B. I. News on the 'Net, April 18-24, 2011

Francis G. Ricksgers Passed Away

Francis G. Ricksgers, 91, of East Jordan, died Friday, April 22, 2011, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan. Funeral Mass will be 3:00 pm, Wednesday, April 27, at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Beaver Island. The Reverend James Gardiner will officiate and burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Francis was born November 28, 1919, in Charlevoix, the son of William and Bridgette (Gallagher) Ricksgers. He grew up on Beaver Island and attended school there until eighth grade when he went to work in the saw mills, and help on the family farm. He worked in the CCC camps for many years and on Great Lakes Freighters.

November 20, 1943, he married Anna Marie Sendenburgh on Beaver Island. They moved to Detroit where Francis worked as a carpenter, and at Chrysler, retiring in 1980. After retiring they made their home in East Jordan.

Francis enjoyed woodworking and made beautiful rocking horses. He was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in East Jordan.

Francis is survived by his wife, Anna Marie of East Jordan; children, Donna Jean (Joseph) Gonzalez-Kohn of Shelby Twp., Joseph Anthony (Donna) Ricksgers of Lake Orion, Mary Ann Martinko of Warren, Erma Louise (Steven) Bridges of Rochester Hills, Susan Bridgetta (George) Dobaczewski of Grosse Pointe Woods; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nephew William (Ricksgers) Lentini of Selby Twp.; niece, Annette (Paul) Wells of Leonard; cousin and caregiver, Marilyn Malpass of East Jordan; many nieces and nephews. Francis' infant son Jude preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 6-8:00 pm, Tuesday, at the Winchester Funeral Home in Charlevoix where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30.

Contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church or Cemetery on Beaver Island. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Anna Marie Ricksgers at PO Box 124, East Jordan, MI 49727.

Bob Stoup, 3/4/1942 - 4/22/2011 Passed Away

Retired from Armco, Pittsburg. Longtime resident of Kelleys Island, OH; Beaver Island resident since 2006. More will be posted when availlable.

Jeff Powers DVM Powerpoint on Comorants

Management of Cormorants in the Beaver Island Archipelago 2010

Little Sand Bay Preserve Needs Help

Here is a list of known debris on the Little Sand Bay preserve.  We hope to clean up all of it, so we have not really prioritized it.  On Friday 5/13 I will be working with Bill Cashman from the Beaver Island Historical Society and a crew of about 12 students from CMUBS.  We will start cleaning the inside of the house, and work our way out to the exterior debris.  On Saturday 5/14, (I don't know who might show up to this cleanup) we'll try to clean up any remaining debris from the exterior, including demolishing the outhouse and the shed/wellhouse building.  I've talked with the transfer station and they know we're coming. 

I hope this gives you a better idea of what we will be doing. Please ask if you have any more questions.

Cindy Mom, Stewardship Specialist, Little Traverse Conservancy, 3264 Powell Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740

231-344-1011 phone

231-347-1276 fax

cindy@landtrust.org

Here is a list of the stuff that needs to go to the Transfer Station. Looks like they may need some help. List Here.

Michigan / Beaver Island Rated # 1 in Nation by Field & Stream Magazine Editor Kirk Deter

Editor Kirk Deter is slated to visit Beaver Island for guided fishing this spring. The reference to “….best “flats” action in America ….” Is about the Beaver Archipelago. More information about a major team effort to bring national writers to our Island in will be available in early May.

" 1. Michigan . Another sentimental pick, for sure.  But the first brown trout in America was planted here.  Trout Unlimited started here.  You're never more than a few miles or so from a fly-fishable body of water .  There's bass, pike, panfish, steelhead, salmon... and the carp fishing can rival some of the best "flats" action in America , no joke."

http://www.fieldandstream.com:80/blogs/flytalk/2011/04/deeter-picks-12-best-states-flyfishing

Beaver Island to Be Monitored for Emerald Ash Borer

Several different organization are attempting to make certain that the Emerald Ash Borer does not get out to Beaver Island. In an attempt to measure this, sixteen monitoring sites are being identified. A trap will be placed at each site. The traps will be placed mid-May by an invasive species specialist and taken down in August as part of an EAB monitoring program that was discussed last August with the MDA.  Signs related to the Island's  quarantine  were sent out yesterday from the MDA for the boats, marinas and airports and should arrive shortly for distribution.  The EAB work was also discussed as part of the Nature Conservancy's planning meeting held on Beaver Island in February with Tribes, DNRE personnel, and island organizations.

This is what the traps will look like when they are placed. You can help in this monitoring attempt by leaving the traps alone and leaving them in place. Whether you think that they are an eye-sore or not, the organizations mentioned above have put a great deal of thought and effort into this project, and it is really important to keep this insect off the island.

Off-Island for Easter

This is to notify all the subscribers to Beaver Island News on the 'Net that the editor will be off the island for Easter for the first time in a very long time, like thirty-five years. If you have items that need to be posted, please continue to email them because Internet access will be available. If you have events that need to be covered, you will have to be willing to share pictures because it is still impossible to be in two places at once. Although it is possible to wear two hats at the same time, it is still not possible to be on the mainland and on the island at the same time. Leaving the island Thursday, be back late Sunday afternoon.

Soccer Camp Signup for Summer

Click HERE for the flyer and registration

2011 Senior Impact Award

Honoring senior volunteers who make a difference in their communities

Greetings,

Priority Health is pleased to collaborate with the United Way and the Volunteer Centers of Michigan

for its Senior Impact Volunteer Recognition Program to honor volunteers who are age 63 and older.

This is an endeavor that offers another way to recognize the energy and commitment our seniors give to our community. Our senior volunteers demonstrate the power of giving and caring every day. This is your chance to nominate a senior who generously volunteers their time to improve lives and build a stronger community.

Our community volunteers step-up to mentor children, serve the hungry and the homeless, assist the elderly, prepare taxes for low income families and much more. Not sure who to nominate? Look around you and you'll see great volunteers. Stop a moment and think what your organization is able to accomplish because of your volunteers' efforts. It should be easy to take this opportunity to honor one of those special people in your organization.

Please complete and return the attached form to nominate that special senior volunteer. You may download additional forms or use the online form at priorityhealth.com; search for keyword “senior award” .

If you should have any questions or concerns, please contact Pamela Mulliner at 616 464-8680, pamela.mulliner@priorityhealth.com.

Yours in community,

Pamela Mulliner

Marketing Communications Consultant

Priority Health

View flyer and application HERE

2011 College of Window and Wall Knowledge

Click HERE to Review the flyer

Reminder of Easter Brunch and Dessert Silent Auction

Reminder:  Beaver Island Christian Church invites the community to the annual Easter Breakfast/Brunch at 12:00 Sunday, April 24.
Menu items include sliced ham, scrambled eggs, Lil Gregg's Breakfast Casserole, Baked French Toast Casserole, fresh fruit, muffins.
All are welcome!!  Come as you are.
If you want to bring fruit, muffins, or a dish to pass, that would be appreciated, but it is NOT necessary.
Call Jean Carpenter (448-2893) for more details.
Hope to see you there!

Also, don't forget the 3rd annual Dessert Silent Auction.
Some of the tasty dessert items to be bid on are:
    a replica of Kate and William's wedding cake
    Kahlua cake
    blackberry pie--perhaps lemon meringue pie
    apple-pecan cheesecake
    and many more!!
The auction table will be available throughout the Easter breakfast.  Proceeds will help put the finishing touches on the kitchen in the Gregg Fellowship Center.
Call Jayne Bailey (448-2933 or 2881) for details.

Island to Celebrate National Day of Prayer

The Island community is invited to a service to be held on the National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 5, 2011 at noon by the flagpole at Holy Cross Church . The 30-minute service will include a welcome and opening prayer by organizer Kate Garland and scripture readings and prayers by: John Works Jr. (St. James Episcopal Church); Bob Hoogendoorn (Pastor of Lighthouse Church and AMVETS Chaplin), Patrick Nugent (Holy Cross Church), Peg Hoogendoorn (AMVETS Women's Auxiliary), Bob Bass (Beaver Island Christian Church), and Jayne Bailey (Beaver Island Christian Church) who will give the closing prayer. The purpose behind the National Day of Prayer is to hold community gatherings on behalf of their leaders - in government, the military and in families, and to pray that they may be granted wisdom, guidance and strength to fulfill their roles.

All Beaver Island Women's Prayer Luncheon to be held May 25

All Island women are invited to attend the “All Beaver Island Women's Prayer Luncheon” on May 25, 2011. The event is being hosted by the Beaver Island Christian Church and will be held at noon at the Gregg Fellowship Center. The luncheon will be a salad bar and dessert potluck – please bring a dish to pass. Table service and a beverage will be provided. A brief inspirational and motivational talk will be given by Chairperson Kate Garland, followed by a unity prayer led by Davi Stein. The fabulous lunch will follow. This is first time in several years the Prayer Luncheon has been held. Garland hopes that it can become an annual event. Call her with any questions: 448-2056.

2011 BICS Spring Musical

The 2011 Spring Musical by BICS Elementary students took place beginning at 7 p.m. on April 19, 2011. The location of the musical was the Beaver Island Community Center. Over one hundred people attended the musical in the auditorium at the community center. Many proud parents were members of the audience along with siblings and BICS staff in addition to the community members present. The name of the production was "The Earth Day Musical." The names of the musical numbers included "Project Rescue," "Disposable Society," "Overload," "Keep Our Waters Clean," "Polution Free," "Three R's of Ecology" and "Guardians of the Earth." Some of the students had solos. The Rap soloists were Erin Myers, Tessa Jones, Katie LaFreniere, and Brennan Jones. Musican soloists were Elsie Burton, Susi Myers, Tessa Jones, Katie LaFreniere, and Erin Myers. Several of the students were dressed up like animals with wonderful costumes. The animals represented were chipmunk, bunny, deer, caterpillar, frog, butterfly, parrot, ladybug, bee, flamingo, crab, starfish, dolphin, and turtle. The program thanked the following for their efforts toward this production: the Afterschool Program including Laura Gibson, Patti Cull, and Jacque LaFreniere; Elementary Parents and Teachers; Tina Drost for costume help; Tina Walker for prop help; and Ann Partridge for her lighting help during the rehearsals and the production.

Many comments were heard upon exiting the production, but by far the expression, "How cute," was heard more often than any other, and this express referred to the kids in their costumes as well as the entire production.

Video of the performance HERE

The Waste Management Meetings that Weren't Meetings

There appeared to be an unfortunate situation occur the last two months related to the Waste Managment Committee. In March, there were not enough members available to make a quorum, so this meeting did not take place. In April, on the 19th, all the members were present, but it became known that, for some reason not determined, the meeting had not been posted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act, so this second month in a row, the Waste Management Committee could not hold a meeting. The outcome of yesterday's meeting was that a Special Meeting was scheduled for April 26, 2011, at 9 a.m. to handle the business that has accumulated over the last two months.

Jack Gallagher Requests Items to Be Added to the Agenda

Discussion of these Additions and Discovery

What Do we Do, Special Meeting Scheduled for April 16 at 9 a.m., Budget Copies Requested

 

Wendy Anne Returns

The Wendy Anne returned with a barge loaded with many different items as you can see in the photos. The phone rang to state that the barge was coming in. By the time this reported got into town, the barge and the Wendy Anne were already at the dock. No video was taken. Sorry!

Welcome back to the Wendy Anne captain and crew!

Avery, James K., D.D.S., PhD Passes Away

Ann Arbor, Michigan
Dr. James K. “Jim” Avery, 89, of Ann Arbor, Ml, passed away on April 16, 2011 at ArborHospice. He was born August 6, 1921, in Holly, CO, to the late Willard Smith Avery, D.D.S_, and Bertha Knuckey Avery. Jim enjoyed growing up in Pueblo, CO. His sister, Julia May Avery, died there in 2010. He is survived by his wife Dorothy “Dody” Thuerk Avery; daughter Nancy Jane Avery of Bellingham, WA; son David Lloyd Avery (Susan) of Beaver Island, Ml; and son Robert Hugh Avery (Carol) of Coleman, Ml. He is also survived by four grandchildren; John Paul Wilson and Alan James Avery of Bermuda, and Sarah Victoria Avery and Forrest Nathaniel Nevill Avery of’ Beaver Island. Jim also leaves behind other family members and special friends who loved him dearly. He was very caring and was the ultimate gentleman to his final day.

Jim received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Kansas City in 1945. He then served for two years as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, putting his dentistry skills to working Guam. He received his Ph.D_ from the University of Rochester, New York, where he met his wife, Dorothy, and they married in 1950. He joined the faculty of the University of Michigan as an assistant professor of dentistry in 1954, was promoted to associate professor in 1959, and to professor in 1963. He also was appointed as professor of anatomy in the Medical School in 1971. He held several administrative positions in the School of Dentistry, including chairman of the Department of’ Oral Biology.

ln 1970 Jim was appointed associate director of U of M’s Dental Research Institute; he later was promoted to director and served until 1987. ln the mid-1970s, Jim was elected president of the lntemational Association for Dental Research, through which he met scientists from around the world. He is a past chairman of the American Association of Dental Schools’ Anatomical Sciences section, and he served as consultant on research to the Veterans Administration Hospital of Ann Arbor. He received the American Academy of Dental Medicine Award and was elected a fellow of the American College of Dentists and a fellow of the American Association
for the Advancement of Science. Jim was humble about his many accomplishments, and felt that they were never as important as his students were to him.

Jim retired in 1991 but became a devoted volunteer with several organizations including Dawn Farm, for which he served as a trustee for many years, and with Mended Hearts. He spent countless hours visiting with hospital patients on behalf of Bethlehem United Church of Christ. He also continued revising and publishing updated editions of earlier textbooks that he wrote. Jim served as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts from 1966 to 1970

.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 25, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Dawn Farm, to the Boy Scouts of America, or to a charity of your choice. Jim Avery lived a full life and he will be missed.

NREC Public Meeting

A meeting to help determine the future of the de-commissioned Natural Resources and Eco-Tourism Commission took place on Thursday, April 14, 2011. There had previously been a private meeting between some interested parties to attempt to sort out the reasons for the disagreements that led to the decommissioning of the NREC. There was a general consensus at the meeting on the 14th that an organization was needed to handle the many diverse aspects of the Natural Resources of Beaver Island. The general issues seemed less devisive the more that they were discussed. There was a general agreement by some that the problem was one of perception rather than one of exception. The NREC was perceived as a commission with the power to enact rules and procedures. This perception was wrong. There was a perception that the NREC would present a Comprehensive Management Plan, such that this plan would become public policy immediately. This perception was also wrong.

There were some very diverse people attending this meeting, and it was generally agreed that the NREC may not have been the problem. The problem may have been one of perception of some who felt excluded, as well as the NREC perception that they were being "transparent" but the transparency may not have equated to communication. Basically, perception and communication seemed to be the issues. Once this communication began, the general concept of the NREC and its procedures were understood. The NREC is not a regulatory commission, even if it was perceived by some in that manner. The NREC was not against hunting and economic growth, even if perceived by some in that manner.

The entire public meeting video is available HERE.

Please take some time and view the video to see the results that communication can produce. The video is available to all. You do not need to be a subscriber to view the video of this meeting, nor the meeting with the DNR.

YARD SALE – First Annual at Gregg Fellowship Center

Bring it, sell it, take it away.

Saturday May 21, 2011 is the date to save

From 9 – Noon. at the Gregg Fellowship Hall.

Meet in the parking lot for Beaver Island's first out-of-your trunk or pick-up truck YARD SALE.

If you want to sell your wares – Call Judi Meister at 2963 or Judy Boyle 3189. $5 reserves a spot in the parking lot for you. $10 gets you a spot in the lot AND a table. (Bring your own table covering.) Either way, you sell your own stuff. Bring it, sell it, take it away. Will we have coffee? Probably. Baked goods? Probably. Get rich? Maybe. If you want to shop – just show up!

Hospice: The Most Difficult Conversation

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

At the Beaver Island Rural Health Center

Forest View Apartments Construction

Floor plan of the entire building (large view)

Floor plan of just the common areas (large view)

Floor plan of one bedroom apartment

The work on the Forest View Apartments, a senior and handicapped living facility, is progressing on track according to Pete LoDico, member of the Beaver Island Development Corporation. The building should be completed by June 1, 2011.

The Senior Dinner on April 17, 2011, included dessert at the Forest View Apartments. Here is a picture of the coffee and cookies in the common area just inside the entrance to the building.

One Bedroom Walk-through Pictures

Kitchen in on the left as you enter the apartment......Living Room is ahead slightly left......Bedroom is to the right with the bathroom off the bedroom

Common Areas

Small TV viewing area................Kitchenette..............Laundry area

Two Bedroom Apartment

Hallway than shows the closet just inside the door......the kitchen is to the left..........the living room is also to the left

The two bedrooms and the bathroom are to the right of the entrance

Each apartment gets its own storage area off the main hallway.

Forest View Senior Housing Walk Through

Right after the Senior Dinner at the BI Community Center, the seniors were invited to have dessert at the Forest View Senior Housing facility, and to walk through the facility with a guided tour. The seniors at the dinner were quite curious about the progress of the building, the size of the apartments, and the building in general.

Interview of Pete LoDico

 

Video Walk Through of the Building

 

COA Senior Dinner on April 17, 2011

Greeters, Ann Partridge and a student from the Lighthouse School

Attendees for the Senior Dinner

Lighthouse students and staff who served the Senior Dinner

Senior Dinner Video of Attendees

 

Senior Dinner Servers from the Lighthouse School

 

4th Annual  Easter Egg Scramble and visits with The Easter Bunny
Saturday April 16, 2001 at 1:00 pm at Beaver Island Community School Gym

This wonderful event begins with the organization of volunteers to prepare the eggs. These people are jokingly named the 'Egg Stuffers," but it is an essential part of the process of providing this activity.

Egg Stuffers, from left front to back: Pam Nicholas, Tina Walker, Kathy Richards-----Right side, front to back: Shirley Detwiler, Pam Moxham, Tina Morgan

Once the eggs are stuffed, the decorations must be hauled and set up at school for the event. This year there were some youngsters that helped out placing the eggs on the gymnasium floor. Meg Works, John Brady and Hannah Robert were the volunteers. Tina Walker was giving the special volunteers their reward treat bags, when she received a very unexpected, reward hug.

Eggs, eggs, and more eggs...........................................................................................rewards given

Then there are four special eggs that have to some plastic coins placed in them. This job is left for some of the adult volunteers.

Doug Tilly.................Tom Whitman

It takes a lot of adult volunteers to get this wonderful activity ready for the children. The many people that it takes is probably not recognized, nor is the organization of the activity. Here is that group:

Sharon Hurkmans, Tina Walker, Doug Tilly, Tom Whitman, Tina and Gary Morgan, and Shirley DetWhiler

It takes a long time to get this all set up, here is a picture of the floor with the eggs ready and waiting for the Easter Egg Scramble:

Then it's time to let the youngsters into the school gymnasium to scramble for the plastic eggs. The adults are there to supervise and make certain that the activity is safe and fun.

The youngers have their own area.....the older ones have theirs...

The directions were very clear. "When I say ready, you need to hop three times. Then I'll say go. Let's practice this together once."

Notice Tina Walker demonstrating the hop.

Hop.....hop.....hop...and GO!

It's over way to fast! The children move quickly, picking up eggs as they move along.

All done, and now it's time to open up the plastic egs and dump out the candy. Some just sat right down to be close to the place for the plastic eggs.

Where are the plastic coins? Anyone find the plastic coins?

Here, can I help? Here's some candy.

Then the special prizes are given out to the ones that had the plastic coins, The blue coins won the bunnies. Blue coins were found by  Kai Drost and Sienna Anderson. The red coins were found by Maggie McCafferty and Austin Oliver.

The winners!

Little Ones Easter Egg Scramble Video

 

Now It's Time to Get a Picture Taken with the Easter Bunny

Some children were a little shy, so an adult needs to show them it's okay.

Some were too shy, but others would take their turn.

Even the adults got in the act:

If we missed your picture, we apologize, but it was probably not in focus. Sorry!

Bigger Kids Easter Egg Scramble and Pictures with the Easter Bunny Video

 

Special thanks to everyone else that helped make this event possible:

Special Guest:
The Easter Bunny

The Sponsors:
AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Post 46
An Occasion To Remember
Beaver Island Boat Company
Beaver Island Community School
bibabes+2 (aiil bibabes)
Martin Gas & Oil
McDonough's Market
The Shamrock Bar & Restaurant

The Volunteers:
Shirley Detwiler
Saundra Fries
Sharon Hurkmans
Gary & Tina Morgan
Pam Moxham
Pam Nicholas
Kathy Richards
Doug Tilly
Tom Whitman

...and an extra BIG thanks to three very special volunteers: Hannah & John Brady Robert and Meg Works

Thanks to all who attended this event! We hope you had a wonderful time.

(Tina Walker prepared the thank you and contributed a few pictures to this story.)

Video will be available soon.

Legislators Visit the Island on April 15, 2011

In an effort to help our state legislators understand the special circumstances of Beaver Island, Bill McDonough has organized this visit with the help of a few others. Thanks to Bill and his helpers. There was a luncheon scheduled at the Beaver Island Community Center that began at 12:30 p.m. These visitors visited several locations on the Island including the Rural Health Center, Forest View Senior Apartments, the Beaver Island Community School, the Beaver Island Boat Company ferry Emerald Isle, the Beaver Island Transportation Authority, and the Central Michigan Biological Station.

Information about these visitors HERE

Arriving on the island on a blustery day with wind gusts up to 30 mph certainly gave the legislators the most interesting flight to Beaver Island in their experience. Some had never flown on such a small aircraft. The two planes landed within a few minutes of one another, and the legislators were directly to the Charlevoix County Transit Authority bus for transport in to the Beaver Island Rural Health Center.

Getting off the planes

The legislator on board the transit bus got to experience the dusty roads in the trip from Welke Airport to the Rural Health Center.

The plan at the rural health center was to have the legislators take a quick tour of the building and then gather in the education room.

Don Spencer began the meeting in the education room. The looks on the faces of a few of the legislators was interesting as Don explained the problem of getting $10 million dollars in liability insurance for the air transport operation to transport emergency patients off the island.

(Some of the following photographs were taken by Frank Solle. Thank you, Frank, for your willingness to share them. You will not have any trouble determining which ones are Frank's.)

Frank's photos of the meeting in the education room after the short tour of the rural health center.

A tour of the senior housing project was next on the itinerary.

The legislators then boarded the transit bus and headed down to the Beaver Island Community Center for more opportunities to discuss issues and to have a lunch at the COA Congregate Lunch.

After lunch the legislators headed up to the Beaver Island Community School-some to visit classrooms. some to teach, and then to meet with the entire school population and then the staff.

*Frank's photos above and below

The legislators then headed down to the Central Michigan Biological Station to hold a town meeting.

Beaver Island was given an opportunity to state its case for many of the funding issues that will directly effect the island population. Thanks to Bill McDonough and helpers for making this possible.

Visitors on the Island

 

Nor-easter

The rainy weekend started with a storm with the wind blowing just under a gale from the northeast. These pictures were taken from out at Gull Harbor. Perhaps there have been stronger winds historically, but the spray from the waves, with the winds blowing off the tops of the waves, was seen like rain when hitting one of the homes in this area.

Then following this wind from the northeast, the wind switched to the west and snow covered the ground here on the Island. It certainly is an amazingly interesting spring here on Beaver Island. From short sleeve weather on one day with the sun shining to 'get back out the winter coat' in the next, the island plants must be really confused. "It must be time to pop through the ground," said one bulb to another. "Not me, it's too cold, " said another. "I think I'll wait until there are a few days of heat in a row."

Forest View Apartments Wish List

Office

1 Computer

1 Printer

Common Area

1 42” wall mount HD TV

3 round dining tables

12 dining chairs

1 couch

2 loveseats

2 coffee tables

3 upholstered chairs

4 end tables

1 game table

2 game table chairs

Art Work from local artists

Donations are requested. Please contact Connie Wojan for further information. The cash donations will be used to purchase these items new.

From Rags---To Rugs--For a Cause

A very dedicated group of people spent hours working on this project. Amy Burris was the organizer, and the results speak for themselves. Amy said, " First Rug Sold. Rag Rugs for a Cause." If you are interested in this project, please call Amy Burris.

Meeting to Help Determine the Future of NRETC

On Thursday, April 14, 2011, a meeting was held at the Peaine Township Hall at 7 p.m. to help determine the future of the Natural Resources and Eco-Tourism Commission. Both townships had de-commissioned this organization in the months preceding this meeting. Kitty McNamara was the moderator of this meeting, and Kitty did an excellent job of moving the meeting along. This meeting determined the necessity of having an organization to do the work of the NRETC, whether it was a commission or a committee. It was also determined that, even though the group was as transparent as it could possibly have been, the group had somehow managed to miss contacts with some very interested parties. It was also determined that the group had formed a much too broad CAMP document, which had caused some groups; including the realtors, hunters, and the contractors; some real concern. The perception was that the NRETC was dictating policy instead of recommending policies to the townships. This was the cause of the decommissioning of the group.

A much smaller private meeting of the two opposing sides had occurred earlier in the week. The results of this meeting seemed to spell hope for the NRETC, perhaps in a different format, but perhaps just another method of communication to the community is needed, so that all interested parties were informed and included.

Video of this entire meeting will be available as soon as possible.

Peaine Township Meeting, April 13, 2011

The Peaine Township Board Meeting began a little after 7 p.m. with four of the five board members present. Absent was Paul Welke. There was an addition to the agenda requested by Pete LoDico. Pete wanted the opportunity to contact the attorney related to the former NREC, how it could be constituted, and what the options were. The minutes for three previous meetings were discussed with changes requested by Supervisor Gallagher. Some changes were acceptable. Others were not. The work of the deputy officers was presented with little discussion. There were some comments by Jack Gallagher related to the bills and how certain bills were submitted for approval.

Following this somewhat controversial beginning, came the item that was in bold on the agenda: Reconsider treatment/payment of the Airport Agreement legal fees. A great deal of passionate discussion followed the introduction of this item on the agenda. The final outcome was a motion to submit the rationale for the suggested financial liability of St. James Township to St. James Township, its attorney, and the Peaine Township Attorney for comments and suggestions. After this item on the agenda was finished, the next agenda item was the approval of the assessor agreement. Lengthy discussion took place regarding the suggestion about hiring the assessor for four years. Many suggested two years was a good start. Other suggested that continuity was important, so they recommended four years. Finally a compromise of three years was concluded. The newly hired assessor for the 2011 year would receive a contract for the next three years.

The item on the agenda that took the least amount of discussion was the establishment of the monthly board meeting schedule for April 1, 2011, through March 31, 2011. Following this there was an extended discussion of the resolutions related to the Planning Commission. Eventually a resolution was passed disbanding the Planning Commission. Then another resolution was passed re-constituting the Planning Commission to make this body conform to the new requirements prior to July 2011. A one year appointment went to David Howell. Larry Kubic and Kathy Jones were appointed for two years. Krys Lyle and Bill Markey were appointed for three years. Each appointment ending at the end of February in their respective years. A relatively short discussion took place about posting the openings on the trails committee. The outcome was that these positions would be posted for the four openings.

The last item on the agenda was the discussion of the Air Ambulance Service. A short presentation was made by Sarah McCafferty with Donna Kubic and Joe Moore also speaking. Keith Teague also spoke regarding this item on the agenda. Noticeably absent were Paul and Angel Welke, so Sarah McCafferty brought everyone up to date to the best of her knowledge regarding the movement to FAA Air Ambulance Certification by Island Airways. The final outcome was the approval of the request made by Sarah McCafferty to hire an FAA consultant, the payment to be made from the BIEMS budget. The motion passed unanimously.

Public comment took place, and the meeting adjourned. Video of this entire meeting may be viewed HERE.

From Island Treasures Resale Shop

CLOSED APRIL 21-23, 2011 

The dedicated "winter" volunteers at the Resale Shop will close the store next weekend to allow them time for celebration and relaxation. We have enjoyed an active winter season with our regular customers. Our spring hours will continue to be Thurs. through Sat., noon until 4:00. We will expand that schedule once summer workers are available. 
We are eager to accept donations of spring and summer clothing, household goods, craft supplies, tools, toys, and treasures. If you need help with donations , please call Donna at 448-2797.

 
HAPPY EASTER !

USCG Bouy Tender Alder Sets Buoys

The USCG today, April 14, 2011, came to set buoys for the Islands. The vessel Alder set the one mile and three mile buoys. Then a smaller boat was put over the side of the larger vessel to place the channel buoys in St. James Harbor. This smaller vessel also went out to place the Garden Island buoys. The ice buoys were replaced with boating season buoys some of which are bell buoys. It is quite interesting to watch the process, but is more exciting because this marks the beginning of the boating season. The Alder has been setting the Island's buoys for a few years now. Here are a few specifics of the vessel from their website:

  ALDER is one of the most advanced vessels afloat, integrating the latest technological developments in computers, navigation, environmental protection, and remote monitoring systems.  The Integrated Ship Control System coordinates radar, satellite navigation, and computer generated charts with the ship's controllable pitch propeller, rudder, and thrusters. With these advancements working in concert, ALDER can maintain station within a 5-meter circle without human intervention in even the most challenging weather.  ALDER is also equipped with an advanced oil-skimming system known as the Spilled Oil Recovery System (SORS). Capable of performing Aids to Navigation, Icebreaking, Search and Rescue, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Marine Environmental Protection, Alder is a true multi-mission platform.  ALDER and her sister ships will help ensure that the  U. S. Coast Guard remains the world's premier maritime organization well into the next millennium.

ALDER Design Features:
Complement                50 (8 Officers, 42 Enlisted)
Displacement               2,000 tons at design draft (full load)
Length                         225 feet
Beam                          46 feet
Draft                            13 feet
Speed                         15 knots at full load displacement (80% rated power)
Range                         6,000 miles at 12 knots

ALDER Performance Characteristics:
Ice Operations              14" fresh water ice at 3 knots continuous speed
                                   36" packed fresh water ice by ramming
Main Propulsion            Two 3100hp Caterpillar diesel engines
                                   Bow thruster (fixed pitch, 450hp)
                                   Stern thruster (fixed pitch, 550hp)
Electrical Power           Two 450kw ship's service diesel generators
                                  One 285kw emergency diesel generator
Deck Equipment           22' rigid-hull-inflatable boat
                                   24' aluminum workboat
Buoy Crane                  40'-60' extendable length boom
                                   40,000lbs capacity on the main hoist
                                   10,000lbs capacity on the auxiliary hoist

Video of Alder Setting the Harbor entrance buoy

 

Men's Golf League Forming for Summer

The link takes you to view the golf sign-up sheet that Buck Ridgeway has posted in the clubhouse. The total number of teams that sign up determines the length of the league play for the summer, so please call if you are unable to stop in and sign-up at the golf course.

Link to Men's Golf League form

Ospreys Are Back

A quick trip down Sloptown Road today, April 14, 2011, was to check on the ospreys and then a similar trip down Barney's Lake Road to check on the loons. Today, the surprise was evident in the discovery of these osprey that showed up in the trees across the road from the microwave tower. These osprey appear to be younger than the pair that were in the nest last year, but you can see for yourself in these pictures or you can take a trip down Sloptown Road and see them for yourself.

One osprey was in the dead tree closest to the road, and a second one was in the tree about one eighth the distance of the driveway.

 

Human Services Commission Resource Manual

The Human Services Commission of Peaine and St. James townships has put together a resource manual--a guide to services available to all residents of Beaver Island.  A copy of this resource manual appears below.  Printed copies will soon be available at a number of locations, including the medical center and the library.  Other locations will be announces later.  Many thanks to Joan Vyse and Judi Meister for coordinating the information in the manual.

Complete Guide to Charlevoix County Human Services HERE

Mute Swans Take Over Loon Nesting Site

In a quick swing to Barney's Lake last evening, after a report that the loons were back, (Thank you Pam Grassmick), there was an interesting discovery. Last year, the mute swans nested way down at the south end of Barney's Lake, to the left if you were facing the lake. This year the they are nesting at the same site that the loons nested two years ago. It will be interesting to see what transpires this year. The mute swans have been identified as an invasive species. They sure do take over the lake even to the extent of chasing the loons away from that site. It also appears that the loons are not ready to nest.

No doubt about the mute swans building a nest at the loons' nesting location.

 

Loon antics on the lake..

 

There were two loons as well as ducks on Barney's Lake on April 12, 2011. One of the loons disappeared shortly after arrival at the lake for picture taking. The ducks and the mute swans weren't so shy.

There were other animals viewed on the ride back from Barney's Lake. Here are a couple more pictures of the wildlife seen. Obviously the deer and the turkeys are not shy at this time of day. The male turkeys are little distracted by the mating ritual.

New Planning Commission Ordinance

St. James Township approved this ordinance at their April 6, 2011, meeting.

Available Here

Citizen of the Year Banquet

The 2010 Citizen of the Year has been selected.

The Award Banquet will be Saturday, April 30, 2011.

Please call Stoney Acre Grill & Pub (231) 448-2560 for reservations

Sirloin Tips Gaelic

Braised, Choice Sirloin Tips with shallots, garlic and seasonings, deglazed with Irish Mist and finished with cream. Served over penne pasta and garnished with grated Pecorino Romano.

Roast Half-Chicken with Mushrooms

(Poulet au Champignon)

Roast spring Chicken topped with sautéed fresh mushrooms and resting in a sauce of chicken stock, horseradish, garlic, seasonings and cream. New Potatoes and Vegetable accompany.

Yellow Lake Perch

Eight hand-dusted Lake Erie Perch, lightly fried and served with House Slaw, Vegetable, Saffron Rice and House Tartar.

*All dinners are served with an amuse, a small garden salad, herbed bread, and dessert. Cost per dinner is $20. Does not include gratuity. Alcohol & beverages extra.

Cormorant Harassment Training and Antler Point Restriction Public Meeting

This meeting was held at the Beaver Island Community Center following the U. S. Department of Agriculture, APHIS, Wildlife Services training for the cormorant harassment program presented by Tony Aderman, who is the Gaylord District Supervisor. The training began at 5:30 p.m., and lasted until approximately 6:45 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011.. The training was informative even to those who had not participated in this program previously. Tony Aderman reviewed the programs on Beaver Island in consultation with Jeff Powers, Bob Tidmore, and Gary Morgan. The areas for cormorant harassment that had been designated previously include Lake Geneserath with Gary Morgan the chief contact person, and the harbor with Bob Tidmore the chief contact person. If you wish further information the two contact persons mentioned herein should be your first contact as each was appointed as site coordinator. Pyrotechnics, the non-lethal method of cormorant harassment, was the primary area discussed with most harassment on the island consisting of this. There is also another component, the lethal method, which was only touched on as an option after all other efforts of harassment have been considered.

The Power Point presentation began with a picture of a double breasted cormorant picture in which the bird was consuming a large pike. Beyond that, the presentation covered the basic rules, the legalities, particularly of storage of pyrotechnics and ammunition, and the time frame for the harassment program. Any questions about this program should be taken to the two contact persons mentioned above.

The Antler Point Restriction Public Hearing took place at the B. I. Community Center on the same night beginning at 7 p.m. In attendance at this meaning, which also gave it the importance that it deserved, were two MDNRE Commissioners; John Matigan and John Mantonich. In addition from the Department of Natural Resources were Russ Mason, MDNR Wildlife Division Chief; Rex Ainsliee, MDNRE Supervisor for Northern Michigan; and Brian Mastenbrook, Wildlife Biologist for the MDNRE from Gaylord. After an introduction of the Natural Resources personnel, Jeff Powers provided the background knowledge about what had led to this night's meeting including the antler point restriction survey and well as the deer population estimates shown here:

He then introduced Brian Mastenbrook who discussed the DNR deer management plans. Russ Mason then talked about Wildlife Certification and Quality Deer Management from the DNR perspective. Russ Mason stated that Beaver Island was put on a fast track through a procedure that normally would take three years.. An attempt was being made to have this meeting to hear about any concerns from the public about the Antler Point Restrictions. Russ Mason also stated that the QDM portion was only a very small portion of a Wildlife Certification Plan that the Island would need to complete. Beaver Island was the first Wildlife Certification and the hope was that this would evolve and become an example for the whole state. Many members of the public asked questions, but the general consensus of all those present was that the antler point restriction would be a good thing for the island. The public still has until the June MDNR commission meeting to comment on this plan, but that in order to be enacted, it would need to be completed at this June MDNR Commissioner Meeting to be included in the rules for the 2011 Deer Season.

There were many good questions and good issues raised with good answers provided. The Wildlife Certification process is still one in development, and Beaver Island will be part of this process, the first community to do so. The thirty-five people attending the meeting were very receptive.

Brian Mastendbrook.....................................Russ Mason.............................................. Rex Ainsliee

Video of Entire Meeting HERE

March of Dimes Raffling a Ford Mustang

Interesting Early Spring Evening

A quick phone call from Yvonne Crandall caused a quick trip into the harbor area last evening, April 10, 2011. "The sun is shining through the fog....." So two photographers got in the vehicle and headed in to try to catch the moment in time. Perhaps a few pictures will say much more than the words that could be written, but, whether or not this is what Yvonne was talking about, this is what we found interesting.

Fog drifting across the harbor....

The fog was moving faster than a creeping, creepy fog......Some kids at the playground

Also interesting was the sound of these ice needles bouncing around and moving in the vortex like current on the northeast side of the harbor.

Ice Needles in the Wind and the Fog

 

More Eagles

There have been a pair of bald eagles, along with a young, immature eagle, out on the ice of Paradise Bay for the last few days. These creatures fascinate more than one person, so another picture is presented.

St. James Township Meeting, April 5, 2011

The St. James Board had a very intense conversation about the sewer system repairs that are necessary. The tanks out on Donegal Bay Road need to be coated on the inside with a substance that will prevent the acid in the waste from destroying the cement tanks at the the site. The tanks are approximately 42x12 (2 tanks) and one somewhat smaller. The cost to the users of the sewer system will be in the neighborhood of $60,000. St. James Board passed a motion for BIEMS and BIRHC to hire an FAA consultant to help resolve the emergency air transport situation. A change in the Michigan law required the townships to dissolve the Planning Commission and then recreate the Planning Commission under that new legislation.

Video of the Entire Meeting is HERE

SENEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

1674 Refuge Entrance Road

Seney, MI 49883

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6, 2011

Contact: Mark Vaniman 906-586-9851, ext. 11

Access to Hat Island to be Limited in 2011

The Refuge manager has decided that, for the 2011 field season, access to Hat Island will be restricted to refuge personnel and Central Michigan University researchers in order to monitor and conduct population surveys.Under the terms of a Public Resource Depredation Order, populations of Double Crested Cormorants are being managed in the Great Lakes. Numbers of these fish eating birds have increased dramatically and are impacting island vegetation and may be causing damage to the fishery.Seney National Wildlife Refuge is responsible for conserving migratory birds and their habitats on Hat, Gull, Shoe and Pismire Islands in the Beaver Archipelago, all part of Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

Since 2007, Refuge Staff has been working with Michigan DNR and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Wildlife Services to help in their efforts to control the double-crested cormorant population in Lake Michigan. Control efforts have been conducted in a manner to eliminate or reduce disturbance to co-nesting colonial birds on Refuge islands. Each year since 2007, USDA-Wildlife Services has been issued a Refuge Special Use Permit to conduct cormorant control, including egg oiling and removal of adult birds from the Refuge islands. Access to Hat Island has been restricted due to the presence of one of the largest colonies of Caspian terns in the northern Great Lakes. In 2005, researchers from Central Michigan University (CMU )initiated a study to monitor and conduct population counts of the nesting colonial birds on Refuge islands. This study, authorized bya Refuge Special Use Permit, included population counts and collection of diet data on cormorants. Information was also collected on numbers and species of other colonial nesting birds on the islands. Other species included Herring Gulls, Caspian Terns, Ring-billed Gulls and Great Blue Herons. Last year, the Refuge granted USDA-Wildlife Services access to Hat Island to perform lethal control methods on cormorants. Personnel from USDA-Wildlife Services conducted their activities in a manner as described above –to eliminate or reduce impacts on other colonial nesters.

Although all colonial nesting species on Hat Island successfully fledged chicks in 2010, numbers were less than expected. Biologists from the Refuge, USDA and CMU are working together to determine why nesting efforts were not as successful as previous years. In response to the reduced hatch of gulls and terns, refuge managers are going to adopt a conservative approach regarding activities on Hat Island in 2011. To that end, access to Hat Island will be restricted to CMU researchers in order to monitor and conduct population surveys. Access to Gull, Shoe and Pismire Islands will not change. The Michigan Islands NWR is not open to the public except for maritime emergencies. Shoe and Pismire Islands are designated wilderness areas.

As an active participant in the effort to control cormorant numbers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will consider options for assisting USDA-Wildlife Services on and around the Refuge Islands. Future decisions regarding access and population control will be based on a review of information gathered this year. For more information regarding the Refuge and cormorants contact Refuge Manager Mark Vaniman at 906-586-9851 x11 or email Seney@fws.gov .

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov .

Font Lake Islands to Be Named

April 7, 2011 

Mr. Larry Pedersen 
Planning & Operations Supervisor for Forest Management Division 

pedersenl@michigan.gov

Dear Mr. Pedersen, 
As you may know, the U. S. Board on Geographic Names is responsible by law for adjudicating decisions regarding geographic names for use by the departments and agencies of the Federal government. The Board has received a proposal to make official the name Brothers Little Islands for a group of floating islands in Font Lake on Beaver Island in Charlevoix County , Michigan . Because local acceptance of any name is very important to the Board, we would like your opinion regarding this proposal. We also ask that you share this request with the appropriate offices or members within your county. 

For more detailed information regarding this name issue, including a link to an online map showing the location of the islands, please click on Review List 405 at the Board's website at: 

http://geonames.usgs.gov/ domestic/quarterly_list.htm

In order for the Board to vote on this issue in a timely manner, we would appreciate hearing from your office by May 6, 2011. Please note that if no response is received, the Board will consider your opinion to be “neutral” and will make a decision that might affect the use of names in your area of interest. If you have any questions or need additional time to conduct your research, please do not hesitate to contact us. If your office is not the correct one to contact on this issue, we would appreciate it if you would let us know, and if possible, forward this to the appropriate office. 

Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter and we look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

J. A. Messenger 
Geographic Names Researcher 
(573) 308-3690
jmessenger@usgs.gov

For Lou Yost, Executive Secretary 
U.S. Board on Geographic Names 
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 523 
Reston, VA 20192-0523 
(703) 648-4552
(703) 648-4549 fax

Library News April 2011

The ferry has started and spring is officially here on the island. In that mode, the Beaver Island District Library is gearing up in anticipation of a busy summer. We've been weeding through the book shelves, sorting through all the magazine subscriptions and winnowing out old VHS videos (please keep in mind that we are not accepting any more VHS tapes). Our continuous book sale table is sway-backed from the weight so please stop in and fill up a bag for only $2 or purchase a new book for $3/or 2 for $5 from the book truck. This past year the Book Sale garnered the library a grand total of $1400!! The best it's ever done.

We have bids posted for cement work. We're planning on replacing all of the front sidewalk and putting the bike rack on concrete instead of dirt which will certainly help keep our carpets a bit cleaner. Jim Wojan will be removing one of the huge pines in the Memorial Garden which was damaged last fall in the big storm, before it comes down on its own causing even more damage. We're hoping to replace the old benches in the garden area that were made by Tom Morland at least twenty years ago.

Have you checked out our bulletin board in the entry way? All upcoming meeting schedules are posted there as well as important announcements from various island organizations. While we do not allow personal signs, if you belong to a local organization and want to publicize an upcoming event, please feel free to post it here. Signs should be no larger than 8 ½ by 11 and no more than one per event. Again, no personal signage is allowed and will be removed should it appear on our bulletin board.

Kentucky Derby Hat Decorating Day!

All you ladies who have always wanted a fancy hat for Derby Day,

Please join in the fun...

Tuesday May 3rd at 1:00 pm

at The Shamrock

There is a $20.00 donation to cover the cost of your hat, flowers and feathers.

(Additional flowers and feathers will be available for an additional cost).

$5.00 from each donation will go to benefit BICAF

(Beaver Island Community Activities Fund)

This activity is being held to raise funds

for the children's events.

Please bring your own hot glue gun and glue sticks,  if possible.

There is a sign up sheet at The Shamrock.

Please sign up by Tuesday April 26th

and don't forget to wear your hat to The Shamrock

on Derby Day, Saturday May 7 th,

for a chance to win a prize!!

Any questions, please call Tina Walker 448-2020

The Beaver Island Community Development Corporation

"The Beaver Island Community Development Corporation is an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the quality of life for seniors and disabled adults residing on Beaver Island by providing and maintaining adequate, high-quality, cost-effective housing."

This grouip is the one that is responsible for the building the Forest View Apartments across the road from Stoney Acres and next to the Beaver Island Rural Health Center. They have a very nice website that is up on the Internet that provides a great deal of information. You can view that website at this link HERE

Here is just a little taken from their website:

"Come join us April 17, 2011 from 1:00 - 3:00. The building will not be complete, but you can take a tour. We are too excited about these senior apartments to wait until they are all done to show them off!"

Forest View Community - Grand Opening Celebration

The Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for July 11, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The building will be complete and the apartments will be occupied.

Please try to attend one or both of these events to help us celebrate!

Beaver Island Community Development Corporation
Affordable Housing for Seniors
PO Box 190
Beaver Island, MI 49782

Just One Star 

Can Comfort a Soldier   

Talking Threads Quilt Guild invites you to join in honoring soldiers who have been injured in the line of duty while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

All sewers of all levels are asked to join the effort to assemble Just One Star blocks. Judi will provide step-by-step instructions. Work will be done individually or as group efforts in assembly lines. Our star blocks will be sent to the Just One Star project to be assembled into quilts for the wounded Marines. soldiers, airmen, and sailors.

All interested Islanders are invited to this event. Sewing machines, neutral thread, fabric, and cutting tools will be needed, but not required. You may come” just to help”.

Some fabric will be provided by Talking Threads Guild, but we encourage you to bring medium reds, blues, and cream background 100% cottons if you have some.

Sunday, April 17, 2011 from 1:30 -4:30

Hearts to Holly Quilt Shop in Charlevoix is organizing this project locally. If you have questions please call Judi at 2963 or Donna at 2797.

Official Program of Michigan Archival Association

for June 14 and 15, 2011, Conference HERE

BICS School News

May 3, 2011 Annual School Election

Beaver Island voters will once again be asked to RENEW the school's operational millage. The requested millage renewal amount is 15.7908 on non-homestead property. It is the same operational millage amount that has been levied for more than 18 years. All of this money stays in the district to run our K-12 program. If you own just your primary residence (homestead property) or qualified agricultural property, you do not pay this tax. Proceeds from this millage account for approximately 75% of the school's general fund revenue.

The following people have been nominated to fill vacancies on the Beaver Island Board of Education: Jessica Anderson and Brian Cole, both current board members are running unopposed for two four-year school board terms. Also on the ballot will be the election of Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District board members. The following people have been nominated to fill open seats on that board of education: Beverly Osetck, Jane Roberts and Selma Chellis.

A more complete informational flyer will be mailed to all P.O. box holders in late April. Voting for the school election is held at the St. James Township Hall.

March 15, 2001 Version of the CAMP from NREC

This was the version of the plan that was to be sent to members on March 15, 2011. This version is different from Version 10 which may be found below, a couple stories are in between this version and the other to help keep them separate. There is no BINN position on either versions of the plan. BINN does support the idea of getting various stakeholders together as suggested at the Peaine Township Meeting of 3/9/11. BINN is willing to provide information in any positive form about this subject on this website.

Newest Version of the CAMP

An idea about how to maximize our benefit from our ownership of

Whiskey Island

After listening to several people and considering their diverse opinions, an idea occurred to me about how we might obtain a satisfactory and beneficial resolution to our recent purchase of Whiskey Island. St. James Township was very fortunate to obtain such a beautiful, pristine asset in the Beaver Archipelago. This island, the middle of three small private islands lying northwest of Beaver, consists of two lots, one of 43 acres and the other of 53. Many people have supported the possibility of trading Whiskey Island to the State for the property on Paradise Bay in St. James, which was intended to house Beaver Island`s DNR employee, but for the past 25 years has been home to our Deputy Sheriff. The lot starts at the water and extends across the road and back into the woods. It contains a building, which the two townships have contributed equal funds to maintain and improve.

Other people have suggested that this proposed trade would short-change Beaver Island because Whiskey Island has to be worth much more than a single lot.

My idea is that we band together and work hard and smartly to obtain some additional considerations for this trade. First and foremost is that we make it a joint effort between St. James Township and Peaine Township. Showing Island-wide support is necessary for this to be accomplished. Some other conditions would facilitate this plan:

l) We need to get Bud Martin and his supporters on board.
2) St. James and Peaine should be the co-owners of the new acquisition, with Peaine reimbursing St. James for half of its expenses to date.
3) The two Island Townships should collaborate on the development of this acquisition to enhance the likelihood of receiving grants.

Improvements to the harbor property could include:
a) The creation of a public launch ramp and fishing pier on the waterfront;
b) The installation of off-street parking for boaters and fishermen, far enough behind the home to not constitute a nuisance;
c) The building of a picnic area and restrooms on the property, which could be called “Larsen Park,” after Sybil and Big Art Larsen; and
d) The continuing joint-Township maintenance and improvement of the home used as the Deputy's quarters.

I believe the DNR lot and these improvements could be obtained in trade from the State, and that this could be done in exchange for one of the two Whiskey Island lots. Creating this facility in St. James would relieve our current congestion and allow us to offer greater boating and fishing opportunities, enhancing our appeal to tourists from all over the Midwest. My hope is that we can simultaneously trade the second Whiskey Island lot for a line item ten-year bequest from the State's Commtmity Health Budget of $50,000/year for each of the Rural Health Centers in the island consortium of Drummond, Mackinac, and Beaver. We can accomplish great things, but only if we overcome our differences and work together. This plan could be a turning point, and lead to several comparable future benefits.

~ Bill McDonough, 3-10-201 l

Proposed Conceptual Drawing

Many Thanks to Jeff Cashman for this wonderful conceptual drawing!

BI Christian Church Resident and Visiting Ministers

April 24 (Easter): Harold Kruse

May

1: Jayne Bailey

8: Steve Finch (Baccalaureate for Lighthouse students)

15: Jim Vander Meiden

22: Bob Whitlock (Baccalaureate for BICS students)

Easter Brunch Scheduled

Sunday April 24 Easter Brunch NOON at the Gregg Fellowship Center. Pancakes, Ham, Scrambled Eggs, French Toast Casserole and Strata along with OJ and Coffee.  Community is invited to attend.  Anyone wanting to bring a dish to pass are welcome  do so.

32 Miles of Water

(Copyright 2004, Phillip Michael Moore)

Update: 2/19/11---This video has had 108 viewings in the months of January and February so far. We hope that the views are getting the importance of having an air ambulance on Beaver Island and ready to go for the emergencies that have occurred here. It is obvious that ill and injured people are searching out other methods of transport since the transports for 2010 were down 50% compared to the last four years. While part of the cause is the depressed economy, the other part is the concern of being transported to the mainland and having a huge bill for that transport. BINN will continue to have this video available until something gets resolved with this issue. Comments so far: "You must be very proud of your son for doing this excellent video." "We never realized that this was still an issue." "Wow, a very important issue that seems to have been put on the back burner for too long. It's a burning issue."

Beaver Island has two flight services, and neither of them are currently certified or licensed to transport emergency patients from Beaver Island to the mainland. We thank the crews of the USCG helicopters for coming to do medical evacuations. We thank the flight services that have helped us get patients to the mainland for the last seven years and before. We thank Northflight for providing this service as well.

While a lot of things have changed over the last 7 years including a new school, a new executive director of EMS, new township supervisors,and new rural health center board members, there is one thing that has not changed.

Beaver Island does not have an FAA Certified Air Ambulance that is licensed by the State of Michigan.

When Phillip Michael Moore made this video as a Master's degree project, no one would have guessed that seven years later Beaver Island would still not have achieved this goal.

Please take the time to view the video. Please take some time to think about this, and then start asking some questions about how this can be resolved.

Beaver Island News on the 'Net Presents "32 Miles of Water" in its final form (28.5 minutes). The previously video, viewed here, was a slightly shortened version. The video is in high quality, but is still streaming video.

 

1st Annual "Gail's Walk"

The first annual "Gail's Walk" will take place on Sunday, May 29, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. In honor of Gail Weede, each year we will have a Memorial Weekend Walk to raise money that will help Island families who experience unexpected or long term medical treatment.  This fund would help with bills or expenses related to the condition. A minimum donation of $10 per person is asked for this 5k untimed event.  Children 5 and under are no charge.  There will be commemorative long sleeve t-shirts available for $10 each (please pre-order your shirts).  Be sure to include quantity and sizes.

To pre-register for the walk and/or t-shirt, please make your check out to BIRHC (Beaver Island Rural Health Center) memo: Gail's Walk, and mail to Beth Croswhite, P.O.Box 143 Beaver Island, MI 49782.
If you are unable to join us, but would still like to donate to this worthy cause, any donation would be welcomed and appreciated. This walk would begin and end at the Public Beach Parking lot.
Any questions call Dawn Marsh  at 231-448-2910.

On the Beach of Beaver Island

You will need Quicktime or another music player to enjoy this link.

The music played in the Holy Cross Hall in the late 70's and early 80's, recorded for posterity and shared here.

BICS Calendar for 2010-11 Approved

Beaver Island Transfer Station Information

Expired Subscriptions

Please send us your email address.

There are quite a few subscriptions that will expire in April and some that have already expired. We appreciate your support and ask you to renew your subscription as soon as possible. Emails have been sent out, but quite a few have been returned without delivery, which means that BINN does not have your current email address.

You can subscribe online by using PayPal and a credit card. Please click the link below if you wish to renew online:

RENEW

Meeting Minutes

The minutes of all public meetings will be posted

as soon as they are received.

News on the 'Net welcomes minutes to all public meetings. All organizations are welcome to submit meeting minutes for publication on this website. Please email them to medic5740@gmail.com.

Airport Committee Minutes

Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association Minutes

Peaine Township Board Minutes

BIRHC Board Meeting Minutes

St. James Township Meeting Minutes

Beaver Island Community School Board Meeting Minutes

Beaver Island Ecotourism Goals Draft, rev. 3, 19 Jan 2010

Beaver Island Natural Resources and Eco-Tourism Commission Minutes

Beaver Island Transportation Authority Minutes

Joint Human Resources Commission Minutes

Waste Management Committee Minutes

Beaver Island Airport Commission Minutes New for 2011!