This exceptionally warm weather has been absolutely incredible, and a stroke of good fortune for all those who planned their up-North weddings at what can be an iffy time of year, weather-wise. Omena has been busy this month so far with weddings.
Congratulations to Omena residents Dale and Joan on the marriage of their granddaughter, Lauren Makarauskas, to Dallas Milligan on September 7 at the Omena Traverse Yacht Club. The bride and groom are both teachers in Portage, Indiana, where they also live.
The bride chose friends from her Indiana University days for her wedding party. Lauren’s uncle Jeff Brown of Mount Pleasant, Michigan officiated. Rodney Page, Lauren’s music teacher from her St. Johns school days, who is now a DJ, traveled from East Lansing to lead the dancing, as he had promised her when she graduated from high school over 14 years ago. Lauren is Dale and Joan’s oldest grandchild and the first to marry. They feel so fortunate to have been able to share in this happy, special occasion.
The Omena community was saddened by the death of Bob Smart, a wonderful friend and neighbor to many in the area. After a career in the automobile industry, where his talents in design made a mark, he and his wife, Mary, retired to Omena. They purchased one of the historic farmhouses in the area, and lovingly maintained it. Bob’s friendships were important to him and he and Mary had many friends in the Omena-Northport-Leland area, and beyond. They often had friends from their years downstate come and visit.
Bob loved his weekly golf with golfing buddies, “toddy times”, and just being with friends for good conversation and some good laughs. Conversations usually managed to include some discussion of whatever sports were in season. Bob was a thoughtful person, and had good insights on many subjects. He was a very talented person, although many people did not know how much because he was also very modest.
As much as he loved his sports, cars, and northern Michigan, his family was the most important thing to him. Our sympathy goes to his wife, Mary, and their beloved dog, Bertie, and to his son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Eva, and to his precious granddaughter, Sadie. His generosity, dry wit, and friendship will be missed by many.
The Leelanau Township Library Book Discussion Group resumes next Wednesday, September 25 at 1:30 p.m. at the library in Northport. The Discussion Group meets September through May, except for December, at 1:30 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of the month to discuss selected titles. The group is open to the public, although they do request that attendees please read the book before attending. The Library will have copies of the discussion titles available for checkout about a month in advance. The reading list for the year can be found on their website. They will also offer a remote option again this season.
This Friday is the opening of the Follow The Art: Tom Woodruff Retrospective exhibit at the Northport Arts Association. There will be an Opening Reception from 5 – 8 pm. The exhibit runs through September 29.
Now that Rosie has retired from her political career, I thought that she might have time to help with the Omena News column. She didn’t rise to the challenge last week, so we have two weeks of birthdays and anniversaries this week.
Happy Birthday last week to Don Lystra, Susan Siemer, Kyle Colling, Jim Kimmerly, Joseph Potrzebowski, and Preston Tyler, who turns 11. Happy Anniversary last week to Eric and Kristi Hallett, and to Timm and Dorella Mulligan.
Happy Birthday this week to Marsha Fehrenbach, Matt Fitzgerald, Chris Bishop, Mary Luna, Tanner Brown, James Tucker Scarlett, who turns 11, and to Owen Morgan, who turns 7.
Happy Anniversary this week to James and Emily Kohler, Amar and Jen Shabbir, and to John and Rachel Smith.
