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Beautiful, sunny days last week welcomed the large Detroit Chamber of Commerce convention to Mackinac. It was a very busy time on the Island.

Following major surgery this week at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey, Gary LaPine of Mackinac remains critically ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary.

Very soon, those who travel Cadotte Avenue will be walking through an arbor of gorgeous lilac trees in full bloom. What a sight for our visitors to see. The huge trees in the Chambers’ yard and the grounds of Christy and Marvin May continuing on to Grand Cottage will display one of the most popular seasons of the year. Already, their aroma is beginning to permeate the air. With the cool nights, we’re all hoping that they will reach their peak for the lilac parade, Sunday, June 19. It’s truly fascinating to live on Mackinac for the four seasons. In winter, beautiful white snow covers the same area as the lilacs in summer. We can’t wait to show the beauty of our Island to the many folks who visit each year.

A very welcome note was received this week from Lois Dufina Morello from Saginaw. Born and reared on the Island, Lois is one of three daughters of the late Beth and Phillip Dufina and she has one brother, Dennis, of Alpena and Sarasota, Florida. Lois’ son, Patrick, who is an executive engineer with General Electric in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and his wife, Cheryl, a nurse, and their three children all love Mackinac and spend time each summer at Dennis Dufina’s home in Hubbard Annex. Steve Morello, another son of Lois, is a former White House General Consul to the Army. Now he is the General Consul for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and often visits Mackinac. I was so pleased to hear from Lois with news of her family. We have many happy memories of their growing up years on their favorite Island. Best wishes to Lois and her family from Island friends.

While in Grand Marais recently, we met Maeve Croghan and her friend, Stu Stewart, at Maeve’s Campbell Street Art Gallery, where she has a fine display of her artwork. Their building reminds one of the Island, with hardwood floors in a delightful section of the city, where they have a nice view of the harbor. Best wishes to Maeve for a very successful summer. She loves Grand Marais, as it reminds her of all the wonderful summers spent on Mackinac.

Barbara and Brian Hellis of Northville arrived back in their cottage on Market Street. We knew that they were home, as Brian immediately put the American flag out from his porch.

Vicki and Dick Riel of South Bend, Indiana, stayed at Windermere Hotel for a couple of nights last week. They love the hotel and the staff. This was their annual trek to plant flowers on her parents’ graves. En route to Mackinac, they hit a deer near Holland, but it didn’t stop them from visiting their favorite Island.

Happy birthday to Reggie Gough June 3. Hope you had a great day.

Lt. Ken Thompson, who has served 24 years in the U.S. Navy, spent eight days on Mackinac over the Memorial Day weekend visiting his parents, Mary and Charlie Thompson, at their Lilac House. Ken has been stationed in Key West, Florida. He participated in a change of command ceremony Friday, May 6, and is now assigned to Kaneoke Bay Marine Corps Base in Hawaii. He spent many summers on Mackinac, having fun with Mark Chambers. He has a wonderful personality with a great smile and loves to visit family and friends on the Island. Ken is a fine young man who has served his country well. We congratulate Ken and wish him all the best on his new assignment.

The natural scenery from St. Ignace to Grand Marais is breathtaking, with fields and fields of green and many blossoming lilac trees in the small towns along the way. One can readily see that spring has finally arrived.

Deepest sympathy to the Ray Clark family, who suffered the loss of Ray’s father Friday, June 3. The Clarks live year-around in their comfortable home at British Landing. Kris is a nurse at the Mackinac Island Medical Center and Ray works in construction.

Deepest sympathy to the Dennis O’Keefe family of LaSalle, Illinois, annual visitors to the Windermere Hotel. Frances O’Keefe, 94-year-old mother of Dennis, died Wednesday, May 25. Mother O’Keefe visited the Island on several occasions, where she loved sitting on the veranda of the Windermere. She will be missed, as she enjoyed life and all that it has to offer. Hopefully, Peggy and Dennis will be up for Lilac Day.

Our deepest sympathy to the Al Colegrove family of St. Ignace, who suffered a great loss this week. Our thoughts are with you.

The John Barrs of Chicago and New York enjoyed the Memorial Day weekend at their West Bluff cottage. They will return soon for the summer.

Congratulations to Lydia Porter of Harbor Springs, who was graduated 10th in her class of 105 Sunday, June 5. Lydia is the daughter of Matt and Melinda Porter and the granddaughter of Armand “Smi” and Mickey Horn and Lornie and Bill Porter of Mackinac. Lydia will attend the University of Michigan in the fall.

Happy “Grandfather’s Day” from his little granddaughter, Ava, who will celebrate her first birthday the end of June. David and Sandy Fouchey of Chesterfield Township, grandparents of Ava, will be coming to Mackinac Friday, June 17, through Sunday, June 19, where they will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. We wish them a very happy one. The Foucheys make their annual visit to Mackinac each summer.

Welcome home to Pat Davey of Bradenton, Florida, who is spending two months on his favorite Island, where he and his brothers and sisters spent many happy summers with his family at their home in the Mission. Great to see you looking so well, Pat.

The Brad Conkey family of Sylvan Lake enjoyed spending the past weekend at Hedgecliffe, the Cohen cottage.

One can see that Diane Nyer visited Metivier Inn this week. Her garden is all planted in pinks and whites for the season. Diane is quite the gardener and thoroughly enjoys making everything more beautiful.

Chief of Police Bill Lenaghan and his wife, Lois, were called to Garden City Monday, June 6, owing to the illness of Lois’ brother. We sincerely hope that he will be better soon.

Happy birthday to Sarah Wessel June 6. I hope you had a wonderful day.

Jim Haveman, former director of the Michigan Department of Community Health, visited the Island for the Detroit Chamber of Commerce convention. Jim was instrumental in securing funds for the new Mackinac Island Medical Center. It’s always nice to see Jim on Mackinac.

Happy 50th birthday to Rod Nelson, CEO of Mackinac Straits Hospital, June 7. We hope your day was special.

Dr. Richard Hodgman of Kalkaska is the doctor in charge of the Mackinac Island Medical Center while Dr. Weersing is on vacation for a week in Grand Haven. Karen Hodgman has joined her husband on the Island.

Scott Rausch was preparing Anne Cottage last week for the arrival of his wife, Debbie, and children, Tiffany and Brandon, and their two trained Persian cats, Sinatra and Harley. Sinatra loves to ride in airplanes and on Scott’s bicycle. Work at Anne Cottage this summer, he said, will be repainting and restoring the 22 columns on the 80-foot veranda.

Gene Hagenbaugh was the guest of honor at a 60th birthday party Saturday evening, June 4, hosted by his wife, Melly. Sixteen friends joined in the festivities at the Harbor View Dining Room at the Chippewa Hotel. Gene’s favorite cake, German chocolate, made by his wife, was served to the guests. He has one more week of teaching in Lapeer before returning to Mackinac for the summer.

Our Mackinac Island Public School is closed for the year. Students are now busy enjoying their vacation or working at their summer jobs.

A very special friend celebrated his birthday June 10, Paul Michalke, son of the late Agnes and Francis. Paul and his wife, Joanne, and their son, Frank, make their home in Sterling, where Paul is retired from teaching. I have many fond memories of Paul during his growing up years on Mackinac. Happy birthday, Paul, and many good wishes for continued good health and happiness.

Happy 50th wedding anniversary June 11 to Dr. Fran and Lorna Straus of Chicago and Mackinac. Island friends send best wishes for many years of good health and happiness.

June is the month of birthdays, and we wish everyone a special day. Happy birthday June 11 to George Wellington and Don Francis, Mark Chambers June 13, Joe Kompsi June 14, and Gary and Larry LaPine June 17. Enjoy your day.

A newly married couple, Kathleen and Larry Rickley, have returned from their honeymoon in the Bahamas.

Mackinac is becoming more beautiful each day as the hundreds of lilac trees all over the Island are about to burst into bloom, making a magnificent sight. Lilacs in a variety of colors are blooming in the Arbib yard, next to the city park.

In the view from the Arnold Transit Company pier looking across the bay to the east, you will view a magnificent sight, the many yachts moored at the marina and the tower of Ste. Anne’s historic church in the distance.

Beauty! Beauty! This is the best way to describe our magical Island as this is lilactime, where the shrubs and trees, many of which are centuries old, are at their peak. What a magnificent sight for our many visitors to see. Everywhere one looks, the delicate sweetness of lilac permeates the air. The trees are laden with the best crop in years, their branches bending under the weight. The colors range from delicate white to pinks, lavenders, and deep purple. During the long winter months, we see these trees laden with blankets of white snow. Now that the season of spring is at hand, it’s a miracle to see them produce such rare beauty.

Great interesting news for golf fans. Just read the following article, which was sent to me by Scott’s father, Jack Parel, who was born on Mackinac: Scott Parel, son of Jack and Paige Parel of Augusta, Georgia, will again be playing in the U.S. Open Golf Championship beginning Monday, June 13, at the famous Pinehurst #2 Golf Course in North Carolina. He last played in the tournament in 2002 at Bethpage. Scott is a member of the PGA nationwide tour. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Scott and his wife have two children, Kayla and Cory. Scott has many relatives who were born and raised on Mackinac Island, including the Bazinaws, LaPines, Pfeiffelmans, St. Onges, Greens, Fraziers, Dufinas, Francis’, and Gallaghers and, of course, his favorite uncle, Larry Parel. The entire Parel family in Georgia will be at the tournament, including his brother, Dr. Rob Parel of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and his wife and children. Scott’s brother-in-law, Bill Wood, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, will be his caddy. Everyone on Mackinac wishes Scott good luck.

Our fair city has taken on a delightful summer look as each lamppost is decorated with hanging baskets filled with red geraniums and other flowers. They’re very attractive and beautiful. Joe Porcaro, father of Jay, who owns Weber’s Floral, does an excellent job giving them all tender loving care.

The Island and surrounding area suffered a dreadful electrical storm Saturday afternoon, June 11, with heavy chain lightning and torrential rain. Dan Wightman and Mark Chambers of Edison Sault Electric were kept very busy with power outages. It was quite an unusual storm for the Island as the intense lightning was so dangerous.

Welcome home to Mackinac to Elaine and Toby Murray of Vermont, who are enjoying their condominium in Lesley Court, which has a beautiful view of the harbor. Toby is happy to be back working on the Michigan Waterways Marina for the summer. Elaine brought her father along so that he could see Mackinac at lilactime.

Helga Doud is recuperating well from her recent illness and be will be home on Mackinac very soon.

The benefit party Thursday, June 9, at Great Turtle Park for the Frank Horn Scholarship Fund was well attended and very successful. Special thanks to everyone who joined in keeping alive the name of one of the younger and much loved members of our community.

Our deepest sympathy to Bill and Lois Lenaghan on the recent death of Lois’ brother, who died this past week in Garden City. Island friends are thinking of you.

Mayor Bruce Dodson of St. Ignace attended the spring meeting of the Michigan Association of Sheriffs Sunday evening, June 12, at Mission Point Resort.

On the warm spring morning of Sunday, June 12, members of the Island community were invited by Governor Jennifer Granholm and her husband, Dan Mulhern, to a garden reception at the governor’s summer residence. Everyone enjoyed a very nice time. The home has a magnificent panoramic view of the Straits and the Island.

Jeff Shaffer’s dad, Jack, celebrated his 70th birthday Friday, June 10, and we wish him a very happy one. The Shaffers, of Gwinn, are avid visitors to Mackinac. The family enjoyed a birthday dinner at the Carriage House Dining Room. Their son, Jeff, and Dwight LaPine are the owners of the London Square gift shop on Market Street.

Today, Monday, June 13, Gary LaPine of Mackinac remains critically ill at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. All of Gary’s many friends on the Island are praying for his recovery. Gary is the identical twin brother to Larry, members of an old Mackinac family.

Mar Pulte is back on Mackinac and recovering well after recent surgery in Ann Arbor. Everyone is so pleased that Mar is feeling well.

A note received from Alice Myron reports that she is doing well. Alice spent Memorial weekend on Mackinac planting flowers at her cottage on the East Bluff. She and her daughter, Sue, will spend the summer in Port Huron, so we will miss seeing them on Mackinac. Everyone on the Island sends special greetings to Alice and certainly hope to see you on Mackinac sometime this summer. Please remember Alice with notes at her home in Port Huron. Her address is: 3130 Monticello Drive, Port Huron, Michigan 48060.

Happy horseback riders can be seen daily from Jack’s and Cindy’s Riding Stables.

Our column is not without sadness this week. Keith Leverton, longtime porter at the Iroquois Hotel, has been unable to work owing to a badly fractured foot. We’ve just learned that his beloved father, who lived in Dearborn, died suddenly over the weekend. Everyone on Mackinac sends deepest sympathy to Keith. Keith’s address is: 22121 West Village Drive, Dearborn, Michigan 48124.

Weber’s Floral of St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie has now opened an attractive shop on Market Street. We wish them much success.

Jack Purvis and his wife of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, recently visited the Island. Jack has many friends on the Island and it was great seeing them again.

Great to see Vic Callewaert feeling fine riding around on his Amigo. Vic, who recently had a knee replacement, receives therapy at Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace

Deepest sympathy to the John Massaway family of St. Ignace on the sudden death of their 29-year-old son.

A very happy birthday to Gary and Larry LaPine June 17. I hope you have a special day.

Welcome back to Mackinac, Janet and Jay Stingel of Biltmore Forest, North Carolina, who have opened their beautiful summer cottage, Brigadoon. They’ve brought along four beautiful black Friesian horses, which are being driven each day all around the Island.

Loretta and Tony Spata have been in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, attending the memorial service for Loretta’s sister, who died recently in California. Deepest sympathy to the family from Island friends.

Clara Hart Chambers will celebrate her first birthday Saturday, June 18. She will be surrounded by her three sisters and two brothers, who will help her blow the birthday candles out. Her father, Mark, celebrated his birthday June 13.

Rosie Charnes has arrived on the Island for the summer, coming from her winter home in Indianapolis, Indiana. It’s so nice to have Rosie back on Mackinac.

Happy birthday to Miranda McMahon June 18, Richard Chambers, Will Porter, and Mona Carley, Mike’s mother, June 19, Dennis Bradley Jr. June 20, and Robert McGreevy June 21. I hope that you have a great day.

Diane Neyer has waved her gardening wand at Metivier Inn, where one will see loads of pink and white flowers in the gardens and pink geraniums adorning the window boxes.

Marvin Lee May of Ann Arbor, along with his friends, had a fun weekend on the Island. Lee is employed in the graphics art department at the University of Michigan.

Pat Pulte celebrated his birthday June 9. I hope your day was special.

Welcome back to his home on Bourisaw Lane, Bud Bourisaw and his friend, Sherry Rayha of Cheboygan. Nice to see lights on in the neighborhood.

Hope to see everyone at the Lilac Parade Sunday, June 19.