NEWS ABOUT PEOPLE ON MACKINAC ISLAND

Folks will gather on Mackinac to celebrate Independence Day. There will be the Bill Rabe Stone Skipping Contest, children's games on Windermere Point from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., a patriotic picnic at Fort Mackinac by Grand Hotel, and fireworks at dusk, off a barge in the Straits of Mackinac. Come and join in the fun.

The Steve Harper family of the Detroit area is spending July at the Glen Allen cottage on the East Bluff. It's nice to have them back on Mackinac.

Brita Rogers of St. Ignace and Kitty Hannabass of Mackinac will celebrate their birthdays July 7. Happy birthday to Brita's son, Joseph, July 8. Hope you all have a great day.

It is so nice to see Joe Porcaro watering the beautiful hanging baskets around the town. He keeps them in tiptop shape. If anyone would like to make a donation to the Flower Basket Fund, please mail it to: Kathi Wightman, Mackinac Island, MI 49757.

Happy first birthday to little Marianne Kaminen June 30. I'm sure her big brother, Jack, helped her blow her candles out.

Louie Riordan of Marietta, Georgia, will join his grandparents, Virginia and Dan, for the Fourth of July festivities. Louie will spend two weeks on Mackinac.

Brian Dunnigan of Grass Lake joined his family, Candi, James, and Claire, on Mackinac at their Easterly Cottage for the weekend. Brian was the featured speaker at the Mackinac Island Public Library Friday, June 26, talking about his book entitled " Mackinac Before Photography." Happy 60th birthday to Brian July 11. Hope you have a wonderful day.

The Mike Gamble family celebrated little Madison's second birthday Saturday, June 27, at a cookout at Great Turtle Park.

Happy birthday to Dan Seeley, Ann Hart, and Shelly McLean July 9. Enjoy the day.

The preschool class at the Mackinac Island Public School joined Clara Chambers Sunday, June 28, at the Gate House at Stonecliffe to help her celebrate her fifth birthday. They all had a great time with games, prizes, special treats, and good food, especially the birthday cake depicting "Barbie," made by Annie Lockwood. Clara's big brother, Richard, arrived from Clark Lake and her aunt, Linda McKee, from North Carolina, also joined in the festivities.

Wednesday, June 24, on a beautiful Mackinac day with the lilacs in full bloom, family and friends gathered for a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Trinity Church for the late Mary Gillespie Thompson. Trish Martin and Kitty Hannabass officiated, with Mary's nephew, Alex Gillespie, providing beautiful music, with a special rendition of the "Old Rugged Cross" in tribute to his aunt. Mary was a veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps. At the end of the service, Post Commander Paul Wandrie and veteran Roy Bissell of the Chapman, St. Onge, Dankowski Post 299 presented a farewell service for a departed comrade. At the Mackinac Island Cemetery, a special contigent of Marines from downstate provided a military ceremony at the gravesite. Mary loved Mackinac with all her heart, and was laid to rest in the Gillespie plot. Deepest sympathy to the family from Island friends.

Jane Winston, niece of the late Mary Cable, has arrived to spend the month of July at the Cable Cottage.

Every year about this time, the beautiful yellow rosebush in the front yard of the Hildreth House on French Lane, now owned by the Karhoff family of Findlay, Ohio, bursts into bloom. It is absolutely breathtaking and the fragrance is wonderful. The house was formerly owned by the late Stella King, who was our health nurse on Mackinac for many years. The rose tree dates back many years and is as lovely as ever.

Albert "Buck" and Alice Sharrow's granddaughter, Makayla, of Charlevoix visited Mackinac over the weekend and attended Clara Chambers' birthday party.

Brian and Barbara Hellis left Mackinac Monday, June 29, to spend a few days in Detroit. They will return Friday, July 3, with their grandson, David McIntyre Culleton, who will spend a week on Mackinac.

Saturday, June 27, at 1 p.m., a baby shower honoring Vanessa Hardy was hosted by Pollyanna Smith, Nancy Pfeiffelman, Tammy Frazier, Trista Colly, Allissa Haney, Doris LaPine, and Margaret Horn. Family and friends gathered for the festive occasion, where they enjoyed a delicious lunch. Vanessa received a wonderful variety of gifts.

Dick and Dee Czapek of Grand Rapids are visiting the Candy Smith and Tim Horn families on the Island.

I received a call from Post Commander Paul Wandrie of Chapman, St. Onge, Dankowski Post 299 that the Veterans Memorial Room at the Stuart House will open Saturday, July 4. Everyone is welcome to come and view lots of memories.

In the July/August 2009 AARP magazine, there was an article entitled "Isle Be Seeing You! Small islands, big scenery." These three secluded, mostly car-free islands are perfect for a family vacation. Included were the Catalina Islands of California, Monhegan Island of Maine, and Mackinac Island. There was a small write-up about the Island, describing bicycle riding, carriage rides, and how to get here. Great publicity!

Lt. Commander Ken Thompson, aircraft maintenance officer for "Windjammers" of VR-51, flying C-20G aircraft, based at Marine Corps Air Station in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, spent 10 days on Mackinac visiting his wife, Lorianne, and attending the memorial service for his late mother, Mary Gillespie Thompson. Ken will be transfered to Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland, the end of August.

We send special greetings to Dr. Dave and Grace Armour at their home in Grove City, Pennsylvania. We miss you and hope to see you on Mackinac soon. A very happy birthday to Dr. Dave July 12. Island friends send special greetings.

There will be a special celebration at Great Turtle Park Sunday, July 5, for families, with games and lots of fun.

Judy and Robbie Bynoe attended a family wedding in Detroit over the weekend.

It's nice to see Muffy Ernster of Monroe, Wisconsin, enjoying her lovely home in Hubbard's Annex.

Dr. Helen Straus of Chicago is vacationing on Mackinac.

Marti McIntire celebrated her birthday July 2. Hope you had a great day.

Jane Hegarty of Brighton is enjoying the month of July at her cottage on the East Bluff.

Jimmy Bogan is spending his summer vacation at the Bogan cottage at British Landing.

There was a golf tournament Sunday, June 28, at Wawashkamo Golf Course to benefit Ste. Anne's Church. It was a fun afternoon, with Yankee Rebel catering the great food. The highlight of the event was the celebration of Chef John Ness' birthday, with a beautiful cake featuring a chef's hat and utensils. It was great fun.

Folks are enjoying many different goodies from the Double Oven Bakery, operated by Marc Bobinsky. Stop by and view the variety of items.

Happy birthday to Susan Bentley June 27. A celebration with her staff from the 7th Heaven Salon was held at the Carriage House restaurant.

Pat Celebak of Grand Rapids has returned to Grand Hotel for the season. It's nice to see you back on the Island.

Happy birthday July 2 to Bette Emmons and her daughter, Joanne Bagbey. Enjoy your day.

The woods around the Wawashkamo Golf Course are filled with beautiful wildflowers, including the Indian paintbrushes.

We send Fourth of July greetings to Geraldine Wellington, Bette Emmons, and Gary and Larry LaPine, patients at the Long Term Care facility at Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace.

There are three new books about Mackinac in The Island Bookstore, "Growing Up on Mackinac during the 30's and 40's" by Island-born Jack Welcher, "Historic Personalities of the Mackinac Region" by Island-born Mary G. Duffina, and "Horse Tales from Mackinac" by Candice C. Dunnigan. They are very interesting and enjoyable reading.

Enjoy the Fourth of July!