Pieces of our distant, and not so distant, past. Real people, real stories that made local headline news, touched our hearts, made us laugh or cry. Several more will publish often. We'd love your suggestions of other memories to include on these pages.

ASHLEYS RIDE IN MEMORY OF ASHLEY SEXTON

After the death of their daughter Ashley, Kelly and Randy Sexton of Mancelona organized a motorcycle ride to find a cure for Neurofibromatosis. The first ride was held in 2008. Hundreds of bikers from Michigan and beyond met in Mancelona for a day-long tour across northern Michigan, ending in Mancelona for their banquet. Traverse City Record-Eagle's editorial staff commended the Sexton's for their efforts with this editorial, which ran August 8, 2011 in Cheers:

• To all involved in the fourth annual Ashley's Ride in Mancelona organized by Randy and Kelly Sexton to raise money to help find a cure for neurofibromatosis, a genetic disease that claimed their daughter, Ashley, 21, in 2007. The campaign raised $79,000, which includes donations from 500 contributors and the $20,000 raised by the 250 motorcyclists who rode in the event. Neurofibromatosis causes tumors to grow along nerves, on or under the skin.

STANLEY CUP IN MANCELONA

On September 19, 2008 at 1:55 a.m., Mancelona Police Officer Rod Vesey was patrolling the streets in the Village of Mancelona. He stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation somewhere along East State Street.  One thing led to another, and he soon discovered why the driver was in such a rush.  Mike Bolt, "keeper of the cup," was transporting The Stanley Cup. Earlier, he delivered the Cup to White Pine Middle School in Saginaw where the Detroit Red Wings made a stop during their pre-season tour. The Red Wings were on their way to training camp in Traverse City, and Mike, who was custodian of the Cup, traveled through Mancelona on his way to Gaylord. Officer Vesey  snapped a photo with his cell phone, and was lucky enough to have one taken of him, touching the Stanley Cup. 

FRONTIER BOYS FILMS IN MANCELONA

In early 2010, Mancelona Chamber of Commerce received an exciting phone call from a movie production company.  Filming of the movie The Frontier Boys was about to take place, partly in Mancelona, and mostly in Charlevoix. The Frontier Boys is the story of four high school boys whose undefeated basketball season and friendship are threatened after a drive-by shooting leaves one of them in a coma, and one of them with a secret. They are unbeaten on the court and inseparable off it until Brent gets caught up in his older brothers mixed up life. The consequences of Brents choice leave T.J. in the hospital, and Brents soul in turmoil.

A portion of the movie was filmed inside Mancelona True Value Hardware, and along State Street downtown. Several Mancelona residents gathered alongside the road to watch the production company work. The movie is still available for purchase on Amazon, and also to watch in full on YouTube. Some of Mancelona's businesses and individuals were recognized in the credit roll at the end of the film. 

HONORING HOMETOWN HERO

Jason Calo, a 2005 graduate of Mancelona High School and sergeant with the U.S. Marine, was killed in action on August 22, 2010 while supporting combat operations in the Helmand Province in Afghanistan.  He achieved the rank of Sergeant within three years of joing the U.S.M.C. Thousands of people holding the U.S. flag lined the streets from Traverse City, where his remains were returned at Cherry Capital Airport, and escorted through the miles to Mortensen Funeral Home in his hometown of Mancelona.

Of course, there was a great deal of media coverage. Newspapers, television and radio stations were in Mancelona interviewing family and friends, sharing memories of Jason. Local organizations, especially the VFW and American Legion, all participated and offered their support to the Calo family.

A Memorial Service held at Mancelona High School was standing room only.  Sgt. Calo was the recipient of numerous medals including Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He was 23-years-old when he died and left behind a wife and two young children. 

SCHOOL - THE FIRST IN MANCELONA

The first school was kept by Rebecca Filer at the Mountain House, Perry Andress's place, 1871. There were four pupils. The first one room school house is still in town - it was moved to a site on Monroe Street, and is a private residence.  Today, Mancelona Schools are Home of the Ironmen with 951 students  and 167 staff members.  The Elementary and High School buildings are on West Limits Road. Central Office, the Middle School and the football field are on St. John Street. The Resource Centers are on Grove Street.