484-2626 mink@cedarville.net

Another week has passed and the time goes by so quickly that it’s frightening. The Fourth of July is almost upon us with all of its activities, so we must all make the most of the days ahead.

A couple of really memorable thunderstorms passed through this week, making a good night’s sleep almost impossible. It was quite a sight to see the chain lightning flashing through the night sky. Where I live, looking north toward Sault Ste. Marie, it was quite a spectacular show, if somewhat frightening. Following days were more like the summer weather that we enjoy, warm and sunny, with lots of boating, water skiing, and other warm weather activities going on.

Next Saturday, June 18, will be the public Open House for the new Cedar Cove Assisted Living complex in Cedarville. There is a lot of interest in this new facility and it should fill a real need, not only for those who need special care in Cedarville and Hessel, but also for those in the surrounding countryside. The rooms are bright and pleasant and I’m sure they will fill up quickly. This open house is an occasion that should not be missed. It is a very special addition to our community. Refreshments will be available for those who attend.

Newcomers in Cedarville are Todd and Beth Lysinger, who have recently purchased Island View Resort from Jackie and Larry Smith. The Lysingers plan to run the resort much the way the Smiths did, except that they will add more boats. Their boat rentals will include a couple of pontoon boats that will be great for family outings. They have sites for trailers, along with some trailers that they will rent. The Lysingers are originally from Michigan, but have moved here from El Paso, Texas, where they have lived for the past 13 years. They plan to spend their winters here, having been back many times to enjoy snowmobiling and winter sports. The Lysingers have two children, Hilan and Holly, who will both be entering fourth grade this fall. We are happy to welcome them and wish them well.

A note from Bruce Patrick recently told me that his parents, Emma and Bruce Sr., and Con’s parents, Anna and Victor Shoberg, were very good friends and went back and forth to each other’s homes for dinner frequently. Ann and Victor would come in the winter time by dog team and sled, and Bruce and Emma traveled by horse sled. Bruce said, “It was great to have them come by dogsled in the winter and of course, the Shoberg boys, Tigner or Con, would drive the dogs.” There were many good times and good dinners that Bruce remembers very well. Victor also had a team of horses.

One of the Shoberg horses was called Prince, a faithful old horse that Con has told many stories about. I think the other one was named King, and Victor used them every winter during ice cutting when a crew of men cut and hauled ice for the Islington Hotel and many other places. Cutting, hauling, and packing those big chunks of ice in the big icehouses between layers of sawdust was quite a busy time during the winter months. They had to wait until the ice was just right, keeping men and horses busy for quite a while. It is surprising how well the ice kept with that sawdust insulation, but the summer hotels and tourists had all the ice they wanted all summer long.

I am off to New York for a few days, the occasion being the high school graduation of a grandson. I hope to write the next week’s Les Cheneaux News from there.