Engadine
By Julie Freeman 477-6959 engadinenews@sbcglobal.net

Hello, everyone. I would like to begin by sending deep condolences to the family of David Rushford of Gwinn, who passed away Thursday morning, January 11, at Marquette General Hospital. Please keep his children, Tammy, Chrissy, and David Jr., and family in your prayers during this difficult time.

Also, please keep in your prayers the family of Stephen Bartholomew of Engadine, who passed away unexpectedly Sunday, January 7. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Caryn, and family during this time of sorrow.

Marilynn "Jean" Butkovich, 68, a lifelong Engadine area resident, passed away unexpectedly early Monday morning, January 15, at Wellstar Cobb Hospital in Austell, Georgia. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family. Jean will be sadly missed. Whenever you would see her, she always had a smile on her face and a hug to give. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Make a difference in your community and volunteer. Helen Newberry Joy Hospital and Healthcare Center has a variety of openings available. Call Melissa Ronquist at (906) 293-9157 for more information.

Michigan State University Extension is having its fourth annual Culture Fest 2006-2007 Thursday, January 18, with a focus on the Philippines, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Community Building basement in Newberry. This is the last part of an exciting three-part series of hands-on, multicultural fun for the entire family. All ages are welcome, and families are encouraged to attend together. There is no charge to attend this event, which is sponsored by the Tahquamenon Area Senior Citizens.

The Engadine Sports Boosters, coaches, and athletes are currently conducting their annual pizza kit fundraiser. Orders may be placed until Thursday, January 25, and kits will be delivered Friday, February 2, and Saturday, February 3, just in time for the Super Bowl. Proceeds will go to support all of the athletic programs at Engadine.

There will be preschool story time at the Engadine Library every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. through January and February. All area preschoolers are invited at no charge. The fun will include stories, games, and projects.

There will be a beginner yoga class on six consecutive Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Friday, February 2, at the Newberry Presbyterian Church. Preregistration is required. For more information or to register, call the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital Wellness Center at (906) 293- 9182.

"Shaping our Future" is an interactive program to help kids ages seven through 17 learn to control their weight, and enjoy healthy living. This 12-week course will begin Wednesday, March 7, with classes to meet once a week. Participants will need to attend at least 10 out of the 12 courses to complete the course. This program is geared toward families, with at least one parent attending to make this successful for the youth. Evenings include medical monitoring, behavior counseling, nutrition education, fitness activities, and also includes a Wellness Center pass for the duration of the course. Open enrollment is now through Tuesday, February 27. For more information on registration, location, time, and fees, call the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital Wellness Center at (906) 293-9182 and ask for Carrie Sevarns.

Friday, January 19, and Friday, January 26, the Newberry Eagles Club will host a fish fry from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the club on M-28, east of Newberry. Enjoy all-youcan eat fish or choose from the Friday menu. The Eagles Club will have an all-you-can-eat pizza night Tuesday, January 23, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the club. You may either choose from pizza or a pastie dinner.

The Newberry Middle School eighth grade class will sponsor a pasty sale Saturday, January 20, to help defray the cost for the class trip to Detroit.

The Manistique Lakes Lions Club will have an all-you-can-eat brunch to support Special Olympics Sunday, January 21, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Portage Township Community Building in Curtis.

Newberry high school seniors and parents are welcome to attend a financial aid workshop Monday, January 22, at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of the school. This workshop is geared toward helping collegebound students get started with the financial aid process.

Friday, January 26, and Saturday, January 27, there will be a 15th Annual "Fun Run and Rally" in Sault Ste. Marie. For more information, call (906) 632-3301.

The Curtis Community Arts Council will be having a coffee house performance Saturday, January 27, at the Curtis Park Center.

The 2007 Cardboard Classics are scheduled for Saturday, January 27, in Newberry. Registration time is from 10 a.m. to noon; racing starts at noon. Please contact DJ Obey at (906) 440- 5465 for more information.

Happy birthday to Kathy Ocko, Matthew Ocko, and Helen Hauser January 18, Kaleb Kerbersky, Sarah Burton, and Mary Miller Ocko January 19, Dorothy Perkins January 20, to my wonderful mom, Edna Rushford, January 21, Lonnie Wyse January 22, my niece, Deanna Loebock, Jessica Miller, and her mom, Kathy Miller, January 23, Brad Butkovich, Levi Wagner, and my niece, Marcia Beaudoin, January 24, and Lesa Baker January 25.

Happy anniversary to Jerry and Robin Oven January 19 and Clarence and Shirley Brown January 23.

I have a new e-mail address, so if you have news or information or just want to say hi, please e-mail me at this new address: engadinenews@ sbcglobal.net.

Until next time, take care.