Sandy Wytiaz, president of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Fine Arts Council, presents Fred Payment with the Volunteer of the Year award for his outstanding service in the DeTour community, to his church, on the DeTour Village Council, and as a volunteer church decorator. Mrs. Wytiaz presented the award at the DeTour Community Choir’s Traditional Christmas Concert in DeTour Sunday, December 17. If it wasn’t for the beautiful Christmas displays of special lights and decorations, one would think we’re preparing for Easter, only because of the mild temperatures we’ve been experiencing. Hopefully, you’ve finished your last-minute shopping and are now readying yourself to enjoy the holiday. Many of us enjoyed the craft shows, which enabled us to purchase some very fine gifts for family and friends. We then attended Christmas plays and concerts. Once again, the school concert was wonderful. We have some very talented young people in our area.

The DeTour Area Community Choir presented its program, “A Traditional Christmas” with great style, and it was well attended. Special music was offered by Elizabeth “Lizzie” Lehman on her flute. Miss Lehman, a past recipient of a EUP Scholarship to attend

music camp, played with the choir for the last time. She will be graduated in 2007.

Sarah Reed, a ninth grade student, played a saxophone solo. She was a recipient of a 2006 EUP Fine Arts Scholarship.

Danielle Leazier, a senior, sang a solo of “Silver Bells.” She was a recipient of a 2006 EUP Fine Arts Scholarship. Miss Leazier also performed in last spring’s musical, “Annie Jr.,” directed by David Rhinard.

Nine-year-old Amber Mandrell sang “In Bethlehem a Babe was Born,” accompanied by Miss Lehman on the flute. Director Jean Bloom announced that someone so young who wanted to sing with the choir deserved to sing a solo. Indeed, Miss Mandrell did sing, and very well. Our young people have such an interest in music, and it is most enjoyable to listen to them per- form.

DeTour Area School band director Jessica Kietzman performed a solo, “Sonate for Clarinette.” Her gift of music is quite obvious, as it shows up with her music students.

Members in the soprano section include Paula Bardsley, Audrey Hawkins, Helen Hine, Norma Landreville, Amber Mandrell, Sandy Pumphrey, Jackie Sagear, and Sharon Vermeulen.

In the alto section are Anna Aben, Connie Baldwin, Lynn Botke, Jennie Brussow, Cindy Dudeck, Linda Fisher, Nancy Mordecai, Jan Nye, Betty Selvius, Mary Volkers, and Olive Warner.

In the tenor section are Bob Bloom, Rose Cartwright, Gerald Goodrich, Kathryn Schultz, Bob Vaught, Nelda Vaught, Anne Westlund, and Moira “Pat” Wilson.

In the bass section are Allan Gravel, Charlie Hine, Bill Mordecai, Fred Payment, and Garret Vermeulen.

Special recognition to Sandy Pumphrey with her beautiful soprano voice singing “The Birthday of a King.” It’s always a special treat to listen to Sandy sing.

There was something a little different this year. Olive Warner signed as the choir sang “Gymnopedic.” Watching Olive use sign language as the choir sang was most touching.

Sandy Wytiaz, president of the EUP Fine Arts Council, presented Fred Payment with the award of Outstanding Citizen of the Year for 2006. There is no one more deserving than Fred. He is helpful to everyone and takes pride in his dedication to his church and community. Congratulations, Fred.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers and staff of The St. Ignace News a very happy and safe holiday. Merry Christmas to all.

A thought: A house is built by human hands; a home is built by human hearts.