We are basking in the warmth and sunshine of this September and, too soon, it will end.

With my sisters-in-law Martha Sheppard of Manistique, Evelyn Burgess of Engadine, and Louella Snow, I traveled to Battle Creek to attend the wedding of my nephew, Don Berry, and his new bride, Lynn. While there we chanced upon a large retail store and, lo and behold, there were Christmas trees with lights twinkling and carols playing. I thought the calendar had really gone into fast forward mode. It’s way too soon.

It’s time to dig pink. The Engadine and Newberry girls volleyball teams will compete Thursday, October 8, at 6 p.m. at the Engadine High School gymnasium for a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. There will be special activities, raffles, and information to support the females in our lives. This activity is sponsored by Naubinway Family Health Care Clinic, Mackinac Straits Health Care System, and Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. You are asked to come in pink and help support this ongoing battle.

The semi-annual missionary conference, “Hold the Rope 09,” will be Friday, September 25, at 6 p.m., Saturday, September 26, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, September 27, at 9 a.m. Guest speakers will be Stan and Marilyn Troyer and Wendell and Lila Graber.

Continued get well wishes to Al and Nadine Garavaglia’s granddaughter, who was hospitalized this past week.

Birthday wishes to friend and co-worker, Mary Ann Mullins, September 20, Candy Aldrich, Mary Hart, and Ann Cross September 21, Wilda Frederick September 22, Clarence Bumpus down Epoufette way September 25, Alexandria Prater and Mary Formolo September 26, and Kylee Baker, granddaughter of Terry and Phyllis Gouza, September 27.

Anniversary wishes to Jack and Janet Tippett September 22.