Wanted for spring:

^^•ytofxl Herald TimM
Otsego County classes
Red Cross baby sitter
training Dec. 29 & 30
OTSEGO COUNTY—The
holiday hustle is under way
and analysts projections are
this season will be busier
than most. No one feels the
pinch from shopping, parties
and preparation more
than moms and dads.
That's why the American
Red Cross and the Otsego
County Community Foundation
encourages families
and caretakers to look for
trained and certified baby
sitters for their childcare
needs.
Through generous grant
funding from the Otsego
County Community Foundation,
there will be two
separate baby sitter training
classes offered during
Christmas break.
Classes are scheduled for
Monday, Dec. 29 and Tuesday,
Dec. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. Class location will be at
the Otsego County MSU Cooperative
Extension Office
at 800 Livingston Blvd, in
Gaylord. There will be a copay
of $10 for 4H members
and $20 for nonmembers to
help with costs along with
the grant funding.
Whether it's shopping
for presents or the office
holiday party, the demand
for baby sitters is sure to increase.
But in order to feel
more relaxed and secure,
parents and caregivers need
to have a sitter they know
has been trained in how to
care for the safety and wellbeing
of their child.
Each year, the Red Cross
trains and certifles more
than 120,000 sitters nationwide
through the baby
sitter's training program.
Course participants ieAm
to administer basic Hrst
aid; properly hold and feed
a child; take emergency action
when needed; monitor
safe play and actively engage
your child.
The American Red Cross
baby sitter's training program
is open to girls and
boys 11 to 15 years old and
in many cases can be completed
in a day. All courses
are taught by an authorized
Red Cross baby sitter's training
instructor.
For information on
how to register or times
and locations of upcoming
classes, contact the Otsego
County Co-operative Extension
Office at 731-0272
or log onto www.otsego.
org/msu to-register online.
Red Cross announces
upcoming area blood drives
GAYLORD — Here are
upcoming area blood
drives:
• Friday, Dec. 26: First
United Methodist Church,
215 S. Center, Gaylord, 10
a.m.-3:45 p.m., sponsored
by RSVP.
• Tuesday, Jan 6: St.
Mary's Family Center, 707
Spruce St., Grayling, noon-
5:45 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 7:
Grayling Americn Legion.
106 James St., Grayling,
noon-5:45 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 8: St.
Francis Church, 3060 W.
Casey, Lewiston, noon-5:45
p.m.
Blood donors must be at
least 17 years old, weigh at
least 110 pounds and be in
good general health.
For information or for
an appointment, call
800-GIVE LIFE or visit
www, redcrossmichigan.
org.
Saturday, Oecambar 20, 2006 • B-7
Energy assistance available from NEMCSA
ALPENA — Northeast
Michigan Community Service
Agency (NEMCSA) has
funding a>^able for propane,
fuel oil. firewood,
electricity and natural gas
for low-income households
in Alcona, Alpena, Arenac,
Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco,
Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda,
Otsego and Presque
Isie counties.
Households must meet
program guidelines and
have a current Department
of Human Services Decision
Notice.
Guidelines include:
• Propane or fuel oil: Fuel
in tank must be at 25 percent
or below or the provider
must be threatening to lock
the tank or remove the fuel
for nonpayment of a balance
owed.
• Firewood: Wood must
be primary heat source and
supply must be extremely
low.
• Electricity and natural
gas: Service must be in the
applicant's name and be in
threat of shut-off or already
disconnected. *
Potential applicants can
call to be prescreened at
989-471-3277 or toll-free
866-270-0687. If eligible for
an application one will be
mailed or faxed at the applicant's
request.
NEMCSA is a private, nonprofit
agency and is governed
by a 33-member board.
WINTER OFFER!
Save $5 on subscriptions!
Saves you 54% over newsstand prices
on 12-month subscriptions - new, gift,
renewals. And save time and gas with
home delivery!
Win a Garland lodging package!
All 12-month subscription orders
placed in random drawing for Garland
Glide packages valued at $285.
Award-winning local news
The best local news, sports and
entertainment from Michigan Press
Association Newspaper of the Year!
Subscribe and save, today!
(989) 732-1111
HeraldTimes.cem
Otter good on 12 montti renewal, new or gift subscriptions ordered through 12/31/08.
Thr®« Garland Gournwt Glide packages awarded, randomly drawn on 01/02/09. Lodging packages ^
may not be redeemed tor cash value, reservations must l)e made via Garland Resort, Lewiston,
Michigan. Offer ends 12/31/08.
Happy Holidays from the Herald Times.
1
Back Row.
II of us join
in wishing you
a happy Holiday
Season and a
prosperous
New Year.