Month: November 2015

BD Schools accepts superintendent separation/retirement agreement

The superintendent who was at the helm of the consolidation of the Britton and Deerfield school districts and was the top administrator in the combined district for the last four years will take an early retirement. Six members of the Britton Deerfield school board deliberated in closed session during a special meeting Wednesday evening to consider accepting a separation agreement and release of Superintendent Charles Pelham and for an attorney-client privileged communication.

After the open meeting reconvened with an audience of more than two dozen people, the board voted to accept the agreement and made another motion to appoint Stacy Johnson as the temporary superintendent effective immediately. Pelham’s release effectively takes place Nov. 30. Johnson is the principal of the Deerfield building that houses the middle school and an elementary school. She will retain those duties as the district moves forward to decide how to fill the superintendent’s position.

The board also approved a two-year contract with the Britton Deerfield Education Association.

For Melissa Burnor’s complete story, please see the Dec. 2, 2015, edition of The Advance.

Arynnleigh Buehrer

Arynnleigh Taylor Buehrer went to be with the Lord on October 18, 2015 after losing her battle with cancer. Arynnleigh was born October 17, 2012, to David and Rachael (Howard) Buehrer at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. Arynnleigh loved to play with her stuffed animals, Minnie and Mickey and Elmo, and pretend to read to her little sister, Allison.
Surviving Arynnleigh are her parents and her younger sister, Allison, all of Ft. Hood, Texas. Also surviving are grandparents Keith and Debbie Fischer of Blissfield, Patrick Buehrer of Weston, David and Nancy Howard of Austin, Texas, and great grandparents Charles and Judy Fischer of Deerfield, and Suzanna Howard of Conroe, Texas; Uncle JP Tomasek and Aunt Becky Tomasek and cousins Kelsey, Dathan and Maddie of Blissfield, and Aunt Whitney Howard of Austin, Texas.
Arynnleigh was preceded in death by great grandparents Donald and Florence Buehrer, Carl and Kathryn Schwamm, great grandfather Buddy Howard, and great grandmother Marjorie Fischer.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Arynnleigh was held on Saturday, November 21 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blissfield. Visitation wasfrom 10 a.m. until time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to purchase small stuffed animals. Arynn’s Animals will be given to children in the pediatric intensive care unit at McLane Children’s Hospital in Temple, Texas.

World War II refugee Whitman copes with lifetime of haunting questions

RIGA – Achtung! Achtung! These words haunt Riga Township resident Ferenz “Fritz” Whitman.
The words and images of bright lights and fences sometimes come to him in dreams. As do the faceless ideas of his parents that he has no recollection of ever knowing.
“Why did they leave me behind?” he has often asked himself over the past 70 years of his life. While many think of soldiers as casualties of war. Whitman himself was perhaps himself a casualty of war in the fact that he lost his identity as a result of the war to end all wars.
Whitman, was found 70 years ago in September of 1945 by American soldiers at a train station in Marienbad, Czechoslovakia.
For Melissa Burnor’s complete story, please see the Nov. 25, 2015, edition of The Advance

World War II orphan Ferenz "Fritz" Whitman of Riga displays the flag he received when he became a U.S. citizen.
World War II orphan Ferenz “Fritz” Whitman of Riga displays the flag he received when he became a U.S. citizen.
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Max “Mike” McCarty

Max ‘Mike’ McCarty
DEERFIELD — Max “Mike” Howard McCarty, age 86 of Deerfield died Monday, November 16, 2015.
He was born on April 9, 1929, in Adrian to Eugene and Lillian (Long) McCarty.
On December 16, 1950 in Angola, Ind., he married Twyla J. Peavey. She preceded him in death on April 27, 2010.
Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War.
For years Mike worked at Revco in Deerfield and also worked at the U of M in Ann Arbor. Mike then started his own business McCarty Refrigeration before retiring. He was a member of the Deerfield American Legion Post #392 and the Petersburg V.F.W. Post 6509. Mike was a Journeyman Pipefitter and belonged to the Refrigeration Local 190 in Ann Arbor.
Mike is survived by two daughters, Mashelle (James) Converse of Clearwater, Fla., and Roxann (Tim Grassley) McCarty of Sebastian, FL; two sisters, Verna Maierle of Indiana and Joyce Forsyth of Tecumseh; two grandchildren, Deeana (Robert) Perkins and Danella (Eugene) Camoosa; six great grandchildren, Brittany, Kyle, Katie, Lindsey, Ronald and Rosie. In addition to his wife Twyla, he was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, Roland, Erwin, Alvin, Virgil, and Bruce McCarty, three sisters, Geraldine Hall, Marie Logan and Donna Holubik.
Funeral services for Mike were on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at the Deerfield United Methodist Church with Pastor Sam Pooley officiating. Burial followed in Deerfield Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the Deerfield American Legion Post #392 and the Petersburg V.F.W. Post #6509. Visitation was held on Monday from 2-8 p.m. at the Anderson Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield. Condolences may be given to Mike’s family online at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be given to Deerfield Fire Fighters Association. Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

Andrew Jensen

Andrew Jensen
Andrew Thomas Jensen, 33 of Blissfield was pronounced dead on Friday, November 20, 2015, in Toledo, Ohio.
He was born in Adrian Michigan at Bixby medical hospital on June 16, 1982, to Tom and Connie Jensen of Blissfield.
Andrew grew up in Blissfield Michigan graduating from Blissfield High School in 2001. His interests in school were theater, and playing the trombone. He was a natural singer, and performer. He danced for years at Daryl Jervis Studios in Toledo, Ohio, and played piano by ear, he loved the arts. He sang at times at his church, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed.
He studied hospitality at Lenawee Vo-tech in Adrian and won the top of his class award, and he also attended Jackson community college for two years where he studied business.
He worked at his Dad’s store the “ In and Out Mart” in Toledo, Ohio, for years. He went on to work in the Hotel business where he started at the Carlton Lodge in Adrian and then became the AGM
at the Holiday Inn in Dundee, where he was promoted to an implementation specialist with Intercontinental Hotel groups and traveled all over the United States. He was loved and adored by all the VPs of the corporation.
Andrew was an avid horticulturist; he spent many hours perfecting his mother’s garden.
Andrew is survived by his parents Tom (Tami Ormiston) Jensen of Toledo and Connie Jensen of Blissfield and his sister Amy Marie Jensen of Tecumseh. One niece Alexa Rose Jensen, whom he adored with every piece of his heart. His grandmothers, Rose Vandenbusche and Janet Jensen, both of Blissfield, a step-sister, Amanda Ormiston and step-brother, Todd Ormiston, his aunts and uncles; Mark (Lynn) Vandenbusche, Robin (Robert) Brooks, Ted (Rochelle) Jensen, Margie (Tim) Presutti, Terry (Peggy Bentley) Jensen, Tim (Polly) Jensen, Todd (Dee) Jensen. Cousins; Chelsea (Josh) Iffland and Kennady; Luke Vandenbusche, Wade (Ashley) Vandenbusche, Taylor (Luke Bruce) Nelson and Hunter Bruce; Sean Nelson, Christy (Jason) Holliday and Max and Macy; Mandy (Keith) Goldfuss and David, Lida and Jude; Michael and Nic Jensen, Jake Jensen, Niki (Peter) Daining and Teddy; Dan (Kayla) Crist and Kadan, Jaxan and Danika; Natalie (Travis) Iffland and Nash, Walker and Dirks; Zac Jensen, Janelle (Aaron) Pollock and Jayla, Colten, Lillie and Ava; Brad Jensen, Patrick Jensen.
Andrew was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Art Vandenbusche and Theodore Jensen and a cousin Matthew Crist. Andrew was one of a kind; he was a person that could light up a room. His charismatic, angelic personality was contagious. He never had a problem making friends, as everyone who came into contact with him adored him. He was surely a special person who will forever be greatly missed by ALL his family and friends. His mother, father and sister thank you for all your caring love and support through this difficult time.
Funeral services for Andrew was planned for November 25, 2015, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Blissfield, with Pastors Gary Leking and Dan Crist officiating. Burial was to follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Blissfield. Visitation was on Tuesday, November 24 at Anderson Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Andrew’s family to help offset expenses. Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

Susan Ellis

ADRIAN — Susan M. Ellis, age 71, of Adrian, died on Friday, November 20, 2015, at the Hospice of Lenawee’s Hospice Home, Adrian.
She was born October 24, 1944, in Tecumseh to Albert and Anna (Frye) Dettman.
She had been employed by the Handleman Company in Troy for 28 years. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Blissfield. Susan compassionately cared for her 104 year old mother, Anna for the past seven years. Susan enjoyed playing cards, going on casino trips and was a member of the Pinochle Club and a bowling league.
She is survived by her mother, Anna Dettman of Britton; a brother, Donald Dettman of Adrian and several nieces and nephews, Rick (Penny) Ebright, Leslie Ebright, Penny (Jeremy) Filber, Donald Dettman, Jr., David (Amy) Dettman. Great nieces and nephews, Melissa, Brandon, Caitlin, Ashtyn, Connor, Dylan and Anah. Great-nephew, Isaac and many close and caring cousins. She was preceded in death by her father and a sister, Joyce Ebright.
Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield with Rev. Gary Leking officiating. Burial was in Palmyra Cemetery. Visitation was held from 2-4 and 6-8 on Monday at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.
You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

New economic development, DDA/Main Street manager offered Blissfield post

In a 6-0 vote, the Blissfield Village Council selected Tyler Dotson as the new economic development/Downtown Development Authority director/Main Street manager at the Nov. 23 council meeting.
If he accepts the position, Dotson will begin his responsibilities full-time, likely at the beginning of 2016 at an annual salary of $42,000.
Dotson, a South Haven native, holds both an undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in political science and a masters of public administration from Western Michigan University.
He has worked with the South Haven Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and local District Finance Authority since February 2014, been involved as a director and supervisor in the Michigan Youth Wrestling Association Southwest Region and worked on a political campaign. He is also a member of the South Haven Board of Education.
For Melissa Burnor’s complete story and our big Holidays Aglow section inside, please see the Nov. 25, 2015, edition of The Advance.

Waterford ends Whiteford’s record season in the state semis

FINAL:
Though Bobcat Jake Becki scored on a 23-yard touchdown catch at the end of the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough to overtake Waterford who won the state MHSAA semifinal game 36-20 and advances next weekend to play in the state finals at Ford Field. The two-point conversion failed.
FOURTH QUARTER UPDATE:
Waterford scores in the fourth quarter and follows it with a two-point conversion, now leading as of 2:50 p.m. 30-14.
With 3:31 left to play at 3:02 p.m., Waterford scores again for a 36-14 lead on a 28-yard run. The Bobcats prevent the conversion attempt
THIRD QUARTER UPDATE:
The only score of the third quarter was a Jesse Kiefer one-yard run to make the score Waterford 22, Whiteford 14.
FIRST HALF…Whiteford trails 22-8 at halftime in the MHSAA state semifinal football playoff against Waterford at Hazel Park High School Saturday afternoon.
Though the drive in was under nearly white-out conditions for those approaching the site, only flurries fell through the first half.
The lone Whiteford score in that first stanza came on a run by Cody Kiefer.
Waterford scored three times including a safety on a long snap punt over Bobcat punter Herbie Bertz’s head.
The Bobcats had two possessions within scoring distance: one in the first quarter resulted in a fumble and the second was just before the half as Waterford stopped the run from the one-yard line on fourth down.
Report by Brad Heineman, Advance reporter

Whiteford wins regional football title, 48-14

The Whiteford Bobcats won their regional football title Saturday afternoon as visitors to Climax-Scotts’ turf, 48-14. They move on to the semifinals Nov. 21 – one game away from the state finals at Ford Field. If they win the semifinal, they move on to Detroit to play the following weekend.
Here’s how the scoring went:

2:53 p.m.
The Bobcats draw blood again for a 48-14 lead with another Kiefer touchdown run of seven yards. Eitinear chipped in the two-point conversion run.

Post halftime:
Climax-Scotts scores a touchdown but fails to make the conversion for a score of 40-14, Bobcats still leading.

1:59
As the end of the second quarter neared, Jesse Kiefer made a 27-yard touchdown catch on a slant play, and then caught the two-point conversion pass for a 40-8 lead that the Bobcats took into the locker room against Climax-Scotts at half time.

1:52 p.m.
The Panthers are on the board with a 27-yard touchdown catch. Bobcats still leading 32-8.

1:44 p.m.
Whiteford scores again! Josh Beck goes in on a seven-yard touchdown run. Thomas Eitinear made the two-point run conversion for a 32-0 first-half lead.

1:34 p.m.
The Bobcats are running away with it. Thomas Eitinear’s pass to Zack LaRoy from 13 yards out was Whiteford’s third score of the game. A Kiefer two-point conversion run upped the score to 24-0 Whiteford.

1:22 p.m.
The Whiteford Bobcats clawed their way to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter with a touchdown by Jesse Kiefer on a pass and a two-point conversion pass.
Shortly after, it was Bobcats 16 Climax-Scotts Panthers 0 on a 97-yard Kiefer catch and run from the Bobcat three-yard line as of 1:22 p.m. The regional game is being played at Climax-Scotts.

For Brad Heineman’s complete story, please see the Nov. 18 edition of The Advance.

Yuletide this weekend in Blissfield, Nov. 13-15

Greet the holiday season in a historic place that Norman Rockwell might have considered the perfect backdrop for one of his holiday scenes: the charming village of Blissfield, which has just this year been named to the National Register of Historic Places!
Blissfield Yuletide Cheer begins with a day of shopping in a small village you will swear you have seen on a Christmas card, then gets into full swing as a Blissfield Township Fire Dept. firetruck carries Santa and Mrs Claus into town on Friday, Nov. 13. From there, the Yuletide unfolds into three days of Christmas in a days-gone-by setting; candles; holiday cookies; Santa and reindeer; shopping in quaint stores with clerks who handle each item with loving care and each customer with personal attention; the town Christmas tree; cocoa and cookies; train and carriage rides.
The Blissfield DDA/Main Street Design Team, under the guidance of Mike Gunter, has decorated urns for the season and the Blissfield DPW has festooned the village with lights, greens, banners and an old-fashioned holiday swag over Lane Street. Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program Interim Director Denise Adams and Yuletide chairperson Gwen Dusa have sent a priority order to the North Pole for Santa to bring a dusting of snow to complete the scene.
Welcome to Blissfield, Michigan, home to the annual Blissfield Yuletide Cheer celebration that begins the second weekend in November every year as Santa makes his first stop in the area that Friday night for an old-fashioned tree-lighting and carol sing.
This year’s Yuletide season is highlighted by three major events: the Blissfield Yuletide Cheer Friday through Sunday, Nov. 13-15; the Fifth Annual Wassail Fest Friday, Dec. 11, sponsored again by the Blissfield Rotary; and the annual Parade of Lights presented by Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home on Saturday, Dec. 12. The Fourth Annual Hot-Cha-Cha 5K Mug Run will also take place on Wassail Fest night, Friday, Dec. 11.
At each of the events, the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program will have a special Welcome Tent in the downtown area where community volunteers, recruited by Denise Adams from the Outreach Team, will meet and greet. At Cakes n’ Shakes, Blissful Living and Lane Street Blooms, a new, limited-edition ornament depicting the Toledo & Western Electric Railway Co. Depot — known as the “Teeter & Wobble” will be available for $12. It joins four other collectible ornaments: In 2014, the Victorsville One-Room School House; 2013, a Toledo and Western steam engine; in 2012, the snow-covered, Kiwanis arch walking bridge over the River Raisin, and the inaugural 2011 ornament of the historic Depot, home of the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program. Limited numbers of those older ornaments are available at $10.
Throughout this special section are the events planned for each of the three weekends. You are warmly invited to join the bliss and be a part of these holiday scenes which you will swear are straight out of the Saturday Evening Post, but uniquely updated to the tastes and needs of today. Come for the special Yuletide events, but also for a day or a weekend. Visit during the week and other weekends during the season when you wish to find the perfect gift in a truly enjoyable shopping experience complete with breakfast, lunch and dinner from casual fare to the finest dining in the tri-state area.
Blissfield Yuletide Cheer:
Friday, Nov. 13
With charming globed streetlamps glowing a welcome to all, the Village of Blissfield will be decked out in its holiday finery of wreaths, greens and twinkling lights. A new village sound system will fill the air with holiday music.
Shopping, Drawing & Welcome Tent
As the vintage-style town clock strikes 10 a.m., the downtown shops will open with festively bedecked windows aglow, and holiday treats and treasures inside as storekeepers prepare to welcome guests looking for that special something for that special someone as well as decorative items for their own homes this Yuletide season. Stores will be open until 7 p.m.
For each $10 spent from Nov. 1 through Yuletide weekend, a drawing card will be awarded. Be sure to fill out your drawing card for the 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, Yuletide Grand Give-Away at the Historic Depot where lucky shoppers whose names are drawn will receive grand prizes.
But plan to be there, because the winner must be present to take their big prize! These cards may be dropped off at participating merchants’ shops from now through Yuletide weekend, and at the Historic Depot’s drawing barrel Yuletide Saturday and Sunday.
Participants include: Cake n’ Shakes, Blissfield State Bank, Schmidt and Sons Pharmacy, TLC Community Credit Union, Lane Street Blooms, Beckey’s Kountry Kitchen, The Packrat , Blissful Living, Michigan Extreme Outdoors, Pumpernickels, Karefish gifts & girl stuff, The Vine Haus, Blissfield General Store, Eric Slusher Flooring, Blissfield Antique Mall,
Bill’s Service, Southern Sass, Joan and Co., Victorian Garden and Lena’s Italian Restaurant.
Dining from casual to elegant fare
Blissfield’s unique restaurateurs have decked the halls as well and will serve a variety of delights throughout the holiday season. From a good, old country breakfast and sumptuous lunches to Italian fare and a real, old-fashioned soda fountain where, yes, you can get your fountain favorites, and from casual dinners or elegant dining experiences — even on a moving train — Blissfield eateries are each known for how truly special they are.
Santa’s Arrival & Treelighting
Throughout history and still today, children (of all ages) anticipate the annual arrival of Santa, but when Santa arrives in Blissfield — one of his first stops of the season — the event is pure Yuletide magic. Listen for the sleighbells at 6:30 p.m. and watch for the red lights of the firetruck carrying Santa from the parade’s starting point at the Blissfield State Bank.
Parading through the downtown, all are welcome to wave at Santa as he proceeds to the community Christmas tree at the Bachmayer Parking lot on North Lane Street – just across from the River Raisin and the Historic Depot where Santa will set up shop Saturday.
Santa will light the tree with Christmas carols to follow before everyone crosses the street to the Historic Depot for complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, sponsored by Blissfield Kiwanians, in a welcome to the season.
If you get chilly, stop and warm yourself with the Blissfield Boy Scouts who will man a firepit at the Historic Depot! You won’t find that at a shopping mall or big box store!
Blissfield Yuletide Cheer:
Saturday, Nov. 14
Holiday Shopping in an Historic Place
The downtown stores in Blissfield will be open bright and early at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and will serve customers until 7 p.m. Inside the warm and inviting shops, storekeepers offer an array of items from antiques to the most current collectible items, household goods, gifts, furniture, gifts for infants to senior citizens, holiday decorations, artwork and more.
Remember to fill out your drawing cards earned for every $10 in purchases from now through Yuletide weekend and leave them in a collection box located in participating businesses or at the drawing barrel at the Historic Depot during Yuletide Weekend. The more you spend, the better your chances at winning! Don’t forget the 4:30 p.m. Sunday Yuletide Grand Give-Away at the Historic Depot where lucky shoppers whose names are drawn will receive big prizes: an Apple Watch Sport – 42 mm – aluminum silver case; Beats Studio Over-the-Ear Headphones; two Cedar Point tickets; and one each of a $300, $150 and $75 Blissfield Bucks certificates. The Blissfield Bucks can be spent only at participating merchants: Cake n’ Shakes, Blissfield State Bank, Schmidt and Sons Pharmacy, TLC Community Credit Union, Lane Street Blooms, Beckey’s Kountry Kitchen, The Packrat , Blissful Living, Michigan Extreme Outdoors, Pumpernickels, Karefish gifts & girl stuff, The Vine Haus, Blissfield General Store, Eric Slusher Flooring, Blissfield Antique Mall, Bill’s Service, Southern Sass, Joan and Co., Victorian Garden and Lena’s Italian Restaurant.
Again, come on back for more Yuletide Sunday as the lucky people whose names are drawn must be present to win! DDA/Main Street’s Sandy Lietzke, Doris DeNudt, Dr. Ashley Bailey, Denise Adams and Gwen Dusa have been busy elves coordinating and implementing the Grand Give-Away.
With parking behind the Lane Street stores on both the east (Newspaper Street) and west side (Pearl Street), as well as the Bachmayer Parking Lot on North Lane across from the Historic Depot and on streets throughout town, shopping is just steps away from your vehicle in Blissfield. The weekend is hosted by Blissfield Main Street/DDA Program.
Craft Show
If you love hand-made gifts, one of the best holiday craft shows in the area is hosted at the Blissfield Elementary School each year on South Lane Street. Just follow the “main” street (Lane Street) from downtown, along the river and then curve to the left at the fork continuing to follow Lane to the Elementary School, just beyond the High School.
The 40th annual Yuletide Craft Show will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. More than 100 crafters and artisans from across Michigan and Ohio will line the halls with handmade decorations, live greenery, jewelry, candles, woodworking items, gifts, clothing, fabrics and more.
There will also be delicious baked goods made from scratch. It smells like the holidays with fresh pine bows, candles, homemade cookies, pies, candies and breads.
And you will also find the Toledo & Western Electric Railway Co. Depot ornament on sale at the craft show in addition to Cakes ‘n Shakes, Blissful Living and Lane Street Blooms — again, just $12 for this collectible.
Breakfast with Santa
Everyone knows that Santa can’t resist milk and cookies. But did you know he ho-ho-hopes for a delicious breakfast, too?
The Main Street Stable, 116 S. Main St., has invited Santa to breakfast at the Stable Loft, and kids of all ages are invited to the buffet of scrambled eggs, hash browns, pancakes, bacon, orange juice and coffee from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Kids (12 and under) pay $3 and adults $5. Uckele Health & Nutrition will sponsor this event. There are no reservations, though; this is on a first-come basis.
Lost Arts Demonstrations
Lost Arts demonstrations in many stores have been coordinated by Martie Lubinski. Look for Richard Kawucha doing scrimshaw and Danny Bowles weaving at Michigan Extreme Outdoors, 116 S. Lane; Beverly Larsen operating an antique sock knitting machine at Cakes n’ Shakes, 133 S. Lane; and LuAnn Kanitz and Pat Oliver demonstrating spinning on a spinning wheel and loom weaving at Victorian Garden, 102 W. Adrian (U.S. 223). Demonstrations will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Real reindeer and picture yourself with Santa!
Santa’s real, live reindeer will be quartered at the Historic Depot from noon to 4 p.m. Children will love seeing these gentle creatures right up close. Their visit is sponsored by Blissfield State Bank, Uckele Health & Nutrition and Bailey Family Chiropractic.
Photos with Santa, sponsored by Gleaners, will be taken in the Depot. Say “cheesecake!”
You Gotta Have Art
Melissa Sullivan, fusion glass artist, will be featured at Blissfield General Store,105 S. Lane. She will have her glass pieces and garden art available and will discuss how her pieces are made.
Yuletide Fun Activities
Activities are planned at Karefish gifts and girl stuff, 115 N. Main, across from the Hathaway House, which will have paint-your-own cookies with Karri, stamp and color letters to Santa and Olaf snowflake-making from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Saturday and Sunday; and horse-and-carriage rides with Olaf and Anna from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday.
All Aboard for Train Rides and Model Trains
Blissfield was once a stop on the Erie-Kalamazoo Railroad, which began operating in 1836, seven years after Hervey Bliss founded the village but also making it the first railroad in operation west of Schenectady, NY.
Today Blissfield continues to offer a variety of railroad experiences. The Adrian-Blissfield Railroad is a short-line railroad company still operating on the old route. The company’s “Old Road Dinner Train” is one of Blissfield’s most popular attractions, often featuring murder mysteries and seasonally themed runs.
Guests can sample some of the fun Saturday with train rides on the A & B Railroad. The train will be rolling from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will pick up and drop off passengers at A&B’s home depot — the Blissfield East Depot, next to the Blissfield Fire Hall on U.S. 223. Tickets are $2.
Blissfield Model Railroad Club has a new home at 109 E. Adrian St. (U.S. 223) and the public can see even more work completed on the C&O and Clinchfield railroads in the Appalachains. The layout has nearly doubled in sice since Christmas 2014 and visitors will see many additions and a lot more detailed scenery. It will be open to guests from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday of Yuletide. Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated to continue the growth of the layour. More information can be found at www.bmrr.org.
Package Wrapping
Many businesses offer special bags and wrap for gifts. In addition, the River Raisin Festival Committee will be custom wrapping gifts from 1-4 p.m. at The Advance, 121 Newspaper Street, for a small per-package donation. If you have special wrap to be used, they can do that, too. Bring all your gifts and save some time!
Carriage Rides
See the historic Village of Blissfield the old-fashioned way: from a festive, horse-drawn carriage. Carriage rides are available from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Carriage rides are available for $5 per person at D&P Communications corner, the southeast corner of Jefferson and Lane streets.

Blissfield Yuletide Cheer
Sunday, Nov. 15
The holiday fun continues Sunday in the historic and quaint village of Blissfield. Sunday is the final day for earning chances with every $10 spent for the drawing for the 4:30 p.m. Sunday Yuletide Grand Give-Away. More on that below.
The Welcome Tent is open from noon to 5.
Look for ELFIE!!!
Elfie will be in the downtown area doing Santa’s bidding, so get caught being good! Elfie will randomly choose visitors to receive Blissfield Bucks in $5 and $10 increments redeemable exclusively at Yuletide participating merchants: Participants include: Cake n’ Shakes, Blissfield State Bank, Schmidt and Sons Pharmacy, TLC Community Credit Union, Lane Street Blooms, Beckey’s Kountry Kitchen, The Packrat , Blissful Living, Michigan Extreme Outdoors, Pumpernickels, Karefish gifts & girl stuff, The Vine Haus, Blissfield General Store, Eric Slusher Flooring, Blissfield Antique Mall, Bill’s Service, Southern Sass, Joan and Co., Victorian Garden and Lena’s Italian Restaurant.
Lost Arts and Decorating Demonstrations
Lost Arts demonstrations will continue on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Martie Lubinski will demonstate spinning at Blissful Living, 122 S. Lane, and LuAnn Kanitz and Pat Oliver will be at Victorian Garden, 102 W. Adrian, with spinning and loom weaving.
At Lane Street Blooms, there will be a home decor demonstration at 2 p.m.
Come and Shop!
The downtown stores in Blissfield will again be overflowing with Yuletide spirit from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Find personal service the way you remember. Antiques, gifts, the latest in collectibles, toys and presents for children, holiday decorations, items for the home, artwork and so much more. Come for lunch and finish with dinner in one of the outstanding dining establishments.
Parking is conveniently located behind the Lane Street shops in the Pearl Street and Newspaper Street lots — both between Jefferson Street and U.S. 223 — and on North Lane Street, across from the Historic Depot in the Bachmayer Lot.
Santa’s Back for Milk and Cookies!
Everyone knows Santa can’t resist milk and cookies. Jolly old St. Nick will be at Cakes n’ Shakes, home of Blissfield’s original soda fountain, for milk and cookies from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday at the 133 S. Lane St., location for a small fee. The Timefinder is the sponsor.
Wrap it All Up!
Several of the Yuletide businesses provide lovely special bags and wrap for gifts. In addition, the River Raisin Festival Committee will again custom wrap gifts from 1-4 p.m. at The Advance, 121 Newspaper Street, for a small per-package donation. Their wrap or yours … bring a carload and watch Santa smile with one more job done!
Carriage Rides
Sunday would be a perfect time for a horse-drawn carriage ride through picturesque Blissfield. Carriage rides will again be available from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon for $5 per person at the southeast corner of Jefferson and Lane streets.
A Glass-ful of Art’
Victorian Garden, located at the corner of Lane Street and U.S. 223 in the historic hotel building, welcomes from The Toledo Museum Of Art, glass-blowing artist Jim Yarrito Sunday who will display his beautiful art glass and yes, you will be able to purchase a unique piece of art glass to add to your collection. Yarrito, who has practiced his art for 32 years, has blown glass at the Toledo Museum Of Art for many years and will display his works from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.
Tentatively, fusion glass artist Melissa Sullivan will be featured at the Blissfield General Store,105 S. Lane St., but this wasn’t yet confirmed at press time. She will chat with customers about how her glass and garden art pieces are created.
Model Railroad Open House
All aboard! Blissfield Model Railroad Club will again be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Nov. 15, at 109 E. Adrian St. (U.S. 223).