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It’s Monday, August 1 already, and we cannot believe how the many beautiful days of summer have already passed by. We did enjoy a wee bit of cooler temperatures, which pleased everyone. In their place, however, we’ve had two fierce thunder and lightning storms. Early Monday morning the severe lightning illuminated the sky, which was followed by deep rumblings of thunder. A small amount of rain settled the dust here and there, but much more was needed.

Saturday, July 30, saw crowds of visitors, who took advantage of the great weather to visit our beautiful Island. Many brides could be seen being escorted in the wedding carriages to the churches of their choice. It truly is an amazing sight to see the happy brides with their flowing veils flying in the Mackinac breeze.

Tuning in PBS Friday evening, July 29, what a joy it was to hear Mackinac Island mentioned. It was an antique road show with a picture of Madame La Frambois’ great-great-granddaughter displaying a magnificent hand-beaded shawl that was appraised between $60,000 and $80,000. It was truly the art of an American Indian, the lady who donated the ground on which Ste. Anne’s Catholic Church stands today. Her home is now the site of the very beautiful Harbor View Hotel. The appraiser could not get over the beauty of the shawl and the excellent condition it was in. Truly a masterpiece of great historical value. This particular show was held in Wisconsin.

We have a new police officer in town. His name is Jack Henry Kaminen, who was born Tuesday, July 26, at 2:30 p.m. at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey, weighing 7 pounds, 7.5 ounces, and measuring 19.5 inches in length. Proud parents are Police Officer Cory Kaminen and his wife, Carrie, who departed the Island at 10 a.m. and welcomed their new little son four hours later. Very proud grandparents are Virginia Rzonca of St. Clair and Wayne and Barbara Kaminen of Ishpeming. Congratulations and best wishes to Carrie and Cory from Island friends.

Richard and Jackie Bolander celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary Sunday, July 31. The Bolanders are now making their permanent residence here on Church Street. We give them a warm welcome to our community, where Richard is a former superintendent of our Island school.

Emmet and Bonnie Schoenborn of Grand Rapids came Monday, August 1, to visit their son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Patty Schoenborn. As usual, they came with their arms loaded with fresh produce from their farm. They’re such wonderful friends to everyone they meet, and so very gracious. Special thanks to Judy Bynoe, who always shares her goodies with us. Great neighbors and friends. Emmet and Bonnie and family are one of the biggest apple growers in Michigan. Have fun on your visit.

A very happy birthday August 1 to Cal Rogers and his grandson, Josh Carley, August 2. Nice to have Cal visit the Island and getting around well on his Amigo.

Marvin Lee May of Ann Arbor visited his Island family over the weekend. He is employed in the graphic arts department at the University of Michigan. Always nice to see you, Lee.

Saturday, August 6, Miss Julie Kristin Barch, daughter of Joan Beverly Barch and the late James John Barch, will become the bride of James Michael Fisher, son of William Joseph and Debra Ellen Fisher, at Ste. Anne’s Church with Father Jim Williams officiating.

Brian Dunnigan, of Grass Lake and the University of Michigan has joined his Island family for his annual vacation at Easterly Cottage on the shores of Mackinac.

Anna Mary and Gary Cusack of Petoskey have been visiting Anna Mary’s mother, Helga Doud.

The Randy McKay family of Chassell enjoyed spending their anniversary on the Island visiting Katie’s mother, Judy Bynoe, and family. Congratulations to Katie and Randy from Island friends.

Prize donations are being requested for the big auction for the Mackinac Island Medical Center Sunday, August 21, to be held at Grand Hotel’s Woodfill Center. Please bring donations to Kathleen Hoppenrath at the medical center.

It’s history repeating itself. John Beam Sr., of Reed City, is a former member of the Michigan State Police, now retired, who was stationed on Mackinac for two summers. This summer of 2005, Jim Beam’s son, Jim Jr., is a police officer with the Mackinac Island Police Department, and we give him a warm welcome to our Island.

Willie Barnwell will be helping his mom, Mary Jane Barnwell, celebrate her birthday August 2. Happy birthday, Mary Jane, from Island friends.

Congratulations to Trish Martin, Sue Myron, and Dan Seeley, winners of the Mackinac Trivial Bowl held this past Thursday evening, July 28, at Mission Point Theatre.

Alex Gillespie called his parents at 7:30 a.m. Friday, July 29, to tell them to turn to Fox News. There he was, smiling and waving at them. After a visit to Montreal and Toronto, he will be on the Island for about 10 days to visit his parents, Bob and Annette Gillespie. Alex is the director of music at a church in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and teaches private piano and voice lessons.

This past Friday I received a very pleasant surprise when the Mark Petersen family of Rochester, Minnesota, came to visit me. Following lunch at the Carriage House Dining Room, they took off exploring the Island on their bicycles. Later, we walked the grounds of Grand Hotel before dining at the Jockey Club. It was fun and a great pleasure to have them see Mackinac on a beautiful summer day. Dr. Ivy Petersen is a specialist at the Mayo Clinic.

We said goodbye Sunday, July 31, to a very special friend, Pat Davey, who has enjoyed a summer vacation on his favorite Island, where he enjoys his condominium at Lesley Court. Always a pleasure to see you, Pat.

Friends were invited Sunday afternoon, July 31, to Lorabeth and John Fitzgerald’s lovely home on the East Bluff to view old photographs of the Island, which Greg Main was happy to share. It was a perfect day and the view from their cottage magnificent. It was fun to be among friends and to share old stories.

The John Killingers, while returning to their Virginia home following their visit to Mackinac, where they were the guests of Margaret McIntire at her Boardwalk Cottage, were involved in a very serious automobile accident. They were struck broadside by a speeding motorcycle rider, who was killed, and the Killinger’s car was demolished. Fortunately, the Killingers were not injured, which was a miracle. Warmest wishes to them from Island friends. We’re very thankful.

Another special Island lady will be celebrating her birthday August 4 and we wish her a very happy one. Best wishes to Margaret McIntire.

Carolyn and Buzz Waggoner enjoyed a fun weekend as they were visited by their son, David, his wife, Heidi, and their children, Garrett, Carter, and Grace. David and Heidi sang at the Little Stone Church Sunday morning, July 31.

The invitation read, “Luncheon Bridal Shower” honoring Vanessa Smith Sunday, August 7, at 1:30 p.m. at Ste. Anne’s Hall given by her seven aunts.” Vanessa will become the bride of Ken Hardy Jr. October 14. Ken is a member of our Mackinac Island Police Department.

The guns and hoses softball game will be held Sunday, August 7, at 7 p.m. at Great Turtle Park. Please come and join in the fun to benefit the Mark Gallagher Scholarship Fund.

The Mackinac Island Community Foundation Summer Celebration will be held Monday, August 8, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Community Hall. Everyone is welcome.

Tim and Tyman Horn were on Bois Blanc Island for the 5th Bois Blanc Fishing Tournament. Larry Kwiatkowski caught a 25-inch pike. Tim Horn got a prize for catching the most fish and Tyman Horn for the biggest bass. Julie Kwiatkowski stayed on Mackinac to visit her father, Leo Krzeminski.

We want to welcome back Laura Ver Hage. She has been in Grand Rapids for the month of July.

Jim and Susan Lenfestey are happy to welcome their daughter, Zara, her husband, Dr. Jim Kuvlin, and their two children, Gus and Henno, from Seattle, Washington, for an 11-day stay at their East Bluff cottage.

Warmest get well wishes to Lornie Porter, who had the misfortune of falling from her bicycle and fracturing her elbow, which will require surgery. We sincerely hope that you will be feeling better soon and free of pain.

Peggy Bynoe will celebrate her birthday August 8. Have a great day.

Dorothy Sharer and her bridge partner, Jane Burdett, were on their way to the Yacht Club Sunday morning, July 31, for their game. Nice to see you ladies.

Happy birthday to Louann Kolatski August 5, Marilyn McCready August 6, and Dave Pulve August 7. Enjoy a wonderful day.

Have a good week.