A Lifetime of Philanthropy Jim & Marge Ternes Make a Lasting Gift to Walloon

A Lifetime of Philanthropy JIM & MARGE TERNES

Make a Lasting Gift to Walloon

By Lauren Macintyre

For 25 years, Howard "Jim" Ternes and wife Margery enjoyed a magical life on Walloon Lake. "We love Walloon," said Marge, "It's always been one of our favorite places.” After health concerns necessitated that they leave their beautiful home on Indian Garden for a retirement community in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, they decided to make a memorable gift to the lake they loved so well.

Although Jim and Marge sold their lovely house a few years ago, they still owned a scenic lot next to it with over 120 feet of tranquil frontage on the North Arm. In 2020, they made the decision to donate that highly desirable lot to the WLAC, to benefit the conservation of land around the lake.

Their motivation for making the donation was simple. "Jim and I wanted to make a contribution in return for our wonderful life on Walloon," Marge commented. "We had seen what other Wallooners on Indian Garden had done for the lake with their contributions of land, which then caused us to think about donating our property to the WLAC.”

And what a contribution it was. This premier homesite recently sold for well over one million dollars, and since realtor Wally Kidd kindly donated his time, all of the funds went directly to the WLAC. These funds were utilized to further some of the WLAC's land acquisition and preservation projects.

As WLAC Executive Director Josephine Roberts noted, "Everyone here at the WLAC has been incredibly blown away by the Ternes' generosity. With their blessing, we were able to sell the property and use the proceeds to secure the land for the upcoming Critical Lands Campaign.”

Philanthropy is nothing new to Jim and Margery, who over the years have demonstrated remarkable generosity to hospitals and other non-profits. In Petoskey's highly regarded Demmer Wellness Pavilion, for example, the Howard and Margery Ternes Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Area occupies a prominent place. And here on Walloon Lake they funded the replacement of much of Camp Daggett's sailboat fleet.

Known in the Indian Garden neighborhood for their warm hospitality and gracious demeanor, Jim and Marge are greatly missed up north. "We have so many lovely memories of Walloon Lake," said Marge. "So many dear friends. We loved golfing, the country club, playing bridge and our proximity to Petoskey, such a wonderful town.” "And the sunrises on the North Arm," she smiled, “I really miss those gorgeous sunrises.”