NEWS ABOUT PEOPLE ON MACKINAC ISLAND
BY JEANNETTE DOUD

It's August, a time when there is an abundance of beauty everywhere. The summer sun and beautiful, moonlit evenings are such a delight for the many folks who come from far and near, just to visit our lovely Island. The blooming flowers in the gardens are at their peak. On French Lane, folks stop by just to admire the Russian sage in the delicate color of lavender. Looking further, the hydrangea shrubs have huge white blossoms, the size of grapefruits. Another great flower is the nasturians, which are hearty and plentiful.

Monday, August 6, a big foreign ship passed through Round Island Passage, eastbound, blowing a salute to the ferry boats that answered in turn. It was a great sound for all to hear.

Speaking of shipping, the Edward L. Ryerson was seen sailing eastbound through the Straits. This handsome ship had been in lay up, but returned last year to the trade. It's wonderful to see her again.

Happy birthday to Candi Dunnigan and Laurie Gough August 9. Hope you both had a great day.

To live on an Island, where we have so many caring folks, is a great privilege. Friday, August 3, an accident occurred on Mission Hill to which the response was the greatest. Responding were Dr. Don Weersing and the great staff at the Mackinac Island Medical Center, members of the police and fire departments, EMTs, Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, Mission Point Resort staff, and Island residents, who were at the site as the word spread. Injured were Linda Price, driver of the hourly carriage, and two passengers. Linda was transported to Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey for surgery to repair her badly broken leg. One passenger was transported to Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace, and the other spent the night at a hotel. How grateful we are, and very proud, too, to have such a wonderful medical center. Best wishes to Linda for a speedy recovery.

Happy birthday to Ed Horn August 10. Have a great day.

We welcome home to Ste. Anne's, Father Rey Garcia, who has been at Lourdes in France with a dear friend, who is a priest. Father Rey looks great and is happy to be back home. If, by chance, you're at the east end of the Island, stop by the front yard of Ste. Anne's Rectory and see Father Rey's beautiful flower garden of many different varieties. His vegetable garden on the lake side is amazing, with so many different items.

Becki Splett of Bloomer, Wisconsin, a frequent guest at the Windermere Hotel, will celebrate her birthday August 11. We look forward to your next visit to Mackinac.

Dr. Mike and Jane Bacon's La Chance Cottage is looking mighty fine following damage to the building by a large tree that fell in the front yard. The front of the building has all been rebuilt.

Visiting Dottie Sharer at her lovely West Bluff cottage are her daughter, Diane Sharer, and granddaughter, Sarah Chichester.

The rare black crown night herrons that come to the maple tree behind the Windermere are fascinating to watch. There are three of them, and they fish at night and rest in the trees during the day. There is a beautiful blue heron that resides in the Jewel golf course. It is usually found by hole number 7. It is truly a beautiful bird.

Happy birthday to Kathi Wightman, Edson Pfeiffelman, and Mar Pulte, all celebrating August 11. Have a wonderful day.

The Guns and Hoses softball game will be held at Great Turtle Park Sunday, August 12. Come and join in the fun. This event benefits the Mark Gallagher Scholarship Fund at the Mackinac Island Community Foundation.

Happy belated 30th wedding anniversary wishes to Dave and Susan Sanderson July 31. Island friends send special greetings.

The Mackinac Island Community Foundation, under the direction of Jennifer Bloswick, has sponsored a marvelous concert series each Sunday afternoon at Ste. Anne's Church. It has been very delightful and much appreciated by all who attended. Sunday, August 5, we were treated to a special afternoon entitled "New Sounds in Classical Music" with Heather May on the flute and Angela Voelker playing the piano. Special guest was Ben Jannson on the clarinet. It truly was a wonderful afternoon.

Sharon and Jack Shaffer of Gwinn, parents of Jeff Shaffer, of the London Square gift shop, returned to their home last week following a week on Mackinac managing the shop. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary Wednesday, July 25. Congratulations and best wishes from Island friends.

James Sheeham of California visited his daughter, Fran Koehler, at her home in Stonecliffe Manor. Mackinac is not new to James, as many years ago he worked for the late Arthur T. Chambers Sr. at the Chambers Livery Stable on Cadotte Avenue. He was from Gladwin, and while on the Island he visited his good friends, Wayne Jungman and Phyllis Dunham. Wayne is also from Gladwin. A wonderful time was enjoyed by all.

Happy birthday to Bob Gillespie August 12. Have a great day.

The U.S. Steel tug and barge, the Presque Isle, was westbound through Round Island Passage, bound for the steel mills in Gary, Indiana, with a cargo of taconite. It was a beautiful sight on a perfect Mackinac day.

Mark your calendar for the Mackinac Island Medical Center auction Sunday, August 26, at Grand Hotel. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

We have great news to report. Dr. Chris LaTocha, from Mackinaw City, has returned home following his stem cell transplant at the University of Chicago Hospital.

He visited the Island and had dinner at the Pink Pony Tuesday evening. It's wonderful that he's making such a terrific recovery.

The open house at the Stuart House Museum was very successful and well attended. Many folks enjoyed touring the historic building.

Visiting Jennifer Karhoff at her cottage on Bourisaw Lane Tuesday, August 7, were Jomay, Lorhel, and Jeff Bomber of Findlay, Ohio, who have a cabin in Naubinway. Lucas Karhoff joined the Bomber family Tuesday night at their cabin.

Happy wedding anniversary

to Jack and Dorothy Dehring August 17. Have a wonderful day.

This past Friday, August 3, heavy wood smoke drifted over the Island, causing residents to fear a fire on Mackinac. We soon learned that the smoke was coming from the big forest fire near Newberry. Members of the Mackinac Island Fire Department may be called up to assist with the fire. On Wednesday, August 8, the smoke from the big forest fire near Newberry continues to reach the Island.

I apologize for forgetting to mention that our lovely Lilac Queen, Kristi Kamphuis, and Lilac Princess, Dana Roguska, were also in the Mackinac Bridge parade Saturday, July 28.

Sunday evening, under the lights at Great Turtle Park, softball team Village Inn defeated team Pink Pony. The score was 22 to 6. Team Village Inn will be challenged by the Dockporters team Sunday night, August 19. Everyone had a great time at the game.

We send best wishes to Cindy and Pete Komblevitz, who have moved to St. Ignace. Pete served on the Mackinac Island Police Department.

Marilyn and Jerry Zaetta are vacationing at the Goodwin Cottage on the West Bluff. Marilyn's family, the John Days from Saginaw, came to Mackinac for years and brought their own horses. Nice to see them back on the Island.

We're deeply saddened to learn that Chief of Police Bill Lenaghan and his wife, Lois, will leave Mackinac in mid- September.

They've been a special addition to our year-around community and will be greatly missed, especially by the game night group that met Thursday evenings at Ste. Anne's Hall. Island friends wish them all the best.

Happy birthday to Pollyanna Smith and Melinda Porter August 15. Hope you both have a wonderful day.

We send best wishes to George Bodwin Sr. of Manton, who has not been feeling his best. Happy birthday to Almeda Bodwin August 16. Enjoy your day.

Best wishes to Gloria Davenport, who has moved from Gaylord back to St. Ignace.

Dr. Francis and Lorna Straus are back on their favorite Island following a trip to Germany and Russia.

Summer cottager Audrey Gallery of Chicago is entertaining her two nieces. Also joining Audrey are Jenny and Mark Renzel from the state of Washington.

Jack Barnwell of Montana, son of Becki and the late Roman Barnwell, flew home to Mackinac last week to celebrate his birthday with the McIntire family at the Iroquois Hotel.

Happy belated 13th birthday to Kristi Gough July 19.

When Sharon Reese of Escanaba taught at the Mackinac Island Public School, she was loved by students and friends. Sadly, we report that she passed away Friday, July 27, at her home in Rock. Her beloved son, Jeremiah, survives.

Services were held at Faith Lutheran Church in Rock Wednesday, August 1. Island friends attending were Vicki and Gary Urman, Karen Allen, Susan Bennett, Jason St. Onge, and Louann Mosley. Jason and Louann were her students. Island friends send deepest sympathy to Jeremiah and his family.

Enjoy the beautiful August days!