The Officers and Board of Directors of the Charlevoix Historical Society wish all the Society’s members a Joyous Holiday Season and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

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Earl Young DVD!

It’s finally going to be a reality, with hopes it will be available over the two days  before Christmas.  The long-anticipated DVD titled “The Life and Works of Earl Young, Charlevoix’s Master Builder in Stone” is in the very last stages of editing as this is being written, and if all goes according to plan, it should be on the museum store  shelf  by Tuesday, December 23.

Members should best call ahead to make sure before they or others make a trip downtown.  If the disc is not quite done yet, it will be the week after Christmas.  In any case, if members desire to give one for Christmas, special gift certificates are available.

The DVD contains over 400 images chronicling Earl Young’s life from his arrival here at age eleven in 1900 to his passing in 1975.  From 1918 to 1973, he created just over thirty unique structures which have given Charlevoix a major portion of its identity.  The disc is fully narrated with a musical soundtrack and contains video especially shot for this presentation.

The disc retails for $20 plus 6% tax ($21.20).  Mailing costs are $3.50 per disc, less for bulk orders.  See inside or our website for complete ordering instructions.

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MUSEUM WINTER HOURS

The museum will be closed January and February so the museum directors can catch up on a backlog of work.  But the side office door will remain open from 11 A. M. to 4 P. M. Tuesday through Saturday for those who need to conduct Society business, obtain the new DVD, or make a purchase from the museum store.  The museum will reopen in March on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 1-4 P. M., these days valid until the end of April.

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NO JANUARY EVENT

There is no event or Board meeting scheduled for January as we take a breather and get ready for the events coming up on our 2009 calendar, including more historic programs, special lectures, our always popular potlucks, dinners, and other good things.  Details in future newsletters. 

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members,

‘Tis the season once again and the magic of anticipation and affection fills the air.  The fun of seeing friends and family, of hearing from dear ones far away, of zeroing in on the personalities of those we love in order to properly gift them, pervades the days emblazoned with white frostiness.  Exhausting though it may be, Christmas is a heart-warming affair for those of us fortunate enough to be surrounded by blessings.  As we count them, remember those who are missing out.  Review the options for sharing the light in our own lives with those who may be living in the gloom.

The annual Historical Society Christmas dinner took place on December 2.  It was a beautiful night and the company was sparkling.  It was a wonderful showing, in numbers (60) and laughter.  A very good time was had by all!  Thanks to David Miles for putting the whole things together, and to the Grey Gables for the lovely room and great food.  Wish you ALL could have been there!

I’m inserting a copy of a small meditation which I found years ago in my mother’s house.  It was in a little frame on her wall; there is no credit given for the delightful food-for-thought it includes.

Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some day be old.
Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.
Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs.
Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy.
With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all.
But Thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details.
Give me wings to get to the point.
Seal my lips on my aches and pains.
They are increasing—and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the time goes by.
I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others’ pains, but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memory of others.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet.
I do not want to be a saint—some of them are so hard to live with.
But a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.
Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people.
And give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

May the blessings of the beautiful world we live in be with you all, now and in all the days to come.  Happy Holidays!      

President Mona Bergeon

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BOB MILES’ CHARLEVOIX INDEX AVAILABLE 

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ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES

Again a reminder to all annual members—the dues envelopes that were mailed out first class a few weeks ago for the 2009 membership year proved to be a very effective way to streamline our membership list.  The response has been excellent.  We would like to be able to receive as many dues returns as we can by the middle of January, so those who have not yet paid but would like to remain members in good standing please try to have them in as soon as possible.  Thanks for your cooperation.  

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The Society welcomes new members: Lorene Sakamoto;Kohler Family (life); Quinton Walker (life); Lynn McCartney Duse

The Society welcomes new patron: Ron Winchester

Donations (unrestricted) received in November from: Mason & Kammerman PC; John Frey

Donation in memory of Robert C. Miles, Jr. received in November from: Jack & Deri Lane

Donation in memory of Ray Sloane received in November from: Bob & Alice Timms

Donation for the lighthouse restoration received in November from: James W. Ochs

Donation for the Depot restoration received in November from: Mary Toomey

An Adopt-a-Painting donation in memory of Jim Lewis received in November from: David & Cynthia Garland

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