Sunday, August 29, the Woodfill Center at Grand Hotel came alive with people who came from far and near to enjoy the annual Mackinac Island Medical Center Auction. The air was filled with excitement as folks were bidding on silent auction items, buying raffle tickets, enjoying a delicious picnic dinner, and waiting for the live auction to begin at 7:30 p.m. Auction items included a lasagna dinner for 10 people, prepared by Kay Berke, a six-day freighter trip on the 1,000-foot James Barker, paintings by local artists, a carriage ride with Buck Sharrow, a handmade table by Dr. Karen Miljour, a walking stick made by Don Andress, a night in the Masco Cottage at Grand Hotel, and many more beautiful things. Auctioneer David Levy prepared the very large crowd and the fun began. He does an excellent job working the crowd, and it was interesting to watch and see the happy faces when they won a bid. Following the auction, Michelle Vivanio, a former taxi driver who always attends this event, won the 50/50 raffle. The big raffle winners were as follows: Dale Gough, $5,000; Mary Beth Daniels, $3,000, and Matt and Anneke Myers, $2,000. Approximately $85,000 was raised for the Mackinac Island Medical Center. The Musser family and staff of Grand Hotel were excellent hosts. Arnold Transit Company offered a special boat run. Vic Callewaert sold many raffle tickets, and Alice and Sue Myron did an excellent job on the silent auction. It was great to see so many people from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City in attendance, too.

EUP Special Olympians gather for their annual fundraiser Bike/Walk around Mackinac Island July 17, raising $8,000 for local Special Olympics programs by collecting pledges to bike or walk. Fifty-eight athletes, families, and friends participated. Some athletes came with special three-wheeled bikes to honor their pledges and rode all the way around the Island. The Arnold Line Ferry provided the transportation and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours provided a tour. Pictured are (not in order) Mackenzie White, Sandy and Andrew Piirianen, Ruth Paquin, Christina Paquin, Mackenna McMillan, Joan Aikens, Mackenzie Aikens, Mary Bianchetti, Scott Moffatt, Diane Bianchetti, Tina Champion, Yuonne Weiver, Kathy Kagarise, Ryan LaVake, David LaVake, Tommy and Haley Land, Dallas Postma, Stacey Postma, Kimberly Massaway, Gabby White, Matty Beauman, Emily Beauman, Kathy Beauman, Angie Zellar, Corina Clark, Dave and Fay Kollmorgan, Carol Postma, Mary White, Susie MacDonald, Brianna White, Tara McMillan, Corry Strickland, James Paquin, Sam Nygaard, Kenny Pesola, Patina and Robert Massaway, and Larry Kovack. (Photograph courtesy of Laura Aikens) Thursday, August 26, an absolutely perfect Mackinac day, golfers came from far and near to play in the Jewel at Mackinac Golf Tournament, which benefits the Mackinac Island Medical Center and the Moses Dialysis Unit at Mackinac Straits Health System. Teams played at Wawashkamo, the Woods, and the Jewel. The view from hole number seven was spectacular with the Round Island Lighthouse and the Straits of Mackinac in the background and a kite display flying over Windermere Point. All of the players returned to the Woods restaurant for dinner, awards, and good fellowship. Congratulations to Vic Callewaert on being honorary chairman of the golf tournament.

What a wonderful surprise! Joe Porcaro, father of Jay Porcaro from Weber’s Floral and Gifts, visited Mackinac Saturday, August 28. Joe has been receiving treatment at John Hopkins Hospital in Maryland. His daughter, Jenette, joined Jay and Melanie as they visited friends on the Island. Joe watered the hanging baskets all over town for many seasons, so he is a familiar figure to many folks. He has made a remarkable recovery from his illness and was thrilled to be able to visit the Island. He returned to Maryland Monday, August 30, for more treatments. He would enjoy receiving cards at the following address: Joe Porcaro, c/o Jenette Miller, 10370 Post Oak Court, Marshall, VA 20115.

Happy 10th birthday to Nicholas Davis September 12. Proud grandparents are Joanne and Tom Davis of Springfield, Illinois, and Ike and Elaine Bunker of Mackinac Island.

If you see “Big Ray” Card on his dray Thursday, September 9, please wish him a happy birthday.

Paul Wandrie, post commander of Chapman, St. Onge, Dankowski American Legion Post 299, reports that Sunday, August 29, 38 headstones were cleaned, bringing the total to 184. Candy Smith, Joan Slater, Wayne and Joan Zwolinski, Ben Horn, Marge (nee St. Onge) Nielson, Ed Hale, Glenn St. Onge, and Bill Wandrie contributed assistance and donations. Everyone may stop by and visit the Veterans Room at the Stuart House Museum, which has many interesting items on display. Please contact Paul Wandrie to donate items.

Blake Ruddle will celebrate his birthday September 14. Enjoy your day.

Riding around M-185, you will see the wonderful garden at Mike Bradley’s home. He has pumpkins, tomatoes, and other items that he has grown this summer. It’s a beautiful sight.

Best wishes to Phil and Val Porter, who celebrated their wedding anniversary September 7. Hope you had a wonderful day.

We send get well wishes to Matt Bazinaw, who has been a patient at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey.

Sunday, August 15, Lisa Wilson, bride-to-be of Sam Barnwell, was guest of honor at a bridal shower given by Mellie Hagenbaugh at her home on Lakeshore Drive. Lisa received many beautiful gifts.

A very happy birthday September 7 to Frankie Till, housemother at Reed Cottage. Frankie and her faithful companion, Hersey, walk all over the Island visiting friends on the way.

Happy anniversary to Dr. Mike and Jane Bacon September 9. Have a great day.

Many people have volunteered at the Stuart House, and Sylvia Perault greets many visitors there. The museum has been doing well and is a nice historic addition to Mackinac.

Please join the Chapman, St. Onge, Dankowski American Legion Post 299 Saturday, September 11, for a service at 6 p.m. on the front steps of the Mackinac Island Police Department.

A very happy birthday September 9 to our good neighbor, Ann Timmons. Enjoy your day.

Island friends send greetings to Jean Carr in Palm City, Florida, who suffered a stroke.

John Kissane performed a concert Sunday, August 29, at 2 p.m. at Ste. Anne’s Church. Everyone in attendance was treated to a wonderful afternoon of beautiful music.

Happy birthday to Marvin May September 8. Hope you have a great day.

Best wishes to Marvin and Christy May, who will celebrate their wedding anniversary September 10. Enjoy your day.

Marsha Orr recently surprised her sisters, Debra and Sandra, with a one-day visit to Mackinac. Marsha is now living in Australia. Debra and Sandra visited her last Christmas and remarked on the beauty of the country.

A very happy anniversary to Chuck and Marsha Kleber September 8. Have a wonderful day.

Happy birthday to Joe Horn September 13, and to his brother, Doug, September 26. Hope you both have a great day.

Burton Gough celebrated his birthday September 5. Hope you had a great day. Burton’s sister, Veronica, will celebrate her birthday September 16. Have a wonderful day.

We send special greetings to Dick and Dee Czapek of Grand Rapids, who celebrated their wedding anniversary September 6. Hope you had a wonderful day.

Special get well wishes to Gloria Davenport of St. Ignace, who has been a patient at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey. She recently was moved to the cardiac rehabilitation unit at the hospital. Island friends send best wishes.

Skip and Mary Warp of Chicago are enjoying their lovely cottage on the West Bluff.

Jennifer Putnam and little Owen Richard spent six days on Mackinac recently visiting Owen’s grandmother, Ellen Putnam, his aunt, Sarah, and other relatives and friends. Owen is an active little boy who is a joy to all.

Peter and Marta Olson drove their youngest daughter, Kaia, to the University of Michigan Monday, August 30, to begin her freshman year. Their oldest daughter, Brita, will be in her sophomore year at Michigan State University.

Penny Rudolph Adams enjoyed lunch with Larry Parel Monday, August 30. They talked about attending Thomas W. Ferry School and growing up on the Island. Penny now lives in California, but spends time at her home in St. Ignace during the summer.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend.