News About People On Mackinac Island
By Jeannette Doud

The little children are happy and scream with joy. The Chambers Pony Ring is open for the season, a great attraction. Enjoy typical Mackinac with a pony ride.

Helen and Richard Wolfgang have their attractive studio on Market Street open for the season with beautiful paintings by Richard decorating the wall.

Emma Chambers, accompanied by her mother, Jody, was at Ferris State University in Big Rapids for orientation. Emma is enrolled as a freshman for the fall semester.

We’re all saddened by the news of Walker Furniture closing its doors forever. At the Windermere, my late husband, Robert, was a dedicated friend to David’s father, Louis. In more than 50 years at the hotel, all our furnishings have been purchased at Walkers’ wonderful store. Nancy and David will be greatly missed. Hopefully, they will enjoy many years of good health and happiness.

At left: Wawashkamo Golf Club President Larry Berke and his wife, Kay, hosted the annual Wawawshkamo membership dinner at the links Saturday, July 2.

Good news! Kathi Wightman comes home today from Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey following hip replacement surgery. Bruce LaPine is home from a stay in Cheboygan Memorial Hospital and Candi Dunnigan is home and doing well from her recent surgery at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. We’re so pleased that everyone is doing well.

Dr. Mary Alban of Mackinac Straits Veterinary Clinic held office hours at the Chambers Riding Stable Thursday, June 30.

I was deeply saddened to read of the death in St. Ignace of Helen Thibault, a very dear friend. She and her late husband, Alfred, were a special couple. Deepest sympathy from Island friends.

Anna Mary and Gary Cusack of Petoskey were guests of Anna Mary’s mother, Helga Doud. They recently attended a family wedding in Mexico.

Debbie Carley is nursing a chipped bone in her elbow following an accident suffered playing softball at Great Turtle Park. Her arm is in a sling. Island friends send best wishes to Deb.

Mama Goose on Windermere Pointe has taught her nine goslings to swim. They’re a wonderful attraction to folks who enjoy seeing the little fuzzballs. Mama duck is also on parade with her brood of nine little ones. Mother Nature is wonderful.

The Michigan Hospital Administration Convention has been in session at Grand Hotel.

Sadly, we report that Aunt Lou Riley of Naples, Florida, who was to spend the summer with her nieces, Debra and Sandra Orr, suffered a fall in Caro, her home town, and is returning on Saturday to her home in Naples, Florida. She is a dear friend to many on the Island and loves a good game of bridge. We will miss you, Aunt Lou.

Dr. Jeff and Tammy Chambers and their three lovely daughters arrived Friday for the summer and are happily settled in Jeff’s great-grandparents’ home on Cadotte Avenue. Enjoy a fun time. Jeff is a cardiologist in Minnesota.

How heartwarming to see our Island soldier, Ben Horn, and his lovely friend, Sara Gotte, from Germany enjoying Mackinac after serving his country for many years, and serving in Iraq. Ben is painting for Jason St. Onge and is doing an excellent job. It’s so nice to have Ben and Sara back on the Island.

Jane Winston of Bloomington, Indiana, and Georgia is enjoying a stay at the Cable cottage with family members. It’s nice to have Jane back on Mackinac.

The Mike Benjamin family of Boston are visiting family members on Mackinac. Nice to have you back on the Island.

Today is Friday, July 1, and the weather is much cooler. Unlike Thursday, June 30, which was warm and rainy. Hopefully, we will have sunshine for the weekend.

May the bright warm sunshine bring many visitors to Mackinac.

Hope you enjoyed a wonderful Fourth of July.