Winning performer
can view Idol finale
FLINT TWP. — The Genesee Valley Center is offering a “Sing for your Seats” contest with the winner receiving two tickets to attend the American Idol finale taping in Los Angeles.
Now through May 9, singers can register free of charge at the customer service desk in center court and signing their names to a star, which will be posted in the mall. On May 12, 15 stars will be drawn at random with the represented contestants allowed to sing at the mall’s center court. The best performer gets the winning trip to LA.
“We are hoping to post up to 2,500 stars in the next couple of weeks to visually demonstrate the local support for (American Idol contestant and Flint native) LaKisha (Jones) and this contest,” GVC Marketing Director Lili Donaldson said.
Complete rules are posted at the mall’s customer service desk or online at www.wsmh.com. — J.N.

Zonta Rose Sale
LAPEER COUNTY — Don’t miss out on the Zonta Club of Lapeer’s 9th Annual Rose Sale.
Orders are being taken now until early May — just in time for Mother’s Day — but quantities are limited so early orders are advised. So far, 13 varieties and the Zonta International Rose still remain for sale. They are potted by Perkins Yard & Garden.
For details, contact Phyllis Clark at pclark@gfn.org or 810-664-1445 or any Zonta member. Proceeds from rose sales support local scholarships. — R.A.

Mania Registration
IMLAY CITY — Registration is now open for anyone who wants to be listed on the city-wide garage sale map for Garage Sale Mania, in and around Imlay City on Thursday, May 3, thru Saturday, May 5. Registration is $10 at the Imlay City Chamber of Commerce office, 150 N. Main. For details, e-mail sally@imlaycitymich.com, or call 810-724-1361. Registered garage sales sites will be placed on the official map and receive official Garage Sale Mania signs. — R.C.

Need help with heating bills?
LAPEER — The Human Development Commission is offering an energy education class in Lapeer. Those who attend will receive $50 off current electric bills and an energy saving kit, a $50 value. You must be income-qualified and registered to attend. Classes are held as needed when enrollment is met. To register or to check eligibility, call the Lapeer HDC office at 810-664-7133 or toll free at 800-843-6394, Ext. 1790. — R.C.

Safety for seniors
LAPEER — The free program, “Self-Defense and Safety Tips for Seniors,” will be presented on Wednesday, April 18, from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Marguerite deAngeli Library Refreshments are available.
Deputy Clark Arnold will be a speaker and Lapeer County Prosecutor Byron Konschuh will co-host the workshop. Topics include safety in the home, and when not at home, self-defense basics, protecting yourself and loved ones.
Reserve a spot by calling 810-664-9521. The program was developed by the Lapeer District Library and organized by library volunteers and supporters. — R.A.

Collect for troops
LAPEER — Operation Care Package of Michigan and The Lapeer Ladies of Harley are collecting donations of items to be boxed and shipped to troops overseas. Drop off non-perishable items or monetary donations by April 14 at Ray C’s Harley-Davidson, 1422 Imlay City Rd. For details, call Kathy at 989-464-0645. — VIEW Staff

Mott blood drive
LAPEER — Blood donors at the Red Cross drive at Mott Community College on Tuesday, April 17, can enter a contest to win a Spring gift basket.
The drive takes place from noon-5:45 p.m. at 550 Lake Dr. Donors must have a photo ID or donor card showing date of birth to donate. — R.A.

N.B. Library hosts
FLC Easy tutoring
NORTH BRANCH — A free workshop for parents and caregivers is set for Saturday, April 14, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the North Branch Township Library.
The “Tutoring Made Easy” workshop, for adults only, is sponsored by the Family Literacy Center to help adults discover how their child learns. Lunch is provided.
Topics include: learning styles, phonics, sight words, comprehension and more. Participants will receive a resource book of teaching strategies. To register, contact the FLC at 810-664-2737 or via e-mail to ican@readlapeer.org. For details on FLC, visit: www.readlapeer.org. The library is on M-90, west of downtown North Branch. — R.A.

Arts evening hosted by PRC
LAPEER — The Pregnancy Resource Center will host its annual benefit fundraiser on Thursday, April 19, from 7-9 p.m. at the PIX Theatre and Gallery 194 in downtown Lapeer.
The Evening At the Arts will include drama, music, art, hor’s d’oeuvres and dessert. The Resource Center will present an update of the organization during the event.
Individual seats or blocks of seats are available. For prices and reservations, call the PIX Theatre at 810-664-4824 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. — VIEW Staff

Hot Soup cook-off
MAYFIELD TWP. — Soup anyone?
The VFW Lapeer Post Ladies Auxiliary will host a Hot Soup Cook Off from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 13.
Bring in a crock of soup to be eligible to win first, second or third place.
The cost for the All-You-Can Eat supper is $5 for adults and $3 for those 12 and under.
All donations go to a relief fund. VFW Post 4139 is located at 128 Daley Rd. — R.A.

Family Fun Day
ATTICA TWP. — Michigan Christian Youth Camp, 820 N. Lake George Rd., is hosting a family fun day fundraiser with a spaghetti dinner, horseback riding, tractor and train rides, games and a silent auction on Saturday, April 21, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets for the dinner are $5 in advance or $6 at the door and are available by calling Mike or Sharon Manchester at 810-667-9202; in person at First Advantage Mortgage, 104 W. Nepessing St., or on the web www.MikesHike.com. All proceeds from the event or those sent separately will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. — R.C.

Chamber music to
benefit AHS band
ALMONT — Almont High Music Boosters will host their first Chamber Music Reception and Dinner beginning at 6 p.m. April 19 at Lenny Miller’s in Dryden.
The evening features a silent auction and a chance to win a diamond and other precious stones from Gem & Diamond Specialists. The event will raise money for equipment, uniforms, travel and other needs of the Almont High School Band.
For ticket information or to donate an auction item, call Joyce Griffin at 248-420-3412. — M.A.

Story time returns to deAngeli Library
LAPEER — Spring story time returns to the Marguerite deAngeli Library with separate programs for toddlers and pre-school children. But hurry, registration starts for the space-limited programs on Monday, April 16, at 9 a.m.
A program for toddlers (from two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half-year-olds) runs on Friday from 9:15-9:45 a.m., from April 27-June 1. Caregivers must be in the program with their child.
The pre-school program (for three-and-a-half to five-year-old children not in kindergarten) is on Tuesdays, from 12:30-1:15 p.m. from April 24-May 29.
To register, visit the children’s desk at deAngeli at 921 W. Nepessing St. or call the desk at 810-664-6971. — R.A.

Baby sitters class
MARLETTE — Register now for the popular Child and Babysitting Safety Training class from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., April 21 at Marlette Regional Hospital.
This course teaches 11-15 year olds responsible babysitting skills, as well as what to expect from the parents who hire them.
Space is limited. For details or to pre-register, call Judy Mahaffy, RN, BSN at 989-635-4349. The class is offered at the Continuous Learning Center for community youth. — R.A.

Lynch Art Fair
MAYFIELD TWP. — Lynch Elementary will host an Art Fair tonight (Thursday) from 6-8 p.m. with more than 500 works of art on display.
Fourth graders will greet families in the music café with refreshments. Sixth-grade students dressed as famous artists will act in the role. All students will demonstrate art techniques they’ve learned during the school year. — LA VIEW Staff

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