful
for the support of the community and
without them, we wouldnt be able to do
what we do.
Q. Describe the
Adopt-A-Family
program and how
it works.
A. Individuals, families and groups may
sign up to adopt a family who might
not be able to have a good Christmas
otherwise. We identify families through
referrals from Lenawee Associated
Charities, churches, area schools,
individuals in the community and a
solicitation through the areas media.
Families are interviewed at a sign up
day in November. Each child in the
family receives at least one complete
outfit, pajamas, socks, hat and mittens,
and several new toys. The gifts are
then brought to a central distribution
place, at the Tecumseh United Methodist
Church on Bishop Reed Drive, by a
specific date (this year December 21)
and families come to pick up their gifts
on a specified day (this year December
22). We also provide food and gift
baskets for families, and some gift
certificates for seniors and others so
they can shop for their own special
diets.
Q. How many families
did the Tecumseh
Service Club assist
during Christmas 2011?
A. We were able to provide food and gift
baskets for 207 families (470 children),
with 155 of those families adopted in
varying degrees, whether its through toys,
food or gifts. The individuals and groups
that came forth from the community to
adopt so many of our families, greatly
relieves our expenses associated with the
Christmas distribution and enables us to
do more with our donated funds. In 2011,
the Tecumseh Service Club shopped for 52
families with 122 children that were not
adopted.
Q. Can individuals,
families or groups
still adopt families in
December?
A. This year, families may be adopted
as late as December 16. To adopt, call
Jennifer Shearer at 423.7662. The Service
Club provides for the families not adopted.
Q. In what other ways
does the Tecumseh
Service Club provide
services?
A. The Club assists with rent or housing
payments, utility payments, transportation
and home care expenses as well as
medical related expenses and transient
persons expenses. We are an emergency
support agency and channel the families
to agencies that can provide ongoing
help. Total expenditures for 2011 were
$46,717.65.
Q. If someone would like
to become a member
of the group, offer the
name of a needy family,
or obtain more
information, how would
they do that?
A. We are a unique organization in that,
although we help families throughout the
year, we only have meetings September
through January. We meet the third
Monday of those months at Gloria Dei
Lutheran Church. Dennis Bowman is the
President of the Service Club and our main
contact. He can be reached at 423.5307.
Our investigators are divided by territory
so when Dennis gets a call for a family
needing assistance he will forward that
familys information to that area.
28
HOME
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t is late on a Saturday
night. You have just returned
home from a fabulous get-
together at a friends home.
The highlight of the evening
was the viewing of a 3-D movie
in their over-the-top basement
home movie theater. Over-
the-top, means complete with
genuine vintage movie seats,
movie posters on the walls -
even a beverage bar with a
popcorn machine. You have just
experienced A/V heaven and
cannot get it out of your mind.
You have been bitten by the
home movie theater bug. This
bug can be a complicated and
expensive critter if you are not
careful! First, seek help. Meeting
with a professional right at the
planning stage may save you
time, money and most of all, the
frustration of mistakes. These
projects can be daunting but not
when you listen to those in the
know.
Here are a few locals who are
experts in putting together home
theaters. They happily shared just
a little of their vast knowledge
on this new age, in-house
entertainment.
Planning is Key
One great way to begin
is to look around your home to
determine the perfect location for
a new home theater. Whether it
is a small or large space, there
is equipment available to fit any
need.
A major part of designing
a theater room is to compile a
list of the components you want
and can afford now. A second list
should include future components (your wish list). Its
a great idea to wire for present and future systems
while you have the walls exposed. Take the time
upfront to determine your families needs, explore
options and make informed decisions
If Dark is Good . . . Lighting and
Acoustics are Better
When the subject of designing a home theater
comes up, the name of the game is to keep it dark
thus achieving the best viewing quality. A black
curtain to close the theater off from other rooms,
dark acoustical ceiling tile and subdued carpeting are
recommended. The use of deep rich paint colors like
charcoals or earth tones will also contribute to this
goal and add to the mystique of the room.
Before the warmth of the darkness wraps its arms
around you and gently lulls you into movie mode, you
need both ambient and utility illumination to find your
seats and get settled in. The
choices in fixtures are endless
- step and column lights set
the mood while wall sconces
and recessed ceiling lights
will highlight the entire room.
You may choose to spotlight
vintage movie posters from
above or install hidden floor
lighting to give just a hint of
intimacy as the beams lightly
bounce off the walls of your
theater room.
There is also the science of
acoustics to consider. Acoustics
are the properties or qualities
of a room that determine how
sound is transmitted within it.
Specially-designed wall panels,
ceiling treatments and even
speaker cloth all play a major
role in the sound quality of
your theater. There is actually
something referred to as an
NCR rating a single number
index to rate how absorptive a
particular material is. So much
to learn!
Tips from the
Pros
Julie Rhora, owner and
designer of Great Ideas on
Chicago Blvd. in downtown
Tecumseh, has designed a
myriad of fabulous theater
rooms.
At one end of the spectrum
she crafts private theater
space in clients finished
basements with the simple
yet creative use of furniture
and fabric. At the other end
of this design rainbow she
competently orchestrates
home theaters with state-of-
DESIGN
ENTERTAINMENT
By Lynn Boughton
DEBUT
29
the-art screens, sound systems, multi-
level seating and even marquees outside
curtained entries. The latter projects seem
to give a nostalgic nod to bygone days
when an evening out-on-the town always
included dinner at a swank restaurant -
then on to the theater!
Another of Julies savvy approaches is
to install a home theater in a bonus room
over the garage. She explains, Bonus
rooms are ideal spaces for entertainment
due to their location - away from the rest
of the homes activities. Spare bedrooms
work nicely as little theaters, too. Its really
about creating the ambiance. Actually,
many designers and their clients will agree
the perfect ambiance is as essential to a
theater room as the equipment that goes
into it!
Teena and Rob Hill, owners of Abstract
Builders LLC in Adrian, have designed
and built in-home movie theaters for over
25 years. Their level of knowledge and
experience are invaluable tools if you want
a movie theater that really delivers.
Teena explains, In addition to providing
TV and movie viewing, a home theater /
electronics system can become an integral
part of your daily lives. It is an everything-
you-do system.
The beauty of working with these
professionals is they do everything
design the systems, supply the equipment,
install and maintain the equipment . They
also educate their clients on how to operate
new equipment, which can be daunting until
you get used to it. For example, Teena often
draws diagrams to remind clients how to
turn on exterior speakers every Spring.
Whether your theater room is a few
recliners and a comfy couch or an over-
the-top version of the incredible Fox
Theater in Detroit, step into your movie
house. Enjoy it as a family gathering place
and be entertained.
Lets go to the Movies! Lights, Camera,
Action!
DEBUT
EFFECT
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30
o you need a diploma? In this day and age of
reduced employment opportunities, you cannot
have too many diplomas. They are a passport to a
good job and a stable life in this severe environment.
You can easily print one off of the Internet. But, if you
want one that commands respect, it must be from an
institution than is respected. A Tecumseh Public...
ADVERTORIAL
Schools diploma has been the ticket to a good job
for graduates for more than 100 years. And now it
is more convenient than ever (not easy, just more
convenient) to obtain that high school graduation
certificate from one of the most highly accredited
schools in Lenawee County.
You dont need to get up to attend class at 6
a.m. with the rest of the students; you can take your
courses at your pace, at your time, in your house.
Welcome to the new Tecumseh High School Virtual
Academy.
The dedicated teachers, Jason Mensing and Ben
Avis, will be your mentors and your coaches, as well
as your instructors, as you achieve the credential that
is the most valuable document you will ever own: a
high school diploma. Students will touch base, in real
time, face-to-face, at THS at an arranged time with Mr.
Mensing or Mr. Avis, to keep each student on track in
their personally tailored curriculum, but the class work
remains on-line.
How much does this valuable document cost?
Nada, zip, zilch, zero. It is yours as a student in the
public education system. You dont need to live in
Tecumseh and you dont even need to live in Lenawee
County. If you live in any county that borders Lenawee,
youre eligible. Your diploma from THS is yours for free,
but you have to do the work and meet the standards,
as all students who receive that sheepskin must.
Its quite simple to begin the process, just
log on to www.tps.k12.mi.us. Classes are at the
students pace and on the students schedule. That
arrangement works very well for Jennica Pope, 16,
517.423.6008 | www.tps.k12.mi.us | 760 Brown St. | Tecumseh
who enjoys the classes and the freedom that
working online affords all of her Virtual Academy
classmates. Jennica is very independent, and
the Virtual Academy is perfect for her, said her
mother, Shelly. I dont need to tell her to do her
homework, she just does it, because she can do it
whenever she wants to. She likes the classes and
whole program.
Things at TVA [Tecumseh Virtual Academy]
are going very well, teacher Mensing said. One
of the things that has been very rewarding for me
is seeing everyone work together and be on the
same page. After enrolling, it becomes a joint effort
by our counseling department, mentor teachers,
administration, parents, and the students, themselves. It
has been impressive to me to see how each member of
these individual teams has been focused on the common
good of each student.
Boundaries of time are not the only thing that are
erased by the Virtual Academy, as attested to by students
such as Jennica. Geographic boundaries no longer exist,
either. THS, where the physical computer labs for the
classes are housed, is now attended by Virtual Academy
students from all around southeastern Michigan.
You dont need to be finishing your high school diploma
to benefit from the Virtual Academy. If you want to take an
advanced placement class in a foreign language or art history,
or even if youre a prospective liberal arts major who wants
to know a little calculus, the Virtual Academy is the place for
you. Call the high school at 423.6008 for more details about
enrolling. Its never too late to get smarter.
31
701 Tecumseh Road, Clinton | 517-456-7457 | info@edenfoods.com
300
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Sundries
The Eden Store is a complete selection of Eden foods, and more.
Gift baskets are delightful arrangements that are sure to please,
ideal for the holidays and every gift occasion.
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ARTS
Story by Deb Wuethrich
Photo by Hollie Smith
ballet, said Rumley.
Rumley has choreographed
Sleeping Beauty: Beyond
the Classic for the evening.
Sleeping Beauty is definitely
geared toward everybody,
since most kids and parents
know the story, and with
Shades, were getting into
more psychological areas,
which could draw older
students and adults looking
for dance from a different
perspective, not just classical
ballet. It incorporates modern
dance and jazz and different
forms. So I think weve
brought in a theme dealing
with humanity as a whole in
different forms.
Rumley said the Tecumseh
Dance Theatre Company was
one of four schools in the
nation asked specifically to
attend national competition
this past year.
We didnt have to compete
to be given the opportunity,
and that was kind of amazing
and a complete surprise, she
said. The Company attended
the competition where five of
their 10 dancers had highest
overall scores. We won eight
platinum, two high gold, and
one gold, Rumley added. The
competition was held in July at
Mason, Ohio, called the Cathy
Roe Dance Spectacular, where
wenty-six members of Tecumseh Dance Theatre Company
danced in national competition this past year, and they will be showcasing
their talents performing a program entitled, Shades, on Saturday, Jan. 12
at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. The concerts full title
is Shades of You, and got its name from how were looking at emotions
that a person deals with throughout their lives, said Annamia Rumley,
Tecumseh Dance Workshops Ballet Mistress. One of our choreographers,
Deena Bryan, who is also the director of Company, is exploring the joys,
happiness, sadness, disappointments and motivations that make us who
we are as a person and shes doing that through movement.
Rumley said that there are three choreographers, Bryan, herself, and
her mother, Helene Knierim, who has headed Tecumseh Dance Workshop
for 17 years, and they work to complement one another with their
programming. During the January 12 event, Archangelus will be performed
using Knierims idea to incorporate Metallica music re-done for the album
Inquisition Symphony. I dont think there is anything like it out there for
Lauren Drouillard
"Archangelus will
be performed
using Knierims
idea to
incorporate
Metallica music
re-done for the
album Inquisition
Symphony
33
they placed seventh in the nation, and came
in second in national choreography review.
The Tecumseh Dance Workshop has
approximately 100 students, and competes
against others who have 300-500 students.
To be able to go and be asked specifically
to compete was amazing, she said. It never
happened to us before in all the years weve
gone to different competitions."
Rumley has been dancing since she was
14, and started dancing in Ann Arbor, as
well as teaching, when she was 16. She
received a full scholarship at the University
of Michigan Dance Department, and
has been teaching for nearly 30 years.
Our philosophy here is that dance is a
performance art, Rumley said. along with
teaching technique and poise and grace and
confidence, they also have to get out in front
of an audience and tell a story. Dance is not
just being able to dance in pointe shoes and
run around and leap really high. Its telling a
story without speech through movement and
music, and being able to get out there and
get into it and be enthused at what youre
doing.
She said that students gain confidence
from their achievements and the work is very
rewarding.
Tecumseh Dance Workshop will also
be holding its annual Nutcracker Dance
Party on Friday, Dec. 12, from 6-8 p.m. at
its 115 Bidwell Street studio. Tinies and
elementary children are invited to enjoy an
evening with the Sugar Plum Fairy, perform
with soloists of Tecumseh Dance Theatre
Company, along with meeting Santa and
having refreshments.
Princesses will receive wands and princes
will receive crowns, said Rumley. Its
amazing what dance can do for people in
general and make them more confident and
happy. This should be a safe place where
kids can make friends and perform, and
theres no bullying. Dance is for everybody,
and some have blossomed from just getting
to wear the costume!
For more information about the Tecumseh
Dance Workshop and its programs, call
517.423.3937. Tickets for Shades are $10
and available at the Tecumseh Center for
the Arts Box Office, by calling 423.6617, or
online at www.thetca.org.
34
SHOPPING
veryone is hustling around getting ready for Christmas, myself included.
I stopped by my favorite Tecumseh store, Martins Home Center, and was
delighted to see the aisles brimming with Christmas. The trees, decorations and
their lighted village display immediately put me in the holiday spirit and gave me
a good feeling just to be in the store. Its really true, my holiday shopping is always made
easier by visiting Martins. Martins is one of the best things about living in a small town.
I hear that phrase frequently when I talk to people about shopping in Tecumseh. In fact,
our Realtor mentioned similar words to my husband and me nearly 25 years ago when we
moved to town. Having lived and visited other small towns, we soon discovered Martins
Story by Rebecca Peach
Photos by Suzanne Hayes
H O M E
Tecumseh's department store gets ready
holidays
for
the
35
Home Center is unique among towns of any
size. It still is today.
The store is truly a gem of Tecumseh.
Martins is actually a full ACE Hardware. The
hardware, home wares, small appliances,
sporting goods and more are found on the east side of the store while the west
section features two floors of fine furniture, bedding, large appliances, Herman Miller
clocks and curios, electronics, TVs and home dcor fashions.
Yes, Martins Home Center is actually Tecumsehs department store with fabulous
customer service and helpful staff, always ready to assist. If Martins doesnt have it,
ask, they may be able to order it.
Martins is run today by third generation store owners and siblings, David Martin
and Jenny Clarke. Their dad, D.J. Martin, says hes semi-retired but he is often seen
in the aisles chatting and helping customers. Martins convenient location in downtown
Tecumseh, is just one reason people shop at the store. The extraordinary customer
service, their well-stocked shelves and wide selection of competitively priced goods
are reasons customers return often.
I talked with David and Jenny recently about what it takes to
get Martins Home Center ready for the holiday season. Where
do they shop to fill Martins for Christmas? How do they select
and fill the store throughout the year? What I learned amazed
and impressed me.
Martins, like many merchants, sends representatives to
trade shows to help select the products offered in the store.
Trade shows are industry events where vendors display their
wares to retail stores. These seasonal events are one-stop
shopping for merchants. There are so many trade shows, we
could attend one every month David said. Were very selective
on which shows we attend.
Generally, they attend one Christmas show, one ACE
hardware show, one furniture trade show, and usually a show
or two for electronics. Utilizing trade shows as well as vendors
provides Martins with information on the current trends of whats hot, whats new,
and what excites people. For Christmas we actually start a whole year ahead, said
David, At the end of the year, we take inventory, noting what people shopped for and
what was in demand.
David explained that every January, Martins attends one of the largest Christmas
trade shows in the country. Selected are the trees, dcor and many gift items for the
next holiday season. He said, Just for the Christmas season items, we order a full
Martins is
one of the
best things
about living
in a small
town
holidays
don't
miss
the
second
oor
36
37
semi-truck that is delivered in early fall.
Jenny Clarke described the furniture
trade show they attend each year, The
North Carolina furniture show is amazing. It
is the largest in the country, allowing us to
select the latest in home fashion designs.
Martins offers two floors of furniture,
displaying living room furniture, including
La-Z-Boy, as well as Sealy bedding on
the main level. The second floor features
home dcor items, bedroom suites, dining
room sets, as well as other pieces such as
bar stools, book cases, desks, and chairs
from such brands as Ashley, Flexsteel,
and Cochrane. Some people just dont
realize we have a second level, Jenny sad.
They are missing out if they dont venture
upstairs.
The second level is accessible by the
front winding staircase or by the elevator at
the rear of the store. Special order furniture
is also available and Martins can assist in
selecting fabric to fit specific design needs.
Often people dont realize all we offer
in this section of the store, said David .
They dont realize we have a tremendous
warehouse allowing us to take advantage of
special buys from manufacturers.
Martins carries home appliances by
Maytag, Amana, GE, Hotpoint and Whirlpool.
They offer delivery, and set up.
David and Jenny are staying with the times
and have recently launched a new web site,
martinshomecenter.com. Its an exciting time
for us, Jenny commented, We work to keep
up with the latest needs and fashions for the
home.
While Christmas season is retails busiest
time of the year, for the Martin family it is also
a time to give thanks and reflect on seasons
past. Jenny said, Christmas time, we always
remember the year the roof collapsed on
the west section of the store. David and
Jenny reminisced about how the Tecumseh
community supported Martins through that
catastrophic event and the rebuilding of the
store.
David commented that his favorite part
of the season is seeing the generations shop
together in the store. Its incredible to serve
people today that years ago, as a kid, I helped
them and their parents. Now they come in with
their children and grandchildren. Its a good
feeling.
Stop in at Martins Home Center in
downtown Tecumseh, or visit their web site at
www.martinshomecenter.com.
Home for the Holidays continued...
38
O n g o i n g
DECEMBER 1-31 Holiday Lights Dusk-10pm. Adrian.
See the sparkle of thousands of colored lights as they
reflect off the snow and light up the drive through Heritage
Park!
DECEMBER 1-31 Annual Christmas Festival of
Trees Beautifully decorated trees throughout the museum.
Bring the family to enjoy the beauty of the season!
Lenawee Historical Museum. 110 East Church St., Adrian
517.265.6071
0|C||b|R 1-28 Children's Wonderland
Toy Store, Train Rides, Santa Pics, Kids Interactive Zone.
Tam-O-Shanter, Sylvania, 419.885.1167
childrenswonderland.org
!|arsca, H||ts Planetarium Shows January 20 -
February 24 at 7pm. Robinson Planetarium & Observatory.
Winter Constellations, Stars, Planets & their Folklore! Peelle
Hall, Adrian College 517.265.5161
MARCH Maple Syrup Tours Educational tours, taste
testing and events for all groups. Tours start in March
and feature treats and crafts. Offered Mon - Sat at 10am.
McLennan Gardens, Manchester, MI. 734.428.7005, www.
mclennangardens.com
SATURDAYS Auctions 5pm. Join us most Saturdays, one
Sunday a month at 1pm and even a few Wednesday nights.
DS Auction Service and Antiques. 5315 S. Occidental,
Tecumseh. 517.424.SOLD
D E C E M B E R
DECEMBER 7 & 8 Holiday Lantern Tours The flicker
of a candle-lit lantern will light the way as our costumed
guide takes small groups on a journey to meet historical
characters in the 1910 Homestead, the District 16
Schoolhouse, St. Mark's Church and the Elmira Depot.
Sauder Village, www.saudervillage.org or 419.446.2541
DECEMBER 7 Saline Craft Shows 5-11pm. Moonight
madness. 5 Star Craft Show! Over 150 booths and bake
sale. Saline Middle School. www.salineshows.com
DECEMBER 7 Adrian First Fridays 5-8pm. First
Friday of every month, come downtown Adrian for 25+
venues for entertainment, art, music, food and fun! www.
downtownadrian.org
DECEMBER 7 Christmas Parade Downtown
Tecumseh. Floats, Bands, Holiday Lights and Santa. This
years theme is Christmas Through the Decades. www.
downtowntecumseh.com 517.423.3740
DECEMBER 7-8 Promenade Candlelight Home Tour
Tour historic homes decked out in their holiday finest. www.
downtowntecumseh.com 517.424.6003
DECEMBER 7-8 Winterfest Downtown Adrian.
Parade Friday night, carriage rides, childrens activities!
downtownadrian.org
DECEMBER 7,8 & 9 Annual Christmas Walk Save 20%
on gifts and dcor at the annual Hitching Post Antique Mall
Christmas Walk. M-50 at M-52, Tecumseh. 517.423.8277.
DECEMBER 7-8-9 Miracle on 34th Street Kris
Kringle takes on the cynics in this musical adaptation of
the popular holiday movie. Filled with humor and beloved
songs. Croswelll Opera House 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.
517-264.SHOW (7469)
DECEMBER 8 An Afternoon with Mark Twain 1pm.
Actor Michael Bateson recreates Twain's humorous stories
and sketches from the famous writers "Vagabond Abroad"
performance in Tecumseh in 1868. A benefit for Southern
Michigan Railroad Society. Tecumseh Center for the Arts,
Tecumseh. 517.423.6617
DECEMBER 8 Clinton Christmas Home Tour 6-9pm.
Tour starts at The Smith Kimball Community Center. Three
Historical Clinton Homes, Solid Rock Church. Wood carving
demos. Tickets at Schmidt Pharmacy, CJs Salon, Floral
Fantasy and the Clinton Inn.
DECEMBER 8 Model Railroad Open House
11am - 4pm. Free Admission, nonprofit organization
accepts donations to the construction fund. The Blissfield
Model Railroad Club, 115 E. Adrian St.
DECEMBER 8 Dundee Christmas Parade 7pm.
Holiday tree-lighting in Triangle Park in downtown Dundee
immediately following the parade featuring Santa.
Please call ahead before attending
events for any schedule changes
I N A N D
A R O U N D
T O W N
hap
pen
ings
Candlelight
Home Tour
December 7&8 5:30-8pm
Tour 3 Decorated Homes
Refreshments Prizes
Historical Museum Open
Admission $5
517.423.3740
39
MAKE THIS YOUR BEST DAY EVER!
Holiday Inn Dundee r 100 Whitetail Drive
1.877.752.7482 r www.splashuniverse.com
163 GUEST ROOMS AND SUITES
Shooting Star Arcade r The Trading Post Store
Hot Springs Adult Hot Tubr Zero entry Lil Squirt
Year-Round Indoor
Waterpark Family Fun!
A CHRISTMAS SHOP
522 Tecumseh, Dundee
734.529.5600
MonSat 107
Sun 127
Jacey Wasenko
127 Barnum Street
Dundee
734-529-3683
JaceyWasenko@fbinsmi.com
InsuranceDundeeMI.com
Your Farm Bureau Insurance agent protects your Auto,
Home, Business, Farm, Retirement, Lake Estate

,
and more.
Thanks for your trust and support during the past year.
We look forward to another great year of serving you
and your loved ones of Monroe and Lenawee County.
From your friends at the Jacey Wasenko Agency.
Jacey Wasenko
DECEMBER 8Christmas Tea 1pm.Tickets required.
Dundee Old Mill, 242 Toledo St, Dundee 734.529.8596
DECEMBER 8-9Build a Gift Basket Weekend Cherry
Creek Winery, US 12 at Silver Lake, 517.592.4663 or www.
cherrycreekwine.com
DECEMBER 8-15Two Twelve Arts Center Holiday
Sale 2012 10am-6pm. Handmade items by local artists.
Closed Sunday. Friday, December 7, 7-9pm, Two Twelve
Arts Center, 216 West Michigan Ave. Saline. 734.944.ARTS
(2787) or twotwelvearts.org
DECEMBER 9TCA Big Band & VocalAires Holiday
Concert Featuring holiday music of the Swing Era. Bring
non-perishable food donations to support local food bank.
Tecumseh Center for the Arts. 517.423.6617 or www.
theTCA.org
DECEMBER 9Holiday Evening of Barbershop
Harmony 6pm. Featuring Town & Country Chorus. First
United Methodist Church, Adrian Free will donation to
Hospice of Lenawee. www.hospiceoflenawee.org
DECEMBER 10Pawn Stars Chess Club 6pm. Teens are
invited to bring their friends and family for a night of drop-
in chess. Tecumseh District Library. 517.423.2238 or www.
tecumsehlibrary.org
DECEMBER 11A Stockingful Of Joy 6:45 - 7:30pm.
Holiday Story Time for 3-year-olds - 2nd Graders.
Registration required. Tecumseh District Library
517.423.2238 www.tecumsehlibrary.org
DECEMBER 12Book Bingo 1 - 2pm. Play bingo to win
books and other prizes, have fun and make new friends.
All adults are welcome to play. Tecumseh District Library.
517.423.2238 or www.tecumsehlibrary.org
DECEMBER 12Holiday Craft & Story Time 11:30am.
Clinton Township Public Library. 100 Brown Street, Clinton
517.456.4141
DECEMBER 15Festive Brass 8pm. Chicagos acclaimed
Axiom Brass Quintet joins the ASO for a special Holiday
Concert! Adrian Symphony Orchestra. Dawson Auditorium,
Adrian College 517.264.3121
DECEMBER 14 & 152nd Annual "Journey to the
Manger" 6 - 8:30pm. It is a walk through journey
to Bethlehem. Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene.
517.423.4960
DECEMBER 14 & 15Santa at Stubnitz 6-8pm.
Heritage Park, make holiday crafts, go on a hayride,
refreshments and best of allSanta! adrianmi.gov
DECEMBER 15Family Fun Day 1pm. Model Railroad
display, Visit with Santa and more. Feature Movie on the Big
Screen Polar Express 2pm. Tecumseh Center for the Arts.
517.423.6617 or www.theTCA.org
DECEMBER 15Festive Brass 8pm. Pops
Concert. Celebrating the holidays with Axiom Brass.
Adrian Symphony Orchestra, adriansymphony.org or
517.264.3121
DECEMBER 15Men's Shopping Night Downtown
Sylvania. Sponsored by SDBA. www.discoversylvania.com
DECEMBER 15Model Railroad Open House
11am - 4pm. Free Admission, nonprofit organization
accepts donations to the construction fund. The Blissfield
Model Railroad Club, 115 E. Adrian St.
DECEMBER 16Hospice of Lenawee's Candlelight
Remembrance 6pm. St. Mary's Catholic Church, Adrian.
www.hospiceoflenawee.org
DECEMBER 17 - 21Christmas Music at the Barn Join
us for a delicious meal and some live Christmas musical
entertainment during this special week at the Barn! Sauder
Village, www.saudervillage.org or 419.446.2541
DECEMBER 17Pinterest Computer Class 10:30am.
Registration is required. Tecumseh District Library.
517.423.2238 or www.tecumsehlibrary.org
DECEMBER 17 Teen Book Discussion Group 2:30pm.
Join us for a lively discussion. Tecumseh District Library.
517.423.2238 or www.tecumsehlibrary.org
DECEMBER 21Manchester Midnight Madness
Last minute Charity Shopping Event! Shop for
last minute gifts until midnight. Manchester, MI
manchestermimidnightmadness@gmail.com
DECEMBER 23Snowflake 2:30pm. Funny and inspiring
play about Snowflake, a homeless man who knows the true
meaning of the holiday season. Croswelll Opera House,
Adrian. 517.264.SHOW (7469)
Annual
Christmas
Parade
Saturday
December 8
40
41
DECEMBER 24Christmas Eve Dinner 12
- 9pm. Cozy up by the fire as you enjoy your
Christmas Eve celebration dinner! Dinner Menu
with festive specials. Reservations 12 - 7 pm.
www.evansstreetstation.com or 517.424.5555
DECEMBER 24Annual Christmas Eve
Service 6 - 7 pm. Candle Lighting and
Communion Service. Tecumseh Church of the
Nazarene. 517.423.4960
DECEMBER 31New Years Eve 2012 4pm
- 1am. Ring in 2013 with your friends at Evans
Street! Celebrate over a delectable six-course
prix fixe menu. Reservations 4 - 10 pm. www.
evansstreetstation.com or 517.424.5555
DECEMBER 31A Rockin Party and a
Romantic Room! New Years Eve Celebration
Make plans to bring in the New Year at the
Carltons Annual Big Bash! Carlton Lodge, Adrian
517.263.7000
DECEMBER 31New Year's Eve Buffet at the
Barn Restaurant 4- 8pm. Join us New Year's
Eve for a delicious buffet featuring prime rib,
Barn chicken, ham, roast beef and more! Sauder
Village, www.saudervillage.org or 419.446.2541

J a n u a r y
JANUARY 8Worlds of the Maya 7:30 p.m.
Kiwanis Travel Adventure Cinema Hosted by
film maker and world traveler Sandy Mortimer.
Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 517.423.6617 or
www.theTCA.org
JANUARY 12Adrian College Bridal Expo
Noon 4pm. Over 30 vendors in every area from
florist to photographer. Adrian Tobias Center,
Adrian College. adrian.edu/bridalexpo
JANUARY 12Shades 7:30pm. Tecumseh
Dance Workshop presents the award winning
Tecumseh Dance Theatre Company featuring
Archangelus - Performed to Metallicas Inquisition
Symphony, Sleeping Beauty - Beyond the Classic
and Shades of You. Tecumseh Center for the Arts,
517.423.6617 or www.theTCA.org
JANUARY 1280's Dance Party 8pm
Midnight. Live DJ & snacks, cash bar, fun contests.
Tickets required. Entertainment by Go Ugly
Early. Dundee Old Mill, 242 Toledo St, Dundee
734.529.8596
JANUARY 13Kick Off the Weight Health
Challenge 1pm. Ready to start a new Health
Challenge? Special guest speaker, author,
and television host, Zonya Foco will inspire
and motivate. Tecumseh Center for the Arts,
517.423.6617 or www.theTCA.org
JANUARY 15Exploring Mind/Body
Medicine in the 21st Century 7-8pm. One
hour seminar with certified hypnotherapist Tina
Shafer will highlight a brief history of medicine,
explorations of the mind and spirit and some
practical techniques for mind-body-spirit healing.
Tecumseh District Library. 517.423.2238 or www.
tecumsehlibrary.org
JANUARY 16Book Bingo 1 - 2pm. Play bingo
to win books and other prizes, have fun and
make new friends. All adults are welcome to play.
Tecumseh District Library. 517.423.2238 or www.
tecumsehlibrary.org
JANUARY 16Holiday Craft & Story Time
11:30am. Clinton Township Public Library. 100
Brown Street, Clinton 517.456.4141
JANUARY 17Grand Opening AJ Smith
Recreation Center 4-6pm. Ribbon cutting,
building dedication and tours. Light Refreshments.
810 N. Evans St, Tecumseh.
JANUARY 18Friday Movie @ the library
1pm. Friday Movie @ the library School lets out
early, come enjoy a movie at the library. Clinton
Township Public Library. 100 Brown Street, Clinton
517.456.4141
JANUARY 19The Ultimate Tribute to
JOURNEY 8pm. The Rock Show Band will give
every fan a fabulous night of rock and roll when
they bring Journey to life on the Croswell stage!
Croswelll Opera House, Adrian. 517.264.SHOW
(7469)

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42
JANUARY 1922nd WLEN Annual Bridal
Expo 1-4pm. Siena Heights Unversity's
Dominican Hall. Many local vendors will be
on hand, from caterers to cakes, bridal
fashions to DJ's, flowers to beauty supplies,
photographers to rental halls, all under one
roof.
JANUARY 19 & 204th Annual
Ice Sculpture Festival Ice Carving
demonstrations, dueling carvers, Winter Warm-
up Walk, Chocolate Walk, Man Cave activities
and interactive sculptures. Fun for the whole
family! www.downtowntecumseh.com or
517.424.6003
JANUARY 25 - 264=1, A String
Quartets Challenge Leave your tie at
home and enjoy this Casual Classic fun! Adrian
Symphony Orchestra
Father Williams Hall, St. Joseph Church 415
Ormsby St., Adrian, 517.264.3121

JANUARY 25-27Pippin All Area High School
Musical. Come enjoy a story of discovery and
finding your way through life! Croswelll Opera
House, Adrian 517.264.SHOW (7469)
JANUARY 27"The Olivetians" Singing
group from Olivet Nazarene University will be
in our morning worship service. The service
begins at 10:45am. Tecumseh Church of the
Nazarene. 517.423.4960

F e b r u a r y
FEBRUARY 8 & 9Daddy-Daughter Dance
7 - 9pm. Bring your little sweetheart out for
a fun filled evening of dancing and memories
that will last a lifetime. Ages: 5-12. Piotter
Center, Adrian. adrianmi.gov
FEBRUARY 8-17Disneys Little
Mermaid, Jr. Its Ariels magical kingdom
Under the Sea, brought to life on the
Croswell stage! Croswelll Opera House, Adrian
517.264.SHOW (7469)
FEBRUARY 9The Jason Bishop Show
7:30pm. Large illusions, slight of hand, and close
up magic that is captured and projected onto LCD
screens for a clear view of every detail! Tecumseh
Center for the Arts, 517.423.6617 or www.
thetcaorg.com
FEBRUARY 12Lure of Alaska 7:30pm.
Kiwanis Travel Adventure Cinema hosted by film
maker and world traveler Dale Johnson. Tecumseh
Center for the Arts, 517.423.6617 or www.
theTCA.org

FEBRUARY 13Valentines Craft 11:30am.
Story and craft time Valentines Day. Clinton
Township Public Library. 100 Brown Street, Clinton
517.456.4141
FEBRUARY 15 ComedySportz 8pm. Whose
Line Is It, Anyway? meets Saturday Night Live
as the audience participates in this high speed,
all-action Improv game! Croswelll Opera House,
Adrian 517.264.SHOW (7469)
FEBRUARY 15Friday Movie @ the library
1pm. School lets out early, come enjoy a movie at
the library. Clinton Township Public Library. 100
Brown Street, Clinton 517.456.4141
FEBRUARY 16Moms & Sons Night Out
7 - 9pm. Bring your little champion out for a night
of friendly competition, snacks, memories and
a special presentation by Bits N Pieces Radio
Controlled Plane Club. Ages: 5-12. Piotter Center,
Adrian. adrianmi.gov
FEBRUARY 16-17Free Fishing Weekend!
DNR says: Grab a pole and your family and friends,
and let's go fishing! All fishing license fees will
be waived for two days. Residents and out-state
visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great
Lakes' waters for all species of fish.
FEBRUARY 20Book Bingo 1-2 pm. Play bingo
to win books and other prizes, have fun and
make new friends. All adults are welcome to play.
Tecumseh District Library. 517.423.2238 or www.
tecumsehlibrary.org
43
FEBRUARY 22 Wine, Women, Chocolate
and Shoes 6:30pm. Tecumseh Area Chamber of
Commerce 3rd annual Wine, Women, Chocolate
and Shoes. Fun ladies night out! Tickets $35,
517.423.3740
FEBRUARY 23Promise of Light 8pm. Anne-
Marie McDermott, piano. Come enjoy this Classical
Concert, highlighting Mozart & Beethoven! Adrian
Symphony Orchestra, Dawson Auditorium Adrian
College 517.264.3121
FEBRUARY 28Stinky Cheese Festival
Boulevard Market, Tecumseh 517.423.6000

M a r c h
MARCH 3Bridal Show
12-4pm. Wedding professionals showcasing every
resource a bride will need to plan the wedding of
her dreams! Founder's Hall. Sauder Village, www.
saudervillage.org or 419.446.2541
MARCH 8-17Kitchen Witches Its Martha
Stewart meets Jersey Shore in this comedy of
dueling divas who stir up a big helping of fun!
Arch-enemy TV chefs, Dolly Biddle & Isabelle Lomax,
are tricked into appearing together on a cooking
show. Croswelll Opera House, Adrian 517.264.SHOW
(7469)

MARCH 9Pinocchio 10am. Classic fairy tale
that includes original music written by Adrians own,
Betsy Lackey! Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Adrian
High School, Performance Theater
517.264.3121

MARCH 9Hollywood: Songs from the Silver
Screen 7:30pm. Star of stage & screen, the award
winning, best voice of Broadway Frank DAmbrosio.
Tecumseh Center for the Arts, Tecumseh.
517.423.6617
MARCH 14Toledo Symphony 7:30pm. The
Toledo Symphony will present a spectacular
performance in Founder's Hall, Sauder Village, www.
saudervillage.org or 419.446.2541
MARCH 16The March Mingle Help us
empower kids to stay in school and achieve in life!
Proceeds to Benefit Communities In Schools of
the Tecumseh Area. AJ Smith Recreation Building,
Evans St Tecumseh. 517.423.7574 or www.
cistecumseh.org
MARCH 23Summer Nights 8pm. Classical
Concert. Beethoven and Berlioz . Adrian Symphony
Orchestra, adriansymphony.org or 517.264.3121
MARCH 28Downtown Divas at Dusk
Special diva pampering and prizes at downtown
merchants. Bring your sister, mom and BFF for at
fab-U-lous time. www.downtowntecumseh.com or
517.424.6003
Spring
Homefront
published
March 27
Advertising Deadline February 25
Call Suzanne Hayes 517.423.2174 or
email homefront@tecumsehherald.com
Send us your events happening
March 27 - June 26 in 25 words or
less. Include contact information and
we will include them free of charge,
space permitting. Send to hollie@
tecumsehherald.com or mail to P.O.
Box 218, Tecumseh MI 49286.
44
CREATE
t all started innocently in 1985 as a way to
send out a cheerful New Years greeting from
the Graziano family to their friends and family.
Sheila Graziano, now a server at Evans Street
Station in Tecumseh and a local dance teacher and
performer, decided to exercise her two-dimensional
creative side.
She sat down to cut and paste pictures of family
members into a whimsical scene with a particular
theme and adorned with stickers and drawings.
That simple and delightful transition commemorating
the end of 1985 and the start of 1986 set a trend
in motion. Now 27 years later, Sheila, has 140
families waiting anxiously to see what the Grazianos
come up with this year. We wanted
to send out greetings to people,
Sheila said with a laugh. It started
out simple, but we just couldnt
keep it that way.
In the beginning Sheila and
her husband Angelos children,
Alana and Ezra, were not thrilled
with their new job as greeting card
models for the New Years cards.
Now, the whole family takes part
in coming up with a theme, and
Ezra designs the cards in Adobe
Photoshop. Technology has really changed it,
Sheila said.
Her early card designs were enhanced with
stickers, which have become hard to find. As Sheila
is afraid if she ever starts working in Photoshop
she may never leave the computer, Ezra has taken
over as card designer. He is able to use graphics
in Photoshop to complement the specially posed
photos of family members. Planning for the card
By Mary Kay McPartlin
design usually starts in September.
We usually have a family discussion,
Sheila said, and adds that pop culture
is off limits for a theme.
Always appearing with the
Grazianos are the familys beloved
birds, who often steal the show
from their human counterparts.
The details in each years card
design are elaborate and filled with
humorous references to activities
and personalities of all
the Grazianos, human and
avian members alike.
The final card design is
a secret until the mailing
goes out in December.
Last year the family had
a late send off, because
new grandchild, Lorenzo,
didnt make his appearance
until the beginning of
December. One of his first
requirements was to pose,
which he did beautifully.
Sheila has an album with the
cards arranged chronologically to
avoid repeat designs and to marvel
over the changes in the family over
the years. For me its a good
running history, she said.
GRAZIANO
FAMILY
greetings
It started
out simple,
but we just
couldnt
keep it that
way.
ANCASTER
GENCY, INC.
45
years
FAMILY
new
g
r
e
e
t
i
n
g
s
46
FOOD
he first printing of Erika Aylwards
cookbook, Seasons in my Kitchen,
sold out in days. Aylward, who owns
and runs Boulevard Market and Four
Corners Creamery, 102 E. Chicago Blvd.,
in Tecumseh with husband, John,
was both elated and frustrated.
I hate to be out of stock on anything,
she said, but were getting more in a couple
of days so there will be plenty for holiday
shoppers.
Erika is known locally for her store where
she and John sell a wide variety of gourmet
food and beverages, as well as create stone-
ground chocolate bars and on-site cheeses
in the creamery
However, she is also well known for
her cooking classes, which draw students
who are interested in locavore eating.
Locavore, for those unfamiliar with the term,
refers to the trend of people buying the food
they cook from local sources. The closer the
better, is their mantra. Locavore is a hybrid
word that comes from a combination of the
words local and vore, the latter as in
carnivore (meat eater) or omnivore (eater
of anything).
Erikas cookbook places emphasis on
foods available in Lenawee County. Its not
just what you can find at the local farmers
markets, which carry fabulous and fresh
produce, she said about her new book.
This one is on winter cooking and what you
can find for cold-season meals. This current
edition is the first of a collection of books
she will write in the future, each devoted
to a season, with the last volume to be on
canning and preserving food.
In this book, I even include some recipes
for pets, said Erika.
Erika made sure every recipe was taste-
tested. John was the tester for the human food
and her two fox terriers, Pierre and Henry,
happily expressed their opinions on the pet
recipes.
Besides writing the 100-page, full-color
book, Erika did all of the photography, too.
It was a process with a really long learning
curve, especially the photography, she said.
John ate a lot of cold suppers because I was
taking pictures of the meal for my book and I
wanted to get them just right.
The book is published in Saline by
DiggyPOD through a printing process
allowing writers to publish directly from their
computers. It was a really cool and creative
experience, Erika said.
Seasonal
Brie Soup
1 cup chicken stock
cup sherry vinegar
4 cups heavy cream
12 oz brie, rind removed
cut in 1 inch pieces
1 glove garlic, minced
Sprig of fresh thyme
Sprig of fresh basil
Salt & pepper to taste
Additional basil or thyme for
garnish
In a saucepan over high heat,
bring stock and vinegar to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer about
15 minutes until liquid is reduced
to about 1 cup.
Add the rest of the ingredients
and cook and stir about
8 minutes until cheese is
completely melted.
SIrcin :cup u:ing c fne me:h
sieve and serve immediately
garnished with fresh thyme or
thinly sliced basil.
flavor
new
cookbook
arrives in
Tecumseh
Story by Deane Erts
Photo by Suzanne Hayes
47
April Gunder
517-403-3119
Kim Goldmann
517-605-1522
Greg Brown
517-673-8902
Joan Haligus
517-206-3983
Jim Hammond
517-403-1129
Glenna Stroud
517-403-0455
REALTORS
EDWARD
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