You can see Beaver Island and it small light profile in this picture. Click the picture to enlarge.

• Buy a wildlife habitat license plate .
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• Support local or national conservation groups.

Winter Storms Hits Beaver Island

The morning of Friday, December 21, 2012, the island awoke to some really sagging branches weighed down by the snow that stuck to all the branches. Some of these branches will no longer be attached to the trees after the wind begins blowing. These pictures were taken at 8 a.m. Friday.

If you are living on Beaver Island, then this is obviously not news to you. All you have to do is step outside and look around. For those that are not on Beaver Island or in the northern part of Michigan, Beaver Island is getting nailed by the big storm forecast for the last few days. Here are a few pictures that were taken just before dark on Thursday, December 20, 2012. The snow is heavy and we have gotten quite a bit more snow since it got too dark to take pictures. The television signal to dish shaped receivers is interrupted by the snow covering the receiver elements on the dish. The power had been blinking on and off, but, for the most part, the island still has power. The snow is coming down so hard at 7:30 p.m. that 10 mph was the fastest, safest speed to get whereever you thought it was necessary to go in this storm.

Just outside 26450 West Carlisle Road

Bushes along Kings Highway

A look across the harbor from the Post Office hill. Just barely, you can see the point through the snow.

Beach grass at Jon Bonadeo's harbor property.

Kings Highway near the curves. Not the bent down branches on the sides of the roadway.

URGENT NEWS RELEASE--Please release ASAP

Due to the wintery weather systems moving through the area, driving conditions are being affected all over.

Sheriff Don Schneider, Charlevoix County, wants to remind citizens to slow down, be safe and cautious when driving. And when coming upon an accident scene, please slow down and take extra care around emergency personnel who are responding to the scene.

Thank you and safe travels!

Cole Family Fundraiser

Due to the weather system coming in, the Rose and Brian Cole fundraiser was moved up one day to Wednesday, December 19, 2012, from 5-7 p.m.

Very entertaining night was had by all who attended the Cole family fundraiser put on by the Beaver Island Community School. Lady Islanders versus Lady Islander Oldies and Islanders versus Older Islanders were the two basketball games put on for this fundraiser and the entertainment of the attendees. In addition to the two basketball games, the youngers from the school sang some Christmas songs, the same ones that were sung for the caroling trip. These were sung between the games. It was really fun to watch some of the grown-up former Islanders and Lady Islanders play sports again.

Video Highlights of the Two Basketball Games

Chili of just about every taste was present to fill your belly along with plenty of breads. Water and baked goods were also available at the Bake Sale. A good time was had by all! Here are a few pictures of the basketball games, the center of the event.

The Lady Islanders faced former Lady Islanders and one special guest.

This was one close game with some serious competition.

Some sibling rivalry was also present in this game.

Advantage older Islanders...would it stand up?

Olivia shoots a foul shot after lots of contact

BICS principal/superintendent scores a half ending layup.

Battling siblings and all playing hard.

Shot after shot, but some didn't fall....others did

Olivia was called for a foul on this shot....

What a close game!! Lady Islanders win by one!

The caroling took place between the ladies' and men's games. It was time for several to head into the high school commons to eat some chili and talk about the game just watched. There was a ten minute break which stretched into fifteen plus.

From the tip-off, the olders were taller and stronger and very competitive.

Short jumpers by Cameron and Bryan with a foul at the other end of the court.

The Islanders were having difficulty getting the shots to fall through the hoop.

A competitive game with the olders having the lead

Who's who in the battle of the tallers versus the Islanders?

Some of the players were on fire with lots of shots falling....others not so much

Hard played and still in the mix, but the final score was not the reason for the game

Something tells us that this was not the real final score....who cares?

The winners were all those who attended this well organized fundraising event for the Brian and Rose Cole family, and the players were all winners for participating no matter what the outcome. Thank you for an entertaining two hours.

After School Caroling

Some of the students and staff of the Beaver Island Community School had decided that the Holiday Program should go on the road, so several cars loaded with students and staff made a trip to special locations to sing Christmas carols and songs to several homebound adults. The very first stop was to Helen Pike's home to sing for the oldest Islander currently on the island. Helen said, "I have spent the last 96 Christmases on Beaver Island."

The trip down the Kings Highway to the end of pavement and slightly beyond was in order next to sing for Steve "Gus" Connaghan. There were quite a few carolers and several songs were sung at each location.

The next stop was to Mary Minor's house, now occupied by Rose Spershot, Sue Avery's mom. Rose had a couple of visitors besides the carolers.

Mike Myers was the carol leader/conductor.

Next stop was at the home of Lil Gregg. She got a little chilly and Deb LaFreniere went in the house to get her a wrap.

The weather was really interesting with spitting snow. This picture had sunshine shining on Whiskey Point with snow between the Post Office and the point.

The next two stops were at the Cruickshanks and Emma Jean Belfy

Aunt Skip McDonough was also on the route. Skip was very moved by the singing.

Then a quick walk over to Dorothy Willis's home and Lawrence McDonough's.

Then on to the last stop of the carolers, the Senior Housing complex, Forestview Apartments.

And as the carolers were to have some hot chocolate at this location, the reporter headed out.

This is a wonderful tradition that had gone by the wayside for the last couple of years. It was reconstructed with the help of the BICS staff to be a repeat tradition that has successfully been resurrected.

Great idea, BICS! Very successful and fun to sing along with familiar carols and songs!

Two and a half hours of caroling shortened to a ten minute video

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(BINN is responsible for the entire content of this video including the text titles. BICS is not responsible for this content.) 

Waste ManagementCommittee Meeting of December 18, 2012

The meeting that wasn't a meeting--no quorum present.

There were three members present including Paul and Angel Welke and Jean Wierenga. There was no quorum, so the meeting could not take place. The next meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2013, at 9 a.m. This makes two months in a row that the meeting has not taken place. Also present at this canceled meeting were the manager Don Welke and Transfer Station employee Amy Burris.

Former BICS Student Active in Veteran's Rights

Signe Thomas is active in an organization at Florida State University (FSU). This short text article was written by Signe:

In this photo are some amazing Veterans that I've had the privilege to get to know. Such as: Colonel Francis, Quyet Dang, Ryan Taylor, Austin Capers, and even our very own Governor, Gov. Rick Scott (a Navy Vet). Here he is signing HB 45 and HB 347 into law.

It was an honor to witness Governor Scott signing HB 45 and HB 347 into law. HB 45 allows Veterans to receive priority course registration at universities that offer priority registration for other groups. For example, if a university offers priority course registration for athletes, honors students, or seniors, then student Veterans will now also receive access to priority registration as well.

HB 347 allows Veterans to earn college credit for college-level training and education attained in the military. The contents of both these bills were already in effect at FSU as of this past Spring, and now as of the bill signing this summer they are now implemented in universities statewide.

I believe doing our part to make our state's university system become more “Vet friendly,” and is the least we can do since our service men and women in the Armed Forces represent the best-of-the-best that our nation has to offer, and it is an honor that I've been able to actively assist such efforts through Thank A Soldier Organization of FSU .

Two Weeks with a Chevy Volt

Two weeks ago, this 2013 Chevy Volt came off the Emerald Isle ferry on the Beaver Island side of the lake. This vehicle is an electric vehicle that will go approximately 40 miles on one charge of the battery. The vehicle has a gas engine that functions as a generator. The generator will come on to give the system a boost in power when you use the remote start feature to warm up the car. With a full tank of gas, the blue-gray Chevy Volt will run a total of 380 miles. The car has some pretty powerful torque when starting at a slow speed and accelerating. The vehicle will hit 70 miles per hour quite quickly and easily. Although it is a plug-in electric and will charge fully in ten hours using a regular 120 V outlet, the use of the vehicle on Beaver Island was the purpose, and major distances were not part of the reason for the vehicle to be leased, so there is probably not a time when it will take the full ten hours to charge the vehicle.

Will a full-size electric car last, and will it be practical for Beaver Island driving? This is the question that will be determined over the course of the next four or five months as it is tested in the cold weather of winter on Beaver Island. The vehicle, when running on the battery, gets about 93 miles per gallon when the electric company is the method of charging the vehicle. When running on gasoline, the vehicle will get 37 miles per gallon. There were also some great tax credits available if the vehicle was purchased or leased in 2012.

When asked about the Chevy Volt's cost, lessee Joe Moore said, "Other island people own boats, snow machines, motorcycles, and personal watercraft. I don't have any of these. I have already owned two electric mopeds and have used them to get around the island. The mopeds would get me out to the township airport and back on one charge, but I wanted to get a car that would go as fast as my gasoline powered car and still save me money on gas. That's the reason I didn't buy a GEM. I wanted to be able to respond to emergencies going down the island, and a GEM or another smaller vehicle would not have allowed that. I have a full-sized car that just happens to run on electicity with the whole drive train using the electric motor to operate it. It has a back-up video camera and back-up alarms. I wanted to see just how well it would function on Beaver Island in the snow."

What about other electrics? Joe said, "I've researched several vehicles including the Toyota Prius, Nissan, Ford, and many other electrics. The Chevy Volt is assembled in the USA with half the parts being made in the USA. The Chevy Volt provided the most options that fit my plans of use. The vehicle looks like a regular car and doesn't stand out as an electric. The only other vehicle that matched my usage was a BMW electric, and that vehicle was way beyond my price range even for a lease. The Volt also has an eight year warranty on the batteries, so a 39-month lease isn't going to require my purchase of a new set of batteries. The only issue so far is the opportunity to drive the Volt."

Several Subscriptions Expire in January

Several family and business subscriptions expire in January 2013. This is a reminder to those that wish to renew online. If you do renew online using a credit or debit card, and the Paypal SUBSCRIBE button, BINN will automatically make a donation of $10 in your name to the Beaver Island Food Pantry. If you are not sure when your subscription expires, please email the editor at medic5740@gmail.com, and your subscription expiration will be included in a return email.

SUBSCRIBE or Renew

Candle Light Vigil at Public Beach

This vigil was held for the children and adults who were killed in the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting spree at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. It took place at 5 p.m. tonight, December 16, 2012. The vigil began with Father James leading a chorus of Amazing Grace. This was followed by Robert Cole saying a few words. Then Father James said a few words. The vigil service ended with Father James leading the group in Silent Night and his suggestion that everyone provide each other the Sign of Peace. The following video contains some of the singing and the heart made of candles.

Video of the Vigil

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Flags Placed at Half-Mast

Video of flags being placed at half-mast in memory of the Newtown Shooting Victims

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As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on December 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, December 18, 2012. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

The sadness of the Newtown, Connecticut, area and the Sandy Hook Elementary School can not be fully understood by those who are so far away, but the news provides us all with a real chance to express our sadness from afar. The flags at the Veteran's Memorial are at half-staff to express this sadness at the loss of twelve young girls and eight young boys, and six of the adults responsible for them. The sky today seems to be weeping also for this foggy, misting, dripping day reminds us that everything in life is not sunshine. If you have a special message you wish to send, please use the link above for the BI News Forum.

Webcam at Welke Airport

Santa Visits the Gregg Fellowship Center

Today, December 25, 2012, Santa Claus visited the Gregg Fellowship Center at an event sponsored by the AMVETs Lady Auxiliary. The Hot Dog lunch was in competition with the craft projects while the children waited for Santa. Frank Solle had set up his camera and equipment to get pictures of all the children as Santa and Mrs. Claus came to here the gift requests from each child.

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Frank setting up his equipment and getting his helpers in place

There were craft projects on the tables, reindeer antlers and decorations

Lots of friendly folk, friends and relatives, adults and babies

Some were eating, some were crafting, and all were busy waiting for Santa

Stuffed Santa and Mrs. Claus.....Now we're awake............. It must be time for Santa

Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus ready to hear the Christmas Wishes of all the children

Some special gifts were asked of Santa and Mrs. Claus by many young children and each child walked away with one small gift.

Video of Crafts, Lunch, and Santa's Visit

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Santa Paws at Powers' Hardware

 

Gadget and Gizmo with Santa

Video of Santa Paws

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Thank You from Beaver Island Christian Church Women's Circle

Thank you to all the volunteers who took time out of there busy days to help mix, roll and bake cookies for the carnival. We also had people who baked cookies at home and brought in to sell. We had a good variety of cookies to choose from. One of the old favorites was Dawson's homemade candies and of course Phil Gregg's Peanut Brittle. We had a good turn out. Of those who bought, hope you enjoy the cookies and candies.

A Blessed Holiday to all.

Sincerely,

Jean Carpenter Women's Circle President.

Airport Commission Schedules Two Meetings

These two meetings have been scheduled by the Beaver Island Airport Commission. The purpose of the meetings are to disucss the goals and objectives of the design of the BI Airport Terminal. Both meetings take place at St. James Township Hall. One is at 10 a.m. The second meeting is at 1 p.m. for public input into the design process.

Transportation Authority Schedules Special Meeting

The Beaver Island Transportation Authority has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at noon at the BITA building. Although additions may be made to the agenda, the purpose of this meeting is to discuss fares for the 2013 season.

From Stoney Acres

12-21-12 ...5-? at Stoney...this Friday!
MAYAN
SOLSTICE
PIG ROAST
TOGA
TRASHCAN
RED SOLO CUP
PARTY!
Music Too!
ALL YOU CAN EAT PIG ROAST BUFFET 5-8:30 $12.21...'tis the price & the date (buffet only-no menu)
...no you don't have to wear a TOGA ...but, it'd be FUN!

Peaine Township Meeting 12/12/12

Watch the video of the meeting HERE

Meet Bill Haggard, New St. James Township Supervisor

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From Beaver Island Community School

Beaver Island superintendent/principal search narrowed to 4 candidates

The Beaver Island Community School Board of Education members narrowed the field of candidates for superintendent/principal to four at a special board meeting last week.

The four candidates selected for interviews are all from Michigan . The candidates and their interview schedule are:

•  Jennifer Verleger, Principal at Mt. Pleasant High School, Mt. Pleasant, 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 8

•  Riley Justis, Curriculum and Technology Administrator at Hope Academy Schools, Detroit , 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 8

•  Melanie Allen, Multi-Tier Systems of Support Transition Coordinator at Holt Schools, Holt, 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 9

•  Greg Paxton, Superintendent at Beaverton Schools, Beaverton , 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 9

All interviews are open to the public and will be held in classroom 115. School Board President Jessica Anderson said the board encourages the community to attend the public interview process. If time permits, public questions may be entertained.

"We were very pleased with the caliber of candidates who applied," Anderson said, adding it was a difficult process to narrow down the number of candidates selected for interviews. "I want to thank each candidate for giving us the opportunity to review their applications," she added.

A total of 20 candidates applied for the administrative position, which is being vacated at the end of the school year by Kathleen (Kitty) McNamara who had been superintendent for more than 24 years.

With assistance from Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District , which is coordinating the search, a brochure for the position was mailed to all 523 school districts in the state, and advertisements were on state and national websites.

Forums were held with school staff and the community to gather input on qualities the community is seeking in their superintendent. Comments ranged from good communication skills to someone who will interface easily with students, parents, and the community.

Tentatively, the school board has set second interviews for the week of January 14 with the hopes to have the new superintendent begin in mid-June 2013.

Architect Selected for Terminal Project

Architects were interviewed by the Beaver Island Airport Commission and Kendra C. Thompson Architects (KTA); P.C. was selected for the terminal project.

The firm has been in existence for over 22 years and is located in Manistee, with collaborating professional firms in northern Michigan. KTA provided the architectural and engineering services for the development of a new terminal building at the Manistee County Blacker Airport. They worked with Mead & Hunt (Beaver Island 's Airport planners) during that project.

KTA is also focused on the need to design within the budget, the relatively short time span to completion, to capture the essence of the Island community in the design, and the need to consider energy efficient systems and material for maximum impact on the operational costs of the terminal.

Public input on design ideas for the new terminal will be sought during special meetings on that topic. Please watch for postings.

NRESC Meeting Canceled

The Saturday 12/15/2012 NRESC planning meeting is canceled due to lack of a quorum.

Red Sky

(photo by Bob Tidmore)

Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning

A reddish sunrise , caused by particles suspended in the air, often foreshadows an approaching storm , which will be arriving from the West, within the day. Conversely, a reddish sunset often indicates that a storm system is on the west side (same side as the sunset), travelling away from the viewer. A similar movement is noted all around the world, in both the northern and southern hemisphere. (From Wikipedia)

Beautiful photo, Bob, thanks for sharing it!

Another Scam

Sheriff W.D. Schneider would like to warn citizens of the latest scam circulating. You may receive text message on your cell phone stating in response to an entry into a drawing at one of many stores; i.e.; Target, Walmart, Bestbuy, etc. To claim your prize it states you need to go to a web site and enter the enclosed PIN number in the text message within 24 hours. Upon investigating, after you enter the PIN number you are either directed to another web page or sent another text message requesting you to complete some contact information, i.e.; full name, address and birthday. It is at this point the scam starts as the people behind the scam collect this personal information and use it to gain access to other accounts. This is a nationwide scam that has been reported numerous times to the Better Business bureau and FBI. Sheriff advises not to respond to the messages and delete them.

Jig Saw Puzzle Project

This winter, Max Antinori and Laurel Kayne, along with their daughter, Ruby, are spending the season on the island and living out at Donegal Bay. Ruby attends the Beaver Island Community School and has been involved in many of the after-school programs along with the strings group. Max is always working away on his computer. Laurel's great love is jigsaw puzzles, however, they don't own a large enough table to put her newest puzzle together. Laurel asked if the library would allow her to use one of the tables for this project and that any incoming patron was more than welcome to help put it together.

"It" was a 3,000 piece Ravensburger puzzle. Starting at the end of September, the puzzle was completed this past week and it's beautiful. It was a great project for folks to work on. We have to wonder though, what's next...a 4,000 piece or even larger?

Cookie Carnival Thursday

Cookie Carnival was this week, Thursday, December 13, 2012, at the Gregg Fellowship Center. Doors were open---- noon until 4PM. There were lots and lots of different types of cookies.

Some customers looking for just the right cookies

Here are some examples:

The BINN editor got to the Cookie Carnival at 1:30 pm to find that a large number of cookies had already been sold. Next year, BINN editor Joe Moore will get there much earlier.

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Northern Lights League Awards Captain's and First Team's Members

Olivia Cary #13 was voted by all the coaches of the Northern Lights League as the Captain and the Player of the year of the 1st team in the league.

Interview of Olivia Cary at her home about her award

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Olivia Cary in action on the volleyball court. (Photos by Frank Solle)

Jewell and McCauley make first team for soccer from Beaver Island. Madie Martin makes first team for volleyball joining Olivia Cary.

McCaulley, Michael, Alex, Jewell, Olivia, Madie, and Marissa

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Beaver Island 2012 Christmas Cantata Live Streamed Saturday and Sunday

The Beaver Island Christian Church again hosted the Beaver Island Community Choir, under the direction of Kathy Speck, the 2012 Christmas Cantata. This year's cantata was titled, "Silent Night! Holy Night! A Christmas Celebration" created by Russell Mauldin and Sue C. Smith, and arranged and orchestrated by Russell Mauldin.

The excellent narrator was Pinky Harmon. (photo by Phyllis)

On Saturday, over fifty people attended the Cantata in person, but an additional 60 unique IP addresses watched the Cantata at http://beaverisland.tv. . They are identified by IPs since there is no way to know how many people were watching at each unique IP address. On Sunday, approximately 80 people attended the Cantata in person. An additional 52 unique IP addresses accessed the performance online. This makes a total of 112 unique IP addresses that watched the Christmas Cantata on the Internet.

Joe poses next to the video equipment (photo by Phyllis)

In order to accomplish the live streaming, there were many that contributed to make it possible. Thanks from the Beaver Island Live Streaming Project go to Danielle Dedloff, video camera and computer operator; Rick and Kathy Speck, power and Internet access; Beaver Island Christian Church, location to set up equipment; and Phyllis Moore, photos. Without all these helpers, the live streaming would not have been able to take place on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm.

Danielle working the computers and cameras (photo by Phyllis)

The 12th Annual Christmas Cantata began with Kathy Speck welcoming everyone for their attendance.

Mike Scripps then sang "Mary, Did You Know."

Mike then accompanied the female trio consisting of Marianne Weaver, Sheri Timsak, and Kathy Speck singing "O Night Divine."

Saturday's Video of those above: Welcome, Mike Scripps, and female trio

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The Suzuki String Quartet made up of three students, Ruby Antinori, Elisha Richards, and Simeon Richard, with their teacher, Sheri Richards, playing cello, performed "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "The First Noel," "We Three Kings," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

Saturday's Video of the Suzuki Quartet

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On Sunday the Lighthouse School Singers; Morgan Baynton, Vic Grabowski, Phil Engleman, Nathan Moyer, Justin Williams, Melanie Bishaw, and David Carpenter; performed "We Three Kings" and "Angels We Have Heard on High." They were accompanied by Mike Scripps on keyboard.

Sheri Timsak sang "Ordinary Baby" accompanied by Mike Scripps on the piano

Video of Sheri Timsak's Solo

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It was then time for the Cantata Choir to enter and begin singing the cantata. The Sopranos were Mary Ellen Dawson, Shelly Scripps, Marie Shimenetto, Kathy Tidmore, Sheri Timsak, Marianne Weaver, and Elaine West. The Altos were Peg Hoogendoorn, Diane McDonough, Judi Meister, Jean Wierenga, and Jenna Wilk. The Tenors were Susie Fisher, Bob Hoogendoorn, Joe Moore, and Deb Plastrik. The Basses were Bob Bass, Phil Becker, Larry Hall, Harold Kruse, Mike Scripps, and Tom Whitman. The Cantata Choir, in its twelveth performance, was directed by Kathy Speck, the director for all twelve Christmas Cantatas..

Sheri Timsak sang a beautiful solo in the Cantata (photo by Phyllis)

(photo by Phyllis)

Saturday's Video of the Cantata Choir

Interesting Media Event from UpNorth Live

In this program host Bill Froehlich, WTCM news radio is joined by Peter Payette, News Director for Interlochen Public Radio and Jeremy McBain, Executive Editor Petoskey News Review. Produced by Froehlich, B.

HERE

A Tribute to John Paul Kenwabikise

by Patrick Nugent

I was at Johnny's one autumn afternoon, and we happened to be watching the Weather Channel --what a surprise! And the meteorologist commented, "The northeast is enjoying a splendid Native American Summer today." And Johnny exclaimed with fire in his eyes, "Did you hear what she said? It's not Native American Summer, it's called Indian Summer! It seems that everything good that we have, they try to take away from us." And for that reason, when I use the word "Indian", I am using it with the utmost of respect. I know for a fact that Johnny was proud to be called an Indian.

For the next few minutes or so, I've got a few Indian stories to tell that will honor my best friend, Johnny Paul Kenwabikise. But for these stories to have their deepest meaning, I must first tell you about two important background things. First, I must tell you a little bit about me. And secondly, I must tell you what I have learned about Johnny's Indian stories.

So, for me: I was born in the cowboys & Indians generation. You know...Jim Bowie, Davie Crocket and Daniel Boone. But wait! For me, that was the Walt Disney generation of Alan Ladd, Fess Parker and James Arness! But think about it for a minute, these pioneers could leave home with their horse and their musket. They would travel for days and be completely self-sufficient as they headed west. But as soon as they reached the Mississippi River, they needed a scout --they needed an Indian. I was always fascinated by these Indians who were portrayed as a cut above the pioneers who could seemingly do things that white people could not do. If that was my childhood introduction, my later years firmed my belief that the Indians care for the Spirit of the land. And for this reason, I have always had a deep respect for Indians.

The second important background piece is to know that an Indian story from Johnny is not necessarily factual. For example last summer, Simon and the kids were visiting for a week or so. One day, sitting around his table, Johnny commented, "Last Summer was beautiful every day." He pointed to me and said, "Every Sunday, I drove around the Island with Nugent. We stopped along the way, drank some beers, and pulled into friends' houses." In reality however, Johnny and I drove around the Island only twice that summer and certainly not every Sunday. But the spirit of his story is that for the time spent, it was as good as it gets. I learned to listen to the spirit of Johnny's stories.

I will freely admit that initially, I was a bit fearful for what I was getting into. Although I was genuinely attracted to this great man who cared for the Spirit of the land, I was afraid that it would challenge my own Faith. However, that changed one day. I flew with Johnny to the Emergency Room in Petoskey due to his severe pneumonia, and helped him check in. When asked his religion, he said, "Roman Catholic." And when asked if he wanted to be visited by a priest, he responded, "Oh yes! Father Pat will be here every day to give my Holy Communion." From that point on, I realized that the things that I would learn from Johnny would only deepen my own Catholic Faith.

Johnny had a pretty good sense of the Kenny Rogers song, "Know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold." He talked about the tense days in the mid-80's when the Indians were given exclusive fishing rights. He would recall pulling nets and boxing the whitefish and heading to the mainland. As they left their boat with the catch, they all had carbine rifles strapped to their backs as they walked through town. He said, "Nobody ever bothered us when we carried our rifles." Johnny stood firm to protect his livelihood.

Another time, I was sitting in the Shamrock with Johnny and sipping a beer. He commented, "I wonder why they took out the Indian Room?" I asked him, "What the heck is the Indian Room?" He walked me around the Shamrock and we looked at old pictures on the wall until he found one with the Indian Room. It was essentially a lean-to shack built off of one of the walls. In reality, it was an ugly remembrance of the time when we thought segregation was the proper way to deal with Indians. Johnny said that it was great! He knew that whenever he went there that he would be surrounded by his friends and family. If the Shamrock were packed with summer people or hunters, he said that he knew he would always have his seat in the Indian room. I was humbled and embarrassed to hear of this story. However the true spirit of this story is that when you are handed lemons, why not make some lemonade and enjoy life to the fullest?

Wendy's death was hard on Johnny. I never met Wendy, but he always spoke of her as if she were still his little baby girl. When she was sick, he recalled that he would go with her to Grand Rapids every weekend for her cancer treatments. He would recall, "We would pack sandwiches and take smoked fish and coolers of beer and go to Grand Rapids in the van. We told stories all the way there and back. When she was having her treatments, sometimes we would stay in the van all night and tell more stories until she was ready to come back home. We did this every weekend."

Johnny spoke many times of John, Kenny & Dennis and the terrible days surrounding their death. No story was ever the same. Sometimes, he recalled waiting for three days looking out the window of the Shamrock. Sometimes, he was out on the water for three days with friends looking for them. And sometimes he was simply waiting at home for them to walk in the door. Details were always scrambled. I soon realized that the spirit of these stories combined to tell me of the disaster that struck his life on the day when his family lost 3 sons. It was as if an explosion went off, and Johnny was still picking up pieces. I was sitting on the hill behind the fire station one time as Johnny talked about that fateful day. I asked him, "Aren't you angry with God?" Johnny responded with a firm and emphatic, "No! How could I ever be angry with God? Look how good He has been to me." Tears welled in my eyes as he began to explain.

He picked up a tiny ant racing across the front of his scooter. He asked me, "Do you think this ant knows what time it is?" He said that the ant has no concept of time, but it simply does the best it can all day long --and lives its life to the fullest in the process. He said that people are the only ones that deal with time. He told me, "God doesn't even deal with time." He told me that when he dies that he would be reunited with his sons, daughter, brothers & sisters, and mom and dad-- just as if nothing happened. He told me, "When you are in Heaven with God and with your family, you will look back on this life only as a blink. When I get to Heaven, my kids won't even realize that I was gone!"

And this, my friends, is the most profound Act of Faith that I ever heard in my life. By the way-- he returned the ant to his scooter when he finished explaining.

Johnny confirmed this same Act of Faith when he spoke of Jessie. He had just dropped off the fish boxes in Charlevoix, and had cash in his pocket. He walked into the Villager, and ran into Eddie Maudrie and Jessie. After a few beers and a few stories, he parted, and Johnny told me: "I said to Jessie, ‘Catch you later!' And that was the last time I saw him. But without time, Jessie knows that he will see me in just a few minutes. And I will see him, too."

Most of Johnny's stories were fun times. He spoke of caring for horses for Warren Townsed when he was 14-years old and spent the time as the only one on High Island through two long winters. He spoke of the great times when Hermie fixed breakfast every day for every kid on the Island before they went to school. He told (several times) of stories of fishing with Jimmy and turning dozens of boxes of whitefish into cash. They would leave Charlevoix in late afternoon, and tie off the wheel of the Sunny Don and drink beer all day until they finally fell asleep. They would all wake up when the boat beached itself somewhere on Sand Bay in the early morning hours. He loved those times, and I feel so privileged to hear of them.

Johnny is salt. Salt is mentioned many times in Holy Scripture. St. Matthew's Gospel refers to the "salt of the earth". And Johnny, as an Indian, cares for the Spirit of the land. All of us recognize salt. The salt-shaker is always on the table. It gets spilled & knocked over. Possibly falls on the floor, and gets kicked around. But when the time comes, and we want to use the salt, we take it for granted and grab it. For you see, salt is this simple substance. And when salt is used in the proper proportion, it brings out the best of everything that it touches – without calling attention to itself. Johnny was my salt.

It has been almost 75-years now since Johnny was born on High Island. Paul & Isabel baptized him John Paul. And they also gave him his Chippewa name --Nangoshe, meaning Little Star.

I can imagine the party in Heaven right now. There's a bonfire, fireworks, and of course great food and a few warm cans of Bush beer. As Johnny casually walks in, he is greeted, "Boozhoo, Nangoshe! Aniish na?" or "Greetings, Little Star! How are you?"

Today, we say, "Goodbye, Johnny!"
"Boozhoo, Nangoshe.........Ani"
"Farewell, Little Star."

And with Faith we say, "We'll catch you later..........Ani"

Patrick Nugent

John Paul Kenwabikise Passes Away

John Paul Kenwabikise, 74, of Beaver Island and Charlevoix, died Wednesday, December 5, 2012, in Charlevoix. Visitation will be 5-8:00 pm, Saturday, December 8, at the Winchester Funeral Home in Charlevoix, and on Monday, December 10, at the Holy Cross Catholic Church on Beaver Island. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 11, at the Holy Cross Church followed by burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. The Reverend Joseph Blasko will officiate.

John was born July 6, 1938, on High Island to Paul David and Isabelle (Shabageshikoqua) Kenwabikise. He worked as a commercial fisherman, and with the exception of living on High Island for a short time taking care of free-range horses, and the time he stayed in Charlevoix, lived on Beaver Island his entire life. He was also an accomplished carpenter, plumber, welder and mechanic.

He was a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and he attended Holy Cross Church on Beaver Island.

John is survived by his children, Erick (Ardis) Kenwabikise of Cheboygan, Simon Kenwabikise of Alanson, Rose Kenwabikise, Katheryn (Lee Fisher) Kenwabikise all of Petoskey, Patrick Kenwabikise of Empire; nineteen grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Caroline (Orville) Ramey of Benzonia, Nancy (Denny) Harris, Leonard (Peggy) Kenwabikise all of South Haven, Pauline (George) Anthony of Traverse City, Sarah (Jack) Bray of Pulman, Joey Kenwabikise, Diane (Steve Sonic) Smith, James (Barbara) Kenwabikise all of Charlevoix, Mary Kenwabikise-Haplin of Beaver Island. John was preceded in death by his sons, John, Kenny, Dennis, and Jesse and daughter, Wendy; his sisters Margaret and Doris, and brothers, Steve and Robbie.

Please sign John's guestbook at www.winchesterfuneralhome.com

How Low Will It Go?

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The wind covered up the audio in this video clip. There are fifty paces out to the old mooring anchors. Then the other 48 paces were walked to make a total of 98 paces horizontal distance out from the shoreline of Doug Harte'ls place. The clip looks back in toward the house from this 98 paces. Then the rest of the previous harbor bottom is paced out to the very edge of the water. It took 40 more paces to reach the edge of the water. The wind was blowing, the wind chill was very cold, and the camera could not pick up the audio. The total horizontal distance was 138 paces, or approximately 138 yards. This is over five hundred feet of horizontal distance that the harbor has gone down from this one location, Doug Hartel's shoreline.

Support Non-Game Wildlife Too

Honor a loved one this holiday season by supporting Michigan's wildlife

This holiday season, Michigan residents can honor friends or loved ones by making a donation to the Michigan Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund in their name. The recipient will be notified of the donor's generosity with a beautiful certificate and a Living Resources patch featuring one of Michigan's unique nongame species.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, a donation of $20 or more makes a world of difference for the fish and wildlife species in Michigan. These tax-deductible gifts benefit species that are endangered, threatened or considered rare in the state, helping to restore rare species populations and also to keep common species common.

Since the Michigan Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund was established in 1983, the program has had three main goals:

Peregrine falcons, trumpeter swans, piping plovers, gray wolves, Kirtland's warblers, Mitchell's satyr butterflies, lake sturgeon and common terns are just a few of the hundreds of wildlife species that have benefited from projects supported through the Michigan Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund. For more information on projects that have been supported by the fund, visit www.michigan.gov/ nongamewildlife .

The Michigan Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund supports a network of more than 100 watchable wildlife sites throughout the state. These sites provide a variety of opportunities to view some of Michigan's most popular wildlife species. The watchable wildlife program also promotes efforts that teach people how to responsibly photograph and view all forms of wildlife and plants.

Since its inception, the Michigan Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund has raised more than $9.5 million in support of critical projects for nongame species, but the fund will not continue without donations. To make a donation in someone's honor – perhaps as a holiday gift – resident can make out a check or money order to: State of Michigan, Nongame Wildlife Fund and send it, along with the person of honor's name and address, to: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 30451, Lansing, MI 48909.

To get news and information about Michigan's unique and wonderful wildlife species, sign up for the DNR's Wildlife Viewing email list – visit www.michigan.gov/wildlife and click on the red envelope.

Beaver Island Community Center and COA Activities for December 2012

St. James Supervisor Bill Haggard Announces Office Hours

Bill Haggard will continue to maintain the same office hours as the previous supervisor.

Why Were There Five Eagles in the Eagle Tree of Gull Harbor

These two cell phone photos were taken by Denise McDonough. Denise had told Phyllis Moore about these five eagles being in the tree. As Denise tried to get closer for a better close-up picture, all the eagles flew away. What were all of these eagles doing in the same tree at the same time out at Gull Harbor. Hoping to be just as successful as Denise, BINN editor Joe Moore headed out to Gull Harbor to see what he could see.

Only one eagle in the tree for Joe and that one flew off as the close-up creep took place.

Curiouser and curiouser-- there had to be a logical reason for so many eagles out at Gull Harbor. Why was this one eagle returning more than a day after Denise got her pictures? Parking and looking around might be the way to find out the answer to this question. This is what was found.

A deer carcass surrounded by the noisy seagulls provided the logical answer. Something had killed this deer, and the five eagles were there waiting for a turn. After the eagles left the area, the seagulls moved in. When the one eagle in Joe's picture took off, the shoreline was abandoned by all the seagulls making quite a ruckus followed by a return of the gulls within a few minutes. That's what directed the walk and find of the carcass.

Short Video of the Feast Location

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St. James Township Board Meeting, 12/5/12

This was the first meeting of the new Supervisor Bill Haggard. The agenda pretty much followed the same pattern as previous Supervisor Rick Speck. Bill Haggard announced his personal email address, which is: billhaggard1@gmail.com and stated that there would be an email set up for the St. James Township supervisor in the near future. Other highlights of the meeting included reappointment of Karen Wojan as Deputy Treasurer and Lori Souders as Deputy Clerk.The Deputy Supervisor appointed was Bob Tidmore. All other appointments were the same with the insertion of Bill Haggard's name to replace the previous supervisor's name.

The township board was asked to be the requestor of a grant from the Tribe for a $25,000 amount for the building of Carol's Pole Barn behind the Island Treasures Resale Shop. Donna Stambaugh stated that this project would allow them to make even more money for the "First Responders" in our community. There was some getting up to speed conversation for the supervisor from Tim McDonough, who announced a grant for the fire department for brush fire gear, and from Jim McDonough about a few issues including the Whiskey Island title, Charlevoix County Garage progress removing easement restriction, and Supervisor hours at the Governmental Building.

Video of the meeting can be viewed HERE.

CCCOA Changes Fare

CHARLEVOIX COUNTY TRANSIT NOTICE: Beginning January 1, 2013 the following change in fares will take place: Senior Fare (ages 60 and over) $0.50 per ride. Rides 15 miles and over from pick-up location to destination are double fare. For those with financial hardships, Commission on Aging will evaluate requests for fare assistance on a case-by-case basis.

"The Silent Killer," States The American Heart Association

Do you have high blood pressure? There's only one way to know, and that is to have it checked! Stop by the Beaver Island Rural Health Center for a free blood pressure check.

High blood pressure adds to your heart's workload and can damage your arteries and organs over time, according to the American Heart Association. People with high blood pressure are more likely to have a stroke, more likely to develop congestive heart failure and more likely to develop coronary heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack.

High blood pressure has no symptoms, which is why it is called the “silent killer.” High blood pressure can usually be controlled by diet, more exercise and medication.

Just call ahead to the BIRHC at 448-2275 to make sure a provider is available to take a free, quick, painless blood pressure reading. While you are at the Health Center, check on other diagnostic tests that are available to residents of the Island. Women who are ages 40 through 64 may qualify for free mammograms and Pap tests.

The BIRHC mission is to provide high-quality, low-cost health care to all on the island, regardless of ability to pay. Contact Managing Director Donna Kubic at 448-2275 for more information about our sliding fee scale. Depending on your income and family size, you may qualify for a discount of up to 75% on services provided at the Health Center.

Remember, call us at 448-2275 for a free blood pressure check.

Seniors' Meal Options

Besides the home delivered meals prepared by Dahlwhinnie, there are options currently at two restaurants, Dahlwhinnie's and the Shamrock. The menus are down below, but there are times where a picture is worth a hundred words. These pictures are not meant to depict the entire menu at either place, but just to give you an opportunity to see what some of the options look like. The editor can attest to the excellent meals that have been consumed over the last few months. The seniors, who have not participated, should seriously consider these wonderful meals. The seniors that have been participating should invite another senior to go with them.

Breakfast at Dahlwhinnie's is an excellent opportunity to sit down and socialize. The #1 breakfast at Dahlwhinnies was sampled by the editor and it received a two thumbs up, once the thumbs were done proving help to the hands in consuming this excellent meal. Here is a picture of the meal:

Eggs, hashbrowns, toast, orange juice, milk or coffee, and pears

Dahlwhinnie's is also participating in lunch. Breakfast runs from 7-10, and lunch from 11-2. The honey mustard chicken salad is another wonderful meal as is the tuna melt.

Downtown at the Shamrock Bar, there is no breakfast, but an excellent lunch is awating all seniors for a reasonable cost. These same senior menu items are available to the general public for $7.00. Here are a few pictures of the lunch items available at the Shamrock: Again, the senior lunch and dinner menu is posted below.

Soup and Salad is a wonderful combination of homemade soups and fresh salad with dressing, bread, and butter, Add coffee, tea, or iced tea as a beverage and a fruit cup and you have one excellent lunch.

This wonderful chicken salad is also available as one of the lunch or dinner items for seniors.

A hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy, cole slaw, and fruit cup along with your choice of three beverages can't be beat.

Barbeque pulled pork sandwich with mashed potatoes

Chicken wings with French fries and cole slaw

Pasta and Meatballs, very nice

Taco salad, yum, yum

So, there are plenty of Dining Out menu options and, at this time, at least two places to go for lunch. What are you seniors waiting for? Meet you for lunch?

The Shamrock is also offering these same menu choices for dinner for all seniors. The Dining Out program is part of the services offered by the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging.

Dahlwhinnie's Dining Out Menu

The CC Commission on Aging's representatives have approved the menu submitted by Dahlwhinnie's to offer seniors an additional option when deciding to dine out. The addition of a a breakfast menu to a lunch menu provides another option for Dining Out seniors. The menu was available as of Monday, October 8, 2012, and is presented below exactly as presented to BINN with only one thing added. The thing added was the word 'and' in front of the word 'milk.' The following menu items are available from 7-10 a.m.:

#1 1 egg, hashbrowns, orange juice, fruit cup, toast with butter, and milk

#2 1 egg, hashbrowns, orange juice, fruit cup, oatmeal, and milk

#4 Egg sandwich with cheese, orange juice, fruit cup, hashbrowns

#5 1 egg vegetable cheese omelet, hash browns, orange juice

The Dining Out Lunch Menus available from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. is:

#1 Fresh spinach salad with grilled chicken, red onion, honey mustard dressing, fruit, bread with butter, and milk

#2 Chili--(beef, chicken, or turkey) with tomatoes, beans, peppers, and onions, fruit cup, crackers, and milk

#3 Meat loaf, potatoes, vegetable, fruit, roll with butter, milk

#4 Open face pulled pork sandwich, vegetable, sweet potato, fruit, and milk

#5 Hot turkey or beef sandwich and potatoes with gravy, vegetable, fruit, and milk

#6 Tuna melt on wheat with cheddar, fruit, mixed vegetable

Shamrock " Senior" Menu Available to ALL!

After a discussion today, September 26, 2012, with Dana Hodgson, it is possible to replace mashed potatoes with French fries, so this makes the possibilities on the Shamrock menu a total of thirty possible combinations for food and three possibilities for drinks.

Lots of options and choices...

Dana and Eric Hodgson announced this morning, October 16, 2012, that the senior menu posted above will be available to all ages. If paid in cash, the cost of these menu items, all thirty possible combinations, will be $6.60 plus tax. This means that the menu, listed as the senior menu, is available for anyone for $7. This is a wonderful possibility for all! Thank you, Dana and Eric!

The BINN editor arrived at the Shamrock for lunch today, and suddenly realized that the senior vouchers were not in his pocket, but at home. With this new option, the same lunch was received without any issues and the $7 price was paid instead. This will allow several of the old gang who used to meet at the Community Center an opportunity to congregate again for lunch. Thank you again, Dana and Eric!

Mark Your Calendar for the 2013 Winter Free Fishing Weekend

Are you looking for an opportunity to take someone out fishing this winter, perhaps someone who has never been before? Consider scheduling your outing for February 16 or 17 as part of the 2013 Winter Free Fishing Weekend!

As part of that weekend, all fishing license fees will be waived for those two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for many different species of fish. Please note all fishing regulations will still apply during that time.

For many, the annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend is a tradition – will it become one for you as well?

Numerous activities in communities throughout Michigan will be going on as part of the 2013 Winter Free Fishing Weekend. Maybe you would want to plan one of your own in your community? For more information, or resources to help you participate, please visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing .

Bliss Fest Music Organization Seeks Artist Design of Logo Contest

 

Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center hosts
'Wildlife of Michigan in Winter' photo contest

The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon today announced a “Wildlife of Michigan in Winter” photo contest. Entrants are asked to submit favorite photos from last year or take a trek through the woods, fields or wetlands this winter and capture the beauty of wildlife in a wintry scene.

Photos must be of Michigan wildlife photographed in nature during winter. Entries are limited to two photos per person. Photos must be securely matted without a frame or glass, with a minimum size of 8 x 10 and maximum size of 11 x 16. Laminated photos or those without a matte will not be accepted. An entry fee of $4 per photo must accompany each submission. Please include photographer's name, address, email, phone number and name of wildlife and location photographed on the back. This contest is intended for amateurs only; the works of published photographers will not be considered.

The deadline for submission is 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25. An impartial team of volunteers with knowledge of photography will judge the photos. Winners will be announced Feb. 2. Three winners will be chosen. First-, second- and third-place winners will receive a gift card and/or prize with a value equivalent to $50, $35 or $25.

Photos may be submitted by mail or delivered to:

Gillette Nature Association
6585 Lake Harbor Road
Muskegon, MI 49441

Winning photos will be on display at the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center through Feb. 28. Entries may be picked up on or after Feb. 28; those not picked up within two months will become property of the Gillette Nature Association.

Questions may be directed to Elizabeth Brockwell-Tillman, park interpreter, at 231-798-3573 . The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center is one of 10 visitor centers managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Visit www.michigan.gov/ dnrvisitorcenters for more information.

BIMF Artist Submission for 2013

Dear BIMF Friends and Artists, It is that time of year again when we start searching for artists to perform at the Beaver Island Music Festival. I am sending this out to all of our active emails this time because so many have asked us after the deadline or have that group that they know and would love to have submit. This year you will have that chance and have all the requirements to submit to BIMF. We will continue to have Thursday as an evening of music, so there are more opportunities to have fun and enjoy. The dates for this year are July 18, 19, & 20. If your group is interested in performing at the 2013 festival the deadline for applying is January 15, 2013 and any applications received after this date will only be considered for the 2014 festival. It is very important in our selection process that you include, information about your group, size and list of all ban d members that would be attending if selected, and a CD . Due to the large amount of applicants it is crucial in our selection process that we have an actual CD from your group. Please send all of your press kits to: BIMF Selection Committee PO Box 23, Beaver Island, MI 49782 . Our committee will be making all of their selections by January 31, 2013 We select based on quality, originality, diversity, personality, desire to perform on Beaver Island, and try to have only one group from each musical category. We have also established a performing rule that no band can play the festival more than 2 years in a row (no exceptions) and must wait at least 1 year before reapplying. This rule has been put in place so that we can continue to bring a diverse and new festival to Beaver Island each year. If your group is chosen to perform for this year's festival you will be contacted shortly after the final selection date. We will try to have our final line up posted by March 1, 2013 .
*If you are not selected this y ear please continue to submit for future years and remember that we have an open-mic session that is open to all performers during the festival. You can register for a slot any time after February 1, 2013 . A special note to all artists that have applied to or performed at our festival before:
If we have received all of this information concerning your group from past years, everything about your group remains the same, and we have a current CD, all you will need to do is e-mail me at bimfburton@yahoo.com to reactivate your application. We continue to keep all submissions to our festival each year for the convenience of your group and our selection committee. We look forward to hearing from your group and wish you good luck for this year‘s selection!

Where Is the Tax Relief for St. James Township Taxpayers

Now that the election is over, it is time to bring this issue back up to the taxpayers on Beaver Island whether they pay taxes in St. James or in Peaine Townships. The following editorial was written by the editor of Beaver Island News on the 'Net, and he is responsible for all statements made. This position is his position only, not the position of News on the 'Net, nor of any family members. In short, the editorial is a response to two specific points: "Why do St. James individual taxpayers pay more for the joint services than does each individual Peaine taxpayer?" and "Are these tax amounts fair?" You can read the whole editorial by clicking on the small picture below.

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Forestview Apartments for Rent

There are three apartments for rent at Forestview Apartments. This senior housing project is right next door to the Beaver Island Rural Health Center and right across the street from Stoney Acre Grill and Donegal Danny's Pub. The video below shows the apartment that is designed from someone who is physically handicapped or otherwise handicapped, but the other apartments have the same basic layout.

 

The Tax Inequity Between Individual Taxpayers in Peaine And St. James Townships

(An editorial by Joe Moore, St. James Taxpayer)

(September 26, 2012) This editorial will not focus on the correctness of property evaluations. This editorial will not focus on the length of time a taxpayer is in residence on Beaver Island. This editorial will not focus on the taxpayers ability to pay taxes. This editorial will not focus on "Why should I vote to raise taxes on my property?" This editorial will not focus on whether Peaine should or should not change its method of setting millage, even though tonight's Peaine Special Board Meeting will set millages for Peaine Township. This editorial will use simple mathematics to state and show the differences between the tax millages of St. James and Peaine Township and ask for the reason that they are not equitable on an individual taxpayer basis.

Here is the basis of the bold statement above. As a St. James taxpayer, I pay more tax for all the joint operations on Beaver Island than does the Peaine taxpayer six hundred yards south of me. I want to know why. The fire department, the EMS, the transfer station, and the airport are operations that have to be available to all Beaver Island residents. We have to be able to put out fires. We have to have someone come take care of us when we are sick or injured. We have to have a way to get rid of our trash. We have to have an airport owned publicly with public control. Hopefully none of these statements are controversial.

Right or wrong, the SEV in Peaine Township has gone up at an exponential rate even though the Peaine Board hired a state approved assessor. Right or wrong, the St. James SEV has gone up in a much more linear fashion. I am not interested in whether they should have or should have not gone up in this way. These are simply facts. Here is a graph of the SEVs, showing the SEV of both St. James and Peaine for the last several years.

Most high school students Algebra II would be able to recognize that the blue dots, representing the SEV of Peaine, most likely represents an exponential function. Most of the same students would be able to recognize that the brownish red dots most likely represent a slight increase above a linear function. They might also state the obvious, which is that the SEV in Peaine Township has been going up at a much higher rate. Again, make sure that you understand that this editorial is NOT about whether it should have or should not have. It is instead a statement of mathematical fact.

With the increase in SEV in Peaine Township, and considering two taxpayers, one in St. James and one in Peaine, the value of the property in Peaine has increased at a higher rate than the value of the property in St. James, even if they started out at the exact same value, say back in the late seventies or early eighties. The individual taxpayer in Peaine has also been paying a lower millage than the individual property owner in St. James for the last eighteen years even with the equal dollar match that is historically been in effect. Here is a graph of the lower millage rates that Peaine taxpayers have been paying over the last several years for joint operations.

The millage rates shown above are the millage rates that would have been in place if all the joint operations were millages in Peaine Township instead of some of them being taken out of general funds. These millage differences are based upon the SEV and not on taxable value because many things can happen to change taxable value. This millage rate graph shows that in the last several years, the only years where the millage rates were even close were the years in the late nineties. Each individual St. James taxpayer has been paying more millage for the same services for the last several years. Why is that not seen by everyone to be inequitable?

There are totals available related to the joint operations over the last eighteen years and based upon the millages shown in the graph above. Again, the SEV is used to calculate these numbers. Perhaps the numbers are only half as big if the taxable value was 50% of the SEV. That does not really matter if you are just trying to point out the inequity between the townships. The percentages of SEV still shown this same inequity.

This last graphic has .00018, which is more correctly written as .18 mills. What this means is that the average St. James taxpayer has been paying .18 mills more than the average Peaine taxpayer for the same jointly funded services as an average over the last eighteen years. Whetherthe total dollar amount is $150,000 or $75,000 shouldn't be the issue. The issue is that this represents a lot of money that the St. James taxpayers have been paying, and that the Peaine Township taxpayers have not been paying on an individual basis.

I want to know why Peaine taxpayers and board members consider this an equitable situation. If the fire department is called down the East Side of Beaver Island to a tree on a wire that is on fire or a grass fire or a house on fire, don't the residents of Peaine get the same fire response as a St. James taxpayer? If someone in Peaine has chest pain or is injured, doesn't this person get the same EMS response? If you have trash in Peaine, don't you have the same facility for disposal? Then why do I pay more taxes for the same access than you on an individual basis?

Some will say that St. James sets the millage in Peaine township. That is not a true statement. The Peaine Township Board sets the millage in Peaine Township. How did you determine that your fair share was based upon total dollars being equal? Inequity is inequity. What would happen if St. James Township decided to lower its millage rate? You can bet that the Peaine taxpayers and the Peaine Board would lower theirs as well. Is that equity. I can honestly say that there is not one chance in the world of having Peaine Township increase the millage rates that they pay for joint operations. Why would they do that to increase their own taxes, especially in an election year?

I have several more questions to ask. Why would a St. James taxpayer want to volunteer to provide services to a Peaine taxpayer, knowing full well that they are not paying their fair share? Why would a Peaine Board member expect that volunteer to provide the same level of service in this situation? Why are St. James taxpayers paying for the payments for a fire hall in Peaine Township?

The answers to these questions are that we are one island providing services to all islanders at the same level of service no matter where that service is provided. If you, as an individual, expect the same level of service, on an individual basis, you should pay your fair share of taxes to keep these services operational. Peaine taxpayers are not doing that because Peaine board members don't want to increase their personal property taxes. That is the only explanation that makes any sense to this St. James taxpayer.

Some will suggest that contributing the exact dollar amount to the joint operations is paying the township's fair share. These services are available to taxpayers on an individual basis. The amount paid, dollar for dollar, does not match the services being provided on an individual basis no matter what system of mathematics you use.

(The facts and figures for this editorial come directly from the Charlevoix County Equalization Department in a $60 FOIA request.)