The churches of God's Country Cooperative have planned a farewell celebration Friday, May 26, for Margaret Madison and Pastor Karen Mars in the fellowship hall at the Newberry United Methodist Church. A potluck dinner will be served at 5 p.m. and cake and beverages will be provided. Please bring a dish to share. Following the dinner, there will be a farewell service.

We who worked with Margaret will miss her very much. My fondest memories are of the "Back at the Creekbank," which was one of her first major works. She spent so much time teaching and rehearsing the children, making the scenery, and rehearsing the music, and we will never forget the weekly rehearsals. They were lots of work, but fun at the same time. The finished product, the "Production," was nothing less than spectacular. She is a special person.

There will be a Music, Art, and Drama (MAD) Camp at the Germfask United Methodist Church Monday, June 19, through Friday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is the first time that such a camp has been available. Professional educators and composer John Horman will be available to work with the children in the mornings in a spiritual environment.

The 20-minute musical will be presented at the Germfask United Methodist Church Friday, June 23, at noon. There is a fee of $10 per camper to cover the cost of the camper's supplies throughout the week, and family discounts will be considered for multiple children. Children are asked to bring a sack lunch Monday through Thursday. Planners are looking forward to a great time for all. You may register by mail at: 25567 Bronz Drive, McMillian, MI 49853, Attention Jan Barrett, or by calling Ms. Barrett at (906) 586-3901.

The Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility is seeking donations of new and used fishing equipment for the residents' fishing trips throughout the summer. The equipment must be in good working condition. If you would like to donate equipment, call (906) 341-6921 or bring the items to 520 Main Street in Manistique.

The Feneley, McNeil, Nesbit American Legion Post 290 is holding a breakfast Sunday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the VFW Post in Engadine. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 12, and free for children younger than 5.

There will be a "Dance Revue" by the Manistique Dancers of KDance Express Dance Studio. The shows will be Saturday, June 3, at 7 p.m. and a matinee Sunday, June 4, at 2 p.m. at the Gladstone Senior High Cowen Auditorium. They will perform tap, jazz, and ballet. Some of the mothers of the students will be joined by the Dancing Grannies and KDance Express teachers to open the second half of the show with a tap dance to "There's No Business Like Show Business." Tickets are available by calling Laurie McKinney at (906) 3413512. Cost is $8 in advance or $9 at the door. For more information, call Dance Express at (906) 789-7549, Kalisa LaVigne at (906) 428-3718, or Laurie McKinney at (906) 3413512.

The Manistique High School "Majorettes Reunion Update" will meet Friday, June 30, at the Manistique High School parking lot for a brief meeting and practice. If anyone has extra batons, they're asked to bring them to practice. Saturday, July 1, a parade begins at 12:30 p.m. It will form behind the Manistique High School Band at 11:30 a.m. in the area between 2nd and 5th Streets. Wear all green, all white, or a combination of green and white, and comfortable shoes. For further information, call Nancy (Winsor) White at (906) 341-5796.

The Engadine Library is in dire need of books. They're asking for donations of books for their annual book sale at the Fourth of July celebration in Naubinway. To make a donation, call the library at (906) 477-6351 extension 140.

Thursday, May 11, the Luce County Department of Human Services (formerly known as Family Independence Agency) honored more than 26 volunteers and the Volunteer Services Program. This program assists children, families, and vulnerable adults to help them be safe, stable, and self supporting. Some of their projects last year were the Harvest Food Gathering, Project Backpack, Holiday Spirit, and volunteer transportation. During the year, volunteers donated more than 1,800 service hours. The honorees were Una Olson, George Major, and Judy Major. Many organizations and companies in Newberry were recognized for their donations and services throughout the year.

Some of those receiving recognition were representatives from Newberry Correctional Facility, Newberry United Methodist Church, Goodfellows, Helen Newbery Joy Hospital, Newberry Key Club, and Michigan Department of Transportation/Newberry TSC. For information about volunteering with the Luce County Department of Human Services, call (906) 2930120.

If you have a favorite history teacher whom you would like to nominate for "History Teacher of the Year," the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is seeking nominations for the annual Michigan History Teacher of the Year. This award is designed to promote and celebrate the teaching of American History in classrooms across the United States. It will honor one teacher from each state and the U.S. territory. They have a long list of criteria from which the winning candidate must qualify. The state winner will receive a $1,000 honorarium and be in the running for the National History Teacher of the Year Award, which will be selected this fall. The deadline is Wednesday, May 31. For more information, contact Gordon Andrews, Michigan coordinator at (296) 674-4709 or gandrews@ portageps.org.

Our next holiday is Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. If our weather keeps up like it has been doing, then I don't think there will be many picnics, unless everyone wears very warm clothing. I guess the fire will help keep everyone warm.

Happy birthday to Neil McArthur May 29 and Doris Papineau May 30. Hope you both have a wonderful day.

Stay well and stay safe this Memorial Day weekend. See you next week.