Dorothy Willis Returns to the Island

Dorothy is home!

Dorothy Willis had fallen and fractured her hip a few weeks ago. She spent time in Petoskey at Northern Michigan Hospital, and then most recently at Bortz Health Care Center in Petoskey. . Dorothy came home today, December 31, 2011, on an early 12:30 p.m. flight. There were several Red Hats out to meet her at Welke Airport.

Who was this snowman who was at the airport to greet Dorothy?

Waiting for the guest of honor to arrive.....

Dorothy is helped off the plane.....waving to welcomers.....hugs, and more hugs, all around.....

Dorothy's home awaits

Some new railings at the Willis's residence to help Dorothy go in and out!

While thinking about this Christmas and New Year's, it was pointed out that Dorothy Willis had donated this Nativity set to the Beaver Island Christian Church a few years ago, so it is appropriate to post a picture of this wonderful gift.

Dorothy, we are so glad to have you back on the Island. Glad to have Ann back here as well. Congratulations on your quick recovery, and we hope it continues to be as fast as the start!

Dorothy Willis' Homecoming Video Clip

 

The Treasure That IS Island Treasures Resale Shop

Have you ever wondered how the Beaver Island resale shop operated? Have you ever wondered if all of the work of reclaiming and reassigning of the trash of one person to become the treasures of another person is really worth all of this effort? Have you ever wondered if this Island Treasures Resale Shop was really raising any money for the Beaver Island Fire Department? Well, the simple answer is absolutely and resoundingly YES!

If you thought that this was just a lot green recyclers with pie-eyed dreams, you are sadly mistaken. Take a look here and then decide on your own. Here is the financial report of items purchased with the funds raised by the Island Treasures Resale Shop. Congratulations, Ladies of the Island Treasures Resale Shop for a job well done!

View Report HERE

COA Lunch Held at Forestview Senior Housing Complex

The Forestview senior housing complex was the location of the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging (CCCOA) lunch today, December 30, 2011. The lunch was served at noon, and there were a few who attended the lunch. There were a few of the regulars at the lunch here as well. The COA lunch is normally provided as a congregate lunch, a time and a place to not only eat your lunch, but also to socialize with people your age. It works out quite well for that purpose. Some, even though they have not signed up for lunch that day, come down just for the socializing.

Those eating their COA lunch

Smiling Kathy serves the lunch

It would be a shame if this COA lunch were discontinued, but there is a funding problem in Charlevoix County for the Commission on Aging at this time, so all bets are off, and we'll find out if the congregate lunch is axed by the CCCOA.

Short Video Clip of COA Lunch at Forestview

 

Frank's Deer Photo Tag

So, sometimes, when the weather isn't so conducive for golf, I head out back and track down 'my buck' for a little game of photo tag. The object is for me to try to get a clean, clear shot of him, while he tries his best to keep my camera and me at bay. He seems to know I'm only loaded with ones and zeroes and, therefore, am not a threat. Besides, he's not sure I don't have a pocket full of corn or a crisp apple with me. Once the game is on he holds his ground until I get to close then jogs away, getting just out of sight, or nearly so. I wait for a few minutes then backtrack a ways and then slowly move in from a new angle. He usually gives up on me and my clumsy attempts at stealth a sprints off the winner, but once in awhile, like yesterday, I get the best of him. It's not golf, but it's a good game.

1 - We meet and agree to play …

2 - Alright then, he says, and makes the first move …


3 - The crowd watches with anticipation …


4 - His first move is to close ranks, but I'm on to that …



5 - He moves off, but not too far, it's easy to keep pace …



6 - The next time I close in I nearly get him, but he has the home-field advantage …



7 - But I've walked these woods a bit myself and know where the trails go …



8 - Keeping my distance, I let him think he's got the upper hand, until …



9 - Ha, victory is mine! A clear shot. Let the gloating begin …

10 - He's not one to stick around in defeat. Trying to be a more gracious winner, I head in to grab a bucket of corn.

At Stoney and Donegal Danny's

Stoney/Danny's entertainment for NYE Fri. Dec. 30th at Donegal Danny's PUB
We don't have the Hall...but,
we have the Music!
DANNY & DANNY
CINDY, EDWARD,
JOHN & FRIENDS...
Join us at the PUB, for GREAT Tunes

Yes, we are taking reservations now for New Year's Eve!
Walk-ins are welcome too! Dinner's 5-9pm . Full Menu & Specials!
Happy Hour till 8pm. Music 6-8 with DANNY & DANNY , followed by RIGORMORTIS at 9pm!
*Never a Cover Charge or Drink Price Increase

Dinner Specials :
*Twin Lobster Tails or Single : Single $17 Twin $32 *add a lobster tail to any Dinner $15
*Hand cut prime Top Sirloin 8oz. $12
*Surf & Turf (the best of both-YUM) $27
*Sauteed Prawns Annisette over Penne Pasta $17
**Specials include: Starch, Veg, Small Salad, & Multi-grain roll.
*** Desserts : House Desserts Plus...Homemade Chocolate Mousse & Hot Irish Apple Mountain Sundae... YUMMY !
**** We've ordered extra, so there should be no problem with running out!
Our best to you in the New Year! Please join us bringing 2012 in!
Liam & Marilyn

Sat. Dec 31st New Year's Eve
Rock & Roll with...
RIGORMORTIS
Great Tunes with Great Friends!
*Never a Cover Charge or Drink Price Increase!
Happy New Year from Stoney & Danny's

Subscriptions to Expire

A large number of subscriptions expire on January 1, 2012, including quite a few of the business subscriptions. BINN has sent an email to your last know email address to notify you of this expiration. So, please do not be upset if you are unable to view the website beginning on January 7, 2011, or your ad is missing from the homepage. It simply means that your subscription has expired, your contact information has not been updated, or the editor has made a mistake. In any case, please email the editor at medic5740@gmail.com. You can always use the link below to renew your subscription:

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All Call to Beaver Island Organizations

It would be very nice to try to not schedule events so that there were several all in one day. The island populations, both the seasonal and the year round, would like to have some time to plan on which activities they want to participate in. If your organization already has planned an activity on a specific date, it would be very nice of your to send your activity information to Beaver Island News on the 'Net, so that it can be placed on the Community Calendar. The Community Calendar is a community service provided by BINN to the Beaver Island community. BINN can't publicize your event, cover your event, or give you credit for your event if that event is not known. Please send your schedule of events to medic5740@gmail.com and we will gladly post it on the Community Calendar.

Winter Solstice Golf Outing

The winner of the Beaver Island Winter Solstice Golf Outing was Frank Solle having completed the nine holes during the warmer part of the day with just a little snow to cover up the green on hole number three. The officials of the tournament would have provided some relief from that hole with a two putt maximum, but the officials were not available for comment. As a follow-up competition, the 27th of December was picked because it was quite warm in the morning, somewhere between 38 and 40 degrees. The first four holes were played before the event was canceled due to inclement weather. The ice coming from the sky, driven by a wind of at least 25 mph, and a temperature of 28 degrees proved to be just a little too cold for the participants, who shall not be named. One participant stated, "Brrrr," which was more than enough to describe a golf outing in December on Beaver Island. Once again, the snow on the green for hole number three made for a difficult par for this shortest par four hole on the course. Those in warmer parts of the country must be jealous of the one over par score of one of the participants, even if the holes played numbered only four. Wearing showshoe boots, another particpant remarked, "At least my feet weren't cold." The participants have scheduled yet another replay for the competition, January 1, 2012.

Christmas Lights from the Four Corners to the Point

The Christmas spirit can sometimes be measured by the decorations that are seen as you travel around the town area of St. James from the Four Corners to Whiskey Point. There were lots of beautiful and spirit-filled decorations this year. Somehow, the decorations were photographed the day after Christmas instead of before, due in part to hectic-ness of the season this year, and due in another part to the needs of the editor to enjoy this holiday with family. The hands-down winner of the Christmas lights this year goes to Jim and Karen Wojan's decorations on the front of their house. Even seen through the woods, this was an impressive display. Second place goes to Pat Nugent's decoration of his sailboat down at the marina. Third place goes to the Station for its simple yet beautiful decorations. All in all a wonderful holiday season, and, unfortunately, if you did not have your lights turned on this day after Christmas, you aren't included in this photo group, nor the video.

This collections of photos are for all those who were away from the island for Christmas, and for those who wish to know what Beaver Island looked like this Christmas, the night after.

Video with music--Beaver Island Decorations

 

Christmas Carolers

There was a small group of Christmas carolers moving about the island this Christmas season. It is wonderful to see someone trying to keep this Beaver Island tradition alive. Memories of two groups of carolers moving around on the same night, one led by Martha Guth and the other led by Cindy Gillepie, dance around in people's heads. Just this group stopped by the editor's home this year. It was a wonderful surprise to see these energetic and spirit-filled children and parents participating in this tradition. Thank you, carolers, you helped to increase the Christmas spirit!

Photo courtesy of Phyllis Moore

Links DRAFT-St. James Recreation Plan This draft plan has been released for a one-month public comment period, before it will be considered by the St. James Township Board at a public hearing at its February 4, 2012 meeting. It was prepared, at the Board's request, by Peter Plastrik. A printed copy of the plan is available at the Beaver Island Library. Comments may be sent by email to Peter Plastrik at pete@in4c.net or PO Box 248, Beaver Island, MI 49782, or to Rick Speck, St. James Township Supervisor. St. James Recreation Plan Survey Results BICS Newsletter December 2011 BIRHC Newsletter November 2011 Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Appeal Letter Page 1 Appeal Leter Page 2 Link to the Beaver Island Airport 10-year Plan B. I. Community School Board Meetings Schedule View Meetings Schedule HERE Beaver Island Association Invasive Species Click Here to View Slides 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 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. Beaver Island Transfer Station Information Beaver Island Food Pantry and Gregg Fellowship Hall Donations Accepted Click Here to donate Beaver Island Community Center BEAVER ISLAND COMMUNITY CENTER At the Heart of a Good Community Check www.BeaverIslandCommunityCenter.org or the Community Center for listings Senior Center Activities January COA Menu for January Beaver Island Community Center December Senior Center Activities for December COA Menu for December 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 Steering Committee Minutes Beaver Island Transportation Authority Minutes Joint Human Resources Commission Minutes Waste Management Committee Minutes Beaver Island Airport Commission Minutes New for 2011! Message to All B.I. Organizations BINN is willing to post any and all events on the News on the 'Net website! There is one exception to this rule. BI News on the 'Net cannot post your event if you don't send the information to BINN! We post school events, religious events, sports events, visiting minister events, and many other events including musical events, special events, and even regularly scheduled events. At the very least, the event will go on the Community Calendar, so others won't schedule something at the exact day and time of your event. Imagine the following: Two well known and exceptional fundraising events are scheduled on the same day. How sad for those who work so hard to raise funds for a good cause. This can be avoided by sending your dates to BINN,. You can send them by postal mail, email, or even call the editor at 448-2416. Email medic5740@gmail.com 2011 BICS Holiday Program The annual BICS Holiday Program took place Wednesday, December 15, 2001. Ron Marsh agreed to take time out of his evening and video tape this performance. Thank you, Ron! The program was and always is a wonderful way to get into the Holiday spirit, and for most on Beaver Island, a way to get into the Christmas spirit. There were lots of different styles of music included in the program as well as recitation of poems. The finale is the gathering of all past students, current students, and staff who all use American Sign Language as well as their voices to present the traditional Keep Christmas With You. Video of the Performance viewed HERE An Open Letter to the Citizens of Beaver Island Click HERE to view this letter St. James Township Board Meeting, December 7, 2011, Video View Video clips of this meeting HERE Expired Subscriptions Please send us your email address. There are quite a few subscriptions that will expire in July 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

Snow for Christmas! You might have to look really closely to find the snow this Christmas. This morning, December 23, 2011, the day of the last ferry boat trip, the flurries began to come down. With any luck we might get some of these flakes to stick long enough to give us a white Christmas. As everyone with visitors coming for Christmas know, a little snow at the proper time is really what matters. As long as the weather is good enough to get family home for Christmas, and then also good enough to get them back off the Island, with no ferry boat option, is always a trick. Trying to capture a picture of the snow coming down is also a little difficult. Snow flurries Then there is the attempt to capture individual snowflakes once they land. Not so easy for this photographer, but why not try? Snow begins to come down in earnest about 4 p.m. While bets could have been placed earlier this morning about whether there would be a white Christmas, it certainly appears that there will be at least a white Christmas Eve. Travelers headed to the Island on a late flight today were stranded in Charlevoix due to the quantity of snow coming down making the visibility below the VFR rules. Some are staying with relatives; some are staying at the AmericInn, and some are staying at the Weathervane. With a little luck, the snow will stop long enough for these island visitors to actually get to the island in the morning. The snow came down the night of the 23rd, and the island awoke to some very pretty snow on Christmas Eve morning. Looks like friends and relatives in Charlevoix should be able to make it to the island this morning. Snow or no snow, Beaver Island News on the 'Net wishes all a very Merry Christmas! Thank you to all our supporters! Have a safe holiday week! Update: There was Christmas snow for Christmas! The day after Christmas, the sun came out, the temperature is forty degrees, the roads are really slippery, and the snow is beginning to melt. You really know there is snow on the ground when you hear snowmobiles running up and down the Kings Highway, but the chances of doing that today, the 26th is pretty slim, maybe run them in the fields, but not on the Kings Highway. Holy Cross Children's Mass and Christian Church Service Christmas Eve Beginning the afternoon's Christmas services on the eve of this special day was a children's and choir singing of Christmas Carols. This was followed by a four o'clock mass in the afternoon which got out about 5:10 p.m. Several churches particpated in this wonderful service, not quite ecumenical, but moving in that direction. After the mass at Holy Cross, the Beaver Island Christian Church had its Christmas Eve service beginning at 5:30 p.m. The service was a wonderful combination of readings and music with lots of Christmas spirit. Many families got together on this eve of Christmas for family dinner, one of the favorite Beaver Island gatherings. Other families waited until Christmas night for the family dinner. Believe it or not, some families had special dinners on both nights as well as a special Christmas breakfast. These things make Beaver Island the special place that it is. Peaine Township Special Board Meeting, December 21, 2011 The purpose of this special meeting was to determine if the Peaine Township Board wanted to appeal the jury verdict of November 10, 2011, in a case against the Albins. The Peaine Township Board voted unanimously to forgo their rights to appeal the verdict based upon information provided to them by their lawyer. The judgement can now be entered into the record, the payments may now be made, and the Island can move on into the future without more legals fees being expended on this issue. According to an email received by Jack Gallagher, the St. James Township Board was not interested in attempting an appeal either, so this meeting was only with the Peaine Township Board. On a side note: Other than the Peaine Township Meeting that wasn't really a meeting, tonight's meeting was the shortest in recent history, lasting less than seven minutes. Video of this meeting Copy of the Court Judgment RESOLUTION 2011-XX  Resolution offered by Welke and supported by LoDico: WHEREAS: Peaine and St. James Townships filed an action in the Charlevoix County Circuit Court, as Plaintiffs to obtain property necessary for a runway protection zone from the owners William K. Albin and Christine F. Albin, as Defendants; WHEREAS: A Circuit Court Jury rendered its verdict in such action finding for the Defendants; WHEREAS: A Judgment in the amount of $1,085,992.61 will be entered by the Circuit Court against Peaine and St. James Townships; WHEREAS: Peaine and St. James Townships may appeal such Judgment; WHEREAS: Defendants have agreed that they will waive reimbursement of property taxes if Plaintiffs agree to forgo filing an appeal; WHEREAS: Members of the Peaine Township Board are apprised of the right to appeal and understand the Township Attorney's belief that an appeal would not succeed; BE IT RESOLVED: That the Peaine Township Board hereby waives its right to appeal and directs the Township Supervisor to advise the Township Attorney not to file an appeal. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Welke Kubic LoDico Martin Gallagher NAYS: None Marie Connaghan LaFreniere Home from the Hospital Photo courtesy of Vince Left Marie has been admitted to Northern Michigan Regional Hospital with surgery planned on December 22, 2011, for some circulation problems in her legs. While the hope was that she would get some drug therapy and be sent home, she will probably want to file a change of address card with Santa Claus in a hurry. Many on the island would like Marie to know that thoughts and prayers are with her! Update: Marie made it home for Christmas, so the change of address card for Santa did not have to be sent by overnight messenger. Marie is spending a great deal of time reclining at her home with only short sojourns in the upright position. There is a chance that she might even make an appearance in public early this week. We all wish her a speedy recovery! Chamber of Commerce Adds Wedding Section To www.BeaverIsland.org The Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce has added a new section to its popular web site www.BeaverIsland.org called Plan Your Beaver Island Wedding. Link to new section: http://www.beaverisland.org/weddings/index.html “This new section in still in the start up stages,” said Chamber Executive Steve West. “We hope to continue to improve it and would appreciate any great Island wedding photos that we could add.” COA Lunch Location Changed for December 30, 2011 In a special arrangement made with the Forestview Senior Housing, the COA lunch will be served at Forestview on Friday, December 30, 2011. The time is also changed to noon. The menu has also changed to accomodate the change in locations. This December 30th Friday menu will include a BBQ Pork Sandwich and baked bean as well as a vegetable. Please make certain to sign up at the BI Community Center if you wish to participate in this special lunch. You can phone them to sign up, email them to sign up, or just go down there and sign up. Let's make this special location change between Christmas and New Year's a huge success! From Stoney Acres and Donegal Danny's **DART League starts in January...sign up soon! Enjoy the Holidays! New Year's Eve Dinner at Stoney Yes, we are taking reservations now for New Year's Eve! Walk-ins are welcome too! Dinner's 5-9pm . Full Menu & Specials! Happy Hour till 8pm. Music 6-8 with Danny & Danny , followed by Rigormortis at 9pm! Dinner Specials: *Twin Lobster Tails or Single *Hand cut prime Top Sirloin 8oz. *Surf & Turf (the best of both-YUM) *Sauteed Prawns Annisette over Angel Hair Pasta **Specials include: Starch, Veg, Small Salad, & Multi-grain roll. ***As soon as we know the market prices, I'll post what our prices will be. We've ordered extra, so there should be no problem with running out! Our best to you in the New Year! Please join us bringing 2012 in! Liam & Marilyn Birds in the Yard These three were seen near the bird feeders on the corner of Kings Highway and Carlisle Road Phyllis feeding the turkeys; a trio of three large groups visit daily. Eagle on the Hunt Michelle LaFreniere tracked down this photographer today and mentioned seeing this eagle across the road from the post office. A quick trip down there provided these three pictures. Not sure why the eagle was waiting there. Perhaps there was a school of fish coming into the shallows.   Thanks for the tip, Michelle! It is greatly appreciated! Eagle watches   Invasive Species Assistance on the Way! Boyne City, Michigan-December, 2011 Beaver Island's invasive species program has entered into a new series of partnerships. The Beaver Island Association in collaboration with both Peaine and St. James townships has been awarded a grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation for assistance with the 2012 invasive species eradication efforts. The funding will be used to purchase GPS equipment, software compatible with the state and county governments, and herbicide to treat invasive species. The environmental grant will enable islanders to map invasive species, apply for permits, develop and coordinate effective eradication plans. Invasive species has been identified as one of the biggest threats to our archipelago's environment and listed as a top planning priority on the recent St. James Recreation Planning Survey. To assist property owners, the Beaver Island Association will host an Invasive Species Summit on June 14th, . The Summit is open to the public and free of charge. Regional agencies and invasive species specialists will join us for an afternoon workshop to help land owners identify the highest invasive threats to their property and plan an effective treatment strategy. Stay tuned for further public updates. For additional information contact, Pam Grassmick or Jim Jones, BIA board members. www.beaverislandassociation.org or www.agreatlakesjewel.org Website continues below

Announcements   Next Waste Managment Meeting January 17, 2011 at Peaine Hall 10am From Island Treasures Resale Shop Merry Christmas!  We will be closed during Christmas week, Dec. 22-24 so that our volunteers have time for their celebrations. McDonough's Market Holiday Hours December 26th, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. December 31st: New Year's Eve 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. January 1, 2012: News Year's Day 11 a.m.-noon January 2nd: 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. The Winter Town Trek: Fun and frolic for food and fairness The Beaver Island 99, a group of sturdy Islanders, will walk to support the Beaver Island Food Pantry and to show unity with the 99% across the country on Sunday, January 14, 2012, starting at 1:00 p.m. Like citizens everywhere, people here are suffering from unemployment, foreclosure, and poverty. Beaver Island 99 asks that large corporations and the wealthy, who have most of the money, pay their fair share of taxes. We also support legislation to make Wall Street accountable. Join our trek starting at Paradise Bay Park by the ferry dock to the lighthouse (weather permitting), and returning to the Community Center for hot chocolate, coffee, and JoAnne's Internationally Famous Cookies. Bring a donation (cash or non-perishable food) for the pantry, and your own sign or we'll provide some to share. Plan to get out of your warm houses, have fun in the snow, and show your support for a more compassionate and egalitarian USA. For more information contact: thebeaverisland99@rocketmail.com . Beaver Island Human Services Commission Announces 2012 Meeting Schedule At 2 p.m. at the Beaver Island Community School The Commission is a collaboration of organizations that advocates for the emotional and physical needs of island residents and visitors of all ages. January 19, 2012 February 16, 2012 March 15, 2012 April 21, 2012 May 17, 2012 September 20, 2012 October 18, 2012 November 15, 2012 Members: Mary Cook (Char-Em HSC), Donna Kubic (BIRHC), Bob Tidmore (AmVets), Alice Belfy/Adam Richards (BICS), Judi Meister (Food Pantry), Ann Partridge(COA liaison/Community Center), Lois Williams (Hospice), Kathy Tidmore(St. James Township Rep.), Pam Grassmick (Peaine Township Rep.) Human Services Commission Brochure Mammograms Save Lives With the help of the Circle of Strength Voucher Program, at Charlevoix Are Hospital, no woman has to go without a mammogram. Please call the Beaver Island Health Center for more information  448-2275. Birthdays This Week Monday, December 26th: Ryan Wojan, Leslie Carter McCaw, Beth McCafferty, Kurt Puffpaff Tuesday, December 27th: Jim Carrow, Dave Gregg, Jessica Durkee Wednesday, December 28th: Lois McDonough Avellanet, Nicole Morea Thursday, December 29th: Debbie Bousquet, Nicholas Williams, Tracy Kenwabikise Stephens, Jessica Carpenter Johnson Friday, December 30th: Brian Potter, Casandra Patania Saturday, December 31st: Robert J. Turner, Shelley Thomson Smith, Ashley Marie, , Kyle Kramer Sunday, January 1st: Jayne Gilbert, Ruth Porter Gee Free Health Tests Free Cholesterol Screening, Blood Pressure monitoring, EKG test. Call the Beaver Island Rural Health Center 448-2275 for an appointment This is made possible through a grant from the American Heart Association. NRESC Meeting Dates Determined Beaver Island Natural Resources and Eco-tourism Steering Committee 2011-2012 Meeting Schedule All meetings open to the public Entire Steering Committee to meet at 7 p.m. at Peaine Township Hall January 16, 2012 March 19, 2012 May 21, 2012 July 16, 2012 Executive Committee to meet at 4:30 p.m. at Peaine Township Hall **denotes date or time change January 16, 2012 February 20, 2012 March 19, 2012 April 16, 2012 May 21, 2012 June 18, 2012 July 16, 2012  Now Available The DVD, "I Dream of the Island" Great Christmas Gift The video is now in stock at McDonough's Market (231) 448-2733 and the Beaver Island Boat Co (888) 446-4095 . The suggested retail price is $9.95. There would be a charge for shipping and handling if you want the DVD mailed. The updated and complete list of Chamber member merchants selling the new I Dream of the Island DVD: McDonough's Market, Beaver Island Boat Co. (both locations), Paradise Bay Coffee Shop, The Blue Pearl, The Community Center, and the Beaver Island Marina. This DVD makes a wonderful Christmas gift. Flu Shots Available Donna Kubic, manager of the BIRHC, announced today that the flu shots are now available. Please call BIRHC at 448-2275 to set up an appointment.

Kim Newport Received Her Masters Degree

Kim Newport started at Northern Michigan University in the fall of 2008. All of her classes were online, but she also had to travel to campus occassionaly for a class. Kim's degree is a Masters of Arts in Education with an emphasis on Learning Disabilities. This will enable her to teach special education K-12. There were a total of 45 credit hours with the last 3 required credits, her graduate thesis. Her thesis was titled "Effective Components of Intervention for Struggling Readers." Her overall GPA (without her last class calculated) is 3.75. Graduation was held at Northern Michigan Univiersity on December 17, 2011.

Inducted into the National Honor Society

Photo courtesy of Yvonne Crandall

At a special meeting today at the Beaver Island Community School, three high school students were officially inducted into the National Honor Society: Marissa Crandall, Olivia Cary, and Erin Boyle. Congratulations, ladies! A wonderful honor, and a wonderful achievement!

Generator Being Installed at the BIRHC

As part of a plan to protect the infrastructures of Beaver Island in case of a major disaster, many buildings are being equipped with generators. The Beaver Island Rural Health Center is one of those buildings. While the BIRHC had a small generator, this generator could not support the power needs of the medical center during a disaster, but only a small part of the building. The old BIRHC generator is being donated to the fire hall in town. Currently the Peaine Township Hall and the East Side Fire Station are equipped with generators, and along with the BIRHC and the in-town fire hall, the majority of the necessary infrastructure including communications and medical care will be in place, in case of any serious disaster.

As explained to this reporter, the BIRHC is one of just a few building to make use of three-phase electricity. The three-phase electrical power comes to the BIRHC underground and terminates at a transformer box outside of the education room and just west of the dental entrance. The electrician and helper were making sure that the ground work is completed to make the installation possible. It may be up to two weeks before the generator system and switches are in place and put into operation.

Mark Belfy, related to the Beaver Island Belfy's somehow did a video interview for BINN

 

From the Beaver Island Community School-Ms. McNamara, Principal

BICS Teachers Complete

Teacher Miranda Rooy has received National Board Certification®! Miranda is one of only 348 teachers in Michigan who have received National Board Certification. Miranda's area of certification is: Generalist/Early Childhood. Miranda joins fellow teacher Deb Robert as a National Board Certified teacher; Deb renewed her Generalist/Middle Childhood certification last year. BICS is indeed lucky to have two such wonderful teachers on staff.

The process for becoming a National Board Certified teacher is lengthy and comprehensive. There is a lot of self-evaluation and evaluation of your work by other highly recognized teachers. Through the lengthy and focused certification process, Miranda had to demonstrate through portfolio, video and written testing that she:

•  is Committed to Students and Their Learning.

•  Knows the Subjects she Teaches and How to Teach Those Subjects to Students.

•  Is Responsible for Managing and Monitoring Student Learning.

•  Thinks Systematically about Her Practice and Learns from Experience.

•  Is a Member of a Learning Community.

Beaver Island Community School is one of 9 school districts in the state that provides incentives for teachers to earn National Board Certification. Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Dexter, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids are among the other Michigan districts that encourage teachers to become National Board Certified.

School Enrollment Numbers Up by 6:

The fall school count was 70 when you include the 3 preschool students who attend school three mornings per week. Since then, the count had increased to 76 students. The new students are spread out across the grade levels, with 2 elementary students, 2 middle school students and 2 high school students. School enrollment has fluctuated over the years with the average student enrollment for the last 50 years being 72.

Three high school students to be inducted into the NHS

On Wednesday, December 21 st , three new members will be inducted into the National Honor Society. According to NHS advisor, teacher Connie Boyle, current members Jenna Battle and Olivia Schwartzfisher will welcome new members, Marissa Crandall, Erin Boyle & Olivia Cary. New members will recite the following pledge at the induction ceremony which will be attended by families, mentors and younger students.

I pledge to maintain high scholastic standing,

To hold as fundamental and worthy an untarnished character,

To endeavor intelligently and courageously to be a leader;

And to give of myself freely in service to others.

In doing so, I shall prove myself worthy of the National Honor Society to which I have been selected.

Seniors “bring in the tree”

Seniors, Gus Connaghan, Matt Cull, Dan LaFreniere, William Lemmink and Michael McCafferty brought in the traditional school Christmas tree to be lit and decorated by all grades. The tree rivals any from senior classes before as it towers and glitters in the multi-purpose room.

BICS Places 2nd in Statewide Online Math Competition

SumDog, a free online math gaming competition has held student (and staff and parent) attention for the last several weeks. When the competition ended on December 15 th , BICS took 2 nd place. New student, junior Michael Pryor, was the 7 th top student in the state with 12,211 correct answers.

End of Year Thank You

Wow, it is the end of 2011; seems like we just celebrated the turn of a new century. So much has happened here at school in the first decade of the new century and each year the community gives so very much to the school, its students, the parents and staff. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for this. I know I will miss people and/or groups as I strive to list many of the things that are done for the youth of Beaver Island and for with I am most grateful. Attendance at the Holiday Program; what a warm feeling to see so many of you there with smiles on your faces and praise for the students as they finished the performance.

Mentors, formal and informal, what a wonder to me that so many of you who have other obligations and commitments, and, maybe even your own young children, take the time to support and mentor our youth – I have seen mentors help with homework, help with college applications, help set up opportunities that might not otherwise exist. Voters and taxpayers, I am grateful for your ongoing support without which the very idea of running a quality K-12 program on this remote inhabited island would not be possible.

It is indeed a daunting financial task to meet all the state and federal requirements to keep a school open here and your commitment to doing that never ceases to amaze me. I see the students proud of their building and their opportunities because they know the community values education.

The wildlife club, for the past three years, you have donated to the 21st Century Learning Scholarship fund to make it a little easier for students to tackle college.

Community members who come to watch our students in their athletic events, referees from the mainland are constantly amazed at the number of spectators and at the sportsmanship shown by those who attend, it means so much to the youth of the island that you are there.

The Property Owners Association, as the group who pays the most taxes on the island, you could gripe and complain that the youth of the island are not your responsibility; instead you take on a challenge to help organize an annual career awareness day.

The townships, a simple thing like setting up volleyball net on the beach or a more complex action like setting up the Human Resources Commission which helps families meet the needs of their children are things I am grateful for. The many people who organize activities for the youth around special holidays throughout the year, over time it has been different people or groups, but in the end there is always someone who is willing to tackle the event planning and thank goodness for that.

The AmVets Ladies providing opportunities for students to buy Christmas gifts for their families. The transit drivers who go out of their way to accommodate the students and their varied schedules even to the point of having them practice their poems in route. I can go on and on and never list or acknowledge a fraction of the positive gestures and actions taken on behalf of the youth of Beaver Island.

I just want to say Thank You to all of you – what you do for the youth you do for the future of Beaver Island.

Beaver Island Lighthouse School Honors Fall 2011 Graduates

There were many tears, cheers and congratulations for the two newest graduates of the Beaver Island Lighthouse School, Alicia Sepell-Rikli and Lance Flees.   Thanks to their dedication and hard work, both were excited and proud to be receiving their high school diploma.   Alicia received the honor of valedictorian of the class and was the recipient of the 10-10-10 scholarship.  She plans to attend college on the mainland next fall.  Lance intends to pursue a career developing electronic games.  We wish them both the best in the future and hope that they will remember us on Beaver Island. 

We must not forget the accomplishments of the other 22 Lighthouse students.  Each received a certificate of completion for the Fall 2011 session.   Their curriculum and schedule are rigorous, but each and every one of them did it!  Congratulations!!!

We are looking forward to another year with the Lighthouse students.  Hoops, Halloween haunted houses (which we don't know how, but, get better and better each year) and, according to one Beaver Islander, “the most ridiculously delicious spaghetti dinner on the island”!!  Thanks to each and every one of you and we will see you in February 2012!

NRESC Meets with MSU Facilitators

In a six-hour session on December 10, 2011, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at approximately 4 p.m., the Natural Resources and Ecotourism Steering Committee met with two facilitators both from Michigan State University. John P. Beck is the Associate Director and Associate Professor in the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations at Michigan State University. Julie L. Brockman, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations. Their contact information shows a mailing address for both. John Beck has an office in 432 South Kedzie Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1032. His email is beckj@mus.edu. Julie Brockman has an office at 416 S Kedzie Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1032. Her email is brockma4@msu.edu. The website for their department can be found at http://hrlr.msu.edu

10 - He's not one to stick around in defeat. Trying to be a more gracious winner, I head in to grab a bucket of corn.

The Facilitators, John Beck and Julie Brockman

The purpose of this meeting was to achieve a thorough discussion of all aspects of working together to form a complete plan for Beaver Island natural resources. The meeting began with a welcome, introduction, a listing of ground rules, and an overview of the agenda. This was followed with a review of the NRESC mission statement. The next item on the agenda was an environmental scan and capability analysis. This was to answer some questions to hopefully gain consensus. Waht is the current and future environment within which our RNESC efforts do and will operate? What is the state of our personal and institutional capability to meet the challenges of this environment and the potential of activities together? The group had to determine internal capabilities including strengths and weaknesses. They also had to determine the external environment that included opportunities as well as threats.

After this small group work was completed, the small groups came back together to debrief and discuss what each group had come up with.

Then the participants broke up again into the smaller groups to identify stakeholders and the interests of the stakeholders related to the subject. The small groups joined together again and presented their work by individual groups and identified those items that were the same and those that were different.

After this discussion, the agenda called for "Charter the Planning Process," which was a discussion with remediation about the following question: "Where do we go from here?" Then Mr. Beck and Ms. Brockman , Bob and Julie, discussed the next steps. The group provided an evaluation for the day, and then adjourned at approximately 4 p.m.

Editorial comments:

Out of the three hours of video taken at this planning session with the MSU facilitators, it became obvious that the differences in the groups represented fell into two methods of thinking and learning. There are two basic methods of thinking, planning, and learning that are in opposite directions on a horizontal line. These two diverse methods have names. The names are whole-part and part-whole. Most people fit somewhere in the middle of this continuum, but there are those that on complete opposite ends of the spectrum.

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whole plan ..........................................moving toward..................................individual parts

A whole-part thought process considers that the planning, taking into consideration the general understanding of the group, must be done before the plan is developed, and then all things after the plan must fit the plan. The whole must be considered before the individual parts.

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individual parts ............................................moving toward..............................................whole plan

A part-whole thought process suggests that all the pieces' thinking, planning and learning; must be put into consideration before the plan is developed. The individual parts must be in place on planned before the whole plan may be determined.

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concrete thoughts move to abstractions................................................................................abstract thinkers move from abstract to concrete

Then there is another method of thinking and learning that also is represented by a continuum. People may think on a concrete basis or an abstract basis.

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sequential thinkers move in a step by step order....................................................................random thinkers can move without steps

They can also think in a sequential basis or a random basis.

This island has people who are on opposite ends of the three continuums. Then all three of these continuums can be mixed together. Those who are absract random are usually on the whole-part side Those that are concrete sequential are usually on the part-whole side. However, these all can be mixed up.

This may not be exactly what these processes are defined as, but this was the diversion of thoughts presented at this meeting. Another way to describe this is that some thought that all the groups must conform to the plan, and some thought that the general plan would allow individual groups to continue with the plans already in place for the individual groups.

The basic differences in thought processes came out more toward the end of the session than at the beginning of the session. The video of this session will be available here, but realize that only specific parts are available which may include editorial decisions different in thought process from either of divergent patterns shown. (This editor is part to whole, concrete and sequential, so there may be some bias in the video sections included.)

Video Clips of Editor-Selected Portions of the six hour meeting may be viewed HERE