05/31/2007

Northern Notes

American Legion Auxiliary grateful for support shown to vets

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

Read past Northern Notes

Sherry Krause, president of the Bowen-Holliday American Legion Post No. 35 American Legion Auxiliary, wrote to extend two thank-yous.

First of all Sherry, on behalf of the Auxiliary, would like to thank all the volunteers who distributed poppies during the recent "Poppy Days,” the merchants who made them welcome and the counters who counted and deposited the money.

"A special thank you to the public who were so generous in their support of the event,” Sherry wrote.

The poppies are made by veterans in veterans' hospitals and all the money received from Poppy Days is used for veterans or persons in the military and/or their families. The donations received in 2006 helped many who are serving or have served in Iraq and their families, as well as all veterans and/or their families.

Sherry also would like to thank Judy Harrison & the Swing Shift Crew for their generous donation after their performance at the Traverse City Opera House. The funds will help support local veterans.

•

The Community Meals Program served more than 325 meals at Cherryland VFW Post 2780 and delivered 903 meals for its 15th annual Easter Day Dinner.

Meal coordinator Sandra Svec wrote to thank everyone who helped make the dinner a success, starting with the cooks, Bill Ptak, Larry Burdek of Chef's Pride Catering, Mike Paul, Casey Conklin, Rob Stellema, Fred Doelker, Ashley Cutler, Lori Smart, Joe Breech, Richard Shay, Russell Street and Robert Raetz.

Music for the event was provided by Lily Stellema, Esther Stellema, Rachel Fairlamb, Loralee Smith, Hannah Fairlamb and Hjdin Fairlamb, all on violin.

Sandra also sends heartfelt thanks to the following donors and volunteers: Village Press and Ken Kingsley, Valley City Linen and Damon Kroskie, Sara Lee Bakery Division and Helen, Telamon Corporation and Able Sanchez, Alpine Electric and John E. Findley Jr. and Carol Shaw, Shepherd of Hope, Dr. Douglas Wigton, J & S Dairy and Jim and Sonya Johns, the Kiwanis Club of Traverse City, Dr. Daniel Lathrop and Birch Tree Podiatry Group, Sarya Orthodontics, Interlochen Pathfinder students, Penske Truck, Meijer Inc, George Meredith Video Productions, TC Print and Copy, Lamar Signs, Gordon Food Service, Peter and Holly Dalley, Paul Reed, Judith Hauser of Punzel's, Britta Palmberg, Theresa Fowler, Elizabeth Svec, Suzan Svec and Ruth and Karina, Scot Richards, Linda Burton, George Schweirin, Dwight and Faye Brown, Neil and Nikki Hendricks, Shannon Allen, Isabelle Claypool, Mary O'Brian, Walter Finkbeiner, Rose Fishman, Nola Crawford, Diane Avery, Karen Hasse, Pauline Mills, Connie Linnerson, Traverse Bay United Methodist Church, Matt and Maryanne Lyberg, Carol Taylor, Kyle Breech, Joan Adams, H.O.M.E., Albert Svec, Steve and Annette Gerus, Jerry Lauzon, Big Apple Bagel and Rick Goodman and Bobbi, GT Bagel and Bakery and Bob Stevenson and Claudia, Bay Bread and Megan, Potter's and Mary Jo and Kathy, Baker Boys and Brad and Scott, Stone House and Paul Wanyas and Laura, Crema Cafe and Good Harbor and Trisha.

Sandra also thanks the following for providing placemats, crafts, cards, Easter baskets and for picking up baked goods: Girl Scout Troop #3 and Laura DeGabriele, the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station's Bluemel, Creech, Jehu, Malocha and Mullen families, Ted and Patty Lloyd, Christ United Methodist Church and Laurie, Seniors with a Purpose of Beulah and Pat Suttons, Redeemer Lutheran Church children and Merry McCray, Eastern Elementary Girl Scout Troop #22 and Tracy White, Lisa Skrzypezak, Heather Roush, the Central United Methodist Church children, Traverse Bay Christian students and Jason Harding, Jill Beauchamp, Lynn Bailey and Walter and Leslie Liebler.

The following drivers delivered meals to the homebound in the Grand Traverse area: Don and Elizabeth Winchell, George Meredith, Tom Barrows, Randy and Terri Ward, Darren, Elaine, Carolyn and Megan Hawley, Tim and Janis Skipski, Don and Betty Kunkel, David and Cheryl Follett, Chris and Susan Skellenger, Larry and Loretta Ludka, Missy Russell, Terry and Darleen Norton, Dale and Carry Cobb, Jim and Sharon Rorick, Dick Dennett, Leslie Summers, Judy Owen, Carol Reicha, Rendee Secor, Ott and Pat Hobson, Ray, Joel and Hayley Collins, Kyle McLachlan, Madison McLachlan, Lydia Liedel, Diana Colbath, Liz and Bill Waddell, Dan Durga, Don and Nancy Clover, Marnie Wielenga, D.C. and Jane Cavender, Randy Porter, Julia Egan, Isaac and Mary Canfield, Tj Scott and Allen and Peggy Bright.

Sandra also sends a rose to all the volunteers not mentioned.

"You all are special,” she wrote.

•

This is a follow-up to the May 24 item in this column about the Rev. Marshall and Mary Collins, who ministered to the Northport Indian Mission Church for 12 years. The Rev. Collins retired recently and somehow no retirement benefits were set aside.

The couple continues to minister in the Grand Traverse area and would like to clarify that their situation became difficult because of a number of things that have happened recently. This is why Vera Sparks informed Traverse Bay United Methodist Church of their situation and also why "we are seeking help from the community for these good people,” she added.

Vera is president of Church Women United, an ecumenical, mission-focused organization, which will accept donations for the Collinses. Donations may be sent in the form of checks payable to Church Women United, with the Collins residence noted on the memo line, to Church Women United, care of Vera Sparks, 1866 Pine Dr., Traverse City, MI 49686. For more information, call Vera at 938-1387.

The Collinses also would like people to know that they operate rock shops in Leland and Northport seasonally as an additional source of income. The shops, "Nature's Gem,” are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week until the end of September.

•

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.