Forget the lambs and the lions, March has come in like a polar bear this year. Three weeks ago, this column prematurely announced the fact that Omena Bay had not frozen. Over the past two weeks, ice fishermen have appeared on the bay. Reported to be among those enjoying the sport were Al Flees and son Cory, Jim Alpers, and Gary Brown.

Club 21 held its first meeting of the year. Planning has started for the club’s annual White Elephant sale on May 7, so save the date and start saving those special items to donate. Handmade items are always appreciated. This year’s officers are Sally Viskochil, president; Maureen Nelson, vice president; Kathy Cigan, secretary; and Bea Kimmerly, treasurer.

Landon Browning, Brent Hallett and Matt Voight spent spring break in West Palm Beach.

Dave Dickerson just returned from a two-month road trip as a rep for American Traders. He showed the company’s handmade canoes and other items at sport and home shows around the country. Start looking for Dave’s kayak to replace the ice fishermen as soon as the ice breaks.

Fred Putnam was up for a short visit from Detroit and stopped in to see Bea Kimmerly.

Jim Browning has been invited to give two presentations on March 19 to the faculty and interns at the National University of Health Sciences College of Chiropractic in Chicago. He will be speaking on his area of specialty: pelvic pain and organic dysfunction (PPOD).

Marguerite (Sis) Wickemeyer died in Cincinnati last week at the age of 99. Sis was one of the eight Rule children, and leaves two sisters, Jeanette Hodgson and Alis Robinson, and a son, James, of Battle Creek. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Omena-area residents Debby Disch and Rink Smith.

This week’s birthdays are Nathan Kalchik, Sarah Van Pelt Murphy, John Smart, Dennis Colling, Joanne Dalzell, Derek Huffman, Charlie Phillips, Al Cherne, and Sarah Viskochil Lichtel.

As the days lengthen and the temperatures warm, it’s time to push back from our computers, turn off the TV, and get out and enjoy all that makes Omena special.

By LESLIE DISCH

Phone/fax 386-5686

eamil: phen.omena.2@gmail.com