From prison uniform to Grand Marshal
By Mike Buhler
Sun editor
“I’m flattered to be the Grand Marshal in this year’s parade,” says Bonnie Quick. “I thought it was only for famous old people,” she chuckles.
Bonnie, at age 70, is the Glen Arbor Township Clerk, and has been since 1988, following two years as Deputy Clerk. She loves the position, but the work has increased over the decades, as the demands on the Clerk position have increased, and with the addition of Emergency Services for Glen Lake Fire Department.
Bonnie’s family began visiting Glen Arbor in 1937, and eventually had their cars serviced at Rich Quick’s Standard station next to Art’s Tavern. Bonnie remembers meeting Rich when she was 10, and says her mother was just enamored with him. So, too, was Bonnie, and they were married 35 years ago in August of 1983. “I’ve just known Rich forever!”
Besides Rich, Bonnie also fell in love with this community, its scenery, and people. “I love that we’re all connected and help each other out. Whether through sickness, or when somebody needs something, this is a loving, kind community,” says Bonnie.
Her service to the community was capped with a three-year term as president of the Glen Arbor Women’s Club (GAWC). The GAWC helps to equip the town hall, and focuses primarily on awarding college scholarships. Famous for the Smorgasbord and cookbook, the GAWC shifted focus from the fête to the Running Bear 5K, which will be held this year on July 24.
Rich and Bonnie’s home is perched atop Alligator Hill and overlooks Glen Haven and the Sleeping Bear Bay. Bonnie lives with her grandson, Josh, a junior at Glen Lake High School. “I’m proud to take care of my teenage grandson,” she says. “I help him out, and he helps me out even more. It’s really wonderful.”
Bonnie’s favorite parade memory to date is when she dressed up in a striped prison uniform and was accompanied by retired Sheriff Mike Oltersdorf and a state trooper. After the parade, the Sheriff asked for the uniform back. “I told him I had to alter it, so he told me to keep it!”
We look forward to another memorable parade this Fourth of July.
