Here’s a roundup of news and photos around the Old Mission Peninsula…
Ice Cream at Buchan’s/Men’s Breakfast. If you need a mid-week break (that’s all of us, right?), meet up with the folks from Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church at Buchan’s Blueberry Hill every Wednesday at 7 p.m. It’s a great way to get out of the house, see your neighbors and enjoy some of that amazing Buchan ice cream (blueberry is my favorite, natch). Buchan’s is located at 1472 Nelson Road, off Peninsula Drive.
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Also, the church is hosting their monthly Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, July 29, 8 a.m. Men of all ages are welcome – invite your friends and neighbors. The church is located at 16426 Center Road.
Below is Ben Buchan with his mom, Karen, and Father Ben Rexroat at this year’s Blessing of the Blossoms. And did you see the fun story about Lori Buchan in The Ticker? Read it here.
Patti Rudolph turns 80. At this week’s community dinner at the Old Mission Legion Hall, Patti had a little cake and blew out a candle for her 80th birthday. Happy Birthday, Patti! For more about this pillar of the Old Mission community, click here, and read her husband Rudy’s stories here. Rudy is currently the Commander for the Old Mission American Legion Post 399.
Also, Cal Jamieson and his daughter Jamie were at the dinner, too. So good to see you both, and thanks for grabbing that pic of Patti, Jamie! The Legion dinners happen on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Old Mission Legion Hall, 4001 Swaney Road. The cost is $15 per dinner, and the dinners are open to anyone. Order take-out by calling (231) 223-4443 between 4 – 5 p.m. the day of the dinner.
Other Legion News. They have a spiffy news website here, along with a spiffy new sign in front of the hall, made possible with funds from Ellen Kerr. Ellen is also responsible for the beautiful flowers around the hall. Thanks, Ellen!
Help the Trees. Want to help out at Bowers Harbor Park this summer? The young trees recently planted at the park could use a nice drink of water here and there. If you’re able to help with the watering, email Parks Committee member Michele Zebell, [email protected], and she’ll contact you and put you on the schedule. Thank you from the trees and everyone who uses the park.
Yoga Cat. Here is my annual summer photo of Marco, our beloved yoga cat who does yoga with us at the Neahtawanta Inn. He is very good at keeping track of all the yoga mats and doing the cat-cow pose. I may have even seen him do a downward dog pose here and there, though he probably wouldn’t admit it.
There are still a few classes left this session, so call Sally Van Vleck, (231) 223-7315, if you need a little TLC for your mind and body, or if you need an extra room or two for visiting friends and family.
Quilts for Kids. There’s a “Quilts for Kids” group at Peninsula Community Library, led by Kelly Chase, and they made these beautiful cozy quilts for kids who are suffering from illness or trauma. Thanks to everyone involved for helping these kids through difficult times. Learn more about Quilts for Kids here, and contact the library, (231) 223-7700, if you’d like to join the local group.
New Planning & Zoning Administrator. Nicholas Wikar has been hired as the Planning and Zoning Administrator for Peninsula Township, and will be working with Planner Jenn Cram. He graduated from Ohio State University (we promise not to hold that against you) in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning, and most recently worked as Director of Planning and Community Development for the city of Douglas, Michigan. His specialties include coalition building, community organizing, campaign management, communication, design, facilitation, energy and environmental policy, interaction and systems design, project management, sustainability, strategic planning and leadership development. Welcome, Nicholas!
Community Garage Sale. Jennifer Venegoni is organizing a community-wide garage sale that will take place on Saturday, July 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. She’s also making a map, and if you’d like to participate with your own garage sale, contact her in the next day or two at [email protected].
UPDATE 7/27/23: Here is the current map of garage sales…
Mike Davis Trio at Seven Hills. Back in the last century, Mike Davis and I (and my violin) were in a band together called Dayspring. His wife Michelle and our friend Jennifer Thomas were also in the band. We played at various places around northern Michigan and were regulars at the Coffee House on the corner of Garfield Road and Birmley Road (we’re talking 45 years ago). Mike’s trio will be playing at Seven Hills this Sunday, July 23, 5 – 8 p.m., 13795 Seven Hills Road. A great time to hear some wonderful jazz.
Fudgie Pasties at Peninsula Market. You could not find anything more touristy than this Fudgie Pastie from Sayklly’s that I spotted at the Peninsula Market this week. I’m sure it’s amazing, but I’m back on my no-sugar kick after eating plenty of it over my birthday (made it to 63!), so I didn’t buy one to check it out. Let us know in the comments below if you’ve tried one.
Mapleton Crime Spree. A resident’s house was vandalized and nearly broken into last week at 2 p.m. in the afternoon. The vandal then went to a neighbor’s house and actually did break in – and there were kids home at the time. This also may be the same person who vandalized Chateau Chantal’s flagpole last week. The individual was caught and is lodged in the Grand Traverse County Jail, but it’s a good reminder to lock our doors and cars up.
Book Sale. The annual Used Book Sale, hosted by the Friends of PCL, is coming right up at Peninsula Community Library. You’ll find something for everyone from infants to seniors, including books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, games and more. The details…
- August 9: 4 – 6 p.m., pre-sale for Friends members only. Not a member yet? You can join the night of the sale.
- August 10: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- August 11: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- August 12: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- August 14: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- August 15: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – HALF OFF DAY
- August 16: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – $5/BAG DAY
- August 16: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. – CHARITY GIVEAWAY to schools, senior centers, nursing homes, incarceration centers, Little Free Libraries, etc.
New Principal at OMPS. Kaitlyn Thomas has been hired as the new Principal for Old Mission Peninsula School. From the school’s Facebook page: “Ms. Thomas has been with OMPS since the first day we became a Public Charter school. Throughout her tenure at OMPS, Kaitlyn has championed the success and well-being of our students, built strong relationships with her teacher peers, and earned the trust and confidence of our parent community. She has excelled in her role as School Literacy Lead, and in her efforts with the Sunshine Committee, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for school staff.” Congrats, Kaitlyn!
A NOTE FROM JANE: I started Old Mission Gazette in 2015 because I felt a calling to provide the Old Mission Peninsula community with local news. After decades of writing for newspapers like the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, and magazines like Family Circle and Ladies' Home Journal, I really just wanted to write about my own community where I grew up on a cherry farm and raised my own family. So of course, I started my own newspaper. Because the Gazette is mainly reader-supported, I hope you'll consider tossing a few bucks my way if I mention your event, your business, your organization or your news item, or if you simply love reading about what's happening on the Old Mission Peninsula. Check out the donation page here. Thank you so much for your support. -jb
Jane. thanks for all your info.