From Stoney Acres

Mary E. Antrim Passed Away

Mary E. Antrim, 77, of Grand Rapids, passed away Tuesday, December 17 at Emerald Meadows. A Funeral Mass will be 12 noon, Friday, December 20, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, where visitation will begin at 11 am. Burial will be in the spring at Holy Cross Cemetery on Beaver Island. Mary is survived by her husband of forty-seven years, Ronald E. Antrim; her children, Rose Antrim, Monty Wunkel, Dan Wunkel all of Grand Rapids, Cathe Wunkel of Loveland Co.; many grand children; brother, Robert (Nancy) Bonner of Lake Leelenau. Mary's son, Patrick, preceded her in death. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church, Beaver Island, MI 49782. Please sign Mary's guestbook at www.winchesterfuneralhome.com

Bill Cashman Benefit Dinner

Lasagna varieties on Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at the Shamrock from 5-8 p.m.

The fundraiser for Bill Cashman was quite busy as the Shamrock served Lasagna and Vegetarian Lasagna with breadsticks and salad. Here are a few pictures of some of the attendees.

These were just the people that were at the Shamrock while the editor was present. Thank you to all of you that attended!

Thank you to Dana and Eric for another terrific fundraiser! Over $6000 raised per Joanne Cashman!

 

Docked for the Winter

Wendy Anne at dock..........Shamrock and barge at dock

Winter Photos

How did those ice rings get there?

The sun was just trying to peek through the clouds and presented just a little bit of color in both these pictures.

Deer Walking Down Carlisle Road

Where are we going mom? The Pub? Forestview? The Medical Center? or Moore's Wildlife Restaurant?

Wendy Anne Breaks Ice for Emerald Isle's Last Trip

 

 

Many Thanks to Greg Doig for sharing these videos with News on the 'Net

 Breaking out

 

Mainland out there somewhere through the steam

Arriving in Charlevoix

 

The news from the Beaver Island Boat Company is that this boat that left today, Monday, December 16, 2013, is the last boat of the 2013 season, making this work by the Wendy Anne very important to get the last boat out from the Island. And in a facebook message at 10:55 a.m., the Emerald Isle arrived safe in Charlevoix and is docked. Thanks again, Greg Doig for these videos.

Emerald Isle Return on Last Trip of the Season 2013

From the BIBCO: "Due to weather and ice conditions we are unable to run our Dec 18 and 20 departures "

After the announcement that this would be the last trip of the season for the Emerald Isle, BINN wanted to at the point to check out the ice conditions, and to watch the Emerald Isle come into the harbor. Bud Marftin was walking out on the ice with a chain saw to check to see how deep the ice was. "There's six inches of ice out by the buoy," Bud stated. Luckily, the Wendy Anne had broken the ice up last night for Bud Martin to come in for his last trip of the season with the Shamrock and the fuel barge. This morning, Monday, December 16, 2013, the Wendy Anne also broke ice for the Emerald Isle to head out to Charlevoix. Bud also said, "They (the Emerald Isle) went out and around to take the same track that the Wendy Anne cleared for me last night."

The sound of the ice and hull of the Emerald Isle was very obvious as the ferry entered the harbor and was present the whole time it made the trip into the harbor and near its berth at the dock. It was not nearly as loud as BINN took the pictures traveling around the harbor and to the BIBCO dock.

What seems very routine during the summer becomes a little more serious and requires a lot more concentration when you are pushing ice and backing into a slip.

Backing pushing ice

The stern opens for unloading and the unloading begins.

Welcome Home, Emerald Isle!

Video of the last entry into Paradise Bay for the 2013 Season

 

Lunch With Santa

Sponsored by the AMVETS Post #46

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., this year's Lunch with Santa brought most of the youngsters out to sit on Santa's and/or Mrs. Santa's lap and get their picture taken. This is a highlight of the year for some of the younger kids on the Island. A hot dog and chip lunch with lemonade sounds like a great lunch, and Santa coming after lunch, you bet it's a good day!

Some of the workers who put this lunch on.

The lunch items

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at noon.

Almost immediately, this little guy ran right up to Santa.

Santa and Mrs. Claus move to the chairs that were set up for this purpose.

Let the Santa and Mrs. Claus Pictures Begin

Video of the Lunch for Santa

 

Larry Forth Passes Away

CALUMET - Larry Forth, 67, a resident of Calumet passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Laurium. He was born on April 4, 1946, in Detroit, a son of the late Arthur and Elizabeth (Schwartz) Forth. Larry graduated from Northville High School in 1965, later attending Austin College, Michigan State University, and the University of Toledo with a Master's degree. He was employed as a professor at Austin College, Huston Tillotson College, and the University of Houston in Texas, retiring in 1995.

Larry loved his trees, was an avid gardener, and was always working in his yard. He was married to John Bowie on May 24, 2010, in Canada. Surviving are his spouse, John; sister, Carolyn; brothers, Artie and Jeff.

At Larry's request private family services will be held. The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.

Larry, My Friend

by Cindy Ricksgers

I heard the sad news this morning that my friend, Larry, has passed away.

There, that’s it.

I was going to tell this story another way.

I’m taking a little course in creative writing. I’ve also been reading about the craft of telling a story well. I’ve been learning about talking around the thing you want to say, until there’s nothing else to do but say it. Anticipation, suggestion, forewarning, premonition.

I was going to start by explaining how the owner of the hardware store where I work is also a veterinarian, and that his clinic is in the back, and about how I first met Larry and his partner, John, when they came in with questions and concerns about their two old dogs.

We became better acquainted over pipe and wood stains and plumbing fixtures as they struggled to get their little house in shape.

They came to the opening reception when I had an art show here.

We met for lunch a few times.

Our friendship deepened.

I’d grumble to them about my problems while helping them pick out a paint shade or compare the qualities of different snow shovels.

They’d talk to me – separately and together – about changes and issues in their own lives.

They sold one house, and bought another. They moved a piano. John made drapes.

One year, Larry taught a class on making Christmas ornaments from long strips of colorful papers; my daughter attended with me. What a hoot, watching Jen and Larry tease and cajole and laugh together as she tried her very best to grasp his technique!

Larry played Santa at Christmastime for our charitable animal fund: “For a donation to the Animal Fund, have your pet’s picture taken with Santa!” He was a big hit! He even had his own Santa suit! I’ve never seen anyone so capable of handling animals of all types and sizes, while keeping hat, belly and beard on straight!

Larry came in one day alone, to tell me that John had been diagnosed with cancer. We just hugged each other tight with that sad news.

One day after I had quit working there, Larry called the hardware store regarding an urgent problem concerning his dog, Samantha. To Larry, all problems with his pets were urgent. He doted, fussed and worried over his animals like an over-protective mother.

The young girl that answered the telephone was new to the business. When Larry said, “I need to talk to the doctor!”, she replied, “Sir, this is a hardware store! There is no doctor here!”

Larry and John came to the little downtown gallery where I was working that day.

“This is crazy,” Larry shouted, after relating the telephone conversation. “What are you thinking? You have to go back! You are needed there!”

And then he broke down.

And we sat there, side by side, and I held both of his hands in mine as he told me about Samantha, and her nervous stomach, and the diet they tried first, then second, and the meals they were now making for her themselves, with organic brown rice and yams and chicken. He told me about her arthritic joints and how he could sympathize because of his own aches and pains. He told me about the puppy they took in, to replace the old dog they’d lost, and how it terrorized the entire household, especially Samantha, until they regretfully had to find it another home. He told me about their house-guests, who understood nothing, and stood in judgment of his doting and worrisome nature…

Every single painting could have been carried out of the gallery, and I would not have been able to turn away from Larry that day, he was so distraught and sad and in need of a listening ear.

Every now and then I caught a glimpse of John rolling his eyes.

Mostly, having missed Larry and his sweet disposition as much as he’d missed me, I was content to just hold his hands and let him talk.

I was going to tell all of this first, so that the message of Larry’s death would be a shock to you, as it was to me.

Having gotten to know him a little, you might feel the loss, too.

I just couldn’t get my heart into it.

It seemed manipulative, for one.

Two, there’s really no dressing this up.

Sometimes, a sad story is simply that.

And the loss of a dear friend is always a sad story.

View Cindy's Blog

Live Stream Success

In the first eleven days of this month of December, a total of 166 unique IP addresses have viewed a live stream event broadcast on beaveriland.tv. There is no way to know how many people at an individual unique IP address were viewing the live stream. If there were two people viewing on the same computer or two viewing from the same IP address on two different computers, there would have been from one hundred sixty-six and three hundred viewers that would have been able to view events on Beaver Island, who were not otherwise able to attend the events in person.

For basketball games, the home games played with Hannahville, 82 unique IP addresses viewed the live streams on Friday and Saturday. Again, if this included two at each unique IP address, that meant that between eighty-two and 164 people were able to view the games that were unable to physically attend the event.

For the Christmas Cantata, 42 unique IP addresses viewed the Cantata on Saturday, and 54 unique IP addresses viewed it on Sunday. This could mean that almost two hundred additional viewers were able to view the Cantata by live stream that could not attend the event.

As of 12/19/13 at 7 p.m., and additional 52 unique IP addresses have viewed the video of the Saturday Cantata by going to http://beaverilsandnews.com and clicking on the link at the bottom right of the page. This link will remain there throughout the holiday season.

This month has been quite busy with live stream events, and the month is not over. If you are interested in helping to sponsor the live streaming project, BINN would be glad to hear from you. Your Beaver Island business could get some additional exposure to places and people from Michigan to Bermuda, from Maine to California, and around the world.

From Stoney Acres

NEW YEAR'S EVE @ Stoney: Tues. Dec. 31st
SURF & TURF BUFFET...All You Can Eat! 5-9pm
Crablegs/Steak cooked to order...with all the trimmings!
Lots of Yumminess...More info soon! (Reservations recommended)
Island Hall Party MUSIC starts at 9pm
w/DANNY, DANNY, CINDY, EDWARD, JOHN, & GUESTS
NEW YEAR'S DAY @ Stoney...FOOTBALL ALL DAY...
HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY...Complimentary MUNCHIE Buffet!
ROSEBOWL @ 5pm-MI STATE vs STANFORD
*Bring in the New Year with Family & Friends at Stoney & the PUB!

Wendy Anne Comes Back With Last Barge Trip

Thanks to a phone call from Sally Fogg, BINN Editor Joe Moore got out to the point to take some pictures of the tug and barge coming into the harbor on its last trip of the season. The barge was loaded as you can see. It started around 5:15 pm on Friday, December 13, 2013, and ended, as you can see, after dark around 6:45 p.m.

The Wendy Anne outside the harbor by the bell buoy location

A little distraction from the reason for being at Whiskey Point

Maneuvering the Wendy Anne to push the barge into the harbor.

 

Entering the harbor

Approaching the dock

Made it to the dock.. Welcome home, Wendy Anne!

 

 

Bud Martin Leaving on the Last Trip for Fuel

Bob Tidmore caught this picture of Bud Martin heading out for possibly the last trip of the season for fuel. As the USCG Alder was working yesterday, Bud said, "I'd like to make one more trip before the end of the season." Here he is heading out.

Frank Solle got a few more pictures to show the work necessary to get the Shamrock and the fuel barge out into the big lake. Thanks, Frank, for your photos.

Busting out from the dock

 

Hannahville Versus Beaver Island Basketball

from December 6 and 7, 2013

Video may be viewed HERE

Santa’s Package

Driving home tonight from a meeting up north, I saw some kids sledding on a hill just before dark. It made me think about how much I loved to sled and as a kid and build huge snow forts. My thoughts drifted to Christmas and how my mom enjoyed the slower pace and tranquility that a winter on the Island had to offer. All the fishing was done, fishing nets put away, the freezer stocked with food, and canning finished. Mom put wood in the stove and stood next to the heat, looking out at the harbor. She would talk, smile, relax, and then pull out a puzzle or some playing cards. It was her time to slow down and recharge.

For many years, she received a gift from “Santa” at her door. “Santa” arrived on Christmas during the night, leaving a small gift and a note. Every Christmas morning when she woke, she would go look for it, and I still recall her joy and amazement in opening the door to see that someone had thought of her again. Year after year, she treasured those gifts and that small simple act of kindness; the mysterious gift made her feel special and loved, even from afar.

The next day she would go back to baking bread, cooking, putting wood in the stove-- but she would work on her puzzle and go about her day feeling a bit more appreciated, and smiling as she wondered who “Santa” could be. It made her feel more special than she already was.

This year, I hope to pass that kindness along, and try to be someone who creates in others the same feeling that “Santa” created in my mom. I think it be great if we all left one small gift of kindness on a door to help someone feel special? I am thankful to have witnessed that and will to give it a try. It helped my mom feel unique. So, this year, maybe you can drop a small gift or note for someone who is “special” in your eyes…as my mom was to “Santa”. The act of giving, especially in pure kindness or altruism, can award us with the same amount of exhilaration as the kids I saw sledding, blissfully, joyfully, down a snowy winter hill tonight. Maybe “Santa” is really in all of us...

by Paul Cole

Sunday Christmas Cantata

The Sunday, December 8, 2013, performances of the Cantata began a 3 p.m. Traditionally, the Sunday performances are played and sung to a full house. Over a hundred people attended this performance in the Beaver Island Christian Church including the Beaver Island Lighthouse School students and staff, which filled one-third of the seats of the church. One of the Lighthouse students was to perform in the Cantata today.

Judi Meister on piano and Joe Moore on violin played "O Holy Night," as the traditional beginning of the Cantata. They were followed by Sheri Timsak, vocalist, and Mike Scripps on piano, as Sheri sang "Ordinary Baby."

The Beaver Island Community School String Ensemble led by Sheri Richards performed We Three Kings, Away in a Manger, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, The First Noel, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

A Beaver Island Lighthouse School student named Kyla was joined by Mike Scripps and some of the Cantata Choir as she sang O Holy Night. This young lady, although she began by being very nervous, continued the song with a clear, beautiful voice.

Then, Mike Scripps brought up the children's choir to sing. First up was Jadyn Johnson who sang Away in a Manger to rousing applauxe. What a terrifically clear voice!

The Children's Choir joined Jadyn and Mike Scripps to sing Silent Night, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. The children also used the chimes with Mike on the keyboard. Then Mike used the sound equipment combined with the chimes and his voice.

As the stage was cleared, Judi Meister and Kathy Speck led the audience in singing Christmas Carols in preparation for the Cantata Choir. The members of the Cantata Choir then walked in to fill the steps at the front of the Beaver Island Christian Church. The Cantata Choir with Director Kathy Speck consists of:

The choir thanks Kathy Speck for all her work including directing, challenging, inspiring, and writing as well as choosing this challenging Cantata.

The writing referred to above was placed on the back of the program. It is retyped here. Thanks to all who took time out of their busy lives to join us today for a very special Christmas program. We guarantee you will feel the Spirit of Christmas when you leave here today! Thanks to the Christian Church once again for all of their support over the years and others who contributed to our music fund to keep this beautiful tradition going. As always, many, many thanks to Judi Meister, Mike and Shelly Scripps for all that they do, and especially Mike who has put in a lot of time working with individual singers in the choir and organizing the kids' choir. Thanks to Bob Bass and crew--Larry Dawson, Ralph Williamson, Jewell Gillespie-Cushman, and Ron and Jordan Marsh for all their technical help. We especially thank Joe Moore for live-streaming our programs both today and tomorrow so family and friends who are not with us can enjoy this wonderful program, too. And last, but certainly not least, thanks to all of Cantata Choir members for their commitment and effort over the last few months and for putting up with me!

The last paragraph recognized those locals on active duty in our military. You will notice one common word throughout the choir's performance of this year's Cantata--"Peace"- this is what we are striving for in our world these days. With this is mind, I am dedicating this year's Cantata to some of the young people in our Island family who are currently on active duty in the military. My niece, Julie Sommer (daughter of Nancy and Roger Sommer) who is in the Navy and serving on the USS Milius stationed in San Diego, CA, and preparing to go out to sea next year. Jenna Butler (daughter of Nancy and Darrell Butler) who is in the Navy and currently training in San Diego, serving on the USS Cole, and will soon be going back to duty in Norfolk, VA. Hannah Connor (daughter of Heidi Vigil and Jeff Connor) who is in the Air Force currently stationed in Texas, but leaving soon for duty at a hospital in Yukado, Japan. Chris Shockey (son of Andy and Bill Kohls) who is in the Marines currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, and leaving soon for rifle training at Fort Leonarwood, MO. We wish the very best for them and pray for their safe-keeping.

The program ended with this exhortation:

Peace and Christmas Blessings to All of You,

Kathy

Video of the program until a glitch ended the recording can be viewed HERE

The Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association (BICAA) announced the opening of their 2014 Community Arts Mini-Grant cycle. This is at least the eighth time BICAA has made Mini Grants available to local individuals and organizations. Over the last decade BICAA’s Community Arts Mini-Grant program has awarded almost $10,000 in grant funds in support of Island cultural initiatives.

Effective December 1, 2013 individuals or organizations may apply for a grant to support arts or culture-related projects within the Beaver Island community. The grant application is available from the Baroque on Beaver website:http://www.baroqueonbeaver.org or by phoning the BI Cultural Arts Association: (231) 448-2149.

Grant applications must be post marked by January 15, 2014. All projects receiving grant money need to be complete by December 31, 2014.

In 2014 BICAA has set aside $1000 to fund projects which will directly benefit the Island and residents of St. James and Peaine Townships.

During BICAA’s formative years proceeds from the annual Baroque on Beaver Festival funded the Community School's instrumental music program, MAD camp scholarships, Instrument Petting Zoo and other cultural enrichment opportunities for children and families. In more recent years the Community Arts Mini-Grant initiative has focused on supporting various locally based proposals, including a Recorder Group, BI’s Community Players, and Comedy Club, as well as many other programs that assist local groups to bring all forms of the arts to a wide and diverse audience.

Application............................Instructions