Ladies night out
ALMONT — About 50 vendors and crafters are expected for the Ladies Night Out shopping event from 6-9 p.m. at Orchard Primary School on Friday, Dec. 1.

Aside from the shopping, the fun includes food, massages, makeup, hair and nails, silent auction and door prizes.

There is no admission fee. Free on-site child care is available Women also can make a wish list and send their mate to shop for items between 9-10 p.m. “Night Out” is sponsored by the Almont PTA.— R.A.

Looking for 4-H leaders and youths

LAPEER — The 4-H clubs in the county are accepting new members and the program is open to all youth. The 4-H Program is the youth development arm of Michigan State University Extension and provides fun, educational activities for youth from age 5 to 19.

In 2005, over 5,000 area youth were touched by 4-H.Adult volunteers also are needed to share their interests and skills with children in clubs or workshops. Call 810-667-0343 to join or volunteer.— R.A.

Learn about the learning disabled
LAPEER — The Family Literacy Center will host two Hot Topic Workshops on Tuesday, Dec. 12, to help parents and caregivers understand learning disabilities.

The 90-minute workshop takes place from noon-1:30 p.m. and again from 6:30-8 p.m.

at the Marguerite deAngeli Library, 921 W. Nepessing in Lapeer.

Participants will view a video by Dr. Richard Lavoie which will help parents, teachers, and caregivers understand what a child with a learning disability goes through every day. Open discussion will follow.

Feel free to bring a lunch to the noon workshop.

Seating is limited so register early by calling 810-664-2737 or toll free 1-877- 664-6615 or e-mail: ican@readlapeer.org. — R.A.

Tutors needed
LAPEER — John and his wife are expecting their first child in April. He has worked in construction for 12 years, but was injured several months ago and his doctor advised him that he will not be able to do the physical labor his job requires. John dropped out of school in the 10th grade. Because he is a good worker, John was offered a supervisor’s position with his company, but he knows he must read and write better in order to do the job. He is now one of the students at family Literacy Center waiting for a tutor.

If you can help John or one of the several other students now waiting for volunteer tutors please call the FLC at 810-664-2737 for information about the next free tutor training sessions.— R.A.

Dryden students win Quiz Bowl tourney DRYDEN — The Dryden B team of Patrick Matarewicz, Andrew Diefenbach, Marissa Mantey, Shelby Couch and Jean Cahill had a perfect 3-0 record and took 1st place honors at the Nov. 16 Quiz Bowl tournament hosted by Dryden High School. Six varsity and six junior varsity teams from Marlette, Bad Axe, North Branch and Dryden competed. North Branch A finished second in the tourney.— R.C.

Shopping planned for county children
LAPEER — First Responders will be taking area kids shopping for the holidays during three upcoming buying trips.

Plans include a “Shop with a Hero” outing at Wal-Mart for 10 children, five of them from Attica, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m.

Attica Firefighters will take the kids shopping and Wal-Mart will give each child a $100 gift card, stockings and a family gift basket, said a spokeswoman. The fire department also has some surprises planned.

A “Shop with a Cop” outing takes place at K-Mart on Dec. 20, said Lapeer County Sheriff ’s Deputy Linda Berdan, an organizer.

Kids will get to ride in a patrol car to a lunch at Burger King before the shopping spree. Each child will be given $50 by the Deputies Association to spend at K-Mart, Berdan said. The money comes from fundraisers and donations by the association throughout the year.

Meijer also is interested in a “Shop with a Hero”outing, Berdan said. A firm date will be discussed next week.— R.A.

Clerk earns honors
NORTH BRANCH — Village Clerk Betty Kennedy has earned the Master Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. She joins a list of more than 500 members worldwide who hold the designation from the professional association.— M.A.

Elvis has left the building
LAPEER — Elvis, the black lab/beagle mix puppy that was seriously injured in a hit and run crash in August, has found a permanent home thanks to Paradise Pet Rescue.

The dog was struck in Brown City on Aug. 1 and was rushed to a veterinarian for treatment by folks at Paradise Pet Rescue. Elvis had a fractured femur and pelvis, among other serious injuries.After recovering for awhile at the facility on Howard Street in Lapeer, he was adopted by a family with five children.— R.A.

Flood risk meeting scheduled
LAPEER — A flood risk informational open house hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency is scheduled at the Lapeer County Annex Building Meeting Room at 287 W.Nepessing, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m.

The meeting is recommended for property owners, realtors, lenders and insurance agents. More information about FEMA, FIS or FIRM can be obtained by contacting Maxine Kinikin at 312-408-5220.— R.C.

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