Winter Wonderland

12/19/13

Winter wonderland in the U.P. of Michigan is like none other.  With the arrival of early season snow, the snowmobile trails are already open, cross country trails are opening and I counted 10 ice fishing shacks in front of the boat landing on Chicaugon Lake.  We are so lucky to live and play in this beautiful place.

Upcoming Area Events:

On Saturday, Dec. 21, a group of crazed “polar bears” will be taking the “plunge” into Ottawa Lake’s icy water with the intent to raise money for those in need. “We are actively looking for pledges to donate to the St. Vincent food pantry.” If you would like to participate and or spectate, leave me Joe Rankin a message at (906) 284-2530. All donations can be dropped off at the Pasty Corner in Iron River

The Niles Hiltunen Benefit Fund holiday concert will be held Sunday, Dec. 22, at the Windsor Center here. The event starts at 2 p.m. Admission is $5; children under 12 are admitted free. George Peterson, who has been in charge of the monthly Open Mic shows at the Windsor Center, will be the master of ceremonies for the show. Expected to be performing at the concert are: –The Yadro Family of Spread Eagle, a folk-style singing act. –Dennis Ketola of Iron River, “known for his harmonica riffs.” –Dennis Phillips of Iron River, “a very talented finger- picker of the guitar” and a member of the local band Ironland. –“Some Local Guys,” with Morris Meters singing gospel sounds of the season. –Greenstone from Houghton, with a Doc Watson flavor act. –Jim Dettlaff of Iron River, performing three original Christmas compositions on the grand piano. Dettlaff is a regular at Open Mic nights and is a music director at First Presbyterian Church and a regular singer at a church in Pembine, Wis. The Niles Hiltunen Benefit Fund was started in May 2009 in memory of Niles Hiltunen, who had to deal with autism and a seizure disorder. His family’s mission, they said, is to give “random acts of kindness” to others with needs, including mental disorders and serious medical situations, such as cancer or organ transplants. From donations included with sympathy cards, the family started a bank account and raises funds through benefit events. “It is a grassroots effort,” said a spokesman, “but we have been able to directly help families and supporting organizations with more than $10,000 in Random Acts of Kindness donations.”

On Sunday, Dec. 22, the Amasa Community Church School will present “Sleepover at the Stable” at 3p.m. at the Amasa Area Recreation Center. The children have been practicing for several weeks and invite everyone to attend. Following the program, those wishing to go caroling around Amasa are invited to Bethany Lutheran Church at 5 p.m. After caroling, the singers will re-turn to Bethany for hot chocolate, warm cider and cookies.

Chaplain (Major) Matthew Krieger will be the guest speaker on Christmas Eve at Lakeview Bible Church here. The Christmas Eve Candlelight service will begin at 4:30 p.m. The service will feature, along with Chaplain Krieger, a women’s trio consisting of Judy Hinges, Laurie Miller and Sharon Krieger, a solo by Judy Hinges and congregational singing of the traditional Christmas Hymns. All are invited to include this service as part of their Christmas celebration. The church is located one mile south of Crystal Falls on U.S. 2.

Plan your visit to Iron County today
~ Iron County Lodging Association

Events.