By Jeannette Doud847-3301

Beautiful, beautiful clean white snow fell gently from the heavens above over the Thanksgiving holiday, which glistened in the sun. The air was cold and crisp as we snowmobiled out to Chambers Gatehouse at Stonecliffe. The trees were so picturesque and gorgeous as the fallen snow decorated the boughs, making a perfect Christmas scene. What could be more enjoyable as the holiday season draws near.

Happy birthday to Hunter Brown December 4.

Today is Monday, November 28, and a heavy rain has melted all of the snow. Folks again are riding their bicycles. All the snowmobiles are silent once again.

We have some very happy news to report. Larry LaPine underwent major surgery Wednesday, November 23, at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Larry’s doctor, Dr. Robert Spitzer, is a summer cottager of Woodbluff. Special thanks to Dr. Spitzer for his kindness to Larry. Larry has been a dedicated employee at the Windermere for nearly 30 years. We spoke by phone to him Monday evening. When he is released from the hospital, he will be transfered to Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace for rehabilitation. Best wishes to Larry from everyone on Mackinac. We miss you. His sisters, Connie and Patty, and a niece were with him for the surgery.

The Bynoe family and Patty and Brian Schoenborn have all returned home from their Thanksgiving visit in Chassell with the Randy McKay family. Judy’s granddaughter, Kaithlyn McKay, will celebrate her 7th birthday December 7.

Julye McGreevy of Cedarville will celebrate her birthday December 5. Enjoy your day.

Students home for the holiday were Blisse Beardsley from the University of Michigan, Richard Chambers from Northern Michigan University, Emma Chambers from Ferris State University, and Josh Carley from Saginaw Valley State University.

Bob Traxler and Jeannie Hosé spent the holiday at Bob’s cottage in Woodbluff.

Happy anniversary to Tim and Erin Leveille of Newburgh, Indiana, December 6. I hope you and Kevin are having a good visit.

Friends gathered at Ste. Anne’s Hall Sunday morning, November 27, after the 11 a.m. mass for a potluck, which was most enjoyable. Accomplished pianist, John Kissane, from Mission Point Resort, plays at Ste. Anne’s at the Sunday Mass.

Anna Mary and Gary Cusack of Petoskey spent the weekend with Anna Mary’s mother, Helga Doud.

Jennifer and Frank Bloswick returned home Saturday from their annual cruise on the Caribbean. Jennifer reported some rough seas.

Don’t forget to come to the Christmas Bazaar Saturday, December 3, through Monday, December 5. There will be fun for everyone. Someone will be the lucky winner of a 2005 SkiDoo snowmobile. Sunday, December 4, Arnold Line’s last trip will leave the Island at 5 p.m. so that shoppers can stay longer at the Christmas Bazaar.

A note received from Ann and Tim Timmons informs us that they’re back in Palm City, Florida, after enjoying a cruise on the Mediterranean Sea. Ann also reported having some very rough seas.

Happy birthday to Bob Raisch, Brandon Horn, and Amanda Gillespie December 8. Have a great day.

Jeff Shaffer’s and Dwight LaPine’s home on Market Street is displaying the Christmas spirit with beautiful decorations both inside and out. It’s a warm addition to the neighborhood.

Jack Edward Dehring III and friend from Evanston, Illinois, enjoyed a visit with Jack’s parents, Jack and Dorothy, and his sister, Sarah, over the holiday. Jack Edward teaches in Evanston.

Dan and Kathi Wightman, along with daughters Jennifer and Danielle, enjoyed a visit in Troy with Kathi’s sisters, Julie and Amy, over the Thanksgiving holiday. Dan and Jason St. Onge attended the Red Wings game Wednesday, November 23. They had a great time.

Karen Allen visited her sister in Northville for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Barry and Betty BeDour enjoyed a family Thanksgiving gathering in Harrison, returning to the Island Sunday, November 27.

Greetings and warmest get well wishes are being sent to Jim Droskie of St. Ignace, who is a patient at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Greetings to Roberta.

Extensive work continues at the Iroquois Hotel by Marshall Builders of St. Ignace.

Jennie and Jason St. Onge, along with Carmella, had a fun time in Dearborn visiting Jennie’s mother over Thanksgiving.

Paul, Mandy, and Paul Martin Wandrie spent Thanksgiving with Bob St. Onge and family in St. Ignace.

Tuesday, November 29, the stately community Christmas tree was placed in the heart of town by the city crew. All we need is lots of fresh snow. Join everyone for the lighting of the tree Thursday, December 1, at 5 p.m.

MaryAnn and Pat Shannon spent the Thanksgiving holiday at their cottage in Trillium Heights.

Dick and Gwen Bagbey entertained Gwen’s daughter, Eileen, and family from Manistee over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Tony and Tammy Frazier of Mackinaw City enjoyed a visit from Ed and Nancy Pfeiffelman and Bruce and Patty LaPine over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Kelly Bean, along with her daughters, Mackenzie and Hailey, spent Thanksgiving in Indian River with Kelly’s mother, Chris Steiner.

Alice and Trish Martin of Bogan Lane Inn visited the Jim Martin family in Alma over the holiday.

Mackinac is a very special community when help is needed. During the terrible windstorms, the Mackinac Island Fire Department did an excellent job keeping the roads open by cutting down fallen trees. We lost more than 50 trees in the first windstorm and several more in the second storm. Mackinac State Historic Parks crew, Mackinac Island Police Department, Edison Sault Electric crew, and many volunteers helped with the cleanup. Everyone showed the true Mackinac spirit.

Lucky deer hunters are Clark Bloswick, Tom Pfeiffelmann, Donnie Smith, who got an 8-point buck, and Larry Rickley Jr., who got his deer during bow season. Congratulations.

Tim Horn closed Smithville Hunting Camp on Bois Blanc Saturday, November 26. Tim was a lucky hunter, bagging a 5-point buck. Everyone had a great time during the hunting season.

Saturday, November 26, little Aidan Ogle, son of Clyde and Heather, received the Sacrament of Baptism with Father Rey Garcia officiating at Ste. Anne’s Church. Heather’s brother, Adam Fisher, and his wife, Leandra, of Saginaw were godparents. Proud grandparents are John and Barbara Fisher. Congratulations to little Aidan.

The freshman class at Mackinac Island Public School will be selling Christmas trees at the Chambers Stable every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. You may also call 847-3376 to reserve a tree.

Best of luck to the Mackinac Island Lakers basketball team, who will open their season at Beaver Island Friday, December 2, and Saturday, December 3. Go Lakers!!

Mackinac Island Public School will close Wednesday, December 21, for the Christmas vacation and will reopen Tuesday, January 3, 2006.

See you at the Christmas Bazaar.