Johnson Park (open shelter)
2600 Wilson Ave SW (entrance on Butterworth St.)
Walker, MI 49534

(See map HERE)

NEW NAME: THE THREE SISTERS NF PICNIC

NF Michigan is proud to introduce a new name for our annual picnic. We honor three sisters - Nancy Ward, Mary Ellen McIntyre and Jean Rackes. They joined the group in the very first year - 1985. The youngest, Jean, was born in 1948. Her older sisters passed away recently at ages 83 and 79. In the mid-80s all three women and their eight children contributed DNA to NF research at the University of Michigan Ten of the eleven were born with NF1. DNA from the one unaffected person proved to the Francis Collins Lab that the NF1 gene resides on chromosome 17, a massive breakthrough for NF researchers worldwide. In 2022 Jean made a generous donation to NF Michigan in honor of Mary Ellen’s love for the annual picnic. We knew then that it was time to let our community know about these three remarkable women.

Expect goody bags for the kiddos. Me ’n’ Mrs Jones Mobile Music, featuring emcee Bob Jones, will keep things humming.

Tentative Schedule:

1:00-1:15 Check In

1:15-2:00 Lunch and Socializing
NF Michigan will provide Boardwalk subs & Culver's custard cups. Attendees should bring their own table settings, silverware/plasticware and (non-alcoholic) drinks.

1:45-3:15 Activities:
Caricaturist, balloon animals, cornhole and water fun.  

2:00-3:30 BINGO for prizes

3:45-4:00 Wrap up and Good Byes