NEWS ABOUT PEOPLE ON MACKINAC ISLAND
BY JEANNETTE DOUD

What a gorgeous day to celebrate a very special event. The heavenly blue sky and warm temperatures welcomed guests who enjoyed the Labor Day weekend concerts in the Tea Garden at Grand Hotel, where the luscious green velvet grass and the blooming flowers offered a magnificent setting. A record crowd of jazz fans gathered to hear Alex Graham and other musicians fill the air with wonderful music. A picnic luncheon was provided. In the evening, concerts were held at the Jockey Club and The Gate House. On Sunday morning, on Grand Hotel's porch, gospel music was enjoyed. It was truly a wonderful weekend for Grand Hotel and Mackinac.

Happy belated birthday to Jackie Bolander August 27.

Great news: Dr. Mike and Jane Bacon are grandparents for the first time. Their daughter and son-in-law, Trish and Ben Robinson, are the proud parents of a son, Jack William, who was born Friday, August 31, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He weighed 10 pounds, 1 ounce at birth. His other grandparents are Dr. Bob Robinson and the late Kathy Robinson. Congratulations from Island friends.

Happy anniversary to Dr. Mike and Jane Bacon September 9. Hope you had a wonderful day.

Greetings to our friends, David, Jennifer, and Lucas Karhoff of Findlay, Ohio, who have been battling the flood that recently caused major destruction to their town. I've been in touch with Jennifer, who has described an unbelievable sight, causing the closing of many businesses, including the bank. Schools there will not open until Monday, September 10. Lucas fell off his bicycle and fractured his knee, and he will have surgery Tuesday, September 11. We send best wishes to the Karhoffs from Island friends. We hope to see you at the Christmas Bazaar.

Happy birthday to Marvin May September 8. Happy anniversary to Marvin and Christy May September 10. Hope you had a wonderful day.

Joe Porcaro, father of Jay Porcaro of Weber's Floral, continues to give the beautiful flower baskets adorning each lamppost tender loving care. They're very attractive and add beauty to our Island. Any donations for the flower basket fund may be sent to Kathi Wightman. Any contributions would be appreciated.

Dottie Sharer, summer cottager of the West Bluff, has closed her lovely home with its wonderful view of the Straits, and has returned to her home in Bloomfield Hills. Dottie loves Mackinac, her many bridge games and, best of all, her summer friends. She was accompanied home by her grandson.

Sunday, September 2, a strong westerly wind caused a small catamaran sailboat to wash up on Windermere Point. Later that evening, the wind freed it once again, and it is now beached at Mission Point.

I now have Carmen Golden's address in Monroe: 927 North Macomb Street, Apt. #2A, Monroe, MI 48162. Happy birthday to Carmen September 18. She would love to hear from her many friends on Mackinac.

Warmest and best wishes to Father Rey Garcia of Ste. Anne's, who underwent more surgery Wednesday, September 5, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Hurry and come back to your beautiful rectory with its great view of the harbor and Straits. Your many friends on Mackinac are praying for you.

We're hopeful that Rosie Charnes of Indianapolis and her friends will visit the Island on the weekend of September 14.

Kitty and Raymond Shadel of Buffalo, New York, are visiting their Island home on Bourisaw Lane, where Raymond and his friends installed a new tile floor in the kitchen. Nice to have you back on Mackinac.

The Randy McKay family of Chassell visited the Bynoe and Schoenborn families over the Labor Day weekend.

Lorabeth Fitzgerald, who has spent the summer months in her lovely cottage on the East Bluff, has returned to her winter home in Grand Ledge.

Happy birthday to Ann Timmons September 9. Have a wonderful day.

As always, the Mackinac Island Medical Center was a very busy place over the Labor Day weekend, with Dr. Richard Hodgman of Kalkaska, two resident physicians, and nurse Ed Chambers in charge. They treated many patients over the holiday.

The Mackinac Island Public School opened its doors Tuesday, September 4, with a cookout, welcoming students, parents, and community members. We're very proud of our school, which overlooks the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. The Mackinac Island Lakers soccer team will host Beaver Island Friday afternoon, September 7. Come and support the team.

Jerry Fenlon of Belonga Plumbling will celebrate his birthday September 10. Have a great day.

Best wishes to Linda Price, who continues to recuperate from her recent accident. She is residing at the Gough's Big House, and friends visit with her on the front porch.

A spaghetti dinner will be held Thursday, September 13, at Ste. Anne's Hall. Proceeds will benefit Ste. Anne's Church.

Happy birthday to Nicholas Davis September 12. Hope you enjoyed your day.

Church bells rang Saturday, September 1, welcoming many brides. Happy couples then tour our magical Island in the wedding carriages.

Best get well wishes are being sent to George Bodwin Sr. of Manton, who underwent lung surgery Tuesday, September 4, in Traverse City. George's daughter, Jackie Bradley, will keep me posted on his progress.

Phyllis Dunham has closed her cozy cottage and has returned to Topinabee, where she enjoys the fall and winter. We shall miss your light in the neighborhood.

Mary K. McIntire is spending a week at her home on Lakeshore Drive.

Monday, September 3, the weather was picture perfect for the huge crowd that walked the Mackinac Bridge in its 50th anniversary year, spanning the distance between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. The view of the Mackinac Bridge from the Island, be it winter, summer, spring, or fall, is magnificent, especially during the holiday season.

The family of Dr. Richard and Karen Hodgman of Kalkaska spent a fun time on the Island over the holiday weekend.

Jason St. Onge of St. Onge Latex and Groove donated his time in power washing the front of the Mackinac Island Medical Center Tuesday, September 4. It was greatly appreciated.

Jack Barnwell, son of Becki and the late Roman Barnwell, has returned to Mackinac from Missoula, Montana. Jack's gardening can be seen at the entrance to the Carriage House, where the beautiful flowers are in full bloom. Another Barnwell son, Emory, who has been in England studying wooden boat building, will be home soon.

Blake Ruddle will celebrate his birthday September 14. Hope you have a great day.

Extensive work will begin this week on the marina in the Island harbor. The work will continue all winter and be completed by spring.

The Glen Young family has returned to their home in Petoskey for the beginning of the school year. Both Glen and Jane are teachers.

Skip and Kay Beth Harrel of Bloomington, Indiana, are enjoying the Cable Cottage.

We give the new Interim Chief of Police Jim Marks a welcome to his new post. He and his wife, Nancy, are welcome additions to our community.

Peggy Bynoe has returned to her music teaching position in Grand Rapids following her summer on Mackinac. Peggy played at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses at Ste. Anne's Sunday, September 2. Carolyn May lead the singing.

Ben Mosley, attired in his green coat and top hat, drives Grand Hotel's private carriage with two prancing, high stepping hackneys, a real sight for guests and visitors to see.

The big Carleton Varney Antique Show will open Friday night, September 7, at 5:30 p.m. at Grand Hotel.

Following a busy summer, let us all relax a bit and enjoy the autumn season on Mackinac!

Sue Bybee and her sister, Debbie Pajakowski, of Mishawaka, Indiana, are enjoying their annual vacation at the Windermere Hotel.

Ahappy event took place on the Mackinac Bridge walk Monday. Jeffrey Seckinger, his girlfriend, Lindsey Randall, of Parma, and Jeff's parents were walking the bridge when Jeff asked his mother to take a picture of him and Lindsey with Mackinac Island in the background. As she proceeded to take the picture, Jeffrey got down on one knee and asked Lindsey to marry him. She said yes. He then gave her a Lake Superior Greenstone ring. This was a surprise for all involved, reported Mr. Seckinger's uncle, Doug Lovitt of Battle Creek. Jeff and Lindsey will be married next year on Mackinac Island at his favorite spot, "Anne's Tablet."

Mr. Seckinger and Mr. Lovitt both lived on Mackinac Island in 1995 and 1996. Jeff attended 10th grade at Mackinac Island Public Schools, where he made a lot of good friends, including Justin Gallagher, Mark Gallagher, Joe Klevan, and many more. Mr. Lovitt worked for the Dufinas at The Village Inn. The family has visited the Island for many, many years and will continue to do so, Mr. Lovitt said.