By Kathy Oswalt-Forsythe
Troop 211’s cleaning project crew at Vicksburg Cemetery. 
Ladies Library food collection. 
Local skeleton reads South County News.
Weren’t the colors this fall beautiful? It was perhaps the most beautiful and long-lasting display in my memory. The maple outside my classroom window glowed every morning. Each day my students and I paused to appreciate another day of its loveliness. Today, I am watching it gradually release its grip on the rosy leaves; they ride the wind, finally resting in the grass. In another day, the branches will be bare.
Yes, November brings some cold, gray days, but it also ushers in the holidays. Soon we will be thawing turkeys, setting the table and enjoying some hearty foods. And in this season of gratitude, we remember and appreciate the people, organizations, and agencies who provide support in our communities, and the donations and support which make business operations possible.
Boy Scout Troop resets headstones
On Saturday, Oct. 17, Boy Scout Troop 211 and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Kalamazoo’s Benjamin Pritchard Camp 20 cleaned and reset veterans’ headstones in the Vicksburg Cemetery. The Boy Scout Troop is affiliated with St. Monica Catholic Church, and the service activity is John Burhan’s Eagle Scout project. The group cleaned and preserved 54 headstones and reset another 10 stones that were sunken or had tipped or fallen. The Sons of Union Veterans sponsored the activity and provided the training and materials.
Ladies Library of Schoolcraft Adjusts Holiday Activity
In lieu of their regular holiday bazaar, Ladies Library of Schoolcraft is collecting for the food pantry, as well as hosting a Tree of Lights for South County Community Services. With so many in need, the group felt its focus should be on giving rather than receiving this holiday season.
Village of Schoolcraft Christmas Walk
The 32nd annual Christmas Walk will be held throughout the Village of Schoolcraft Friday, December 4th, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday December 5th 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Masks will be required in public areas, and businesses will be following social distancing protocols. Santa will be available for photos, and other events will be announced. Please follow the Facebook event for updates and announcements.
An unusual reader
Thanks, Rhonda Smith-Crowder, for sharing the picture of the window display at the Schoolcraft Antique Mall on Grand in Schoolcraft: Mr. Skeleton and his dog Bones reading October’s South County News. Smith-Crowder has one of several dealer booths at this business. I imagine the spooky vignette turned many motorists’ heads! It sure gave all of us at the SCN a good laugh!
Continued Gratitude
We at the South County News are thankful for so many things: the love of friends and families, the warmth of our little hometowns and the continued support of our readers. Your financial contribution makes this publication possible. Thank you.