Hail to the mayor!
Congratulations to Tucker Joyce – whose owners are Bob, Diane and Jack Joyce – for being voted the new “mayor of Omena.” The mayor’s Village Council is comprised of Barkley Balas, Buddy Loveless, Callie McKee, Mika and Schatzi Putnam, Monty Bensley, Riley Miller, Seamus Gaudette, and Willow and Shimmer Disch.
MEMBERS OF the Hallett’s North Camp float take part in Sunday’s parade, which was part of the election for “mayor of Omena.” Only pets were allowed to run for the post, and people could vote for their favorite candidate for $1 in the whimsical election. The election raised money for the Omena Historical Society.
Callie, a member of the Catapublican Party, and Monty, of the Mr. Ed Party, are expected to be a good balance to the Dogacractic members. The parade of candidates on Sunday was a great event, accompanied by floats and music by some members of the Northport Community Band. Floats in the parade included the OTYC Youth Program and Hallett Deer Camp. Groups who marched included the Omena Men’s Breakfast group, the Omena Village Preservation Association (OVPA), and the Omena Women’s Club, carrying pots and pans as their percussion instruments.

There was a great turn-out, and the parade route was lined with cheering crowds. Everyone enjoyed the Ice Cream Social afterward. Many thanks to all of the organizers and volunteers for all of their hard work. The event raised more than $5,000 for the Omena Historical Society.

Twenty-three participants showed up for the first OHS Historic Scavenger Hunt and Road Rally. Four cars, with teams of five, each with a “well coached” driver, had eight destinations to find. Larry Bensley had prepared the clues to instruct the participants in Omena’s history as they followed them. The book Omena, A Place in Time, was the source of the clues. All four groups found all of the sites, with Team Miller taking first prize. Fun, laughter and a great learning experience was had by all.

The Club 21 Bake Sale had a wonderful array of goodies, as always. Thanks to all of the bakers and customers who helped raise money for the Geneva Smith Scholarship Fund.
TAKING PART in the parade was Queen Bea Kimmerly, shown in a car driven by Larry Bensley.
The OVPA wants to thank everyone who donated items to the recent Antique and Book Sale. They raised $3,500 for the ongoing preservation of their downtown Omena properties.

Amber Jones and Jason Davis were married in Omena on Friday afternoon. After a gloomy day, the sun made a surprise appearance just before the wedding, and the ceremony on the deck at the Rule Cottage was beautiful. Jason had vacationed at the Rule Cottage for a number of years, and Amber has quickly come to love Omena, also. The bride’s parents are Mike and Linda Jones from Alexandria, Ky. The groom’s parents are Jim and Gayle Davis of Omena and Cold Springs, Ky. The wedding was attended by family and few close friends, including one of Amber’s closest friends, who came from France where she lives now.

Jeff and Linda Wyler are enjoying lots of family and friends. James Wyler is here for a visit. He graduated this spring from Kettering University, and is headed to Georgia Tech for graduate work in engineering. Jeff and Linda’s grandchildren, Cole, Caroline, and Anna Claire Bristow came from Cincinnati with their parents, Julie and Scott. Jeff and Linda’s friends Bob and Sandy Heimann and Ken and Linda Berry are here from Cincinnati for a visit.

The Triennial Rule Family Reunion starts this weekend at the Northport Bay Retreat. Luke Robinson and his daughters, Lela and Lorelei, from Cincinnati, Steve Hessel from Corvallis, Ore., and James Wickemeyer and his son, Michael, from Battle Creek have been here this past week for a work week at the Rule Cottage.

Marian Electa Powell arrives this weekend from Mukilteo, Wash., for the Rule reunion. Valerie Smith, from Denton, Texas, Keith Smith from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Ben Powell, from Mukilteo arrive this week to stay with their aunt and uncle, Les and Debby Disch, and attend the Rule reunion.

Rink and Karon Smith and their daughters, Jenny and Molly, will also arrive this weekend at the Smith home on Omena Heights for the Rule Reunion.

The Relay for Life team in Leelanau County has created a queen-sized quilt with scenes of the county. Omena native Mary Stanton made the square “The Northern Lights.” The quilt is being raffled, with the drawing on Aug. 29. Tickets are 6 for $5, or 48 for $40. Contact Mary Stanton, (231) 510–0271, for more information.

Happy birthday to Trudy Lewis, and Carol Silverman. Happy 80th birthday to Walter Gaudette. Happy anniversary to Richard and Dana Colling and to Bert and Betty Wheeler.

Photos courtesy of Mary Stanton
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By LESLIE DISCH
Phone/fax 386-5686
email: phen.omena.2@gmail.com