By Julie Freeman477-6959 jf@portup.com

December is here, and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I’ve noticed people taking advantage of the mild weather to hang up outdoor decorations. I’m hoping the mild weather holds out a bit longer.

Speaking of Christmas, it’s time again for the old-fashioned holiday shopping, where you will find bargains at the Engadine-Naubinway Merchants Association Annual Christmas Bazaar, which will be held Saturday, December 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Engadine High School Gymnasium. Santa will be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be crafts, art, baked goods, and much more, something for everyone.

The Luce-Mackinac Genealogical Society will have its monthly meeting Thursday, December 1, at 1:30 p.m. in the Engadine High School Library.

The LINK Youth Board will meet Thursday, December 1, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the LINK on West Helen Street in Newberry.

Friday, December 2, the Newberry Eagles Club will have their all-you-can-eat fish fry, or choose from the Friday menu, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the club, located on M-28, just two miles east of the Newberry intersection.

The Newberry Elks Lodge will have their 35th Annual Elks Hoop Shoot competition, Saturday, December 3, at the JL DeCook Gymnasium at the Newberry School. Registration will be at 9 a.m., with competition at 10 a.m. This is a national free throw shooting contest, open for youngsters age 8 to 13. For more information, call Chris Beaulieu at 293-8651 or Hondo DePew at 293-5851. This is a marvelous program that gives youngsters an opportunity for lively competition and good relationship with their peers.

The Luce-West Mackinac County Fair Board will sponsor a holiday craft show and bazaar Saturday, December 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Newberry Community Building. Homemade crafts make nice gifts. Unlike a factory-made craft, these are made with love from the local community folks, and I do have to say, “We really have some talented people out there.”

The Healthy Lifestyles Weight Loss Group will meet Monday, December 5, at 4:30 p.m. at the Mackinac Straits Clinic in Naubinway.

The Engadine Eagles girls basketball team won the regionals and qualified for the quarterfinals. Their next game was played Tuesday, November 29, at Escanaba High School. The last few times when they’ve won, it was so exciting with the firetrucks leading the team back into Engadine. These girls are great; all their time and practices really have paid off. Their coaches, parents, friends, and fans are also to be commended for their support. By the time you read this Engadine News column, the results will be known and no matter of the outcome, we’re all very proud of the Engadine Lady Eagles.

Happy birthday to Kristin Priskorn December 2, Joshua Korenich, Jason Heldt, Lynn Moore, Josh and Alissa Smith, and Holly Stansbury-Smith December 3, Gen Cousineau December 4, Marilyn McNeil and my niece, Rhonda Legault, December 5, Leon Everhart December 6, Art Butkovich and Kristina Miller December 7, Bob Edwards, Paul Kleeman Jr., Lynette Outwater, and Michele Bigelow December 8, and to our wonderful daughter, Meggan Morrison, December 9.

Happy anniversary to Ken and Evelyn Heldt December 3 and Fred and Lois Bryant December 9.

Many people send out greeting cards to family and friends. This year, make a point to send a card to someone who may not have family near. It could be a neighbor, someone in a nursing home, or in the service. Receiving mail is fun, especially for those who don’t receive much mail, if any at all. If you have children, have them draw a picture to include in the card. This is special for the receiver and teaches children good values.

Until next time, take care.