Longest Night Worship Service set for Dec. 22

GLADSTONE — While many folks are singing “Joy to the World,” to celebrate the Christmas holidays, some folks find this a difficult time of year. If you or someone you love is struggling this year, finding joy to be elusive, consider visiting Memorial United Methodist Church for a gentler time of worship on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. During the service, there will be time to acknowledge grief, losses, and difficulties in the sacred space of the sanctuary, surrounded by the evergreens and wreaths that symbolize renewed life and encircling love. Quieter Christmas songs will be sung, readings from the gospel will be shared, and prayers for those who are hurting will be prayed.

The smaller, quieter service may also be appropriate for those who struggle with crowds, such as loved ones with dementia or other conditions.

The church is fully accessible and is located at 1920 Lake Shore Dr. in Gladstone.

New Year’s Eve at the Escanaba Elks Lodge

ESCANABA — Escanaba Elks Lodge 354 will be sponsoring a New Year’s Eve Celebration. The Lodge will have a public license to sell alcohol that day. Admission is by ticket only, with only 500 tickets being sold. Admission includes a buffet and beverages at free or reduced prices.

The party begins at 6 p.m. Tickets may be obtained at the Lodge, located at 510 Ludington St., in Escanaba, or by mailing P.O. Box 354, Escanaba, MI 49829. When requesting tickets by mail, include your name, address and phone number.

Live entertainment will be provided by “Jam Band” from 10 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.

Benefit for Debby Frossard set for Jan. 12

BARK RIVER — A benefit for Debby (Kleikamp) Frossard is being planned for Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 at the Bark River Senior Center. Frossard was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer and has a nine month chemotherapy/radiation treatment plan. The benefit is being planned by family and friends to help defray travel, medical and loss of wages during her treatment.

A pancake breakfast is planned from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a bake sale, bucket raffles, 50/50, and a gun raffle during the pancake breakfast.

An account has been set up at Flagstar Bank for monetary donations. Donations are also being sought for the benefit. Call Benefit Chairperson Doreen Bower at 906-466-0155 to arrange for pick up of any donations.

AAUW gathering at House of Ludington

ESCANABA — Members and guests of AAUW will meet at the House of Ludington on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. for their annual New Year gathering. Spouses are encouraged to attend. A cash bar and hors d’oeuvres buffet will be featured. Pianist Lani Van Voorden will entertain and door prizes will be awarded. Those interested in attending should call 789-1905 no later than Monday, Jan. 13.

Note that reservations are required and members will be charged accordingly.

All are asked to bring items for the Tri-County Safe Harbor domestic violence facility. These may include paper products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, personal-sized soap, shampoo, gift cards, and monetary donations.

Founded in 1881, AAUW is open to men and women holding as associate’s degree or higher The organization promotes gender equity and life-long learning. For further information on AAUW, call 399-6080.

Line dancing halted at Gladstone Senior Center

GLADSTONE — Line dancing at the Gladstone Senior Center will be discontinued over the holidays and will resume Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. For more information or to sign up, call 906-428-2843.