B. I. News on the 'Net, December 9-15, 2013

Wendy Anne Breaks Ice for Emerald Isle's Last Trip

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

 Breaking out

Mainland out there somewhere through the steam

Arriving in Charlevoix

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

Emerald Isle Return on Last Trip of the Season 2013

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

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

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

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

Backing pushing ice

The stern opens for unloading and the unloading begins.

Welcome Home, Emerald Isle!

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

Christmas Masses Set

The Holy Cross Catholic Church will be having two masses, one on Christmas Eve at 6:45 p.m. and Christmas Day at 9:00 a.m.

B I Christian Church Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 p.m.

BI Christian Church Cancels Service for Today

With another four or five inches of snow, and for some with drifting twice that amount, has caused the Beaver Island Christian Church to cancel its service this morning, Sunday, December 15, 2013. This is probably a very good decision since most side roads have not been plowed, and driveways are still awaiting the extra winter job of snow clearing. Stay warm and stay safe!

Lunch With Santa

Sponsored by the AMVETS Post #46

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

Some of the workers who put this lunch on.

The lunch items

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at noon.

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

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

Let the Santa and Mrs. Claus Pictures Begin

Video of the Lunch for Santa

Larry Forth Passes Away

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

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

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

Larry, My Friend

by Cindy Ricksgers

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

There, that’s it.

I was going to tell this story another way.

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

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

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

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

We met for lunch a few times.

Our friendship deepened.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And then he broke down.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I just couldn’t get my heart into it.

It seemed manipulative, for one.

Two, there’s really no dressing this up.

Sometimes, a sad story is simply that.

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

View Cindy's Blog

Live Stream Success

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

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

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

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

From Stoney Acres

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

Wendy Anne Comes Back With Last Barge Trip

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

The Wendy Anne outside the harbor by the bell buoy location

A little distraction from the reason for being at Whiskey Point

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

Entering the harbor

Approaching the dock

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

Bud Martin Leaving on the Last Trip for Fuel

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

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

Busting out from the dock

Hannahville Versus Beaver Island Basketball

from December 6 and 7, 2013

Video may be viewed HERE

Coast Guard Replaces Buoys

Twice a year the USCG buoy tender Alder visits Beaver Island. In the late, late fall, the Alder comes to remove the bell buoys and lighted buoys with ice buoys. In the Spring, the Alder comes to swap out the buoys again. This year the Alder came on Thursday, December 12th, and had to fight the freezing spray on the trip due to the cold temperatures and the wind. Here are a few pictures from different sides of the harbor showing the different perspectives of the sighting. One person said, "The Coast Guard boat is in the middle of the harbor." Another said, "The Coast Guard boat is outside the harbor." See what you think.

From the playground

From the Municipal Dock

From Whiskey Point looking off toward Hog Island

The ice buoy at the mouth of Paradise Bay.

The Cookies of the Cookie Carnival

The focus of previous stories on the Cookie Carnival have focused on the workers of this traditional event. This year the focus is on the items that could be purchased. There were temptations of every kind on these tables. In other words, this was a diabetic's nightmare of gorgeous deliciousness that tempted even the most brittle conscience. You just wanted to sit down, drink a cup of coffee, and fill your face with these wonderful treats. The editor hopes that you have now wished that you had attended this event to get some tasty treats. If you didn't get any yesterday, December 12, 2013, it is possible that there might be some leftovers available this Sunday after church.

Feast you eyes on this scrumptiousness

Cookies, cookies, and much, much more!

Live Nativity Canceled Due to Weather

from Wendy Fogg

Islanders: So sad to have to announce this, but the Live Nativity on Saturday and today's rehearsal is now canceled due to severe weather and wind conditions. It was decided that in the best interest of children, elderly, animals and everyone that we reschedule the Nativity for next year. Weather reports for Saturday night: -6 degree wind chill with 20 mile/hour winds right across the harbor! Thank you to everyone involved. We will definitely be putting it on next year!

Weekly Fishing Tip

Weekly Fishing Tip: How to target popular fish species in the winter
Are you getting anxious for thick enough ice to head out fishing? Consider using the following tips when targeting four species popular with anglers in the winter.

Walleye
Early-ice walleyes are known to be active and aggressive. Use tip-ups at varying depths around the lake (anywhere from 15 to 35 feet deep) to appeal to this species. Regardless of the depth, always set the live minnow under the tip-up to swim 12 to 15 inches off the bottom.

Crappie
Consider using plastic bait, rather than live bait, when fishing for crappie. Focus on weed lines to find them. A lot of times crappie will hang out in the middle of the water column, half-way between the ice and bottom.

Northern Pike
You’ll find these aggressive fish near off-shore structures and weed lines, so try these types of spots on your favorite pike lakes first.

Yellow Perch
Attract bigger perch by using tip-ups with minnows, that’s what they’re primarily eating this time of year. Sticking a minnow on an ice fishing rod is also very productive.

For more information on fishing during Michigan’s winter, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.

This tip is adapted from Michigan Outdoor News.

Santa’s Package

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

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

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

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

by Paul Cole

Peaine Township Board Meeting at 7 p.m. 12/11/13

Meeting video available HERE

Put-in-Bay and BINN Live Stream Basketball Game

Watch the Promo HERE

Monday, December 9, 2013, Put-in-Bay Radio did Live Streaming for he Beaver Island versus Put In Bay Basketball game beginning at 11:15 a.m.. You could have watched their live stream and announcer at:

http://putinbayradio.com/on-demand/local/live-tv

Here is a link to great Grand Rapids Press article about this game:

HERE

Beaver Island News on the 'Net did not have an announcer, nor commercials, nor special interviews, but the game was live streamed on http://beaverisland.tv, as well as recorded for viewing on demand. BINN did provide the switch for the Put-In-Bay Internet access, and BINN broadcasted in standard definition video to allow for the bandwidth of the HD video for them.

Nick and Joe set up side by side for dual live streaming.

The professional camera.........the announcer from Put-In-Bay......the mixers software on the laptop from Put-In-Bay

The Put-In-Bay radio station WPIB-FM got more than fifteen sponsors to help cover the costs of the live streaming that took place from Beaver Island of this basketball game. BINN is looking for sponsors to be able to do this from other locations, and is interested in doing this with away games. On to the game-----

The sign on the wall---------- said it all.

Ronnie shoot a jumper....Alex a short jumper........Alex with a lay-up

Ronnie defending.......Ronnie shooting

Alex shoots a short jumper ....Liam shoots.......Ronnie shoots a jumper

Alex shoots.........Jewell shoots............Nick ready

Jewell shoots...............on the defense..........Nick and Liam on defense

Jewell shoots a free throw.......Alex with a short jumper.....On the defesne......Jewell with a jumper

Defense..................defense..............defense

Good shooting............Two Panther cheerleaders.........Alex shoots a jumper

Ryan shoots......Ready to move.........Alex with a lay-up

Jewell shoots.................Ronnie shoots..............Co-ed Panther shoots 3 pointer

Very frustrated and disorganized...................Jewell with a lay-up......Riley Williamson.................

Final Score

Islanders and Panthers pose for a picture.

Video of this game available HERE

Wendy Anne Leaves Breaking Ice

The Wendy Anne was headed out of the harbor by the time BINN arrive to take some pictures. That happens frequently when no notice is provided. These pictures were taken as the trip left. This could very well be the last trip of the season, but weather permitting there may be another.

Safe travels, Wendy Anne

Wendy Anne leaving 

Sunday Christmas Cantata

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The program ended with this exhortation:

Peace and Christmas Blessings to All of You,

Kathy

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

Friday Night Islanders versus Hannahville

The Hannahville Eagles came to Beaver Island to win. They accomplished their goal in this Friday night basketball game. This game more resembled a touch football game than a baskteball game. The play was very rough with elbows and hands being used to clear the way or cause a turnover.

The crowd for the Friday night game

Nick Shoots.....Alex defends the basket.......Jewell prepares to drive

The Eagles on a break......Alex shoots and is fouled....Shooting a foul shot

Cheerleaders..........a steal by Eagles............a back lay-up

Jewell with a Jumper........Ronnie prepares to drive.........Jewell with another Jumper

Nice lay-up, Alex.....................Another couple of Jumpers from Jewell

Ronnie for Lay-up.................Alex and Ronnie on defense

Cheerleaders setting up and doing a pyramid

Alex shoots.....................Jewell shoots............Alex shoots again

by Cindy Ricksgers

The older I get, the more nervous I get about driving.

The longer I live here on Beaver Island, the more I am intimidated by traffic and speed.

It’s not road conditions.

We, here in northern Michigan, are well aware of ice and snow.

I have driven to work before the plow truck came through, making the first tracks through deep snow.

I have made it home on roads slick with ice.

I’ve had my share of scary sliding, fish-tailing and spinning events that make my heart pound and my hands shake.

The differences are this:

I drove down-state this last weekend, for a Christmas party and a pre-Christmas visit with family and friends.

I watched the weather predictions closely, and with trepidation. It was a fickle forecast, changing almost daily from “not bad” to the terror inducing “winter storm watch.” By the time my departure day on Friday came around, it looked like the most I’d have to contend with was a little “lake-effect” snow around the Kalkaska area.

That held true, and my drive down was an easy trip.

In Ionia, I met my daughter, Jen, and my grandson, Patrick, for dinner and presents, conversation and games.

The next day, Jen took the wheel. We brought Patrick to his Dad’s house, then headed for Saugatuck.

More talk and laughter, more family and friends and the thirty-fourth annual Pine & Pasta Party.

The party had its start when my friend Bob, newly divorced, decided that decorating for Christmas would be more fun with a few friends. It has evolved over the years into a much anticipated holiday tradition. Bob makes a big pot of his famously good spaghetti sauce and cooks up pasta to go with it. Guests bring breads and salads and munchies. Bob and his brother Gary – AKA “The Bare-Chested Christmas Tree Wrestlers” – bring in the tree, set it up and string the lights. Some visitors add the ornaments while others advise and dictate placement from the comfort of the sofa. Many of the decorations were contributed by guests over the years and reflect the times past. One of my favorites is a garland of hand-sewn silver alewives, presented in the year our beaches were smelly with that fish. Drawings are held, and gifts distributed. My sister, Brenda, was the proud winner of a box of miniature hotel soaps from all over the country…collected by Bob in his travels with the Red Cross. Others were lucky enough to receive prizes retrieved from cereal boxes or earned with box tops or coupons. Every guest was given a commemorative ornament, inscribed by Bob with the event and year. I don’t make it to his party every year, but have a nice collection of ornaments reminding me of when I attended. It was a great group this year, and I’m glad I was there.

Sunday morning, up early and on the road.

First east, to pick up Patrick and bring him and Jen home. After that, I was on my own.

North, to Charlevoix, where I’d get on the small plane that would take me back to the island.

The roads were clear and the trip was without complications. I had allowed enough time so that when I came into wet, snowy conditions less than a hundred miles from my destination, I was able to slow down without worrying about missing my flight.

I arrived early at the airport, and – with inclement weather threatening – my flight left shortly after.

A smooth flight and a perfect landing on the island, then retrieve the car and load my bags, a quick visit with my aunt, to the boarders to pick up my dogs…then home!

It has hardly stopped snowing since I got here, day before yesterday!

I was ready for a trip, and happy to get away. It was a great chance to reconnect and visit and play.

I was happy to get back home, too, to my cozy house in the snow.

I’m ready, now, to settle in for a while.

Read at Cindy's blog

Snow on Sunday versus Tuesday

Sunday snow level.....Tuesday morning snow level

Tuesday afternoon, just a little more snow.

Read article HERE

Friday Night Lady Islanders versus Hannahville

We're ready, Let's go!

The bleacher's are full and the crowd is cheering!

Hannah fires one.........Cheerleaders talking.............Katie Lynn ready

Defense....defense....defense.....and more defense

Shooting...............driving by Hannah.........Tessa on the offense

Cheerleaders have spirit.........Katie brings it down........Meg shooting

Guarding the Eagles.......Meg with a shot............Med battles and shoots

Hannah shoots a jumper......Meg attacks the basket.....Katie shoots a jumper

The middle photo above show the method of the Lady Eagles to keep the Lady Islanders literally off balance. the elbows and hands were in play all throughout the game. Dave Reeb, referee, spoke to the Hannahville coach about the reaching in and the pushing of the Lady Eagles.

Our scorekeepers, Gerald LaFreniere and Rick Speck

Foul shot.........................Meg on defense........Katie fires another shot

Emily Burton shoots.....Shoots her own rebound...Cheerleaders taking a break

Hannah shoots a jumper.......Emily goes for the short shot.........Emily goes in for a close shot

Final Score

Links Beaver Island Airport Commission Meeting The Beaver Island Airport Commission met this morning, November 2, 2013, at the St. James Township Hall beginning at 9 a.m. Some of the items on the agenda included the scheduling of meetings for 2014, adjustments to the 2013 budget, terminal building update, and the Airport Manager's Report. Video of this meeting can be viewed HERE. Lyn Jenks Presentation on Affordable Care Act Video of this entire presentation is HERE Link to the Charlevoix Hospital Video Presentation HERE   Special St. James meeting on November 11, 2013 Video of this meeting available HERE November 11, 2013 Special Waste Management Meeting Video of the portion of the meeting available HERE St. James Township Board Meeting, November 6, 2013 You can view the video of this meeting HERE Information from Our School Beaver Island Community School Board Meeting Schedule Peaine Township Meeting 11/13/13, at 7 pm Video is available HERE St. James Township Special Meeting, 11/19/13 Video of this meeting can be viewed HERE Beaver Island Community Center BEAVER ISLAND COMMUNITY CENTER At the Heart of a Good Community •  FALL & WINTER HOURS: Mon – Fri 11am – 5pm Sat 11am – 9pm Sun Closed! Check www.BeaverIslandCommunityCenter.org or the Community Center for listings List of Birds Seen on Beaver Island This list was compiled by Eric Myers with help from others. If you know interested persons, please pass on this list of bird seen on Beaver Island. Perhaps a brochure could be compiled with the time of year and some likely locations. If anyone has an idea that could be posted electronically, please contact BINN via email at medic5740@gmail.com Click to see the List HERE Link to the Beaver Island Airport 10-year Plan Human Services Commission Resource 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 Association Annual Meeting The video of the majority of the meeting can be viewed HERE 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 Beaver Island District Library Board 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!	What Was That Helicopter Today? The following information was found on the Internet at 4 p.m. today, December 6, 2013: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON 206L-1 Rotorcraft (7 seats / 1 engine) ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES CORP BEAVER ISLAND, MI BI Cheerleaders Reschedule Pancake Breakfest Come to the Paine Township hall this Saturday the 14th for All-You-Can-Eat regular, chocolate chip or blueberry pancakes! The cheerleaders are an afterschool club so we are raising money for uniforms and safety equipment. This is a free will donation breakfast. It will start at 9am and go to noon. Feel free to ask any questions you  might have about the squad. The Cheerleaders thank you! From Olya Stebbins, Sveta Stebbins, Emily Boyle, Erin Boyle, Lillian Wiser, Erin Wiser, Caitlin Williams, Skylar Marsh, Mackenzie Martin, and Kaylee Coffell, Jessica Lafeniere, and our coach Rachael Wilber Hope to see you there! Erin Boyle, Olya Stebbins Christmas Cantata Sunday With the beginning of the performance on Sunday, December 9, 2013, the Internet connection and the setup in kitchen at the Beaver Island Christian Church started showing technological issues. The first portion of the program was live streamed and the first song of the adult choir was also. From then on, there was a techno glitch that could not be corrected with the techie singing in the choir. BINN did get the video of the first part captured, so it will be processed and available in the near future. Particularly of note are the parts of the Sunday Cantata performance that are different from the performance on Saturday. There will be more pictures and video soon. Those that didn't get to watch the Cantata on Sunday are able to view the Saturday performance by going to the following webpage, going to the bottom of the page, and clicking on the link named "2013 Christmas Cantata." Merry Christmad from BINN! http://beaverislandnews.com There is also a link to the video down below in the next story. Christmas Cantata Saturday The Beaver Island Community Choir, made up of members of all the churches on the island, performed the annual Christmas Cantata, but there were other performance that were not only wonderful, but some were quite cute as well. Here are some pictures of the event on Saturday, December 7, 2013, beginning at a little after three in the afternoon. Judi Meister and Joe Moore performed "O Holy Night" Sheri Timsak and Mike Scripps performed "Ordinary Baby" Beaver Island Strings performed a select group of Christmas Carols. The cutest of performers, Jadyn Johnson, sang Away in a Manger.. Mike and Shelly Scripps performed with the kids with chimes and Kathy Speck joined on the last number. An then the adult choir filed in, and the chosen Cantata began. Adam Richards and Pinky Harmon were the narrators. The Cantata Choir performed one of the most beautiful as well as the most difficult Cantata to date. The children joined in for one piece of the Cantata. The soprano soloists. (Special thanks to Danielle Dedloff for her video work and photo work.) This is a wonderful gathering of the Island community to provide the gift of Christmas spirit for the whole community. This Saturday performance was live streamed on the Internet and available to anyone in the world at http://beaverisland.tv. Merry Christmas! Video of the Saturday Performance HERE Great Story on the Lighthouse School HERE BI Cultural Arts Association Announces Call for Community Arts Mini-Grant Applications The Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association (BICAA) announced the opening of their 2014 Community Arts Mini-Grant cycle. This is at least the eighth time BICAA has made Mini Grants available to local individuals and organizations. Over the last decade BICAA’s Community Arts Mini-Grant program has awarded almost $10,000 in grant funds in support of Island cultural initiatives. Effective December 1, 2013 individuals or organizations may apply for a grant to support arts or culture-related projects within the Beaver Island community. The grant application is available from the Baroque on Beaver website:http://www.baroqueonbeaver.org or by phoning the BI Cultural Arts Association: (231) 448-2149. Grant applications must be post marked by January 15, 2014. All projects receiving grant money need to be complete by December 31, 2014. In 2014 BICAA has set aside $1000 to fund projects which will directly benefit the Island and residents of St. James and Peaine Townships. During BICAA’s formative years proceeds from the annual Baroque on Beaver Festival funded the Community School's instrumental music program, MAD camp scholarships, Instrument Petting Zoo and other cultural enrichment opportunities for children and families. In more recent years the Community Arts Mini-Grant initiative has focused on supporting various locally based proposals, including a Recorder Group, BI’s Community Players, and Comedy Club, as well as many other programs that assist local groups to bring all forms of the arts to a wide and diverse audience. Application............................Instructions St. James Township Board Meeting Probably the most surprising occurrence at the meeting tonight, December 4, 2013, was later in the agenda, but will be posted here right on top. Tim McDonough, after many years as township board trustee, has resigned effective 12/1/2013. His recent experience on the Waste Management Committee was cited as his final straw. Different opinions about the hiring process of the WMC and conflict seemed to move Tim to his decision. Tim McDonough has been a dedicated trustee, and his efforts need to be recognized. BINN would like to extend a public "Thank you!" to Tim for his work as township trustee over these many years. The township board reluctantly accepted his resignation. It was determined that a posting would last for ten days to get letters of interest to fill the open position. Interested persons should submit their letters of interest within ten days. Joe Moore was appointed to fill the open position on the Waste Management Committee taking the place of Ed Troutman. Bill Haggard will take the position on the Waste Management Committee that was previously filled by Tim McDonough. The NRESC proposed changes were discussed with the final decision being that the previous resolution would be modified to allow individual organizations to suggest their representative to the NRESC and the NRESC, along with the member organizations, would decide who would fill individual representatives from these organizations, but that the townships would still make decisions about which organizations would send representatives. The original resolution would be modified to allow this change. The Dangerous Structures Ordinance was discussed with township lawyer changes in the boiler plate offered last month. It was determined that the Planning Commission should have an opportunity to view the document and perhaps suggest changes. With the Old Business portion of the agenda completed, the board went on to New Business. The Board of Review date was changed to Friday, December 13, 2013, at 11 a.m. The St. James Board voted to provide a letter of support for a grant application for the Beaver Island Development Corporation to put air conditioning in the remaining three apartments and the common areas. The resignation of township trustee was previously reported on above. The January township board meeting is currently scheduled for January 1, 2014. It was decided to change the meeting to January 2, 2014. There was a short period of public comment which included the board approval of an ice skating rink on the public beach parking lot. Video of the meeting HERE Santa Paws 2013 and Sale Bring Your Pet for a Picture with Santa and Check out the items on Sale!	Announcements B I Christian Church Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 p.m. Live Nativity Scheduled Canceled The Live Nativity is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2013, at 6pm. It will be held on the lawn in between the blue apartments and the Anderson's Marina. Free refreshments and cookies. Christmas Masses Set The Holy Cross Catholic Church will be having two masses, one on Christmas Eve at 6:45 p.m. and Christmas Day at 9:00 a.m. B I Christian Church Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 p.m. BIRHC Annual Meeting Scheduled December 14, 2013 at 10 a.m. BIRHC Education and Community Room CHILDREN’S LUNCH WITH SANTA SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2014, from 11:30 am--1:00 pm AT GREGG FELLOWSHIP HALL, BEAVER ISLAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH ALL CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS AND/OR GRANDPARENTS ARE INVITED TO COME AND HAVE A HOT DOG LUNCH BEFORE SEEING SANTA. SANTA WILL ARRIVE AT 12:00 BRING YOUR CAMERA TO TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR CHILD WITH SANTA Sponsored by the AMVETS Post #46 SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN The AMVETS will again hold a Santa’s Workshop on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at the Beaver Island Community School so that the school children can pick out and purchase gifts for their family and friends. This is a fun occasion for the workers as well as the children. If anyone in the community would like to come and help wrap, etc. please call Dee Gallagher (448-2262) for details. 2014 Garden Tour Save the Date Planning for next summer's events can sometimes be tricky if you don't have any dates so we are announcing the date of our annual Garden Tour Benefit now. It will be on Wednesday, July 16, 2014. Dana D"Andraia and Jan Paul are putting together a wonderful fun­filled day for you and your guests. Our vans and lunch seating gets filled up quickly so please mark you calendars and be ready to buy tickets in advance of that date. We will have more information for you next spring so keep reading the " news" and watch for flyers in June. Have a wonderful winter and we'll see you next summer! Leonor, Connie and the Wellness Gardeners. The Health Center News, Fall 2013 Need Heat, Got Food   Holy Cross Mass Schedule for Fall 2013 Sunday morning mass 10:00 am Events at the BI Christian Church Cookie Carnival on Thursday, December 12 12:00 - 4:00.  Call Jean Carpenter (2896) to pre-order nutmeg logs and/or party cookies (or you can sign up on the bulletin board by the kitchen door).  You can also call Jean to volunteer to help on Tuesday or Wednesday. Santa's Luncheon on December 14.   Bingo:  December 18 Ministers Schedule December 15:  Pastor Harold Kruse 8 Baccalaureate Sunday 22:  a sermon written by Pastor Kruse 24:  Christmas Eve service 29:  Pastor Harold Kruse   BINGO News Gregg Fellowship Center. Doors open at 6:15 pm and games start at 7:00 sharp on first and third Wednesday! Beaver Island Human Services Commission 2013 Meeting Schedule Beaver Island Human Services Commission 2014 Schedule of Meetings 3:15 p.m. 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. February 18, 2014 April 15, 2014 September 16, 2014 November 18, 2014 ***additional meetings may be posted as needed Members: _rotating_(Char-Em Human Service Coordinating Body), Adam Richards (BIRHC),  Alice Belfy(BICS), Judi Meister (Food Pantry), Ann Partridge(COA liaison/Community Center), Lois Williams (Hospice/Helping Hands), Kathy Tidmore(St. James Township Rep.), Pam Grassmick (Peaine Township Rep.),        ______ (AmVets) 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! Subscriptions Expire You can subscribe online by using PayPal and a credit card. Please click the link below if you wish to renew online: RENEW Community Calendar A completely new feature includes a monthly calendar for each month of the entire year of 2013. 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.

From the District Library

Library Board Votes Unanimously to Lower Millage Levied for 2014

In 2010, voters from both townships overwhelmingly approved a millage rate of 1.00 to fund the Beaver Island District Library, and for the last three years the Board has levied .90 mils. When the time came to decide on a millage rate for 2014, there was much discussion about the possibility of lowering the amount levied. In a special meeting of the Beaver Island District Library Board of Trustees held September 30, 2013 at 9:30 am, the board discussed the millage for the coming year and decided to levy .85 mils for the coming fiscal year.
In these trying economic times, the Board is determined to do what it can to ease the pressure on the taxpayers of Peaine and St. James Townships. It is not, however, the intent of the Board to cut the budget of (or services provided by) the library in any way. Instead, rather than adding to the fund balance for the upcoming year, the library will begin gradually drawing it down to an appropriate percentage of the library’s annual operating budget.

Airport Terminal Project

(Photographs by Andrea Moore)

The following pictures were taken on the last Friday of November 2013, just before the crew arrived to begin the shingling of the roof. The contractor stopped to say that the plan was to get the building closed in this coming week. Here are the views of the building:

The view driving into the airport.

View from the south..........view from the west

Inside the building

Inside the building

View from the north.......view from the northeast

Video Walkaround

 

Beaver Island's

Thanksgiving Day All Faiths' Prayer Service

Beaver Island's Thanksgiving Service returned this year at the Holy Cross Catholic Church at 10 a.m. All Beaver Island Churches participated and gave thanks on Thanksgiving morning. This was an all faith's prayer service with each church taking part.. Music was led by Kathy Speck with accompaniment by Judi Meister. The Community Choir sang two pieces and sang along with the congregation. Caroline Works, representative of the Episcopal Church did a reading. Jean Wierenga, representative of the Christian Church, did a reading. Kathy Brouard from the Lighthouse Fellowship read a prayer and led the group in the Lord's Prayer. Bob Bass had the responsibility to read some information about George Washington and Abe Lincoln who are the ones officially responsible for the holiday in the U.S. Father Jim was the MC and did the Sign of Peace and also did a prayer. The sermon after the Gospel reading was excellently presented by Pat Nugent.

This was a wonderful service hosted by Holy Cross with approximately sixty people in attendance. Hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful!

Beaver Island Community Thanksgiving Dinner

The Beaver Island Community Thanksgiving Dinner took place at the Gregg Fellowship Center beginning at 6 p.m. There was, of course, a lot of preparation for this special dinner. Three turkeys were roasted: one at the Moore household, one at the Carpenter household, and one at the Meister household. These three turkeys were taken to the fellowship center at approximately 2:30 p.m. The three turkeys had to be carved, and the thirty pounds of potatoes, peeled on the day before by volunteers, needed to be cooked and mashed. These were begun while the Lions football game completed the second half.

There is lot of preparation that goes into setting up the fellowship hall including setting up the tables and chairs as well as setting the tables for about eighty people. At about 5:15 pm, ice water is placed on the table for eighty, with ice in each of the eighty glasses. Then it's time to make certain that the potluck food, dish to pass food, is placed in the proper location. Pies are cut, and serving spoons placed. Then the serving pans with the hot water bath is readied. There must be a heat source lighted and the water must be hot. About thirty water pitchers of hot water are carried from the kitchen to fill the steam table.

At five minutes before six, the two-inch sheet pans are taken out of the oven to be placed in the steam table. One contains the carved turkey with white meat on one end and dark meat on the other. Another contains the stuffing. The last pan is filled with mashed potatoes and placed in the steam table. The other food is added to the serving area as guests arrive. By 6:15 most of the guests are in the building, and it's time to give thanks.

This was the first time in twenty-seven years that Ron Gregg and family had had Thanksgiving with Lillian Gregg. This is the first time that Lillian Gregg was not working to provide the community dinner on Thanksgiving. This is the first time Lil was not at this dinner. We missed her, but are very glad she got to spend some time with her son and son's family.

Then it was time to eat! Sixty people had a wonderful dinner with some meals delivered! Lots of food, lots of good fellowship, lots of laughter, and lots of helpers. A wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving!

Hope your Thanksgiving was terrific!

 

Weekly Fishing Tip: Mark your calendar for the 2014 Winter Free Fishing Weekend! 
Are you looking for an opportunity to take someone fishing this winter, perhaps someone who has never been before? Consider scheduling your outing for February 15 and 16 as part of the 2014 Winter Free Fishing Weekend!


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

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

Numerous activities in communities throughout Michigan will be going on as part of the 2014 Winter Free Fishing Weekend. Maybe you would want to plan one of your own in your community? For more information, or resources to help you participate, please visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing.

DNR Offers Osprey Education Programs for Classrooms, Organizations

 

The comeback of the Osprey in southern Michigan is a great conservation story, one the Department of Natural Resources would like to share with classrooms and organizations. Nearly absent from much of the state due to the effects of DDT and other pesticide use, the osprey population continues to rebound in southern Michigan.  

 

DNR osprey experts are available to speak to classes or groups for approximately one hour, detailing the biology, life cycle, decline, reintroduction and research of the osprey in southern Michigan. This interactive program includes a PowerPoint presentation and/or a game that illustrates the concept of bioaccumulation of pesticides in top predators. The program is free of charge.

 

A portion of the education program focuses on research involving ospreys. In southern Michigan, monitoring efforts are tracking the revitalization of this species. This year, several birds were banded, and three osprey chicks from area nests were outfitted with “backpack” satellite telemetry units. These units, funded by grants from DTE Energy and American Tower Corporation, are helping scientists track the young birds’ daily movement and seasonal migration patterns.

 

“The great part of this research project is that anyone can follow along and find out where the birds are at any time just by visiting the Osprey Watch of Southeast Michigan’s website," said Julie Oakes, DNR wildlife biologist. “One young osprey is currently in Florida, another in Cuba and the third made it all the way to South America.”

 

Partners of this monitoring project include the DNR, Huron Clinton Metroparks, the Detroit Zoological Society, Osprey Watch of Southeast Michigan, Huron Valley Audubon Society and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services. Because ospreys often nest on cell phone towers, several cell phone tower companies also assisted with this project, including American Tower Corporation, Verizon Wireless, McFarlin Tower, Skyline Services LLC, Earthcom, Hydaker-Wheatlake Inc., Clearlink Wireless Solutions, Newkirk Electric and Crown Castle International.

 

To view the travels of the three young ospreys, visit the Osprey Watch of Southeast Michigan website at www.owsem.org.

 

To schedule an education program for your school or organization, contact Holly Vaughn at 248-359-9062 or Julie Oakes at 248-328-8113.

---

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

 

USDA Wildlife Services research biologist Brian Washburn outfits a male osprey chick with a satellite telemetry unit. (Left to right) Barb Jensen of Osprey Watch, Julie Oakes of the DNR and Dr. Sarah Woodhouse and Tom Schneider of the Detroit Zoological Society assist./

Beaver Island Birding Trail Has Website

The domain is active, and “out there” and we hope to have the site completed by the end of January.

http://www.beaverislandbirdingtrail.org

Below are prototypes of the proposed 9 x 12 inch signs that will be placed at birding hot spots.  The white indicates observation from the road side and the orange indicates a trail to get out and walk. Obviously, the number 12 is a mock up, and all signs will have QR codes attached which we have obtained.

A QR code, or quick response code, is a type of two-dimensional barcode that was originally designed for the auto industry. QR codes were originally invented in 1994 by DensoWave, a subsidiary of Toyota. The QR codes were originally designed to track vehicle parts during the manufacturing process. More recently, QR codes have become popular outside of the auto industry due to the amount of data a QR code can hold, and their easy readability. QR codes work by being scanned with a smartphone. Smartphones have applications that can be downloaded that have the capability to scan and read QR codes, pointing the user to the intended information. Most QR code scanner apps are provided free of charge as are many online QR code generators. QR codes can be generated with many types of information including websites, contact information, pictures, coupons, discounts, and more. QR codes have been proven to be a very effective marketing tool and have the ability to connect users to all types of information.

Mark your calendars for May 23rd and 24th-so that you can attend some of the birding presentations and go on the birding field trips.

Annual Toy Drive

The Annual Toy Drive has begun! The toys collected go to children who qualify for assistance. Any child who lives on Beaver Island or Charlevoix County and qualifies will receive brand new toys.
If you would like to donate, please drop off the toys to Connie Boyle at home, leave it in her car (or Neal's), bring it to the school office or the collection box at Island Airways Airport Terminal (on the Island or in Charlevoix).

This toy drive is in memory of Ellen Welke. She always organized toys and treats for every child on the Island. Ellen made arrangements for Santa to fly to Beaver Island every year. It was important to her that every child have a fun holiday!

Toys should be donated by December 14th. If you have toys to donate after the 14th, a second shipment can be made. Having them by the 14th helps the Social Service staff know how many toys they have and if they need to do any extra shopping. If you would like to donate money for toys, contact Connie Boyle.

Toys should be unwrapped so staff can decide which age and gender the toy is appropriate for.

Thank you so much for your generosity - I am told every year that the Beaver Island Collection is the BEST! ~Connie Boyle
(You can call me at 231-448-2491 or email me at connieb@bics.us)

Some Facts about Hazardous Waste

There is a difference between Household Hazardous Waste and Business Hazardous Waste.  There is a difference between Household Hazardous Waste and Universal Hazardous Waste.  Common business hazardous waste includes fluoroscent lights, batteries, consumer electronics, antifreeze, and mercury containing devices.  Household hazardous waste is exempt from the HazMat regulations.  Business hazardous waste is NOT exempt.  If your business generates small quantities and keeps a record of these small quantities, the business may also be exempt from the HazMat regulations.

From CFR 49, 171.1d(5) Functions not subject to the requirements of the HMR. The following are examples of activities to which the HMR do not apply:

 (5) Transportation of a hazardous material in a motor vehicle, aircraft, or vessel operated by a Federal, state, or local government employee solely for noncommercial Federal, state, or local government purposes.

There is currently a bill, passed unanimously in the state House, that would exempt these common household hazardous wastes from the business hazardous waste category.  This bill has not passed the state Senate, and is currently in the Senate Natural Resources Committee.  It was to allow collection of certain business hazardous waste without going through the same procedures that are currently requiring HazMat training and certification.

Here is the communication received via email from the Michigan DEQ:

"Hi Joe.  Thanks for your inquiry on household hazardous waste collections.  As we discussed, household hazardous waste (solvents, corrosives, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, etc.) and non-hazardous liquids (used oil, antifreeze, etc.) are all exempted from the more rigorous hazardous waste and liquid industrial waste regulations that businesses must follow.  Waste generated from a home from ordinary day-to-day living , even if they’re ignitable, toxic, corrosive or toxic, are subject to the non-hazardous solid waste regulations.  The non-hazardous solid waste regulations require all transfer stations (secondary locations collecting waste subject to non-hazardous solid waste management standards) to be permitted, licensed (or otherwise exempted from permitting and licensing) AND the collection location and activity must be identified in the county solid waste plan.  To address the need to authorize such collections, recently House Bill 5005 was introduced by Representative LaFontaine.  It passed the house unanimously on 11/13/13 and is now under review by the senate.  To address specific questions related to pharmaceutical collections, the Director issued a letter, attached. To address questions related to collecting waste subject to the liquid industrial waste generator regulations, including hazardous waste generated by Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG) of hazardous waste, program staff issued Operational Memorandum 121-2 which requires the municipality to take generator responsibility for any collected business waste.

I believe your best option would be to work with a vendor familiar with the regulations and what is necessary for safe collection, handling, transport and disposal or recycling.  Any collected CESQG hazardous waste would have to be managed in compliance with both Rule 205(4) of Part 111 (see page 50) and the Part 121 requirements for collecting business waste.  As we discussed, they could also opt to just take universal waste types and manage all of the collected waste of that type in accordance with the universal waste requirements. 

With regard to U.S. DOT regulations that apply to any waste collected by the municipality, I’d point you to discussing your questions with Sgt. John Holder of the Michigan State Police, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division.  He should be able to help confirm when those regulations do/don’t apply to wastes given they are responsible for implementing the U.S. DOT regulations in Michigan.   It won’t hurt to have taken the US DOT course, but I believe you are correct in that generally, only hazardous waste subject to full hazardous waste regulation, falls into the definition of a U.S. DOT hazardous material that must meet those regulations. (bolded by editor)

For more information on household hazardous waste, please see our household hazardous waste web page.  For questions specific to a planned collection, you’d likely be best to work with the district program staff and I’d be glad to put you in contact with them after helping you ferret through understanding the different regulations and how choosing one option or another may impact your handling and costs.  Hopefully this helps you on the path to establishing permanent collection options for your community.

As always, thanks for contacting our Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Assistance Center. If time permits, please consider completing our customer service survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/oeacs.  It is short and will help us serve you better.
Tip:  The DEQ offers free pollution prevention assessments to businesses with less than 500 employees.  To learn mores about the assessment and how to qualify, request a free pollution prevention assessment.  To learn more about this program, see the RETAP Program Web Page at www.michigan.gov/retap.

Christine Grossman, Compliance Assistance Specialist
Training and Outreach Unit, Office of Environmental Assistance, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
deq-assist@michigan.gov"

Here is the attachement referred to in the email above.

Cookie Carnival Scheduled

December 12, 2013, will be the   going from NOON until 4:00PM at the Gregg Fellowship Center.

BICS Basketball Schedule

Airport Improvement Meeting

A historic event took place yesterday afternoon at the Peaine Township Hall beginning at approximately 1:07 pm. The very first Beaver Island Airport MAP (Michigan Airport Planning) meeting took place on Beaver Island. Most often, Beaver Island Airport Committee members have to travel to off-Island locations to meet with the Office of Aeronautics, a division of the Michigan Department of Transportation. In addition to the MDOT people, the Mead and Hunt BIAC consultants, and the airport terminal architect were also at this public meeting. One MDOT representative was Betsy Steudle, the State Block Grant Coordinator, MDOT, Office of Aeronautics. She is the one in the sixth picture. Kelly Crannell is another representative from MDOT. She is the Project Manager from the MDOT, Office of Aeronautics. Kelly is in the seventh picture, bottom right.

Stephanie Ward and Rod Nettleton were the Mead and Hunt representatives at this meeting. Mead and Hunt are the consultants that work to help the Beaver Island Airport Committee/Commission work with the State of Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the FAA. Stephanie and Road are in picture four closest to the top on the left.

Out of the whole meeting lasting more than an hour, the BINN editor got a piece of information that would provide stress to any emergency medical technician on Beaver Island. Where would the island be if there was no way to evacuate a patient during the hours between sunset and sunrise? There seems to be a situation where the FAA flies specific flight patterns for an approach to the Beaver Island Airport every two years. There seems to be some obstructions to the landing path labled as "sixty foot trees, two hundred and five feet from the runway approach." This means that the nightime approach may not fit the requirements for night operations at the Beaver Island Airport. It was also suggested that this might cause significant problems for both of the flight services flying to and from Beaver Island during the night time hours.

The MDOT, Department of Aeronautics, suggested that this approach issue for the East/West runway at the Beaver Island Airport become the first priority of the Beaver Island Airport Committee. Other airports have been effected with this specific issue, and it may take as much as a year to get night operations restored by the FAA if they are taken away. This situation was discovered during a search for an improved approach possibility called WAAS. The Airport Manager had not been notified of the possiblity of shutting down the airport for night operations, nor of the FAA flight that may cause this to happen. Rachel Teague found this information on her own.

Video of this entire meeting HERE

Charlevoix County Transit

MAINLAND HOURS OF OPERATION
6:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m. (Monday thru Friday - except Holidays)
9:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m. (Saturday – except Holidays)

BEAVER ISLAND SUMMER HOURS
8:00 a.m.--5:00 p.m. (Monday thru Saturday - except Holidays)

BEAVER ISLAND WINTER HOURS
11:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m. (Monday thru Friday - except Holidays)

(Hours subject to change.)

FARE INFORMATION
Children under 6 years .50
Senior Citizen (60 and over) .50
Handicap: .50
Youth: (ages 6 to19) 1.00
Regular Fare: (ages 20 to 59) 1.50

Note:  All passenger fares are double 15 miles and over.

(Fares subject to annual review.)

SCHEDULING
Mainland: (231) 582-6900
Beaver Island: (231) 448-2026
Toll Free (800) 918-3447

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE & BUS GARAGE LOCATION
Jill Drury, Manager
Charlevoix County Transit
1050 Brockway Street
Boyne City, MI  49712
jdrury@cctransit.org

Since 1980, Charlevoix County Transit has been providing public transportation throughout the County, and Beaver Island a few years later. The transit system operates 20 ADA accessible buses and provides over 117,000 rides annually.

BIRHC Annual Meeting Scheduled

December 14, 2013 at 10 a.m.

BIRHC Education and Community Room

St. James Township Fishing Pier and Boat Launch Drawings

These were the first drawings presented as options by the engineer for the water side of this project.

This is the parking area suggested for the boat launch portion of this project

This was another option based upon the some suggestions made at the special meeting.

Beaver Island Township Airport Project

Site Plan

Subscriptions Have Expired in December

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

SUBSCRIBE or Renew

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