B. I. News on the 'Net, December 6-12, 2010

Enough Snow to Snowshoe

Perhaps the statement, "If it's gonna snow, then I want enough snow to be able to snowshoe," made in the post office yesterday was the cause of the snowstorm, but that's unlikely. The first snowmobile of the season went flying by on the King's Highway, and, from facebook, it was Sarah McCafferty going to the EMS office. The little electric snow thrower worked its wonders and the emergency response vehicle in the driveway is cleared out in case something unfortunate is to happen. Measuring the snow drifts in the driveway while throwing snow made an even fourteen inches in the deepest spot and eight inches on the level spots. It is still snowing and blowing on Sunday, December 12, 2010, at 10:45 a.m.

There are people out and around, but very few. Gerald was out blowing snow at the rural health center, and John was pushing snow there with his tractor. Liam and Marilyn went by on their way to Stoney Acres. The county plow trucks are out making the road somewhat clear. Holy Cross canceled its service this morning, as did the BI Christian Church. There just isn't much of a reason go out in this unless you want to play in it. It won't keep most people from getting to where they want to go, but there are always the unfortunate few. The front wheel drive car got stuck in the roadway on Carlisle Road, but that was before the county truck went by. Yes, it was out of the way and back in the driveway before the county came by.

There are many people stranded. Some we know of are stranded in Chicago. Some are stranded in Detroit. Some students are wanting to come home, but are stuck, not literally, at the college apartments, but wanting to get home. Everyone is advising all friends and relatives to stay put and wait until the storm passes by, even if it will be a day or so. Good advice, we're thinking!

Coast Guard Pick Up One-Changes Another

The USCG buoy-tender Alger makes a minimum of two trips to Beaver Island each year, one to place the Garden Island buoy and the summer mouth-of-the-harbor buoy as well as the outlying buoys. This time of the year the Alger crew were replacing the summer buoy with an ice-buoy at the mouth of the harbor and picking up the Garden Island buoy. The work at the mouth of the harbor at Whiskey Point was pretty tedious and typical, but the windy day made the work on the Garden Island buoy slightly adverturous on Thursday, December 9, 2010.

Thank you to Phyllis Moore for the pictures and the video....Gull Harbor was pretty windy and cold.

 

Frank Solle's Photo of the USCG Vessel

Senior Housing "Forest View" Progress

Since last Wednesday, the Beaver Gems construction crew and the the sub-contractors have been busy. The trusses are completely up on the main part of the building and the plywood sheeting is just now being put on the trusses as this is written. The size of the building is now fairly easy to see in reality, which was not so large in the drawing that were shown a few short weeks ago.

These picture will be labeled since there was no walk-around. The workers were well at the building and leveling of the ground along with the completion of the drain field, and this photographer did not want to get in anyone's way today, Wednesday, December 8, 2010. The pictures were taken at approximately 2 p.m.

First picture from Stoney Acre parking lot....then walking east to get a corner view.....then a picture of the workers on the roof doing the sheeting

First one here is from the southwest corner.....then walking in the BIRHC driveway and walking north.....then the northwest corner of the building.

Looking at the drain field area with Jim Wojan leveling the ground.....Looking at the northwest corner of the building from BIRHC parking lot......Looking at the crew leveling the ground by hand.

Celebration of Gail Weede's Life

There will be a celebration of Gail’s life, on Saturday, December 18, 2010, at 10:30 am, at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph, Michigan. Monseigneur Eugene Sears will officiate.
Gail Weede, 59, of Beaver Island, MI, formerly of St. Joseph, MI, left her beautiful world on Thursday, November 11, 2010. She is survived by her very loved husband, Mike, children Rebecca Sailor-Dawson, Jeffrey Sailor (Lisa), Allyson (John) Arnold, Joseph Weede and Stephanie Sailor. GG will be sadly missed by her grandchildren Jack and Adele Dawson and Conley and Alexandra Arnold.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the 21st Century Learning Scholarship Fund, in care of the Beaver Island Community Schools, 37895 Kings Highway, Beaver Island, MI 49782 would be appreciated.

Those wishing to share memories or condolences of Gail may do so at http://www.winchesterfuneralhome.com

Peaine Township Board Meeting, December 8, 2010

Peaine Township's meeting of December 8, 2010, was relatively calm this month, but there were still contentious matters discussed. The NRETC was able to get their original resolution passed to allow for a total of 21 members on the commission. This would include those two that were seemingly missing from the group, the Chamber of Commerce and the Beaver Island Conservation Club. The resolution also added a few more like the Odawa indian tribe, the Little Traverse Conservancy, and specified the organizations and the individuals that were to participate. Fourteen organizations and five individuals were mentioned, but Paul Welke asked for the list of all 21. Then the motion to accept the resolution passed. Postings were agreed for the Planning Commission and the Board of Review. The waste management bylaws were table again. The exchange of property by St. James Township was once again discussed with some on the Peaine Board and in the audience wanting the trade to reflect the joint ownership of the DNR property instead of just St. James Township. The discussion was tabled at the board level and sent back to the committee of Larry Kubic and Pete LoDico to discuss with St. James Township. Emerald Isle Propane was granted a conditional bid for the propane tanks and the first fill of the tanks. The condition included a clarification that the townships own the two tanks for both generator sites. The generators are here and waiting for fuel tanks and fuel.

The cleanliness of the Peaine Township Hall kitchen was brought into question with the general consensus being that it should be thoroughly cleaned at least twice per year which would make the cleaning person work additional hours with additional expense. The question was raised about how the DNR may react to the assertion of Peaine Township for joint ownership of the deputy residence and the waterfront across the road.

Video of this meeting HERE

Veteran's Memorial Bricks

Please consider a Beaver Island Veterans Memorial brick for a Christmas present this year. 

Send us your brick application and we will send you back a custom printed 4 x 6 card and envelope with a picture of the memorial site on the cover.   Inside there is the artist rendering of what the site will look like when completed and a place for you to add a message.

Veterans bricks are $100 for 3 lines of text and $200 for 6 lines of text,  18 characters per line.

Non-veteran bricks are also for sale for anyone wishing to purchase one. So far we have bricks purchased with family names, organizations and businesses.    Non-veterans  bricks will be placed in the sidewalk leading to the memorial site.

E-mail us and we e-mail you back the application form. 

Thanks

AMVETS Post 46
Box 319
Beaver Island, MI  49782

amvetspost46@yahoo.com

An Example of the Christmas Spirit

Gift of garlands from Powers' Hardware and Pinky's to Dahwhinnies'

"John Bowie and Larry Forth donated the beautiful garlands (made by Heidi Connor) that are now gracing our pocket gardens. Many thanks to them both for their generous thoughtfulness!" stated Cindy Ricksgers on the Beaver Island Forum. This certainly shows the spirit of Christmas. St. James Township Supervisor Rick Speck stated at the meeting on December 1, 2010, "I first thought that .... had completed this and that we would receive a bill, but we found out that there wasn't any (bill)." John and Larry, you have demonstrated one of the many reasons why Beaver Island is such a unique place to live.

We also understand that you have participated in the Community Center's Christmas Activities! What a fantastic demonstration of the Christmas Spirit! Thank you both so much! BINN wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please send me your email address to medic5740@gmail.com, we have a gift for you.

Cantata Sunday at 3 p.m.

What a wonderful Christmas gift to the entire community! The Cantata performance on Saturday, December 4, 2010, began promptly at 3 p.m. If you missed it, you still have a chance to attend on Sunday at 3 p.m. The music was beautiful! The comradery was amazing! The Spirit of Christmas was present! Thanks to Shelly Scripps and to Ron Marsh for taking pictures and helping out!

What a program! Here are some pictures from the Saturday performance to give you an idea.

Video of the Entire Performance is HERE

Judi Meister and Joe Moore "O Holy Night" ...Jayne Bailey, Jean Wierenga, Mike Scripps, Dan Vander Vliet "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem: 

Liturgical Dance "Joy to the World" Nancy Ferguson..."Coventry Carol" Joe Moore, Matt Ritchie, Jayne Bailey, Donna Stambaugh, Marianne Weaver

"Joseph Lieber, Joseph Mein" Recorders

"Silent Night" Sheri Timsak, Mike Scripps, Laura Gibson....."Bethlehem Babe" vocal ensemble and strings, Judi Meister piano

Bethlehem Babe Story

"A couple of years ago, Joe Moore received a letter from Eleanor LaFreniere. Eleanor had been the organist for Holy Cross Catholic Church on the Island for many years. She had been married to Bussy LaFreniere. When Eleanor left, Joe took her place on the church organ.

Included in this letter from Eleanor was a handwritten melody and words. Eleanor wrote in the attached letter that this melody and these words were written by a Dominican Sister who had been on Beaver Island when the school was taught by nuns. This spanned quite a long period of time, and there is no record of this melody in the Dominican archives. Joe took this melody and arranged it for violin and piano. He played it last year in the Cantata of 2009.

Joe then wrote out the melody and harmony for four voices and piano. With some thought he decided to add two violins and a viola, and an optional cello part, along with the piano to make up this ensemble.

So, here you have “Bethlehem Babe” melody and words composed by an unknown Dominican sister, arranged by Joe Moore.

We hope you enjoy it."

 

:"Ave Maria" Bach-Gounod Joe Moore and Judi Meister....."Silent Night" liturgical dance Nancy Ferguson

"Ordinary Baby" Mike Scripps with Laura Gibson and Sheri Richards

Chimes Choir directed by Deb Plastrik "O Little Town of Bethlehem" "What Child is This" "Angels from the Realms of Glory"

And the Cantata Community Choir singing "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" Narrators: Matt Ritchie and Pinky Harmon

This included solos by Elaine West, Phil Becker, Bob Hoogendoorn and a small, young children's choir.

"Angels We Have Heard on High" with Cantata choir, Mike Scripps on keyboard, and the children's choir with audience participation.

Many thanks to the Cantata Choir Director, Program Designer, and overall organizer Kathy Speck!!

Sunday's Pictures Below:

Christmas After-Hours Event

After the Cantata, several Island businesses had decided to stay open later, some with excellent sale prices on specific items. The view downtown was interesting. There were cars filling both sides of the street from Powers' Hardware down to the Community Center. There were other businesses open as well.

Downtown....caught a few willing participants in the pictures above....

The Remembrance Tree at the Community Center

Heidi Connors with her Gingerbread house

Another look at downtown

At Montaage...

Islander Basketball Dec. 3 and 4

The Islanders, male and female, played the Hannahville Soaring Eagles on Friday night and Saturday morning. With a lot of activities going on this weekend, no pictures are available for Friday night. There was a tax informational meeting going on at Peaine Hall, final rehearsal for the Cantata, and basketball games all going on this past Friday evening. There is no way that one person can be in three different places at once, many thanks to Levi Connor for the video work on Friday night basketball. Many thanks to Mike Hurkmans for videoing the tax meeting.

On Friday night, the Lady Islanders showed the Soaring Eagles how to soar with a win. The male Islanders seemed to run out of gas, according to those that were present at the game. They stayed fairly close for three quarters, but were not able to improve the 3-point percentage during the last quarter. Perhaps, a few more high percentage shots may have made a difference, but the Islanders lost to the Soaring Eagles.

On Saturday morning, the Islanders and the Soaring Eagles were in a match to keep everyone on their toes. Every shot counted, and much better defense was played by both the female and the male Islander teams according to those present at both sets of games.. Pictures and video are available for the Saturday morning games.

Friday Night Video Highlights HERE

Saturday Morning Video Highlights HERE

Billy and Gus take the ball out....Doug, Gus, and Billy await Soaring Eagle offense....... Shooting foul.......Jewel heads down the court

Playing defense made the big difference in the outcome..............................................Matt working defense

Jewell and Matt......Matt, Doug, and Billy....Another foul shot....Bringing the ball down to the offensive end

Time-out...."You're ahead of them, don't be in such a rush to shot, now, guys"

Good Steal, Billy........Defense, defense......Make the free throw, Doug....Close game.......Free throws and defense made the difference

Final Score, but one three-pointer could have made it a tie. Islanders Win! Congratulations, Islanders!

Lady Islanders behind at the end of the first quarter.

Jenna inbounds the ball....Brighid on defense......Olivia C defends.... Olivia S brings the ball down....Meg Works serious...

Half time finds the Lady Islanders ahed by two points.

Hannah eyes the basket.....Play hard defense, ladies.........Brogie, Olivia S....Olivia C goes after the ball.....Brogie and Brighid defending

Keep your eye on the prize......Halfway through quarter three, barely ahead

Steal, great job, Olivia!......Yes, Brighid, on your toes!

Great jump into the lead Ladies! One quarter to go.

Good defense, Olivia C, Hannah on defense, Emily and Olivia and Brogie defending the goal

A good lead with little time left leads to.....

A Lady Islander Victory!

Some of the wonderful Islander fans:

.........................Pinky Harmon..............Frank Solle..........................Jean Gillespie......Larry Dawson, Connie Boyle, Greg Cary

Frank Solle's Wonderful Basketball Pictures

Let the season begin!..... Billy drives... Can't stop her....

Doug asoar.......Eyeing the hoop..... Fly boy.....

Gimme dat ball...... Gus gets it..... High stepping....

Jewell pops one.... Matt and Marty.... McCauley Nails one.....

Meg scores..... Pull up..... Reverse jam....

Watch it........... Yes, I can......

Thank you, Frank, and your young talented assistant Erin!

St. James Township Meeting, December 1, 2010

At a very short township meeting, just a little over thirty minutes, the St. James Township Board accomplished a great deal. In one motion, minutes of three meetings were approved. Bills were approved with additions. One letter was read, and there were no reports. Due to some county disagreement with the order of approval, the board re-approved the rezoning for the Connelly property from Agricultural to Residential. In new business, the Board of Review position posting was discussed. The Board of Review was scheduled for Friday, December 17, 2010, at 4 p.m. St. James approved the the BI Airport Commission Rules of Approval and passed a resolution allowing the Airport Commission chairman to sign paperwork for the MDOT grants in the amount of just over $200,000. The board approved the rental of office space to the airport commission in the Governmental Center, as well as agreed to post notice for snowplowing bids. It also authorized the supervisor to open the bids and choose the person for snowplowing after polling the other board members.

Added to the agenda were two items that were also approved. A resolution to amend the original NRETC creation resolution to include the Conservation Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Little Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Historical Society, and the Little Traverse Conservancy was approved. Travis Williams made a presentation about his family's need for an additional bedroom at the DNR building. The board approved the creation of a bedroom in part of the garage space and to fund the total cost of the improvement of just over $1000 with hopes of sharing this cost with Peaine Township.

Video of this meeting

Abigail Adams Hart Has Delivered a Son

The specifics are not available at this moment. This was heard in McDonough's Market at about 3:30 p.m. We'll post information and a picture as soon as it is available.

Braxton Wheeler Hart was born at approximately 2:45 p.m. He was 7 pounds 11 ounces and 19 inches long.

Shamrock Serving Breakfast

It's been awhile since the Shamrock served breakfast, but it is nice to have a choice.

So, the diligent and hungry reporter decided to enter the building mid-morning on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, to sample the breakfast. The coffee was served hot and strong and delivered to the table very quickly. The order was placed immediately, one person having a scone and coffee, the other having eggs over easy, potatoes without onions, and whole wheat toast. The food was brought to the table by owner.

Eric cooked and delivered breakfast. Dana refilled coffee and water.

The food was presented well and looked good enough to eat, which was accomplished quite effectively. It was tasty and hot.

All in all, this reporter would suggest that you give the Shamrock a try for breakfast on any day of the week. It was quite nice to sit and talk and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. The total cost of two coffees and the food was just a little over $12, which is quite reasonable.

Immature Eagle or Turkey Vulture?

Gull Harbor is the place to be...(Sung to the tune of the Green Acres TV show theme). It is a common mistake to see a turkey vulture and think that you are looking at a golden eagle. The key to the difference for some is to look very closely at the head of the bird in question.

The above bird was perched on a rock by the shoreline at Gull Harbor. It took off immediately and flew south into the woods after a quick circling of the harbor area. This was the only picture that came out even close to being presentable. If you look closely, you can see his skinny red head that makes this a turkey vulture. But turning around and looking into the tall tree at this same location was an immature eagle. The idea that the two of them sharing a hunting area was quite intriguing.

Right around the corner was a reminder of why this area has been dubbed "Eagle View" with the wonderful sculpture in the front yard of a cabin, Walt Lach's cabin.

The winter season may be upon us, but there is plenty of wildlife to see and enjoy close to Paradise Bay and just a short walk from the Whiskey Point Lighthouse. Where's the dang tripod when you need it. It's never in the car waiting to be used. If there's situation where the tripod is need, it tries to be as far away from that location as can be physically possible without the brains or means for locomotion. In this case the tripod was at home waiting to be used, but the video camera was in the car, and there's no doubt that this eagle would be gone by the time the trip home and back was completed. Here is a short jiggly video clip of the immature eagle in the tree in a snow storm.

 

Genie Vreeland Address

Boulder Park Terrace

14676 W. Upright, Room 6, Bed 1

Charlevoix, MI 49720

231-237-8026

Larry Hall Address

For those of you who would like to send your well wishes to Larry Hall, below is the address information:

Larry Hall
c/o Meadow Brook, Room #20A
4543 South M-88 Hwy.
Bellaire, MI 49615

Shirley Sowa Address

Shirley is recovering from a run in with pneumonia. Cards and letters may be sent to her in care of Catherine Meintsma at the following address:

481 Harrison Avenue

Coopersville, MI 49404

Island Residents Recovering

John Paul Kenwabikise is home and recovering. (12/4/10)

Update: Shirley has been granted the ability to travel as long as she continues to do her breathing treatments and uses a wheelchair to get from place to place. (12/3/10)

Update: Bud Cruckshank is home with a pacemaker and is doing well on 12/3/10

Update: Marie is home and recovering as of 11-30-2010.

2011 Beaver Music Festival Tickets

BEAVER ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL
HOLIDAY TICKET SALE
LIMITED TIME ONLY
SAVE 20% & MORE OFF GATE TICKET PRICES
PLACE YOUR ORDER ONLINE @ WWW.BIMF.NET
OR
STOP IN AT THE ST. JAMES BOAT SHOP ON BEAVER ISLAND
(DAYS & TIMES POSTED AT STORE)

Ticket pricing Holiday Special Gate Ticket
December 1 - 31, 2010 Price
__________________________________________________________________________
Thursday (general Admission) $10.00 $15.00

Day Pass Adult (18+) $22.00 $28.00
Friday or Saturday

Day Pass Teen/Senior (13-17) (65+) $20.00 $25.00
Friday or Saturday

Weekend Pass Adult (18+) $45.00 $55.00
Friday & Saturday

Weekend Pass Teen/Senior (13-17) (65+) $40.00 $50.00
Friday & Saturday

Closings and Changes at the Shamrock and Harbour Market

Harbour Market will be closing for the season this weekend. Saturday, November 27, 2010, will be the last day open.
The Shamrock will, however, be open for breakfast serving a traditional breakfast & some items from the Harbour Market will still be available. We will also be selling some of our more popular items from the Market at the Shamrock -- pizza, cigarettes, some beer etc. The hours of operation for the food service at the Shamrock after market closes:
Breakfast Mon.-Fri. 7am-10 am
Sat. 7am -12pm
Sun. 9am – 12pm

Lunch Mon.- Sat. 11am – 2 pm
Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm

Dinner 7 days 5-8 pm

Bar service Mon. – Sat. 7 am – Close
Sun. 12 pm-Close

Beaver Island Community Development Corporation

 

Applications are now being taken to rent an apartment at the long-awaited Senior Housing, named Forest View, which is now under construction on Carlisle Road , across the street from Stoney Acres. The construction is anticipated to be complete and the apartments ready for occupancy June 1, 2011, a date which is subject to change based on weather conditions.

Applications are also available for the part-time position of on-site manager who will be employed by KMG Prestige, an off-island management company who will manage the apartments. The position is anticipated to begin in March, 2011.

Applications for both leasing and employment may be obtained at the Community Center, Library, and Rural Health Center. They should be mailed directly to KMG Prestige, attention Jane Crawford, 3390 Pine Tree Rd, Lansing, Michigan 48911 .

Further information may be obtained by contacting Jane Crawford at 1-517-679-7298.

KMG is an experienced property management company well-versed in federal regulations. In managing the leasing for the Beaver Island Community Development Corporation, KMG will screen applicants to determine their qualifications under the federal regulations for low and moderate senior housing. Using a professional management company to handle the leasing will insure applicants that they will be correctly evaluated and that their financial data will be kept confidential.

The rental apartments will have rental rates which are set through the grant process which provided funding. The anticipated rent is $567 for a one-bedroom unit and $629 for a two-bedroom unit. Utilities are included in the rent, and the building will be heated through a geo-thermal system. The building will include six individual apartments, four one-bedroom and 2 two-bedroom, each with their own kitchen and bath. In addition, the building will have a laundry room, community room, and a community kitchen area.

Beaver Island Comedy Group presents “ Holiday Hilarity II”

 

Get set for laughter at the upcoming Holiday Hilarity II! This production of the Beaver Island Comedy Group will be presented on Dec. 10 and 11, 7:30 p.m. , at the Community Center.

Jan Day, founder and director of the Comedy Group headed to Florida for the winter months but will still be making an appearance in the show (along with her sister Maryanna Phillippson) thanks to the magic of technology. Day also offered valuable advice on the various scripts which group members have been working on since September.

Some of the first show's popular characters will return in Holiday Hilarity II. Hardware Jeff (Powers) will have a new “Top 10 List” and new local oddballs will be introduced at Dr. Sphincterheimer's (Wendy White's) Beaver Island Psychotherapy Institute. Other cast members for Holiday Hilarity II include Phil Becker, Lisa Gillespie, Joan Banville, Pat Nugent and Elaine West. There will also be some surprise guest stars (we'll see if we can actually keep this a secret on the Island until opening night!)

Tickets for the show are $12 and available by calling the Community Center: 448-2022. Holiday Hilarity II has been self-rated as PG-13.

The Shamrock will be offering dinner specials both evenings to ticket holders for Holiday Hilarity II.

Contact information: Elaine West – 448-2377

Beaver Island Comedy Group recently was notified that they are to be the receipents of a $500 grant from the Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association . The funding will assist with technical aspects and production costs .

Blast from the Past

This photograph was taken from Britta Cieslak's collection. It represents the celebration of an anniversary of her parents, Keech and Osa Cieslak. Keech and Osa have both passed away, her mom about two years ago and Keech before that. This celebration picture includes some music history of the past as well. A musical group called "Spur of the Moment" was made up of whatever musicians could be gathered together to perform simply for the joy of playing music. Playing music was just fun to do and any and all available were welcome to join in. Keech even played the accordion at this celebration on "Just Because" polka.

The musicians performing in this picture are from left to right, Joddy Croswhite, Kevin White, Joe Moore, and Randy Osborne. The drummer that you can't really see is Danny Peck. The man whose face appears just under the cowboy hat on the right facing you is Harry Bartels. The others in the picture are not known.

There was even one Holy Cross Hall party where there were over twenty musicians on stage playing at one time. This included the school students at the time with vocals, saxophone, flute, guitar, trumpet, clarinet, cornet, piano, bass, and many others. A little modern musical history is presented for your viewing pleasure.

Frank Solle sent in this picture of a historic music performance from the past.

"Here's Beans playing on the 'stage' at the very first Hickory Beaver FlatTail Fest back in 1976. I don't know who the fellow is standing in front of Beans. I thought it might have been Jeff Connor, but he said no. I also don't know the two young girls sitting in the foreground either." For those that don't know him as Beans, his name is Mike Gardner. Some of us remember him as the dishwasher at the Beaver Lodge many, many years ago. He is now a very successful musician. He comes to the Island to play once in a while.

And, you can see what is up with Michael Beans Gardner by checking out this website. It seems Beans has been showing how the caring spirit can spread to other countries.

http://bvinews.com/bvi/rotary-club-of-tortola-honours-michael-gardner/

Cookie Carnival Reminder

Cookie Carnival on Dec 9 going from NOON until 3:30PM. Anyone who would like to help out in preparation of the event can join us Tue 12/7 and Wed 12/8 we will be baking, frosting, and setting up. We will start at 9:30AM until 4:30PM. If you can work all day or half day we would enjoy you joining us for a good time. Maybe you have a special cookie or dessert you would like to bring to the event for us to sell . If you have any questions feel free to call Jean Carpenter at 448-2893.

Original Notice below

Beaver Island Airport Commission Inter-Governmental Agreement

This is the complete agreement approved by both Peaine and St. James Townships

B I Airport Commission Rules of Procedure

These rules of procedure have been approved by the Airport Commission and Peaine Township. They have yet to be approved by St. James Township.

First Meeting of the Beaver Island Airport Commission

Although this meeting included mostly those who had served on the previous Airport Committee, this was the first actual meeting of the newly created Beaver Island Airport Commission. The meeting took place on November 20, 2010. Mike Scripps, who was later to be voted as the Chairman of the BIAC, started the meeting at 10 a.m. The first item on the agenda was the election of the seventh member on the commission. Two Peaine Township Board members and one member at large from Peaine Township were matched by the same from St. James. From Peaine, Colleen Martin, Pete LoDic, (board members) and Mike Scripps (MAL) were matched by Jim Wojan, Ray Cole, (board members), and Elaine West (MAL). These six elected Don Vyse as the seventh member of the commission with six of them having served on the previous airport committee. The choice of Don Vyse was an excellent one since Don has been doing this airport work for many years and is familiar with the funding, not only State of Michigan funding, but also federal funding. The order of business was to elect the 7th member as previously mentioned, discuss organizational matters brought up by Don Vyse, approve the Rules of Procedure, and have public input during the appropriate public comment time.

Present at this meeting in addition to the commission members were Airport Manager Rachel Teague, Peaine Township Supervisor Jack Gallagher, and twelve community members. One of the issues discussed included the land acquisition project in which at total fo $43,684 had been expended in legal fees which included approximately $10,000 going to Land Matters, the rest going to the lawyer. The hold up in the land acquisition has put the ten-year-plan on hold. This plan will certainly have to be revised. There are several contracts that need to be signed related to grants. These will have to await the approval of the Rules of Procedure endorsement and/or a resolution from both townships.

Another meeting was scheduled for December 9, 2010, at 6 p.m. and will take place at Peaine Township Hall.

Airport Commisson First Meeting Video

Community Calendar

BI News on the 'Net has a complete 2011 calendar up on the homepage of this website. We are willing to post any activities that take place on the Island on this calendar. When you know a specific date of any activity, please email medic5740@gmail.com and it will be posted on the Community Calendar. So far, the only items on the calendar into 2011 are those governmental meetings that are held on specific days. Please send your information for your activity as soon as it is know, so that other organizations will not conflict with your date(s).

Library News

The island was in the midst of a horrific wind storm on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. The Beaver Island District Library felt the brunt of the storm losing five trees to the winds. We were very lucky that the decision to close kept anyone from being harmed by flying debris. We can't say the same for the patio furniture that was in the memorial garden. The chairs are now recliners as they were flattened by fallen pines. Very special thanks go to Jim Wojan and his crew who spent hours cleaning up the mess after the storm had passed.

On an up note, all the public computers are now on battery back-up thanks to Joe Moore. The wind storm caused power outages on Tuesday and Wednesday made keeping us online a nightmare, now with the backup perhaps it won't be as much of a problem. Things were kept interesting the Tuesday before the storm as the automation won't work without power so all check-outs had to be done “the old fashioned way” by hand-writing all the barcodes. It certainly wasn't a boring day.

Librarians Barbara Cruickshank and Phyllis Moore attended the Michigan Library Association conference in Traverse City from November 9 th through the 12 th . Lots of new things to learn, see, and wish for. It's a wonderful way to catch up with other librarians, discover new and different ways of doing our jobs. We hope to be able to implement some of the things we learned throughout the week.

We have lots of new books in – many on the New York Bestseller List – to help while away those long winter evenings as the white stuff comes down. How about checking out any of the trilogy by Stieg Larsson; Cutting for Stone ; Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet ; The Lacuna ; Eat, Pray, Love ; Three Cups of Tea ; Dewey ; Mennonite in a Little Black Dress just to list a few. Or perhaps a movie night: mix together a big bowl of popcorn with Toy Story 3 ; Avatar ; Life ; Rosemary and Thyme ; Ken Burns Civil War set, and hundreds more.

It was with great sadness that we had to have Harriet Rafferty's blue spruce removed this fall. It never recovered from being blown over during a storm last winter in spite of lots of tender loving care. It will be replaced come spring.

We also have to thank Bob Tidmore with the AMVETS Post 46 for raising and lowering the library flag for us. He's done a marvelous job of keeping track of the days it needs to be at half mast. It is truly appreciated by all.

Winter is almost here, so stop in and check out the library for something to read or watch. If you don't have a library card it's a simple procedure and only takes a couple minutes. You can also check out our website and catalog online at http://beaverisland.michlibrary.org Email us at island.library@gmail.com with any suggestions you have that will help make our library more inviting, or if you have a complaint about something we may have neglected to do.

Peaine Township Tax Assessment Roles Online

Search Peaine Township Assessment Role Online

Several people wanted to know how to get to this location. Feel free to access it from here and then save it as a Favorite.

Beaver Island News Archives Adds Search Engine

All of the years of Beaver Island News on the 'Net are available except for a short period of time when some of the months at the beginning were lost. Phyllis Moore started this website in late 1999 or early 2000 which means that the archives have ten years of Beaver Island history, the last ten years. The Archives are open and available to anyone to view from the homepage at http://beaverislandnews or directly at http://beaverislandnewsarchives.com for your viewing pleasure. There has been added a Google Search Engine to this archives website for those that don't want to page through and read all 520+ pages of history. The Sample website page has been removed since the archives are open to anyone from the homepage of this website. The Archives of 2010 are still only available from this subscription only page.

AMVETS POST #46 AND AMVETS LADIES AUXILIARY

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS FOR THE KIDS!!

The AMVETS and Ladies Auxiliary will again host a Santa’s Workshop at the Beaver Island Community School on Wednesday, December 14, to enable the kids to purchase affordably priced gifts for their families and friends. Older students and adults will be available to help the youngsters select and wrap their purchases. Notices will be sent home from school as a reminder of this great event.

Also, the AMVETS and Ladies Auxiliary of Post #46 will again partner in the Annual Children’s Christmas Party to be held on Saturday, December 11, 11:30 – 1:00 at the Phil Gregg Fellowship Hall, Beaver Island Christian Church. Hot dogs, chips, cookies, ice cream and beverage will be served to the kids as well as their parents and/or grandparents at no charge.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to hear the Christmas wish lists and pass out gifts to the kids. Because we can no longer get Polaroid film, will parents please bring their own camera to take a picture of your child with Santa.

WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Information and Referral Hotline Launches Service

Local access to the national 2-1-1 Information and Referral system moved one step closer today with the launch of an interim toll-free hotline. Callers seeking non-emergency health and human services information can call 1-877-211-LAKE (5253).

They will be connected to a highly-trained information and referral specialist who can provide information and referrals to local services. The service is available 24/7/365 and is free to callers. These specialists can help residents with a variety of needs including housing and utility assistance, location of food pantries, where to volunteer, information about after school programs, senior care services, mortgage foreclosure and more.

Char-Em United Way has been spearheading development of the 2-1-1 service for Charlevoix and Emmet Counties for the past several years.

“The local database has been developed, and the information and referral specialists are trained and ready to take calls from our community,” says Martha Lancaster, Executive Director of Char-Em United Way. “We are working with 7 other counties in northwest lower Michigan to submit our application for certification to the Michigan Alliance of Information and Referral Systems and apply to the Michigan Public Service Commission for use of the 2-1-1 phone number.”

Once those steps are in place, the service will shift to the 2-1-1 phone number, which is easy for residents to remember and is in service in other parts of Michigan and around the country.

The funds needed for the start-up of 2-1-1 have already been secured through a challenge grant from CMS Energy, as well as donations from the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, Petoskey Rotary and Char-Em United Way. The Frey Foundation has awarded a $30,000 challenge grant toward the first three years of operating expenses. This will cover about one third of the needed funds for the first three years of operations.

“Now that the service is in place – even with the interim number – we will begin seeking funding for the operational phase of the system,” continues Lancaster.

Currently, Michigan 2-1-1 Call Centers serve 80 percent of Michigan's population, with expansion projects underway in 26 additional counties. In 2009, Michigan 2-1-1 Call Centers received 663,923 calls, a 441 percent increase since its inception in 2004 and a 22 percent increase from 2008.

For more information about 2-1-1 contact Char-Em United Way at (231) 487-1006 or email info@charemunitedway.org or log onto www.charemunitedway.org/index.php?pr=2-1-1

Cookie Carnival

The Women's Circle will be getting ready for the Cookie Carnival again this year. The date is Dec 9 NOON until about 3:30PM. Heidi Vigil will be at the event with her Gingerbread Houses. She may have a silent auction on the houses again this year. Judi Meister is preparing a silent auction on some Santa Clause and whatever else she can find. Of course we will have the Nutmeg Logs, Party Cookies and Grandpa Greggs Peanut Brittle and many other favorites. Anyone wanting to order Nutmeg Logs or Party Cookies the price is the same as last year $3.50 a dozen $1.75 half dozen. Feel free to give Jean Carpenter a call and place your order 448-2893..

BICS Calendar for 2010-11 Approved

Beaver Island Transfer Station Information

Expired Subscriptions

Please send us your email address.

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

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

RENEW

Meeting Minutes

The minutes of all public meetings will be posted

as soon as they are received.

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

Airport Committee Minutes

Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association Minutes

Peaine Township Board Minutes

BIRHC Board Meeting Minutes

St. James Township Meeting Minutes

Beaver Island Community School Board Meeting Minutes

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

Beaver Island Natural Resources and Eco-Tourism Commission Minutes NEW!

Joint Human Resources Commission Minutes (includes agenda when available) New Feature for 2010!

Waste Management Committee Minutes (New for 2010!)