I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all the care and concern shown me and my family during my recent stay at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey. I am making a slow, steady recovery. It is wonderful to be home.

There is a tinge of winter in the air. We have received a dusting of snow, and the temperatures are very chilly. Everyone is anxiously waiting to get their snowmobiles out. There is still steady freighter traffic through Round Island Passage. My nephew, Mike Doud, Kathy Sliva, and George and Barb Yshinski enjoyed a wonderful week on the 1,000-foot American Spirit. They were guests of Captain Dan Gallagher. It truly was a trip to remember.

We extend deepest sympathy to the families of the late Seth Tamlyn of St. Ignace. Seth worked for Jason St. Onge this past summer, and did work at the Windermere Hotel, where I had the pleasure of talking with him. He was a fine young man, who will be missed by his family and a host of friends.

Island friends send deepest sympathy to Patti Ann Moskwa on the recent death of her father, Adam Gapshes, who passed away Tuesday, November 11, at his home in Columbus. Patti Ann and Steve attended the funeral Saturday, November 15, in China Township. Memorials may be made to St. Clair Little League.

Happy belated birthday to Katrina Platzke November 15. Hope you enjoyed your day.

Island friends send deepest sympathy to Nona Tacey Chambers on the recent death of her father. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Dr. Richard and Karen Hodgman of Kalkaska are spending a week on Mackinac. Dr. Hodgman is the doctor in residence at the Mackinac Island Medical Center while Dr. Karen Miljour is enjoying a week of deer hunting near her home in Gladstone. We hope that Dr. Karen bags a big buck.

The big Christmas Bazaar is just around the corner. It will be Saturday, December 6, through Monday, December 8, at Community Hall. Raffle tickets are available from Kay Hoppenrath, Sylvia Perault, First National Bank, and Doud's Market. Any donations for the auction would be greatly appreciated. They can be mailed or dropped off at the Mackinac Island Medical Center.

Happy belated birthday to Emily St. Onge and Pam Finkel November 13.

We send best wishes to Ron Dufina, who is recovering from recent surgery at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Erin Bagbey Beck celebrated her birthday November 16. Hope you enjoyed your day.

Dr. Bill and Sue Chambers joined friends for the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, Ontario, over the weekend.

Construction has started on Deb and Sandra Orr's new home on Cadotte Avenue.

We send best wishes to Dean Gillespie Sr., who is recovering at his home in Cedarville, following heart surgery at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey.

R.D. Musser, chairman of Grand Hotel, visited the Island Tuesday, November 11.

Mary K. McIntire left Mackinac Friday, November 14, for Aspen, Colorado, where she will spend the winter.

American Legion Post 299 held a Veterans Day service Tuesday, November 11, at the Mackinac Island Public School. The program was very well attended by students and many members of the community.

Jody and Clara Chambers returned to the Island Sunday, November 16, after spending a week in Clarklake. A memorial service for Jody's late father, Richard Johnson, was held Tuesday, November 11. Mark, Robert, and Maggie returned to Mackinac Wednesday, November 12. Candi Dunnigan of Grass Lake also attended the service.

We wish good luck to all of the hunters from Mackinac, and ask them to please be careful.

It has been reported that Don Francis got a six-point buck on Bois Blanc.

Rosemary Kompsi is visiting her sister, Elaine Bila, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for two weeks. Hope she has an enjoyable time.

Ste. Anne's Church is having a food drive to assist the Father Fred Foundation in Traverse City. Please drop off nonperishable items at the church, or contact Paul Fisher at Mackinac Island Public School.

Good luck to all of the hunters!