Summer activities coming in June

Wasn’t it a beautiful month of May? I think the flowing trees and shrubs were the most beautiful and long-lasting in my memory. There are still some blossoming azaleas and rhododendrons in our neighborhood, annual flowers and vegetables have been set, and I saw my first lemonade stand in Schoolcraft last week. It feels like June and a Michigan summer can begin!

It is exciting to have the return of our annual events: The Vicksburg Old Car Festival, the Schoolcraft 4th of July parade and fireworks, and the Lions Summer Festival are back.

The Rotary Club of Vicksburg is sponsoring a scrap metal drive to benefit local charities. Contact Dave Aubry at daubry@yahoo.com for information.

Vicksburg District Library Book Sale: June 10th and 11th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. On Monday, June 13th, $2 a bag sale from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

We thank our many readers who continue to support the South County News. You and our advertisers enable us to continue publishing.

A very busy May

The Kaaks at County Maid Bakery. Photo courtesy of Vicksburg Historical Society.

As I look at the weather ahead, temperatures are finally trending upward. Orioles have returned to our neighborhood, and many area gardeners have planted peas and a few other early seeds. Forsythias are vibrant and the last of the daffodils brighten the edges of many yards. This warmer weather is a welcome relief!

Our May issue is a bit larger than usual. You will find team pictures of our spring athletes and their coaches as well as features by our regular columnists and contributors who cover agencies, local government, community schools, and special interest topics.

The picture above shows Otto and Anna Kaak, owners of the original County Maid Bakery on Vicksburg’s Main Street of our youth. As I stepped into Mackenzies last week and stood before the glass counter, it sure brought back memories of smiling bakers and delicious baked goods.

Fundraiser benefits fire victims

Woman’s Life Chapter 831 is hosting a Euchre/Game Fundraiser for the victims of the recent fire in Vicksburg. It will be held at Distant Whistle Brewhouse, Saturday May 14 from 4-8 p.m. Suggested donation is $10. There will door prizes, euchre, board games, and snacks. Woman’s Life Insurance Society will match the first $500 raised. For more information, please email Kathy DeMott at klunar@comcast.net

Thank you to our advertisers and to our readers, whose continued support and donations make this paper possible.

Updates from around our area

Left: Adam Mennes, Lego master. Right: Vicksburg’s Lacrosse Club. Photo by Leeanne Seaver.

A few snowflakes still linger today as we wrap up this edition of the South County News. Our daffodils and hyacinths’ progress has stalled during this cold spell. We are all looking forward to that spring sun on our face and the reappearance of lawn chairs and grills!

This month our paper is packed with stories featuring our villages, schools, and agencies, along with our regular features and columnists. So many exciting things are happening in our little part of the world!

Dustin Sayers, Social Studies Teacher at Schoolcraft Junior-Senior High School, is one of 10 Regional Teachers of the Year and a finalist for Michigan Teacher of the Year! Congratulations to Dustin! Watch for a feature next month.

I have included a picture of Adam Mennes, whom his family describes as a seven-year-old Lego Master. Note the look of pride and accomplishment on his face! We were always amazed by how well our children and their friends could follow these directions at such an early age. It seems like a great brain exercise and practice in focusing. I know we have many Lego and construction masters in our area, and my engineering friends love to see and encourage design and experimentation.

I have also included a shot of Vicksburg’s Lacrosse Club our contributor Leeanne Seaver took at Swan Park a few weeks ago. Happy Spring! Happy getting outside!

Thank you for your story ideas, your feedback, your patience, and your continued financial support of this paper. Our advertisers and our readers’ donations make this publication possible.