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2021

Wishbook

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Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot Wishbook

Kaleva Historical Society offering many programs during holiday season By Ken Grabowski For the Record Patriot

1,000 luminaries in a little over an hour. Asiala pointed out Over the course of that stories of why the upcoming holiday people come out to season the Village help with this event of Kaleva will be are also fascinating to celebrating its Finnish listen to as some do it heritage with a series for family, others for of special events people they knew and taking place at various some just because they places around the think it a great event. community. “One year we even One of those had the Brethren events that has been sports teams come out extremely popular to help as everyone has over the years is this their own reasons for the Winter Solstice doing it,” Asiala said. ceremony where more “It is pretty amazing than 1,000 luminaries will be placed on grave that we can be able to do it every year and sites in the Maple have the number of Grove Township people who come out Cemetery by friends, relatives and members to help.” Asiala also pointed of the community. This out that there are Finnish tradition has people who helped in been celebrated for those early years who years on the shortest have since died and day of the year when now are being honored the winter solstice by those carrying on occurs. the tradition. Kaleva Historical “They were in their Society president 70s and 80s those Cindy Asiala said it first few years and will start at 4 p.m. on Dec. 21 across from the now they are gone, so hopefully we can put a cemetery. Asiala said this tradition has been candle on their grave now,” said Asiala. “It’s taking place in Kaleva always amazing as I for the past 24 years kind of worry each since 1997. year if we are going to “It has grown from get it done, but people maybe 300 candles always show up.” and now we are up Last year the to over 1,000,” said weather really Asiala. “We have cooperated, according become very efficient to Asiala, there was with the people who show up. There is kind just a little snow and no wind. She added of an assembly line that last year they to put the sand and candles in the bags and had someone at the cemetery directing then the people will people to areas where use their truck beds there weren’t as many or sleds to take them luminaries placed across the street and and that helped light put them on as many things up. graves as we can.” “When dusk came, She said they move the candles started right along with the process and usually lighting up and when complete placing the darkness followed they

just were beautiful,” said Asiala. “We decided to carry on last year even with COVID as everything was outside and people go their own direction.” She said once they finish placing the luminaries this year the volunteers will gather in the cemetery to share some songs and to call out some names of people they want to honor. “That is always a nice way to complete the night,” said Asiala. Kaleva is going to have plenty of events taking place this holiday season at the Bottle House Museum, located at 14551 Wuoksi St., thanks to the historical society. “We are doing some special events at the Bottle House Museum when we are not usually open, but this year we are going to be open the Saturday’s before Christmas,” said Asiala. “Someone said it is a shame to decorate the Bottle House for just one day so we will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays in December leading up to Christmas. We also are going light up our art sculptures this year as well.” Some of the featured things will be the Finnish Heaven which is a wooden frame holding foil stars that hang over the Christmas tree. This is a custom that came from Finland and is reminiscent of children watching stars on Christmas Eve. Colored lights on the Christmas tree are reflected

in the stars and the traditional ornaments of straw and real candles were used in the scene. What will also add to the historical component is old-fashioned toys and other gifts are scattered under the tree and a heritage quilt is placed under the tree as a skirt. People attending on Saturdays will also get the chance for special gifts that include: • Dec. 4: Traditional Scandinavian tree ornament; • Dec. 11: Hot chocolate and festive cookies served from

the sauna; and • Dec. 18: A taste of Finland with nissua and sweet bread with cardamom. “We also have plans to outline the sculptures on Centennial Walkway along Walta Street with lights this year,” said Asiala. Other activities planned for the holiday season are special Christmas workshops at the Kaleva Art Gallery. The gallery is located in downtown Kaleva and is a cooperative of over 25 artists. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. on

Friday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The gallery offers many unique Christmas gift ideas. The workshops, open to all ages for a $5 donation, include the following: • Dec. 4 from noon to 2 p.m. is a workshop to make Christmas cards; • Dec. 11 from noon to 2 p.m. is a workshop to make a driftwood Santa ornament; and • Dec. 18 from noon to 2 p.m. guests may create a Christmas plaque.

Many people help to light the candles at Maple Grove Township Cemetery in Kaleva during the winter solstice event each year. (File photo)

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Pictured is nativity at the sauna at the Bottle House Museum in Kaleva. The museum will host several events during this holiday season. (Courtesy photo)

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot Wishbook

Benzie County’s Festival of Trees benefits Habitat for Humanity By David Yarnell For the Record Patriot

“That’s what we did and it really turned out well. The pavilion was built behind Habitat for Humanity the museum building to of Benzie County – an house artifacts from Benzie organization that gives County’s farming history. people the opportunity to It had never really been celebrate the spirit of giving organized, so Habitat got year round – will open the involved in cleaning it up season of giving by hosting and the museum put in its Festival of Trees on a new surface and it was Thanksgiving weekend. perfect because it is mostly The festival will be held outdoors.” Nov. 26 and 27, at the Houston said this year Benzie Area Historical the plan is to keep people Society and Museum, socially distanced while located at 6941 Traverse using both the pavilion and Ave. in Benzonia. The the museum. festival runs from 10 a.m. to “Because the museum 6 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. has re-opened,” Houston until 4 p.m. on Saturday. said, “we’re going to Trees, wreaths and table have some of our items decor and banners will be there and others in the sold by online auction to pavilion. Everything that’s support the Habitat home fresh or live we’ll have in building projects in Benzie the pavilion and all the County. other items will be in the Kathi Houston has museum.” been a festival of trees Traditionally there have volunteer since 2002 and been live readings during the coordinator of the event the event, however last year since 2011. the Truman Capote story “The items we will be “A Christmas Memory” was selling can be seen both recorded and available on in person and online,” YouTube. This year it will Houston said. “All of the also be available there. bidding for items will take During the Festival place online.” of Trees, Houston said Bidders will receive a text the museum will have and email confirming the an exhibit of Christmas bid and will be notified if cards that were created by there is a higher bid. Item Benzonian Marjorie Call for winners will be notified by her family. text and email at the end of For the festival, Houston the auction. is expecting 10 to 12 fresh “We had been having trees, 15 fresh wreaths and the festival at the Benzie 30 to 40 artificial wreaths Area Historical Society among other items. She said since 2004 and were many local individuals and thrown for a loop last businesses pitch in to make year when the building the event a success. was closed because of the “Victoria’s Floral Design pandemic,” Houston said. gets all of our wreaths ready “My husband, who happens for decorating at a reduced to be a historical society cost, trees are donated board member, said ‘Why by Mike Henschell and Joanne Herban-Snow and don’t you do it in the for the past 11 years Crystal pavilion?’

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Gardens has donated a potted tree,” she said. “This year Crystal Gardens donated a really big, gorgeous blue spruce.” “What’s really kind of fun is that people buy things for us to be sure we make as much money as possible for Habitat for Humanity,” Houston said. “Today I was driving around giving people artificial trees to decorate. The trees were from people who bought them at last year’s festival and after the season gave them back to us so we could re-decorate them this year.” Houston said that happens quite a bit and it fits in with Habitat’s goals of house building – using recycleable and recycled materials whenever available to make houses safer, warmer and dryer. “We’re on house number 14 in Benzie County, this one in Thompsonville,” she said. “We’re proud to have built houses in the Benzonia, Honor and Thompsonville areas.” Houston said the Festival of Trees committee starts meeting in the summer, then works through the festival, which is always Thanksgiving weekend, and then has a follow-up meeting to figure out if anything needs to change for the following year. “My husband and I have a storage unit where we keep the things people donate,” she said. “They go to the sales after Christmas to buy the 50% off lights and ornaments and donate them to us. Right now I have a bag of lights in my car and another artificial tree.” Houston said she’s particularly pleased with efforts to perpetuate this spirit of giving.

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Decorated fresh and artificial Christmas trees are part of the draw of the Festival of Trees at the Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum. (Courtesy photo)

The 2020 Festival of Trees was held in an outdoor pavilion owned by the Benzie Area Historical Museum. (File photo)

“Steve Graetz, the new principal at Crystal Lake Elementary, through one of our volunteers employed there, Anne Fitch-Clark, wants every student to understand the kind of good Habitat does for the community. All of the students are going to be involved with the festival and will learn about Habitat for Humanity.

“We’ve always had teachers and classrooms involved, but starting this year every teacher and every student will be involved.” Further information is available at benziehabitat. ort/festival-of-trees and also on Facebook at Benzie Habitat for Humanity Festival of Trees.

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Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot Wishbook

Countywide Christmas lighting event returns for second year

Sparkle in the Park won first place among nonprofits in the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Manistee County Community Christmas event in 2020.(File photo)

Manistee County Community Christmas will run from Nov. 26 to Dec. 31 this year.(Courtesy photo)

...and make it a Merry Christmas for our Furry Friends too! The Benzie County Record Patriot is teaming up with the Benzie County Animal Welfare League to help keep the shelves stocked at their facility.

They are accepting unopened dog and cat food as well as unopened kitty litter and pans, treats, toys, collars, leashes - anything to help the pet and its new owner. ...and make it a Merry Christmas for our Furry Friends too! Please drop off your donations at our new office at Grow Benzie 5885 Frankfort Highway • Benzonia, MI 49616 • Monday - Friday 9am-1pm • 52 WEEKS A YEAR!!

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By Ken Grabowski For the Record Patriot

each week. Batjka said they also will put a copy of the map There isn't anything online that people can that spreads the holiday print out from their home cheer more this time of the if they want to go address year than to see brightly to address to see them lit Christmas decorations all. The public will get the throughout the county. opportunity to vote on what Last year when the they feel is the best entry in COVID-19 pandemic each of the four categories. limited what people could “It’s all designed to get do to celebrate the holiday that community spirit up so season, the Manistee Area people can travel all around Chamber of Commerce instituted the first Manistee the county with their families or relatives and County Community just see all these beautiful Christmas event to pick light displays,” said Batjka. up everyone's spirits. They “We wanted to get it started invited the whole county for the Thanksgiving Day to decorate their homes, weekend because a lot of businesses and churches with decorations and it went people will be in town at that time.” over so well that they are Those entering the contest making it an annual event. have the opportunity to The event is designed with win some prizes for their three objectives in mind: efforts. Manistee County to spread holiday cheer by Cash which can be used at decorating the community, any of the 35 participating to support local businesses businesses in the program through patronage and will be given to the top buying local, and to give places. The premise is to back to those in need with keep those dollars locally. non-perishable food items “We did prizes last year or donations. with (Manistee County Kristina Bajtka, chamber marketing and membership Cash) and there is basically four categories with the coordinator, said that they businesses competing for a are hoping to draw an even larger group of participants traveling trophy every year that is presently held by last in this year’s event that year’s winner Authentic 231 runs Nov. 26 to Jan.1. They also will create a car parade who said they plan to keep it they told me,” Batjka said route on the chamber's with a laugh. “There is a website to let residents nonprofit category that was know where they can view won last year by Bear Lake’s these decorations. Sparkle in the Park, but any “Basically, we are going nonprofit can put together to do the same thing as a light show to compete for last year and people can the $100 top prize.” sign up on the Chamber There also will be a Facebook page Manistee resident’s category and the County Community top votegetter will earn Christmas as there will be $100 in Manistee County an electronic form or they Cash. can email me at Kristina@ Batjka said she would love ManisteeChamber.com, for to see the program grow the link,” said Batjka. “We where even area schools want everyone to decorate could be a part of the event and we will create a parade route, so to speak. We don’t or enough people from a particular neighborhood route it as we actually use Google Pin and then people where they could give out a will have to use their phones neighborhood award. “We are just trying to get to find the locations.” some legs under it as we When businesses sign had 94 who decorated last up they can choose if they year and this year we are want to be a drop-off site shooting for 200 to take for non-perishable food items that will go to support part in it,” she said. “If we can get some of the schools the Blessing in a Backpack we would love it and create program which feeds a category for that as they children in need on the could even decorate a bus in weekends. Volunteers pack front of the building or any bags with nonperishable food items to send to local number of things. It’s their schools. Students receive creativity and that is what it these items at the end of is all about.”

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot Wishbook

Craft show to return to Frankfort this holiday season By David Yarnell For the Record Patriot

Spoons, forks and other utensils were shaped like sea animals at this 2017 Holly Berry Arts and Crafts Fair vendor's booth.(File photo)

After a year with nearly every single arts and crafts show canceled due to COVID-19, there’s no doubt that the public is really looking forward to this season’s Christmas arts and crafts shows. The Holly Berry Arts and Crafts Fair in Frankfort will be back in full force on Nov. 27, according to Joanne Bartley, executive director of the Frankfort Elberta Chamber of Commerce. “It’s always a fun and festive way to get the holiday gears going,” said Bartley of the show that will be held at Frankfort High School from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. “It’s a great way to start or finish your Christmas shopping because there will be lots of fun holiday items there.” Bartley said they

are hoping to have the usual more than 100 vendors there. Because of continuing COVID concerns, the usual kids games and Santa visit will not take place. There will be horse drawn carriage rides through Frankfort that day while the annual lighting of the community Christmas tree will be held the following weekend, on Dec. 4. “I think everyone’s looking forward to getting back to a little bit normal – looking for something to do and somewhere to go,” Bartley continued. “This is always a great weekend in Frankfort because there are so many people in town for Thanksgiving. Like a lot of things in Frankfort, it’s tradition – to go to the Holly Berry on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.” There will be a $2 admission charge for the

event, which includes a raffle ticket the individual can put in a container near an item they would like to win. The winners will be drawn at the conclusion of the fair. Bartley said she is looking forward to a fun and successful holiday season in Frankfort. “We’re going to try to do several different things to help the businesses extend the season,” she said. “The (Downtown Development Authority), the chamber and some local residents are working together to try to create a December activities schedule so people come and enjoy our area.” Further information is available by contacting the Frankfort Elberta Chamber of Commerce at 231-3527251, fcofc@frankfortelberta.comor frankfortelberta.com.

SEE US AT HOLLY BERRY SALE AT FRANKFORT HIGH SCHOOL ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27

New for holiday giving this year

The Benzie Area Zonta Club presents

2022 PASSPORT $25

45 Specials and Free Offers! from local businesses for Dining and Recreational Activities, Products and Services

Visitors to the Holly Berry Arts and Crafts Fair check out wooden bowls, just one of the many unique handmade gifts available from vendors.(File photo)

BEAR LAKE: Lakeside Café, Pleasanton Valley Greenhouses. BEULAH/BENZONIA: COGNiTiON Science & Discovery Center, Cold Creek Inn, Crystal Lake Golf Course, East Shore Market, Eden Hill Greenhouse, Five Shores Brewery, Fortress Security, Hill Top Soda Shoppe, Hungry Tummy Restaurant, L’Chayim (Beulah), Lucky Dog Bar and GrIille, Mary’s Asian Cuisine, Nugent Ace Hardware, Stapleton’s Corner Store, St. Ambrose Cellars, Ursa Major Bistro, Victoria’s Floral Design. FRANKFORT: Crystal Gardens, Crystal Lake Alpaca Boutique, East Shore 2 Go, Lynn & Perin Mercantile, L’Chayim (Frankfort), The Manitou Restaurant, Oliver Art Center. Jim’s Joint BBQ, Jodi’s Tangled Antler, Fallen Timbers, Northern Auto & Tire, Rich’s Roadside Café, Riverside Canoe Trips, Sleeping Bear General Store - Orion’s Pizza on the Platte, Sweet’s Bar & Grill, Tipsy Canoe & Brew. THOMPSONVILLE: Geno’s Sport’ Bar & Grill. INTERLOCHEN/KARLIN/LAKE ANN:.A.Papanos Pizza, MI Coffee LLC , Mikowski’s Meat Market & Deli, Mimi’s Taqueria, Mistwood Golf Course, Moe’s Better Burger, Papa J’s Lake Ann, The Bread Lady. BENZIE COUNTY: Wendy McDaniel.

To order a passport send a check for $25 for each Passport ordered to Benzie Area Zonta Club, P.O. Box 108, Benzonia, MI 49616 And please include your Name, Mailing Address, email address, and phone number

Questions? email us at benziezonta@hotmail.com

Horse drawn carriage rides from Fantail Farms are part of the Holly Berry Arts and Crafts event at Frankfort High School.(File photo)

Special thanks to these businesses for cash donations to support our printing costs and advertizing. Cherry Hut Restaurant, Roadhouse Restuaaurant, Abramson Dentistry, Nye Plumbing & Heating, Gillison Excavating, Honor Bank-Benzonia branch, Honor Building Supply, Musgrave Dentistry, Scarbrough Family Eyecare, Shop “N” Save, Stapleton Realty, Watson Benzie

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot Wishbook

A manger scene was part of the animated light display in 2020 in downtown Beulah, which was created by Beulah residents Craig and Paula Harris with the help of the Beulah Boosters. (File photo)

Organization working to make Beulah festive for the holidays By David Yarnell For the Record Patriot Although many of the events that would usually be part of Christmas Magic in Beulah will not be held this year, the Crystal Lake Community Business Association is busy doing what it can to keep the tradition going. “Sadly, we are

not able to hold our Christmas Magic event this year,” said Vicki Carpenter of the business association. “The majority of the activities are held inside and focus on young children and Santa, and with the current COVID situation, it's not something we feel we can offer safely. “We are, however,

working on a form of celebration to coincide with the computerized light/music show at the courtyard at the Lucky Dog Bar and Grille.” Carpenter said the organization does not yet have a date or place for the celebration, but that information will soon be available at the organization’s website, clcba.org.

“The show at the Lucky Dog was quite wonderful last year.” Carpenter said. “Cars would pull up, park and unload kids and adults who would dance to the show in the street. There also is a radio station you can tune to to listen to the program as you watch from your car.” The Lucky Dog is located at 223 South

Benzie Boulevard in Beulah. The light show is organized by Ray Knox and is currently seeking to raise $1,000 through Go Fund Me to improve the show, which runs from midDecember through Christmas. Carpenter added that her organization and local scouts work together to put up Christmas trees in

the area and that the downtown looks very festive with snowflake light pole decorations, decorated trees on light poles, and decorated storefronts. Further information is available from the Crystal Lake Community Business Association at 231383-1120 or clcba.org.

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Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot Wishbook

Sparkle in the Park to light up Bear Lake By Ken Grabowski For the Record Patriot

road by the pavilion in the park where people can make a donation. During the course of the “We had a little box for year, every community puts many years until last year, on special events that tug at when we had to empty that a the hearts of their residents couple times a night because and visitors like a Hallmark people were putting in so moment. many donations they couldn’t The Bear Lake Promoters fit anymore in the small box,” have been creating such an said Jaquish. “So we put up event for the past 17 years the two mailboxes this year, during the holiday season but holy smokes when you see when they light up Hopkins things like that it really makes Park and the surrounding area you feel good.” with thousands of Christmas Jaquish said they also get lights. The event is called nice notes from the people Sparkle in the Park by name, saying how much they enjoy but to the thousands who view the displays. She said hearing it each year it is pure magic. those things also helps make This year Sparkle in the Park the hard work in preparing for takes place from 5 -10 p.m. it so much easier. nightly from Nov. 26 until A heartwarming part of the Dec. 31. There is no official annual event, according to admission cost, but there is Jaquish, is to see family units a place where donations can come down and either drive be made to help defray the through Hopkins Park or park electrical costs of the event. their car to take a leisurely Pauline Jaquish, of the stroll past the entries. Bear Lake Promoters, said it “We have holiday music takes a tremendous amount playing at three different sites of preparation and work each and it’s really cool to watch year to produce Sparkle in the interaction,” she said. “A the Park. However, when the lot of people call this Bear switch goes on lighting it all up Lake’s Hallmark moment and for the first time, it makes the on any night the weather is hard effort worthwhile. good that parking lot is filled "The park has 30 campsites and people who are walking that will be full with displays through the park. That is a and then we put in 20-plus good thing and if we charged a more locations where we price that probably wouldn’t be can get a cord to it in the happening as much.” park," said Jaquish. "Just the People from many locations promoters themselves have around the state inquire each 90,000 lights that will be going year about when Sparkle in the up and that doesn't include all Park is open so they can come the others coming in to set up." and see it. They also plan displays “I get calls about Sparkle in above the park in the former the Park from (near) Grand variety store lot. Rapids, Petoskey, Traverse “We have been spilling out City, Ludington and Cadillac into the town just because we as it has really grown,” said have a lot of stuff to use,” she Jaquish. said. “I am just really happy for Last year Sparkle in the Park all the people who put in the was awarded two top 10 places effort to decorate their homes in Best Holiday Light Show in and businesses as that speaks the state. well of our community.” “That was a first for us Jaquish said the event would and now that they got us on never have been able to grow their radar hopefully we can like it has without the great keep that status going,” said generosity of those who view Jaquish. it every year. That giving spirit On opening night they will provides the opportunity for be awarding the Best of Show less fortunate members of out of all the people other than the community to take their the Bear Lake Promoters who children to view it as well. put up their own displays. "People have been generous There is a first place ($100 throughout the years and there Bear Lake Bucks), second are some people who I know place ($75 Bear Lake Bucks) who wouldn't come through to and third place ($50 Bear see it once each year because Lake Bucks). Those can be they couldn't afford to pay an redeemed at any Bear Lake admission fee each time and business. those kids in that car need The residential and business to come down as often as contest will be announced Dec. 12. To register a site on possible," said Jaquish. "That or before Dec. 10, call Rita is what we see so much of Brisbin at 231-930-4759. The every year.” prizes to the top three spots She pointed out there is a will be in the same amount. mailbox on each side of the

Thirty campsites at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake will be decorated and lit up for the annual Sparkle in the Park, which is open to the public from 5-10 p.m. nightly from Nov. 26 until Dec. 31. (File photo)

Campsites at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake will be decorated and lit up for the annual Sparkle in the Park from Nov. 26 until Dec. 31. (File photo)

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Frankfort church to host cookie sale in lieu of annual Silver Tea By David Yarnell For the Record Patriot

The Silver Tea has been a traditional way to bring families together at the First Congregational Church of Frankfort for many years, perhaps starting in the early 1900s, for an afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches and holiday baked goods. However for a second year, due to the pandemic, the Silver Tea will not be held in the traditional way on the first Saturday in December. But, part of the tradition will be carried on in the form of a special cookie sale. “Last year we did the cookies because we couldn’t have the tea and it was a great success,” said First Congregational pastor Dinah Haag. “There were all kinds of cookies, very nice holiday cookies. “We definitely hope to get back to normal with the Silver Tea next year,” she continued, “but who knows, maybe the cookie sale is something we will keep doing.” Cookie customers sign up in advance for the number of cookies they would like and the church will have them ready

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot Wishbook

for pickup on that first Saturday, Dec. 4. “The cookies are all homemade, which is a big draw, and they are packaged in such a way that they can be a very nice gift,” Haag said. According to some of the older congregation members, the Silver Tea may have started as something for the women to do when hunting season started. It is also thought that the church was looking to do something with a wonderful silver tea set donated to the church many years ago. Through the years the Silver Tea became a way for families to gather together before the start of the Christmas rush Haag noted that the congregation’s worship services have been mostly back to normal since February. “We’ve been having in-person worship since then and it has been working out well,” she said. “Our regular service is at 10:30 a.m. and masks are welcome but not mandatory. Some people wear them and some people don’t – it changes from week to week.” Further information on the cookie sale Christmas cookies, baked by church volunteers, were sold by the pound in the past at the is available by calling the church at 231- First Congregational Church’s Silver Tea pre-Christmas celebration. This year, the cookie 352-7909. sale is being held in lieu of the Silver Tea. (File photo)

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Every dollar you spend at home does the work of $5.00. Market analysts say a dollar spent in a local business will circulate five times through the local community. A dollar spent out of town is gone forever.

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