Memorial Day weekend on Mackinac was picture perfect, with warm temperatures, calm winds, sunny skies, and the lilacs in full bloom. On Cadotte Avenue, the lilacs in Chambers’ yard range in color from deep purple to light lavender and double white. It truly was a breathtaking sight. Looking down on Marquette Park from Fort Mackinac is an awesome sight. Many visitors enjoyed biking around the Island, taking a ride in a surrey with the fringe on top, or walking through the woods filled with wildflowers and smelling the wonderful fragrance of the lilacs. In the evening, as folks stroll down the boardwalk and watch the sun descend behind the Mackinac Bridge, the beams reflect off the Straits of Mackinac, making a gorgeous scene. It was a great way to kick off the summer season.

The Chapman, St. Onge, and Dankowski American Legion Post 299 conducted a memorial service Monday, May 31, at the Veterans Memorial in the City Park. It was a beautiful sunny day with the lilacs in full bloom as Armand “Smi” Horn opened the ceremony with a brief history of Memorial Day. Music was provided by the soldiers from Fort Mackinac, and Mary Slevin sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” Meadow Greenlee, a Girl Scout from Mackinac, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Reverend Ken Straight, of the Mackinac Island Bible Church, gave the opening prayer. Mayor Margaret Doud spoke of the veterans from Mackinac, who served with dignity and honor, and the three men who paid the ultimate price, Sgt. Joseph Chapman, World War II; Pvt. John St. Onge, Korean Conflict, and Spec. 4 James Dankowski, Vietnam War. Post Commander Paul Wandrie honored Doris St. Onge Chapman of Mackinac, who had three sons who served in the military. He also announced that a gift had been made by Cpl. Louie and Angie Bunker to donate six new flagpoles behind the Veterans Memorial with a flag of each branch of the service displayed. The flagpoles and flags are dedicated to all the men and women who have served in the military or are serving today. They are a wonderful addition to the memorial. Post Commander Wandrie presented Armand “Smi” Horn a plaque of appreciation for his work and dedication to the Veterans Memorial. ”Taps” was sounded and the flag was raised to full staff. Chuck Kleber from Trinity Church offered the final prayer. It was an impressive service and very well attended. The Veterans Memorial is a wonderful addition to our community.

Barrels filled with concrete are hoisted onto the deck of Star Line's LaSalle as part of a re-certification process required by the U.S. Coast Guard when major work is undertaken on a vessel. The weighted barrels were used for a stability test Wednesday, May 26. Over the winter, the ferry was fitted with two new engines, new hull plating under the engines, and new propeller shafts. Upcoming sea trials will check for proper engine operation and unwanted vibrations. The ferry is used between St. Ignace and Mackinac Island and should be transporting passengers again by mid-June, said Mike North, general manager of the company. Commencement was Friday evening, May 28, at the Mackinac Island Public School with a large crowd in attendance. Superintendent Dave Wasso welcomed family and friends to this very special occasion. Tymon Horn was valedictorian and spoke of the support he received from his family and community on his journey through school. Tymon will attend Albion College in the fall. Guest speaker was Chuck Kleber, who challenged the graduates to make the right choices in life. Diplomas were presented by Ben Mosley, Sr., president of the Board of Education. Music was provided by Dan Seeley and Todd Fridline. Graduates were Paul Fisher, Tymon Horn, Shelbie Mosley, Holly Leedke, Thomas Rilenge, and Jane Finkel. Congratulations to all the graduates.

More than 60 friends and family members joined Jamie Bynoe aboard the Straits of Mackinac II to celebrate his 40th birthday May 30. On the bow of the boat hung a big “Happy Birthday, Jamie” banner. It was a beautiful evening with warm temperatures and calm winds as the boat cruised under the Mackinac Bridge. Right next to the Straits of Mackinac II was the 1,000-foot freighter American Spirit. It was an incredible sight. Jamie was just thrilled as folks wished him birthday greetings and sang “Happy Birthday.” Folks enjoyed refreshments catered by Doud’s Market, birthday cake provided by his mother, Judy, and music by Paul BeDour. It was great to see Jamie so happy and everyone had a super time.

Marilyn McCready of Cheboygan, a former Mackinac Island resident, along with her son and daughter in-law, Carl and Cathy, drove to Alabaster, Alabama, for the high school graduation of Marilyn’s granddaughter, Chalista. She is the daughter of Cory and Barbara McCready. Cory is employed by Druvo Lime Mine as a supervisor and is the son of the late Rollie McCready, who was superintendent of Mackinac State Historic Parks and a captain for Arnold Transit Company. Carl McCready is a former student of Margaret Doud, mayor of Mackinac Island.

Glenn and Deana St. Onge are enjoying a visit with their son, Jason, at his home in Stonecliffe Manor.

Congratulations to Frank Michalke, son of Paul and Joan of Sterling, who was graduated from Standish-Sterling High School Thursday, June 3. Paul grew up on Mackinac and taught at the Mackinac Island Public School. Happy birthday to Paul June 10.

The Pat McTique family enjoyed Memorial Day weekend on Mackinac at their lovely condominium at the Mission.

Fritz and Lindsey George have arrived on Mackinac and are enjoying the beautiful spring weather. It’s nice to have them back on the Island.

Don and Gracie Francis are back on Mackinac after spending the winter in Punta Gorda, Florida. Happy birthday to Don June 11.

Larry and Kay Berke are the proud grandparents of a new granddaughter, Karys Irene Thornton, born Tuesday, May 11. She is the daughter of Matt and Kendra Thornton of Winnetka, Illinois. Little Karys was welcomed home by her four-year-old brother, Declan, and two-year-old sister, Dylan. Kay spent nine days with the family when Karys was born. The Thornton family will join the Berkes on Mackinac for the Fourth of July holiday.

Happy birthday to George Wellington June 11. Have a great day.

The entire Phil Porter family celebrated Memorial Day weekend on Mackinac. A great time was enjoyed by all.

Richard Chambers recently enjoyed visiting the Mark Chambers family. It was his first visit home in nine months.

Happy anniversary to Dr. Fran and Lorna Straus June 11. Have a wonderful day. They’re enjoying a week at their lovely Pontiac Lookout cottage. Dr. Christopher Straus of Chicago spent last weekend on Mackinac planting their beautiful gardens.

Jeff Berke of Kalispell, Montana, surprised his parents, Larry and Kay Berke, and arrived on Mackinac for a week’s stay to help open Tamarack, the Berke’s summer cottage. Jeff worked on the Island at the French Outpost and the Pub during his university years. He enjoyed meeting many friends on the Island.

Happy birthday to Mark Chambers June 13. I’m sure Clara will help you blow your candles out.

Skip and Kay Beth Harrell of Bloomington, Indiana, enjoyed last weekend at Cable Cottage on Lakeshore Drive.

Alice Myron and her daughter, Sue, of Port Huron have opened their cottage on the East Bluff. It’s nice to have them back on Mackinac.

We send special birthday greetings to Joe Kompsi June 14. Hope you’re feeling better.

There will be an open house Thursday, June 24, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. of all city buildings, police department, fire hall, city offices, and Stuart House in conjunction with the Mackinac Island Community Foundation celebration at the Community Hall. There are many new exhibits in the Stuart House and other exciting things to see.

A memorial service, with Father Rey Garcia officiating, was held Wednesday, May 26, at 11 a.m. at Ste. Anne’s Church for the late Clayton St. Onge. Family and friends came from far and near to pay their last respects. Clayton was laid to rest in the family plot in Ste. Anne’s Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

The Windermere Doghouse opened for the season Saturday, May 29. Ben Nye of Great Turtle Toys has been flying a great display of kites off Windermere Point. It truly is a beautiful sight.

The Reverend Ron and Kay Smith have opened their East Bluff cottage for the season. Rev. Smith conducted the 10:30 a.m. service at Trinity Church Sunday, May 30.

Dr. Dean Schuler and family from Ann Arbor spent last weekend at their lovely cottage in Hubbard’s Annex.

The Mackinac State Historic Park Commission met Friday, May 28, at Audie’s Restaurant in Mackinaw City.

It was nice to see Audrey Jaggi and her husband of Mackinaw City at the Manoogian reception Monday evening, May 31.

Doug and Carol Rearick have opened their lovely home on Lakeshore Drive. It’s nice to see their light in the neighborhood.

Bessie and Barton Chambers of Pace, Florida, are visiting Margaret and Jeannette Doud. Nancy Chambers LaBorde of Crivitz, Wisconsin, joined the family for a visit.

The Brian Dunnigan family from Grass Lake opened their Easterly Cottage Friday, May 28. They returned to Grass Lake Sunday, May 30. Claire Dunnigan was graduated from high school Sunday, June 6. Claire was covaledictorian of her graduating class.

The Jeff Dupre family have arrived from their Florida home and have settled in to their home in Stonecliffe Manor.

Jim and Susan Lenfesty of Minnesota have opened their cottage on the East Bluff. It’s nice to see them back on Mackinac.

Mary K. McIntire arrived on Mackinac Monday, May 31, for the summer season. Mary K. spent the winter in Aspen, Colorado.

The Stuart House is open for the season, with many new displays. Sylvia Perault will give everyone a warm welcome to this historic building.

Leo Krzeminski and members of his family, Ed and Linda Horn and Tony, Tammy, and Cassie Frazier, attended Tymon Horn’s graduation Friday, May 28.

Happy birthday to Ben Mosley, Sr. June 12. Have a great day.

The Mackinac Island Public School presented “Annie Jr.” Monday, May 24, Wednesday, May 26, and Tuesday, June 1, at 6 p.m. at Mission Point Theatre. It was a wonderful production, directed by Karen Allen, and the students did an outstanding job. It was truly a delightful evening. Congratulations to all the students on a job well done.

Jay and Janet Stingel of Arden, North Carolina, have opened their Brigadoon Cottage for the summer season.

Dr. Robert Spitzer and family enjoyed the holiday weekend on the Island at their cottage in Woodbluff.

Brad Conkey of Sylvan Lake spent Memorial Day weekend visiting friends on Mackinac.

Richard and Jane Manoogian hosted a reception at Grand Hotel Monday evening, May 31, to allow everyone to view the wonderful art collection on display at the hotel. It was a great evening meeting and greeting friends who have returned to the Island for the summer season.

Post Commander Paul Wandrie reports that he and his volunteers cleaned 90 tombstones Sunday, May 30, in the Mackinac Island cemeteries. This is a great project. Donations would be appreciated for cleaning supplies and equipment. We will give updated reports on the progress of the project.

Tom and Kathy Lewand and family enjoyed the holiday weekend at their lovely cottage on the East Bluff.

John and Penny Barr and members of their family spent Memorial Day weekend at their cottage on the West Bluff.

Audrey Gallery of Chicago has returned to Mackinac for the summer season and is comfortably settled in her cottage in Hubbard’s Annex.

It was nice to see Bill Gough back on the Island. Bill and his wife, Cindy, spend the winter in Cedarville.

Jennifer and Lucas Karhoff of Findlay, Ohio, enjoyed a few days at their cottage on Bourisaw Lane over the Memorial Day holiday.