Your guide to the holidays …
Unwra
p the Flavor This Holiday
Happy Holidays Section A
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Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
Plenty to do this holiday season 11 a.m.-7 p.m., shopping in downtown Ludington; Christmas tree lot, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., James Street Plaza; holiday market, 4-7 p.m., James Community ThanksgivStreet Plaza; pre-parade ing dinner, noon-2 p.m., warmup, 4-6 p.m., LudingEmanuel Lutheran Church, ton Library; holiday parade, 6 501 E. Danaher St., Ludington p.m., downtown Ludington; Rotary holiday aucvisit with Santa after parade, tion, 6-9 p.m., Lincoln Hills Sandcastles Children’s MuGolf Club, Ludington (Photo seum) Small Business Saturday above.) Scottville kicks off its Elf Festival of Lights, Pentwater (Advent Market and craft on a Shelf and Candy Cane fair, St. Vincent’s Hall, 10 a.m.Lane promotions in down3 p.m.; Pentwater Merchant Sleighbell Weekend, town Scottville open houses, noon-6 p.m.; Manistee (A Lilliputian ChristAglow on the Avenue holiChristmas stories at Storymas, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Manistee day events, downtown Ludbook Village, 3-6 p.m.; meet Historical Museum; James ington (Breakfast with Santa, Santa, cookies and hot chocDempsey Mansion tours, 1 9 a.m.-noon, Old Hamlin; olate, 5 p.m.; carolers 5 p.m.; p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.; cigar holiday craft show, 10 a.m.-4 horsedrawn carriage rides, 5 tasting, 5 p.m., Surroundings) p.m., Ludington Area Center p.m.; Pentwater Alumni basfor the Arts, 107 S. Harrison ketball game, 6 p.m.) CONtinued… St.; Small Business Saturday,
Holiday calendar of events for 2015.
November 26
December 2
November 28
December 3
There are plenty of chances to meet Santa, share a Christmas wish and take a photo.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
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Holiday events 2015 continued December 4
Sleighbell Weekend, Manistee (A Lilliputian Christmas, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Manistee Historical Museum; Cookie decorating, 11-8 p.m., Manistee Inn and Marina; Festival of Trees, 1-8 p.m., Ramsdell Theatre Ballroom; James Dempsey Mansion tours, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.; For the Love of Children and Chocolate Sleighbell Chocolate Shop, 3-7 p.m., 318 River St.; Brass Ensembles, 5 p.m., 390 River St.; Downtown Manistee soup cook-off, 4-6:30 p.m., results 7 p.m.)
Your favorite corner store makes christmas gift giving easY! Make this Holiday Season One To Remember With a unique handcrafted Gourmet, Specialty or Custom Gift Basket from Hamlin Grocery!
Santa’s Workshop is Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at FloraCraft.
390 River St.; Christmas Tea at the Buckley, 2-4 p.m., 450 Cedar St.; Santa’s Headquarters, 2-5 p.m., Manistee Municipal Marina; Reindeer “Meet and Greet,” 3-5 p.m., 378 River Santa’s Workshop, 11 St.; Jingle Mingle, 4:30 p.m., a.m. to 2 p.m., pictures with Ramsdell Inn, $50; Roasted Santa, Christmas crafts, storychestnuts, 4:30-7:30 p.m., time with Mrs. Claus, games, downtown Manistee on River mail letters to Santa, ChristSt.; Merry trombones, 4:30 mas cookies, and all children p.m., 390 River St.; Victorian on the nice list leave with a sleighbell parade, 5:30 p.m., special gift from Santa, FloraRiver St., downtown ManCraft, 1 W. Longfellow Place, istee; fireworks after parade; Ludington (enter from HarJingle Bell Jam concert, 6:30 rison Street) p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. start, Manistee Old Christmas Manistee Eagles Aerie No. Weekend (Jingle Bell Jog 5k 1675, 55 Division St.) run/walk, 10 a.m., Kennedy Fountain Christmas Elementary, registration $22; celebration, 5-7 p.m., Village Sleighbell Bazaar and Craft of Fountain, Santa arrives to Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Manlight the tree at 5:15 p.m. istee High School; A Lilliputian Christmas, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Manistee County Historical Museum; Lumberjack lunSleighbell Weekend, cheon, cookie decoration, 11 Manistee (A Lilliputian Christa.m.- 1 p.m., First Congregamas, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Manistee tional Church, $8 per person; County Historical Museum; Cookie decorating, 11 a.m.-8 festival of trees, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Manistee Inn and Map.m., Ramsdell Theatre Ballrina; carriage rides down River room; James Dempsey ManSt., noon-4 p.m., 356 River St.; sion tours, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 For the Love of Children and p.m.; Lessons and Carols, 3 Chocolate Sleighbell Chocop.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, late Shop, noon-7 p.m., 318 420 Oak St.) N. River St.; historic tour of Christmas by Candlelight, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 7 p.m., Centenary United noon-2 p.m. 313 Fourth St.; Methodist Church, 82 S. HanFestival of Trees, 1-8 p.m., cock St., Pentwater Ramsdell Theater Ballroom; James Dempsey Mansion tours, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.; Coping with the holidays, brass ensemble, 1:30 p.m.,
December 5
December 6
December 9
1-2:30 p.m., Hospice of Michigan, 5177 W. US 10, ste. 2, Ludington
December 11
Scottville Kids Christmas party, 1-3 p.m., games, balloon animals, stories, Optimist Hall.
December 19
Home for Christmas, 6:30 p.m., free concert, Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 108 S. Harrison St., Ludington
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December 24 Community Dinner, 4 to 6 p.m. Radiant Church, 409 S. Washington Ave., Ludington
December 25
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December 28, 29, 30 Special holiday hours, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Sandcastles Children’s Museum, 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington
December 31
New Year’s Eve party, 5-8 p.m., Sandcastles Children’s Museum, 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. $35 per family or $10 per person New Year’s Eve ball drop, events begin at 9:30 p.m. James Street clock tower
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Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
Community Christmas celebrations
Twenty-eight Michigan crafters are expected at this year’s Holiday Craft Show at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts Nov. 28
Ludington will be Aglow on the Avenue
Santa will meet with children after the tree is lighted in Fountain on Dec. 5
Santa to light Fountain tree The Village of Fountain welcomes Santa Saturday, Dec. 5 during an evening that also features lighting of the big Christmas tree next to the fire station, caroling, a live nativity and hot chocolate and enough cookies to satisfy even the hungriest Cookie Monster. According to Shirley Chancellor, the 5 to about 7 p.m. event will be much like the successful one last year with Santa arriving, most likely by fire truck, at 5:15 p.m. He will light the tree and then meet with children to hear their Christmas wishes. Mrs. Claus is expected to accompany Santa. The popular miniature horse and sleigh will be on hand with what Chancellor describes as another surprise. Victory Baptist Church will present a live nativity during the event. Coffee, hot chocolate, and “cookies,
cookies, cookies” will be available in the Fountain Fire Department station. Community members bake dozens and dozens of cookies for the event. Any leftovers are added to bags the fire department and auxiliary put together for shut-ins in the community. “For the elderly people that are alone it’s a nice thing,” Chancellor said. “It’s got a community feel to it and that’s what we wanted to keep,” Chan- Cookies galore at Fountain event. And the cellor said. miniature horse will be back.
Aglow on the Avenue takes place Saturday, Nov. 28, in downtown Ludington. Events include breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon at Old Hamlin Restaurant (bring your camera and take a photo) and concludes with the holiday parade through downtown at 6 p.m. After the parade Santa heads to Sandcastles Children’s Museum to meet with kids (another bring your camera event). Santa, who will arrive in a horse drawn carriage, will stop on the Aglow on the Avenue parade route to light the community Christmas tree in the James Street Plaza. The Shop With a Cop campaign will be handing out chili donated by local businesses for a donation to the program that has local law enforcement taking kids in need shopping for Christmas. Chili serving begins at 5:30 p.m. in front of Sportsman’s Restaurant. Nov. 28 is also Small Business Saturday with downtown shopping from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Consumers are urged to visit local mer-
chants and see what small businesses have to offer. “When you shop local, more than 50 percent of the money stays in the community,” Jen Tooman, downtown communications and marketing manager, said. Stores have been encouraged to decorate. A contest was held for the best decorated window. Participants were to reveal their windows, which in recent days had been papered over, on Nov. 25. You can pick out your Christmas tree that day at a special Christmas tree lot in the James Street Plaza from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Local grower Needlefast Farms will be selling their trees. The plaza is also the site of an open air market, weather permitting, from 3 to 7 p.m. that will feature four crafters offering paintings, art, Christmas ornaments and Christmas decorations. From noon to 4 p.m., three acoustic acts will play Christmas music in the plaza, again as long as it doesn’t rain — snow is OK, Tooman said. Continued …
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Ludington’s Aglow on the Avenue parade is Saturday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.
Aglow on the Avenue Continued …
Letters to Santa dropped in this box next to Spindrift Cyclesports in the James Street Plaza will be answered by Santa.
Ludington’s community tree is in the James Street plaza.
Branch, Shelby, Muskegon, Cadillac, Hesperia, KalamTooman will set up a Lud- azoo, Lansing, Reed City, ington Downtown booth Clare, Baldwin, Hart, Fruitin plaza which will be giv- port, and Ludington. Media ing away 400 canvas shop- include paintings, artwork, ping bags. Inside each will photography, soy soaps and be am entry form for a prize lotions, soy candles, carved package worth $1,000 from eggshells, goats milk soaps, downtown businesses. Get honey, maple syrup, birch another entry form with re- designs, jewelry, character ceipt from the dining or hats, puzzles, mittens, aushopping purchases down- thors, fiber art, and wood. Admission to the craft show town now through Dec. 12. is a $1 donation.
LACA CRAFT SHOW
The Ludington Area Center for the 7th Annual Arts Holiday Craft Show features 28 Michigan artists and crafters from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center, 107 S. Harrison Street. The show has been revamped with exhibitors in the main gallery, vestibule lobby, and downstairs room and hall. In addition, the traditional Resale Shoppe will be located in the performance hall this year. The LACA Gift Shop will also be open. Participating artists and crafters are coming from
Letters to Santa Downtown Ludington and the Ludington Daily News have teamed up for a Letters to Santa effort. Have your child or grandchild drop a letter off in the red mailbox next to Spindrift Cycle in the James Street Plaza and they’ll receive a letter back from Santa. How cool is that? Ludington’s highly popular New Year’s Eve Ball Drop countdown party begins at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31 downtown and concludes with fireworks after midnight. (See related story in section B.)
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Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
Oh, Christmas tree … Real trees still a tradition for many
BY KEVIN BRACISZESKI DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
R
Another tradition is outdoor Christmas decorations and lighting displays. Some area residents go all out.
Holiday e l a S r e n Recli ! w o N n o g Goin
eal Christmas trees fill many American homes with evergreen smells during the holiday season, but most Christmas presents are again expected to be placed under artificial trees this year. Mason County grower Jim Nickelson, however, does raise and sell thousands of real trees each year. Nickelson owns Needlefast Evergreens on Hansen Road and raises trees on about 300 acres. He sells most of his trees wholesale, although he also sells locally from his Hansen Road location. He sold about 19,000 trees in 2013, about 20,000 in 2014 and expects to sell 22,000 to 23,000
trees this year. The market is real good right now,” Nickelson said. “Part of that is there are fewer growers.” His main competition comes from North Carolina, which Nickelson said was oversupplied with Fraser firs — his most popular tree — during the past few years. “North Carolina was oversupplied the last three or four years but now they’ve gone through it so the supply is not exceeding demand now,” he said. He estimated that 80 percent of his sales are Fraser firs, which he said are very fragrant and have good needle retention. Fraser fir sales for Needlefast are followed by Douglas firs and balsam firs for 8 percent each and Scotch pines for 2 percent with spruce trees making up
only a small portion of his sales. Nickelson said he usually starts cutting trees after seven years and tries to clear parcels within 10 years. Most of his Mason County trees are sold wholesale and shipped as far west as Omaha, Nebraska, and as far south as San Antonio, Texas. Nickelson said he does ship trees into Ohio and northern Kentucky, although he faces competition in the east because of the North Carolina growers. He ships those wholesale trees in November because his customers want them to arrive a couple days before Thanksgiving. Nickelson said this year’s weather was nicer than last years, especially for harvesting. “It was a little warm one week,
but compared to last year, it was a dream,” he said.
Michigan trees The state ranks in third place for production of Christmas trees with about 2 million sold each year, according to Jill O’Donnell, education officer for the Michigan State University Extension. Oregon is the top producer with 6.5 million trees and North Carolina produces 4.3 million trees. O’Donnell said there are 560 Christmas tree farms in Michigan covering about 27,000 acres. Oceana County ranks high in the state with 2,000 acres of tree farms. Manistee County has about 1,000 acres while Mason County has 600 acres and Lake County has 110 acres.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
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Tips for keeping Christmas trees fresh • Make sure your tree is well supplied with water. This will keep it fresh and fire resistant. • A tree can absorb up to a gallon of water within its first 24 hours, so make sure you use a stand that holds at least that amount of water. • Before you put the tree in its stand, make a straight cut across the base of the trunk. The tree will drink more. • Make sure your stand is filled with water. Sap will form over the stump within six hours and it will prevent the tree from absorbing water. If this happens, you will need to make another cut at the base of the stump. • Make sure your tree is
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away from any home appliance or area that causes heat or drafts. This includes fireplaces, radiators, vents and entertainment components, such as televisions and stereos. • Do not decorate your tree with any material that is flammable, such as paper and cotton. Also, keep your tree away from burning candles and other open flames. • Make sure the lights you plan to place on your tree are in working order. Also be sure not to overload your electric outlets. • Be sure to unplug the lights before you leave your tree unattended. — Information provided by doityourself.com
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Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
Happy Holidays Section B
A special publication of the Ludington Daily News
Here comes Santa Claus ....
Santa Express coming to town Dec. 14 For the eighth year, Marquette Rail will be bringing Santa and Mrs. Claus to communities along its line, where they will hand out candy to good girls and boys from the Santa Express. Children (and adults) of all ages are welcome. Marquette Rail has again partnered with Jim Nickelson’s Christmas trees of Ludington to help distribute trees at each stop to lucky drawNew Year’s Eve been Ballpre-selected. Drop in Ludington ing winners who have Marquette Rail will operate its eighth annual Santa Express on Saturday, Dec. 14, between Grand Rapids, Ludington and Manistee, following the schedule. The train begins in Comstock Park and ends its run in Manistee, with stops at:
Happy Holidays Section B
• Bitely, arriving at 1:35 p.m. and leaving at 1:45 p.m. (Main Street crossing) • Baldwin, arriving at 2:05 p.m. and leaving at 2:25 p.m. (Baldwin Depot/off Astor Road) • Scottville, arriving at 3:15 p.m. and leaving 3:30 p.m. (Main Street crossing) • Ludington, arriving at 3:50 p.m. and leaving at 4:15 p.m. (First Street crossing) • Fountain, arriving at 5:20 p.m. and leaving at 5:45 p.m. (Main Street crossing) • Free Soil, arriving at 6:05 p.m. and leaving at 6:20 p.m. (Free Soil Road crossing) • Stronach, arriving at 6:40 p.m. and leaving at 6:55 p.m. (Main Street crossing) • Manistee, arriving at 7:20 p.m.. and leaving at 7:35 p.m. (River Street crossing)
Sportsman’s Fireplace room decorated with all Laurie’s creativity for the season or you can have your own bar with Barley and Rye! We can accomodate any group, and we have a large special menu to choose from! Call today and ask for Shelly 231.843.2138 and make it easy on yourself this Christmas season by letting us do all the work!
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Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop It’s Pure Ludington, for sure
L
When the colored lighted ball touches down on Ludington Avenue at James Street at midnight marking the New Year, fireworks are shot off over downtown Ludington.
udington’s highly popular New Year’s Eve Ball Drop countdown party begins at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31 downtown and concludes with fireworks after midnight. In between is a very social time in downtown Ludington, with music, a roped off area that’s family friendly and open to enjoying beer and wine purchased on site. The New Year’s Eve commemorative glass and tokens package is available to purchase online at downtownludington. org/nye. TheLudington Beverage sponsored entertainment tent in the James Street Plaza will have beer and wine for sale. An area will be roped off for the event. Pure Ludington and the Convention and Visitors Bureau sponsor the event. A lot of shops will be open with late hours Dec. 31. Excitement grows as the evening progresses. The lighted, color-changing ball hangs from a crane over the intersection of Ludington Avenue and James Street. A clock on Luciano’s Ristorante nearby runs down to midnight.
Crowds start lining up around the intersection of James Street and Ludington Avenue as midnight approaches. As the midnight hour nears, the crowd swells around the intersection below the ball. As the ball begins its descent, excitement increases and the final 10 seconds are counted down by everyone present. When the ball touches the ground and the Happy 2016 message flashes, fireworks are shot off from above Sportsman’s. Many people mill around and take selfies in front of the ball, still lighted, to bring the night to a close. “It started out as an event for the locals and it’s really grown,” Jen Tooman, downtown communications and marketing manager, said. “People travel here for it now.
You look at the picture of all those people watching the ball drop ... everyone is having a grand time. It’s a fun event, a warm, fuzzy feeling in a small town.” With a nod to it being winter, she added, “sometimes you need to have to make your own warm.” There will also be a New Year’s Eve party, Dec. 31 from 5-8 p.m., at Sandcastles Children’s Museum, 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. $35 per family or $10 per person.
New Year’s Day Resolution Run On New Yea’rs day is the 5k New Year’s Resolution Run at a 11 a.m. at North Star Chiropractic on South James.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
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Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
An outdoors enthusiast’s list By Brian Mulherin Daily News Staff Writer
I
f you love someone who loves the outdoors, the best gift you can give is the gift of warm, dry feet. In my book, it doesn’t get better than a quality woolblend sock like SmartWool socks. They might seem pricey compared to the bundles of six pairs of “hunting socks” at the big box stores, but they’re head and shoulders above most anything else out there. What follows are a list of some of my other suggestions for Christmas gifts. •Gloves. It’s no fun having cold hands, no matter the activity. I have one pair of gloves on my Christmas list — again — this year. They’re called Kast Steelhead gloves and they’re the warmest, most water-proof gloves you’re likely to find. •Flashlights are a big deal. If you’re a hunter or an angler, a good, bright compact flashlight can be a lifesaver. I know it’s a budget buster
to spend $100 or more on a light, but if you have to track a deer, take a hook out of a flopping salmon’s mouth or find your way out of the woods, you’ll realize that the new-generation LED flashlights are incredibly good and absolutely worth it. I’ve got an Olympia RG850 and I won’t leave home without it when I’m hunting or night fishing. • While it might seem cool to have all your books on your phone, I’m still a guy who likes to turn the pages on a real book now and then. This year I’ve had three good ones come across my desk: “Hunting Northwoods Bucks” by Steve Heiting, “A Walk in the Animal Kingdom” by Jerry Dennis and the 20th Anniversary Edition of “Great Michigan Buck Tales Vol. 1” by Richard P. Smith. • We may not get much ice this year, but that’s no
reason to use sub-standard equipment. If you’re tired of your worn out spring-bobber not staying in place on your favorite ice rod, try an Ice Strong Titanium Spring Bobber. They might seem pricey, but they’ll hold up to all the panfish you can find, year after year. • Although it’s winter, it’s never too early to think about open water fishing. First, we may have an extended trolling season for steelhead locally, which means that Flatfish and Kwikfish lures should be in every angler’s stocking. Looking ahead to spring, pick up some quality fishing spoons from local companies. Two of my favorites are Yeck’s Fireball (with earrings) and Dreamweaver’s Mixed Veggie SS. Both will catch plenty of brown trout and steelhead for the angler in your family. You can also never go wrong with a Rapala F11 Minnow in silver and black, silver and blue, silver and chartreuse or gold and black.
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
Jim Nickelson's
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• Fraser Fir • Douglas Fir • ConColor Fir • Blue spruCe We will be Downtown at the James St Plaza on Small Business Saturday. November 28th
Opening Nov. 27th!
Wreaths Across America The American Legion Post 76 Riders will be placing wreaths on area veterans’ graves on Dec. 12. The event, part of Wreaths Across America Day, will be commemorated by a memorial ceremony at noon Dec. 12 at the veterans’ memorial wall at Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
Jaycees selling Koeze Nuts The Ludington Area Jaycees are selling Koeze Nuts. Pick up a catalog at Brenda’s Specialty Burger, 124 S. Main St., Scottville; Big Boy Restaurant, 5275 W. U.S. 10, Lud-
ington; or Ludington Area Catholic Fall Arts and Crafts Show on Nov. 21 at St. Simon Church Family Center, 700 E. Bryant Road. Buyers can also call Tina Holey at (231)
398-8566 or e-mail jayceesfundraiser@gmail.com for a catalog. Thanksgiving orders must be received by Nov. 16 and Christmas orders by Dec. 14 for on-time delivery.
4075 Hansen Rd., Ludington 845-6383 • 845-6746
1 1/4 mile North of Ludington Ave. on Jebavy 2 miles East on Rasmussen Rd/Hansen Rd, South side.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
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Festival of Lights in Pentwater
S
Free carriage rides through Pentwater are offered on Nov. 28.
anta Claus will arrive in Pentwater on Saturday, Nov. 28, escorted to the Village Green by the Pentwater Fire Department at 5 p.m. during the Festival of Lights. Santa will be available for visits and photos immediately following his arrival. Parents are encouraged to bring a camera for photographs with Santa Claus. This event offers a great chance for free family fun while shopping for holiday gifts. There will be carolers from the local churches singing Christmas songs. The tree inside the band shell will be decorated by the local Girl Scouts Troop. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided from Hansen Foods and Fudge & Frosting. Free horse drawn carriage rides will be
from 12-4 p.m. Pentwater contains a myriad of locally owned retail shops, galleries and restaurants that give the area a distinct flair. While shopping in Pentwater, make sure to check out the holiday decorations. Downtown businesses will have participated in a Storefront Decorating Contest and winners will be announced on social media Nov. 27. November 28 schedule 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Advent Market and Craft Fair at St. Santa greets children in the Village Green gazebo with the Pent- Vincent’s Hall 12-6 p.m. Pentwater merwater channel leading to Lake Michigan in the background. chant open houses 3-6 p.m. Christmas stoPublic Schools to help raise available to transport you, ries at Storybook Village money for local athletes. your family and friends up 5 p.m. Meet Santa, cookies The ladies’ game will start at and down Hancock Street. and hot chocolate 6 p.m. with the men’s game Christmas stories will be 5 p.m. Carolers immediately to follow. told at Storybook Village 5 p.m. Horse drawn carThe annual Merchants from 3-6 p.m. Open Houses take place Sat- riage rides The Pentwater Athletic 6 p.m. Pentwater alumni Boosters will host its annual urday, Nov. 28 from 12 to 6 basketball game p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 29, alumni games at Pentwater
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Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
Now that Thanksgiving is at hand, more and more outdoor Christmas lights displays like this one on Dennis Road north of U.S. 10 from last year likely will be appearing.
Look for Elves in Scottville
The holiday season is often a time to remember and reflect on the special people who have touched our lives. This year, honor or remember loved ones by placing a light on Lights and Love Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital holiday tree. The tree will be located on the south lawn of the hospital. A minimum donation of
Thursday, Dec. 3. The time was not determined by press time. Look in the regular edition of the Ludington Daily News for the latest information. The Scottville Optimist Club will hold its annual party with Santa at the Optimist Hall from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with games, balloon animals and stories.
Here’s a Real Holiday
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Scottville kicks off its Elf on a Shelf and Candy Cane Lane promotions in downtown Scottville on Saturday, Nov. 30 as part of Small Business Saturday. Elves will be placed in various stores, in different places and when people come in to shop they can look for the elf and get an entry into the drawing The tree lighting is
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ington digital sign, on the hospital’s website, in the hospital’s main lobby and local media outlets. Your light will glow from Nov. 30 through Jan. 11, but your donation will last a lifetime as it impacts the families in our community. All gifts will benefit the Family Birthing Center.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
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| Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Community Christmas dinner moves to Dec. 24 at Radiant Church The traditional community Christmas dinner has a lot of changes this year. The free event is for everyone and will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24
at Radiant Church, 409 S. Washington Ave., Ludington. If you are homebound and would like to have a meal delivered, call or email the Radiant Church office by Dec.
22 to place your order, 8459596, dinner@radiantcoast. org. Radiant Church will also be hosting a candlelight Christmas Eve worship ser-
vice at 6:30 p.m. and it is open for all to attend. Volunteers are needed for the dinner, from prep work, cooking, serving, delivering food to hosting and clean-
ing. Call or email the church to get involved. Previously, the community Christmas dinner was held on Christmas Day at Emanuel Lutheran Church. That
dinner no longer will take place and volunteers and those who were planning on the traditional meal are being directed to this Christmas Eve event.
Santa makes an elegant arrival during the nonmotorized Sleighbell Parade on River Street in Manistee Dec. 5.
Rekindling Victorian memories in Manistee Victorian Sleighbell and Old Christmas Weekend takes one back in time
After the Sleighbell parade ends and the tree that travels the route is lighted on River Street near the fountain at the western side of downtown Manistee, there’s caroling followed by fireworks.
MANISTEE — “Step back in time as you take part in one of Michigan’s most unique holiday celebrations,” is how the Manistee DDA describes the Dec. 3 through 6 Victorian Sleighbell and Old Christmas Weekend in downtown Manistee. The highlights include the Victorian Sleighbell Parade with horse drawn entries, bagpipers, dog sled teams and carolers dressed in Victorian style attire. The highlight of the highlights of the parade are the draft horses
Roasted chestnuts are distributed on River Street as part of the festivities leading up the parade. pulling a 30-foot Christmas tree down River Street followed by a display of fireworks. Other Old Christmas Weekend events include the Festival of Trees, “Joseph
and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” at the Historic Ramsdell Theatre and guided tours of a historic 1894 lumber baron mansion and the remarkable Ramsdell Theatre.
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Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
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Happy Holidays Section C
Inside
Toys regain popularity. Page C5
Give a local book
Decorating ideas. Page C6
By STEVE BEGNOCHE Managing Editor
I
f you’re shopping for something a bit unique, that says something about where you live, consider a locally written book. It’s been a good few years for history buffs.
Making your tree unique. Page C7
See next page
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Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Justus Stearns gave Ludington great gifts, why not give his story? “Justus S. Stearns: Michigan Pine King and Kentucky Coal Baron, 1845 – 1933.” Mike Nagle, West Shore Community College professor of history and polical science, released a well written, well-documented, well-received and interesting book, “Justus S. Stearns: Michigan Pine King and Kentucky Coal Baron, 1845 – 1933.” Published by Wayne State University, the book tells the life of this local business icon who made fortunes in lumber here before expanding into coal mining in Kentucky where the town Stearns, Kentucky, bears his name. Stearns left a large mark on Ludington and Mason County, too, through his philanthropy. In essence, he provided the land for Ludington’s showcase beach, Stearns Park. He also donated his home to be Mason County’s first hospital, Paulina Stearns Hospital, named after his wife. Nagle paints a picture of Stearns as an example of the transition of America from an economy mostly based on extracting resources such as lumber and coal to a manufacturing economy.
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| Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Pictures of Mason County, of Michigan and more “Mason County: 1850-1950” On Oct. 26, Petersen’s latest book in Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series will be released. “Mason County: 1850-1950” touches on the history of the county from about the time settlers began arriving to the start of the more modern era, Petersen said. “We’re looking at vintage photos so it’s a good span of time to take a look at,” Petersen said. The Images of America series is a pictorial approach and Petersen has combed his collection, shared photos from others and filled out the 130-page, $21.99 trade paperback book with images he felt he needed from the collection of the Mason County Historical Society. “I tried to touch on everything could in Mason County,” he said. Online, the book can be ordered at Petersen’s blackcreekpress.com, from the Windowsill Book Store on South James Street, and at Book Mark on the corner of South Rath and Loomis. Peterson also has published “Ludington Carferries” and “Oceana County 1850-1950” through the same Images of America series. Plus, he has other books he’s done available on his website.
THE STORY OF LUDINGTON
Windowsill and BookMark carry other local Images of America books.
WEDNESDAYS IN THE MITTEN The father and son photo team of Todd and Brad Reed this summer published the spectacular fine art photography book “Todd and Brad Reed’s Michigan, Wednesday in the Mitten.” The 250 images in the book are gleaned from the more than 28,000 images the two made on the 53 Wednesdays of the 2014. Fifty -three because the year started and ended on a Wednesday. The photographers used the Ludington Ball Drop as their bookends for an exploration of the Great Lakes State that took them from Rochester in southeastern Michigan to the Eben Ice Caves and beyond in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There are many images of their West Michigan home base, but because of tips and suggestions from friends and people they’ve met, along with their knowledge and interest in places in Michigan, they traveled to locations around the state at times when those places might be seen at their best. Where they went with their Nikon 800D cameras and well developed eye for striking photos are documented in the images that made it into the book, the fourth since they started
Todd and Brad Reed’s new book is an homage to Michigan through great photography such as the cover photo by Brad Reed and and Todd Reed’s photo of Brad dwarfed in an ice cave.
teaming up and doing books while running their downtown Ludington gallery. Like their award winning and successful, “Tuesdays with Todd and Brad Reed,” “Wednesdays in the Mitten” contains photographs shot solely on one day of the week throughout 2014. On about half of the Wednesdays father and son worked
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together. On the other half each went solo. The Reeds also still have paperback copies of “365, A Year in the Photographic Life of Todd and Brad Reed.” Purchase the book at the Todd and Brad Reed Gallery on Ludington Aveneue in downtown Ludington, or order it off their website, www.toddandbradreed.com
Few have so closely watched Ludington history as Paul S. Peterson. The former managing editor of the Ludington Daily News had a front-row seat at the newspaper for 42 years of the community’s history in the second half of the 20th century. A former president and board member of the Mason County Historical Society, and a former board member of the Ludington library who now is in his 12th year on Ludington City Council, the life-long resident of Ludington has long been keen on the community’s history. In 2011, the Mason County Historical Society announced the release of its latest publication, “The Story of Ludington,” written by Peterson. The book is the first comprehensive narrative history of Ludington ever published, covering the exploration and settlement of the community from 1675 through present day. It is available for purchase at the Historic White Pine Village Gift Shop, online as a featured item at the Mason County Historical Society’s webstore, www.mchsstore. org, and also at the Scottville
& Ludington Area Chamber of Commerce office at 3500 W. U.S. 10, and the Epworth museum. The price is $30 plus tax.
Sandhill Mist, Seasons on a Centennial Farm “Sandhill Mist, Seasons on a Centennial Farm” is a collection of beautifully written and evocative describing life on a centennial Mason County farm. It’s not a history book in the sense of the others, but in a way it is. Rosenow writes about farm chores, nature, food, and so much more in terms that paint word pictures as vivid as the photography of Todd and Brad Reed. It’s not in many poetry books one can read a beautifully written poem about the realities of life on a farm. Rosenow, a member of the Ludington Writers group, turns her attention to everything from the seasons of the moon to mice stealing food and chickens losing their heads.
There are many other locally written books. Check out the selection of local and Michigan autors on display at BookMark and Windowsill.
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Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
Keep etiquette in check while celebrating the holidays celebration to an already jam-packed calendar of recitals, cookie exchanges and white elephant parties can be difficult for some people, but unless you have a significant family obligation, you should definitely attend. “View the party as an opportunity to get to know colleagues and the company’s leadership informally,” said Dr. Tatsak. “Also, consider mentally preparing a few topics to discuss throughout the evening to maximize the value of each interaction. You may be surprised by the useful insights you gain from others when you engage with them in an informal setting.” . Use holiday parties In addition, remember to build relationships that even though the event and make a positive is less formal, your behavimpression Adding an office holiday ior while there is still a re-
Every year, the holidays introduce a variety of seasonal dynamics into the already complicated workplace. A time for celebration can quickly turn into confusion, whether attempting to accommodate a growing list of after-hours personal and business festivities or interpreting the often-blurred lines of colleague and management gift-giving. Dr. Jenny Tatsak, professor of business communications at Walsh College, offers three recommendations to navigate the workplace this holiday season, while keeping etiquette in check:
1
Beautify Your Floors!
flection of your professional brand. Err on the side of conservative dress, avoid office gossip and complaints and be sure to keep alcohol intake to a minimum. “You will never wish you drank more at the office holiday party, but you will always regret drinking too much. If you go into the party with this mindset, you will be less likely to overindulge,” said Dr. Tatsak.
leagues, management, vendors and clients. “Gifts don’t have to be expensive or extravagant, but they should be meaningful,” said Dr. Tatsak. “Look for unique items or experiences that will be memorable for the recipient.” Consider purchases that support Michigan-based businesses, such as apparel from The Mitten State or a subscription gift to the Oil & Vinegar of the Month Club from Fustini’s Oils and . Give gifts that give Vinegars. (There are several back to the local busimore ideas on the Pure Michness and charitable igan blog.) You also could arcommunities Unlike other times of the range for your staff to volyear, the holidays present an unteer at a local food pantry organic opportunity to show such as Gleaners or organize appreciation through gift a Toys for Tots drive, which giving. Take the opportunity create opportunities for to maintain and build stron- team building. ger relationships with col-
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. Don’t rely on assumptions to guide your communication, whether verbal or non-verbal It’s easy to get caught in the playful nature of the holiday season, especially in a world full of ugly sweaters and sarcastic holiday cards. What’s important to remember is that assumptions can cause discomfort among colleagues, friends and family. “Not everyone will appreciate comments made in jest or to humor a group. Ensure that your expressions of holiday spirit are appropriate for a professional setting,” Dr. Tatsak said. “Above all else, you should be considerate of colleagues, employees and clients – especially those who may not celebrate the same holidays or who may be dealing with difficult
circumstances in their personal lives.” ‘Tis the season to enjoy time spent with friends, family and colleagues, but do make sure you enjoy the holidays with professionalism in mind. Founded in 1922 and celebrating more than 90 years of business education, Walsh College offers 19 business and related technology degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels that are responsive to student, employer, and community needs. Walsh is a private, not-for-profit institution offering courses and services at locations in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township, Port Huron, and online.
This story is provided by Walsh College via The Detroit News/AP.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
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| Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Toys are on the move again ... to under your tree?
N
EW YORK (AP) — Toys are staging a comeback. The U.S. toy industry is expected to have its strongest year in at least a decade after several years of kids choosing videogames and mobile apps over Barbie and stuffed bears. Annual toy sales are projected to rise 6.2 percent to $19.9 billion in 2015, according to The NPD Group Inc., a market research firm that tracks about 80 percent of the U.S. toy market. That’s up from a 4 percent increase last year, and the biggest increase in at least 10 years since the group has tracked toys using its current system. The increase factors in brisk sales during the final Mark Lennihan | AP Photos quarter of this year, when Barbie Fashionista Dolls from Mattel are growing anew in popularity. sales are expected to be up 5 percent to $9.6 billion, a stronger pace than last year, reaching $531 million ney Co.’s consumer products division to make “Froyear’s 3.6 percent gain. in sales, according to NPD. The growth is being fueled And the Hollywood infatu- zen” dolls in 2016. That deal by increasing popularity ation is expected to continue froze out Mattel, which sells of collectibles, toys based with the release of the “Star the dolls based on “Frozen” on Hollywood blockbuster Wars” movie on Dec. 18: characters. Toys R Us’ new CEO David films and better technology Hundreds of products, from that allows toys to do things puzzles to action figures re- Brandon says the retailer is like talk back to children. lated to “Star Wars,” are ex- placing big bets this holiday It comes after sales slowed pected to exceed Frozen’s season on brands like “Star Wars” to help boost sluggish and sometimes declined in success. the past 10 years as children Marty Brochstein, who’s U.S. sales. “It will be very interest— much like their parents with the International Li— became more enthralled censing Industry Merchan- ing to see at the end of the with technology. disers Association, says the holiday season where the Now, toymakers are us$199.99 LightSaber from growth comes from. And ing chip technology, which Hasbro, which features how much growth there is,” is getting cheaper and more motion sensor-controlled Brandon says. powerful, in toys. They’re Rock ‘N Roll Stuart is one of the sound effects, already are also focusing on grabbing interactive plush Minions from on backorder. He says “Star the attention of the long-igWars” appeals to both kids BETTER TECHNOLOGY Thinkway Toys. nored but increasingly influand adults. Toy companies are pushential preteen crowd. “It’s multi-generational,” ing remote controlled cars boost? “The selection is much Brochstein says. and droids controlled by greater than in the past,” Hasbro, the nation’s sec- smartphones. And robotHOLLYWOOD said Jim Silver, editor-inond largest toy company, ic creatures are becoming chief of TTPM, an online Surging demand for all reported a jump in second- more life-like with voice rectoy review site. “Technolthings “Frozen” helped the quarter profit last month, ognition features. ogy is much better in the toy toy industry achieve a rare helped by toys related to Hasbro’s StarLily My Magiaisle, and it’s really inspiring gain last year. Toys related to “Star Wars.” cal Unicorn, for example, reyoung kids to play but also Hasbro has the major mer- sponds to voice and touch the blockbuster about a prinbringing older kids to things cess who sets off to find her chandising licensing rights with more than 100 sound like radio control and role sister with icy powers were to make Star Wars toys from and motion combinations. play items.” popular. In fact, “Frozen” now until 2020. It’s also Mattel, the nation’s largest What’s giving toys a was the top toy brand last teaming up with Walt Dis- toy company, also is hop-
Sarah Cunningham, with Hasbro, demonstrates a Nerf Rebelle. Hasbro spiffed up its Nerf gun to cater to the 14-plus crowd.
ing technology will help it reverse years of slumping sales. “You want to make sure that you give them enough that they’re going to want to walk away from their iPads and phones,” said Mattel’s Executive Vice President Geoff Walker. Mattel’s new Barbie features speech recognition and can have a two-way conversation with girls. And its Fisher-Price brand has “Smart Bear,” an interactive plush bear marketed as having the brains of a computer without the screen — and is linked to a smartphone app. Fisher-Price also is pushing a robotic dinosaur. “The best thing about it is that it shoots from the front and it shoots from the back,” says Matthew Fic, a 6-yearold who recently played with the toy.
TARGETING THE PRETEEN SET The 8- to 12-year old group accounts for 22 percent of toy sales, according
to NPD, but has been ignored because they’re the biggest users of mobile devices. Now, toy makers believe they can keep older kids’ attention because features like voice recognition are more affordable. For example, Spin Master’s Meccano Meccanoid G15 allows kids to build and program their own personal four-foot-tall robot that records and plays back audio and it learns from them. It has more than 1,200 parts and features 64 megabytes of memory. And Hasbro spiffed up its Nerf gun to cater to the 14-plus crowd. Nerf Rival shoots balls 100 feet per second. Think paint ball meets Nerf. Still, it could be a hard sell. “It’s fun. But I don’t know how long I would play with this until I got bored.” said Jackson Roberts, 14, from Manhattan, referring to Nerf Rival. On Roberts’ holiday wish list: a 3-D printer and a droid that takes pictures.
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Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
How to celebrate the holidays for less Ideas for do-it-yourselfers (StatePoint) The delights of the holiday season can add up quickly. From cooking and baking to shopping for the perfect gift, the season can take its toll on your wallet. With some smart planning, you can enjoy everything the holidays have to offer without breaking your budget, say the discount experts at Dollar General, who are providing some shrewd tips to help keep costs down.
Deck the Halls The holidays are marked by festive decorations. This year, consider a new theme or try your hand at DIY decorations. Create a rustic holiday feel with mason jars, fresh greenery and candles. Or for a more formal look, go chic with gold bulbs, white accents and burlap. Experiment with different materials and ornaments to create a one-of-a-kind, inexpensive display for your home.
tailers like Dollar General carry a variety of supplies and delicious ingredients to make any DIY gift tasty. Finish the jar with a ribbon and use the gift tag to include cooking instructions on the back. For the person who has everything, pick up a gift card to his or her favorite restaurant or store. Attach a bow or ornament to give it a seasonal touch. Or, consider giving the gift of time. Gather friends together for a baking day or cookie swap.
Classic Recipes
One of the most iconic aspects of the holidays is the food. Baked treats, rich casseroles, roasted meats and holiday candy are all wonderful enjoyments of the season. And the more you prepare yourself, the more you save. This year, try new recipes and have fun with unique ideas. Check out delicious and easy dishes for your holiday gatherings at dollargeneral.com/easy-meals. Display your spread on a beautiful Great Gifts tablescape with a decorative wreath as the centerpiece. Add a holiday taGifts for friends and family can get ble cloth, holiday bulbs and decorative expensive. Save money with DIY ideas. LED lights to give family and friends a Try making a homemade soup mix warm and festive place to share meals. Enjoy this holiday season with afin a jar. Purchase canning jars and fill them with soup ingredients like fordable, fun and easy tips to make beans, spices and pasta. Discount re- the most of your special celebrations. Photo by (c) Catherine Murray | Fotolia.com
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| C7
| Ludington daily newS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Craft a unique holiday tree this Christmas By MICHELLE LOCKE Associated Press
O
h Christmas Tree, oh Christmas Tree, how boring are thy branches? If you’re in a bit of a holiday rut when it comes to seasonal decorating, Carrie Brown’s recently released “The New Christmas Tree” (Artisan Books) may be just what you need to get that creative sap flowing. Brown, owner of the popular Jimtown Store near Healdsburg, Calif., a country store and café, has been re-inventing trees for years, from the “blue tree” she made one Christmas to reflect her mood (which magically improved the more she got into the project) to the “bonfire ready” trees she came up with one year — manzanita branches studded with plump marshmallows. Her book presents 24 ideas for rethinking the tree, starting with the basics: picking the tree, what types work best with certain designs and caring for your festive foliage. Some of the trees are quite simple, like a silver tree that’s a skinny branch strung with silver jewelry and other found objects. Some are aimed at keen crafters, like the paperwhite tree decorated with all kinds
Eric Risberg | AP Photo
Carrie Brown, author of “The New Christmas Tree,” adjusts a Popcorn, Peanut, Pretzel and Pickle Tree that is featured in her book at the Jimtown Store in Healdsburg, Calif. Brown is the owner of the Alexander Valley country store that dates to 1893. of ornaments made from different weights of white paper. A stunner of a tree — and the one that made the cover — is the bees’ tree, made of rosemary branches arranged in a vase and decorated with felted bees, beeswax ornaments and tiny vials of wax-dipped honey, among other things. Beautifully photographed and coffee-table ready, the book is also practical, con-
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taining detailed instructions on how to recreate the featured trees along with website references for downloading templates. Brown would like it to serve as both blueprint and inspiration. “I decided that it would be a wonderful thing to share, because there’s a lot of commercialism for Christmas, a lot of the same-old, sameold,” says Brown. “I think young people particularly
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feel that some of the old commercial ways don’t reflect them. I wanted to present something that could give people the opportunity to express themselves.” Personalizing your tree is one of the trends of the season, says Ann Blevins, senior editor of Better Homes and Gardens’ “Christmas Ideas,” an annual publication on newsstands. “People have become much more comfortable
making their tree personalized, whether it’s ornaments from your vacations or framed letters to Santa,” she says. Although many people stick with traditional red and green in their tree décor, a new twist this year is faceted metallic ornaments, which go hand-in-hand with the home-decorating trend of faceted metal lamps, says Blevins. New takes on lighting include Edison lights, which look like old-fashioned bulbs with a visible “filament,” as well as tiny fairy lights designed to be woven deep in the tree and used in abundance. Getting your tree together can be one of the best parts of the season (unlike, say, pre-party house cleaning) and some of the ideas in Brown’s book could be the basis for a trimming party. A tree decorated with gingerbread cookies and other sweets, Brown’s “deconstructed gingerbread house” might be a good choice for a child with a December birthday. Partygoers could help decorate some of the simpler cookie ornaments and go home with treats from the tree. Several of the trees are inspired by collections. For instance, Brown used her collection of decorative pin cushions in a tree that in-
cludes the cushions studded with decorative pins as well as homemade bugle and sequin balls. The Giving Tree, one of Brown’s favorites, turns the tables on the typical advent calendar. Ornaments include envelopes holding age-appropriate “good deed” slips. Children get to open an envelope every day in the countdown to Christmas, but instead of getting chocolate they have a chance to exercise their generosity. Brown offers lots of ideas for home-made and inventive ornaments, including copper “bonbons” made with copper plumbing floats, available in hardware stores, covered with unraveled copper kitchen scrub pads. And she suggests taking the decorating theme down to the floor, placing interesting objects beneath the tree and skipping the storebought tree skirt in favor of an interesting throw or length of material. Finding an alternative to old-fashioned skirts comes with a hidden bonus, notes Blevins. “We’re wrapping the tree in a throw — a fur throw or a sweater throw — which is nice because when Christmas is over and it’s January, you have a new afghan, and it’s perfect.”
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Extends warmest wishes for your holiday season!
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| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015
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