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News About People On Mackinac Island
For those of us who call Mackinac our year-around home, imagine our great surprise on a cold winter evening to find the east wing of the hotel lighted as though it was summertime. Guests will be thrilled to be able to see Mackinac in winter rather than summer. To add to the excitement, the very popular Jockey Club will be open to the guests. This is the first for Grand Hotel and for ushering in the 2005 tourist season. Guests will be arriving by Great Lakes Air, a very thrilling time to see our Island transformed into a blanket of white. Bring your skis along, as the trails are groomed and ready for the season. We’re all very excited and honored to share our Island.
Newly fronting the British Landing property of Dr. John and Karen McCabe is a charming green sign, “Toad Hall.” For years the McCabes’ favorite comic hero has been the redoubtable Mr. Toad, chief character in the classic English children’s book, “The Wind in the Willows.” The sign also depicts Mr. Toad himself aggressively pulling on his driving gloves (the year is 1908) as he prepares to go off in his new motor car and wreak unintentional highway destruction everywhere.
The question often asked in the summertime by visitors is, “What do you do on Mackinac during the long winter months?” The answer is very simple. We’re very busy. Our annual Christmas Bazaar ushers in the holiday season, which is the big social event of the year the first week in December. Euchre parties are very popular each Monday night at the Mustang. A fish fry is held each Friday night at the Village Inn and Mustang, with Bingo at the Community Hall on Tuesday evenings. Many gatherings and socials are at Ste. Anne’s and Trinity. House parties, snowmobile safaris, and the big St. Patrick’s party on March 12 is an event that everyone looks forward to. On Wednesday night, February 2, more than 50 people gathered at the Community Hall to view old pictures of Mackinac. It was a great evening with young and old enjoying pictures, old clippings, postcards, and much more memorabilia. Sue Chambers organized a delicious lunch, Jeff Shaffer showed old slides from Stella King’s house, and Nancy May had a video from Otto Lang’s movies. It was a wonderful evening and we will have another one at a future date.
The Robert O’Keefes of Oak Brook, Illinois, are enjoying a winter vacation at their comfortable home in Woodbluff. Sad news was received by Judy Bynoe from her cousin, Robert Dufina, of Clearwater, Florida. His mother, Mary Bowers Dufina, who was born December 30, 1928, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Bowers, passed away May 27, 2004. Mary and her family lived on Mackinac for several years, when her father was the Island physician. It was on Mackinac that a romance began. Mary met Island-born Francis Dufina, son of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Dufina, and the couple were married in a very beautiful ceremony at historic Ste. Anne’s. The family later moved to Clearwater, Florida, where they made their home. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Francis, and son David, both at an early age. Survivors include a daughter, Ann, a son, Robert, four granddaughters, and one grandson. Deepest sympathy to the family from Island friends. Mary was a beautiful young lady when she lived on Mackinac, where she made a host of friends who mourn her passing. We’re very proud of another of our Island graduates. Sarah Dehring, daughter of Dorothy and Jack, was graduated in December from Ferris State University in Big Rapids with a degree in elementary education. She was on the dean’s list for the last semester. Sarah is home on Mackinac with her parents and is substitute teaching at Mackinac Island Public School, where the students are very happy to have her for a teacher. Congratulations, Sarah, from everyone on the Island. The teaching profession is very close to Sarah’s heart as her dad, Jack, has been the principal at Mackinac Island Public School for many years and was promoted to superintendent last year. Jack admires all his students as though they were one big family. Sarah is also an avid volleyball player and referee. She is the referee for many of the Mackinac Island Lakers volleyball games. It was just about 3 p.m. Tuesday, February 8, when I received a call from my good friend, Chuck Kleber, year-around resident of Woodbluff who, along with his wife, Marsha, live in their attractive new home. Suddenly, what appeared at their window today, but an adult female deer near their bird feeder. The deer probably crossed over the frozen Straits to the Island. Hopefully, it will not be harmed, as it will be beautiful in our wooded area. The Klebers feed all of the little friends of the forest. Special greetings to all the folks who are away for the winter months and who enjoy reading the Town Crier. Our ice bridge formed when we had the sub-zero weather several weeks ago. Island folks thoroughly enjoyed jumping aboard their snowmobiles for a winter outing to the mainland. The first week of February, we had warm temperatures and lots of rain and fog thus deteriorating the ice over the weekend. Great Lakes Air was grounded on Saturday, and Monday because of the dense fog. The Lakers basketball and volleyball teams were stranded on Beaver Island until early Sunday morning, when they happily returned to the Island. The weather played havoc with the Island’s Winter Carnival, with melting snow, sleet, fog, and mild temperatures; however, the first night of the festival, Friday, February 4, was a beautiful, clear, crisp winter night. At Turtle Park, many people gathered around a beautiful bonfire built by John Fisher to roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Everyone enjoyed s’mores. During the festivities, Candy Smith was presented with a plaque by Mayor Margaret Doud honoring her as the Volunteer of the Year for 2004. Jennifer Wightman, 2004 Lilac Queen, crowned Candy as Snow Queen for the 2005 winter festival. She was presented with white roses, a beautiful crown, and a lighthouse throw made by Louann Mosley. Congratulations to Queen Candy. It was a great evening and the children had a wonderful time sledding on the hills. On Sunday, February 6, a wonderful brunch was served at Mackinac Island Public School and everyone had a chance to vote on the pictures for the 2007 calendar. There were some great views of Mackinac. Everyone had a wonderful time. The new gymnasium allows varsity and junior varsity basketball and volleyball games to be played with many teams from the surrounding communities. It’s a wonderful facility for the children of Mackinac. Our students also gather each Saturday night at Ste. Anne’s Hall for Teen Night, hosted by Jody Chambers and Ann St. Onge. They always have a meal, games, pool, and ping-pong. There’s also a new big-screen television purchased by Father Jim for movies. About 25 students attend each week. In the spring of 2004, nine students were graduated from Mackinac Island Public School, and we’re pleased to report that each of them is attending the college of their choice. Many have been on the dean’s list. A very interesting note was received from Sara Bunker Sutherland from her home in Orlando, Florida, where she described the climate as very warm and sunny. She was sitting by her pool, reading the Orlando Sentinel, when she suddenly saw a very familiar sight. It was the view from the veranda of Grand Hotel, an article on the new linen line by Jane Seymour. “Very neat,” says Sara, which made her very homesick for her Island home. Sara was born on Mackinac, the daughter of Larry and Irene Rickley Sr. She is a very successful businesswoman working in the real estate market, which continues to be very busy in central Florida. Sara’s husband, Greg, is also kept very busy. He just finished doing all the lighting for the Eukanuba Dog Show, which aired live on the Animal Planet channel from Tampa, Florida. She was happy to see Greg’s name in the credits as one of the “gaffers” (electronics) for the show. Sara and Greg are hoping for another summer visit to Mackinac with her family. Best wishes from everyone at home. Warmest and best wishes to Dr. Dave Armour, who is having tests at the Cleveland Clinic. He and Grace are enjoying their beautiful new home in Grove City, Pennsylvania. They spent the New Year’s on the Island with their daughter and son-in-law, Anneke and Matt Myers, at their new home at British Landing, completely built by Matt. We had the pleasure of having dinner with the family, and what a treat it was to see their lovely home at holiday time. Just snowmobiling out on a perfect Mackinac evening, with a fresh fall of snow, was delightful. Smi Horn called from Chicago, where he was attending the American Bus Convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel located on the Chicago River. Following one of the sessions, the group was off to tour the Museum of Natural History. A little reminder was received in the mail Monday, February 7, that read “Times are busy and calendars are full,” Julie Kristin Barch and James Michael Fisher want you to know they are planning their wedding on August 6, 2005, on Mackinac Island and would like you to save the date. The year of 2005 has been chosen by many brides and grooms to be married on Mackinac. Patti Bynoe and Brian Schoenborn, and Larry Rickley and Kathleen Green, in May, Jason St. Onge and Jenny Shanku, and Vannesa Smith and Ken Hardy Jr., in October. Best wishes to all. A phone call received from Debra Orr Friday, February 4, from Petoskey on her way to Naples, Florida, to help her sister, Sandra, celebrate her birthday Sunday, February 6, told us about her visit with Jack Ryerse at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Jack is doing much better after his recent brain surgery and is now in the rehab department. Great news, Jack, hopefully, each day will bring you closer to home. Everyone on Mackinac keeps praying for your recovery. Happy birthday to Sandra. On Monday, February 7, Chief Bill Lenaghan and his wife, Lois, became the grandparents of a little grandson, John Henry Flammer, weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces. He’s the son of Catherine and John Flammer of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy family. Louis and bill are on their way to New Jersey to welcome John Henry. On Sunday, February 6, a group of skiers, who had enjoyed skiing Island trails over the weekend, were en route to the airport carrying skies and backpacks when a good Samaritan met them on his snowmobile, Mark Chambers. He stopped and picked up everyone with all their gear and took them to the airport. They were most grateful and told him how much they enjoyed their winter visits to our beautiful Island. A note was received Tuesday, February 7, from Margaret McIntire in Hilton Head, South Carolina, which surprised me as she and her daughter, Becki Barnwell, had spent the better part of the winter in Carmel and LaGuana Beach, California. They’ve been in Hilton Head for about two weeks and are enjoying it very much. Since the Iroquois will open April 1, they will be returning to Mackinac at the end of March. We give a warm welcome to Dr. Steve and Jean Humphry of South Carolina, who are the new owners of the Swan Cottage on Woods Golf Course. Steve is a cardiologist and has visited Mackinac for more than 15 years, falling in love with its ambience and natural beauty. They were here for the winter festival and enjoyed meeting islanders at the brunch. They also met the David Karhoffs at the Christmas Bazaar and had a tour of the Mackinac Island Medical Center. The Mackinac Island Board of Review will meet Monday, March 21, and Tuesday, March 22, at City Hall. Jenny Shanku and Jason St. Onge are enjoying a winter vacation in Florida visiting Glen and Deanna St. Onge in Jacksonville. Sad news was received on Mackinac Friday evening, February 4. Dee and Maude Ramsay of Indian River and formerly of Mackinac, where Dee was commodore of the Mackinac Island Yacht Club and worked for many seasons at the Marina, lost their youngest son, Will, in a tragic plane crash in Illinois. Deepest sympathy to the family from all their Island friends. Please remember to feed our feathered friends that need nourishment during the frigid days of the winter. Our big flocks of ducks that gather in the backyard are healthy and well fed. We have bags and bags of cracked corn, which they feast on. They should be satisfied, as the corn came over the frozen Straits by snowmobile. We also feed the squirrels and rabbits. Were sending get well wishes to Congressman Bart Stupak, who recently underwent back surgery at the hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, due to a herniated disk, which caused much pain and discomfort. He’s recuperating at his home in Menominee. Many Super Bowl parties were held Sunday evening. Folks gathered at the Mustang and Village Inn for excitement and good food. We attended a party at Jack and Dorothy Dehring’s home, where delicious food was served and good conversation with friends. Since warm temperatures prevailed, going up Cadotte Avenue was like passing through a river. Lorna and Dr. Fran Straus never fail to attend the winter festival. Their son, Frank, joined them for the weekend. Marshall Builders of St. Ignace have rebuilt their Pontiac Lookout home. Kathleen Hoppenrath and Margaret and Jeannette Doud toured the house last week, and exclaimed over the elegance and beautiful view from each room, far to the east, Round Island, Cheboygan, Mackinaw City, the Mackinac Bridge, and St. Ignace. Its wonderful to see Dr. Fran looking so good and feeling better after his heart surgery. Now retired, he will be able to spend the summer on his favorite island. Members of the Mackinac Island Fire Department have been very busy answering fire alarms in hotels and homes. Last Thursday night, a call came from the U.S. Coast Guard alerting the Island police and fire department to a flare on the ice. Everyone responded to the scene. The Coast Guard helicopter came up from Traverse City, but found nothing, so the search was called off. On Tuesday, February 8, City Building Inspector/Engineer Dennis Dombroski arrived on Mackinac with a whole box of Paczkis, a special filled delicacy only made on the day before Ash Wednesday. The city crew was thrilled and everyone enjoyed the treats. Jackie and Dennis Bradley Sr. are on a trip out east visiting their son, Dennis Jr. and family, in Saranac Lake, New York. I’m sure they will have a great time. Lorna Straus will celebrate her birthday February 15 and her son, Dr. Chris Straus, has his birthday February 16. Our good friend, Barry BeDour, is doing well, even passing by on his snowmobile. A little bird told me that Barry drove over the ice to St. Ignace. We are most thankful to see Barry out and about. We continue to pray each day for his full recovery. While stopping by the First National Bank Tuesday, February 8, Margaret Doud’s attention was drawn to a sign, which read, “Spc. Sunshine Woodward, who is stationed in Iraq, is asking for a tandem bike to be sent to her.” It just so happens that we had one stored away, so we called her mother, Peggy, and told her that we would be happy to give it to Sunshine. The Tandem will be overhauled before it is shipped to Iraq. Larry Parel saw the sign and gave $50 toward the shipping cost. It will be a community project. Please remember Sunshine with mail: SPC Sunshine Woodward, 1073rd Maintenance Co., Base Maint., APO/AE 09381, or e-mail to sunshinewoodward@yahoo.com. Happy birthday to Leanne Brodeur February 18. Enjoy your day. Happy wedding anniversary Monday, February 14, to Cub and Kitty Horn. Have a great day and give lady a special treat. Attorney Pat Shannon of Sault Ste. Marie was seen enjoying old picture night at the Community Hall. Mark your calendar for the big St. Patrick’s Day party Saturday, March 12, at the Community Hall. It will be a prime rib or whitefish dinner. Come and join in the fun. Alice and Trish Martin entertained Alice’s grand-daughters over the winter festival weekend. They’re the daughters of Jim Martin of Alma. February is the month for birthdays. Jack Parel and Lisa Dziobak will celebrate February 12, Karlena Mosley February 13, David Bradley, Doris LaPine, Shaylee Mosley February 14, Joan Slater February 17, and Norman Kolatski and Ken Weber February 19. I hope each of you have a special day. I was pleasantly surprised when I turned on the House and Garden channel to find the director of the Mackinac Island State Park, Phil Porter, giving the history of the West Bluff Cottages. Mackinac Island has a certain charm, and owning a beautiful West Bluff cottage is an escape from everyday life by slipping back in time. David Bankard spoke about the history of their cottage, which has been in their family for more than 50 years, featuring traditional wicker furniture with beaverboard ceilings. The prestigious summer homes have attracted influential families for years and years. Wendy young spoke of their beautiful home that can be approached via Pontiac Trail. It’s Mike and Wendy’s summer retreat. The attractive 1887 columns, the wide open view of the Straits of Mackinac, along with the Michigan oak beams in their dining room, makes their home a treasure. The West Bluff Road leading to the homes is known as the dream drive. Long time resident Lorna Straus spoke of the history of the cottages that her family has owned in Hubbards Annex for more than 100 years. Phil Porter’s grandparents and parents, Lornie and Bill, have lived in their West Bluff cottage for many years. I can remember Phil’s grandfather, Mr. Armin Rickel, who always wore a stylish Panama hat and carried a walking stick. I was pleased to have our Windermere featured at the end of the program, with its geranium-lined front porch and its magnificent view of the Straits of Mackinac. Jennifer Bloswick is is assisting Kristin Neff of Grand Hotel in recruiting employees in Europe. The Jane Seymour home collection of linens has three themes inspired by the romance of Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel. It was here in 1980 that actress Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve filmed the movie “Somewhere in Time.” The Victorian hotel decorated with antiques also serves as an inspiration for new line of sheets, comforters, pillows, and other decorative touches. The Mackinac Island theme has a garden motif with delicate bird and butterfly patterns in a subdued pastel palette. The carriage theme is white on white with taupe stitching, while the verenda theme is done in soft bronze and cream colors. The article shows the collection displayed in color on the beautiful verenda surrounded by red geraniums in white porch boxes. Great publicity for Grand Hotel and the Island. We’re pleased to report that Bud Bourisaw has been released from the hospital and is recuperating at his residence in Cheboygan. Bud was hospitalized for 13 weeks. Best wishes to Bud from Island friends. The Mackinac Island Medical Center continues to be busy caring for Island residents. Dr. Don Weersing and his staff are always there when needed. Enjoy Mackinac in the wintertime! |
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