Mackinac Island
By Jeannette Doud 847-3301

Mackinac winter is everywhere one looks. Riding around the shore of the Island Friday, February 15, the beauty was a breathtaking sight. Freshly fallen snow covered the trees and shrubs, creating a picturesque scene. Looking out on the Straits of Mackinac, we see heavy ice filling the passageway.

The brilliant sun on the ice caused it to glisten and sparkle. Our thoughts turned to all the folks who have cottages on the shore, laden with a blanket of snow. The homes were peaceful in their winter attire.

The weekend of February 15 and 16 was a very busy one. George Wellington, of Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, was seen transporting many visitors from the airport.

They came to enjoy winter on Mackinac. The big annual chili cook-off at the Village Inn attracted many. Everyone enjoyed a great time. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing over the carefully groomed trails was a real treat to the many visitors. Sinclair's Irish Pub had the "Pub Runners" from Gaylord for entertainment over the weekend.

A very happy 50th wedding anniversary to Ike and Elaine Bunker February 22. They're the parents of three daughters, Brenda, Trish, and Jennifer, and two sons, Clark and Ike. Island friends send greetings on this special occasion.

Paul Fullerton of Great Lakes Air, and our good friend, Ken Smith, pilot of St. Ignace, provide great service to their many passengers who travel with them each day.

Judy Bynoe with her sons, Robbie and Jamie, attended the second birthday party February 2 of her granddaughter, Lily Schoenborn, in St. Ignace.

Jacob Chambers celebrated his birthday Saturday, February 16, with a gathering of his friends, enjoying a pizza party at his home in Hubbard's Annex. Happy birthday from Island friends.

The weather report all over the state Sunday, February 17, alerted everyone to unpleasant conditions. The freezing rain came down, covering everything with a heavy coat of ice. Air service was terminated, and walking came to a halt. Today, Monday, February 18, is a bright, sunny day and all activities are back to normal.

Sunday morning, February 17, following the 11 a.m. Mass, a pancake breakfast was served at Ste. Anne's Hall. Members of Trinity, the Mackinac Island Bible Church, and many cross-country skiers who were stranded on the Island owing to the weather, joined the parishioners for a hearty breakfast prepared by Jim Ball, Jim Marks, Ray Kriss, and Mark Chambers. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Warmest and best wishes to our very good friend, Jack Ryerse of St. Ignace. Island friends are thinking of you, Jack.

The annual Mark Gallagher Scholarship dinner will be Thursday, February 21, at 5 p.m. at the Community Hall. Come and enjoy a complete chicken dinner and support this worthy cause.

Jim and Sandy Roe with daughter, Amelia, and friend, Hailey Armstrong, recently enjoyed a week at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It was Jim's first jet airplane ride, which he thoroughly enjoyed. The family experienced fun in the sun, wonderful rides, a show featuring circus acts, and great weather. Congratulations to Amelia, who won the sixth grade spelling bee at the Mackinac Island Public School January 25.

Sara Bunker Sutherland of Orlando, Florida, surprised her Mackinac family this past week with a visit. She came especially to attend the second birthday party of her little niece, Makayla Rickley, and to visit her nephew, Anthony, her parents, Irene and Larry Rickley, and other family members. It's always great to have Sara back home on Mackinac.

We received the sad news this week of the death of Ellen Pauling Friday, February 1, a longtime employee of Mackinac State Historic Parks, who worked for many years with Donnie Francis. Ellen and her husband, Art, made their home in Mackinaw City, but spent many happy summers on the Island. She was a member of the Ladies Golf League and had many friends on Mackinac. Deepest sympathy to the family from Island friends.

Bette Alexander, mother of Paul Alexander of the East Bluff, passed away Tuesday, January 29, in Alma. Paul and his wife, Maryanke, of Mount Pleasant, spent the weekend of February 1 and 2 at their lovely cottage. They enjoyed the Winter Carnival festivities, and friends joined them for a Super Bowl party.

Paul Wandrie enjoyed a week's vacation in Florida visiting his father, Otto.

Karen Cowell Ortlieb celebrated her 40th birthday February 4. Happy birthday from Island friends.

We send special greetings to Stephanie Arbib of Hollywood, Florida, who has not been feeling her best. Mackinac friends send warmest wishes.

I received a phone call from Chris McCready of Cheboygan. She will undergo surgery at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey Tuesday, February 26. Friends may remember Chris with cards and letters at the following address: 520 Cleveland Avenue, Cheboygan, MI 49721. We wish Chris a speedy recovery.

Thursday, February 7, students from Mackinac Island, St. Ignace, Gros Cap, and Engadine met for a spelling bee at St. Ignace Middle School. The top two spellers from each grade (fifth through eighth) will next advance to the regional competition.

Students participating from Mackinac Island were Kyra Kolatski, Adrienne Rilenge, Paul Wandrie, Hailey Bean, Dill Deloof, and Anthony Rickley. Adrienne Rilenge won first place for the sixth grade and Hailey Bean was the runner-up for seventh grade.

They will go to St. Ignace Middle School Thursday, February 21, to meet students from other schools for the regional competition. Congratulations to Adrienne and Hailey.

Nicole Smith of Albion visited Andrew Doud over the weekend.

During the big blizzard we experienced on Mackinac Sunday, February 10, Patti Ann and Steve Moskwa noticed a sharp-shinned hawk in their backyard.

Several Michigan dogs scored awards at the Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden this past week.

Scottish Terrier Champion Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot, owned by Amelia Musser of Mackinac, placed second in the terrier group.

The Scottie's name is Sadie. It was great watching all the beautiful dogs. Uno, the beagle that won Best in Show, was certainly a handsome hound.

We had an interesting e-mail from Paul Michalke from his home in Sterling, sharing a photograph of the hull of the old car ferry, Straits of Mackinac, that he found on the Internet. The Straits of Mackinac carried passengers to the Island for many seasons. It was sad to see the picture of a once beautiful ship. Best regards to Paul and his family.

Visiting Mackinac for the first time during the winter, as guests of Marsha and Chuck Kleber, were Rt. Reverend Catherine Waynick, Episcopal Bishop of Indianapolis and her husband, Larry, retired elementary school principal of the Detroit area. They truly enjoyed the beauty of Mackinac in its winter splendor and experiencing the Island at a much slower pace. It was a delight to meet them, and we look forward to seeing them in the summer.

Karen and Gary Lennard entertained their family at the Boyne Mountain Water Park Friday, February 15, and Saturday, February 16. It was a great gathering.

Peggy Bynoe of Grand Rapids with a friend, Michelle, and Katie Cederholm of Cheboygan, enjoyed a fun weekend on the Island. They were joined by many members of Mackinac State Historic Parks staff.

The third annual WaWa Wackers golf outing will be Tuesday, February 19, through Thursday, February 21, in Stuart, Florida. Ron and Mary Dufina, Bob Andress and his daughter, Cathy, and Steve and Patti Ann Moskwa are among the golfers.

We are very proud of the Mackinac Island Lakers boys basketball team. Friday, February 15, and Saturday, February 16, they played their last home game, defeating the Islanders of Beaver Island.

The Lakers have an undefeated season, 18-0. The girls basketball team also had a very successful season. Friday evening, the Lakers celebrated Homecoming with Queen Ariel Leeper and King Caleb Straight. The Beaver Island team joined the Lakers at the dance following the game. Go Lakers!

Thursday evening, February 14, a beautiful star-filled sky was experienced by folks attending the 7 p.m. concert at Ste. Anne's Church. Pianist John Kissane entertained the audience with many delightful selections. Refreshments followed in Ste. Anne's Hall.

Saturday, February 9, we were attracted to boat traffic in the Straits of Mackinac. We snowmobiled to the West Bluff by the Hamady Cottage, only to have a spectacular view and hear the crunching sound of ice as the United States Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw was escorting the Canadian Olympic eastbound through the Round Island Passage. We traveled down to Windermere Point to watch the ship pass by, headed for Sarnia for a load of salt for Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's great boat watching.

Members of Trinity Church held a special service at the home of Helga Doud Tuesday, February 12.

Greetings to our good friends, Larry and Gary LaPine, who reside at Mackinac Straits Hospital Long Term Care facility in St. Ignace.

Jason St. Onge recently returned from a week in Florida. He enjoyed the warm weather and bright sunshine.

Mike Iles of 7th Heaven Salon and a group of friends are enjoying a two-week vacation in Ireland. When Mike returns, he will attend a cosmetology convention in Chicago.

Marsha and Chuck Kleber, Mary and Wes Maurer, and Peter Marabell and Fran Barger enjoyed dining at Pellston Market Saturday evening, February 16.

Winter greetings from snowy Mackinac!