Mackinac Island
By Jeannette Doud 847-3301

Monday, May 28, was a beautiful spring day on Mackinac, when American Legion Post 299 held an impressive ceremony honoring all the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, especially the men and women from Mackinac. Master of Ceremonies for the occasion was Armand "Smi" Horn, who introduced Post Commander Paul Wandrie, followed by Mary McGuire Slevin singing the National Anthem. The opening prayer was offered by the Reverend Vince Carroll, retired Captain of the U.S. Navy and pastor of Little Stone Church. Mayor Margaret Doud spoke of the Veterans Memorial being a living tribute to our men and women who served our country. Guest speaker was William Porter, a veteran of World War II, who gave a moving account of his memories of the war. Awreath-laying ceremony was dedicated to Angeline Bunker, the mother of six sons who all served in the military. Her granddaughter and great-granddaughter received this tribute. Closing prayers were offered by Brother Jim Boynton of Ste. Anne's and American Legion Post 299 Chaplain Scott Stevenson. At the close of the ceremony, a bugler from Fort Mackinac played "Taps." At noon, the American flag was raised to full staff by American Legion Post Adjutant William Lenaghan and Gracie Francis. It was a fitting tribute to all of our veterans.

At 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 28, at the grave of Father Joseph Ling, longtime pastor at Ste. Anne's, Father Pat Hussey and Brother Jim Boynton celebrated a Memorial Day Mass. Following the service, graves were blessed in all of the Island cemeteries. It was a beautiful day, with the woods filled with trilliums, lily of the valley, and ladyslippers.

Sunday, May 27, at the 10:30 a.m. service at Little Stone Church, Dr. Vince Carroll conducted a special service commemorating Memorial Day. American Legion Post 299 participated, and there was patriotic music. It was a very moving experience.

Bishop Alexander Sample of Marquette celebrated a very impressive Mass Saturday, May 26, at 5:30 p.m. at historic Ste. Anne's. The large congregation consisted of parishioners, members of the Knights of Columbus convention, and visitors. The altars were beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and lighted tapers in antique candle holders, dating back many years in the history of our church. Assisting Bishop Sample were Lois Lenaghan, reader and Eucharistic minister, and altar servers Woody Beardsley and Robert Jeffrey Chambers. Beautiful music was provided by Peggy Bynoe and Carolyn May. As the congregation departed Ste. Anne's, everyone sang "America the Beautiful." Bishop Sample greeted everyone with a hearty handshake after the service. It was indeed an honor to have Bishop Sample visit Ste. Anne's. Special guest at the Mass was our beloved pastor, Father Rey Garcia S.J.

Happy anniversary to Ron and Mary Dufina June 3. Enjoy your day.

Our dear friend, Rosie Charnes, will celebrate her birthday June 7. Happy birthday, Rosie, from Island friends.

Happy news to report! Melissa and Michael Straus of Okemos and Mackinac became the proud parents of a baby son, Michael Orion, born Saturday, May 26, weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces. He is joined at home by his sister, Ariana. Grandparents are Dr. Fran and Lorna Straus of Mackinac and Chicago. Now Hubbard's Annex will welcome another little Straus. It was in 1891 that Lorna's parents first came to the Island, and in 1892, the Puttkammer home was constructed in the Annex by the late Patrick Doud; it continues to be enjoyed today by members of the family. Congratulations to Michael and Melissa from Island friends.

Our good friend, Jim Roe, remains a patient at Cheboygan Memorial Hospital in Cheboygan. Island friends send warmest greetings to Jim. He would enjoy hearing from his many friends.

Melissa Riel of South Bend, Indiana, has chosen Mackinac for her wedding Saturday, June 9, to Shan Jaffar. Melissa spent many happy summers with her parents and grandparents, the late Hoover and Rita Bankard, at their West Bluff cottage overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Melissa will be married at Ste. Anne's Church.

Happy birthday June 3 to Gene Hagenbaugh and Kristi Graham. Have a great day.

Penny and John Barr of Chicago have opened their West Bluff cottage and are enjoying another beautiful summer on Mackinac. Their special team of black horses is harnessed to a restored carriage.

Amelia Musser took several lessons in Mah Jongg this past winter in St. Croix. She would love to hear from anyone who knows how to play Mah Jongg. Call her at 847- 3558.

Nice to see the lovely East Bluff Keogh cottage, Crosstrees, open for the summer. Nancy and Larry arrived over the weekend. When Larry's mother was living, I would always enjoy stopping by for a visit and to see her needlepoint projects. These are all special memories.

Betty BeDour will celebrate her birthday June 7. Enjoy your day.

The doctor in residence at the Mackinac Island Medical Center over the weekend was Dr. Richard Hodgman and his family of Kalkaska. Their daughter, Mary Deb and family, were guests of the Windermere Hotel, where she made many visits with her parents as a little girl. Dr. Hodgman first came to Mackinac when Stella King was the nurse at the medical center.

The Steve Harpers of Detroit enjoyed their 23rd visit to Grand Hotel over the Memorial Day weekend. They love Mackinac, and will return in July for four weeks as they rent the Allen cottage on the East Bluff.

Visiting Kitty and George Schadel and Sherry Rayha were the Schadel daughters, Cathy from Chicago, and Mary Beth and friends from Buffalo, New York.

Barbara and Brian Hellis of Northville are enjoying their cottage on Market Street. They have a new best friend, a puppy named Rusty.

Congratulations to Jessica McGinnis, who has the great honor of being valedictorian of the 2007 graduating class of LaSalle High School in St. Ignace. Jessica and her family were former residents of Mackinac, where she and her brother attended grade school at the Mackinac Island Public School when her father worked for Grand Hotel. Best wishes to Jessica as she enters Michigan State University in the fall.

Happy birthday to Officer Cory Kaminen June 6. I'm sure that Jack will help you blow out your candles.

Happy wedding anniversary June 11 to Dr. Fran and Lorna Straus. Have a wonderful day.

As you're passing by Little Stone Church on Cadotte Avenue, you will see the new landscaping, which has been completed by Winberg Masonry of St. Ignace. Harvey Bentley, also of St. Ignace, did the iron work. Colorful flowers complement the addition to the historic church. Bob Benjamin has been a member of the congregation for more than 50 years, as well as his parents and grandparents before him. Those of us who live on the Island during the winter truly enjoy seeing the church lit up on a snowy evening as we pass by on our snowmobiles.

With each day that the sun shines brightly with warm temperatures, the Island will soon become a paradise of lilacs of every description and color, permeating the air with their fragrance.

Happy birthday to George Wellington June 11. Have a great day.

Leo Krzeminski is being visited by his daughters, Julie and Sarah, at his home on McGulpin Street. Soon Leo's yard will burst into bloom with gorgeous peonies and lilacs planted many years ago by the family of his late wife, Anne, the Marshalls.

Ben Mosley Sr. will celebrate his birthday June 12. Enjoy your day.

Marty Carey's rock garden at the Cloghaun is in full bloom, a delightful and beautiful sight to all who are passing by. Let us not forget Marty's new addition at the cottage, "Maggie," a cute little springer spaniel puppy that makes life very interesting.

Great to see Donnie and Gracie Francis at the Memorial Day service. They've just returned from their winter home in Punta Gorda, Florida. Donnie looks and feels good. Happy birthday to Donnie June 11. Have a wonderful day.

Lois and John Findley are on Mackinac opening their Small Point Bed and Breakfast for the season. Nice to see you back on the Island.

Bob and Bev Benjamin attended their granddaughter, Libby's, graduation Saturday, May 26, at Leelanau School. Libby was valedictorian of her class, and she will attend Grand Valley State University in the fall. Libby has spent the past three summers on the Island working in her grandparents' shops and improving her horseback riding skills. Libby is the daughter of Mary and Tom Benjamin of Farmington Hills.

Mike Benjamin and son, Miles, of Boston, Massachusetts, arrived on the Island this past weekend. While Miles will be staying on the Island to work for the summer, Mike will return in July with the rest of the family.

Emily Fullerton's gift shop, The Jaunting Cart, on Market Street has taken on a new look. The building was completely renovated during the winter months and two new display windows were installed.

Father Jim Williams celebrated his last Mass at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in St. Ignace Saturday, May 26, and Sunday, May 27. Father Rey Garcia S.J., pastor of Ste. Anne's, joined Fr. Jim at the Mass. Brother Jim Boynton, S.J. preached the sermons. Fr. Jim is retiring after many years of service to the Marquette diocese. Best wishes from all his friends on Mackinac. May you enjoy many years of good health and happiness in your retirement. Fr. Jim makes his home in Mackinaw City with his mother, Kay.

Fred and Dr. Carol Entwistle of Afton, Minnesota, are enjoying a Mackinac vacation at their Victorian condominium. Carol is the daughter of the late Vern and Meryl Eriksson.

Congratulations to Seth Tamlyn, who was graduated Friday, May 25, from LaSalle High School in St. Ignace. Seth is the son of Joanna Kompsi Tamlyn and the grandson of Sue Chambers and Joe Kompsi, all of Mackinac.

Welcome back to Charlie and Mary Thompson. They're comfortably settled in their home, Lilac House, on Market Street.

The annual Manoogian Art Show will be held at Grand Hotel Sunday, June 3.

The Reverend Ron and Kay Smith of Austin, Texas, are enjoying a visit to their East Bluff cottage. Rev. Ron was the celebrant at services at Trinity Church Sunday, May 27.

We're happy and pleased to have Trish Cameron back at McNally Cottage for the summer. Trish lives in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Grand Hotel and Mackinac give a cordial welcome to the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce Conference Wednesday, May 30. We wish everyone a successful convention.

Best wishes to Otto Wandrie, father of Paul, who has not been feeling his best. He is with family members in the Detroit area.

Glen and Deanna St. Onge spent part of the Memorial Day weekend visiting their son, Jason, on the Island.

Alice Myron and family, cottagers of the East Bluff, enjoyed the Memorial Day holiday on their favorite Island.

The Cable Cottage on Lakeshore Drive is open for the summer. Jane Winston, niece of the late Mary Cable, is happy to be back among her many friends. It's wonderful to see another light in the neighborhood.

Congratulations to Sydney Kleinhenz of Harbor Springs, who will be graduated from Harbor Light Christian School Sunday, June 3. Sydney is the daughter of Brooke and Hoagie Kleinhenz, and the granddaughter of Robert and Annette Gillespie of Mackinac. She will be attending Calvin College in the fall.

Mary K. McIntire of Petoskey was the guest of her mother, Margaret, this past week.

Olivia Chambers, 10-year-old daughter of Mark and Jody, is a patient at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

The Carriage House Dining Room opened for the season Friday, May 25.

It was a pleasure attending the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of our friends, Pat and Louie Leveille of St. Ignace, Saturday, May 26, at the Village Inn in St. Ignace. Friends enjoyed greeting everyone on this special occasion. It was indeed a pleasure to visit with my good friend of many years, Gloria Davenport, who now makes her home in Gaylord. Her son, Jeff, is dockmaster of the St. Ignace Marina. Kevin Leveille, son of Pat and Louie, is head of maintenance at the Windermere Hotel. Best wishes to Pat and Louie for many years of good health and happiness.

Leanne Brodeur and Louie Bunker and family joined the Steve Rilenge family in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the Indy 500.

Helen and Richard Wolfgang have their delightful art studio open on Market Street. Mr. Wolfgang, a professional artist, has designed the annual lilac poster for the festival for many years.

Happy second wedding anniversary to Larry and Kathleen Rickley May 28. Have a wonderful day.

We received an e-mail from Sara Bunker Sutherland, who was thinking about Mackinac and her family and friends. She hopes to visit the Island this summer. Nice to hear from you, Sara.

We send warmest greetings to all Island residents who are patients at Mackinac Straits Hospital's long term care facility in St. Ignace. The doctors, nurses, and staff there are dedicated to the sick and the elderly.

Six-month-old Noah Henry Bosma made his first visit to the Island from Holland, Michigan. He was accompanied by his parents, Scott and Sarah Bosma, and grandparents Wallace and Dianne Mugg, longtime guests of the Windermere Hotel.

Alicia Leveniu, granddaughter of Ann Custer, will be babysitting for Brooke Dziobak this summer.

Piper Ryan returned to the Island with her friend, Steven Felmer, from school in Daytona Beach, Florida. She will be helping her mother and grandmother manage Pine Cottage, Chateau Lorraine, and Three Brothers Sarducci for the summer.

Congratulations to Mary and Joe Rogers of St. Ignace, who were confirmed and made their First Communion at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church Sunday, May 20. Mary and Joe are the children of Brita and the late Robert Rogers. Proud grandparents are Mary and Calvin Rogers of St. Ignace and Mackinac.

The Brad Conkey family of Sylvan Lake spent Memorial Day weekend on Mackinac.

A successful pancake breakfast was held Sunday, May 27, at Ste. Anne's Hall. Nikki Gugin organized the event, with the help of many volunteers. The next pancake breakfast will be Sunday, June 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pat and Vivian McTeague enjoyed their lovely condominium at the Mission over the weekend.

Dr. Mike and Jane Bacon, together with Diane and Ken Neyer, planted gardens and prepared for the opening of the former La Chance Cottage Wednesday, May 30.

Saturday morning, May 26, at historic Ste. Anne's Church, Father Jim Williams officiated at the baptism of little Penelope Graham, daughter of Alex and Kristi. Proud godparents are Andrew Doud and Carrie Lewand. Congratulations from Island friends.

The annual Mackinac Island police auction was held Saturday morning, May 26. Auctioneer Mike Carley did an excellent job of selling about 200 bicycles.

Dr. Fran and Lorna Straus and Dr. Chris Straus had a beautiful weekend to plant the summer gardens. They're a showplace, and bring joy and pleasure to everyone who views them.

Graduation was held Friday evening, May 25, at the Mackinac Island Public School. Kristi Kamphuis and Scott Roguska were the two graduating seniors. Kristi was the valedictorian of the class of 2007. Phil Porter, director of Mackinac State Historic Parks, gave an impressive commencement address.

Family and friends joined the graduates on this very special occasion.

Enjoy your week!