<p>
	<img alt="" src="{filedir_5}DSC_0832.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 167px; float: right;" />Are you a numbers person? &nbsp;If you are, the date 12-12-12 has come and gone and you most likely know its significance. &nbsp;Not a numbers person? &nbsp;Then, you may be more interested in knowing what took place on 12-11-12 at Au Sable Institute&rsquo;s Great Lakes Campus.</p>
<p>
	On December 11, the staff at Au Sable opened its doors to the neighboring community for its Annual Christmas Open House. &nbsp;The lodge was decorated with sparkling lights, evergreen wreaths, and scented candles. &nbsp;The grounds were decorated with fresh fallen snow and luminaries lit the path as over forty people came to enjoy a festive evening with Au Sable staff.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Friends and neighbors I have talked with are so thankful that this beautiful campus is in our backyards. &nbsp;As the African proverb says &ldquo;It takes a village . . .&rdquo; and the partnership between Au Sable and the surrounding community has never been stronger to ensure that we are indeed all stewards of God&rsquo;s magnificent creation.</p>
<p>
	When people ask me about Northern Michigan and the Mancelona area that I call home, one of my talking points always leads to Au Sable. &nbsp;From the testing of our area lakes to the invitation to experience the all-season trails of its glacial terrain, the Great Lakes campus is a treasure in our region.</p>
<p>
	Numerologists may know that 12-12-12 was the last time, we will experience a repetitive date (No such date as 13-13-13!) in a very long time. &nbsp;But, the neighbors of Au Sable&rsquo;s Great Lakes Campus know that 12-11-12, was a date to remember. &nbsp;The warm glow of the fireplace and the warmth of the conversations will remain bright throughout Christmas and the coming New Year!</p>
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<p>
	Visit the Au Sable facebook page to see a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151282822404395.483882.45780179394&amp;type=1">few photos</a> of the evenings festivities!</p>
