Sunday, August 8, the weather was picture perfect with blue skies and warm temperatures. In the evening, while strolling down the boardwalk, people noted the sunset was absolutely breathtaking as a big red ball descended behind St. Ignace. Folks watched in amazement as the beams from the sun reflected on the Straits of Mackinac.

It is nice to see so many families enjoying the playground at the Mackinac Island Public School. It’s a great time of the year to visit our Island.

What a breathtaking sight to look down from Fort Mackinac and see tall ships docked in the harbor. The tall ships have been cruising the Great Lakes and earlier were at a festival at Bay City. The Bounty, a smaller tall ship, and a beautiful ship named Europa arrived Monday, August 9. The historic Europa was built for the City of Hamburg in 1911. Between 1987 and 1994, she received a full restoration and is now rigged as a three-masted barque. Europa represents the end of the famous clipper era and is one of the few ships in the world that carries a full set of studding sails. When she arrived in the harbor, she was under full sail, a magnificent sight. The tall ships are going to Chicago for a gathering of the fleet.

Clara Chambers, who is entering the first grade at Mackinac Island Public School this fall, carefully holds her new puppy, Stuart, Thursday, August 5. With nap time approaching, the eight-week-old Maltese Yorkie puppy can hardly keep his eyes open. Riding down by Mission Point, the hillside is covered with yellow black-eyed Susans. They are so colorful.

Don’t forget the Mackinac Island Medical Center Auction Sunday, August 29, at Grand Hotel. Donations would be appreciated and may be dropped off at the medical center.

In the July/August issue of Michigan History magazine, there was a section for young readers, featuring the children’s book, “What I Saw on Mackinac,” by Jennifer Powell. The description read: “Mackinac County resident Jennifer Powell wrote and illustrated this new counting and rhyming book, which also introduces the history of the Island to children of ages two to six. Colorful collages illustrate Island icons such as Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac, and each spread is highlighted with an important fact covering topics like architecture, military history, geology, ferry boats, horses, and fudge.” Jennifer signed books at the Island Bookstore Saturday, August 7.

Emma Roberts (left), who played the title character in “Nancy Drew” and starred in the films “Hotel for Dogs,” and with her aunt, Julia Roberts, in “Valentine's Day,” was spotted shopping at Nephew's of Mackinac clothing store on Mackinac Island Saturday, July 31, by Ellie Chambers (right) and Rae Schueller. Ms. Roberts was at Grand Hotel for a photo shoot for Marie Claire magazine, taking a break from shooting “Scream 4” in Ann Arbor. She stayed at Grand Hotel Saturday night and posed for the magazine photographers from 8 a.m. Sunday until a little after 9 p.m. before flying back to Lansing. Ellie is the daughter of Nancy and Brad Chambers and Rae is the daughter of Shannon and Dean Schueller, all of Mackinac Island. (Photograph by Rae Schueller) Brother Jim Boynton, S.J. will visit Mackinac Friday, August 20. Instead of Saturday, the square dance will be Friday, August 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Ste. Anne’s Church. Come and join in the fun.

Melinda Porter celebrated her birthday August 15. Hope you enjoyed your day.

Ed and Star Clark Crane of California are enjoying a vacation on Mackinac. While here they’re celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. It’s nice to see them on the Island.

Happy first birthday to little Stella Graham August 18. I’m sure her big sister, Penelope, will help her blow her candles out.

Dan and Eileen McIntyre Hruska of Detroit and family are visiting Brian and Barbara Hellis on Mackinac at their home on Market Street.

Larry Rickley, Jr. celebrated his birthday August 16. Hope you had a great day.

Barb Fisher held Daisy Day Thursday, August 5. The original fundraiser was started by the late Stella King, R.N. to benefit health care on Mackinac. Today, the proceeds go to the Stella King Memorial Scholarship Fund. Those who would still like to make a donation may do so by sending it to the Mackinac Island Public School, c/o Barbara Fisher.

Happy anniversary to Larry and Nancy Keogh August 19. Have a great day.

The rain cleared and the sun appeared, to make a beautiful Mackinac evening Thursday, August 5, for the Jammin’ for the Arts at the Pines Cottage on the West Bluff. Folks gathered to bid on silent and live auction items and to enjoy great refreshments. All proceeds benefited the Mackinac Island Art Council.

Almeda Bodwin of Manton celebrated her birthday August 16. Island friends send best wishes.

The black crown night heron has returned to the tree behind the Windermere Hotel.

Dr. Don and Karen Weersing of Holland, Michigan, were recently on Mackinac visiting their daughter, Jill, and son, Sam, who are working on the Island.

David, Jennifer, and Lucas Karhoff of Findlay, Ohio, enjoyed several days at their cottage on Bourisaw Lane. Lucas attended the Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington, D.C., and while there he visited the Smithsonian Museum of Indian Culture and Art and saw Donald Andress’s walking stick on display. Just another connection to Mackinac.

The Mark Bishop family of Chicago were guests at the Windermere Hotel for several days. Mark’s grandfather, who was born and raised on Mackinac, was William J. Bogan, the former superintendent of schools of Chicago.

Happy belated birthday August 5 to Mackinac Island police officer Dominic Redman. Hope you had a great day.

Best wishes to Jack and Dorothy Dehring, who celebrated their wedding anniversary August 17. Hope you had a wonderful day.

It’s nice to see Dan and Jamie Dickens enjoying their lovely condominium in Lesley Court.

Glenn Allen and Janine DiVita will perform a concert of Broadway show tunes Sunday, August 22, at 8 p.m. at Grand Hotel. It will be a great evening of wonderful entertainment. Tickets are $20 each. All proceeds will benefit the Mackinac Island Community Foundation.

Bob and Molly Green will celebrate their wedding anniversary August 20. Enjoy your day. Molly has not been feeling her best. Island friends send get well wishes to her.

Happy birthday to Lulabelle D’Arce August 21 and to her son, Bob Green, who celebrated his birthday August 17.

The annual Guns and Hoses Baseball Game will be Sunday, August 22, at 6 p.m. at Great Turtle Park. Come and join in the fun.

Debbie delaVergne Bowerman celebrated her 55th birthday Thursday, August 5. Her husband, Bud, who works for Grand Hotel, will celebrate his 50th birthday Sunday, August 29, and Debbie and Bud will celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary that same day. Debbie’s youngest daughter, Brandi, and her three children will visit the Island Saturday, August 28, and will celebrate Mr. Bowerman’s birthday.

Monday evening, August 9, I had the thrill of riding in Penny Barr’s red “Breaking Wagon” with Tom Crosley driving the beautiful prancing hackneys, Prince and King. We went down to the Arnold dock to see the tall ship Europa, went back through town, and stopped at the Geranium Cottage on Market Street. It was a wonderful ride.

Members of the Mackinac Island Medical Center staff enjoyed a wonderful cruise Tuesday evening, August 10, on the Manoogian yacht Lady Jane. The big USS Phillip R. Clark went through the Straits of Mackinac and the Lady Jane went alongside the big freighter. They each blew a salute. It was a beautiful Mackinac evening.