B. I. News on the 'Net, December 8-14, 2014
Interesting Day on the Golf Course
(Picture and story by Frank Solle)
"Neither rain nor sleet nor cold nor snow stays these duffers from the swift completion of their appointed round."
With apologies to Herodotus and the PO, these words, purposefully rearranged, seemed appropriate for a little December 14 golf fun, until, that is, the sun popped out for a few brief minutes---it must have seen us on the course and decided to smile down, or take pity, whatever the case may be. But as the photo shows, there was golf and sun and, yes, still a bit of snow here and there, but nothing that could stop a pair of intrepid golfers from getting in a round, or at least a handful of holes, this afternoon. Yet another example of what it is we do here to entertain ourselves.
Sunday's Shopping Event
Sunday, December 14, 2014, was designated a Sunday shopping event by a small group of retailers here on Beaver Island. Included in the event were Powers' Do It Best Hardware, Shipwreck Shirts, and the Community Center with sellers present to name a few. BINN reporter Deb Bousquet took a little trip around and got a few pictures of the event with some of the items and some of the locations included.
Hope you had a chance to check out some of the sales from 2-5 p.m. today, December 14, 2014!
Custer's Gold
A New Western
This book has not been completed, but any book that can keep the editor interested to Chapter 38 must be a good Western. Having read every Western that the Beaver Island District Library has, this gives the editor license to suggest this particular book as one that you should read. Intrigue, battles, affairs, and some actual history make this book worth reading. The particular points of view given in this book include several chapters by different characters, but all fitting quite well into the chronology of the book. The book also points out the complete disregard of the US government to the contracts made with many American Indian tribes, and the slaughter of many of the members of these tribes. This review is written before finishing the book for two reasons: Not to give away the ending and not to provide any resolution of the events that include criminal acts and perhaps, immoral acts as well. It is worth the cost of buying and putting your hands on this book. It is currently not available in electronic format, but may be soon.
Beaver Island Family Events
There are some events that spell out the wonderfulness of living in a small place called Beaver Island. This week Lillian Gregg turned 90 years old, actually on 12/13/14. A small family gathering took place at Stoney Acre Grill for dinner. The gathering grew to include Skip McDonough, Bill and Tammy McDonough, and Jim and Diane McDonough. Several other people stopped by at the table to wish Lillian a Happy Birthday. This was not the only celebration that took place this week for Lil's birthday. There was the Red Hat's luncheon birthday party, the card night at the Shamrock birthday party, and the Tuesday night gathering birthday party. Perhaps the best part of the birthday week was the gathering of all three of Lil's children including Ron Gregg and his wife Ann, Ruth Gregg, and Phyllis Gregg Moore.
Skip McDonough and Lillian Gregg's birthday gathering at the Shamrock
On the same day in a different city, Mt. Pleasant, Lillian's granddaughter Andrea Jo Moore, walked in her graduation ceremony at Central Michigan University. Andrea graduated with two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree. Does this help answer the age old question, "What do you do on Beaver Island?"
Happy Birthday, Lil!
Congratulations, Andrea!
From Stoney Acres
Emerald Isle Returns
(11:15 pm, 12/13/14)
At approximately 9:35 pm, on December 13, 2014, the Emerald Isle ferry arrived at the dock on Beaver Island after being in dry dock for a while. The evening was quite foggy, but the ferry made good time from Charlevoix. Welcome home Emerald Isle!
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Lunch with Santa
Lunch with Santa began with a hot dog lunch provided by the Friends of the AMVETs with several young ladies and men attending the luncheon. The program began at 11:30 a.m. with lunch, and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived about 12:15 p.m. Another year and another wonderful program for the kiddies on 12/13/14.
Ladies in the kitchen cooking the hot dogs..
Eating lunch
Santa arrives with Mrs. Claus
And it's time to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what you want for Christmas.
Then some pictures of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the workers
BICS Cheerleaders Fundraiser
The BICS Cheerleaders are having a fundraiser today. They are selling Christmas trees, but, instead of a set fee, they are asking for a donation. BINN stopped to get a picture and a little video of their efforts. They were at the Happy Paddle kayak shack next to Daddy Franks.
Short video clip
Emergency Services Authority
Meeting 12/11/14
Video HERE
Beaver Island Lighthouse School Performance
December 11, 2014 at 7 p.m. at Community Center
Approximately 75 people attended the program at the Community Center. The program began with an American Indian Hoop Dance. It was well accepted. The audience was blown away, not only by the comedy, but by the dramatic presentation at the end. In addition to the audience in the building, another fifty-four unique IP addresses also watched the program. Since there is no way to know how many people watched at an individual IP address, we can only state that over one hundred thirty people watched the performance tonight, December 11, 2014.
Santa character was narrator and comedian.
Traditional Native American Hoop Dance
Steve Finch introduced the first skit
"This program does not meet the Common Core Standards," stated the state inspector.
"Where is the punishment?" asked the state inspector.
The state inspector repeats the non-compliance issues, but the Board of Education praises the program.
There were two video productions that were part of the performance, and then a second skit.
Christmas presents skit
Then Santa provides a few more gifts and jokes.
The dramatic skit that followed was very figurative and spoke of the battle within each child. This skit was powerful, but gladly had a happy ending.
The white shirt represents the power of good inside each child.
The internal battle of good versus evil was portrayed with the dark side representing evil.
The movement toward the dark side with temptations figuratively presented.
The attempts of family and true friends helping to break the perceived evil victory.
More temptations that are turned away.
"The Battle Within" lyrics sung to Peter, Paul, and Mary melody.
Steve Finch thanks all who attended the performance
Video of the performance HERE
Sales on Sunday at the Hardware
Powers' Do It Best Flyers for December 14th
AND
Pet Photos with Santa
with a donation to the Beaver Island Animal Fund
At the Gregg Fellowship Center
Christian Church Annual Cookie Carnival NOON until 4PM, December 11, 2014
In years past, the Cookie Carnival had a limited variety of types of cookies. That certainly was not true for this year's cookie carnival. Each and every one of these pictures were of at least one different type of cookie and some include more than one. There was also peanut brittle, chocolate cherries, and other items besides the wide variety of cookies.
Lorrie and Jean were the head cashiers for the Cookie Carnival.
Lillian Gregg, who turns 90 years old this weekend, posed with the nutmeg logs that she has made for years and years.
Video clip of the cookies and other items
Flags at 1/2 Mast at the Memorial Park
To Honor Deputy Whitaker Who Died in the Line of Duty
Michigan Senate Votes to Gut Michigan Endangered Species Act
Peaine Township Meeting
December 10, 2014
Northern Lights League Names All-League Teams
For Soccer and Volleyball
All-League Volleyball Teams
All-League Soccer Team
USCG Alder Replaces Summer Buoys
Every fall or early winter, the USCG sends a buoy tender out to replace the aids to navigation or buoys for vessels traveling around the Beaver Island Archipelago. Some, like the harbor channel buoys are simply removed. Today, Wednesday, December 10, 2014, the USCG Vessel Alder came to the mouth of the harbor, and could be seen up close at Whiskey Point. The summer buoy was removed and replaced by the the winter ice buoy while another smaller vessel was launched to take care of the other buoys between the island and in the harbor.
Preparing to place the ice buoy.
Interested ice sculptures causing by the waves on a bush near Whiskey Point
Placing the ice buoy at the mouth of the harbor.
Replacing the one mile buoy
Video clips of the Alder
Hot Milk White Cake
This hot milk white cake recipe is a very simple one. There are not lots of added ingredients. It is a simple white cake. The icing is carmelized brown sugar mixture as shown in the recipe. It is not complicated to make, and it is really very tasty. The major difference between this cake recipe and the store-bought cake mix is that it does not contain as much sugar, and, of course, does not have all the additives that you will find if you look on the label of the cake mix. Absolutely delicious!. See the recipe down, lower on this page.
Sunday's Cantata
There are two performance of the Christmas Cantata. One is on Saturday at 3 p.m., and the second performance is on Sunday at 3 p.m. While just shy of 50 people attended the Saturday performance, just shy of seventy people attended the Sunday performace. A little over one hundred unique IP addresses viewed the Cantata this past weekend. It is not possible to guess how many people viewed the live streaming of these events. It is only know that at least one person at each IP address viewed the performances, so this makes at least two hundred people enjoyed the Christmas presents to the community by the musicians, children and adults.
Here are some pictures taken on Sunday during the performance.
Joe and Judi..............Sheri and Mike...........Miranda and MIke
Sheri R, Marianne, and Sheri........Sheri and Mike.........Sheri..........................................Mike...........
Strings Ensemble
Men's Choir
Layla Hall......Little Drummer Boy with Children's Choir.......Mike Scripps
Mike Scripps and Bell Choir
Mike Scripps solos and cute little soloist
Cantata Choir singing I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Children's Choir join adults for Silent Night
Click Here for Video of Sunday's Performance
BICS School Board Meeting
December 8, 2014
This meeting was the last for the appointed board members. These appointed members were Julie Martin, John Martin, and Gerald LaFreniere. This also the last meeting for Dana Hodgson as board member. The new board members will begin at the January meeting. They are Judy Boyle, Judy Gallagher, Dave Avery, Kathy Speck, Susan Myers. The two that will be continuing on the board are Dusty Cushman and Jessica Anderson.
As expected the twenty-three questions asked at previous board meetings between May and October 2014 by community members were not answered. The offer to answer these questions privately was again repeated, but the board did not answer even one of those previously asked questions. Perhaps the new board sitting in January 2015 will be more willing to answer publicly asked questions.
Here is the video of the board meeting for those interested.
Eye Opening Questions
An editorial by Joe Moore
Four Steps To Build A Culture Of Open Communication--The following is from an article by David Hassell for Forbes (modified by Joe Moore):
Here are four ways you can create an environment centered on open, two-way communication that builds cohesion.
1. Institute a Transparent Workplace
A common mistake administrators make is not sharing information across the organization. This demonstrates a lack of confidence and can lead to distrust. The best way to prevent this is to practice open, transparent communication.
2. Get Rid of “Us vs. Them”
When administrators and staff aren’t communicating, administrators need to build practices that strengthen relationships between different stakeholders including the community. You need to have a strong culture of open feedback and communication, but this is something you build over time by establishing genuine human connections.
Always look for ways to build connections between people.
3. Make Your OKRs Public
To keep everyone aligned and focused on a set outcome, establish objectives and key results (OKRs). Always frame these within larger goals to show staff how their efforts support big-picture objectives, and make all OKRs public throughout the organization.
4. Ask and Answer Specific Questions
Your staff members have tremendous insight into the inner workings of your organization, and the best way to tap into this intelligence is by asking the right questions. In addition to regular team meetings, a feedback tool that asks employees relevant questions can prove invaluable for recognizing achievements and identifying challenges.
By maintaining regular, direct communication with staff members and community members, you’ll gain valuable insights into the operations of each part of the educational system and be able to resolve issues quickly.
Building a culture of transparent communication will open doors throughout your organization and the community, and help your entire organization run more efficiently.
This Old Cookbook-7
This old cookbook was found as an old house was being cleaned and items sorted out. It comes from a project of an elementary classroom from May 1958. BINN will present one recipe each week until the cookbook's last. An attempt will be made each week to actually make the weekly recipe. The title page states, "Dear Mother...I hope this book will help you cook."
Hot Milk White Cake
Beat 2 eggs until thick--lemon color
Add 1 cup of sugar gradually, 1 teaspoon of vnilla
Sift 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add this to first mixture.
Heat 1/2 cup milk and 1 Tablespoon butter to boiling.
Add milk and butter all at once to the other. Mix well.
Bake 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees.
Frosting for Above Cake
5 Tablespoons brown sugar, 3 Tablespoons butter, 2 Tablespoons of cream
Mix over heat.
When cake is done--remove from the oven---cover with the above frosting.
Brown under broiler.
Watch to keep from burning.
Marsha Zick, 7 years old
Dog Island: The Plane Crash
by Lance Terrill Olson
This book written by Lance Terrill Olson is presented to BINN subscribers through an agreement between BINN editor and the author. This book is about an imaginary plane crash that takes place on an imaginary island, Dog Island. The book is for sale at a few places on the island.
Chapter 7-----The Survivors
About three weeks later, the little girl and her mom visited Dog Island. They were greeted at the ferry, in town, by Tommy and his father and me. Tommy's mom stayed at home to complete some last-minute preparations.
Tommy didn't recognize them in the crowd disembarking from the ferry. But then, he saw a woman with a cast on her arm, next to a small girl, nearing the bottom of the stairs.
They looked so different! He thought, without the cast, he wouldn't have been able to pick them out.
I recognized the girl by her size and smell and she got down on her knees to hug me and pet me fondly. We were both smiling. Of course, I was wagging my tail like she was a long lost friend. Well that and because of the smell of a treat in her pocket. So I kept nudging her pocket from which she finally withdrew the treat and gave it to me. I saw Tommy roll his eyes. "I'm just a dog you know!" I tried to convey to Tommy with my eyes...
Tommy and his dad walked over to them and his dad put out his hand to the woman and said, "I'm Tommy's dad, Michael. Denise stayed home to take care of some last-minute things since there wouldn't be enough room in the car. And this, of course is Tommy and it looks like your daughter has already reunited with Max. Welcome to Dog Island." Then he handed her a map of the Island and a flyswatter.
The mother looked at the flyswatter, briefly, and got the joke. With a big grin on her face, she said, "I'm Susan and this is my daughter Elizabeth. We call her Liz or Lizzy. It's so nice to finally meet you. And Tommy, it is really nice to meet you under better circumstances." She barely gave me any attention at all.
After shaking hands, and after Susan gave Tommy a long heartfelt hug, they walked to the ferry luggage rack and found their luggage and loaded it into the SUV. She volunteered "My husband, Ron, is still recuperating from a boating accident he had about two months ago." She got quiet, like there was something more she wanted to say but decided against it. "Maybe sometime in the future, he will ride along and meet you wonderful folks. Thank you for meeting us at the ferry. I've decided that driving is a lot safer.” and then she gave a big smile.
"You're quite welcome. We're happy to have you here and we have been looking forward to your visit. We'll just take a quick ride and show you the town and the lighthouse. Then, maybe tomorrow, we'll tour the Island and show you some other sights."
Before we could get into the SUV, Deputy Sherriff Jackson came over to us. He, almost always comes to the ferry dock when a ferry is coming in. But this time, I noticed that the other "summer" Deputy was sitting in his own car looking out the window at us from across the street. Deputy Jackson said, "Hi, Michael and Tommy. I assume this is Susan and Liz?"
Susan put out her hand to greet him with a smile. He said, "It's nice to see you are recovering so well. How long before the cast comes off?"
"About another two weeks, I think," she said.
"How long will you be on the Island?"
Susan smiled and said, "Just till tomorrow afternoon, I'm afraid. It is so beautiful here. Maybe we'll come back for a longer stay when my husband can make it."
The Deputy said, "I've been in touch with Special Agent Johnson and he says they haven't been able to pinpoint where your pilot was going. But, he said that this case was still keeping them very busy..." Then, he winked at her in a way so no one could see him except Susan. But, I saw him do it! I wondered what he was up to....
"Well, have a nice stay. Just by coincidence, Michael, Deputy McCarty and I will be working down near your area while they are here. If you or they need me for anything, just call this number, and I'll be there in a flash. Keep this card handy..." He gave Michael and Susan both, his card. Then, he turned and headed for his cruiser.
Susan and Michael sat in the two front bucket seats and Tommy, Liz, and I took up the back seat. There was still the smell of the treat so I kept licking her face. I'm a dog... get over it!
The drive home was uneventful except for all the jarring and shaking on the washboard road. Michael said, "I know the shaking probably bothers you, but we are used to it and we'd rather have this than blacktop. It helps to remind us where we are."
"This Island is really beautiful from the ferry and seeing it close up in the sunshine is an extra treat. I love all these trees along the road. It's like going through a tunnel. You must be very well known on the Island... everyone that we pass waves at you." Michael laughed and said, "No, that is just a small town thing. We are all friendly here and waving is sort of like sharing your feelings of contentment."
When we got home, Denise met them on the small deck behind the house, on the driveway side. Michael got the luggage while Tommy and Lizzy were playing with me in the driveway. I never did get another treat from her. But, "If you don't play, you can't win," I always say.
Denise and Susan hit it off immediately and they went through the house to the larger deck overlooking Lake Michigan.
"Oh, my God," Susan said. "This is such a beautiful view. You must feel really grateful for living here." Denise just smiled.
Later, that evening, after settling in and having an early dinner, Susan, Denise, and Michael sat out on the deck with some vodka-tonics and got to know each other better. Tommy and Lizzy went down to the water with me and we disappeared down the beach, exploring.
"What is it that you do, Susan?" Denise asked.
"I'm a research chemist with a private firm in Wisconsin. We study and analyze data and trials of drugs and medications, usually after they are released by the FDA. Our clients are some of the largest, multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical companies in this country, but we have some multi-national companies as well. My firm is in Madison.
Since I research documents and analyze the track records of new drugs with my computer, I don't need to be there. I usually work out of our home in Appleton. It is very convenient for me, especially since Ron got hurt. I can take care of Lizzy too, without having her out with strangers all the time."
"And what does your husband do there?"
"Ron is an Architect and Builder in Appleton. He builds residential homes and sometimes commercial properties around our part of the State. He has won many awards for his work. Of course, he is limited in what he is able to do right now. But, he gets out and is working the best he can."
"If you don't mind me asking, where were you headed when your plane crashed?" asked Michael.
She, again, got a little quiet and then you could see determination in her face. "I was going to Mackinac Island to present a paper on my findings regarding an over-the-counter pain reliever I was studying. The Conference was sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Analysts Association. It was a chance to get away with Lizzy and have some well needed vacation as well as present my findings to this group."
"Sounds interesting," Denise said. "Too bad you couldn't present it. Are you going to have a chance to present it sometime in the future?"
"Well, my paper was included in the Conference minutes, but since I wasn't there, they just wrote a synopsis of the paper. They seemed to leave out the most important parts of my findings. Well, actually, they included it but the way it was presented, it was a little ambiguous. It didn't get the attention that it needed and deserved. It was a very important breakthrough. They haven't asked me to present it anytime in the future." Then, she broke down sobbing.
Denise and Michael looked at each other, puzzled.
Michael said, "I'm sorry, maybe I'm getting too personal with my questions. Let's talk about something else."
But, Susan recovered and said, "No, you should know what's going on. Tommy saved my life and changed the outcome of something horrible.
"I'm not supposed to tell anyone… the FBI swore me to silence... but I just can't keep it to myself any longer. If you swear not to say anything to anyone, I'll tell you the story."
Denise became frightened, but Michael was curious. "You don't have to say anything to us, but if you want to, we promise not to let it get out."
Last Fuel Trip for the Shamrock of 2014
(Photos by Frank Solle)
Frank Solle got these wonderful pictures of the fuel barge and the Shamrock arriving back on Beaver Island for the last trip of the 2014 season. Frank is a photographer extraordinaire, and these pictures are terrific!
Coming in the harbor
Heading toward Martin's Dock
Arrival at dock
This will be the last trip of this fuel barge, according to the following USCG directives in enforcement of the elimination of the single hull oil/fuel barges beginning January 1, 2015. Beginning on this date, the single hull vessels are prohibited for transporting oil and oil products. A link to these directives is posted below.
View USCG Directives HERE
Until such time that a double hulled barge is purchased and arrives on Beaver Island, any fuel transport will have to take place in trucks transported by either the St. James Marine or the Beaver Island Boat Company.
Links
Information from Our SchoolBeaver Island Community School Board Meeting Schedule2014 School Board MeetingsCommon Core Presentation to School Board and CommunityView video of the BICS Board Meeting and KaiLonnie Dunsmore's presentation HERE PTA Informational and Organizational MeetingVideo of this meeting HEREBoard Meeting10-13-14Video of this meeting can be viewed HERESpecial Board MeetingOctober 18, 2014Video of the Special Meeting HERE November 13, 2014View two camera edited video of the BICS meeting HERE
Peaine Township MeetingOctober 8, 2014Video of this meeting HEREPeaine Township Board MeetingNovember 12, 2014
St James Township Board MeetingOctober 1, 2014St. James Township Meeting Video,November 5, 2014, 7 p.m.(Posted 11/6/2014, 2:45 p.m.) Video HERE
Waste Management CommitteeOctober 21, 2014
Beaver Island Community CenterBEAVER ISLAND COMMUNITY CENTER At the Heart of a Good Community September - May HOURS Mon – Sat 8am – 5pm web: www.BeaverIslandCommunityCenter.org
Community Center Information for October 2014
Activities............................MoviesCheck www.BeaverIslandCommunityCenter.org or the Community Center for listings
Link to the Beaver Island Airport 10-year Plan
On the Beach of Beaver IslandYou 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.
When Santa Missed the Boat to Beaver Islandas read by Phil Gregg
Community CalendarA completely new feature includes a monthly calendar for each month of the entire year of 2015. Please send me your events and they will be posted so others can schedule their events without conflict. Email your schedule of events to medic5740@gmail.com.If you or your organization has an event you'd like posted on this Community Calendar, please contact me and I'll add it in. Please try to get me the information as early as possible.
Airport Commission MeetingNovember 1, 2014. |
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Announcements/Ads |
Improvements to Veterans' Memorial Park
Work is underway at the Veterans' Memorial Park to clean up the vegetation on the slope to the harbor and raise the grade at the back of the monuments. This is being funded by a grant from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians. Additionally the Post will be purchasing bricks for almost two dozen Native Americans from the Beaver Island Archipelago who have served in the US Armed forces.
BITA Meeting Rescheduled
St. James Township Board Meeting
December 3, 2014
Emergency Services Authority to Meet
Kudos to Jim Wojan
(Previous year's picture)
2014 decorations
Every year, Jim Wojan and crew put the lights on the town Christmas tree. It takes them hours upon hours of work to get the lights on this tree, which is downtown. This is a wonderful present that Jim and crew provide to the island. When you see Jim Wojan, make sure you thank him for the effort and the accomplishment. It is a fantastic view in the dark as you drive around the harbor.
Annual Toy Drive
The Annual Toy Drive is under way!
If you would like to donate a toy, there are collection boxes in the Island Airway Terminals on Beaver Island and in Charlevoix. Or you may give the toy to Connie Boyle at home or the school office. (You can even leave it in my car wherever you see me, if you'd like----whatever is easiest for you!)
The toys go to children who live on or off the island. Families that qualify for help through social services are encouraged to fill out the paperwork with the county. Everyone's privacy is maintained as the toys are sent to social services (so please do NOT wrap the toys) and they will pick out which toys are best-suited for each child, based on age and gender. Beaver Island families who qualify will then receive toys from social services.
If you would prefer to make a donation and have someone do the shopping for you, I can take care of that---just give me a call at 231-448-2491.
It is helpful if most of the toys are donated by the week before Christmas so there is time to make sure all children are covered. But I will keep collecting toys after that.
Thank you, in advance, for your support. Everyone is always amazed at the quality and number of toys we collect!
Sincerely, Connie Boyle
Excellent Article Includes Beaver Island
Five Species in 72 Hours
BID Library Announcement
Crafters take note:
There is an open crafting group at the library every other Wednesday night (1st and 3rd Wed. of the month) starting at 7pm. This is not a "class" but a time to bring whatever you do, be it knitting, scrap-booking, or whatever (provided it is somewhat portable) and work on it amongst warm company.
Gus Connaghan's Address
RCT Connaghan, Agustust, M
3rd BN LIMA CO. PLATOON 3243
38001 Midway Ave.
San Diego, Ca. 92140-3243Son of Steve Connaghan and Veronica Bigelow, Gus may receive mail, but no packages. He is in boot camp.
Dog Island: The Plane Crash
by Lance Terrill Olson
This book written by Lance Terrill Olson is presented to BINN subscribers through an agreement between BINN editor and the author. This book is about an imaginary plane crash that takes place on an imaginary island, Dog Island. The book is for sale at a few places on the island.
Chapter 6--The Next Day
It was now 6:30 am, Sunday morning. We were sitting around the living room watching the early news... well, they were. The woman with the fancy designer clothes on TV said, "Late yesterday, a small, private plane, carrying a woman, her daughter and a pilot, crashed on Dog Island. The pilot was killed instantly and the woman was injured. The daughter received some cuts and abrasions, but nothing life threatening. We were told that an island resident came across the wreckage and went to get help.
"It is not known at this time if the resident knew the passengers or if any suspicious activity was under way. The Sherriff's Department would not comment when asked whether something illegal may have been in progress.
"The Dog Island Rescue team found them and they were flown to a mainland hospital where law enforcement officers are currently questioning them. We have no pictures at this time, as we were denied access to the site. An FAA spokesman said they had a team on its way to the site to investigate and they would be arriving there soon. The Deputy Sherriff on the Island said...
Wait...Wait!
"IMPORTANT BREAKING NEWS! We interrupt this broadcast to report that Dustin Beaver, the famous pop star, was arrested for driving under the influence after he crashed his BMW into a tree in Florida. Citizens for Better Morals marched outside the courthouse and demanded that Beaver be deported back to Canada. We have a news crew on the way and will have special programming interruptions as news comes available...."
Tommy's dad clicked the TV off in disgust. "This makes me feel good about living on Dog Island where life is real!
Who are those people?! What ever happened to ethics and good journalism? All the news people seem to do now is sit around on a couch and talk about movie stars and events that are sensationalized and designed to get everyone emotionally riled up. I don't even know what is really happening around the country anymore! And they always try to find someone in pain to interview... how do you feel about your baby getting squashed under the car tire...."
Then, he looked at his wife and said, "They didn't even mention all the responders and all the things they went through to save these people! There were over 30 people out there last night! They weren't at home sleeping or doing something else. They were giving of themselves without hardly any recognition." She looked down at her hands and said nothing... maybe a little embarrassed.
Tommy was getting used to the fact that his father talked to the TV once in awhile. Must be an age thing, he thought.
But, he was in a good mood because of the attention he was getting from everyone. He still ached all over and his finger was throbbing. He slept hard for a few hours, but he was still tired this early in the morning. Out in his driveway, there was a radio reporter from the mainland wanting to ask him questions, and many of the Islanders who wanted to know more and congratulate him for what he did. I was outside for awhile, but decided that I wanted to be with Tommy and familiar smells.
Deputy Sherriff Brent Jackson pulled into the driveway about 7:00 am. He looked tired and had scratches all over his arms and face. It looked like he had just changed into a clean uniform, but didn't have time to shower. He and a tall black man in a black suit and starched white shirt with a black tie got out. Everyone cleared a path for them as they somberly moved towards the house.
The onlookers weren't affected by the presence of the law as much as they were by the sight of the black man. He looked so much like television movies depicted FBI Agents in New York City. He looked fearsome, yet gentle and all business.
When they came inside, I did my sniffing routine. The black man seemed a little wary of me at first, but we got along fine. He didn't seem threatening.
"Is there somewhere we can talk with Tommy without being interrupted?" the Deputy asked. “By the way, this is FBI Special Agent Johnson. He flew in this morning and examined the crash site. I'm acting as liaison for the County Sherriff's Department.”
Tommy's mom led them to a back bedroom and pulled card table chairs from the closet. They all sat down and Tommy felt uncomfortable because all of the adults were staring directly at him, as if he did something wrong. I sat off to the side to protect Tommy if it became necessary. After all, these people were new to me and seemed OK, but I hadn't made up my mind about them yet.
The Deputy started the conversation with a smile. "I know you went through quite an ordeal last night, Tommy.
Everyone is very proud of you. Could you please tell us what happened? Don't leave out anything. You don't have to be here," he said to Tommy's mom. She replied, dryly, "If I'm not here, you're not here either!"After about a half hour of hearing the story, Agent Johnson said, "You haven't mentioned anything about the small packages... the ones wrapped in brown waxed paper." Tommy's mom looked up in shock and belated fear, looking back and forth between Tommy and the Agent. "Tell me about them if you would."
Tommy said he saw a few of them spread out inside and outside the plane, but the girl said she didn't know what they were. She and her mom didn't bring them with their luggage. So they must have belonged to the pilot. When they were gathering clothes and things he said he slit open one package and it smelled like ether, so he threw it away. It was nothing they could use.
A few other questions were asked and then the men looked at each other briefly, like they got what they came for, and the Deputy said "thank you" and they got up to leave.
Tommy's mom said, "Were the packages what I think they were?"Special Agent Johnson said, "We are talking in confidence now. We don't want this to reach the media yet, but it appears the pilot was probably on his way to the Detroit area after dropping off his passengers. In the plane, we found Detroit Sectional Charts, noting locations of airports, around southeastern Michigan. They also cover all the airports down to Columbus, Ohio and over as far as Rochester, New York. With some analysis of the other papers we found on the plane, we might be able to pinpoint where he was really heading."
"Well, we need to head out to the crash site to meet with the FAA people," Deputy Jackson said. "Once again, Tommy, you did good out there. I'm proud to have you as a fellow Islander." Then, as solemnly as they came, they walked out to the car and drove away. The radio reporter tried to ask questions and held out a small recorder, but the answer was, "No comment at this time."
Tommy's mom was now letting her mind wander a little and thought to herself that to be a real 'Islander' you had to have Island relatives going back 5 or 6 generations. That was the social order on the Island and probably in every small community across America.
Kaylyn Jones' Orca Article Published
Congratulations, Kaylyn!
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
A lot of volunteers worked to provide this dinner. There were potatoes to peel, tables to be set up, tables to be decorated and place settings placed. All of this work done before the turkeys are even placed in the oven. Wednesday must have been a very busy day for preparation.
Three turkeys, 18, 23, and 30 pounders....20 pounds of mashed potatoes
The beautiful tables were set. The excellent place setting decorations made from Oreo cookie, peanut butter cup, corn candy, and love were placed at each place. (Thank you, Davi Stein!)
The turkey carver was working in the kitchen beginning at 1:45 p.m.
Joe Moore separating meat from bone
The sixty-four attendees and the few delivered meals were treated to a feast that comes together each and every year with the work of Jean Carpenter and Judi Meister. Tom Whitman helped get the food out to the hot table for the turkey, the mashers, and the stuffing. There were many salads and lots of desserts. There is always more food than the attendees can eat. The to-go containers were available so everyone could have some leftovers. The mashed potatoes and stuffing were gone, so no leftovers there, but there was turkey, a little salad, rolls, breads, and plenty of desserts.
There was a short discussion about the smaller attendance this year at one table. This smaller attendance was seen as a good thing because that meant that others were being invited to a turkey day feast somewhere else. There were also quite a few people off the island for the holiday. No matter what, the dinner was an excellent time to socialize, to feast, and to help others enjoy Thanksgiving!
Family Cottage Owners May Get Relief
from tax spikes after ownership changes hands
An interesting article about a new law taking effect January 2015
Do we transfer the property to our children before or after January 2015?
Click HERE to read the article from MLive
Part-time Job Offered by Historical Society
FOIA Request Update 11/25/14
An Editorial by Joe Moore
Editor Joe Moore picked up a FOIA packet from the BICS office on Monday. Thank you for complying with the request. Apparently, the request did not get the information that would answer all the twenty-three questions asked. The following is coded to show what information was obtained from the FOIA request, information that doesn't exist, and information that was withheld due to the extensive costs suggested to obtain it. An appeal was sent to Jessica Anderson, President of the Board of Education requesting that the questions be answered and asking that the costs be waived or reduced. While several of the requests have been provided, the questions asked at board meetings from May through October have not been answered.
The following is the one question that has been answered out of the twenty-three asked at public board meetings:
What is science teacher’s certification? The answer is that he has certification for Science in High School, which was a concern by some.
A few other questions can be answered by the fact that there is no policy for some issues related to the questions. A request has been made to Riley Justis, superintendent/principal, via email to sends answers to the questions. BINN hopes to get answers to those questions and post them for any interested persons.
Veterans Agency, United Way Announce Resource Center
Michigan veterans can now connect with any services they need through a single telephone number, the Veterans Affairs Agency and the United Way of Michigan announced Wednesday.
The new collaborative, the first of its kind in the nation, puts veterans' services on the state's 211 information system. The service is also reachable by the 800-MICH-VET number started by the VAA.
"It's exciting to see all these resources come together for veterans," VAA Director Jeff Barnes said. Mr. Barnes said there are so many services available for veterans, "If we don't connect them all together, we actually make it more difficult for veterans to get the services they need."
Bringing Michigan 211 into the collaborative brings another 8,000 organizations into the mix to provide services, Mr. Barnes said."This brings us the opportunity to bring together organizations that previously have been siloed in government and community organizations," Scott Dzurka, president of the Michigan Association of United Ways, which funds the 211 system, said. And the collaborative allows Michigan 211 to hire more veterans, Mr. Dzurka said.
Governor Rick Snyder said the program was part of his administration's ongoing effort to improve services to veterans.
"We were lagging behind the rest of the states" in providing services when he took office, Mr. Snyder said. "We're going to continue on this path to say how can we help in every way possible."
Custer's Gold
A New Western
A Review will be written after the book is received and read.
2014-15 BICS Basketball Schedule
Martha Guth CD Release
Martha Guth, opera singer and vocalist extraordinare, who has performed multiple times during Baroque on Beaver Classical Music Festival, now has a brand new CD for sale. The name of the CD is Schubert’s Women in Music.
Schubert’s unforgettable characterizations of women: Gretchen, Suleika, Mignon, Ellen and Delphine are the subject of this CD, devoted to exploring Schubert’s homage to das ewig Weibliche, Goethe’s expression for the eternally feminine. Soprano Marta Guth and fortepianist Penelope Crawford present these unique portraits with insight and sympathy, enhanced by the use of a magnificent original fortepiano by the great Viennese maker, Conrad Graf.
Email from Martha Guth
Dear friends, colleagues and neighbors!
I hope this email finds you all well---and for those of you fellow Americans---deeply rested after a lovely Thanksgiving weekend!
I am sending this big email around to you all because I am beyond thrilled to announce that my first solo CD is available! It is a disc of Schubert songs with Penelope Crawford on Fortepiano, playing an original Viennese Graf Fortepiano. This instrument is extremely rare, and for those of you who don't know about it, it was the precursor to the piano, and is able to make some really beautiful colors. It is a very different experience working with this kind of instrument, especially with Penny who knows and loves it so well! The songs are a group of some best loved and lesser known gems of Schubert's enormous song output, and all were tied together in a magnificent essay written by the very distinguished musicologist Dr. Susan Youens. Musica Omnia is a very special label out of Boston, and they have been really wonderful collaborators in producing the disc.
Suffice it to say that I am really proud of the way this project turned out, and I hope that you will consider following the link to the Musica Omnia Website. Right now it is available in hard copy, which when I really want something, for me, is still is the best option (and it is a beautiful booklet and package). But if you are interested in digital format, that will be out and distributed through Naxos in February.
p.s. We already have a second disc in the planning stages!
Here is the link:
THANK-YOU!!
All my good wishes are with you all and your loved ones during the coming holiday season,
Martha
You can read more about the release HERE
You can order one HERE
Agents Investigate Elaborate Great Lakes Fish Trafficking Operation
Interesting article
While the article is interesting, there is no way of determing its consequences.
Response to FOIA Request
by Joe Moore
I am going to publicly ask that these twenty-three questions be answered publicly either in a public meeting or by publishing the answers in a newspaper or on a news website.
Just to summarize the situation so far, I watched the video of the school board meetings from May through October 2014. There were a total of twenty-three questions asked in the public meetings of the BICS Board of Education during that period of time. None of these twenty-three questions had been answered in the following months. In November one question was answered—one of twenty-three.
In an attempt to get answers to the questions, I submitted all of the questions to the president of the school board. I did not receive any indication that the letter was received, nor any response to the questions being asked.
So, ten days later I submitted a FOIA request which included the questions. I did get a response from the president of the board and the superintendent.
At the November 2014 rescheduled school board meeting, one question was answered.
I received an email requesting that I meet with Riley Justis, superintendent, and I responded that I would not meet with him until I received something from him regards the FOIA request.
Here is Riley Justis’ response to my FOIA request.
Apparently, in order to get answers to these twenty-three questions, I have to be prepared to pay over $3500.00, or over $150.00 per question asked.
Okay, I can't help myself. I have to comment. It takes 4000 pages of documents and 67 hours of work to answer the 23 questions. That's just less than twenty pages for each question, three hours of work for each questions, and $150 for each question. Does this seem logical to you? Considering that many policies don't exist, how can decisions be made about situations when there is no policy? Six of seven board members have resigned in the last two years. Why? The first ever grievance was filed by the Beaver Island Education Association. Why? Questions asked publicly will not be answered publicly. Why? Just answer the questions!
Crooked Tree Strings Program to Begin
Students who have at least 1 year experience will be Intermediates. Those students who have 2 or more years of experience can join the Youth Orchestra program starting with the Concert Orchestra. The Winter Concert will be on February 1, 2014, for Youth Orchestra and Spring Concert on May 17, 2014, for all string players. Sheri Richards will be teaching these classes.
Weekly classes will be held at Beaver Island Community School starting Monday, November 24, 2014, no class on November 26 (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Mondays & Wednesdays
3:30-4:20 Beginning
4:20-5:00 Intermediate
5:00-6:00 Concert Orchestra
Cards for the strings program provided by Crooked Tree can be handed into the school office.
For more information contact the Crooked Tree Arts Center, 231-347-4337 or visit www.crookedtree.org.<http://www.crookedtree.org./> or Sheri Richards at richaada@gmail.com<mailto:richaada@gmail.com>
AMVETS POST #46 AND BEAVER ISLAND FRIENDS OF VETERANS
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS FOR THE KIDS!
The Beaver Island Friends of Veterans (formerly the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary) will host the Annual Children’s Christmas Party to be held on Saturday, December 13, 11:30---1:00 at the Gregg Fellowship Hall at Beaver Island Christian Church. Hot dogs, chips, cookies, ice cream and beverage will be served to the kids and 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. Parents please bring your camera.
Organizations Wanting Dates on the Community Calendar
BINN sponsors a Community Calendar as a one-stop location for anyone to view the meetings, programs, and events taking place on Beaver Island. BINN just included the entire year of 2015 in this location. Events already planned for a specific week or date could be placed in this location, so that no one else schedules an event that might conflict with your meeting, program, or event. In order for the editor to place these meeting, programs, or events on the Community Calendar, that information has to be emailed to the editor at medic5740@gmail.com. Please get this information to the editor as soon as possible.
BIRHC SEEKS BOARD APPLICATIONS
The Beaver Island Rural Health Center is seeking interested applicants for future openings on its Board of Directors. Board position(s) will be filled at a future date. Board terms are for three years and directors are not compensated. The BIRHC meets every third month on a Saturday. Directors are expected to attend most of the meetings, either in person or by speakerphone.
Candidates should be team players who will champion the cause of the Health Center and be willing to contribute their time and talents to board activities, including fundraising. Full or part-time residents are encouraged to apply by letter to the BIRHC Selection Committee, PO Box 146, Beaver Island, MI 49782.
For more information, applicants may contact Donna Kubic, Managing Director. Candidates should send or drop off a letter which states their interest and tells a little about them by the deadline of December 13, 2014.
From the Transfer Station
Recycling Information--No Cloth in off-season
Donate to the Food Pantry
Use this button below to donate to the Food Pantry.
Donate to the Live Streaming Project
The Live Streaming Project includes BICS Sports Events, Peaine Township Meetings, Joint Township Meetings, and much more.
Your donation may allow these events to be live streamed on the Internet at http://beaverisland.tv