Pickford
By Audrey Hutchison 484-7825

Judy Nixon and Mary Jane Pennington of Pickford went to Alaska April 26. The trip was to visit Judy's daughter, Lori, and grandson in Saint Michael near the Bering Straits, where it is so remote that there is just a path for four wheelers and snowmobiles with 11 miles of road. The nearest village has a gas station, post office, laundromat, and a grocery store. "It sells everything from four-wheelers, to socks and milk," Lori said.

Although there are several types of wildlife in the area, the only sighting was the day of departure, when a herd of reindeer was spotted. Lori and her grandson are staying with the Nixons until her home is remodeled. Judy said Alaska is truly a beautiful country to see, despite the challenges of having a small child there.

The Historical Society's Hamburger Bash was a great success, reported Lisa Sims, and there were approximately 100 people present, including the "Pickin' and a Grinnin' Band." Lisa (nee Libby) Sims, Janet Mc Cord, and Deanna (nee Leach) Salo took donations and sold raffle tickets for a sampler quilt. After dinner, everyone lingered to enjoy the music.

Members of the "Pickin' and Grinnin' Band" are (from left) Willie Weston, Shirley Patrick, Tanny Armstrong, Ken Stevenson, Archie P. Reno, Patty Armstrong, Jim Lockhart, and 88-year-old Clifford Harrison.

Kathy Burrell, who lives next to Pickford Schools, was among those who attended. She is a grandmother who proudly showed me pictures of her grandchildren. Kathy is a good friend of Archie P. Reno, guitar player and singer in the "Pickin' and Grinnin' Band."

Shirley (nee Romano) Patrick, who plays accordion, brought guests from Sault Ste. Marie, Delores Romano and Geraldine (nee McKechine) Carmahan.

"Pickers" also include Nancy Reno and Richard Morrison.

Proceeds from the Hamburger Bash will go to the Historical Society Museum Fund.

News from Cindy Smith, secretary/ treasurer of the Pickford Presbyterian Church, reported the church is teaming up with the Rudyard Presbyterian church again this year in presenting the third annual musicale to raise funds to help build a new church in Gambell, Alaska. The musicale will be at the Pickford Presbyterian church Wednesday, July 23, at 7 p.m. An outstanding selection of talent is again lined up including the Northmen Gospel Singers, Dan Leach, Ben Guider, Ashley Trainer, Kari Ortez, and young Raina Vert, as well as instrumental music. The public is welcome. A free will offering will be taken to help the Alaskan church. Refreshments will follow.

The Power Lab Vacation Bible School take place at Pickford Presbyterian Church from Monday, August 4, through Friday, August 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. The them is "Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power." The Bible school will include Bible Blast stories, Sonic Sing and Play and Faith Fusion Finale, Wacky Works Crafts and Missions, Test Tube Treats, and Hyperspeed Games. Power Lab is open to children 4 years of age through children entering fifth grade in the fall. To register children, contact Cindy Smith at 647-2596. The final program, "Professor Wilbur's Science Show" will be Friday, August 8, at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner. A free-will offering will be taken that will be used to defray part of the cost of Bible School materials.