Omena Historical Society

Tazmanian Devil DeWitt, but you can call me TAZ

Julie and David DeWitt

Background

I am currently second in command in the DeWitt household of two dogs. It is a really big job!

Crime? Yes, if a felony includes loving my Mom and Dad more than life!

When I was rescued from the streets of Indianapolis, my Mom immediately enrolled me at BARK TUDOR. What a cool place! I learned all kinds of commands, of which many I have forgotten, but met a lot of great guys and gals who I refer to as my “Bark Tudor Pawsy”. We got to know one another very well because I was there for three months, yep, couldn’t get enough of sit, stay, place, down, off, you know what I am talking about. I did escape from the joint one day and the camp leaders found me outside doing my business, all was good, I just needed some privacy. I would say I really excelled at taking treats and nap time. All day training really wears a guy out!! Whew, thank goodness I graduated!!

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy I am not really big on toys, mostly because my sister loves on all the toys and her slobber is GROSS!
Favorite Food That’s a good question, I would have to say .1. STEAK, 2. SASHIMI, and 3. FROSEN PEANUT BUTTER.
Favorite Pastime Since I have perfected nap time, it has to be sleeping on the sofa or my super comfy beds that are everywhere for me to catch some ZZZZZZZs.
Pet Peeve? Now that I am not on the run, I’m a pretty laid back dude, so nothing really gets me peeved, even though my sister eats my food and drinks all the water.
Naughtiest Deed? I have run free a few times but that was a long time ago and know I have a good gig with my Mom and Dad so I am actually perfect now!

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

I love Omena and everything about it! This will be my third summer and am ready to assume a key leadership role to ensure all living beings are cared for in this fabulous place. I am an all American dog because I am a Heinz 57 times 2. I have all American ideals and promise to address all concerns and be kind to everyone. As you can see, I have been around the block a few times and feel confident in my ability to serve Omena well! VOTE for TAZ!! VOTE FOR TAZ!! VOTE FOR TAZ!!

Bert

Allison Pacquet

Background

Peacocks have very good brains, I know everything.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy I am too smart for toys
Favorite Food Fred Putnam’s scraps
Favorite Pastime Prancing around the yard, standing guard over the chickens
Pet Peeve? Cameras, everyone wants me to pose for a picture
Naughtiest Deed? Peacocks are never naughty

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

My family and I will bring grandeur to the beautiful village of Omena. I will name my wife, Gert, as Special Advisor to the Mayor and my son, Fred, will be Chief of Staff. We all have very good brains and are very good looking. You’re gonna love us.

Schatzi Putam Bradley

Helen Putnam Bradley

Background

My person has trained me to be Omena’s mayor for more than a year. I have block walked to meet my neighbors and can often be found visiting with future constituents at the Omena Post Office and the Omena Bay Country Store.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy My hurdle (still working on my slalom course)
Favorite Food Whatever my Oma sneaks to me under the table
Favorite Pastime Exploring Omena and meeting new friends
Pet Peeve? Skunks and porcupines
Naughtiest Deed? Crashing through my person’s bedroom window to chase away a skunk. How was I to know that he would spray right into her room?

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

“When I am Mayor, I promise to scare away skunks and porcupines. As documented in the Omena News column, I am not afraid to chase them away.
I promise to “”take it in the face”” for Omena”

Clyde Henrik Gussias Ohr 45 and counting Joyce (known as Clyde Joyce)

Bob and Jack J. Joyce

Background

Student at Omena Youniversity, Bachelor of Science and Art, International Business and Cultural Studies. Working on Master’s Degree.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy Tennis Balls
Favorite Food Farm to table blended yummies
Favorite Pastime Going for a walk in the Omena Area
Pet Peeve? Narrow shoulders of the roads and distracted, speeding drivers
Naughtiest Deed? -Not Applicable-

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

While it’s true if I win, I’d be the third generation of Joyces to be Mayor of Omena, I believe I have strong qualifications for the position. I have served as a citizen ambassador of the United States through a program that has been part of U.S. public diplomacy efforts since 1949. I was responsible for the health, safety and well-being of my people. The U.S. Department of State in a letter writes, “(it is) deeply appreciative of (my) kindness and generosity in making this educational and cultural experience possible.” I hope with my skills to successfully blend the new of the future with the rich history of the past to move Omena through the next 3 years to infinity AND BEYOND! With love for and loyalty to Omena, Clyde Joyce

Kramer Ray

Michael Ray

Background

I graduated at the top of my class at K9 University, and went on to earn my MS (Master of Snuggle) and full certification from Pet Partners Therapy Dog Programs.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy Tennis balls, pickle balls, rugby balls, ping-pong balls, soccer balls, croquet balls, badminton birdies…it it’s fetch-able it’s my favorite.
Favorite Food Hills Prescription Diet au gratin (I insist on the best!)
Favorite Pastime Fetching anything that floats in Omena Bay…balls, sticks, ski and wake board tow ropes, you throw it, I’ll fetch it.
Pet Peeve? Any human who watches my tennis ball roll to a slobbery stop at their feet without picking it up and throwing it. Seriously…some people can be so stubborn!
Naughtiest Deed? Creatively reorganizing (AKA digging up and destroying) my people’s entire lawn irrigation system.

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

If elected, I promise to enact legislation that requires residents to throw tennis balls whenever physically able, add extra cheese to every bowl of kibble, and always leave the toilet lid open. I promise to make myself available for snuggles on a daily basis and remind everyone that the best things in life happen on Omena Bay.

Now that you have finished reading this, could you please grab a tennis ball and meet me at the beach? Oh, after you vote for me, of course!

Riley Miller

Kathy and Jim Miller

Background

I have trained both parents well. Food twice a day and they clean up after me. How sweet is that?

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy Anything that I can chase. If it squeaks, it dies!
Favorite Food Carrots. The floor is a goldmine after parties!
Favorite Pastime Riding in cars and the pontoon boat.
Pet Peeve? Animals coming into my living room on the TV. I have attacked them before.
Naughtiest Deed? Eating Caroline Oberndorf’s birthday cake. Yum!

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

With my motto, “No poop left behind” I will make it my mission to keep Omena beautiful and clean! Have lived here for 12 years.

Diablo

Sally & Brian Shapiro

Background

I was born near the border in Texas. It may have been on the north side of the border. Do ‘yall think Texas is part of the US?

I am mayor of my living room. However, my wife Angel is Governor of the entire house.

Convicted??? As a male, there have been accusations of sexual harrasement about me but sniffing is just how I say hello!

As a mail-order-groom, I was trained in Texas before coming to meet my wife Angel. I sired 3 kids and have been a stay-at-home dad ever since. Angel is clearly my boss, but I accept this as my lot in life.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy Mutt-garita
Favorite Food Food
Favorite Pastime Dancing the ‘Itchy Butt Walk’ dance.
Pet Peeve? Suffering from FOMM = Fear of Missing Mom. I can tell when she is leaving & I hate it!
Naughtiest Deed? Cracking the code on how to escape from the new gate in the kitchen. Sometimes I even start working on it before Mom leaves the house! I always get out…

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

“As a stay at home dad, I am the personal assistant to my wife, Angel and our daughter, Mocha. I’m playful with Mocha and always let Angel win every “”discussion””. I’m adaptable, letting the girls pick their nap spot first. #FutureIsFemale
I bark out strangers and will protect Omena from the “”Heart of the Point”” (we live half way around Omena Point Road). Our previous Mayors have been from Downtown Omena as well as the North Shore. This year, elect a Mayor from the “”Heartland””! ELECT DIABLO!”

Parker Saxton

Audrey Saxton

Background

I can sit, dance, lay down and look cute.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy Dinosaur squeaky toy
Favorite Food chicken and sushi
Favorite Pastime Watching/Chasing squirrels in the backyard, barking at the lawn mower, and naps with mom
Pet Peeve? When someone disturbs my nap!
Naughtiest Deed? Loud bark

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

I’m cute, i’m fun and dog-gone-it i’m awesome

Punkin Anderson-Harder

Gina Harder & Sue Anderson

Background

Currently, I am being home schooled. I am now enrolled in advanced potty training as well as Sit 202, Stay 201, Beach walking 201, Shake 101, a repeat course of Come 101, and Come even when you would rather run 101. I will likely attend a formal puppy training course later this summer or early fall.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy Lamby
Favorite Food The cat’s food. I’ve also acquired a taste for crayfish claws from the beach.
Favorite Pastime Terrorizing the cats and kissing my Moms. I also love to attack the vacuum.
Pet Peeve? Cats who won’t play with me. They just hiss, spit, and sometimes will box (I do love the boxing part).
Naughtiest Deed? Chewing/destroying my Mom’s glasses

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

I am 4 months old. If I get on the Board of Directors I will learn (by sniffing) from the “Top dogs” and get some experience under my collar.

My top qualifications include:

I love everyone and everything, unconditionally!
I’m the best kisser ever! I can take your breath away cause I kiss so fast, and sometimes my tongue goes up your nose.
I rarely bark, and only in fun.
I love to snuggle and people love me.
I have a variety of talents from sweet and cuddly to “”Tasmanian Devil””
I can run super fast, sometimes so fast I do cartwheels.
I am an escape artist so will always be available to defend and protect my beloved Omena
I am excited to represent the community and walk in parades.
I am cousin to the former (& hopefully the next) Mayor Maya Deibel. She will show me how it’s done so when my time comes, I’ll make her proud!

Harley

Demarie Jones

Background

Born in Missouri, I was brought to Michigan as a show goat and purchased for my fiber and striking good looks. I have grazed this amazing Omena landscape for a year.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy Pushing the sheep around with my amazing horns.
Favorite Food Peanuts
Favorite Pastime Chasing the girls around.
Pet Peeve? Peanut shells with only one nut
Naughtiest Deed? I fathered four kids this year to two different ladies…I couldnt help Myself.

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

I am Representing Omena’s past. I am living and growing mohair on the historic Rufus Tatch farmstead. I feel that rural Omena needs a representative. I’m here to represent the farming community of Omena. Meh!

Midnight Brittany of Maple Grove Walker aka Brit

Ruth Steele Walker and Scott Walker

Background

Brit has been on the Omena Village Council since puppyhood and is currently finishing her second term. While not a graduate, she has obedience and retriever training.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy A very cool ball that lights when thrown!
Favorite Food Anything that drops on the floor and Purina One
Favorite Pastime Running, sleeping and eating
Pet Peeve? People who don’t take Omena’s Mayoral Race seriously.
Naughtiest Deed? I’m a perfect puppy, just ask my mom!

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

I’ve honed my skills at political office with two terms on the council and now I feel ready for greater responsibility.

Bailey

Pat and Mary Kondrat

Background

Bailey completed dog obedience training in Naples, Florida.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy Stuffed Chipmunk
Favorite Food What ever you’re eating looks good!
Pet Peeve? Chipmunks
Favorite Pastime Chasing Chipmunks
Naughtiest Deed? I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

Better me than a Chipmunk!

Sweet Tart McKee

Harold and Kanda McKee

Background

I served from 2012-2015 on the Omena Village Council, and from 2015-2018 as Omena Vice Mayor. While I’m home schooled, I graduated first in my class!

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy Chico Ribbons – Everytime my Mom shops, I get a new favorite toy.
Favorite Food Duck and Pea
Favorite Pastime I’m a cat! What do you think?
Pet Peeve? People think I’m stuck up, but I’m really just shy
Naughtiest Deed? I’m Purrfect! NO naughty deeds.

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

I represent the best of Leelanau County with the Sweet and Tart cherries. I have had experience with governing/supervising my household. And having been Vice Mayor for 3 years, fulfilling all my expected duties, I know I could handle the Mayor position.

Duff

Kim and Linda Kemper

Background

RUN! RUN! RUN! When I’m in office the business gets done!

Favorites & Faults

Duff’s got the Stuff! Vote for Duff!

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

I have some unusal traits that will help me when I’m in office: I like to cross my legs so that I can better concentrate when when listening. Also, with one blue eye and one brown eye, I can better see both sides of an issue.

Penny

Lilia Labriola

Background

While there are rumors that I was caught in an attempted escape, I was laid in the USA, am Queen of the Coop, and I graduated “Best in Flock”.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Food Mealworms
Favorite Pastime Eating mealworms
Pet Peeve? The plastic container that gets in the way of my treats
Naughtiest Deed? I stole food from my sister’s mouth

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

Requesting a starting salary of 1,000,000 mealworms. Cluck Cluck! I should be elected mayor because, as a lovely Lavendar Orpington, I would be an egg-cellent representative for the peeps of this community. Cluck. I vow to unearth all the worms, crack all the corn, and cross all the roads. I consider it a nest-essity to use my natural talent and, if elected, will continue to poop breakfast for the great people of greater Omena. Thanks- om-e-lette you cast your vote now. Cluck Cluck Cluck

Maya

Annette Deibel

Background

I previously served as Mayor of Omena from 2012 to 2015. At the end of my term, Village affairs were in perfect order with no hint of hanky-panky, scandal, disorderly conduct, dishonesty, collusion or any such nonsense.

Favorites & Faults

Naughtiest Deed? As a matter of full disclosure, I did have one (only) weak moment near the serving table during a party. Delicious, simply delicious!

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

In addition to my previous experience, my intimate acquaintance with many of my constituents is well known and my heart and NOSE are always in the right place!

Blaze

Tish & Bill Renz

Background

Home schooled. I always was too cool for school. I have not graduated yet, but according to my teacher, I “am a smart cat and know what ‘no’ means”, so paws crossed it’ll happen soon.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy Mice (real or fake)
Favorite Food It was rabbit and ham, but recently I’ve been more into poultry. I never turn down a healthy cup of blueberry yogurt though!
Favorite Pastime Bathing. I like to be as clean as possible at all times.
Pet Peeve? When people pet me after I’ve just cleaned. Like, why would you do that?? HOW IS THAT OKAY??!??!!!
Naughtiest Deed? I tend to steal my brother Sterling’s food a lot. Or drink from the sink while he’s drinking. I just like to irritate him though 😛

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

“I feel like I would be the best mayor out of everyone, because I am friendly and tolerable of all animals (as long as they don’t try to touch my clean fur), and even try to be welcoming to all humans, even the sniffly shy ones. I try to maintain a professional image, but in truth, I’m just a simple house cat that likes having fun as much as the rest of you. I’ve even caught a mouse in my time.

I guess what I’m trying to say is why stop at the table, when you can reach for the fireplace mantle? We will climb this mound of furniture together, and not stop until we reach the top. A vote for me will not be a vote for another cute cat, but a vote for all animals to have their voices heard. I promise a clean race, a sparkling term, and to lick the competition! (Unless of course they’ve taken a bath in the last hour, then obviously they won’t need it).”

Bailey

Mike & Laurie Adelson

Background

Bailey is endorsed by late night host Canine O’Brien.

Favorites & Faults

Favorite Toy My Kong filled with frozen peanut butter…yummy! I also love playing with my orange tennis balls and swimming in Omena.
Favorite Food That’s an easy one. I LOVE cat food. When my buddy, who is named Buddy, gets his soft food for breakfast and dinner, I always get a little bite, too. When mom and dad leave the house, Buddy “lets” me eat ALL of his leftovers. (maybe he knows I am sad when mom and dad leave).
Favorite Pastime I love walking in the woods behind our old house in Omena.
Pet Peeve? I really don’t like getting my ears cleaned. It seems like every timie I go swimming, Mom ends up pouring some weird stuff into my ears and rubbing them. (that part does feel good).
Naughtiest Deed? My guilty pleasure is sleeping on the couch when mom and dad are gone. I don’t know how they fiugre it out because I always hop right off when I hear the garage door. Maybe it has something to do with my light hair on the dark couch?

Why I should be elected as Mayor of Omena

I promise love and loyalty to all Omena creatures big and small! No one will want to “flea” Omena with me as Mayor.