Mackinac Island
By Jeannette Doud 847-3301

Cadotte Avenue has not been the busiest during the fall and early winter, but now that the beautiful snow has come, snowmobilers are enjoying one of their favorite sports. Folks dressed in attractive colors of winter attire make it a busy thoroughfare. Children are going to and from school, while many are just out for a winter ride to the wooded areas, where blankets of pure white snow hang from the tree limbs, truly a sight to be seen. The snowstorm has been unusually late in coming, but now has brought happiness to many. Not often, but occasionally, one might see a beautiful red fox crossing over a snow-covered area. Many ducks find special food on our deck, as well as the doves and smaller birds. Chipmunks are busy gathering what they can. It's great fun to feed the winter wildlife.

Happy birthday January 29 to Bud Bradley of Sault Ste. Marie. Enjoy your day.

Snowmobiling up to the West Bluff last evening, one sees a magnificent bit of nature, a flaming orange ball slowly descending in the west beyond the Mackinac Bridge creating radiant colors in the sky. It was a breathtaking sight.

Monday nights, the Mustang Lounge hosts euchre night. Many folks enjoy the evening of card playing.

Jeff Shaffer returned to his Island home Monday, January 22, following 10 days at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where his father, Jack, has been receiving treatment. Jeff and his mother are happy to report that dad is recovering very well and is back home in Gwinn, near Marquette.

Victor D'Arce will celebrate his birthday January 30. Have a great day.

Believe it or not, several tourists were seen on the Huron over the weekend. They wanted to see Mackinac in the winter.

An adult game night is held Thursday evenings at Ste. Anne's Hall. It's loads of fun and everyone is welcome to attend.

Members of Trinity Church gathered at the home of Helga Doud Thursday, January 18, for a prayer service, which was enjoyed by all who attended.

Sunday morning, January 21, it was very cool and crisp. Out of the stillness by the boardwalk, three beautiful white swans landed on the water in front of Corner Cottage. They're a magnificent sight gliding around the Straits of Mackinac.

A community potluck will be held Sunday, January 28, at 12:30 p.m. at the Community Hall. Please bring a dish to pass. Everyone is welcome.

Annette Gillespie keeps us updated on her husband, Bob, who is recuperating at his Florida home following heart bypass surgery. We're happy to report that Bob is doing well and is making a good recovery. Island friends send best wishes.

Judy Bynoe, accompanied by her daughter, Patty, and granddaughter, Lily, are visiting the McKay children while their parents, Randy and Katie, are enjoying a Caribbean cruise celebrating Randy's 40th birthday.

The Mackinac Island Lakers will be playing volleyball and basketball this weekend in Paradise. Good luck to the Lakers.

Candy Smith is visiting her sister, Jane Simmons, and family in St. Ignace.

Happy birthday February 1 to Logan Kleinhenz, granddaughter of Bob and Annette Gillespie. Enjoy your day.

The latest report on Garfield Slowly of Jamaica, the waiter from the Jockey Club, is that he is in a rehabilitation center and is making a very slow recovery from his horrible traffic accident suffered back in November. His many friends on Mackinac send special greetings.

Winter construction projects on the Island are at the LaChance Cottage, Mapleview, Vic Callewaert's new building, and the new kitchen at the Iroquois Hotel.

The red and green lights on the Arnold dock cast their beam across the Island harbor, creating a very special sight, especially in the evening.

Island friends send special greetings to Dr. Mike McDonald of Bay Pines Veterinary Clinic in Harbor Springs, who is recovering from knee replacement surgery. Dr. Mike made many friends on Mackinac when he made house calls to his furry patients.

Thanks to Dan Seeley, Ann Timmons, and Sue Webster for sending me the article in AAA Living about Mackinac Island in the wintertime. The title of the article is "Stuck in Time." It reads that couples can enjoy a remote and peaceful getaway to the romantic destination, Mackinac Island. Because no cars are allowed on the Island, a 19th century atmosphere prevails. In the winter, a deep blanket of snow covers the Island's stately buildings and wooded landscape, lending a Currier & Ives feel to Mackinac. The article explains how to get to Mackinac in the winter, and what accommodations and restaurants are available. It's great publicity.

Contractor Andrew McGreevy is very busy installing a new air conditioning system at Grand Hotel.

Taking a stroll at night, one sees a beautiful little tree decorated with white lights standing stately at the Veterans Memorial in the city park. It's a great reminder of the men and women who have served their country so proudly.

A note received today from Bev Benjamin tells us that she and Bob are joining Jane and Glen Young at the Chicago gift show this weekend. Ann and Tim Timmons spent New Year's Eve with Bob and Bev and the Mike Benjamin family in Orlando, Florida, where Mike's daughter was playing in a soccer tournament. What a great gathering.

Mark your calendar for the winter carnival weekend, which will be held Friday, February 2, through Sunday, February 4. There will be fun for everyone.

It's a small world! Jody Chambers' father, Dick Johnson from Jackson, had Tony Dungy, coach for the Indianapolis Colts, as a student. It should be a great Super Bowl.

Have a great weekend!