Bellamy, Gavin honored for 'Distinguished Service'
      Two MidMichigan Health Services Houghton Lake employees were recently honored by the Michigan Primary Care Association. Beth Bellamy, an administrative assistant, and Desiree Gavin, clinical support manager, were honored Oct. 21 during MCPA's 29th annual Distinguished Service Awards luncheon at the Grand Traverse Resort.
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Helping Hands preparing for Christmas food program
      The St. Helen Helping Hands Organization is once again reaching out to the people of Richfield Township. Last December, the group gave out 174 boxes of food for families and seniors in St. Helen over the holiday season and gave toys to 200 children.
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'Day of Beauty' proceeds to aid area groups
      The Oct. 27 "Day of Beauty," hosted by Houghton-Higgins Lake Does Drove 149, was considered a success. The more than $950 raised will benefit several area organizations. The event offered visitors a chance to enjoy pedicures, manicures, haircuts, facials, massage, brow arching and parafin dips.
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TOP TEAM
     Karen LaBranche, manager at Curves (left), and Mary Williams, Curves' team captain (center), accept the "Top Team" award for Relay for Life 2008 from Relay Chairperson Pat Kronberg. The award, presented Oct. 28 at "Booner's Afternooner," recognized Team Curves for raising more than $10,000, ranking the team first in fund-raising efforts. The gathering at Booner's raised more than $1,100 for the Team Curves' 2009 Relay campaign. (Courtesy photo)
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Christmas classics on tap by Mikenauk
      The Mikenauk Chorale, an area-wide choral group, will host a Christmas concert Nov. 23 at Good Shepherd of the North United Methodist Church in Roscommon. The concert, featuring Christmas classics, begins at 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door and can be purchased from any member of the chorale.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
     River House, Inc. staff and volunteers participated in National Volunteer Make a Difference Day on Oct. 24th by repairing, cleaning and painting the shelter. River House serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence and homelessness in Crawford, Oscoda, Ogemaw and Roscommon counties. Pictured are (left to right) Nancy Hook, Jane Kozlowski, Andre Comer, Marey Jurkovich, Sandi Hoebeke, Carrie Rasmusson, Liz Banker and Kriss Goodroe. (Courtesy photo)
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'Barrage' of sounds to fill Kirtland at Nov. 22 concert
      A high-octane fiddle fest is coming to the Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts, with "Barrage!" taking center stage Nov. 22. Barrage, a mixture of six violinists/ vocalists, one drummer, a bass player and guitarist, brings together a diverse fusion of cultures and musical styles.
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ACT-NOW silent auction to benefit 'shop with a cop'
      Gerrish Township's Advisory Community Team- Neighbors on Watch will meet for its annual potluck and silent auction Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church of the North. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the police department's Shop-With-a-Cop program.
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UPS Ed auction to raise money for kids Nov. 22
      The 19th annual UPS Ed and Caren Christmas for Kids Auction will be held Nov. 22 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Prudenville. Proceeds from the auction are used to "winterize" children and purchase toys. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the auction starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
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Lake Fire to host Russo fund-raiser
      The Lake Township Fire Department will host a fundraiser to benefit David Russo Jr. and his family Nov. 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. The event will include a spaghetti dinner, silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Gifts will be accepted in order to be raffled off. All donations will be accepted at the door.
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Relay members to meet Nov. 10
      A Roscommon County American Cancer Society Relay For Life Meeting for all current team members and future teams will meet Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, Houghton Lake. The Relay meetings for the 2009 event are the second Monday of each month. The American Legion Hall is on Reserve Road.
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Garden club to meet Nov. 17
      The Kirtland Garden Club will meet Nov. 17 at noon. The potluck luncheon and election of officers will be held at Markey Community Baptist Church. Members are being asked to call Carol at 366- 4427 to notify the committee about their dishes to pass.
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Spooky Sights
Halloween Happenings equal fun for kids, adults alike
Photos by Cheryl Holladay and Thomas Reznich
     MONTANA SISTERS (Left) Television character Hannah Montana in her mature years and in her younger years were portrayed by fourth grade teacher Anne Shavalia (left) and fourth grader Madison Feldman during the class Halloween Party in the Houghton Lake Middle School cafeteria Friday.
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