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Volume 1, Issue 49 Tuesday, July 28, 2009 Published Weekly

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What pre-teen girl hasn’t had the dream of riding and working with horses all her life?! For most, it’s just that – a dream. For Jill Riker, owner of Stepping Stone Farm, at 11991 Lansing Ave.(www.misteppingstonefarm.com ), it was a dream she refused to let go of. “I first fell ‘in-love’ with horses when I was eight years old,” Jill recalled. “I would rent a trail horse or save up for the occasional riding lesson when I could. My Mom clearly made sacrifices in order to get me to the barn where I boarded my first horse when I was ten. I would go to the barn after my homework was done during the week and spend all day there on Saturdays.” When she was in 4-H, at age 11 thru 18, Jill learned how many horse-related careers there really are. At first she wanted to be a veterinarian but ruled it

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Homemade bread, fresh cut French fries, all-u-can-eat pizza bar, ice cream desserts, and cod fish fry on Friday’s, are some of the mouth-watering additions to the menu at the Leslie Depot Diner. It was May 1, 2009 when Pam and Chris Wheeler bought the historic diner from Jerry and Rose Miers. It was health reasons that finally convinced the hard-working Rose it was time to retire. “This place has been a fixture in Leslie for a while,” explained Manager Steven Crowe with a smile. “I believe the building was built in 1906 and was the Leslie Train Depot for years. My Grandma Rose bought it in the mid-1980’s and before that it was the American Legion Hall. At some point I think it was also a blacksmith’s shop.” Steven was one of the ten employees that stayed-on after the ownership change. “We are fortunate that all the employees agreed to stay. We extended our hours and now serve dinner, so we were able to add two additional employees. That always feels good in these tough times,” Crowe said. “The people that come in here are great! We have a lot of ‘regulars’ that we see everyday. In fact, the Lansing to Jackson train stops here every day to eat. There are two to four men that come in. Some days they will stop twice, so they can get dessert.”

As residents of Leslie, Steven as well as Pam and Chris Wheeler try to help the community they love. They contribute to the Leslie Band Boosters, American Legion, and cook chickens for the Lions Club Labor Day Chicken Dinner. “Hopefully, we’ll all make it through this recession if we help one another”, said Crowe. The friendly atmosphere, the good food, reasonable prices, and, of course, the train decor are the things that haven’t changed at the Depot Diner. They are open seven days a week: Mon. thru Sat. 6am – 8pm and Sunday 6am – 2pm. So, when your caboose is dragging – head for the Depot Diner and fuel-up.

You won’t regret it!

What’s New with the Leslie Depot Diner? by Julie Glair, freelance writer

The Forgotten “Thank You” - Jill Riker by Julie Glair, freelance writer

Jill Riker pausing for a moment.

Steven Crowe, manager of the Leslie Depot Diner, says that the “The people that come in here are great”

The Capital Area District Library Board of Trustees has selected Lance M. Werner as its new Director. He will replace Susan J. Hill who retired on June 30, 2009, after 11 years of service. Werner’s first day at the Capital Area District Library will be August 3, 2009. An accomplished Library Law Specialist, Werner has worked for the Library of Michigan since 2004. He has assisted library trustees, directors and staff across the state of Michigan with policy making and compliance issues, as well as advocating for public library funding within local and state governments. He has counseled libraries, local governments and library cooperatives to facilitate the resolution of disputes, and has published a number of articles for the Michigan Bar Journal. In addition to his work for the Library of Michigan, Werner has also worked at

MSU’s College of Law library in a variety of capacities. He earned his Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University and his Juris Doctorate from the Michigan State University College of Law. He is currently a member of the Michigan State Bar. “We are pleased that Mr. Werner has agreed to become our next director,” CADL Board Chairperson Margaret Bossenbery said. “He is well respected in the Michigan library community and has a passion for library service. We

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CADL Appoints New Director

Lance M. Werner

You can see good news in Ann Arbor for free on the first Saturday of August this year. Come and bring your friends! If you help us fill this theater on August 1, other Christian films can be made available for free or for low cost at this and other theaters in the future. Goodrich Quality Theaters and Christian Business Network partnered to offer a free screening of the JESUS film on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 10:25 AM in Ann Arbor, at the Quality 16 Theater located at 3686 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. That’s just south of the intersection of I-94 and highway 14 (M-14.) The JESUS film, is a two-hour

docudrama about the life of Christ from the book of Luke. Since its release, it has been seen in every country of the world and been translated into more than 1000 languages. Several billion viewings of the film worldwide have resulted in more than 200 million people indicating that they have made decisions to accept Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. F o r m o r e i n f o , e m a i l JESUSfilmInfo@AustinCBN.org

Free Screening of the Jesus film this Saturday Stockbridge Diner Opens

Rolling through downtown Stockbridge, you may notice something different. The Stockbridge Diner, located at 110 E. Main Street finally opened its doors July 18, after over two years in the making. Featuring a dedicated staff of 14, including three cooks, the Stockbridge

Diner offers a variety of foods from down-home breakfasts and fresh soups and salads to its featured chocolate Cokes and fried bologna. Although the diner is a novelty in town, owner Keith Pawlowski is careful not to take away any business from already established restaurants.

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PAGE 2 - THE WEEKLY PRIDE

July 28, 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 - Free Line Dance Classes - Hankerd Hills Golf Course - 7:00pm 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 to register. Fridays - Summer Activities in the Park - Sponsored by Stockbridge Community Education and Friends of the Library - Veterans Memorial Park playground pavilion - Stories, Crafts, Games for kids - 10:00am-Noon Sunday, August 2nd - Sports Bike Day - Stockbridge Town Square - Shows by “Exotic Freestyle” and revel in the beauty and diversity of sport bikes. For more information contact: stockholler46@yahoo.com

Sunday, August 2nd - Leslie Area Historical Society - Holling Clancy Holling, journey as an artist and author - Grand River Community Church, Leslie, MI - 3:30-4:30pm Monday, August 3rd– Saturday, August 8th - Ingham County Fair - Fairgrounds, Mason, MI. Monday, August 3rd - Stockbridge Council Meeting - Village Offices - 134 E. Main St - 7:00pm Tuesday, August 4th - Leslie City Council Meeting - Leslie City Hall - 7:00pm Tuesday-Wednesday, August 3rd-4th - Stockbridge Touchdown Club Sign-Ups - Grades 3-6 - SHS Cafeteria - for more information contact Coach Killinger (517)404-5163 - 5:30-6:30pm Wednesday, August 5th - Leslie Economic Development Corporation Meeting - Leslie City Hall - 8:00am

COMMUNITY CALENDER

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 Congregational United Church of Christ 116 W. Bellevue Rd, Leslie 517-589-5226 Sunday Worship 10:30 Christian Education opportunities every day of the week. www.lesliecongchurch.org/ thomhaha@sbcglobal.net Rev. Dr. thom Bower, Pastor and Teacher

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 “Leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ” 950 S. Clinton Road, PO Box 64, Stockbridge (517) 851-7075 Sunday Worship 9:15 & 11:00 am Discovery Island Sunday 11:00 am Wednesday 5th Dimension Youth Group 6:00 pm Tuesday & Thursday Exercise Class 9:00am www.1stbcs.org pastorb@1stbcs.org Pastor Brian Johnson

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

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

Huntoon Creek Cleanup August 21, 2009 The Ingham Conservation District is organizing a cleanup of Huntoon Creek in Leslie as part of the Upper Grand River Implementation Project (UGRIP), a project designed to improve water quality in key areas of the Upper Grand River Watershed. Join us and your local Boy Scouts on August 21, 2009 from 6pm – 8:30pm. Please contact Michelle Beloskur at the Ingham Conservation District by August 7, 2009 for more information and to r e g i s t e r ( 5 1 7 ) 6 7 6 - 2 2 9 0 o r michelle.beloskur@macd.org.

July 28, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

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LIBRARY EVENTS This summer, Be Creative @ the Library! Our Summer Reading Program is for kids, teens and adults. Come in to sign up and start earning fun prizes. We also have free family entertainment all summer long. DANSVILLE ALL AGES Movies @ the Library Thursdays, July 23-Aug. 6, 1 pm Join us every Thursday afternoon for family-friendly movies. Call (517) 623-6511 for titles. The Artsy Smartsy Club Wednesday, July 29, 2 pm Learn about the work of some famous artists and try their techniques out for yourself. Dress for a mess! Held in Dansville Village Hall. Acting Up Theater Company Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2 pm Now celebrating 10 years of library performances, Acting Up presents a new show called Be c-READ-ative! Famous painter Paté Brushé will earn ten million dollars by painting a masterpiece, but when inspiration fails him, he is visited by a colorful cast of characters who help him through his “creativity emergency.” Held in Dansville Village Hall Movies @ the Library Thursday, Aug. 6, 1 pm Join us for a family-friendly movie. Call (517) 623-6511 for title. LESLIE All Ages Family Movie Nights Monday, July 27, 5:30 p.m. Stop by the library or call (517) 589-9400 for titles. Family Movie Nights Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 5:30 p.m. Stop by the library or call (517) 589-9400 for titles. CHILDREN Children’s Crafts Wednesdays, August 5 and 12 3:30 p.m. Children Children’s Crafts Wednesday, July 29, 3:30 p.m. Creative Expression – Crafts for Teens & Tweens Thursdays, July 30, 3:30 p.m. TEENS & TWEENS Crafts for Teens & Tweens Thursdays, August 6 and 13, 3:30 STOCKBRIDGE ALL AGES BOYer the Magic Guy Wednesday, July 29, 10am Come enjoy magic and comedy by local celebrity-magician Jeff Boyer. Funded by the Friends of the Stockbridge Branch Library. CHILDREN Activities in the Park Every Friday through Aug. 14 (skip July 3) 10 am Come to Veterans Park for stories and games. Receive “Be Creative @ the Library” coupons that can be redeemed for prizes at the library (while supplies last.) Pre-registration appreciated by calling (517) 851-8222. This program is a joint effort of Stockbridge Community Education and the Friends of the Stockbridge Library.

Real Estate Corner With Sandy Goetz,

Realtor ® If you need more information or have any questions, you can email me at sgoetz@surovell.com Or call me at 734-475-3737 REMINDER REMINDER REMINDER If you want to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit, you need to act quickly. Time is running out. You MUST purchase and close by 12/1/09. The word is that if you wait till October, you may lose out. Average turn around time to close is about 45 to 60 days. Homes are moving more quickly and there are fewer homes on the market. Interest rates are still low and there are many mortgage programs available. So if you are even considering buying, now is the time.

out because she thought she wouldn’t have enough time to ride horses. Then, in a 4-H program she was able to experience what it would be like to teach riding lessons. It was then she knew it was the right fit for her. With that in mind, Jill finished high school and went on to the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio. With a well-known equine program, she majored in horses with a minor in business. She put together what she needed to learn to be an excellent rider and instructor. It was “Etta”, her first horse that became her first schooling horse for her students and Stepping Stone Farm began. Now, as the Co-Leader of the Flying Colors 4-H club, Jill nurtures the dreams of many young girls and boys to learn all they can about horses. “4-H horses and kids are good for each other,” Jill explained. “I want the kids to get the same benefits I did. Beyond riding, they learn responsibility, good character qualities, and many useful life skills. The best part about 4-H is they don’t even realize they are learning those things. They just think they are having fun!” This is Jill’s fifth year donating her time, her home for meetings, her horse facilities, and horses for 4-H. She also finds time to help out when there is a need at the Holmes Road Church of Christ in Lansing where her family attends. Married for 13 years, Jill and her husband, Jason, have three boys with twin boys due in October, (yes that’s five boys, bless her heart!). Steven age 10, Luke age 8, and Andrew age 5 are all home schooled by Jill. “Home schooling takes a lot of time, preparation, and effort but we love the flexibility and it fits our family values,” Jill explained. “When we first looked into home schooling we were impressed at how well the home schooled kids were able to interact with adults and care for and relate to younger children. We were also impressed with how respectful and polite they were. We are

very pleased we are home schooling our boys and at this point we plan to continue.” Jill loves being outside gardening, hiking, and of course, horseback riding. She also enjoys refinishing furniture for their late 1800’s farm house. Her husband lovingly calls her “the furniture rescuer”. She explained that her husband only sees firewood yet she can see what it can be and just where it should go in their house. “One of the favorite parts of my job is when a student is riding and something they have been working on falls into place and they really ‘get it’. Another is when the student is brand new to riding and trots for the first time – they always start to giggle. It’s great!” Jill said. “There are many types of horse farms.” Jill continued, “The type I was most comfortable with is the type Stepping Stone Farm is today. We take good care of the horses and focus on learning rather then winning ribbons. We want the students to strive for their ‘Personal Best’ and always cheer for each other. We also are the kind of farm that is a safe environment for all ages and provides quality riding on quality horses. We enjoy being home so we are not traveling every weekend to horse shows like some farms do. This is also my families’ home so we want it to be comfortable.” Jill is amazingly patient. She’s a kind-hearted woman that really knows her horses and feels honored to share that with others. She shared a final story that I must in turn share with you: When Jill and Jason spoke to the three boys about the new babies coming, the boys asked to help name them. A few minutes later, Steven, their oldest said, “You gave all of us names from the Bible so let’s call them first and second Timothy (I and II Timothy)!” Thank you Jill Riker 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)

T h e W e e k l y P r i d e i s independently owned and operated. Our mailing address is PO Box 595, Stockbridge, MI 49285. It is published as part of The Killinger Group. The Weekly Pride reserves the right to refuse any material submi t ted for publ ica t ion . Advertisements published in The Weekly Pride do not necessarily reflect the views of it’s owners or staff. Advertising Deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday. All news, display advertising, and classified should be submitted and paid for prior to that time. Information can be submitted via email, phone, or in person. A member of The Weekly Pride will gladly schedule an appointment to discuss your advertising needs. Advertiser’s and Reader’s who feel that an error has been made are encouraged to contact The Weekly Pride immediately. When an item is found to be a mistake or misleading, a correction or clarification will be published. All cancellations of display or classified advertisements are due by 5 p.m. on the Friday before the scheduled publication. This policy is subject to change.

POLICY STATEMENT

Contact Info: The Weekly Pride

PO Box 595 Stockbridge, MI 49285

Jeremy Killinger - Owner/Publisher jeremy@theweeklypride.com Advertising Inquiries advertising@theweeklypride.com Editor Mail editor@theweeklypride.com Sports Reports and Information sports@theweeklypride.com Subscription Requests subscriptions@theweeklypride.com

look forward to working with him.” For additional information contact Margaret Bossenbery at (517) 927-3905. The Capital Area District Library’s mission is to provide access to ideas and information that support continuous learning and enhance the quality of life through excellence in patron service, community-based services and collections accessible to all and technology linking its patrons to the world of information. CADL operates 13 libraries and a Bookmobile which stops at various locations throughout Ingham County. CADL offers a wide range of community programs and special events throughout the year. For more information, visit our Web site: www.cadl.org.

CADL (Continued from page 1)

Waterloo Police Apprehend Suspect

A 37 yr. old Brooklyn man is charged with First Degree Home Invasion after an incident on Portage Lake Rd. last Thursday the 16th. The charges stem from an incident that started just before 8:00 pm when the suspect pulled into the driveway at the home on Portage Lake Rd. As he came to a stop, he saw the resident working on a car in the garage and immediately began to threaten the mechanic. The resident, fearing for his own safety and that of his family, fled into the house with the suspect in hot pursuit. The resident ran to the back door and through the house and locked the front door just in time for the suspect to try and force his way into the home. After four sharp kicks to the front door the suspect gained entry into the house and chased the resident out into the front yard where neighbors heard screams to "call the police"! Quick response from the Waterloo Officer convinced the suspect to flee the scene and attempt to get back to his home in Brooklyn. He was stopped by a Sheriff's Deputy and arrested for the Waterloo Officer. David Scott Whitt is charged with Home Invasion, First Degree, and is out on bond pending his trial. Apparently, the incident stemmed from a previous threat made by the resident of the Portage Lake address to a relative of Whitt's.

Leslie Area Historical Museum Closed due

to Sewer Backup The recent rains on top of a problem within the sewer main caused several sewer backups over the weekend. This was the second backup in City Hall in three weeks. The City is investigating the issue and hopes to resolve the issue quickly. We thank everyone for their patience. The Historical Museum will be closed indefintely until further notice. If you have any questions, please call Brian Reed at the City at 589-8236 or Steve Hainstock at 589-0179.

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July 28, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

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Attorney General Mike Cox announced that 3,674 Michigan consumers will begin to be notified they are eligible for a share of $6.6 million in res t i tu t ion f rom Count rywide Financial. The funds are part of a settlement the Attorney General negotiated as a result of questionable lending practices exercised by employees of Countrywide, including predatory lending. "Countrywide took advantage of families trying to achieve the American dream," said Cox. "Through this settlement, families across Michigan will receive a helping hand." This announcement is part of a $138 million settlement the Attorney General negotiated with Countrywide Financial in October 2008. The settlement includes: • $6.6 million paid directly to 3,674

individuals who lost their homes. • $129 million for the refinancing of

as many as 9,700 Michigan mortgages.

• $3.2 million for foreclosure forums and financial support for non-profits, charities, and cities fighting foreclosures.

• Provisions to allow the Attorney General's office additional oversight to monitor Countrywide's activities.

• Prohibitions on Countrywide selling sub-prime and option ARM mortgages in Michigan for two years.

In order to be eligible for the settlement, borrowers had to receive a Countrywide Financial loan between January 2004 and December 2007. The borrower's home had to be foreclosed on between January 2004 and December 2008. Those eligible received sub-prime loans or pay option loans (e.g. adjustable rate mortgages) and later lost their

homes. Eligible borrowers will receive a letter from the Attorney General, claim forms, and postage-paid return envelopes. Each eligible borrower will receive a minimum payment of $1,818.83, though the payment could increase based on the number of individuals that choose to participate in the settlement. Eligible borrowers have until October 22, 2009 to return the claim form to Countrywide Financial's settlement administrator. It is expected that the eligible borrowers will receive payment from Countrywide in early 2010. Borrowers with questions should contact the Countrywide Financial settlement coordinator by calling toll-free 866-411-6987 or by vis i t ing ht tp : / /www.countrywidesettlementinfo.com. The Attorney General's office encourages eligible consumers to read the claim form carefully and reply as soon as possible. Attorney General Cox has made fighting mortgage crimes a priority throughout his administration. In 2007, Cox announced a settlement with Ameriquest Mortgage Company as result of their predatory lending practices. The Ameriquest settlement provided 18,400 Michigan consumers with $13.8 million in restitution. In 2008, Cox created a mortgage fraud unit and teamed up with the Michigan State Police and other law enforcement agencies to tackle the problem. In the last six months alone, Cox has charged 13 individuals and 4 corporations with mortgage fraud-related offenses. Cox's office has also held seven mortgage foreclosure forums to help families stay in their homes during these difficult times. Homeowners facing foreclosure should visit www.michigan.gov/agand click on the "Avoid Foreclosure Info" button.

Countrywide Financial to Pay $6.6 Million to 3,674 Michigan Borrowers

Eligible Borrowers to be Contacted by Mail

The Department of Natural Resources' Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program is offering a Beyond BOW waterfowl workshop on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Island Lake State Recreation Area in Brighton. The cost for the workshop is $45, which includes instruction, class materials and lunch. The workshop will begin at 9 a.m. with registration and safety orientation. Starting at 10 a.m., participants will practice their shooting skills at the Island Lake Recreation Area shooting range, shooting 25 targets on the skeet range and 50 targets on the sporting clays course. Participants are encouraged to bring their own shotguns and ammunition of 7 ½- 8 lead shot only (target load). Participants should bring three boxes of ammunition. Some firearms will be available to those who do not own one. "Beginners are welcome to attend this workshop to learn the basics of waterfowl hunting," said Sue Tabor of the DNR's BOW program. "Enrollment is limited, and I encourage women to register early." After lunch, participants will be

divided into three groups to attend three different workshop sessions on different aspects of waterfowl hunting. The workshops will be offered round-robin style, with the groups rotating to each class. Workshops will be offered on Duck Hunting 101, where participants will review hunting etiquette, seasons and regulations, waterfowl identification, equipment and clothing, types of hunting, blind lay-out and decoys. Another workshop will offer instruction on duck calling. Participants should bring their own duck calls, if they have them. The third workshop will focus on dogs and duck hunting, and will highlight choosing a puppy, dog training, getting ready to hunt and field demonstrations. For more information on this program, contact Sue Tabor at (517) 241-2225 or go online to www.michigan.gov/bow. The goal of the BOW program is to provide opportunities for women to learn skills that enhance and encourage participation in shooting, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Offers Waterfowl Workshop Sept. 26 in Brighton

July 28, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

PAGE 5 - THE WEEKLY PRIDE

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

and receive the latest specials.

Tuesday nights @ The BackStreet “Kill the Keg” drink special (inquire within)

5pm-9pm “Flavors From Around the World” – stop by and see what we are cooking up for

you! Euchre Tournament Night-come in at 6pm to

sign up.

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

Attention High School Girls Volleyball Players and Parents!

It's time to get in shape for volleyball season. Pre-Try-Out Conditioning will be held at Stockbridge High School from 7-8PM on August 3rd, 4th, and 6th. Bring a water bottle! There will be a Parent/Player Meeting following conditioning on Tuesday, August 4 at 8PM in the high school gym. This meeting will provide you an opportunity to meet the Athletic Director, 9th Grade Coach, Junior Varsity Coach, and Varsity Coach. You will learn about the try-out procedures and have the chance to ask questions of the coaches. Try-outs for all three teams will be held simultaneously at the high school gym on August 12th, 13th, and 14th from 8 AM to 12 Noon. Remember, you will need a NEW Physical Form (dated after April 15, 2009) filled out by your doctor prior to participation in Try-outs. Physical Forms are available at the front desk of the High School Main Office.

Sophomore Quarterback, Mitch Clark, delivers a ball during JV 7-on-7 action this summer.

Ryan Tiffault catches a TD pass over the out stretched arms of the Livonia Clarenceville defender.

Stockbridge Senior, RJ Marshall, hauls in a pass during warm-ups at South Lyon.

Coach Killinger talks strategy at the completion of a 7-on-7 event this summer.

The Stockbridge Football Program has logged numerous hours this off-season in the weight room and at 7 - on - 7 competitions in preparation for the upcoming season. The weight room has been open all summer at 7:00am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Attendance has been high, with a large number of underclassmen in attendance. In the past the Varsity team has competed in 7-on-7 dates at Concord, but this year opted for events held on Tuesday nights at South Lyon. These events offered both the Varsity and JV teams some stiff competition as they took on much larger schools in North Farmington, Plymouth Canton, and

South Lyon among others. The team kicks it into high gear this week as they hold their camp, Monday - Thursday from 6-9 at the High School. This event is open to all students entering grades 9-12. Cost is $25. Official practice opens on August 10th. For the second year in a row the team will travel to Camp Edge in Howell for the first three days of practice. They will leave the HS at 4:00 on Sunday, August 9th. There will be a player/parent meeting beginning at 6:00pm at Camp Edge. For more information regarding the Stockbridge Football Program please contact Coach Killinger at 517-404-5163 or by emailing football@panthernet.net.

Stockbridge Football Puts in Off-Season Hours

STOCKBRIDGE TD CLUB REGISTRATION August 4th and 5th

5:30 - 6:30 pm Stockbridge HS Cafeteria

All students entering grades 3 - 6 that wish to participate in tackle football or cheerleading are invited to register for the upcoming season. The first practice will be held on August 17th at 6pm More information is available at www.stockbridgefootball.com or by contacting Coach Killinger, 517-404-5163 or football@panthernet.net.

PAGE 6 - THE WEEKLY PRIDE

July 28, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

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

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

The Cat Har By: Corinda Hackworth

chackworth@yahoo.com Almost seven months ago, we introduced a new member into our family. We, (okay, I), adopted a two-year-old cat named McKenna from the Midwest Animal Blood Services, Inc. last December. McKenna is a long-haired Siamese-Lynx mix, a beautiful cat. Not only is she pretty to look at, she is as loving as she is striking. One of the things that drew me to McKenna was how cuddly she is. She does not house any human-anxiety the way a lot of cats do, nor does she have a “cat”-titude. Her first night with us, McKenna tunneled all the way under the covers and down to the end of the bed. Gradually, as she grew accustomed to us, she began sleeping on top of the covers, and carefully edging closer to the top of the bed each night. Then I discovered the “Cat Hat”. Now, friends, if any of you out there has a cat, you know exactly to what I am

referring. For those of you who don’t, let me explain. A Cat Hat is when the cat sleeps on your head. I have had four cats previously, not counting Forrrest, our thirteen-year-old “Old Man”, who is also McKenna’s nemesis, and I have never worn the Cat Hat until McKenna arrived. Nor did I know there was an actual name for it. The first time I was forced to wear the Cat Hat, once I got over the initial weirdness of it, I thought it was kinda funny and cute. It stated one night, when McKenna was slowly creeping up the bed until she got right in my face. She paused, sniffed my mouth, nose twitching then continued upward. Once she was up on my pillow, she slowly wrapped herself around my head and gently lay down, resting her furry paw on my ear. Startled, I waited to see if she would move again. I moved my eyes around the darkened room, careful not to move my head. As she purred happily, my eyebrows knotted together, still waiting. When it appeared she had made her bed for the night, I nudged Himself. “Hey,” I said. Himself stirred and said nothing. I tried again.

“Hey,” I said, louder this time. “I have a cat on my head.” This had finally got his attention. He sat up and from the light the clock gave out could see McKenna contentedly perched on top of my head. “What is she doing?” Himself asked, incredulously. “Uh, I think she’s sleeping here,” I replied. I slowly rolled my head over to look at him, while McKenna’s motor continued. “Wow!” was all he could say. And so began our nightly ritual. It wasn’t long before I knew within two minutes of lying down in bed, I would be wearing the Cat Hat. As much trouble as I have sleeping, and as much tossing and turning as I do, I wouldn’t think my head would be all that comfortable of a place to sleep. But she does. Although lately, it has gotten out of hand. I enjoy sleeping in a cold room, as long as I stay warm. In the winter, a cold room with a Cat Hat is cozy. But when it is 80 degrees in my bedroom, wearing a Cat Hat is very hot and uncomfortable. Not to mention heavy. So, I began gently pushing McKenna to make her aware of my discomfort. She would rearrange herself on top of my

head and once I quit pushing her, would lie down again. Pretty soon, I’d progressed to physically picking her up and setting her gently at the end of the bed. She would lie down where I’d placed her, and happily, I’d rearrange myself on my pillow. I’m not kidding, friends, thirty seconds later, she’d come padding up the blankets and make me wear the Cat Hat. It had progressed to the point where I would whine out loud, “I don’t wanna wear the Cat Hat! It’s too hot!”, and with a gentle shove, I’d push her upwards. It was then she discovered that underneath our heads, we humans slept on these really, squishy, soft things. So not only do I sleep with my head scrunched off the pillow, McKenna has taken to sleeping wrapped around my head, using my pillow. On a good night for her, she sleeps on my two pillows. And the nights where I get tired of not having a pillow at all, I slide one out from under her. She meow’s softly, and rearranges herself on her pillow and then bestows upon me the Cat Hat. I’m resolved to the fact that as long as McKenna resides with us, the Cat Hat will reside there, too.

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.

8 7 9 4

3 2 9 8

6 5

9 4 1

6

5 3 9

4 3

2 7 8 6

9 6 5 8

4 2

4 3

9 7 8

3 2 6 8

6 8 5

5 1 7 2

7 6 8

1 9

7 9

Last weeks solutions at right.

Scott Aughney, an Independent Conservative from Jackson, Michigan, is formally announcing his candidacy for Michigan’s 7th district U.S. House of Representatives seat in the 2010 election cycle. The district includes the counties of Lenawee, Hillsdale, Branch, Northern and Western Washtenaw, Jackson, Eaton, and most of Calhoun. The candidate will highlight his commitment to conservative principals on a political, social, and fiscal platform. Mr. Aughney will operate his campaign as a grassroots candidate which includes a recently begun ballot petition drive to attain a position on the general election ballot, November 2010. Scott is a 1983 graduate of Morenci High School in Lenawee County and has completed coursework at Jackson Community College and Adrian College with an emphasis in biology. An extensive work history in the food marketing and retail industry gives him a balanced perspective on supply economics, consumer shopping patterns, and incites into small business. The Political Action Committee, Campaign to Elect Scott Aughney to Congress, has been formed and registered with the Federal Elections Commission

to oversee Mr. Aughney’s candidacy. The committee has founded the website www.aughneyforcongress.com to present details of Scott’s platform, appearances, subject blogs, and contact information. In addition, residents of the district can offer to volunteer on the campaign or make a financial contribution. During a Meet the Candidate event to be hosted by The Circle Track Café, Munith, on Wednesday, August 5th, beginning at 7:00pm, Mr. Aughney will present his background, elements of his platform, and answer other related questions regarding the campaign. Additionally, attendees will have an opportunity to support the candidacy by signing the campaign ballot petition required by the Michigan Bureau of Elections. The Circle Track Bar & Grill will offer coneys for 99¢ to support the event. Due to limited seating, those interested in attending are encouraged to call the business at 517-596-3100 and indicate the anticipated number to arrive. P l e a s e v i s i t www.aughneyforcongress.com for any additional details regarding this and other future events. For further details, please contact the campaign at 734-604-3232.

CAMPAIGN TO ELECT SCOTT AUGHNEY TO CONGRESS

July 28, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

PAGE 7 - THE WEEKLY PRIDE

Pig Roast Benefit for the Corcoran Family Friday, July 31 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Food and Christian Rock Band Trinity Lutheran Church

5758 West M-36 Pinckney, MI 48169 734-878-5977

(4 miles east of Gregory toward Pinckney) Free will donations will be accepted, donations can be sent to the above address made out to "Trinity Ladies' Posse" with the name Allison in the memo line. Proceeds will go to benefit the Allison Corcoran family, a Gregory mother of 2 daughters who recently completed treatment for breast cancer. These funds will help cover expenses associated with the treatment.

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

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

The following commentary was written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have any questions, please call (517) 373-0587. Earlier this year, as part of her constitutionally-mandated requirement to balance the budget, the Governor issued an Executive Order to the joint House and Senate Appropriations Committee. This Executive Order cut $349,337,200 from Michigan's budget. However, these painful cuts were not even close to enough to balance the budget for future years. Current estimates for the 2010 budget place Michigan's budget deficit at $1.76 billion dollars. Some of the cuts and reforms being discussed in the Legislature include the closing of the Michigan Historical Library, eliminating the Michigan Promise Scholarship, closing one of Michigan's two poison control centers, cuts to Michigan's vaccine registry, $110 per pupil decreases to the foundation

allowances for schools, decreasing revenue sharing payments to local units of government for police and fire protection, and further cuts to vocational education and adult education. Here are the numbers behind some of the cuts that are being discussed: • Michigan Historical Library: $689,000 • Michigan Promise Scholarship: $140 million • Poison Control: $300,000 (plus a loss of more than

$1 million in federal matching funds) • Vaccine Registry: $1.1 million • Per-Pupil Foundation Allowance Decreases: $174.2

million • Revenue Sharing: $163.4 million • Vocational and Adult Education: $5.4 million While I understand that many of these cuts will be painful, some of the proposed cuts will not only hinder our economic recovery, but also may endanger our residents. Cutting police and fire protection for local municipalities by more than $160 million is not the way to go about building a better Michigan. The Michigan Promise Scholarship allows many students to attend college who may not otherwise be able to afford it. The scholarship awards $4,000 for eligible students who pursue educational opportunities after high school. I have been contacted by many people – students and parents alike – asking me to fight to maintain this scholarship and I will do everything I can to ensure that

happens. Investments in our students are investments in our 21st century economy and if we want to turn our state around, we can not give up on them. As the mother of a toddler, I know how important the services are that poison control provides. The proposed cuts to this program ignore the fact that this program actually saves our state money, especially when parents follow the directions of their poison control professional, rather than taking their children straight to the emergency room. The Legislature also is considering cutting funding for early education by more than $111 million. These cuts are extremely troubling to me, not only as a parent, but as someone who cares about the future of our state. For every dollar we invest in early education, the state saves between $17 and $21 in future costs. With a projected deficit of more than $2 billion in 2011, it is clear that business as usual is not working. We need to fundamentally change the way that government is run. One time budget gimmicks and accounting tricks are not going to solve this problem. This is a problem that affects us all, and we need everyone at the table to put Michigan's fiscal house in order. We must look closer at cuts and reforms that can be done to save money and protect vital services. Legislators should follow the lead of the countless Michigan families who have been forced to tighten their belts just to make ends meet. I am committed to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to resolve this budget crisis.

Capitol Notes

Barb Byrum State

Representative

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Distribution area includes Stockbridge, Dansville, Leslie, Bunker Hill, Gregory, Unadilla, Munith,

Pleasant Lake, and worldwide at

www.theweeklypride.com.

Services

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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!

Experienced Babysitter - Reliable, honest, nurturing, 14y/o honor roll stu-dent would like to babysit your children. Available to sit until 11pm. 517-851-8889 Marc’s Masonry Chimney’s, Porches, Stucco, and More! Call 734-498-7435 for more information

For Rent LESLIE SCHOOLS - 4BR, Duplex, Unfurnished. Call 517-589-9067 or 517-945-4436 for more information. After 5/15 call 517-589-8616 or 517-879-7833 MUNITH - 2-unit Duplex. Large yard. Nice area. Unit 1 - $475/month, Unit 2 - $525/month. 734-878-9566

Notices DANSVILLE FARMERS MARKET: Held every Thursday 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Located on the corner of Dakin and M-36. Vendors space still available. Seasonal and weekly rates. Call (517) 652-4524.

2009 Allen Reunion Saturday August 8th

12:00 Noon The roots of this family surely run deep, planted by the father for all the world to see.

Swaying with the storms of life, yet standing ever firm,

A fallen branch won’t break us, there’s so much left to learn.

Come gather with the family there are stories to tell,

Laugh and reminisce of the ones we love so well.

The legacy must live on as Granny would say,

So come and join us for “Supper” on Saturday August 8th. Bring a Dish to Pass

Sherrie & Mike’s 13515 SM 52

Questions 517-795-8561 or showard@planningmi.org

For Sale 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

Wanted Roommate Wanted to share a house in downtown Stockbridge. No Smoking, No Pets, Full House Accessibilty. Call 517-416-4627 for more information.

Office furniture. Looking for some free office furniture to outfit a new home office. Must be in working order. Pick-up available. 517-404-5163

Have you been to our website today? Visit www.theweeklypride.com for a page turning version of our paper as well as contact information and adverting rates.

PAGE 8 - THE WEEKLY PRIDE

July 28, 2009 www.theweeklypride.com 888-318-1766

Waterloo Area Historical Society Weekend Tour Photos

“I offer regular coffee or decaf,” states Pawlowski. “If you want flavored, go to Red Sky. I have one steak on the menu. If you want a variety, I’d suggest BackStreet.” The Stockbridge Diner has yet to establish set hours, due to the fact that keeping the community in mind is the number one priority. “I don’t want to say we close right at 9 p.m. if there are still people out and about after that,” says Pawlowski. Business has been booming since opening its doors over a week ago with people coming from communities as far as Manchester, due solely to word of mouth. While the Diner itself is new, Pawlowski is meticulous in keeping the history within the building. Although the building was registered in 1900, Pawlowski suspects the building may be older than that. A passionate antique collector, he has incorporated many antiquities throughout the décor of the diner. The “Features” chalkboard on the west wall may look like any other chalkboard, but in actuality is half of the

original from the old schoolhouse in Munith. The horseshoes on the east wall look just like, well, horseshoes. They were, however, discovered as ancient relics dug up underneath the old flooring. And while Pawlowski himself has rebuilt and refurbished the entire building, he has stayed true to the “Louisiana Shotgun” structure, keeping the original ceiling and placement of the windows. Pawlowski is quick to offer thanks to many people, including Dorene White, Bill Reynolds and Ruth Wellman for their contributions of historical photos that adorn the walls. Some photos, however, are from his own personal collection, including one of his grandfather riding an ostrich and another featuring the house he lives in now, with what are suspected to be the original owners. Pawlowski says his parents, Robert and Marilynne, are also deserving of his thanks for their time, hard work and support in his new business venture. Pawlowski’s main goal with the Stockbridge Diner is to bring more business to the downtown area.

Stockbridge Diner (Continued from page 1)

Looking for Some Weekend Fun? Check out the Waterloo Area Historical Society.

Farm Museum Weekend Tours are held Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 1pm-5pm. Waterloo Farm Museum provides guided tours of the ten-room farmhouse, log cabin, barns, blacksmith and woodworking workshop, bake house, ice house, milk cellar, and windmill. These tours are lead by knowledge-able guides in period dress. The gift shop will also be open at this time as well, to browse and purchase books, crafts, toys, collectables and clothing. Museum tour fees are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors (62+) and $2 for children aged 5-17. There is no museum tour fee for children under 5 and members of the Waterloo Area Historical Society.

Stockbridge Diner offers a new, fresh look to the downtown area.