Hartford Township donates funds to support Christmas in Hartford Celebration

Soulard & Prestidge wedding announcement Taylor Renee Soulard and Matthew Brandon-James Prestidge united in marriage on Saturday, September 17. Taylor is the daughter of Kelli & Greg Muth and the late Steven Scott; she is the granddaughter of Dennis & Valerie Soulard. Matthew is the son of Della & Bill Hodge and Jim & Chris Prestidge. The ceremony and reception were both held at the home of a family member in Hartford. Pastor Kevin McLemore offi-ciated the ceremony. Taylor was given away by her grandfather Dennis Soulard. Matron of Honor was Amanda Williamson; Maid of Honor was Olivia Knight; bridesmaid was Jen Warsko. Best Men were Nick Schultz and Jake Elliott; Groomsman was Blake Burkett. Flower girl was Raeghan Prestidge, daughter of the couple. Wedding music was provided by Joe MacMillan, family friend. Photographer was Kim Boyer of KB Photography. Following the wedding, the newlyweds took a family trip with their daughter Rae to Dis-neyworld. They now reside in Coloma.

By Nancy Albright

At the Hartford Township Hall meeting on October 13, Hartford Township officials approved a donation of $750 toward this year’s Christmas in Hartford Celebration which will be held on December 10 in Ely Park to kick off the holiday season.   The event will be presented by the Hartford Lions Club and features the Lighted Parade which will begin at 6:00 p.m., as well as many other fun activities. Parade line-up begins at the high school at 5:30 p.m. for floats created by Hartford schools, clubs, businesses and community members, and other parade participants. Lion Judy Sinclair said that, “as many lights as possible are welcome.”  The parade will be followed by Pictures with Santa at the Hartford Community Center. Miss Sinclair commented that, “the kids enjoy seeing Santa and telling him what they would like for Christmas, and all kids are welcome.”   A Chili Cook-off in the park will begin at 5:00 p.m. Entries for the Chili Cook-off will be accepted between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m., and judges will award First Place and two runners-up beginning at 5:00 p.m., followed by chili tasting for the public. The Lions request that all chili entries be brought to the park in crock pots or other type of slow cooker.  Holiday music will accompany the festivities and the backdrop of the celebration will be the grand Christmas tree in the park decorated by Naylor Landscape Management from Kalamazoo.   Township President Ron Sefcik commented that he “would like to see more advertising of the event in Hartford Township,” so Lions will allocate funds to promote the event for township residents.  The Lions invite all Hartford Township and City residents to “join us as we generate Christmas spirit in our community.”  In other news, the Township Board approved payment of bills and payroll in the amount of $176,847.28, and voted to add Cyber-Privacy Liability Coverage to the Township insurance policy for an additional $852.00.

Woodland Terrace to host Safe Trick-or-Treat night, October 29

 The residents at Woodland Terrace of Paw Paw Lake, 6786 Red Arrow Hwy in Coloma are hosting safe trick-or-treating for area youngsters. This annual event will be Saturday, October 29 between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. All families with children are invited. Come in costume and have an entertaining time for one and all.  For more information, please call 269-468-5800.

Halloween Fall Festival at Hartford Public Library

 Children and adults are invited to the family fun, annual “Halloween Fall Festival” at the Hartford Public Library.  The event is on Saturday, October 29 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Games, prizes, face painting, crafts, food and fun for children all ages.  Costumes are optional but there will be prizes for best costumes. The event is free.

Cops vs. Teachers Tailgate Party, October 21

 Please plan to attend the Cops vs. Teachers Tailgate Party on Friday, October 21 at 5:30 p.m. This event is being held prior to the Coloma vs. Eau Claire football game at Coloma High School.  The Coloma Twp. Police Department and Coloma Community Schools will “Live United” and compete to raise money for the United Way of Southwest Michigan. The winning team will get to “pie” the losing team during halftime of the game.  There will be games, food and a raffle with the grand prize of a Kitchenaid Pro Series stand mixer valued at $569.99.