Lots happening in Grayling this month!
Hello again – As I write this is isn’t a very pleasant day – but they say we’ll see the sun on Thursday. I remember a poem that talks about “October’s bright, blue weather”. Can’t remember who wrote it or what the entire name is, but I’ve always remembered that line. And, I’m looking for some of it – Bright Blue Weather that is – how about you?
Earlier this fall I did something I’ve always wanted to do thanks to the Commission on Aging. They had a bus going to Charlevoix – to see the famous Mushroom Houses. I’ve wanted to see them for at least years – but just didn’t make it.
Now I did and it was a wonderful trip. The homes are all made from Michigan rock and huge stones mostly from around the lakes. – built by the legendary builder Earl Young. The homes (some quite large – some small) were built from 1919 to 1973. They look like they came out of a fairy tale. So worth the trip. We took the guided tour – and we learned a lot. And of course, I had to buy the book – so I’ll have pictures to remember this very special trip.
GPA had a spectacular Arts & Crafts show despite the loss of the Harvest Festival. We had 71 vendors and over 750 people attended. The most we’ve ever had. I was there taking the $1 Entrance Fee and was amazed at the steady stream of people that came into the school. If you missed it this year you should try it in 2020 – you can do some Christmas Shopping early. I did – and was pleased at what I saw. The Craft Show is one of our oldest events.
If anyone remembers – it used to be at the High School, and it was sponsored by the Hospital Auxiliary. When they could no longer do it, we took it over. Then when the new addition went on the Elementary School we moved there – and we’ve been there ever since.
Its that time of year and GPA just held their Election of Officers. This past year we lost our President – Ingunn Hraunfjord – who returned to her home in Iceland for a while. We hope she will come back to visit as she has family here, but for the present we will just keep in touch. When she left our Vice President Jeannie Pratt stepped up and took over for the remainder of the year.
Now we have a new slate of Officers with Jeannie as President, Sherry Hanson – Vice President; Marianne Brosky – Treasurer, and Karyn Schafer and Lynn White taking over as “Secretaries”. We seem to need two secretaries because we can replace our President with the “Vice” if there is a problem, but we can’t replace the secretary.
If you look around downtown, you’ll see that things have changed. The hanging pots are gone, and the Scarecrows are up – with some pumpkins to give us a Harvest look. There is also a new look on the corner of Michigan Avenue and M-72. Its looking good and I’m anxious to find out just what is going into the building.
Its time for another Chamber Business After Hours – this one was held on Oct. 17 at Forest Dunes Country Club and sponsored by three different local Credit Unions. GPA was represented by a group of us that always attend. You should try it. The food is always good and the company too. You might meet some new people.
Have you checked your computer and looked at the list of other Chamber events? Coming up Dec .5 is the Gala at the Art Gallery, “Spikes Night” on Jan. 23 and then the big Gala and Award Night on March 6 at Kirtland: “Havana Nights”. There’s always a great meal – good music – and the awards that go to the wonderful people who really make things happen in Grayling. I wouldn’t miss it.
Now that I’ve talked about other events in Grayling – I’ll get back to GPA Events – Festival of Trees.
Our wonderful Chairperson Gail Swope tells me the Festival of Trees starts on Saturday, Nov. 16, and runs thru the final day of Sunday, Dec. 1. when the winners are determined. We usually have a pretty good crowd at the Mini-Mall (everyone knows that this is the place for the Festival of Trees). Tickets are available Nov. 16-30. You could win a tree or one of the other wonderful baskets or other gifts that are on display. GPA members will be selling tickets every day we are open – and that includes a few hours on Sunday.
I’ve been told there will be a Christmas Parade, but I don’t have any about it at this time. Watch Up North Voice so you don’t miss it.
You know I can’t quit without my usual push to get you involved in the events that make Grayling such a wonderful place to live. If you enjoy any of the events I’ve talked about – or any other events that go on that I haven’t talked about – remember that nothing could happen without a lot of work by a lot of people.
There would be no GPA – there would be no Craft Show or Festival of Trees. There would be no flowers on the poles – or snowmen (they are coming) for the winter. It just wouldn’t happen without a lot of work by a lot of people.
There are other organizations in town that need people too. Please don’t sit home and complain that there is nothing to do. There is so much to do – and we need more help to do it the way it should be done. Think about what you would enjoy working on – find out who’s in charge – make the phone call.
If you can’t find a name – call the Chamber – call Main Street – or stop by the Chamber Office and talk with both the Chamber and Main Street. You might find something you are really interested in working with and for. No successful town ever got that way without the help of many of the citizens who live there. Don’t complain – find out if you can do something to make what you want to happen.
See you next month ..
