Summer is the season of adventure, when the days grow longer, and the sun, the moon, and nature's beauty can be seen in colors of a rainbow. Riding around the shore of our Island, one can find yellow daisies, buttercups, and black-eyed Susans. Owing to the amount of rain we've received recently, the lawns and trees carry a vivid velvet green color. Also, along the way, you may see a mama goose and her little family of goslings, swimming in the Straits of Mackinac. Riding in front of Grand Hotel, visitors see the American flags waving in the breeze from the longest veranda in the world. Below, in the gardens, there are colorful beds of pansies, in colors from yellow to deep purple. Visitors from all over the world enjoy the beauty of Mackinac.

Dan and Kathi Wightman celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary June 18. Island friends send best wishes.

Warm, bright sunshine this past week increased the flow of travelers coming to the Island. It was great weather for sightseeing, shopping, golfing, and visiting the historic museums. Let us not forget the fragrance from the freshly made fudge, which entices people to stop and watch the candy makers stir the batch. People are fascinated by the process.

Sharing a ride in a 35th anniversary edition of the Ford Mustang convertible are Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud and St. Ignace Mayor Paul Grondin. The two mayors joined in the St. Ignace Car Show "Down Memory Lane" parade Friday, June 28, riding in the black 1999 Mustang, owned by Bruce Dodson of St. Ignace. Happy belated birthday to Bruce Zimmerman June 18.

Welcome to the Glen Young family of Petoskey, who are enjoying the Benjamin Cottage on Market Street, the home of Jane's late great-grandparents. Jane and Glen are teachers in Petoskey, and the parents of Graham and Laura.

Gene and Mellie Hagenbaugh celebrated their wedding anniversary June 21. Best wishes for many more years of good health and happiness.

Mackinac Associates hosted the annual G. Mennen Williams dinner Saturday, June 21. The evening began with cocktails at the William Hahn Cottage in Hubbard Annex, and ended with dinner at Grand Hotel.

Mary Jane Neuman of Royal Oak arrived Tuesday, June 24, for her annual stay at the Windermere. Happy birthday to Mary Jane June 28. Everyone at Tuesday night bingo will be happy to see her.

Kitty and George Schadel of Arcade, New York, arrived Wednesday, June 25, to spend some time at their home on Bourisaw Lane. Kitty and George celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Saturday, June 28, with a renewal of vows at Ste. Anne's, followed by a family gathering at the Chippewa Hotel. Congratulations from Island friends.

Our deepest sympathy to the family of the late Jane Manikoff, who passed away Thursday, June 12, in Pompano Beach, Florida. Jane and her late husband, V. John, loved Mackinac and enjoyed so many happy years at their cottage at British Landing. They participated in many activities on the Island, especially Wawashkamo Golf Club.

Our good friend, Paul Fullerton, celebrated his birthday June 29. Hope you had a great day. We have good news to report this week. Dr. Bill Chambers is back on Mackinac, after his recent surgery at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

There will be games and activities for the children Friday, July 4, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Windermere Point. Come and join in the fun. There will be fireworks on a barge in the Straits of Mackinac at dusk, weather permitting.

Molly Green was able to bring her husband, Bob, home from his recent stay at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey. Hopefully, Bob soon will be able to ride to town on his scooter.

Happy first birthday to little Madison Marie Gamble June 27. The family celebrated her special day Sunday, June 29, with a gathering at the family home.

A group of Candy Smith's friends surprised her Thursday, June 26, with a birthday gathering. She was very surprised and happy with the celebration.

Diane Shea of Atlanta, Georgia, is enjoying her Mackinac cottage in Hubbard's Annex.

Happy birthday to Jody Chambers and Dean Gillespie Jr. July 1. Hope you both enjoyed your day.

Jennifer Karhoff and son, Lucas, of Findlay, Ohio, returned home Tuesday, June 24, after spending 10 days at their cottage on Bourisaw Lane.

Joe Kompsi is recovering nicely from his recent surgery. He is now a patient at Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace, where he is receiving physical therapy. He would love to hear from his many friends on Mackinac.

Many folks attended the first summer concert at Ste. Anne's Church Sunday, June 22. Alex Graham, music director at Grand Hotel, was the featured artist. Everyone enjoyed a refreshing and relaxing afternoon. There is a concert every Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Ste. Anne's.

Happy birthday July 4 to George Bodwin Sr. and Bobby Joe Horn. Enjoy your day.

The Mackinac Island Fire Departmenr e s p o n d e d through mutual aid to the fire in downtown Mackinaw City Monday afternoon, June 23. No one was injured in the fire.

At 1:15 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, the Mackinac Island Fire Department was called to the Red House, next to the Island House Hotel, for a fire. They did an excellent job extinguishing the fire. The Mackinac Island Police Department, Allied EMS, and Michigan State Police assisted the fire department.

Thursday, June 19, in USA Today, Mackinac Island was listed in the top 10 places to vacation, because we don't have cars. Mackinac has horse power, bicycles, and foot power. The article was quoted as saying, "With gas prices at or near record levels, it's time to be carefree and car-free on vacation this summer." Great publicity for the Island.

Nice to see Dottie Sharer back on Mackinac enjoying her lovely cottage on the West Bluff.

Christopher Bloswick of St. Ignace passed away Tuesday, June 24, in Grand Rapids, following a long illness. Chris is the son of Ruby Bloswick and the late John Bloswick. He grew up on Mackinac, and attended Mackinac Island Public School. Deepest sympathy to the family. A complete obituary appears in this week's issue of The St. Ignace News.

Happy birthday July 2 to Bette Emmons and her daughter, Joann Bagbey.

Brother Jim Boynton S.J. has arrived at Ste. Anne's, where he will assist with parish activities until mid-August. Happy birthday to Brother Jim July 3.

Bob and Annette Gillespie's family arrived on Mackinac the weekend of June 14 and June 15 for a family celebration. Their son, Alex, lives in Madison, Wisconsin, and is an organist at a church in Middleton, Wisconsin. Their daughter, Brooke, with her daughters, Logan and Sydney, arrived from their home in Harbor Springs. They all enjoyed the Lilac Parade. Sydney, who is a student at Calvin College, is spending the summer on Mackinac with her grandparents, and is employed by Mackinac Island Carriage Tours.

Enjoy the summer weather!