DeTour Girl Scout members Mattie Warner (left) and Kaalin Goetz make cards to be donated at Christmas. Old Man Winter worked hard to put a snowy, windy face on DeTour's fourth annual Village Christmas, but still couldn't knock out all the fun. Volunteers from the Botanical Garden filled more than 300 luminary bags with sand and candles for the Friday night tree lighting and walk. While the crowd for the caroling and tree lighting wasn't large, all of the bags got out and most were lit for at least a while. Even though the weather wasn't good, seeing the names of so many who were remembered from past years, the Christmas sentiments written on the bags, and the great pictures and decorations the students at DeTour Elementary put on their bags was great fun.

Earlier Friday, students from the elementary school visited the tree to put on ornaments they had made in class.

Saturday's crowds may also have been hampered by the weather, but the activities certainly weren't and many seem to agree that the fourth annual Village Christmas was another success.

Congratulations again go to David Rhinard and the cast and crew of the production of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol." Putting on a play during the holiday season is not an easy task.

Those who attended the play and Saturday Village Christmas activities at the EUP Fine Arts Cultural Center may have noticed the new portico and renovation work at the entrance to the building. This is the first of the work to be done using the $17,000 from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs matching grant awarded to the group recently. Future renovation plans for these funds include electrical and plumbing

updates with matching funds covering flooring, heating, and residing the building's exterior. Kellis Construction is in charge of the current work on the entrance. Fine Arts Council President Sandy Wytiaz, Vice President Janelle Dudeck, and volunteer Jeri Baron- Feltner made the effort to write and present the grant.

DeTour Village has a new Girl Scout troop. Leaders for the 12 girls, who meet monthly, are Bridget Heuer, kindergarten and first grade teacher, and Sara Stec, fourth and fifth grade teacher at DeTour Elementary School. Recently the girls prepared 45 Christmas ornaments and cards for people who may be alone at Christmas. They then teamed with the DeTour Homemakers, who added these gifts to their annual fruit baskets for delivery. Preparing a basket for Christmas giving has been a project of the homemakers for more than 25 years.

Don't forget the DeTour School Christmas program, "The Spirit of Giving," Monday, December 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. Interim Music Director Heather VanDaele has asked me to remind everyone to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the food bank. The Drummond Island program will be Wednesday, December 17, also at 6:30 p.m.

As we near the holiday, let us all remember those who may be struggling, whether financially or emotionally, at this time. Drop off something at any of the different food basket drives, take another name from an angel tree, drop your change at the bell ringers stand, or stop to spend some time with a neighbor who may not get out often. Give of yourself; your holiday will be a little brighter.