Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

Tukios Websites • August 3, 2022

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.


Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.


Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.


Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Since the early 1920s, Avink McCowen Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society has had the honor of supporting families through loss. They are proud to serve families throughout Plainwell, Vicksburg, Portage, Schoolcraft, and surrounding communities such as Kalamazoo, Pavilion, Flowerfield, Otsego, Alamo, and more. Their caring and professional funeral directors assist families in the planning of funeral services, burial services, memorial services, and cremation services. To learn more, visit amsfuneralhomes.com.

What To Expect with Cremation?

February 10, 2025
Cremation has been around for thousands of years. It is required by some faiths and forbidden by others. Governments, charged with protection of the public health and aesthetic of the community, have laws governing both cremation and burial practices. One way to view burial and cremation is to look at each as a means to the same end. Dust to dust.

What do you do with Cremated Remains?

By Steve McCowen • January 9, 2025
What happens when no one decides what to do with the six pounds of cremated remains that are left following the funeral or memorial service? You might be surprised at some of the unusual places where they show up.

Writing the Thank You Notes

By Steve McCowen • December 6, 2024
Writing thank you notes is usually one of the very first “after the funeral” tasks you will undertake. You may be surprised to find that your brain/hand coordination is not working so well. You sit there with pen in hand and well-formed thoughts in your head, but somehow it all gets lost between the head and the paper. Don’t despair. This is normal and it’s all part of the grief journey.

Dad Died. What Do I Do with the Pills?

By Steve McCowen • December 6, 2024
In order to keep drugs from falling into the wrong hands (children, pets, and addicts) the FDA recommends that you dispose of all medication as soon as possible. They suggest three options.

Mother Died...How Long Do We Keep Her Things?

By Steve McCowen • December 6, 2024
Separating from a loved one’s belongings is one of the more difficult jobs you will have to do after a death. It is amazing how much is collected over a lifetime. You probably won’t get it done in a day and you will probably shed a few tears.

Cremation Society or Funeral Home

By Steve McCowen • December 6, 2024
Cremation, like electric cars and cell phones is here to stay. For some people cremation is part of their religious practice. For other people, cremation just feels right for them. The big question is who should help you with your cremation, a society or a funeral director?

Death and Taxes

By Steve McCowen • December 6, 2024
Death and taxes (seemingly unlikely bed fellows at first glance) are often linked together because they have long been considered unavoidable life events. Some even say they are the only two things that are certain in life. Neither is something people typically look forward to, but they are both events that are anticipated and can be prepared for in advance.

Spring: A Fresh Optimistic Start

By Steve McCowen • December 6, 2024
The birds are back. Nest building is underway across America. The early blooms dot the landscape with bright yellows and blues. The grass is that beautiful fresh green that only happens this time of year. Spring has arrived. People feel revitalized, ready to take on new tasks and are optimistic about the future.

Flowers and Funerals

By Steve McCowen • December 6, 2024
What’s the story behind flowers at a funeral? Well, back in the day before funeral directors perfected the art and science of embalming, flowers were used to mask the odor of the body.

Celebrating Grads and Grands

By Steve McCowen • December 6, 2024
Millions of high school students across the nation will graduate this year. There will be parties, balloons, cakes and speeches. Many of these young people will receive the gift of a wonderful little book written at 87 years of age by Dr. Seuss.