Compassionate Friends to meet

ESCANABA — Anyone who has had a child die in their family is invited to attend the Thursday, July 24 meeting of the Bay de Noc Chapter of the Compassionate Friends. The meeting is held at 7 p.m. in the third floor meeting room in the First Presbyterian Church, located at 819 First Avenue South in Escanaba.

Compassionate Friends is a nonprofit, self-help, bereavement support organization for families that have experienced the death of a child. When a child dies, at any age, for any reason, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a grandchild, and helps other better assist the grieving family.

An international organization, The Compassionate Friends has more than 650 chapters in the United States, with locations in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. The nearest chapter to Escanaba is in Green Bay.

To learn more about The Compassionate Friends, visit the group’s national website at www.compassionatefriends.org or call Neil or Betty at 906-786-0477.

Gladstone library closed for cleaning

GLADSTONE — The Gladstone Public Library will be closed Thursday, July 24 for its annual deep cleaning with normal summer hours resuming Monday, July 28.

Blueberry Fest

ISABELLA — The annual Blueberry Festival will take place at the Isabella Community Hall, located on US 2 and County Road 495/LL Road, on Sunday, July 27. The festival will run from 1 to 4 p.m.

Blueberry pie, cobbler or buckle with ice cream will be available. Music will be provided by Music Caterers. The event will also include basket raffles, 50/50 raffles, and a bake sale.

Proceeds and donations made at the event benefit ongoing restoration projects for the historic Isabella Community Hall.

MARSP to meet

ESCANABA TOWNSHIP — The Aug. 5 meeting of MARSP will be held at Holy Family Church in Escanaba Township at noon.

A meal consisting of turkey, meatballs, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and dessert will be served.

Deceased members will be honored during the group’s annual memorial service.

Those not on a calling list who wish to attend are asked to call Alice at 906-786-7748 before July 30.

Pasty sale planned

RAPID RIVER — Fresh pasties will be available at St. Charles parish center in Rapid River on Tuesday, July 29. Pre-order soon as pasties are limited. Call 906-474-6606. Specify plain or with rutabaga. Pickup will be from 1-3:30 p.m.

Motorcycle ride to support veterans coming through Gladstone

GLADSTONE — The community is asked to line the streets of Gladstone to welcome the 21st Annual Ride Around Michigan motorcycle ride participants on Thursday, Aug. 7 at 3:50 p.m. The riders will be coming from the Iron River American Legion and stopping at the Gladstone American Legion post from 4 to 5 p.m.

The ride is sponsored by the Forgotten Eagles of Michigan. The ride aims to promote POW/MIA awareness, show respect for POW/MIAs and veterans as a whole, and to raise money for Michigan veterans in need.

The ride will run from Aug. 6 through Aug. 8. It starts at the Soo American Legion and will conclude at Houghton Lake. Anyone may join in the ride, either on a motorcycle or in a vehicle, and participants can participate in the full ride or just a portion of the journey.

For more information about the ride, visit www.forgotteneagles.org. Anyone who is interested in being involved with the local gathering on Aug. 7 is asked to call Sandy at 702-340-5677.

Jeff Hunt to perform at Escanaba SDA Church

ESCANABA — Jeff Hunt, from Tampa Florida, a former member of Heritage and a 3ABN vocalist, will be in concert at the Escanaba SDA Church on Aug. 3rd and 6 p.m.

Hunt was the recipient of the International Angel Award for Album of the Year and Male Vocalist nominee. His southern gospel program will include songs from his latest project recorded in Los Angeles, stories, humor and an emphasis on knowing the trust about God.

The Escanaba SDA Church is located at 210 South Lincoln Road. This will be a visitor friendly concert. A love offering will be taken. Recordings, witness wear and children’s books will be available after the program.

All are invited and welcome.