The community sends condolences to the family of Steve Lesatz, who passed away Tuesday, December 20, leaving his wife, Susan, their children, parents, family, and friends. He was a wonderful man who will be deeply missed. Please keep the family in your prayers.

The Tahquamenon Country Dog Sled Race is planned for Saturday, January 7. Bring the whole family to the Rainbow Lodge on County Road 423 at the mouth of the Two Hearted River, where the races will begin at 9 a.m. Up and coming mushers, six, 10, and 12-dog pro races, sportsman race, and celebrity race are planned. For up-to-date information, visit the Internet site www.tcsdrinc.arcticwind.net/

You don’t want to miss the Portage Anglers Ice Fishing Derby, Saturday, January 21, in Curtis on the Big and South Manistique Lakes. There will be children’s and adults’ prizes for all categories. For more information, call (906) 5863454.

Happy birthday to Donald Ault and Jolene Mantei December 27, Alex Kenwabikise December 28, Katie Biang, Melissa Weber, Richard Ozanich, Alice Schroeder, Amy Jo Zdebski, and Tim Mast Sr. December 29, Joann Trier and Shane King December 30, Tracie Abram, Dani Rutledge, and James Everhart December 31, Leighton Miller January 4, Arianna Price, Tom Hoogterp, Todd Feneley, and Rodney Bigelow January 5, Brent Vallier January 6, to my wonderful niece, Dawn Matchinske, January 7, and Ilene Carlson, Addison Whitney, and Chad Germain January 8.

Happy anniversary to Steve and Trinda Lane January 1 and Rob and Melanie Chaffin January 2.

Traditionally, it was thought that you could affect the luck you would have throughout the coming year by what you did or ate on the first day of the year. For that reason, it has become common for some folks to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand new year in the company of family and friends. Parties often last into the middle of the night after the ringing in of a new year. It was once believed that the first visitor on New Year’s Day would bring either good luck or bad luck the rest of the year. It was particularly lucky if that visitor happened to be a tall, darkhaired man.

Traditional New Year foods are also thought to bring luck. Some cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes “coming full circle,” completing a year’s cycle. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year’s Day will bring good fortune.

If you plan to celebrate, please be careful and responsible. Don’t drink and drive.

Happy New Year, everyone! Until next time, take care.