Mayor Cruz chooses not to run for re-election

After 5 years of serving his "constickuents", Mayor Cruz has chosen not run for re-election for the 2011 - 2012 term. The mayor will be 12 on December 12, 84 in dog years. Although showing no signs of slowing down, Cruz intends to travel, spend time with his family and is considering involvement in the Tea Party movement. Through his interpreter and manager, Otto, Cruz comments "it's been a great run and I've thoroughly enjoyed the barking, swimming, humping, stick fetching and general harassment you have so kindly allowed me to serve my good friends of Mink Island with."

Cruz's Mink Island political headquarters are now for sale. You may contact Nancy Williams at Christensen Realty USA and visit Cruz's headquarters website at www.12minkisland.com.

A fun day!

Thanks to all who attended the Mink Island potluck and helped create the memorial garden. It was a beautiful day, the garden turned out great, memories were shared, and the eats were delicious and plentiful. It is always great to see our neighbors and get to know each other a little better. Enjoy the rest of the season and see you on the island!

Please Join Us

What: Mink Island Potluck Supper and Mink Island Memorial Garden

When: Saturday, August 14

4:30 pm planting of Mink Island Memorial Garden

5:00 cocktails and appetizers with dinner to follow

Where: 7 Mink Island (Lisa and Mike Ryan)

Why: Visit with old friends, meet new friends, share a memory of George Cole with Karen and the kids, help create the Mink Island Memorial Garden along the Mink Island Path.

Supper: Bring a dish to pass and your beverage of choice. We will provide burgers and dogs.

Mink Island Memorial Garden – bring a perennial to plant in memory of a loved one (the canine variety too!) Garden will be centrally located along the common path.

RSVP to Lisa at laryan01@gmail.com or 315-383-1078.

Let us know who will be attending and what you will be bringing.

We are looking forward to catching up with everyone!

The River

When you think of the River, think of me.
I'll be there smiling in the ripples of it's sun-drenched waters.
I'll be there in the blue of it's peaceful vastness.
I'll be there still watching the ships go by in my favorite summer garb.
When you think of the River, think of all the glorious times it has brought us.
Think of the cottage openings and closings we have spent together.
Think of the holidays spent there as well as the ones we longed to spend there.
Think of the warm nights, fast-moving storms and sun-filled days.
The River has become such a wonderful part of me, of us, of family. And, at some point in time--me, us, we, will all become one.
So, when you think of the River, smile and think of me, of us, of family.
See you on the River.
Paula Chamberlain 8/07

A walk across Chippewa Bay

The Walkers did their first winter day on Mink Island this year. Tom and Amanda tried ice fishing while Sue and Toby walked around the island. Pictured below below is Amanda and Toby. Toby's little paws got cold so he got to ride in the bucket across Chippewa Bay.

Open for Business!

With this past weekends 80 plus degree temps, Mink Island saw a few families eagerly opening cottages and test cruising the 39 degree river. On island were the Navarras, Otto, David and Geoff Cole, Mayor Cruz, Brady, Mookie, Chamberlain crew, Mike, Julian from Honeymoon and a woodpecker that looked like a pterodactyl. Beavers left evidence of their winter residence . Much missed was everybody else...

Thank you to the Ryans for the WiFi...

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my constituents for your support these past few years. I want you all to know that this is a whole new year and we have an aggressive agenda for 2010 and we hope that fun is had by all. I look forward to seeing everyone soon - Mayor Cruz

Sights we do NOT like to see on the river

This sucker was huge. But no worries Mink Islanders, this guy was on Dillon Island.

10 degrees away from flip flop season

What happens on Mink Island stays on Mink Island

A summer swim

What a great shot! This was taken by Liz Diener's children last summer while fishing in the creek. Thanks Liz, for sharing.

March 1st! Wooo Hooo!

With March here, the end of winter is in sight. No matter how much it snows this month we know that next month will bring sun, ice melting, and boat access to Mink Island. With that in mind, I am going to try and post a photo a day to move our thoughts toward summer. Feel free to send in any photos and I will add them to the blog.

Winter Pics

Dave Cole took a day trip up to the river a couple of weeks ago. He shared the photos below. Thanks Dave, for giving us our Mink Island "fix". If life slows down a bit we may head up there in early March for a winter adventure.