Following the heavy rainfall of last week, never have I seen the Island so clean and very beautiful. Crossing from St. Ignace, we could see that Mackinac stood proud and green. The tall trees took on a fresh look of green. The brilliant sun shone down on our beautiful Island. Visitors took pictures of Grand Hotel, standing proudly with the American flags flying in the breeze. The people were eager to see Mackinac come alive, after reading about it in so many articles and books.

Frank Bloswick Sr. attended his 50th class reunion Saturday evening, August 23, at Cheboygan High School in Cheboygan. Everyone had a great time.

Our deepest sympathy to Dan Seeley of Mackinac, on the sudden death of his younger brother, David, 52, who passed away Thursday, August 21, in Boyne City. Dan attended the memorial service Saturday, August 23. Island friends send best wishes to Dan and his family.

There will be a golf tournament Thursday, September 4, at Wawashkamo Golf Club to benefit Ste. Anne's building fund. It's a nine-hole scramble, and the cost is $75 per person. Prizes and food will follow the tournament. Call Jack or Fritz at 847-3871 to sign up. Come and join in the fun.

Happy 18th birthday to Robert Chambers September 1. Hope you enjoyed your day.

Almeda and George Bodwin of Manton visited family and friends this past week. They brought along friends who enjoyed seeing the Island and all its beauty. They were guests of Margaret McIntire at the Iroquois Hotel, where Almeda worked for more than 20 years. Great to see them looking so happy and well.

Pat and Dave Ramsay of St. Ignace celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary by attending the Mackinac Island Medical Center Auction. Congratulations from Island friends.

The evenings have been perfect. Visitors get to see the moon shining down on the Straits of Mackinac, as taps sound at 10 p.m. from Fort Mackinac, which can be heard all over the Island.

Annette Gillespie recently joined her daughter and son-inlaw, Brooke and Hoagie Kleinhenz, with their daughters, Sydney and Logan, at their cottage in Blind River, Ontario. Terry Kucharczyk also joined the gathering. They had a great time fishing, relaxing, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Happy anniversary to Buzz and Carolyn Waggoner September 3. Have a wonderful day.

The annual Mackinac Island Medical Center Auction was Sunday, August 24, at Grand Hotel. It was an evening that brought the community together to benefit the Mackinac Island Medical Center. Many bargains were purchased, much to the delight of many who attended the function. David Levy, summer cottager of the East Bluff, did a marvelous job, as did his helpers, who assisted him during the live auction. It was a great evening. The Musser family hosted this great event. Bob Brown of Arnold Transit provided a 10 p.m. boat so friends from the mainland could join in the fun.

Happy birthday to Megan Weber and Brad Horn September 4. Have a great day.

Family and friends joined Geraldine Wellington Saturday evening, August 23, at her comfortable home in Harrisonville to celebrate her 70th birthday. Special guests were Mary Alice, Jeannie, and Nancy Wellington from Sault Ste. Marie. The evening was beautiful, as everyone stopped by to greet Geraldine, and enjoy the wonderful buffet. Happy birthday, Geraldine, from all of your Island friends.

Happy anniversary September 6 to Dick and Dee Czapek of Grand Rapids. We miss seeing them on Mackinac.

Andrew Doud was the guest of honor at a surprise birthday party Saturday evening, August 23, at Woods Restaurant. Hosting the special event was his friend, Nicole Smith, a manager at Grand Hotel. Nicole's family joined the gathering, as well as Island friends. It was a most enjoyable, fun-filled evening for a special person.

Happy birthday to my good friend, Helen Powell, September 4. We look forward to your next visit to the Island.

We received word Tuesday, August 26, that Dr. Joe Solomon, former Island doctor, had suffered a bad fall and broken his neck. He is a patient at the hospital at the University of Virginia. Island friends send best wishes to Dr. Joe for a full recovery.

Deepest sympathy to Mary Rogers and her family, and to Bob Andress and his family, on the recent death of their brother, David, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A complete obituary appeared in the August 28 issue of The St. Ignace News.

The Mackinac Island Public School opened Tuesday, September 2, and everyone was invited to the school picnic at noon. Congratulations to the Lakers girls volleyball team, who won their opening games Tuesday, August 26, in Brimley. Go Lakers!

A longtime dedicated employee, Keith Leverton, of the Iroquois Hotel, left the Island Monday, August 25, for his home in Dearborn, owing to a painful back problem. He was accompanied by his friend, Sheila. We send best wishes to Keith.

Happy birthday September 5 to Karen Huisman, who works at La Galerie, and to Burton Gough. Have a great day.

Thursday, August 21, golfers came from far and near to participate in the golf tournament benefiting the Moses Dialysis Unit and the Mackinac Island Medical Center. It was a perfect day for golf, with golfers playing at Wawashkamo, the Woods, and the Jewel. A wonderful dinner reception followed at the Woods Restaurant.

Elaine Bila, Rosemary Kompsi's sister, is visiting Mackinac for a month from her home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Our good friend, Frank Wood of Denmark, Wisconsin, sent us cheese. Hope to see Frank at the Windermere this fall.

Mark Chambers and his daughter, Clara, recently enjoyed the county fair in Crivitz, Wisconsin, where they were guests of Mark's sister and husband, Nancy and Jean LaBorde.

Anna Mary and Gary Cusack of Petoskey have been visiting Helga Doud at her home on Lakeshore Drive.

The Randy McKay family of Chassell recently enjoyed a week visiting family members. Randy played in the golf tournament and attended the Mackinac Island Medical Center Auction.

We mourn the loss of a very dear friend, Dr. Robert Holle of St. Ignace, who passed away Friday, August 22. He was a dentist there for many years, who touched the hearts of all his patients. His warm and gracious handshake and personality were special. He was never too busy to care for all of us. Deepest sympathy to his family from Island friends.

Wayne Jungman of Gladwin is the houseguest of Phyllis Dunham at her cottage on French Lane.

While riding on the east end of the Island, I came upon the home of Mike Bradley, and was impressed to see all of his wonderful improvements, which include a new roof, attractive siding, and new steps. The house is located near the site of the old Edison Sault Electric power plant. Mike is custodian at Mackinac Island Public School, and assistant fire chief on the Mackinac Island Fire Department.

Hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!