The musical “Chicago” is now officially a production of the past. The final performance took place Sunday, August 30, in Sault Ste. Marie. I attended again, as did many others, to hear the music and watch the transformation that took place, turning our neighbors and friends from DeTour and Drummond Island into such polished actors.

The cold, sometimes-dreary weather of the past week seems a sure indication that summer is wearing down and school is about to start. Teachers return to the classrooms and in-services this week in preparation for the first day of school Tuesday, September 8. Our board of education, under the temporary direction of Interim ISD Superintendent Pete Everson, will meet in special session Thursday, September 3, at 5:15 p.m. on Drummond Island. The board and the staff face difficult issues. The full impact of state cuts will not be seen until October, and although schedules are set for this year, it may be necessary to make additional cuts and changes.

During last Thursday’s open house at the DeTour Passage Historical Museum, I talked with Hank and Ann Evans from Jackson, Tennessee, who were staying at the DeTour Marina as part of the “Great Loop” (GL) trip they were taking on their boat, Queen Ann’s Revenge. I was especially interested in their trip because I had just talked with Jerry Schopp, who told me that two young women had spent the night in the marina while on a GL trip in a 15 foot boat. Those of you, like me, who may not be boat savvy might not know what the GL is. My understanding from the Evans’ is that it is a loop around the waterway system of the Eastern United States. This involves the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Lakes, and the United States river system. It usually takes several months to complete the loop, but it can be longer, depending on the amount of time spent in port. It sounds like a wonderful way to spend the summer, but I’m not sure I would want to attempt it in a 15 foot boat. Those young ladies have real courage.

The museum and DeTour Village will have another interesting visitor from past times in a couple of weeks. Cal “Doc” Reese and his wife, Barbara, will be visiting the area after Labor Day with his niece and nephew and their spouses, son and daughter of Cal’s brother, Dean Reese. Cal and Dean’s father, John, was the doctor in DeTour for several years prior to his death in 1940. Cal, who was 12 years old at the time, moved away shortly thereafter, but still remembers the area fondly. In addition to their house in town, the Reeses had a camp at Caribou Lake. Cal has sent the folks at the museum some pictures and they look forward to hearing his memories. Some DeTour area residents who went to school and shared summer memories with Cal, or who remember Dr. Reese, may want to visit with Cal while he is in the area. If you remember the Reese boys and have a memory or picture to share, please call me at the above number or Ruth Ann Hudak at 297- 8051. We will arrange a time for everyone to meet at the museum.

Plans for the Habitat for Humanity Flea Market Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Union Presbyterian Church seem to be going well. Chairperson Julie Rucker says that many items have been donated for the Habitat tables, and Verna Fountain is still reserving tables for folks who want to sell their own items. To donate, call Julie at 297-2596, or to reserve a table call Verna at 297-8400.

Another event Saturday, September 5, is the 10th Annual Labor Day weekend “Glory Be” craft show and flea market at Peterson’s Country Store in Raber from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This little show always brings out crafters with unique handmade items. My family and I include it in our annual things to do list each Labor Day weekend. Jean Peterson said it is still not too late to reserve a space. Just call her a 297-2111.

Booth space is also still available for antique and collectible dealers, crafters, vendors, and farmers market dealers for the annual DeTour Happy Apple Scarecrow Festival Day Saturday, September 19. To reserve your space, call me at the above number or Ruth Ann Hudak at 297-8051.

It is also time to start thinking about building a scarecrow for the DeTour Area Chamber of Commerce Scarecrow Contest. Entries must be registered to be eligible for the individual/organization cash prizes or the business traveling trophy. Call the Chamber office at 297-5987 or Candy Postula a 297- 5885 and leave a message.