It's hot, hot, hot! Record high temperatures top the charts with this week's temperatures hitting over the 100-degree mark in many Michigan areas. Our daughter went to Sault Ste. Marie last Monday, where she said it was 99 degrees and, for a short time, store lights were blinking. When it's so warm, I hook an umbrella on the back of the lawn chair and sit in the water, but make sure you use sunscreen. Wear cool, light-colored clothing and drink plenty of water. You definitely don't want to get dehydrated.

Curtis presents their first annual sidewalk sales and flea market,

Wednesday, August 2, beginning at 10 a.m. Businesses will have sidewalk sales throughout town, plus refreshments at many businesses. There will be bake sales, a hot dog stand, and much more. Be sure to buy your tickets to win "The Best of Curtis 2006 Gift Baskets," sponsored by the Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce.

Friday, August 4, everyone is welcome to enjoy an all-you-caneat whitefish dinner, including salad and desserts, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hulbert American Legion Post 393. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under.

The Engadine area Farmer's Market will begin Saturday, August 5, and continue through October. It is set up from 9 a.m. to noon at the Millpond Park Pavilion in Engadine, behind the Garfield Township Hall. They have the best selection of the freshest locallygrown food, including fresh vegetables and fruits, organic meats, free-range brown eggs, decorative items, and fresh flowers.

They also offer pre-packaged natural foods and many seasonal items. Supporting local growers and producers supports the local economy.

The Engadine VFW Post 8372 will host a fish fry Friday, August 4, serving from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Engadine. Cost is $8 for adults, $3 for children under age 12, and free for children under age 5. Everyone is welcome.

West Mackinac Garden Club is sponsoring garden tours of six Engadine and Naubinway gardens Saturday, August 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Handcrafted wreaths and plants will be for sale. Gardens include woodland, beach, vegetable, and perennial borders. A complimentary salad and dessert luncheon will be served at the Engadine United Methodist Church at W13970 Park Avenue in Engadine. For more information and tickets, stop by the United Methodist Church in Engadine or call (906) 477-6163.

The Engadine library summer reading program and bake sale will be Monday, August 7, from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Engadine Library, located at the school.

The 9th Annual Curtis Area Chapter Ducks Unlimited banquet will be held Saturday, August 12, at the Garfield Township Hall in Engadine. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by auctions and raffles. For tickets or more information, call Alice at (906) 477-6207 or Sue at (906) 2933189. Deadline to purchase tickets is Thursday, August 10. No tickets will be sold at the door.

A community flea market Saturday, August 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Luce West Mackinac County Fairgrounds east of Newberry.

Happy birthday to Dan Plue, Mercy Freed, and Ben Outwater August 7 and Terrie Slack August 10.

Happy anniversary to Chuck and Rhonda Legault, Walt and Joyce Butkovich, and Hal and Vicki Funke August 6, Joe and Sandy Weber and Vince and Traci Leveille August 7, Richard and Betty Sadler August 8, and Arnie and Marion Puffpaff August 9.

Until next time, take care.