08/02/2007

Northern Notes

Veterans say thank you for World War II reunion

By Stephanie Beach
Local columnist
sbeach@
record-eagle.com

Read past Northern Notes

Benedict S. Fleis of Traverse City would like to send a big thank you to the organizers and everyone who worked on the reunion for World War II veterans, which was held on July 14 at the Grand Traverse Commons.

"It was great and I enjoyed it. God bless you all,” said Fleis, a World War II veteran of the 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagles.”

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World War II veteran Edward Bradford and his wife, Barb, of Bellaire wonder how they can ever say thank you enough to everyone who brought the World War II Celebration together during this year's Cherry Festival.

The couple would like to thank Tom Menzel for really making their day and the best-ever parade that brought back so many memories, and Del Corner who also took them through every phase of memories, especially now that the days get shorter each time World War II veterans get together.

"You and Ann are in our prayers and grateful hearts,” Ed and Barb wrote. "...a great friend and a stand-up man and veteran. Thank you both so much.”

Ted and Karen Shaw also deserve a big thank-you for serving as host and chef at the event.

"Well, what words are there. You both have been so very much in our lives,” the couple wrote. "A man trying to take pictures and blink away tears at the same time is a special guy. Every guy there would give an arm and a leg to have had you on his left or right during the tough spots. Ted and Karen, you are so special.”

The Bradfords also want to thank Ray Minervini for allowing the reunion to be held on the grounds of the Grand Traverse Commons.

"You taking the time to come and greet us all means so much,” Barb and Ed wrote.

And last but not least, "To all the vets who came with family and those who could not be there, we send prayers for health and another meeting in the future,” Ed and Barb wrote.

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Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Parsons of Bellevue, would like to thank the two young people who helped them while they were in Traverse City.

These two "angels” pulled up beside the couple to tell them there was smoke coming from under their truck.

"We pulled over and they came back to help us,” the Parsons wrote. "The young lady and Chris took us to get help. We had our 27-foot camper on the back so we (would have been) in a fix had they not helped us. They stayed with us until we were all set up with D & W Auto. They also were great.”

The business let the couple use a truck so they could go to the store for some food in case they had to stay overnight, but D & W had the Parsons all fixed and back on the road in three and a half hours.

"Thanks to these very nice people who took the time and had the caring hearts to help out two senior citizens on vacation in your beautiful town,” Mr. and Mrs. Parsons wrote.

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Because of Antrim County's caring citizens, a three-town food drive was a huge success.

Monetary donations for Antrim County's five food pantries reached $2,720 and trunkloads of items also were delivered, according to Judy King, who coordinated the drive for the Antrim County Democratic Party.

Volunteers at markets in Mancelona, Bellaire and Elk Rapids reported wonderful stories of giving. More than one person gave money both on the way into the store and on the way out, and children put their favorite foods, especially peanut butter and macaroni and cheese, in the collection boxes.

The Good Samaritan Food Pantry in Ellsworth indicated that the money donated will buy more than seven tons of food at discount and that the items collected are equally welcome because many of them either can't be purchased at discount or paid for with food stamps.

The Good Samaritan, Bellaire, Elk Rapids and Mancelona food pantries and the Lighthouse Food Pantry, also in Mancelona, collectively serve more than 1,000 families a month. This drive allowed them to refill their shelves and continue their good work.

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The Old Mission Women's Club, founded in 1931, celebrated its 75th anniversary during its 2006-07 season with a variety of activities.

In October, eight white pines, the club's tree, were planted at Bower's Harbor Park as a tribute to the club's eight founding members. Later, a skit highlighted these founders' interests and contributions to the community and a display of crafts and memorabilia from the past 75 years and a vintage fashion show featured an array of the changing clothing styles and accessories during the club's 75 years. This theme also was duplicated at the year-end meeting in May.

Some of the club's ongoing fundraisers include an annual Christmas cookie sale, hosting for the Parade of Homes, volunteering at the National Cherry Festival and, new this year, baking cookies for the Bayshore Marathon. Club members also prepared Thanksgiving baskets, made decorated Christmas stockings and held a shower for the Baby Pantry. In addition, the club made donations to 13 local organizations in April.

Items for this column may be sent to Northern Notes, Record-Eagle, P.O. Box 632, Traverse City, MI 49685-0632; e-mail sbeach@record-eagle.com.