A group of friends gathered for a memorial service for Todd Backus at the Movalson cottage in Brevort Wednesday, August 20. It was a year ago, August 20, that Todd died of cancer while he was a patient at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston, Texas. His wish was to have his ashes brought back to Brevort for burial on the beach at the Movalson family cottage, where he and his wife, Connie, had vacationed many years. His wish was granted as 36 friends and LaSalle High School former classmates gathered on a bright morning with the waves lapping on the shore. Pastor Tari Stage-Harvey led the service as each person was invited to put a handful of beach sand over the ashes and share a memory with others. One memory mentioned by many was of Todd's wonderful smile. A permanent resting place is closer to the cottage, with a stepping stone marker.

Trinity Lutheran women provided lunch, served at the home of Dave and Lois Movalson. There was laughter and talking of the good times. Later Wednesday evening, Todd's ashes were scattered between Mackinac Island and St. Ignace, as the Island was another of Todd's favorite places.

On Thursday evening, Sharon Chalmers dined with seven friends she had worked with at Sault Ste. Marie and Newberry.

Mary Ann and Larry First are back from a trip to lower Michigan and northern Ohio, where they were visiting friends and relatives. They visited Larry's aunt, Marcell First, of Fremont, Ohio. She will be 90 years old this coming year and is considered a walking "history book" of the First family. She was able to recount to Larry how the First family moved from Indiana to the Detroit during the Depression. The auto factories were booming at that time and needed workers.

Mary Beth and Fred Jasmund have gone back to their home after a week's stay at their cottage in Brevort.

Lindsey Bigelow, along with family and friends in four RV's, traveled to Brooklyn, Michigan, for the NASCAR event this past week. A good time was had by all.

Kathy Reid and Bob Jarzynka have 15 to 20 hummingbirds at their feeders.

Pega Kennedy, with sisters and cousins, had a girls day out at Mackinaw City, and saw the movie "Mamma Mia," which they highly recommended. While they were shopping in one of the stores, they chatted with the clerk, who said she knows Pega's name from reading The St. Ignace News. Small world. This particular clerk, Joy Van Duesen, had called me two weeks ago asking for information of the television show "Little People, Big World." Such coincidences.

Mark Scott and Tara Spencer of Redford are at home with Brenda and Mark Spencer this weekend. Mark Scott will attend his 10th class reunion for LaSalle High.

Mark Spencer, the elder, and Mark Spencer, the younger, are attending the Trappers Convention in Evart this week.

Last week, I reported Gordon Knight participated in an Episcopal camp. It was a Methodist camp. Sorry, Gordon. He is home from camp (and still a Methodist).

Chris, Jerry, and Maddy Whitehead of Clarkston are spending the week with Aunt Char and Uncle Dave DeShetler of Wildwood Lane.

There will soon be a certification of the condo property here in the village as a Monarch Butterfly Waystation. A survey was taken of the natural plants that are hosts for the monarch butterfly. These include the milkweed and annual, biennial, and perennial nectar plants. Other considerations are size of property, amount of sunshine, drainage and soil types, and shelter. Upon certification, a Monarch Waystation sign will be displayed on the property. The following plants are now actively growing on the site: milkweed, thistle, zinnia, butterfly bush, black-eyed Susan, and coreopsis, with many others. The University of Kansas will issue the certification, reported Jim and Kathy Christopher.

The Moran Township Board of Trustees will meet at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brevort Wednesday, September 3, at 6 p.m.