I was not the typical high school graduate who around graduation time could be heard saying, “I cannot wait to get out of this small town.” And, never did I ever think I could be so lucky to land a position in my career in the community where I grew up - Hillsdale! But, I did! And yes, I do feel so blessed to have been able to have a career and raise my family in my and my husband’s hometown, watching our boys attend all the same schools we did, and even living in the same house that my husband grew up in! I wanted my kids to grow up in Hillsdale county, be in all the same school programs, participate in all the sporting activities, be active in scouting and 4-H, fish and play on Baw Beese lake, and just enjoy and appreciate how easy it is to have lots of activities in our lives by living in Hillsdale county.

Hillsdale county has many, many lakes for any kind of lake fun you would want. Beautiful Sandy Beach on Baw Beese lake even has a bike path leading to it from Hillsdale and extending to Jonesville. Sauk Theatre in Jonesville presents many amazing plays each year to enjoy watching or participating in. Our local eateries offer a nice variety of different menu types and some even offer live music. Well-known musical artists have been known to put on shows at these same venues. Who needs a Starbucks when we have Jilly Beans and checker records to make us any kind of coffee/tea specialty drink you can dream of!

Speaking of entertainment venues, the Hillsdale county Fair has our favorite fair treats and activities to watch or participate in, and the

concerts they offer are just like go-ing to The Palace of Auburn Hills.

last but not least, is the pride we all share in having the beautiful and nationally renowned Hillsdale college within walking distance of downtown Hillsdale. Many of us have had the privilege to further our education at Hillsdale college, watch sporting events on campus, or attend many other activities open to the public. Hillsdale college’s campus is truly spectacular in its historical beauty and modern advancements, as it is constantly evolving and growing.

Over the years, I have heard the following statement said by many, “There is nothing to do here.” I beg to differ. The quality of life is what you make of it and Hillsdale county offers most anything you need to enrich your life.

The definition for the word proud takes on many forms; the one that pertains to me and the Proud Award is a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one’s own achievements or qualities.

I purchased Smith’s Flowers five years ago; it came with a flower cooler, a few vases, a small customer

base, a designer and a whole lot of history. The designer, Maranda, is still with Smith’s, and the history continues to grow. We have added another designer, Amy, and another delivery person, Stephanie. I have a great team to make all your floral needs happen.

We are a very successful flower shop with great customer service. Having an electrical engineering company for fourteen years prior to being the sole proprietor of Smith’s Flowers, my life took on several twists and turns. I have loved and will continue to love all the chal-lenges thrown at us/me.

Hillsdale County Proud is a recognition program of the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) that serves as a celebration of those who love to work or live in Hillsdale County. With a county bursting with talented & ambitious individuals, the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce serves as an outlet for the pride that our residents have for our county!

Hillsdale. What a gem. And, what a blessing to say I’ve been a part of this gem my entire life—growing up here as a boy, being a proud Hornet of Hillsdale community Schools, raising my family and carrying on the tradition of a third-generation insurance agency.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t enjoy a sense of camaraderie with fellow business associates, rotary club members, coffee shop patrons, biking buddies . . . and the

list goes on. Small town HIllsdale has so much to offer that elevates one’s quality of life in a way you can’t find in too many other places.

Where do I start? Nearby Baw Beese lake with half of its shoreline securely places in city parks for all to enjoy, a rotary club path to take you to and from that scenic shoreline, a historic downtown an-chored with our county seat court house square, the beautiful campus of Hillsdale college with its strong

national following an unwavering Judeo-christian principles, a county fair that truly is “The Most Popular Fair on earth” and a community that really knows how to support one another. There’s nothing transient about Hillsdale. People here know how to extend a genuine handshake.

For those of you looking for a place to set your roots, come visit us here in Hillsdale and enjoy that elevated quality of life.

ANNette FrOScHNash Drugs

rON ScHOllSumnar Scholl Insurance Agency:

Each month we recognize a Hillsdale Champion and share their story to inspire others who love our county. Read below why our recipients are Hillsdale County Proud!

JANe SteWArtSmith Flowers

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FIRe DePARTMeNTS Camden Fire Dept 517.368.5129Hillsdale City Fire Dept 517.437.6451Hillsdale Rural Fire Dept 517.437.4322Hudson City Fire Dept 517.448.2231Jonesville Village Fire Dept. 517.849.6451Litchfield City Fire Dept. 517.542.3477Moscow Fire Department 517.688.4844Pittsford-Jefferson Fire Dept. 517.523.2432Reading City Fire Dept. 517.283.3528Somerset Fire Dept. 517.688.4406Waldron Fire Dept. 517.286.6611Woodbridge Township Fire Dept. 517.254.4187

UTILITIeS & TeLLeCOMMUNICATIONATT 1.800.288.2020Comcast 1.800.266.2278Consumers Energy 1.800.401.6402Frontier 1.800.921.8101Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities 517.437.3387Michigan Gas Utilities 1.800.692.9729

TRASH & ReCYCLING Jefferson Township Trash & Recycling Center 517.523.3019Lake Pleasant Recycling 517.523.2809Omnisource 517.849.2149Rebublic Services 1.877.692.9729Rebublic Services - Hillsdale Transfer Station 517.437.0100

HILLSDALe COUNTY GOVeRNMeNT Building Inspection and Permitting 517.437.4130County Clerk 517.437.3391Courthouse 517.437.4321Courthouse Annex 517.437.7329Emergency Services 517.437.7384Equalization/Mapping & Land Info 517.439.9166Register of Deeds 517.437.2231Road Commission 517.437.4456Sheriff’s Office 517.437.7317Veteran Affairs 517.437.3630

CITIeS, VILLAGeS, AND TOWNSHIPS Adams Township 517.287.5766Allen Township 517.869.2239Amboy Township 517.254.4703

Cambria Township 517.357.4225Camden Township 517.368.5874City of Hillsdale 517.437.6441City of Litchfield 517.542.2921City of Reading 517.283.2604Fayette Township 517.849.2351Hillsdale Township 517.437.7420Jefferson Township 517.523.3165Litchfield Township 517.542.3950Moscow Township 517.688.9707Pittsford Township 517.523.4287Ransom Township 517.567.4488Reading Township 517.398.4721Scipio Township 517.849.9144Somerset Township 517.688.9223Village of Allen 517.869.2144Village of Camden 517.368.5601Village of Jonesville 517.849.2104Village of Montgomery 517.296.4441Village of North Adams 517.287.4747Village of Pittsford 517.523.4287Village of Waldron 517.286.6677Wheatland Township 517.547.3095 Woodbridge Township 517.254.4334Wright Township 517.286.6376

LIBRARIeS Camden Township Library 517.368.5554Hillsdale Community Library 517.437.6470Hudson Public Library 517.448.3801Jonesville District Library 517.849.9701Litchfield District Library 517.542.3887Mitchell Research Center 517.437.6488North Adams Community Memorial Library 517.287.4426Pittsford Public Library 517.523.2565Reading Community Library 517.283.3916Somerset Township Library 517.688.9223Waldron District Library 517.286.6511

HeALTH AND WeLLNeSS Branch-Hillsdale- St. Joseph Community Health Agency 517.437.7395Center for Family Health 517.212.8140Hillsdale Hospital 517.437.4451Hillsdale County Medical Care Facility 517.439.9341Saint Peters Free Clinic 517.437.4041

LOCAL AGeNCIeS Community Action Agency 517.437.3346Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County 517.439.3200Hillsdale County Agricultural Society (Fairgrounds Office) 517.437.3622Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce 517.493.4341Hillsdale County Community Foundation 517.439.5101Hillsdale County Department of Human Services 517.439.2200Hillsdale County Senior Services Center 517.437.2422Region 2 Area Agency on Aging 517.592.1974South Central Michigan Works! 517.437.3381

TRANSPORTATION Hillsdale Municipal Airport 517.437.4755Indiana Northeastern Railroad 517.439.4677

eDUCATION Hillsdale College 517.437.7341Hillsdale County Intermediate School District 517.437.0990Jackson College - Clyde Le Tarte Center 517.437.3343

STATe AND FeDeRAL AGeNCIeS Michigan DNR – Southfield Operation Service Center 248.359.9040Secretary of State Driver License & Plate Office 888.767.6424Social Security Administration 800.772.1213U.S. Postal Service 800.275.8777

LOCAL AND STATe LAW eNFORCeMeNTHillsdale City Police 517.437.6460Hillsdale County Sheriff 800.437.7317Jonesville Village Police 517.849.2101Litchfield City Police 517.542.3700Michigan State Police - Jonesville 855.677.6186Reading City Police 517.283.3133

In case of emergency Dial 911

numBersGood To Know

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