thedrifter
04-07-08, 08:33 AM
Northern Notes: Serviceman picks up tab
BY STEPHANIE BEACH
Local columnist
On his return home from boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Private First Class Joshua Johnson spent some time relaxing and visiting with family and friends during brunch at Sue's J & S in Traverse City.
A gentleman overheard Joshua's discussion about his boot camp experience and told the waitress that he would like to pick up the tab because he too had been in the military and wanted to show his gratitude for Joshua's service in the Marines. This kind gentleman then left without waiting for acknowledgment or a thank you for his generous gesture.
"This deed was so heartfelt and touching," wrote Joshua's wife, Dawn Mroz-Johnson. "My husband and I would just like to thank him for showing his appreciation. So, as my husband said, 'from one serviceman to another, thank you sir for this extremely kind way of showing your support and appreciation.'"
--
Marge Galvin of Traverse City is a handicapped driver who became stuck in a snowbank recently on Shipman Road on the Old Mission Peninsula.
"Along came Nancy Harris who worked feverishly to dig me out," Marge wrote. "Pretty soon Ted Stegman came along to help."
Marge is convinced that if it weren't for Good Samaritans such as Nancy and Ted, she would still be stuck in that snowbank.
"I want them to know how much I appreciate their help. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
--
April Putman, life enrichment coordinator at Glen Eagle Retirement in Traverse City, wrote to thank Frank Carter. Frank dropped off three garbage bags full of yarn at Glen Eagle after he saw an article in the Record-Eagle about a group at the facility who knit or crochet items for the Operation Christmas Child project that gives less fortunate children around the world shoe boxes filled with little gifts during the Christmas holiday.
"Please thank Frank Carter for his very generous donation," April wrote, adding that the residents are already knitting for Christmas 2008 shoe boxes.
--
Dave Taylor considers this past winter one of the best in recent years. Mother Nature cooperated by keeping temperatures "just right" and the snow falling on a fairly consistent basis.
Dave went on to say how fortunate cross-country skiers are to have Doug Scofield, Paul Tata, Glen Rauth, Jim Dombrowski, Dick Naperala and Mark Pluene as terrific volunteers who regularly groom the Vasa and Leelanau trails, often well before sunrise.
"Thanks to everyone who donates to this cause via TART to make sure their efforts can continue," Dave wrote. "We are also fortunate to have truly professional downhill ski areas that likewise do a great job grooming and operating top notch facilities."
Dave closed by urging others to express their thanks to these volunteers and donate to the TART if they haven't already done so.
--
Howard and Judee Super of Lake Ann experienced the other face of Mother Nature as they traveled to Traverse City to attend a service for a friend at St. Francis Catholic Church.
The couple found themselves stuck on the side of Reynolds Road due to the wet and slippery conditions. In the process of trying to get unstuck, they burned out the transmission and lost all the gears.
"We (had) started walking in the rain on the icy road back to our house when a red vehicle passed us going the other way," Howard wrote. "A little later this same truck came back on our side of the road and the driver offered to take us home. He introduced himself as being from Berg Well Drilling."
Howard told Mr. Berg that although several cars had passed them, they were relieved that no one had stopped because they might have ended up in the same predicament. Mr. Berg told them not to worry because he had four-wheel drive and wasn't afraid of stopping or going up slippery hills.
"Although we were a little cramped in the cab of his truck, he drove us right up to our driveway with no problem," Howard wrote. "We would like to commend Mr. Berg for his fine efforts, as we could have been very wet and cold by the time we had walked the distance back to our house."
--
Sandra Watson wrote on behalf of the family of Bernice Seel to thank all the caregivers on the Maple Dementia Unit who were there during Bernice's stay at the Grand Traverse Pavilions.
"It was quality care given with compassion, dignity and professionalism," Sandra wrote. "Everyone took the time to recognize that mother was truly a very special person. As family members they gave us support and comfort during mother's last days. Thanks for being there for us."
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.
Ellie
BY STEPHANIE BEACH
Local columnist
On his return home from boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Private First Class Joshua Johnson spent some time relaxing and visiting with family and friends during brunch at Sue's J & S in Traverse City.
A gentleman overheard Joshua's discussion about his boot camp experience and told the waitress that he would like to pick up the tab because he too had been in the military and wanted to show his gratitude for Joshua's service in the Marines. This kind gentleman then left without waiting for acknowledgment or a thank you for his generous gesture.
"This deed was so heartfelt and touching," wrote Joshua's wife, Dawn Mroz-Johnson. "My husband and I would just like to thank him for showing his appreciation. So, as my husband said, 'from one serviceman to another, thank you sir for this extremely kind way of showing your support and appreciation.'"
--
Marge Galvin of Traverse City is a handicapped driver who became stuck in a snowbank recently on Shipman Road on the Old Mission Peninsula.
"Along came Nancy Harris who worked feverishly to dig me out," Marge wrote. "Pretty soon Ted Stegman came along to help."
Marge is convinced that if it weren't for Good Samaritans such as Nancy and Ted, she would still be stuck in that snowbank.
"I want them to know how much I appreciate their help. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
--
April Putman, life enrichment coordinator at Glen Eagle Retirement in Traverse City, wrote to thank Frank Carter. Frank dropped off three garbage bags full of yarn at Glen Eagle after he saw an article in the Record-Eagle about a group at the facility who knit or crochet items for the Operation Christmas Child project that gives less fortunate children around the world shoe boxes filled with little gifts during the Christmas holiday.
"Please thank Frank Carter for his very generous donation," April wrote, adding that the residents are already knitting for Christmas 2008 shoe boxes.
--
Dave Taylor considers this past winter one of the best in recent years. Mother Nature cooperated by keeping temperatures "just right" and the snow falling on a fairly consistent basis.
Dave went on to say how fortunate cross-country skiers are to have Doug Scofield, Paul Tata, Glen Rauth, Jim Dombrowski, Dick Naperala and Mark Pluene as terrific volunteers who regularly groom the Vasa and Leelanau trails, often well before sunrise.
"Thanks to everyone who donates to this cause via TART to make sure their efforts can continue," Dave wrote. "We are also fortunate to have truly professional downhill ski areas that likewise do a great job grooming and operating top notch facilities."
Dave closed by urging others to express their thanks to these volunteers and donate to the TART if they haven't already done so.
--
Howard and Judee Super of Lake Ann experienced the other face of Mother Nature as they traveled to Traverse City to attend a service for a friend at St. Francis Catholic Church.
The couple found themselves stuck on the side of Reynolds Road due to the wet and slippery conditions. In the process of trying to get unstuck, they burned out the transmission and lost all the gears.
"We (had) started walking in the rain on the icy road back to our house when a red vehicle passed us going the other way," Howard wrote. "A little later this same truck came back on our side of the road and the driver offered to take us home. He introduced himself as being from Berg Well Drilling."
Howard told Mr. Berg that although several cars had passed them, they were relieved that no one had stopped because they might have ended up in the same predicament. Mr. Berg told them not to worry because he had four-wheel drive and wasn't afraid of stopping or going up slippery hills.
"Although we were a little cramped in the cab of his truck, he drove us right up to our driveway with no problem," Howard wrote. "We would like to commend Mr. Berg for his fine efforts, as we could have been very wet and cold by the time we had walked the distance back to our house."
--
Sandra Watson wrote on behalf of the family of Bernice Seel to thank all the caregivers on the Maple Dementia Unit who were there during Bernice's stay at the Grand Traverse Pavilions.
"It was quality care given with compassion, dignity and professionalism," Sandra wrote. "Everyone took the time to recognize that mother was truly a very special person. As family members they gave us support and comfort during mother's last days. Thanks for being there for us."
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.
Ellie