The golden signs of autumn can be seen here and there all over our beautiful Island. Tinges of orange and yellow are appearing on trees and gardens. Squirrels and chipmunks are gathering food for the long winter months, and they're busily engaged in storing chestnuts. The days have been bright and pretty, with radiant blue skies. In the evening, visitors stroll the boardwalk to view the sunset, followed by lights from Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, and the Mackinac Bridge.

Congratulations to PJ and Tania Pulte on the birth of their second son, Enzo Allen, born June 24. He weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and measured 22 inches in length at birth. Enzo was joined at home by his big brother, Hugo. The family spent the week of September 8 visiting grandparents, Pat and Alice Pulte, and an aunt, Mar, on the Island. It was great to see them back on Mackinac. They make their home in Colorado.

Happy birthday September 23 to Patti Ann Moskwa, Colton Fisher, and Erik Ammerman. Enjoy your day.

The chrysanthemums in fall colors of yellow, deep red, white, purple, and orange are very attractive in the window boxes at the Jaunting Cart on Market Street.

Tuesday, September 16, the Windermere Hotel entertained a tour from Taiwan. They were a group of nurses visiting the University of Michigan School of Nursing. It was their first visit to Mackinac, and they were very impressed with the beauty of the Island.

Happy birthday to Sherry Rayha September 24. Have a great day.

In the gardens at Grand Hotel, the dinner-plate size dahlias are a sight to see, standing tall and erect. The warm daily sunshine is pleasing to their growth.

Thursday, September 11, a very impressive Patriot Day ceremony was held on the front steps of the courthouse, with Mary McGuire Slevin singing the National Anthem. Mayor-Pro- Tem Armand Horn was master of ceremonies. Participating in the service were American Legion members from Post 299, members of the Mackinac Island Fire Department and Mackinac Island Police Department, Father Rey Garcia from Ste. Anne's, Chuck Kleber from Trinity Church, and Mayor Margaret Doud. The Reverend Vincent Carroll of Little Stone Church was the guest speaker. Post Commander Paul Wandrie honored Mackinac Island Girl Scout Troop 127, for the outstanding job they did this summer cleaning headstones at the Mackinac Island cemeteries. A large crowd joined in paying tribute to the fallen heroes, families, and survivors of September 11, 2001.

Happy anniversary to Dale and Jody Gough September 24. Have a wonderful day.

This past weekend was very busy, with many weddings at Ste. Anne's, Little Stone Church, Mission Point Resort, Grand Hotel, and Stonecliffe. It was a beautiful day for brides, and the visitors were thrilled to see the beautiful brides passing by in wedding carriages.

Sharon and Jack Shaffer of Gwinn spent the week of September 14 on Mackinac, managing the London Square gift shop, while Jeff Shaffer and Dwight LaPine vacationed in Gwinn. Great to see you back on the Island.

Pat and Vivian McTique are enjoying a fall vacation at their condominium in the Mission.

I was delighted this week to receive an autographed copy of Robert E. Benjamin's new book entitled "Mackinac Album." Bob was born on the Island, and the book is filled with wonderful photographs of Mackinac, past and present. It is available in shops around town. He and his wife, Bev, enjoy the summers on Mackinac and the winters in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Thank you, Bob, for great memories.

Happy 40th wedding anniversary September 22 to Mike and Linda Wilkins of St. Ignace. They celebrated by spending a night at the Windermere Hotel. Best wishes from Island friends.

We send best wishes to Lulabelle D'Arce, who was hospitalized Monday, September 15, with heart problems. She has returned to her comfortable home in Harrisonville, where she is recuperating nicely.

Happy birthday to Patsy LaPine September 27. Have a great day.

Kay and Larry Berke left Mackinac Thursday, September 18, for their winter home in De Kalb, Illinois. Have a great winter.

We send deepest sympathy to Rosie Charnes on the death of her daughter-in-law, Janet Glidden, Saturday, September 20, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Janet and Bob had a wonderful vacation on Mackinac over Labor Day weekend. They enjoyed sitting on Windermere Point, watching the boat traffic.

Carol and Doug Rearick, with their two pet cats, Hilo and Phanton, left the Island Thursday, September 18, for their home in Brighton. They attended the Michigan State/ Notre Dame football game Saturday, September 20. We will miss their light in the neighborhood.

Happy birthday to Tim Timmons September 30. Enjoy your day.

People playing golf on the Little Jewel golf course are thrilled to see a beautiful blue heron. He is very mellow and will follow players around the course. He is truly a magnificent bird. Two white swans have returned to the harbor. They're an amazing sight as they glide through the water.

Loretta Spata hosted a delightful soup and salad party Monday evening, September 15, for Island ladies. Everyone enjoyed wonderful food and great conversation. Many of the men were attending the Mustang Open golf tournament in Gaylord.

We send best wishes to Ron Dufina, who had surgery on his leg Friday, September 19. He is back at his Island home recuperating.

Tyler Finkel will celebrate his birthday October 1. Have a great day.

Saturday, October 4, at 4 p.m., Bishop Patrick Cooney of Gaylord will officiate at a special Irish Mass at Ste. Anne's Church. Later, at 7 p.m., at Mission Point Theater, a free Irish concert will be held, featuring the Pub Runners and other entertainers. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Happy belated 45th birthday to Dan Musser III September 16. I'm sure Amelia, Quattro, Tilly, and Maverick helped you blow your candles out.

Happy anniversary to Matt and Anneke Myers October 2. Enjoy your day.

Tim and Sherry Plutchak of Stephenson spent last weekend at their beautiful home in Forest Bluff.

Happy birthday October 2 to our good friend, Ernie Glashaw of St. Ignace.

Rita Sue and Elliot Cohen have closed their lovely cottage, Hedgecliffe, and returned to their winter home in the Detroit area. Happy anniversary to Rita Sue and Elliot October 3, and to Brad and Sheryl Conkey. Have a wonderful day.

Virginia and Dan Riordan left Mackinac Wednesday, September 17, for their winter home in Marietta, Georgia. Bushy will miss his daily walks with Annie.

Congratulations to Amy (nee Benser) and Ryan Irish on the birth of their daughter, Ava Olivia, who was born Thursday, September 11. Little Ava weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces at birth. She is joined at home by her sisters, Gracie and Ellie. Best wishes from Island friends.

Happy belated birthday to Cathy Andress September 15. Hope you had a wonderful day.

The Jockey Club and Woods restaurant are now both closed for the season.

Elaine Bila, Rosemary Kompsi's sister, returned to her home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Thursday, September 18. She had spent a month on Mackinac visiting her sister.

Congratulations to the Mackinac Island Lakers volleyball and soccer teams. They're having a very good season.

Mike and Wendy Young of Frankenmuth spent last weekend at their lovely cottage on the West Bluff.

Tuesday, September 16, at Ste. Anne's Church, with Father Ted Brodeur and Father Rey Garcia officiating, a service was held in memory of Otto and Elizabeth "Betty" Wandrie. Otto and Betty were married September 16, 1944. It was an impressive service, with the Mackinac Island Fire Department, Mackinac Island Police Department, and American Legion Post 299 participating. Music was provided by Dan Seeley, Mary McGuire, and Trish Martin. On the program for the service was a lovely photograph of Otto and Betty, when they were part of the movie made on Mackinac, "Somewhere In Time." Deepest sympathy to the family from Island friends.

Enjoy the beautiful fall colors!