JULY 2025
SPONSORED BY
Why Non Toxic? |||
As a wife and mother, I started making Prenti candles as a way to enjoy everything a candle has to offer without worry.
And like most moms, when I didn’t like what I was finding, I took matters into my own hands and figured out what wax(s) were good and which ones were not so good.
Along with fragrances, I came up with my own recipe to making a candle that we all could feel good about lighting in our home.
Bowen Arrows Waterfowl Taxidermy
Bowen Arrows Waterfowl Taxidermy
In the heart of Munger, a quiet and creative force is at work—turning feathers, form, and family time into something extraordinary.
Meet Bowen Arrows Waterfowl Taxidermy, a small-town shop with big dedication. Founded by a stay-at-home mom who stumbled upon her passion between playdates and nap times, this business is as unexpected as it is impressive.
What began as a hobby—mounting a single duck—quickly grew into a full-fledged artistry backed by both state and federal licensure. Today, Bowen Arrows is becoming a go-to name for ethically sourced, lifelike waterfowl displays across Mid-Michigan.
🦆 Feathers with a Story
Each mount is a personal project, handcrafted with care and precision. Whether it’s a drake with busted wings or a custom driftwood scene awaiting a hen next season, no detail goes unnoticed.
🎯 Passion Turned Profession
The business name is a nod to both the founder’s family and her aim for excellence. And while there may be no storefront (yet), the heart and hustle behind Bowen Arrows has already earned it a loyal following and steady flow of custom orders.
🏡 Rooted in Munger
This isn't a high-volume operation—it’s a labor of love, built in the margins of motherhood, and it shows. Every post, every mount, every reply to a client reflects a deep pride in the craft.
“We’re flying into the weekend,” they recently posted alongside a beautiful greenhead display. That’s the spirit of Bowen Arrows: joy, skill, and gratitude.
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 Location: Munger, Michigan
📸 See More on Facebook: Bowen Arrows Waterfowl Taxidermy
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or someone who just appreciates natural beauty preserved with care, Bowen Arrows is worth keeping on your radar.
TEACHER OF THE MONTH
Echo Ranney | 2nd Grade Teacher, Reese Elementary School
Golden Apple Award Winner
This month, we’re thrilled to re-highlight one of Mid-Michigan’s most beloved educators: Echo Ranney, a 2nd grade teacher at Reese Elementary School and past recipient of the Golden Apple Award.
Known for her infectious energy and fierce dedication to her students, Echo doesn’t just teach—she builds a classroom family. Her motto? Students first. Her method? Be their biggest cheerleader, and never stop believing in what they’re capable of.
For nearly 2 decades, Echo has poured her heart into the young minds of Reese, shaping more than just reading and math skills. She creates a safe, uplifting environment where students feel seen, heard, and deeply valued—especially those who come with behavioral challenges or tough backstories. For Echo, that’s where the real magic happens.
“I love a good challenge,” she says. “Watching a student grow from where they started to where they finish—there’s nothing more rewarding.”
Her students agree. One even nominated her for the Golden Apple, recognizing the life-changing impact she had on their family. That nomination turned into an award—but Echo remains focused on the work at hand: showing up for each student, every day, no matter what.
When asked what keeps her going, Echo lights up:
“The bond. The relationships. The little moments you don’t forget.”
As the next school year approaches, her desk now holds a shining reminder of what her students already know: Echo Ranney is one-of-a-kind.
And Mid-Michigan is lucky to have her.
👏 Congratulations, Echo—and thank you for a lifetime of unwavering heart, grit, and excellence in education.
GOOD NEWS
Proverbs 9:10, NIV
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
We live in a world that prizes information—but not always wisdom. This verse reminds us where true understanding begins: with reverence.
To fear the Lord isn’t to tremble in terror, but to recognize His holiness, authority, and goodness with the awe He deserves. It’s the starting point for every good decision, every lasting relationship, and every moment of clarity.
When we know the Holy One—not just facts about Him, but know Him—life takes on a different shape. We begin to see more clearly, think more deeply, and walk more humbly.
This kind of wisdom doesn't come from textbooks or trending opinions.
It begins with worship.
And that’s the kind of understanding this world could use more of.