The weather in September has been absolutely gorgeous, with warm temperatures, bright sunshine, blue skies, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The flowers all over the Island are just beautiful, especially in front of City Hall, Grand Hotel, and many gardens all over the Island. The lawns on Mackinac are like a green velvet carpet. Many folks are enjoying vegetables from their gardens. The weather certainly has brought many visitors to the Island, and the weekends have been very busy with weddings. The trees are starting to show signs of fall, so the colors should be great in early to mid- October.

We extend deepest sympathy to the family of Charlotte Sweeney Schmitt, who passed away Saturday, September 12, in Hinsdale, Illinois. Burial will be Saturday, October 10, on Mackinac.

Congratulations to Ken Jr. and Vanessa Hardy on the birth of their son, Brady William, born Friday, September 11. He weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces at birth. Proud grandparents are Candy Smith and the late William Smith of Mackinac and Ken and Nancy Hardy of St. Ignace.

In remembering those who died during the terrorist attacks, Fire Chief Dennis Bradley addresses residents and visitors at the veteran’s memorial on Market Street on Mackinac Island. Behind him are (from left) Armand “Smi” Horn, Charles Kleber of Trinity Church, and Meadow Greenlee, who recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Happy belated birthday to Cathy Andress September 15.

Marsha and Chuck Kleber recently enjoyed a weekend rediscovering northern Michigan’s gorgeous and historical Keweenaw Peninsula. This followed their bidding at this summer’s Mackinac Horsemen’s Association auction on an overnight stay at an enchanting Dapple-Gray Bed and Breakfast and antique shop in Eagle Harbor, open year-around on the shore of Lake Superior near Copper Harbor. As they’ve done in recent years, the proprietors, Ruth and Ole Van Goor, displayed antiques at the Carleton Varney Antique Show Friday, September 18, through Sunday, September 20, at Grand Hotel.

Doud's Market has been in business 125 years and Mackinac Island residents celebrated with a surprise party for store owner Andrew Doud Sunday, September 20. Attendees signed a guess book, were able to browse through old photographs, and see the replica of the store's original horse-drawn delivery wagon. Pictured outside Community Hall on Market Street with the delivery wagon are (from left) Mike Doud, Jeannette Doud, Anna Mary and Gary Cusack, Nicole Smith, Andrew Doud, and Margaret Doud. (Photograph courtesy of Christi Dupre) Happy belated birthday to Dan Musser III September 16. I’m sure Amelia, Tilly, Quattro, and Maverick helped you blow your candles out.

Members of the American Legion Post 299 provided the Color Guard for Patriots Day, Friday, September 11. Pictured are Roy Bessell Jr., Walt Kitter, Cory Kaminen, Donald Andress, Paul Wandrie, and Doug Horn. (Photographs by Paul Wandrie, Jr.) We send best wishes to Marti Carey, manager of the Cloghaun, who is recuperating in Detroit from recent surgery. Friends may send her a card at the following address: 4641 Pine Village Drive, West Bloomfield, MI 48323.

Happy birthday September 23 to Patti Ann Moskwa, Colton Fisher, and Erik Ammerman. Have a great day.

We send best wishes to Kathi Wightman, who underwent knee replacement surgery Tuesday, September 22, in Lansing.

Allen and Liz Burt enjoyed a visit from Allen’s parents, Richard and Janet Burt, of Bedford, Indiana, and cousin, Dwight Dorrell, of Hadley, Massachusetts. Dwight, Richard, and Allen disappeared into the Canadian wilderness for a week of fishing at a remote cabin. The trio returned in time to celebrate Sean Burt’s fifth birthday September 20.

Mackinac Island summer resident Joyce Dodge points to a sunflower that has unexpectedly taken root in the gutter at the late Helga Doud's home on Lakeshore Drive. Mrs. Dodge and her husband, David, rent an apartment in the rear of the house. "I don't know where it came from," she said, suggesting a chipmunk or a bird dropped a seed, "but it is pretty bizarre. It's as crazy as lilacs in September." Mrs. Dodge is referring to the lilacs that are currently blooming out of season in Marquette Park. Happy birthday September 24 to Sherry Rayha of Cheboygan. Enjoy your day.

Bruce and Diana Rochowiak, former owners of the J.L. Beanery, were guests at the Harbour View this past week and really enjoyed seeing old friends. They are subscribers to the Mackinac Island Town Crier, so they stay in touch with all the Island happenings.

Sunday, September 20, a beautiful afternoon with a nice breeze, Mark Chambers, Toby Murray, and Father Rey Garcia had a wonderful sail around the Island on Mark’s sailboat, the Windermere. They had a great time.

Dale and Jody Gough will celebrate their wedding anniversary September 24. Have a wonderful day.

Loretta Spata entertained Island ladies at a delicious soup and salad dinner Monday, September 14. There are many wonderful cooks on Mackinac. It was a great evening with lots of laughs and good conversation. The men were attending the Mustang Open Golf Tournament in Gaylord.

Happy anniversary September 22 to our good friends, Mike and Linda Wilkins, of St. Ignace. Have a great day.

A ceremony was held Friday, September 11, at 6 p.m. on the steps of City Hall in celebration of Patriots Day. Mayor-pro-tem Armand “Smi” Horn was master of ceremonies. Mary Slevin sang the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by members of Girl Scout Troop #127. The opening prayer was offered by Chuck Kleber of Trinity Church. Post Commander Paul Wandrie of the Chapman, St. Onge, Dankowski Post #299 read the official Proclamation of Patriots Day, followed by remarks. Mayor Margaret Doud recognized the Mackinac Island Fire Department, Mackinac Island Police Department, EMT’s, Mackinac Island Medical Center staff, and all who serve the community. Fire Chief Dennis Bradley remembered three Island firefighters who died in the past year, George Wellington, Jr., Joe Gugin, and Jim Kolatski. The Reverend Ken Straight offered the closing prayer, and the members of the Chapman, St. Onge, Dankowski Post concluded the service with the sounding of “Taps.” It was a moving and fitting way to remember everyone lost and injured on that tragic day nine years ago.

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

We are happy to report that Bart Huthwaite has made a remarkable recovery from his recent and serious bicycle accident. He has returned to Mackinac and is able to resume his normal activities.

Happy birthday to Vic Callewaert September 28. Have a great day.

Dennis and Peggy O’Keefe of LaSalle, Illinois, were recent guests at the Windermere Hotel. They enjoyed the wonderful weather during their visit.

Our good neighbor, Tim Timmons, will celebrate his birthday September 30. Happy birthday from Island friends.

Sunset Rock, overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, was the place Andrew Doud chose to propose to Nicole Smith. She accepted, and the happy couple celebrated by taking a carriage ride with James “Bam” Bazinaw and dining at Grand Hotel. They plan an August 29, 2010 wedding on Mackinac. Proud parents are Charlotte Doud of Texas and Lee and Dori Smith of St. Johns. Andrew’s father is the late Stephen Doud. Congratulations from Island friends and family.

Happy anniversary October 3 to Elliot and Rita Sue Cohen and Brad and Sheryl Conkey. Enjoy your day.

Sunday, September 20, a beautiful Mackinac afternoon, family and friends gathered in the courtyard of the Community Hall to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Doud’s Market. It is the oldest grocery store in Michigan owned by one family. Doud’s delivery wagon was the center of attention, which was surrounded by tables decorated with fall flowers and many interesting old photographs of Doud’s Market. It was great to see Bill McDonough from Beaver Island, whose family has owned the grocery store there for 77 years, and Tom Norberg and his wife from Lansing and Florida. Tom’s father was superintendent of the Mackinac Island State Park, and he attended school at the Thomas W. Ferry School with Anna Mary Doud Cusack and many other Island children. Marilyn McCready traveled from her home in Cheboygan to attend the festivities. She worked at Doud’s Market for many years. Mike Doud and Kathy Sliva of St. Ignace joined the happy gathering. Mike Kamyszek from Griffin Beverage brought Andrew a great banner depicting 125 years of business. Andrew received a resolution from the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and a beautiful vest with the Doud’s Market logo from his fiancée, Nicole Smith. It was a great afternoon honoring a wonderful Mackinac business that is a tremendous service to our community.

Linda Price left Mackinac Saturday, September 19, for Wyoming, where she will care for her ill sister. Best wishes to Linda from Island friends.

John and Lois Findley of LaFayette, Indiana, are closing their Small Point bed and breakfast for the season. Have a great winter.

Dan and Virginia Riordan attended Dan’s 50th class reunion at University of Detroit High School over the weekend.

Happy birthday to Tyler Finkel October 1. Have a great day.

Enjoy your week!