Music, Farmers' Markets Offer Great Summertime Fun While Connection Helps With Crisis Needs

By Cindy Denby

Our local communities have many wonderful activities going on this summer that you should check out. Every Friday night this summer through Aug. 19, there are free concerts at 7 p.m. on the Howell courthouse lawn.

These great concerts are fun for the whole family and are a great start to the weekend. Music ranges from jazz to blues to Elvis and Beatles tribute bands. For more information visit the Arts Council website at http://www.theoperahouse.us.

Visiting our local farmers' markets is a great way to buy local, fresh food and support our area farmers at the same time.  We have three vibrant farmer's markets taking place in our community each week.

Fowlerville's farmers market takes place every Wednesday from 2-7 p.m. from now through the end of October. It is located at the 200 block of Grand River Avenue next to the hardware store.

Howell's farmers market is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Howell near the courthouse through the end of October.

The Hartland Farmer's Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October at the on M-59 just west of U.S. 23.

I hope everyone gets a chance to visit these great markets at some point this summer to support our local farmers.

Connection Youth Services aids troubled teens, families

This month, I had the privilege of touring yet another impressive program right here in Livingston County. The Connection Youth Services provides assistance to area teens and families in crisis. This confidential, free program provides 24-hour emergency and referral service to families.

The service is a primarily funded through federal and state grants and is a great example of using money efficiently. CYS provides drop-in counseling services for teens, a homeless shelter for individuals 12-17-years-old and transition apartments for homeless young people trying to get back on their feet. I toured their new facility located at 616 W. Grand River in Howell, which is two blocks west of the library, and was extremely impressed.

I also met with their Youth Advisory Council, who donate their time to help other teens work through difficult times. For more information on Connection Youth Services visit their website at http://www.theconnectionyouthservices.org or call toll-free 866-440-7233 (SAFE).

Have questions for Denby?

If you have any questions or need assistance with any state issues, please contact me toll free at 866-828-4863 or via email at cindydenby@house.mi.gov.

Editor's note: State Rep. Cindy Denby is a Republican from Handy Township who represents the 47th District. It includes Hartland, Tyrone and Deerfield townships. This column was republished from her Facebook page with her permission.