Wedding Officiant in Hillsdale MI, Jonesville, Coldwater, or Jackson MI

Reverend Mike Venturini performs weddings at Munro House B&B in Jonesville Michigan. No church affiliation is necessary because Reverend Mike believes that adults who want to get married should be able to get married. The historic Munro House has a $1,000 wedding package that includes the site, plus flowers, wedding officiant, cake reception, and 2 nights bed and breakfast for the wedding couple.

Reverend Mike will also travel to Hillsdale, Coldwater, Jackson, or anywhere nearby to perform the wedding ceremony at the location of your choice. The ceremony can be traditional, modern, or personal. The service can be religious, spiritual, civil, or non-denominational.

The wedding couple needs to get a license and 2 witnesses or witnesses can be provided with sufficient notice. The rest can be pre-arranged with the Munro House. The guest list and reception is limited to 20 people. The wedding cake is provided by our local baker.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Picasso Cats at Toasted Mud

Another vase has been painted. Another Picasso Cat is added to the collection. Lori Venturini is dropping by Toasted Mud pottery studio in Hillsdale and working on several projects over the course of days or weeks. These projects are relaxing, creative, and fun. She is getting better and faster while spending peaceful time with friends and acquaintances who share an interest in art. Kids, singles, couples, and groups gather at Toasted Mud to create masterpieces to look at or to use. We like to enjoy these projects by using them as they were intended. We eat from the bowls, serve from the plates, and will put flowers in the vases.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Picasso Cat Cup and Saucer Set

Lori has completed another project at Toasted Mud pottery studio in Hillsdale. This cup and saucer combo was created using a "Picasso Cats" design. We have taken such a liking to these unusual cats that we are going to create a bunch of Picasso Animals for the next projects. Monkeys, dogs, and more cats are in the plan.



Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Saturday Night Special in January

The Caffe Azzurri in Hillsdale has become the go to place for chicken wings on Saturday nights in January. Chicken wings are just 10 cents each--THIS IS NOT A MISPRINT--and long neck domestic beers are just $1 each--THIS IS NOT A MISPRINT EITHER.

The restaurant is no longer private and is still located on the grounds of the Hillsdale Country Club just South of Hillsdale off of M-99. I plan to get there earlier than last week because we ate them out of wings. Our table, alone, went though 157 wings! Some were barbeque, some were hot, some were ginger teriaki, and some were mango habanero. All were good.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Painted Pottery Pig Project Complete

Another masterpiece has come out of the kiln at Toasted Mud in Hillsdale, MI. Lori Venturini has never taken an art class but has proven that 53 years of life has prepared her to become an artist. This local pottery painting studio has a selection of pieces that are ready to be painted. Simple instructions are given by the staff. Then, it's just a matter of time and effort and inspiration to create a keepsake, heirloom, or work of art. This piggy bank project took several hours over a few weeks to complete. With time, I am sure the tasks will be finished in much quicker time with similar or better quality. Each design on this little piggy was hand drawn and painted with a thin line brush.

There are projects that can be completed in an afternoon, or over the course of a month. Either way, it is a relaxing and creative way to spend spare time.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Herman Cain visits Hillsdale College

Republican Presidential candidate, Herman Cain, came to Hillsdale College to speak to a crowd of over 1,000 people. The focus of his speech was about foreign policy, terrorism, and cyber security. He talked mostly about defense security and what he would do in a leadership role. He briefly touched on his 9-9-9 plan. Cain is a very polished and charismatic speaker whose talent rivals that of President Obama.

Cain arrived promptly at 6:30 as scheduled, talked for about 45 minutes, then left without taking questions. With all of the recent allegations of his misbehavior in the workplace, he did not even meet with reporters as he reassesses his campaign strategy and plans his damage control.

Herman Cain is one of the biggest public figures who has addressed citizens of our small community. Previous commencement speakers at Hillsdale College include Mitt Romney, Paul Harvey, and Dr. Laura. I applaud Hillsdale College for bringing these national figures to Hillsdale. It was an interesting evening that was well attended by a polite and partisan audience.

I was surprised at the number of people in attendance as the first major snowfall of the year has just begun. There was about 2 inches of snow on the ground when I arrived with the prediction of up to 8 inches by morning. He finished his talk by striving for "peace through strength and clarity."


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Toasted Mud Pottery Creations

We spent a day painting kitchenware at Toasted Mud Pottery Studio in Hillsdale, MI. Then we waited for it to be glazed and fired. A week went by and we brought home our very own functional works of art. Lori created a serving plate in the Polish Pottery style and I made a simple maple syrup pitcher. Both projects were completed with 1 minute of instruction and access to all the tools and materials we would need.

I remember it being very relaxing and creative time spent in a calm setting with the best girl ever. We had a very good experience and appreciate the additional instructions and tips that were offered while we worked on our individual creations. Our next pottery painting project will be much better now that we have a whole day of experience.

Mike Venturini

Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper

"Life is good in Jonesville"

Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Paint Your Own Pottery Studio at Toasted Mud

Toasted Mud is a pottery painting studio in downtown Hillsdale, Michigan. Patrons pick a project, then design it and paint it. It gets fired and you get to take home a personalized keepsake, functional tableware, or work of art.

I chose to create a syrup pitcher while Lori decided on a serving platter. I finished my project in a couple of hours, while Lori went on consecutive days to complete an intricate design over the course of 5-6 hours.

It was a great way to spend time together working on individual projects. It was fun to be creative in a comfortable setting with helpful people around to offer assistance, and tips.

Toasted Mud is open 7 days a week. Singles, couples, small and large groups are all welcome. Masterpieces are being created daily. We are recommending Toasted Mud as one of many fun things to do when visiting the Munro House B&B in Jonesville.



Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Jonesville MI Wedding Officiant

Couples who need a wedding officiant in Hillsdale County can call on the services of Reverend Mike Venturini of Jonesville, MI. Many weddings have been performed at the Munro House for an intimate and elegant wedding ceremony.

Most have chosen the Thousand Dollar Wedding Package that includes site, flowers, officiant, reception, and lodging for the bride and groom. However, some choose just to have Reverend Mike perform the ceremony.

Couples who do not have a local religious affiliation have few choices for finding someone to perform their wedding ceremony to make it legal. Reverend Mike fills that niche and offers his services at the Munro House or anywhere in Hillsdale County.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Wedding Cake Decorator in Hillsdale MI

Hosting another Thousand Dollar Wedding tomorrow. Picked up the cake today. We have a great local baker and decorator. The bride is happy.

Quote of the day "I can't wait to marry this man."

 

 

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Downtown Hillsdale Burgers Beer Boreaux & Bargains

Friday July 15 will be a fun night out in Hillsdale Michigan from 5-8 p.m. Downtown merchants have joined forces to host an event featuring Burgers, Beer, Bordeaux, and Bargains. Broad Street Market, Coneys & Swirls, Here's to You Pub & Grub, and the Hunt Club are competing for the title. Burgers are a buck a bite, so 4 bucks will get you a taste of Hillsdale Gourmet burgers.The best gourmet burger contest winner will be announced at 7:30 at Toasted Mud. Downtown eateries are vying for your votes.

Additionally, sidewalk sales will be going on throughout downtown Hillsdale along with beer tasting at Broad Street Market and wine tasting from David's Dolce Vita. Live outdoor music at 4 locations will be played for your enjoyment.

Guests of the Munro House B&B in Jonesville will get a recommendation to join in the festivities just 10 minutes away.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Sandy Beach of Baw Beese Lake Hillsdale MI

Sandy Beach is a public park on the Eastern shore of Lake Baw Beese in Hillsdale Michigan. It has been a summer destination for generations of folks from Hillsdale County. It is located near the end of the Southbound paved portion of the Baw Beese Trail.  This is where many local residents learned to swim as children.

Hillsdale Rotary Club has taken on the challenge of rejuvenating the landmark park. They have completed phase one of the renovation project which includes the addition of picnic tables and a shelter. Shade trees have been planted and a walking path is newly paved. 650 tons of Lake Michigan sand has been trucked in from South Haven to improve the quality of the beach. Video surveillance cameras have been installed to curb vandalism.

Funding for phase 2 is underway. The goal is to raise enough money to erect a new concessions building and public restrooms with hopes of also addressing an extension to the roadway and paving the parking lot. Phase 3 hopes to address volleyball pits, an extension to the Baw Beese Trail, canoe/kayak rentals, and music.

The Rotary Club is working with the Hillsdale Community Foundation to accept donations and pledges to complete all three phases of this huge project. They are about a third of the way into completing their fundraising goal of $200,000 for the next phase.

Sandy Beach is located about 15 minutes from the Munro House B&B in Jonesville. It is a great place to swim, relax, and enjoy the weather.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Steam Ship Sultana Disaster Monument in Hillsdale MI

There is a monument on the grounds of the Hillsdale County Courthouse in Hillsdale Michigan that remembers the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history and it's link to Hillsdale. The S.S. Sultana was a steam ship that was bringing soldiers home at the end of the American Civil War. The 376 passenger vessel loaded over 2,200 people on board who were eager to get home after the fighting. A multiple boiler explosion killed an estimated 1,800 passengers and crew after midnight in the icy Mississippi River near Memphis TN in the Spring of 1865. 75 men from the Michigan 18th Infantry organized in Hillsdale Michigan lost their lives on this night.

The monument is located in the north east corner of the courthouse grounds and honors everyone who was on board the Sultana that fateful night.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Owen Memorial Park Hillsdale Michigan with Map

According to the map, Owen Memorial Park in Hillsdale is about a 15 minute drive from the Munro House in Jonesville. It is a great place to enjoy being outside in a park setting near a lake. Owen Park is on the southside of Hillsdale on the eastern shore of Baw Beese Lake. It is well maintained and includes picnic tables, playground, fishing, and a Frisbee Golf course. Mature trees provide shade while a breeze off the lake creates cooling to make hot summer days outside more tolerable and enjoyable.

The Baw Beese hiking/biking trail runs past Owen Park.

Mike Venturini

Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper

"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

View Munro House to Owen Park in Hillsdale MI in a larger map

Toasted Mud Pottery Studio in Hillsdale MI

Toasted Mud (517-439-1677) is a new art studio in downtown Hillsdale Michigan where everyone is invited to spend a few hours creating their own piece of artwork. Toasted Mud provides all of the materials necessary to create a unique piece of pottery. Ready-to-go pieces include plates, mugs, and cookie jars. They give you instructions on how to design your unique project and turn you loose. The classroom style studio is a fun venue where anyone can be creative or just spend quality time with friends and family creating an heirloom.

The studio is open every day plus Thursday and Friday nights. Reservations are recommended because space is limited. Groups of up to 50 people have reserved the studio for a day of comradarie and team building. This hands-on artistic and fun activity usually occupies a few hours of time in the initial portion of the project.

Your design is held until the day comes for it to be fired in a kiln to complete your unique glazed masterpiece. It can take a week or more to get your finished product, but the wait is well worth it to enjoy a piece of art that you created yourself. Toasted Mud is a great half day activity that guests of the Munro House will enjoy. Just 10 minutes away to a good time in Hillsdale.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Caffe Azzurri New Restaurant in Hillsdale MI

Caffe Azzurri (517-437-7538) will be opening on Tuesday March 15, 2011. The restaurant is on the site of Hillsdale Golf and Country Club at 1990 Ash-te-Wette Drive on Lake Baw Beese just South of Hillsdale on highway 99. The restaurant is scheduled to be open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The main dining room features a view of beautiful Baw Beese Lake.

"Azzurro" is Italian for "blue" with "Azzurri" being the plural form, "blues". The restaurant has taken the blues theme for its location on a lake with a blue theme throughout their menu. A sneak peak at the menu shows interesting choices for lunch including Chicken Walnut Pesto on a Croissant and Grilled Shrimp Po-Boy along with other more traditional salads, burgers, and sandwiches priced at $6 and up. The dinner menu includes Filet Mignon, Lake Perch, and Veal Marsala along with a nice variety of steaks, poultry, seafood, and pasta. Most of the dinner selections are priced at $12-$16.

A full bar stocks a wide variety of beer, wine, and spirits. For dessert, they will be making their soon-to-be-famous Apple Bread Pudding plus house made ice cream.

Whether you spell it Cafe Azure, Cafe Azuri, or Cafe Azurri, make some time to welcome this new fine dining restaurant--Caffee Azzurri--to the shores of Lake Baw Beese in Hillsdale County.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

77th Annual Lewis Emery Treasure Hunt 2010 Results

I was the 87th entry in the 77th annual Lewis Emery Treasure Hunt of Hillsdale County Michigan.  The scavenger hunt and puzzle solving event is held every year on the Saturday before Halloween. The most beautiful day of Fall in Southern Michigan set the mood for an excellent night of camaraderie, confusion, and competition.

10 puzzles led us around Hillsdale County in search of the next clue that would ultimately get us to the final destination. Most teams were composed of 4 or more people.  I started out alone, but had a team of three by the end of the night. Previous commitments and personal engagements just couldn't be changed just to go out and criss-cross the county for an entire evening.

I had gathered and packed many of the items that had been helpful in the past along with some additional tools that would surely be useful this year. Flashlights and maps are the basic obvious necessities--GPS is great, but sometimes a map is preferred.  Scissors, tape, pencils, erasers, phone books, can openers, the Bible, and today's newspaper have been helpful in the past. A smart phone and a cellphone plan with excellent coverage in rural Hillsdale County are must-have items for modern gamesmanship.

A combination of puzzles that included Scrabble, crossword puzzles, word search, map reading, trivial knowledge, plus cutting and pasting were some of the elements of this year's treasure hunt.  The completed puzzle leads to the next destination where a new clue is cleverly hidden in a public place.

The makers of the puzzles are notorious for mapping the routes down dirt roads that many county residents have never chosen to drive before.   The clues may be hidden in the brush, behind trees, or right out in the open.  They are usually contained in a large black garbage bag. Flashlights, a keen eye, and a nose for treasure are a good combination for treasure seekers.

The final destination gave everyone their prize. A token. Mine was a plastic skeleton hand. The folks who came in first place in the 77th annual Lewis Emery Treasure Hunt also got a cash prize, plus they get to host next year's event.  They will create the clues, find places to hide them, and then have to wait for everyone to finish the scavenger hunt.

A 6:00 start had the winning team complete the journey in less than 5 hours. Multiple vehicles and cell phone relay of clues must have been utilized to finish the 200 mile trip in that time frame. Our one-vehicle team drove exactly 199.8 miles, arrived at 1:51 a.m. and only finished in the top 50.

The Bible, the can opener, and the magnifying glass were not used this year, but they may be important next year. The smart phone was invaluable. Especially in converting hands, chains, rods, and furlongs to miles.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast