I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m holding my breath to see what Mother Nature has in store for us in the weeks ahead. I bet even the Groundhog can’t be sure anymore. Mayor Rosie Disch has been sniffing around looking for a local groundhog to get a local forecast. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs, are common in northern Michigan. They are the largest member of the squirrel family in Michigan.
Although, personally, I am not complaining, the lack of winter weather has limited many outdoor activities. But there are plenty of fun things to do indoors. The Northport Performing Arts Center (NPAC) is presenting “Cocktails, Comedy, and Canapes” at the Willowbrook Mill on two Friday, Saturday, and Sundays beginning February 9. Go to the NPAC website for more information and tickets.
There’s lots happening at the Village Arts Building in Northport. Go to the Northport Arts Association for information on their classes. The Omena Historical Society (OHS) hosts a Community Coffee Hour every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the OHS Museum in downtown Omena.
There’s plenty of time to read the February book for the February 28 Discussion Group at the Leelanau Township Library in Northport. This month’s book is “John Woman” by Walter Mosley. You can get more information on the library’s website. The library also hosts the Great Decisions discussion group every Tuesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
We were very sorry to learn of the death of Bruce Cunningham on January 19. Bruce and his wife, Carla, were part of the Omena community for many years. Even after they moved Old Mission, they frequently returned to Omena to catch up with friends and family. Bruce was a person with many interests and talents. He was a minister by calling and vocation, but also loved history, and enjoyed writing and drawing. He spent a number of years teaching history, particularly Chinese and Russian history, and then returned to the ministry. He became interested in interim ministry and met Carla at a training class in Madison.
When they got married, he left the Montana mountains that he loved and embraced the inland seas that Carla loved. He and Carla were among the first Interim Ministers that helped strengthen congregations. This took them around the country and they spent many years of adventure and collaboration before moving back to northern Michigan permanently.
His family was very important to him and he loved all of his large, extended family. He will be remembered by his Omena friends. Our sympathies go to his family.
Omena also lost an important member of the broader community this past week. Ross Foster was the moderator of the historic Omena Presbyterian Church (OPC) for about 20 years. For many of those years, he filled many additional roles as well. He hired the visiting ministers and musicians, wrote and printed the pamphlets, and structured every service. He and his late wife, Barbara, who was the treasurer for many years, kept the church going. They played an important part in the history of OPC, and touched the lives of many in Omena, as a result.
January was diet month for me. I don’t mean to brag, but I finished my 14-day diet in 3 hours and 12 minutes. Now, I’m adding exercise in February. I just haven’t figured out what will work for me. I haven’t done yoga, but I tried bending over to pick up my keys, and I’m pretty sure I’d hate yoga. I never run with scissors (those last two words were unnecessary), so that’s out. In fact, it’s amazing how much “exercise” and “extra fries” sound alike. I’ll keep you updated.
Happy Birthday this week to Tony Sova, Brian Shapiro, Abby Biederman, Judy Smart, Martha Eldridge, Laurie Adelson, and to Henry Wood Maylen, who turns 5, and Amelia Rose Hoffman, who celebrates her first year as a teenager.
Happy Anniversary to Bruce and Judy Balas.
