Hello!
NE Michigan – Where did fall go? In all my 93 years I haven’t seen a shorter fall season. And now – we seem to be in the midst of real winter. Don’t know about you – but the first snow brought about nine inches out here on the Manistee River. I’m just not quite ready – how about you? On the other hand – there’s not much we can do about it – as the old saying goes “time marches on.”.
I was lucky enough to be with a group who were invited to take a tour out at the Arauco plant recently. This was in connection with the Chamber of Commerce. We were out there by 8AM – were treated to coffee and doughnuts and then went on a supervised trip around their huge facility. We were all wearing safety gear – complete with hard hats, safety glasses and bright vests. Our hosts were wonderful. We went in small groups – each one with an Arauco employee to explain what we were seeing and what was going on at that point in the manufacturing process. They answered questions – and were generally very warm and gracious. I would urge anyone who has an opportunity to take a tour of the plant to do so. It was amazing!!
Last Friday I went back to school. Northern Michigan College has a program they call Life Academy. The program I’ve been introduced to is twice each year. For a small fee ($35) you can sign up for three (3) classes – all the same day. They are all interesting – just take your choice. Two in the morning – a break for lunch and one in the afternoon.
I had my choice of three out of 45 classes that were offered. It was hard to decide. My choices this year involved Recycling, Saving our Great Lakes, and…Good Books! I went with three others and we all chose different classes. It was informative – and interesting and I – for one – learned a lot. Shows you even at 93 its never too late to learn.
I hope my readers had a chance to go to the big Christmas Walk/Parade in downtown Grayling on Nov. 16. Anne Tuck (owner of The Sweet Life) and her committee worked very hard to make it bigger and better than ever. There were reindeer and ponies – a sleigh ride around town – the Lumberyard Shops had special treats and of course – Santa Claus came to Grayling early and set up shop in the Artisan Gallery. This is a Grayling tradition and if you missed it this year – mark your new 2020 Calendar and make it a point to find out when it’s happening next year!!!
The Chamber Holiday After Hours will be Dec. 5 at the Artisan Village. This year’s theme is called “Flannel and Frost”. Either dig out your loudest plaid flannel shirt or go shopping and find one and wear it to this event. Personally, I wouldn’t miss it. Always a fun night
And finally – while you are walking around downtown Grayling be sure and visit our newest shop. THE CURATOR. You will be welcomed by owner Penny Podjaske. Penny must have searched far and wide to find the wonderful selection of interesting, different, fun – and some never seen before items. I was so happy to find new and reasonably priced gifts when I wandered in to see what it was all about. You’ll be pleased too.
In closing I just had a thought – on the south side of Michigan Avenue – starting with Ron’s Fly Shop – you can just wander all the way to the corner and keep shopping. We have Flowers by Josie/Thanks a Latte, Tip of the Mitten, the Main Branch Gallery, and the Curator. That’s an exceptional group of shops all in a row.
Then of course, you continue down Michigan Avenue – turn west on Norway until you come to the Lumberyard Shops. You could spend a lot of time and see some amazing things – and that’s only one side of the street! The other side has lots to eat and drink plus the Artisan Gallery. Its a pretty good place to spend some time and thought around Christmas – and then treat yourself to some good food and perhaps the libation of your choice.
