DENISE FORMOLO

IRON MOUNTAIN — Memorial Day has come and gone and we are at the height of the summer as Fourth of July celebrations begin.

Last weekend we had a wonderful time with local veterans and their families at the annual Dickinson County Veterans Appreciation Picnic.

Lacey Ellison and I would llke to extend a huge thank you to everyone who gave up a beautiful Saturday to come out and volunteer to help us celebrate veterans. Big thanks go out to the booth sponsors, who provide information and swag items for attendees.

Without the help of the many financial sponsors we would not be able to provide this wonderful event for to local veterans. Thank you for stepping up and being so generous.

A special thanks goes to the Longriders MC, who every year comes out to help with set-up and provides security. Veterans feel safe when they know you have their backs.

Finally, I want to thank my co-worker and partner in shenanigans, Lacey, for the many hours of planning, shopping and organizing that she put in to make this event the success that it was.

As everyone begins to celebrate the Fourth, please keep in mine that many veterans in the community suffer from combat trauma. The sound, smells and bright lights from fireworks filling the sky can trigger or cue reminders of past traumatic events. If you are setting off your own personal fireworks, remember to be respectfully of your neighbors, especially if they are veterans. Let them know what your plans are so that they can be prepared.

Another remember that pets can also be traumatized by the noise of fireworks and loud crowds of people. Keep them in a quiet, separate room if possible.

We are sad to announce that Allen Perla, one of the founding members of the Dickinson County Veteran Service Board, has retired. He will be moving downstate to enjoy his first-born grandchild — a boy — and be closer to his family. We will miss him and thank him for his many years of service. Best wishes in the future.

Have a great summer and remember the Dickinson County Veteran Service Office is here to serve the veterans and dependents of Dickinson County. The office is at 2301 Woodward Ave. in Kingsford and can be reached at 906-774-2820. To see updates on events and news for veterans, like us on Facebook.

Upcoming events

— Friday: Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 cookout with brats, burgers, hot dogs and more, after the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Independence Day parade.

— Monday: Dickinson County Veterans Board, 8 a.m., veterans office conference room, open to the public.

— July 12: The Braumart presents the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of “Hansel and Gretel,” 3 and 5:30 p.m. Call 906-239-9002 for further information.

— July 19: The Braumart Comedy Show featuring Robbie and Ethan Printz, a fundraiser for the Florence Volunteer Fire Department, 8 p.m. Call 906-239-9002 for tickets.

— July 27: Korean War ended in 1953/National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.

— July 27: Norway American Legion Post 145 all-you-can-eat-breakfast, 7:30 to 11 a.m., at the hall on Main Street.

— July 28: World War I began in 1914.

— July 30: Dickinson County Veterans Alliance, 6:30 p.m., American Legion Post 50, open to the public.

— Aug. 2: Tour de Dickinson, Pine Mountain Ski and Golf Resort in Iron Mountain. For more information contact dtntrails@gmail.com.

— Aug 3: Pine Mountain 500, a race up the 500 stairs alongside the Giant Pine Mountain ski jump in lron Mountain. For more information, contact dtntrails@gmail.com.

— Aug. 9: Italian Fest, noon to 11 p.m., downtown lron Mountain.

— Every Tuesday: Bingo at American Legion Post 50 on River Avenue in Iron Mountain.

— Every Thursday afternoon from June into August: Out to Lunch concert series, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., downtown stage on Iron Mountain Street in Iron Mountain.

— Every Thursday evening from June into August: Norway Music in the Park, 7 p.m., band shell on Main Street in Norway.

— Every Thursday: Norway Open Air Market, 4:40 to 7 p.m., next to Mike’s on Main, Main Street in Norway.

— Every Saturday morning: Farmers & Artisans Market in Iron Mountain, 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot across from the Dickinson County Library on Iron Mountain Street in Iron Mountain.