Gould City
By Marilyn McNeil 477-6925 donmar@lighthouse.net

The turkey has been stuffed, and so am I. This is "diet time" of the year after eating all of that food for days on end. During hunting season there are so many good places and good things to eat.

Some places are already decorated and ready for holiday travelers to enjoy the scenery and beautiful lights. This is certainly the most beautiful time of the year, as the song goes.

Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, can be marked on your calendar for "Christmas From the Past" at the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be refreshments, a gift shop, and you can climb the tower. Weaving and spinning demonstrations will also be offered. There is no charge for admission.

Santa Claus will arrive Sunday, December 3, at noon on the Doyle Township fire truck, loaded with free gifts for the kids. The Gulliver Historical Society is looking for donations of Christmas cookies for this event. Your help will be appreciated.

The Schoolcraft County Habitat for Humanity will hold its Eighth Annual Holiday Home Tour Sunday, December 3, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Suzy Shadow Box, Mustard Seed, the mBank, and the Habitat Office. The tour will begin at Zion Lutheran Church. Come and see some of the beautiful homes in Manistique, and support a great cause. For more information, call (906) 341-7437.

There will be a benefit for Linda Johnson Sunday, December 3, beginning at 2 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Manistique, to help defray medical expenses for cancer treatment. There will be live music by Crusin' Back and Co. and The Music Makers, karaoke by Wild Bill, a potluck dinner (please bring a dish to pass), door prizes, 50/50 drawing, raffle, auction, and bake sale. Please have items delivered by noon. Cost is $5. For more information, call Bill at (906) 296- 1495. This event is sponsored by Wild Bill's Karaoke.

Santa Claus is coming to town in Manistique, and all area children are invited to come and have lunch with Santa Saturday, December 2,

at the Elks Lodge. Children will have lunch and receive a gift from Santa. This event is sponsored by Elks Lodge 632, Manistique Moose Lodge 1972, and Schoolcraft County "Toys for Tots." Any donation or new toy would be appreciated.

Pamida's in Manistique is sponsoring a "Christmas for the Soldiers" collection. They're collecting items that are needed for the soldiers in Iraq and Christmas cards, and a list of items that are needed can be found at the customer service counter. A Christmas card contest will be held for children, and prizes will be awarded. The VFW will send the items overseas. If you would like to donate money to help with the postage, that would also be appreciated.

"Christmas in Rapid River" will be Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be crafts, a quilt show, and sales at area businesses. Everyone is invited.

The Peoples Store and Wells Fargo Bank in Manistique are holding a "Help Keep Someone Warm" Mitten Tree. The project is in need of mittens, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, homemade or purchased. These can also include knitted, crocheted dolls, afghans, and baby quilts. Donations are needed. This event is sponsored by the Schoolcraft County Christmas Committee.

Sunday, December 3, at 7 p.m. there will be a performance of Santa Lucia Festival and Program at the Zion Lutheran Church on Oak Street in Manistique. This is a beautiful Christmas musical program.

Belated wedding congratulations to Brandy and Justin O'Neil of Engadine, who were married Saturday, October 28. Hope you both have a wonderful life together.

My birthday wishes list will be small this week. There are not too many of us December babies around here. Happy birthday to Dawn Berry December 1 and Leon Everhart December 6. As usual, I'm always so thankful for all the attention my family gives me December 5. I've already had a few special gifts ahead of time.

Stay safe and stay well. See you next week.