Our January seems to be moments of winter and almost spring so far.  We’ve had lows in the teens and highs near 40.  No material build-up of snow and the harbor remains clear.  If you aren’t on the island, you can have a look for yourself from the Hodgson Enterprises WVBI Webcam.

We are sad to let you know of the passing of one of PABI’s founders and among the first supporters of a Beaver Island Community House.  Edna Grace “Skip” McDonough left this world on January 9, the day after her 88th birthday, surrounded by her family.  She was a true friend of the BIC Center and WVBI. Visitation for Skip will be Sunday, January 12, at 4 at Holy Cross Catholic Church followed by a Rosary at 6.  Her funeral mass will be at 11 on Monday at 11 with internment at Holy Cross Cemetery and a luncheon at Holy Cross Hall to follow.  In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to Skip’s favorite organizations, among them PABI.  You can donate online by clicking the donate button above or call the BIC Center at +1 231-448-2022 to arrange a donation.  Other suggestions from the family are Holy Cross Catholic Church 37860 Kings Hwy, Beaver Island, MI 49782, Charlevoix Community Foundation PO BOX 718, East Jordan, MI 49727, and the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids 2025 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3811. Skip was a good friend.  We will miss her.

Skip would insist that we carry on. So we shall with plenty of events through our winter slow season on the island.  In addition to Pickleball on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 to noon, we have the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 111:30, Games Galore on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and two movies every Saturday at 4 and 7 p.m.  The BIC Center also hosts Community Meetings throughout the year including this month a presentation by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) on their new grant process on Thursday, January 9 at 10: a.m.  Coming up in February, we’re looking forward to being part of the Island’s Winter Festival–an expansion of the Wildlife Club’s well established winter fishing contest.  In addition to fishing, there’ll be skating, snow sculptures, music and more.

Our CEO search continues.  If you are interested in the position or have someone to recommend, please click on the link in the panel above this post and let us know.

We look forward to seeing you at your Beaver Island Community Center.