Welcome to Beamer’s Holiday Beat, Bronner’s e-newsletter for everyone who shares my passion for Christmas, which is only 190 days away!

New items have begun arriving this spring. Bronner’s receiving department will be bursting at the seams as new product arrival peaks in July and exciting, new items quickly make their way into the store.

Wonder what’s going to be hot this fall? Personalized trims continue to be big. LED lights continue to grow in popularity with a new LED snowman kit for 2008 and an LED laser wave projector with two cartridges that projects an animated scene. Trees in red, royal blue, pink, purple and gold are trendy this year. Popular colors for 2008 include golds, copper and bronzes; lots of metallic looks in flowers and wreaths; apple green and reds; and peppermint (red and white) sometimes with a touch of apple green.

I really enjoy hearing from you so please take time to answer my survey question about gas prices and your shopping plans. Responses will appear in survey form in the next quarterly e-newsletter.

Thank you for inviting me into your home. You’re welcome at my home, www.bronners.com or 25 Christmas Lane in Frankenmuth, all year long!

Wally Bronner, originator of Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, was welcomed home to heaven by the Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 1, 2008. Born on March 9, 1927, in Frankenmuth, Wally established a sign-painting and Christmas-decorations business in 1945, which has grown to become the World’s Largest Christmas Store®. On Easter Sunday, March 24, 2008, Wally announced to his staff by letter that “our loving Lord and Savior, the CHRIST of CHRISTmas, is ready to receive me into HIS heavenly kingdom where all believers in the creator God will be with Him forever and ever.” Wally leaves behind his wife Irene, son Wayne Bronner and his wife Lorene, daughter Carla Spletzer and her husband Bob, son Randy Bronner, daughter Maria Sutorik and her husband Christopher, and five grandsons: Dietrich and Garrett Bronner; and Ryan, Paul and Greg Spletzer. Wally turned over the day-to-day operations of the family business to the second generation in 1998 but had remained active in the business and enjoyed being there every day ending in “y.” Wally was an active member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church and many community organizations. He was an active public speaker. Wally also was an avid supporter of many charitable organizations.

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm said, “Wally Bronner embodied the spirit of Christmas more than any one person we’ll ever know. His warm heart could light up a Christmas tree, and it was a heart that was centered in his deep faith in God and endless passion for his community. Frankenmuth and Michigan are richer places because of his contributions. I will treasure the times I enjoyed his company, and I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his wife Irene, the entire Bronner family and to the residents of Frankenmuth who have lost an icon.”

Wally loved to share his Christian faith summarized in these 25 words: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Paint-N-Go Primes Its Brushes
Bronner’s Paint-N-Go promotion will begin July 3 and run daily through Labor Day. The painter will be located in section 8. Guests may order Paint-N-Go personalized ornaments at the personalization counter in sections 7 and 8. The ornament(s) will be available for pickup at the counter in one or two hours. After Labor Day, this service will be available weekends only through September.

One Christmas in the mid 1960s, Wally Bronner handpainted names on ornaments as gifts for staff members’ children. Because requests for the ornaments began coming in, Bronner’s started a personalized ornament department in 1967.

Summer Blooms in Frankenmuth Summer is a great time of year to visit Frankenmuth! The downtown area resembles a floral garden filled with a variety of plants and hanging baskets. Frankenmuth was one of seven cities in the nation to win an America in Bloom Award in September 2007.

Bronner’s Flavorful Favorites
We thought you might like to try one of the recipes from Bronner’s staff cookbook, “Bronner’s Flavorful Favorites.” The cookbook features over 400 recipes submitted by Bronner’s staff and is available online or in-store for $14.99.

Too Lazy to Make Ham Roll-ups Dip
submitted by Diane Karst

12 oz. light cream cheese, softened
½ to 1 T. Hidden Valley Ranch Party Dip Mix (dry)
2-3 green onions, chopped
1 c. ham, chopped (or ½ pkg.)
crackers

Mix cream cheese with dry dip mix. Add chopped green onions and chopped ham. Mix well. Refrigerate. Serve with crackers.

Bronner’s Second Cookbook Nears Completion
Due to the popularity of Bronner’s first staff cookbook, “Bronner’s Flavorful Favorites,” a second staff cookbook is in production. It will be available online and in-store in early August 2008.