News About People On Mackinac Island
By Jeannette Doud

It’s Christmastime on Mackinac. It’s Tuesday, December 6. Following the big snow of last evening, a paradise awakes this morning. It’s perfectly magnificent.

Sing merrily as Christmas is coming, the day we love best. Reds, yellows, blues, and greens, Christmas paints her Yuletide scenes. Colorful ornaments in red and gold, festive scenery, trees shine in silvered snow.

Just glancing out our patio door to the east, the most glorious scenery is breathtaking. The big pine trees in the Rearicks’ yard are laden with heavenly snow. Everything is pristine and picturesque. The little birds who find refuge from the cold in the trees are singing a merry tune. How does one describe a morning sunrise, brilliant with fire and the red beams shining down on snow-covered land. Never have I seen such a perfectly beautiful morning. Porch railings, fences, and bird houses are striking in their new winter attire.

Sing the holly and the ivy and the merry mistletoe that come to us in winter. When the fields are white with snow, deck the halls with greenery and lights.

At the White Elephant booth are Jackie Bradley, Patti LaPine, and Lois Lenaghan.

Twinkle lights are seen all over the Island and pine swags of fresh garland are adorned with bright red velvet bows. Christmas shoppers are bustling about. The air is cold and brisk.

“Christmas is not a time or season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – Calvin Coolidge.

As dusk fell quietly over the Island Thursday, December 1, Christmas carols could be heard as the children arrived from a hayride. As everyone surrounded the stately community Christmas tree in the center of beautiful Main Street singing, little Harry Myers, son of Rodney and Lori, flipped the switch illuminating the tree, a gift of Henry Dombroski from his tree farm in Cheboygan. Mr. Dombroski is the father of our city building inspector and engineer, Dennis Dombroski. High atop the magnificent tree is a large silver star shining on the town. A special thanks to the Dombroski family for giving everyone on Mackinac this special Christmas gift. Also a special thanks to Mark Chambers and Dan Wightman of Edison Sault for their expertise in the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Loretta Spata, Tracy Mardock, and Betty BeDour run the silent auction.

Deck the tree with boughs of holly. Tis the season to be jolly . Each lamppost in our little town is decorated with beautiful pine lighted wreaths tied with red bows. Christmas carols are pealing from the loud speaker at Arnold Transit Company and the mighty Huron is outlined with lights of the season.

For once on a December night, an angel held a candle bright, and led three wise men by its light, to where a child was sleeping.

Our city park, with a lighted horse and sled, was typical for the many guests who were coming to attend the Christmas Bazaar. To honor our veterans at this time of the year, a tree adorned with white lights stands tall at the Veterans Memorial. The city crew, Robert Massaway, John Massaway, and Robert Massaway, Jr., waved a magic wand and the front of the Community Hall sparkled in the winter night. The hall was filled for three days with busy shoppers who enjoyed the silent and big auctions. Many items were made by our Island’s master carpenters and fine work by Island ladies.

Dan Seeley, Sue Chambers, and Donna Killips in the kitchen.

As you entered the door to the historic John Jacob Astor Warehouse, now the Community Hall, smells of home cooking filled the air. The plant booth was managed by Trish Martin. Her assistants were Bill and Lornie Porter, Paul and Marianka Alexander, and Carole and Frank Pompa. On display were beautiful handmade centerpieces by Nancy May, fresh wreaths, garlands, hand-painted Christmas balls by Trish Martin, and a hand-woven basket from Joan Slater’s sister in Minnesota. The plant booth raffle, a miniature Christmas tree, was won by Colton Fisher.

Next was the bake sale, manned by Kathi Wightman, Janis Early, and Kathy Wightman. A very special person was missing this year, Esther Wightman, who passed away Monday, November 7. When the bazaar opened at 11 a.m., it was dedicated to Esther. Every year she did her Christmas shopping and had a wonderful time. This year, all the baked goodies were made in her memory. You could find walnut pies, fresh apple pies, chocolate pound cake, Christmas cookies, fresh bread, and many other mouth-watering items. The raffle, a snowman dish, was won by Lois Lenaghan.

Trish Martin and Lornie and Bill Porter were selling plants and hand-made ornaments.

The White Elephant Booth, with workers Jackie Bradley, Lois Lenaghan, and Patti LaPine, had a variety of articles for Christmas gifts. Shoppers had a ball looking over all the treasures. The raffle, a dancing Frosty, was won by Mike Carley.

Caroline LaPine’s handmade items booth was filled with her handywork. She truly does an amazing job. We send special thanks to Helen Bunker Dixon for remembering the bazaar with some beautiful handmade items. The raffle, a beautiful doll made by Caroline, was won by Dorothy Dehring.

Snapper Bazinaw and Bruce LaPine having a good time at the Christmas Bazaar.

Karen Allen’s Youth Adisory Committee booth was a game of chance. The students made Santa hats and Christmas trees with ice cream cones and frosting and put prizes in them. Everyone was excited to take a chance, and Brenda Bunker won the big prize, a set of sapphire studs donated by Frank Bloswick.

At the auction, Kay Hoppenrath was assisted by Melly Hagenbaugh, Jennifer Bloswick, and Mary K. McIntire, while City Clerk Karen Lennard typed the auction lists. Auctioneer Mike Carley did an outstanding job not only selling items, but entertaining the crowd. Mike’s elves were Smi Horn, Tony Spata, and Bruce LaPine. There were some fabulous items ranging from a handmade table by Dr. Don Weersing, a wonderful snowmobile sled made by Larry Belonga, a snowmobile caboose constructed by Cub Horn and Stan Gugin, a handmade chest made by Joe Gugin and Jason St. Onge, a handsome love seat donated by Bruce St. Louis, commuter tickets from Arnold, Star Line, and Shepler’s, gift baskets from Grand Hotel, a catered dinner by Chef Don Kromer from Mission Point Resort, Detroit Lions tickets, Detroit Red Wings tickets, a 27-inch television donated by Gamble Roofing, and so many other items donated by so many people.

Mackinac Island teacher Karen Allen, who teaches language arts and social studies to fourth- through seventh-grade students at Mackinac Island Public Schools, helped the Youth Advisory Committee’s booth at the Island Christmas Bazaar by offering visitors a chance to win gifts hidden in a Christmas cone.

The kitchen served a banquet every day. In charge was Sue Chambers, assisted by Deb and Mona Carley, Dan Seeley, Donna Killips, Irene Rickley, Debbie De Le Vegne Bowerman, Jewel Geyer, and those wonderful girls from Sault Ste. Marie who served the food, Deb, Lisa, and Laney. The Mackinac Island Fire Department, including Dennis Bradley, Mike Bradley, Jason St. Onge, and Larry Rickley Jr., were in charge of dishwashing Sunday. Also helping in the dish department were Dick Bolander and Bud Bowerman. The menu consisted of roast pork Saturday and prime rib Sunday with a salad bar. The late afternoon snacks were nachos, pizza, and hot dogs. A special thanks to Doud Mercantile for all their donations. Thanks to Kelly Bean for organizing the salads for Sunday. Sue has some very special recipes, so the food was excellent. People came for three days to enjoy the food.

Larry Belonga of St. Ignace built and donated this snowmobile sleigh for the Christmas Bazaar auction Sunday, December 4. Proceeds of the auction go to the Mackinac Island Medical Center, Little Stone Church, Ste. Anne’s Church, Trinity Church, and the Mackinac Island Bible Church.

The silent auction, under the direction of Betty BeDour and assisted by Tracy Mardock, Loretta Spata, and Kris Clark, was a lot of fun. The bidding was very spirited.

The sundae booth was staffed by members of the Mackinac Island Bible Church and Pastor Ken and Lori Straight. Wonderful malts and sundaes were served. The raffle, Frosty, was won by Amelia Roe.

The rummage sale was held in the fire hall under the direction of Pam Lach. She was assisted by Anne St. Onge, Rick Linn and Lizzie, Sam Barnwell, Kelly Bean, Brian Schoenborn, and Jackie Bradley. Everyone had a great time buying a new wardrobe for the holidays.

Clowning at the auction table are Mary K. McIntire, Jennifer Bloswick, Bruce LaPine, and Kay Hoppenrath.

The raffle table was under the direction of our dedicated worker, Sylvia Perault, who sold more than $7,500 worth of raffle tickets before the bazaar started. She does an excellent job. Her helpers were Patty Satterlee, Franny Bazinaw, and Kitty Horn. Winning the Christmas raffle was Ron Dufina, who took home $1,500, and Marvin May, Rosie Charnes, Stephanie Arbib, and Joan Slater, who each received $500. The kitchen raffle, 55 gallons of gas, was won by Tim Leeper. The SkiDoo snowmobile was won by Justin Clark of Plainwell. He worked on the Island last summer. Mike Gamble, Jr. won $500 and Jennifer Glashaw of St. Ignace won $100. The winner of the 50/50 raffle was Leo Krzeminski. He won $1,262.50.

Gwen Bagbey helped to set up and decorate the hall, and the medical center crew, police, fire, and DPW hauled items. Thanks to everyone who helped clean the hall, especially the crew from Mission Point Resort, and to two special friends of the bazaar, Mike Young and Jay Stingel. Thank you to all our friends in St. Ignace, who donated, came, and purchased items. It was truly a great event. It grossed $50,000, which will be divided five ways: Ste. Anne’s, Trinity Episcopal Church, Mackinac Island Bible Church, Little Stone Church, and the Mackinac Island Medical Center. It was a true combination of the Mackinac and Christmas spirit.

Center Photograph: St. Ignace and Pte. Aux Chenes residents spent the afternoon of Sunday, December 4, on Mackinac Island enjoying the Christmas Bazaar, including (from left) Nancy Smith, Linda Monville, Gayle Lamoreaux, and Judy Luoma.

Congratulations to Brenda Bunker, who was named Mackinac Island Volunteer of the Year during the bazaar on Sunday.

Guests seen doing their Christmas shopping at the bazaar were Captain Paul Allers, Peter Marabell and Fran Barger, Kate Koboski and daughters from Petoskey, Ollie and Patty Boynton, Wes and Mary Maurer, Larry and Chad Belonga, and Bruce and Cheryl St. Louis, all of St. Ignace, the Ken Gilberts, Carl Hartman, Paula Starkweather, Barb Kovlack, Jan Webster, Bonnie Flotz, Joan Barch, Jan Sager, Mary Jane and Will Barnwell, Joe Stakoe, Rod Horn, Angie Bunker, Mary and Justin Barber, Gloria and Bob Tweady from Farmington, Paula McNamara, Rod and Nancy Nelson, Diane and Dale Peterson from Hessel, Joanne Detwiller from Pointe Nipigon, Velma LaPine, Bernadine Bazinaw and friend, Fay Grove from Sault Ste. Marie, Tom Pfeiffelmann and Linda Bennett from St. Ignace, Peter and Marta Olson and daughters, and Reinette Murray. I’m sure that I forgot some folks, but I know everyone had a great time.

Bottom Photograph: Mike Carley calls for bids at the auction as Bruce LaPine marks a bidder and Tony Spata digs for the next auction item.

Now Christmas has come. Let’s beat on the drums and call all the neighbors together and when they appear, let us make them cheer as we keep out the wind and the weather.

Residents from Mackinac Island and vicinity were on hand Sunday to celebrate Ned Fenlon’s 102nd birthday in Petoskey October 23. Well-wishes are (from left) Annegret Goehring of Hessel, former Mackinac Island Yacht Club Commodore Bill Platten of Cheboygan (in back), Anna Mary and Gary Cusack of Petoskey, Mary K. McIntire of Mackinac, Representative Gary McDowell of Rudyard, Ann Hart of Mackinac, Mary Maurer of St. Ignace, and Jane Hart of Mackinac. Judge Fenlon, seated in front, is also a former commodore of the Mackinac Island Yacht Club.

Tuesday, December 13, a very lovely lady, Helga Doud, will be celebrating her 99th birthday. Helga first came to the Island from her home in Hibbing, Minnesota, to visit her sister and husband, Olga and Eric Wickman, founders of the Greyhound Bus Company, who owned a cottage on the East Bluff. It was on Mackinac that Helga met her late husband, Francis Doud. Helga lives in her comfortable home on Lakeshore Drive, where she enjoys a panoramic view of the Straits of Mackinac. She enjoys life, still knits, and is an avid fan of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Helga’s daughter and son-in-law, Anna Mary and Gary Cusack, live in Petoskey. They have five daughters. Her late son, Stephen, had two sons, Franc and Andrew. Helga has seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Happy birthday, Helga. I hope your day is very special.

Mackinac Island students in Liz Staats-Burt’s 6th grade and 7th grade classes were graduated from the DARE drug resistance program Friday, December 2, by their instructor, Michigan State Police Trooper Fred Strich. Graduates are (front row, from left) Caleb Kolatski, Blake Ruddle, Devon Hunt, Anthony Rickley, Morgan Brodeur-Bunker, and Austin Ruddle; (back) Marie Bunker, Robert Chaffee, Andrew Chambers, Jesse Straight, Austin Jaruzel, and Maggie Chambers. Missing from the photograph is Ashley Gough. Also attending the graduation were Mackinac County Prosecuting Attorney Clayton Graham and Commissioner Larry Leveille. Star Line’s Dave Ramsey was recognized for contributing boat fare to the program. (Photograph by Angie Bunker)

Just peaceful was the night when the prince of light, his reign of peace upon the earth began.

Another lovely lady, Mrs. Ethel Ryba, of Fraser celebrated her 99th birthday November 17. Happy birthday from Island friends and may you continue to enjoy the best of health and happiness.

Beside the doorway, a wreath is hung of cedar and cones with a tinsel bow and clusters of miniature bells.

Saturday, December 10, Dennis Brodeur will host an appreciation and 85th birthday party. He wants to thank his host of friends and families, who have chosen his famous Mustang Lounge over the years as their stopping-off spot to entertain and enjoy the true spirit of Mackinac. Dennis’s birthday is December 8, but all his family will be here Saturday, December 10, to help him celebrate. Stop by and wish Dennis special birthday greetings from 5 p.m. to midnight at the Community Hall.

Let’s have an old-fashioned Christmas. What a delight it will be.

Happy birthday to Lou Clark December 9. Have a great day.

One of Mackinac Island’s nurses, Karen Weersing, has been called by Health and Human Services to assist in hurricane relief efforts. She is stationed in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She is caring for about 1,200 homeless families on a ship for at least two weeks. We send greetings to Karen on this special mission.

We have some happy news to report. Bruce LaPine, dedicated head of maintenance at the Island House, is feeling the best he has in many years and is looking great. At the bazaar, he was full of fun and having a terrific time assisting the auctioneer, Mike Carley. Everyone is so pleased and happy for Bruce.

Monday, December 12, we wish a very happy birthday to Jeannie McGreevy, Jennifer Wightman, and Brevin St. Onge. Enjoy your day.

Candlelight shines in each window, sprigs of holly on the mantel and door.

Some more wonderful happenings. Bruce’s brother, Larry LaPine, who is recovering from recent major surgery at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, is now recuperating and receiving rehabilitation at Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace and is doing very well. The good news is that he may be home for the holidays. His brother, Gary, is a patient in the long term care unit at the hospital and is making great progress.

Bright sleds skim from the hilltops, velvet snowflakes in radiance beam.

Jack Armstrong, who has a lovely home at Stonebrook, has been viewing a bald eagle hovering in the sunlight. He also has photographs of spectacular sunsets that are just gorgeous. Sunsets and sunrises have been very beautiful lately.

A very special gentleman, Prentiss M. (Moie) Brown, Jr., celebrated his 80th birthday Friday, December 2. Moie was guest of honor at a Christmas open house hosted by his office staff. Many Island friends attended, bringing birthday greetings and thanking him for the things he has done for his friends over the years. We send many good wishes for continued years of the best of health and happiness.

Make an old-fashioned Christmas, may each waiting heart feel the glow.

Prayers continue for one of Mackinac’s special friends, Jim Roe, dedicated member of the Mackinac Island Service Co., who handles all the freight operation on the Arnold Dock. Jim is not feeling his best and hopefully will soon be back home. Everyone on the Island sends you greetings, Jim.

Local contractors Mike Gamble and Barry BeDour took advantage of the great fall weather to complete much of their outside work. My home on Lakeshore Drive is sporting a fine new roof by Mike and his crew, and the Rearick’s cottage has a handsome new cedar shake roof by Barry and his crew.

Marshall Builders of St. Ignace is working daily on a large project at the Iroquois Hotel. Margaret McIntire is still at her Island home. She will celebrate Christmas with her daughter, Mary K., at Mary K.’s home in Bay Harbor.

Once more the bells of Christmas are ringing sweet and clear.

We give a hearty welcome to the new general manager of Mission Point Resort, Dave Sanderson, and his wife, Susan, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They’re getting settled into their new home on Mackinac. They had a great time at the Christmas Bazaar.

Very happy birthday greetings to our new pastor at Ste. Anne’s, Father Rey Garcia S.J., who has replaced Father Jim Williams. Father Rey is learning to drive a snowmobile.

Nancy Pfeiffelman will celebrate her birthday December 13. Enjoy your day. Nancy and Ed will spend the holidays in Colorado with their son, Edson.

Once more our hearts are lifted up and filled with hope and cheer.

Len Trankina’s daughter is spending the winter on the Island. Over Thanksgiving she entertained her father and Karen McCabe at a turkey dinner.

Prayers and best wishes are being sent to Jim Droskie, former president of First National Bank of St. Ignace, who is a patient at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. A call received from his daughter, Sandy Grisdale, tells us how happy he is to receive letters and cards from home. His address is: University of Michigan Hospital, Room 422, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

Carolyn Leigh May is a candidate for a Bachelor of Science degree in general management with a minor in human resource management at Oakland University commencement exercises Saturday, December 17. Carolyn is a very lovely young lady. She will do her internship at Disney World this winter. Congratulations to Carolyn from Island friends.

Happy birthday to Mandy Wandrie and Herbie St. Onge December 15. I hope your day is special.

A very lovely young lady, who was born and reared on Mackinac, went out into the big world and is now a very accomplished real estate agent in Orlando, Florida. She is Sara Bunker Sutherland, daughter of Irene and Larry Rickley Sr. We are the recipient of the new historic American Homes 2006 calendar from Sara, who is in Century 21 Professional Group. Sara loves her home on Mackinac and her family, whom she visits as often as she can. Congratulations to Sara from all your Island friends.

Jane Finkel will celebrate her birthday December 16 and Lydia Porter December 17. Have a good day.

Best wishes to Frank Bloswick Sr., who retired November 1 following many dedicated years as head of maintenance at Grand Hotel.

It wouldn’t be a Christmas Bazaar without David, Jennifer, and Lucas Karhoff of Findlay, Ohio. They always bring wonderful items for the auction. Merry Christmas to them and especially to Jennifer’s mother, Lois Griffin. The Karhoffs enjoyed a family dinner at the Bynoe residence Friday evening, December 2.

It was great to see Carl Hartman of Stonecliffe at the Christmas Bazaar.

Ladies are invited to a Christmas tea Monday, December 19, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Johnson Hall at Mission Point Resort. The tea will be hosted by Lorie Straight and members of the Mackinac Island Bible Church.

Welcome home to Milton and Roseann Bazinaw of Fremont. They had a fun time at the bazaar visiting friends and family members, especially Milton’s parents, Robert and Caroline LaPine.

Nancy May went to Yosemite National Park in November for a week of hiking and sightseeing. Her favorite photo-op was the full moon rising behind half-dome at 7,000 feet. Nancy made beautiful centerpieces for the bazaar.

Happy birthday December 5 to Pat Leveille, mother of Kevin, who has been working at the Windermere for many years. Enjoy your day, Pat.

It was a pleasure meeting Bob and Sharon Smith of Cedarville, who had a great time at the Christmas Bazaar.

Happy birthday December 20 to Sara D. Chambers and Lance Greenlee.

Judy and Rob Bynoe and Patty Schoenborn journeyed to Grand Rapids for a special program honoring Peggy Bynoe. Peggy is an accomplished pianist, a graduate of Aquinas College, and now student teaching music. Happy birthday to Judy December 23.

Driving all the way from LaSalle, Illinois, Saturday, December 3, was Dennis O’Keefe, avid admirer of Mackinac, who just came to be on hand for the Christmas Bazaar. Dennis and his wife, Peggy, and her father and friends, Mike, Grant, and Tony, are annual visitors to the Windermere, where they enjoy the view from the verandah. Merry Christmas from Island friends.

Island newlyweds Julie and Jim Fisher and Julie’s mother, Joan Barch, just returned from a week-long Caribbean cruise celebrating the 90th birthday Joan’s mother, Jean Carr. Jean enjoyed playing bridge at the Mackinac Island Yacht Club this past summer. Jim returned to the Island with renewed energy, ready to coach the Mackinac Island Lakers basketball team.

Christmas greetings to Bob and Lorraine O’Keefe of Oak Brook, Illinois, who own a lovely cottage in Woodbluff. We missed them at the Christmas Bazaar.

Welcome back to Mackinac to Bud and Debbie Bowerman of Lansing, who have returned to the Island. Bud is employed at Grand Hotel in maintenance. Debbie grew up here. She is the former Debbie De La Vergne, whose late father was employed for many years in the accounting department at Arnold Transit. She attended the Thomas W. Ferry School and her special schoolmate was Deb Carley.

There will be a Christmas party Sunday, December 11, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Community Hall. It is given by the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and everyone is welcome.

The annual Christmas program at the Mackinac Island Public School will be held Wednesday, December 14, at 7 p.m. Come and enjoy all the fun.

While attending the birthday party for Moie Brown, we had the pleasure of meeting a very good friend, Jack Ryerse, who looks and feels great. He was interested in the Island news and especially the decorations at First National Bank on the Island. Congratulations to Jack, who just became a great-grandfather for the 20th time. Merry Christmas to Jack from Island friends.

Dwight LaPine and Jeff Shaffer will have their London Square Gift Shop open for Christmas shoppers.

Warmest and best wishes to Father Mike Rhoades of St. Ignace. We’re praying for you.

Happy birthday to Ada Mae Chambers December 21. Have a good day, Ada.

Peggy Cowell has enjoyed a fun fall. Her daughter, Laurie, came and met her and her two grandsons, Eric and Fuller, and drove them to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to see Laurie and Jim’s new house. Peggy, Eric, and Fuller will be at the game Sunday, December 11, when the Green Bay Packers play the Detroit Lions.

Seasons greetings to Dick and Dee Czapek in Grand Rapids. Happy birthday to Dee December 22.

Merry Christmas to two students who are exchange students in Japan, Jeannine McGreevy, daughter of Julye of Cedarville and Robert of St. Ignace, and Tyler Finkel of the Island, son of Pam and Lee.

Captain Paul Allers of the mighty Huron of Arnold Transit Co. works two or three days a week. He has been sailing for 53 years and still enjoys his job. Happy wedding anniversary to Paul and Betsy December 28. Best wishes for continued health and happiness.

Ann and Tim Timmons, with son, Mark and Ann and family from Missoula, Montana, have just returned from a delightful cruise on the Mediterranean. Merry Christmas to the Timmons’ from Island friends.

Fire Chief Dennis and Jackie Bradley will celebrate their wedding anniversary December 28. Enjoy your day.

Newlyweds Jason and Jennie St. Onge departed the Island Thursday, December 8, bound for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to board their ship for a 10-day cruise celebrating their honeymoon. It was a wedding gift from Jason’s parents, Deanna and Glen St. Onge. Happy birthday to Jason December 24, Christmas Eve. Relax and enjoy a much needed rest. Have fun in the sun.

December is the month for birthdays. Happy birthday to Andrew McGreevy and Tim Leeper December 24, Hannah Chambers and Jerry Horn December 25, Anthony Rickley December 26, Bud Chambers and Lornie Porter December 27, James P. Chambers and Mary Patay December 29, and Dr. Carol Erikkson Entwistle December 31. I hope you all have a great day.

Mackinac is such a great place to meet many friends and visitors. Friday, December 2, Jim and Birdie Sheridan of Troy crossed over on the Huron to spend the weekend at Bogan Lane Inn. They had a wonderful time at the Christmas Bazaar and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Island in the winter.

George Blair, who worked many summers at Fort Mackinac, has moved permanently to the Island. We give him a warm welcome.

Happy 5th wedding anniversary to Frank and Jennifer Bloswick December 2.

As the Island comes alive with the Christmas spirit, let us go on a sleigh ride. The snow is crisp and sleigh bells ring as we glide along the snow. Passing by Mission Point and heading into town, we see sparkling lights at Candy Smith’s house, the Moskwa’s, and the front of Ste. Anne’s draped in garland. Christmas Eve mass will be held at 8 p.m. followed by refreshments in the church hall. As we trotted along and look out over the harbor, the reflection of the red and green lights on the Arnold Dock dance on the water. Looking up on the hill of history, we see a stately glowing tree in the night sky, greeting the passing freighters. Main Street sparkles in the moonlight with the tree and wreaths, the Irish Pub, Mustang Lounge, Village Inn, Arnold Dock, Main Street Inn and Suites, Horn’s Bar, Yankee Rebel, city buildings, and the Iroquois Hotel all decked out in the holiday spirit. As we turn on to Market Street, First National Bank glows with twinkling lights, Kay Hoppenrath and Cecelia Flanagan’s white lights greet visitors, and Trinity Episcopal Church has a large wreath with a red bow hanging from the door. Christmas Eve services at Trinity will be held at 4:30 p.m. in this historic church. Riding up through the woods, we come to a Christmas fairyland sparkling in the night sky. Harrisonville is absolutely beautiful with everyone decorated for the holidays with Frosty sparkling in the snow to Santa and his reindeer flying through the air. When you pass through Harrisonville, you feel like you’re in a Christmas wonderland. As we trotted along, we come to the Gatehouse at Stonecliffe, shimmering in the frosty evening. Many homes in Woodbluff, Stonecliffe Manor, and Stonebrook greet visitors decorated in the Yuletide spirit. Returning home by the shore road and looking out over the Straits, we see a 1,000-footer passing the Round Island Lighthouse decked out for the season. You can feel the Christmas spirit in the frosty air.

Christmas greetings to Mrs. William Smith of Austin, Texas, longtime cottager of the East Bluff, mother of Reverend Ron Smith, who has knitted beautiful baby items sold for many charities on Mackinac.

Christmas greetings to Sandra and Debra Orr. Hopefully, your injuries are healing, Sandra. Merry Christmas to Aunt Lou.

The outside colors at the Musser’s new restaurant, formerly the French Outpost, are very colorful. R.D. Musser of Laingsburg was on the Island Tuesday, December 6.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!