One of a parent's worst nightmares came true for Nicole and Mark Wade when their 3-year-old daughter, Laurel, wandered away from their Traverse City home with the neighbor's dog on April 18. Thankfully, this nightmare had a happy ending when Laurel was found unharmed less than a mile from her home, with the dog keeping watch at her side.
"You never believe that something like this will ever happen to you (or just pray that it won't), but unfortunately our daughter wandered away from our home with the neighbor dog," Nicole and Mark wrote. "We cannot extend our thanks and gratitude enough. There were so many of you out there searching for our little girl, from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Department to the Blair EMS and their volunteers, to a neighbor a mile away."
The couple were only able to get a few names including Ben McManus, Derek Morton and his K-9, and Scott Fewins, but Nicole and Mark want everyone who joined the search to know that their heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who came out to help them find their little girl.
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Anne Smith and Iva Anderson, both members of the American Military League Auxiliary, wrote to thank everyone who helped make a recent luncheon for veterans in nursing homes a memorable occasion.
George McBath of BATA donated buses, drivers and time to transport the veterans to and from the nursing homes. Meanwhile, the VFW Honor Guard were on hand to honor the veterans and share stories with them.
"Thanks to George McBath and his BATA staff, as well as the VFW Honor Guard, for helping make this a memorable event," Anne wrote.
Iva added that "often good deeds are left unmentioned, but in this case I want to thank all the drivers who came to our aid to transport the veterans. ... and the VFW Honor Guard who gave of their time to come and visit with our vets. We were honored to have their help."
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Antrim Area Democrats sponsored a food drive early in April at Glen's in Bellaire and Mancelona and the Village Market in Elk Rapids.
The drive raised $1,690, which was divided among the four largest food pantries in Antrim County -- Bellaire Pantry, which serves 85 families a month; Ellsworth Good Samaritan, which serves 500 families; Community Lighthouse Food Pantry in Mancelona, which serves 300 families; and Mancelona Food Pantry, which serves 200 families a month. The Elk Rapids Food Pantry also received a large quantity of food.
The drive was coordinated by Phyllis Starkey in Mancelona, Mary Lee Bretz in Elk Rapids and Judy King in Bellaire.
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Mary Anne Weider of Traverse City sends kudos to Traverse City West Senior High School music students and teachers.
"What a wonderful performance you all put on for us," she wrote. "'Me and My Girl' was terrific. Many of you sounded like professionals. Amazing! Thanks for all the hard work you put into these musicals. And hats off to all of our kids. We have the best right here in Traverse City."
Mary Anne went on to urge everyone to forget the negative and to focus on what great teachers and students are right here in Traverse City. She also encouraged all parents to "get out and enjoy your children."
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Volunteers are the backbone of any successful nonprofit organization and recently Munson Medical Center paid tribute to its team of 400 active volunteers with an appreciation lunch.
"Our volunteers provide important services every day that help make Munson Medical Center the quality health care facility that it is," said Theresa Stachnik, manager of volunteer services. "Every year the volunteers are among the hospital's strongest backers, with both their time and their financial support."
In addition to generously donating their time to the hospital, the volunteers annually provide scholarships to area students preparing for medical careers. As a group, the volunteers also have provided more than $2 million to Munson Medical Center projects over the years, including $700,000 to the Munson Manor Hospitality House, and a $500,000 pledge to the new Emergency Department.
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.
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