The annual Mackinac Island Medical Center Auction took place Sunday evening, August 30, at Grand Hotel. It was a festive gathering of friends greeting friends. People were bidding on silent auction items, buying raffle tickets, enjoying a good dinner, and waiting anxiously for the live auction to begin. As auctioneer David Levy works the crowd, everyone gets in the buying mood. Items included beautiful paintings done by local artists, a home-cooked dinner for 12 people, a trip to the top of the Mackinac Bridge, and a night in the Presidential suite at Grand Hotel. Worthy of note in organizing this event are the Musser family and Grand Hotel, Bob Brown of Arnold Transit for providing the late boat, Alice and Sue Myron for the super job they do on the silent auction, David Levy, and Vic Callewaert, a super salesman of the raffle tickets. More than $65,000 was raised for the Mackinac Island Medical Center. Christopher Freehling from Gordon Food Service won the grand prize of $5,000; Ron Dufina won the second prize of $3,000, and Kathleen Foy, an employee at Harbour View, won the third prize of $2,000. Sharon Hahn won $425 in the 50/50 raffle but donated it back to the benefit. It was truly a rewarding evening.

Congressman Bart and Laurie Stupak welcomed family and friends from far and near to Mackinac Saturday, August 29, to help celebrate the marriage of their son, Kenneth, to Christina Yamakawa. They were married at Ste. Anne’s Church at 2:30 p.m. with Father Jim Williams officiating. People who had never been to the Island before were thrilled to be transported in the carriage with the fringe on top. A dinner reception followed at Grand Hotel. Everyone had a wonderful time.

The Mackinac Island Public School opened Tuesday, September 8. Everyone enjoyed a picnic at noon to welcome the students back for the new school year.

Happy 45th wedding anniversary to Buck and Alice Sharrow September 5. Hope you enjoyed your day.

I’m happy to report that Rita Sue Cohen is back at her home in Bloomfield Hills and is doing much better. Island friends send best wishes.

Chuck and Marsha Kleber celebrated their wedding anniversary September 8. Hope you had a wonderful day.

The Labor Day Weekend Jazz Concert was Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, at Grand Hotel. It was a nice weekend to enjoy some great music.

Happy birthday September 4 to our good friend, Jerry Fenlon, of St. Ignace. Hope you had a great day.

Rosie Charnes and her son, Bob, of Indianapolis, Indiana, are spending two weeks at their home in Harrisonville. It’s nice to have them back on Mackinac.

Jim Fisher and his mother-in-law, Joan Barch, share the same birthday September 7. Hope you both had a wonderful day.

Gary and Karen Lennard recently enjoyed a weekend off the Island, when they celebrated Gary’s birthday August 31.

Ellen Putnam had a great time entertaining her little grandson, Owen Richard, who spent several days with his grandmother.

Happy anniversary to Art and Paula Underwood of St. Ignace September 7. Hope you enjoyed your day.

When you see Ray Card driving his dray Wednesday, September 9, wish him a very happy birthday.

Thursday, August 27, the weather was picture perfect when golfers played in the tournament to benefit the Mackinac Island Medical Center and the Moses Dialysis Unit at Mackinac Straits Hospital. Players golfed at Wawashkamo, The Woods and The Jewel, followed by a dinner and awards ceremony at the Woods Restaurant. Everyone had a great time.

We extend deepest sympathy to the family of Jack Ryerse, who passed away Friday, August 28. Jack was the manager of First National Bank on Mackinac Island for many years. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 12, at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in St. Ignace.

Happy 34th wedding anniversary to Phil and Val Porter September 7. Hope you had a wonderful day.

Brian and Frank Bloswick, Sr. left Mackinac Sunday, August 30, for a three-week vacation. They flew to London and then to Paris, where they will board a cruise to Iceland. It promises to be a fascinating trip.

Donnie and Gracie Francis will celebrate their wedding anniversary September 9. Enjoy your day.

Kristi Graham joined her husband, Alex, on the Island Saturday, August 29, with their new daughter, Stella, and two-year-old Penelope.

Jason St. Onge entertained his six-year-old nephew, Brevin, for several days on Mackinac. Lots of ice-cream cones were enjoyed.

Happy birthday to Phyllis Dunham September 7. Hope you had a wonderful day.

Sunday, August 30, freighter traffic through the Straits of Mackinac was very heavy. The Wilfred Skyes, a Canadian freighter, and a 1,000-foot ore carrier all went by within one hour. It was a sight to see.

Happy birthday to Ann Timmons September 9. Have a wonderful day.

While golfing in the tournament Thursday, August 27, Virginia Riordan saw a huge owl and an indigo bunting. It is so interesting watching the wildlife on Mackinac.

Mary Callewaert celebrated her birthday September 5. Hope you enjoyed your day.

Sunday, August 16, Jason St. Onge and Tom Chambers’ band, “Armin’s Army,” reunited with guitarist Myk Rise for an outdoor show on the Chippewa patio. It was a fun afternoon.

Frankie Till, housemother for Reed Cottage, celebrated her birthday September 7. Hope you had a great day.

A delightful baby shower was held for Julie Fisher Sunday, August 23, at the Lilac Tree conference center. Her new baby, Jordan James, did not attend, but many pictures were available. Julie received a variety of beautiful gifts. A delicious lunch of homemade lasagna, made by Deb Fisher, was enjoyed by all.

Happy birthday September 7 to Loretta Spata, Carmen Golden, and Debbie Bradley. Hope you all enjoyed your day.

Dr. Mike and Jane Bacon will celebrate their wedding anniversary September 9. Have a great day.