NEWS ABOUT PEOPLE ON MACKINAC ISLAND
BY JEANNETTE DOUD

Juniors at Mackinac Island Public School Robert Chambers (left) and Fuller Cowell assist with Christmas tree sales to raise funds for the Island's 4-H Community Club November 20.

Merry Christmas to all our readers. May the glory of the season fill your hearts with peace, love, and joy, forever and ever.

We remember all of the soldiers, during this holiday season, who are serving our country. We pray for their safe return to their families.

The beauty of the season, brings joy in many ways;

And adds a special brightness

To cheer these wintry days.

As the mighty Huron sails into the harbor each day, her deck is lined with Christmas lights, and the Arnold Pier has red and green lights reflecting on the water. Astar at the end of the dock, shining brightly in the midnight sky, announces the season of Christmas is at hand. A very beautiful scene of winter on Mackinac.

Happy 1st birthday to Vincent Davis December 7. I'm sure your big brother, Nicholas, will help you blow out your candles.

We send special greetings to Nancy Nelson of St. Ignace, who suffered a serious eye injury in the train accident in Chicago Friday, November 30. Island friends send best wishes.

It's Christmas time on Mackinac, the most beautiful time of the year. Standing stalwart on Main Street, at the head of the Arnold Dock, is the magnificent tall balsam, a donation to the City of Mackinac Island from Mr. Henry Dombroski, father of Dennis Dombroski, city building inspector. The Dombroskis have a tree farm in Cheboygan. A special thank you from all the residents of Mackinac. Friday evening, November 30, Christmas carols were sung by Island residents who gathered to watch little Wyatt Morse flip the switch, which illuminated the city tree in an array of beautiful colored lights and a brilliant star shining brightly at the top. Each lamppost is adorned with lighted pine wreaths tied with red velvet bows. At the head of the Arnold Dock, a lighted créche stands silently, ushering in the Prince of Peace.

Fresh evergreens draped in bright shining Christmas lights on the historic Community Hall greeted everyone coming to the big Christmas Bazaar Saturday, December 1. A special highlight of this year's event was being filmed by the Home and Garden network for a showing next year. It was very interesting, and we look forward to seeing the program next holiday season.

Mackinac Island residents Cedar and his owner, Hugh Ravitz, make a stop at the post office Wednesday, November 7, before heading east on Market Street to their work at Mackinac Marine Supply.

The bazaar opened at 11 a.m. with many happy shoppers doing some serious Christmas buying. They first stopped by the bake sale booth, which was staffed by Kathi Wightman, Jen Wightman, Kathy Wightman of St. Ignace, and Janis Early. The aroma of the fresh-baked goodies filled the air. One specialty was homemade dog biscuits by Marc Bobinsky. In the plant booth, Trish Martin took orders for handpainted ornaments, wreaths, garland, centerpieces, and Christmas plants. She was assisted by Carrie Kaminen and Bill and Lornie Porter. The White Elephant table featured Christmas decorations, dolls, and a wide variety of gifts. The clerks waiting to serve you were Patty LaPine, Jackie Bradley, and Nancy Marks. Caroline LaPine's booth was absolutely beautiful with all her handmade items. Island-born Helen Bunker Dixon sent many gifts for this table. Caroline was assisted by her daughter, Gwen, and granddaughter, Karen.

Patricia Hebert says she is excited to return to the Island after a 15-year absence. "The first thing I do is ride around the Island," said the Columbus, Ohio, woman, who stopped by the Town Crier office October 24. She traveled north as part of a senior bus tour and stayed at Grand Hotel. A yearly visitor in the 1980s and early 1990s, the retired dock worker now plans to resume her annual Island vacations, having learned bus service is available to St. Ignace. "I like the Island beauty and the people are friendly, the food is great, and the fudge is marvelous," she said. "What is there not to like?"

Helping everyone with their raffle tickets were Judy Bynoe, Sylvia Perault, and Linda Price. A special thanks to Sylvia for selling so many tickets. At the sundae booth, wonderful malts, hot-fudge sundaes, and other treats were made by Lori and Ken Straight, Roy Bissell, and the Greenlees. People enjoyed bidding on the silent auction and hoping for a bargain. Helpers here were Betty BeDour, Dr. Karen Miljour, Mary Jane Barnwell, Lauren Seebohm, Carol Erbel, Loretta Spata, Kelly Dorman, and Margaret Horn.

Enjoying a reunion with their first and second grade teacher are Mackinac Island natives (from left) Kathy Summerfield Matheson of Butler, Tennessee, Sara Bunker Sutherland of Orlando, Florida, Karen Cowell Ortlieb of Mackinac Island, Jackie Applin, their teacher, and her husband, Bruce Applin, of Newberry. (Photograph courtesy of Kathy Summerfield Matheson)

The live auction, with our famous auctioneer, Mike Carley, was a real treat. Mike was assisted by Tony Spata, Bruce LaPine, and Smi Horn. Items ranged from Detroit Red Wings tickets, a La-Z-Boy chair, buffet lunch at Grand Hotel, Big Ray's famous chili, a section of the bar from the famous Mustang Lounge, autographed by Dennis Brodeur, baskets of cheer, to a hand-crafted rocking horse. Ladies assisting with the auction were Kay Hoppenrath, Melly Hagenbaugh, Jennifer Bloswick, and Lorna Straus.

Leanne Brodeur organized activities for the children, and Brandy Shunk and Kelly Bean sold used clothing in the fire hall.

As you approached the kitchen in the Community Hall, wonderful smells of delicious food filled the air. The items featured Deb Carley's famous nachos, a complete Prime Rib dinner Sunday, and hot turkey sandwiches Monday, plus a wonderful salad bar solicited by Nancy Pfeiffelman. A variety of desserts were baked by Laurie Myers, pastry chef at the Iroquois, and enjoyed by all who attended the bazaar. Those who worked with Deb Carley in the kitchen were Mona Carley, Donna Killips, Jewel, Dan Seeley, Irene Rickley, Ed Chambers, Jim Marks, Rick Linn, Brenda Bunker, Gila Grossman, and Amy Larson.

Saturday at 1 p.m. Santa arrived aboard the Mackinac Island firetruck. He greeted everyone in the hall before going to the fire hall to hear all the wishes of the little girls and boys. When he finished, he returned to the North Pole and will arrive back on Mackinac Christmas Eve.

Aspecial thank you to Gwen Bagbey for decorating the hall, Mike Lee, Dale Beaudoin, and Lindy Maddox, who made the city a Christmas fairyland, Karen Lennard for typing the auction list, Doud's Market, the Department of Public Works, Mackinac Island Police Department, Mackinac Island Fire Department for all their assistance, the Mission Point Resort crew for their excellent job cleaning up the hall, and Urvana Morse for Santa's North Pole.

The prizes were won: Handmade Angel at Caroline's Booth, Kay Hoppenrath; Santa Dog/White Elephant, Jackie Bradley; Handpainted Ornament and Balsam Pillow/Plant Booth, Kathy Wightman of St. Ignace; Bake Sale/Santa Tea Set, Larry Parel; Sundae Booth/ Frosty, Sylvia Perault; 50/50, Joan Nephew; Wii Raffle, Brenda Bunker; Ham Raffle, Candy Smith; 50 gallons of gas, Kathy Wightman of St. Ignace; Christmas Raffle - $1,000, Betty BeDour; $500, Loretta Spata; $500, Frank Bloswick, Jr.; $500, Ann Taylor; $500, Bud Chambers; Snowmobile Raffle, Polaris snowmobile, Billy Bentgen of St. Ignace; $500, Mike Lockwood; $100, Brian Bertram of Onsted.

The Bazaar grossed more than $46,000 to be divided between Ste. Anne's, Trinity, Bible Church, Little Stone, and the Mackinac Island Medical Center. Abig thank you to everyone, especially the contractors, who donated, worked, purchased items, and just came and enjoyed the event. We sincerely appreciate the donations from our neighbors in St. Ignace. The Bazaar is truly the kickoff of the holiday season.

Tuesday afternoon, December 4, the Christmas Bazaar received a wonderful donation from a Christmas Angel in the amount of $5,000, which will pay for the Polaris snowmobile. What a tremendous gift, which reflects the true meaning of Christmas. We are so fortunate to have such a generous person as a member in our community.

Seen enjoying the Christmas Bazaar were many off-Island friends, Ann Taylor and her granddaughter, Jacqulyn, of Delta, Ohio, Dennis and Peggy O'Keefe of LaSalle, Illinois, the Frank and Carole Pompa, the Peter Marabel and Fran Barger, Dr. Donald and Diane Goeckel of Bay City, Larry and Julie Kwiatkowski, Stella Grzymala, Tammy and Cassie Fraser of Mackinaw City, Deana and Glenn St. Onge of Remus, Kathy and Jim Smith of Cheboygan, the Ron Cowell family of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Cathy Cowell Frick and friend of Boyne City, Pat Cepalak and her husband of Grand Rapids, Paula Underwood, Gerry Brown, Jennifer, David, and Lucas Karhoff of Findlay, Ohio, Jay and Melanie Porcaro, Bob and Gloria Tweady of Farmington, who have attended 11 consecutive bazaars, John Hulett, John and Rogene Huibregtse of Wisconsin, Marie Steensma, William and Joann White, Joe and Rosemary Kompsi, Reinette and Jerry Murray, and many, many other folks.

Bertha Green had a wonderful time at the Bazaar, and so did one-month-old Grace Crowley, who was dressed in a handmade sweater and blanket set made by Aunt Lou Riley, who is 94 years old, an aunt to Sandra and Debra sisters. The event entertained all ages.

It gave me great pleasure Sunday, December 2, to have a visit from Alice Bennett and her husband, Clayton, of St. Ignace. They enjoyed the Prime Rib dinner at the Christmas Bazaar. Alice is employed at La Galerie during the summer months and Clayton is retired from Marshall Builders. Great to see you on Mackinac.

Happy 7th wedding anniversary to Frank and Jennifer Bloswick December 2. Island friends send best wishes.

May the smallest things in life be the most meaningful during this magical time of year!

As I sat in the comfort of our home this winter day Wednesday, November 28, looking out at Cadotte Avenue, my thoughts turn to growing up on Mackinac. It was on Benjamin Hill that we would jump aboard our sleds and coast down to the bottom. Should our sleighs not travel as fast as we would like, we would stop by the Island Blacksmith Shop, where our good friend, Mr. Herbert Benjamin, would sharpen our runners.

With the Christmas spirit in our hearts, my uncle, Fred Metiever, would take us deep into the woods of Mackinac, where we would happily choose and cut a fresh balsam, which would brighten our home on Christmas morning.

Let us never forget that wonderful toboggan slide, built by another friend, the late Morton Pero, grandfather of Dan Wightman and Janis Early, which began high on the hill to the left of the Governor's residence, down over the 7th tee on the golf course at Grand Hotel, which would take us flying to the bottom with screams of delight.

At the base of Mahoney Avenue, we would watch the late John McCarty and his crew of Islanders cutting and sawing huge chunks of clear blue ice, which would be hauled by drays to many cottages and Grand Hotel to be covered with sawdust to preserve the ice for summer.

Abit further down on the lake side, the frozen Straits was perfect for ice skating. Seen having a great time were many Island children, along with expert skaters Herbert Benjamin, Jim Alford, Betty Flanagan, and Uncle Patrick Doud, who was in his 80s. Mr. Robert Benjamin, grandfather of Bob, and Patrick Doud also sailed their ice boat, the "White Islander," on the smooth frozen water. It was always a treat to return to the Benjamin home on Lakeshore Drive for hot chocolate.

In our spare time, we would build snow forts big enough to crawl inside. Uncle Lou Dufina and his wonderful bob sled "The Ramblers" would carry folks down the Grand Hill. Lou would always be smiling as he drove around the corner on to Market Street.

All of us attended the Thomas W. Ferry School, and what a good time we enjoyed. One of my wonderful teachers was the late Cecelia Flanagan, who turned 100 years old July 4, 2007. Homemade lunch was the big event of the day; no pizza or junk food. Some of the cooks were the late Ann Chambers, Selma Dufina, and Helen Pfeiffelman.

Janitors who kept everything in perfect shape were Michael and Ray McIntyre, grandfather and father of Eileen McIntyre Groseclose and Virginia Mc- Intyre Riordan.

Also, very special friends to all the kids were Mr. Harry Pelton and Mr. Paul Michalke, grandfather to Paul, who were employees of the Davis General Store. They would sell us penny candy, which was such a treat. In leaving the store, Mr. Pelton would always say, "Kids, you are off like a skyrocket."

Wonderful memories never to be forgotten.

Night so holy, silent and still,

Proclaiming joy, peace and good will.

Please remember our feathered friends throughout the frigid days of winter, when they will need nourishment. Last week, Joan Slater had three pairs of cardinals at her feeder. They're a joy to watch, especially the beautiful Mallard ducks with their shiny green heads.

We send warmest and best greetings to all the summer cottagers of the East and West Bluff, Woodbluff, Stonecliffe Manor, British Landing, and Stonebrooke. The Island is very beautiful with its fresh snow cover.

With warmest wishes for the holidays and the coming year!

The question often asked by visitors in summertime is, "What do you do on the Island during the winter?" The answer is simple: We get together with our neighbors after a busy summer. There is craft night, bingo, game night, euchere night, potluck dinners, movie night, and many other activities.

Dennis Brodeur will celebrate his 87th birthday December 8. Dennis and I have been friends a lifetime, both attending the Thomas W. Ferry School.We wish Dennis a wonderful retirement and a very happy birthday from Island friends. Dennis remembers 35 years of many great gatherings, countless fond memories, and many unforgettable tales. And here's to many more at the "new" Mustang Lounge in 2008. Dennis left Mackinac Tuesday, December 4, for Naples, Florida.

May your Christmas be merry and bright!

Kristi, Alex, and Penelope Graham are enjoying their cottage in Trillium Heights. It's nice and restful for the family, as Alex is the director of music at Grand Hotel in the busy summer months.

Happy birthday December 8 to Bob Raisch and Brandon Horn. Enjoy your day.

The opening date of the beautiful Grand Hotel will be May 2, 2008.

There will be much winter activity on Astor Street with the demolition and renovation of the Mustang Lounge. Rob Fraser of Maverick Construction is in charge of the project.

Ann Bronfman is enjoying her Lakewood Cottage, along with Janey Hart and her daughter, Laura. Nice to have the lights in the neighborhood.

A very special Island lady, Helga Doud, will celebrate her 101st birthday December 13. We wish her a very happy and healthy one. Helga lives in her comfortable home on Lakeshore Drive with its magnificent view of the Straits of Mackinac where she can see the Huron and the big freighters passing by each day. Helga remains very active, reading, knitting, and watching the Detroit Red Wings. She is a member of Trinity Church and enjoys the services the members have at her home. Happy birthday, Helga, from all your Island friends.

Wishing you a bright holiday season and a very happy new year.

We have a very special pastor at Ste. Anne's, Father Rey Garcia S.J., who loves Mackinac. He has a beautiful flower and vegetable garden at the rectory in the summer. He has recu- perated very well from two major surgeries and he plans to visit his family in the Philippines after Christmas. Happy birthday to Father Rey December 10. Have a wonderful day.

Merry Christmas to Rosie Charnes of Indianapolis, Indiana, Suzanne Munger of West Carrollton, Ohio, and Mary Jane Neuman of Royal Oak.

The most beautiful walk on Mackinac during the holiday and winter season is when the full moon is shining down on the boardwalk, beginning at Windermere Point and ending below Grand Hotel. The historic Round Island Lighthouse, which has guided the big ships through the passage for years, will cast its beam on the Straits. The brilliant lights from our neighboring cities of Cheboygan, Mackinaw City, and St. Ignace shine brightly in an array of colored lights. For 50 years, the Mackinac Bridge has been decorated with red and green lights in celebration of the Christmas season. The natural beauty of the scenery is a most unforgettable sight.

A true Mackinac story. As Smi Horn was coming down Cadotte Avenue Wednesday morning, November 28, he suddenly saw an unfamiliar sight, three big otters coming from the Grand Hotel Tea Garden enroute to the pond of the Jewel Golf Course. Later the same day, Mark Chambers was walking by City Hall on Market Street, only to be surprised when three otters came out from underneath the front steps of the building and proudly wandered down Astor Street to the harbor.

Joy to you this Christmas!

We were pleasantly surprised to find a full page in color in the November 7 issue of the Petoskey News Review about a very dear friend of many Islanders, Tom Alexander of Mackinaw City. The article was fantastic. He is seen working his electrical skills on one of his many projects in Mackinaw City, where he has been a dedicated electrician. He is still working at the age of 86 with his two sons. Tom has friends wherever he goes, and for many years he and his son, Dick, did the electrical work at Grand Hotel. He still services many businesses on the Island. He lives in Mackinaw City with his lovely wife and many members of his family. Best wishes from Island friends for continued good health and happiness.

May the blessings of Christmas generously fill your heart.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting with my longtime friend, Captain Paul Allers, who is now retired after many years of service with Arnold Transit Company. He and his wife, Betsy, live in Mackinaw City with their faithful companion, Skipper, a beautiful golden retriever. His daughter, Rachelle, is employed by Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, at Detroit Metro Airport.

We send best wishes to our good friend Chris McCready who has not been feeling her best. Island friends are thinking of you.

Happy birthday to Lou Clark December 9. Hope you're enjoying Colorado.

Our good friend Jack Ryerse of St. Ignace will be celebrating his birthday December 11. We miss seeing you on Mackinac. Island friends send you special greetings.

We have a very fine new paved road on Market Street. The contractor was Hodgkiss & Douma of Petoskey. It will be a great improvement when we have heavy traffic next summer.

The joy of the season is ours to give.

Christmas is love; in your heart may it live!!

Tucker Bunker and his son of Georgia were guests at the Rickley hunting camp on Bois Blanc. They each bagged a deer and they thoroughly enjoyed their time in northern Michigan. Anthony Rickley shot his first deer, an 8-point buck. Congratulations to Anthony.

Happy birthday December 12 to Jeannie McGreevy, Jennifer Wightman, and Brevin St. Onge. Have a great day

I was very surprised and happy to receive a letter from summer visitors to our lovely Island, Charlotte DeBroka of Mishawka, Indiana, an avid reader of the Town Crier. She wrote that it was a pleasant surprise to open the South Bend Tribune and see a big write up about a wedding on Mackinac Island. The DeBrokas visit the Island each summer. Special thanks for the article and their kind note.

Nancy Pfeiffelman will celebrate her birthday December 13. Have a wonderful day.

Christmas greetings to all our Island residents at the long term care facility in St. Ignace: Gary and Larry LaPine, Miriam Welcher, Bette Emmons, and to all the other folks.

Packages wrapped up and placed round the tree; Christmas is friendship and music and glee.

We send greetings to our good friend, Garfield Slowly, who worked at the Jockey Club. He continues to make slow, steady progress from his terrible car accident. Prayers are still needed for his full recovery.

Happy birthday to Jane Finkel December 16. Enjoy your day.

The Armour family spent Thanksgiving in Seattle, Washington: Dave and Grace from Grove City, Pennsylvania, Anneke and Matt Myers from Mackinac, Art, Rebecca, and Sam from Portland, Oregon, Dave, and Joanna, Davey, Keith, and Mikey of Seattle. Marian and her family did not attend from West Virginia. Dr. Dave and Grace are planning on spending New Years on Mackinac.

Ornaments sparkling like stars in the skies; Christmas is laughter and cheer and surprise.

Becki Barnwell left Saturday, December 1, to spend the winter in Austin, Texas, and her sister, Mary K. McIntire left Wednesday, December 5, for Aspen, Colorado.

Dr. Bill and Sue Chambers visited Jay and Janet Stingel in North Carolina the first week in December.

A new and very welcome member of our community is Mike Iles, hair stylist at the 7th Heaven Salon. The salon will be open two days a week throughout the winter.

Twinkling tree lights and mantelpiece stockings, wreaths with red berries and visitors knocking.

Mandy Wandrie and her brother, Herbie St. Onge, will celebrate their birthday December 15. Have a great day.

Welcome to our new Chief of Police, Jim Marks, and his wife, Nancy. Mackinac is not new to them, as Jim first worked on the force as an officer and Nancy was employed at Alford's Drug Store. They are comfortably settled in their home in Harrisonville. They enjoy the Island and are very happy to be here.

Lulabelle D'Arce is recuperating at her home in Harrisonville after major surgery at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Island friends send best wishes.

Letters to Santa and warm, hearty greetings,

Jingling sleigh bells and families meeting.

Robbie Bynoe will celebrate his birthday December 17, and his mother, Judy, will celebrate her birthday December 22. Enjoy your day.

Cindy Frez, a resident of Sunset Forest on Woods Golf Course, was diagnosed with a brain tumor by Dr. Robert Spitzer in October. She was operated on at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where she remains for ongoing treatment. Friends may write her at the following address: Cindy Frez c/o Ashley Cielinski, 9189 Lakeview Court, Saline, MI 48176. Island friends send best wishes to Cindy.

Happy birthday December 20 to Sara Chambers, to her mother, Ada Mae, December 21, and to her father, Bud, December 27. Hope you all have a great day.

Kate and Jack Koboski of Petoskey have the true meaning of Christmas this year. This past week was "Adoption Week" in Michigan. Kate and Jack are the parents of three daughters, Annie, Cassie, and Mary Michelle. To add to their lovely family, they adopted another little girl named Tilly, who is close in age to Mary Michelle.

Congratulations from Island friends. Proud grandparents are Gary and Anna Mary Cusack of Petoskey, and great-grandmother is Helga Doud of Mackinac.

Candles stand for Christmas-

Christmas stands for light.

Tuesday, December 11, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Mackinac Island Bible Church will host a Ladies Christmas Tea at Johnson Hall. Please call Lori at (906) 847-0217 if you would like to attend.

Wednesday, November 21, Zachary Casey and Cailee Pearson of Marquette were united in marriage by Mayor Margaret Doud at City Hall. Zachary is in the United States Navy and will leave for Iraq for the second tour of duty in February. Cailee is enrolled in ROTC in Houghton. Zachary's father, Steve Casey, who is employed by the Department of Environmental Quality, has worked with the City of Mackinac and Department of Public Works for many years. The families enjoyed a luncheon at the Village Inn before departing the Island. Congratulations to Zachary and Cailee.

Saturday, December 15, at 7 p.m. a concert will be held at Ste. Anne's Church featuring John Kissane on the piano and Roger Humphrey on the classic guitar. Areception will follow in the church hall.

Caroling and greetings sent,

Prayers for peace on earth.

I received a note from Moira Croghan from Virginia, informing me that the Croghan Cottage, White Birches, on the West Bluff has been sold to Dr. Mark and Tara Stewart of Bay City.We give the Stewarts a warm welcome to Mackinac.

Happy birthday to Lance Greenlee December 20. Enjoy your day.

Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2007, Annabelle Faith Spierling was born to Lydia Porter and Tracy Spierling at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces at birth. Proud grandparents are Matt and Melinda Porter, Lonnie and Natalie Spierling, and Mike and Dana Keene, and proud great-grandparents are Armand "Smi" and Mickey Horn and Bill and Lornie Porter of Mackinac. Congratulations from Mackinac friends.

Happy birthday to Lydia Porter December 17.

Recently, Vicki and Dick Riel of South Bend, Indiana, were so delighted to find a fullpage story about their daughter, Melissa's, wedding in the South Bend Tribune. The article featured a colored picture of the bride and groom leaving Ste. Anne's Church after their June 9 ceremony. It was wonderful publicity for Mackinac.

Christmas holly, Christmas trees,

Gift wraps gay and bright.

Monday, November 22, in the Petoskey News Review, there was a wonderful editorial entitled "Mackinac Island Truly Jewel." It was a very impressive article congratulating Mackinac on being named 8th best island in the world by National Geographic Traveler magazine. The article stated it was indeed an honor for our Straits-bound friends, and if Mackinac was not on the "map" before, it sure is now. Kudos, and keep up the horse-drawn pace, islanders.We say a special thank you to our Petoskey neighbors for their very kind words.

Happy birthday to our good friend, Dee Czapek, December 22. Have a wonderful day.

The wedding of Deborah Kos and Jack Dehring III was very beautiful service at Ste. Anne's Saturday, September 22, with Father Jim Williams officiating. Jack is the son of Dorothy and Jack Dehring, Jr. of Mackinac, where he attended Mackinac Island Public School and later was graduated from the University of Michigan in education. He was teaching in Evanston, Illinois, when he met his bride, who was attending Northwestern University. They're now making their home in Philadelphia, where Jack is teaching and Deborah is in cancer research at the Philadelphia Children's Hospital. Congratulations from Island friends. Jack and Deborah from Philadelphia, and Sara Dehring from Wisconsin, will be spending the holiday season on Mackinac.

Jason St. Onge, Andrew McGreevy, and Tim Leeper will all celebrate their birthdays December 24. Have a wonderful day.

The Christmas Eve service at Ste. Anne's will be held Monday, December 24, at 8 p.m. with Father Rey Garcia, S.J. officiating. The bells will announce the holy night as the sparkling white lights, garland, and wreaths with red velvet bows greet the parishioners. The altars will be adorned with gold lace dating back more than 100 years, red poinsettias, and lighted white tapers. Beautiful Christmas carols will be sung throughout the evening with pianist Peggy Bynoe and the Trinity choir members. It will be a very special evening at the historic church. Refreshments will follow in Ste. Anne's Hall. Everyone is invited to attend.

Congratulations to the Mackinac Island Lakers basketball team, who won their first game against Beaver Island Friday, November 30, and Saturday, December 1. Go Lakers!!

Jerry Horn and Hannah Chambers will both celebrate their birthday Christmas Day, December 25. Merry Christmas.

Let us go on a Christmas tour of Mackinac. As we go up Cadotte Avenue, we look across the Little Jewel Golf Course and see the ramparts at Fort Mackinac outlined in holiday lights with a stately tree towering in the background. Arriving in Harrisonville, you have entered Santa's Fairyland. Every house is awaiting the arrival of the jolly old elf on Christmas Eve, and the towering lighted pine at the Harrisonville General Store casts an array of colors on the glistening snow. Continuing on through Stonecliffe, Woodbluff, and Stonebrook, Christmas is in the air. Going down the East Bluff and looking out towards the Mackinac Bridge bedecked in red and green lights, a freighter approaches the Round Island Passage, decked out for the season with a lighted star and tree. As we turn on Main Street, Ste. Anne's twinkling lights ushers in the holy season. The City tree, wreaths, and many businesses are trimmed for the season. It's Christmas time on Mackinac, a very special time of the year.

And now is the season of Christmas,

The merriest time of the year.

Happy birthday to Anthony Rickley December 26. I'm sure your sister, Makayla, will help you blow your candles out.

December 28, two special couples will celebrate their anniversaries: Jackie and Dennis Bradley and Captain Paul and Betsy Allers of Mackinaw City. Have a wonderful day.

Lornie Porter will be surrounded by family members as they sing happy birthday to her December 27. Island friends send best wishes.

Happy birthday December 6 to Pat Leveille of St. Ignace. Have a wonderful day.

Irene and Larry Rickley Sr. will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary December 16. Enjoy your special day.

Former Island students of Phyllis Cameron Johnson, please remember her with cards during this holiday season. She taught 5th and 6th grade at the Thomas W. Ferry School for many years. Last year she suffered a stroke and is confined to a care facility in England. She would love to hear from her many friends. Her address is: Phyllis Cameron Johnson, Ashmead Care Center, 201 Cortis Road, Putney, London S.W. 153AX, England.

In late October, Kathy Summerfield Matheson of Butler, Tennessee, Sara Bunker Sutherland of Orlando, Florida, and Karen Cowell Ortlieb of Mackinac had a wonderful reunion with their first and second grade teacher from the Mackinac Island Public School, Jackie Applin, and her husband, Bruce, from Newberry. They had not seen each other in many years, so it was a great gathering.

We send birthday greetings to Jim Chambers, Mary Patay, and little Dakota Horn, who will all celebrate their birthday December 29. Have a great day.

Brightly-wrapped packages neath a lovely tree, children as good as children can be.

Happy anniversary December 31 to Mike and Deb Carley, and Joe and Nikki Gugin. Enjoy your day.

We send special greetings to our good friends, Carol and Fred Entwhistle, of Afton, Minnesota. Happy birthday, Carol, December 31.

May the holidays bring you a wealth of good cheer, a sleighful of smiles, and festive New Year!