B. I. News on the 'Net, February 7-13, 2011

Latest updates: Editor's Note---Relationship to Support Regional Patient Care----Peaine Township Board Meeting---Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce Not Affiliated

Editor's Note about HD Video

An experiment into High Density video was completed with the Peaine Township Meeting video of 2/9/11. Even though there is a total of about four hours of video of this meeting, the extended time necessary to process this HD video may preclude the move to HD on this website for a while. The HD video takes more than four times the memory space on the streaming video server, more than eight times more time to process, and and indeterminate amount of more time to upload to the server. Currently, BINN uses the fastest DSL connection for upload that is available without purchasing a dedicated up and down speed. BINN has discovered that the HD video has quite a few pauses in its streaming at full screen size that didn't happen with standard definition video. We know it can be frustrating to try to watch a video when the sound and the video seems to stop every few seconds to catch up. Streaming video is supposed to allow continuous viewing of the video after a short start-up time. That works well with standard definition video, but not so much with HD. As BINN continues to experiment with attempting to provide higher quality video as well as high quality sound, we hope that you understand that improvement is our goal. BINN is sorry that you have to wait for the HD video for the Peaine meeting, but we are unable to make the HD video process any more quickly nor upload more quickly. After two more than eight hour days of hard work, the video is not ready yet. We will present it in as short a time frame as possible, but please understand that it will not all be available right away, it will not be all full screen video, and it will take more time than usual to upload it.

Northern Michigan Regional Health System and Beaver Island Rural Health Center

Enter Relationship to Support Regional Patient Care 

The original press release was in Petoskey, Mich. – February 4, 2010 – Northern Michigan Regional Health System and Beaver Island Rural Health Center have entered into an agreement to enhance their partnership.

The agreement will further expand the framework of mutual collaboration between Northern Michigan Regional Health System and Beaver Island Rural Health Center to share, plan, and develop services that support the delivery of high quality, cost effective healthcare for Beaver Island residents. It will also support infrastructure as needed for the continuation of medical care in the appropriate medical setting off the island, whether it be at Northern Michigan Regional Health System or another medical facility.

“We look forward to expanding our relationship with Beaver Island Rural Health Center through this agreement as it aligns with our mission to increase access, improve quality, and reduce costs of healthcare to northern Michigan residents,” said Reezie DeVet, President and CEO of Northern Michigan Regional Health System.

Goals of the agreement include investigating potential solutions for purchasing support, supplies, and equipment, as well as exploring community and medical education opportunities, and expanding telemedicine and connectivity between Beaver Island Rural Health Center and the mainland.

“Through this expanded partnership, Beaver Island Rural Health Center patients will have enhanced access to technologically advanced healthcare that is expected by island residents and increasingly demanded by healthcare policy and regulation, and, if additional healthcare is required, seamless transfer to higher levels of care on the mainland,” said Northern Michigan Regional Health System Board Chair, David Buzzelli.

According to The Beaver Island Task Force Committee, Beaver Island Rural Health Center is painfully aware of the great challenges its isolation and fragile financial resources represent. 

“The agreement is the culmination of months of hard work between Beaver Island Rural Health Center and Northern Michigan Regional Health System,” said Denny Cook, President of Beaver Island Rural Health Center. “We are very pleased that it has been passed by the Boards of both organizations. It lays the groundwork for working together in the future to provide even better healthcare services to Beaver Island.”

Having had a long-standing relationship with Beaver Island Rural Health Center, Bill Jackson, President and CEO of Charlevoix Area Hospital, said the relationship between Northern Michigan Regional Health System and Beaver Island Rural Health Center is yet another aspect in complementing the care provided to the Beaver Island community.

Northern Michigan Regional Health System

Northern Michigan Regional Health System is a non-profit organization that is committed to providing a full continuum of patient-centered specialized care to residents in 22 counties throughout northern Michigan and the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula. With more than 15 affiliates and regional partners, the flagship of Northern Michigan Regional Health System is Northern Michigan Regional Hospital, a 214-bed, regional referral center located in Petoskey with a medical staff of nearly 200 physicians representing nearly all medical and surgical specialties, enabling full-service care. For more information, please visit northernhealth.org.

Peaine Township Board Meeting, February 9, 2011

Approximately seventy people attended the Peaine Township Board Meeting last night, February 9, 2011. The meeting began slightly after 7 p.m. and ended slightly after 11 p.m. This was four hours of anger displayed by many in the audience with two different factions formed in advance. The battle lines were drawn, and the outcome of the battle predetermined. The issue publicly was one of whether or not to dissolve the Peaine Township support of the NRETC by rescinding the original motion that created the organization. This did not seem to be the underlying issue since the commission has done much to help the Island by cleaning up the dump sites on Garden Island, helping to eradicate the phragmities invasion, and opening up vistas not considered on the Island previously.

To an objective observer, the real issue that surfaced entailed three letters written by three individuals in support of a specific designation for Beaver Island. One of these letters was written by Jack Gallagher and sent to the Michigan DNRE and many others in the state government, which was signed as supervisor of Peaine Township, implying Peaine Township support. The second of these letters was written by Sandra Birdsall and sent to the same group, which was signed as Chairman of the Natural Resources and EcoTourism Commission, implying NRETC support. The third letter was not really discussed much, but was sent as an individual letter to the same group of recipients. The existence of these letters was only brought to the public after a Freedom of Information request filed by the Northern Islander. The real issue as viewed objectively was that the public in the audience was upset that neither the Peaine Township Board, consisting of five board members, nor the other members of NRETC, a twenty-one member group, was aware that these letters were sent. As rammed home at the meeting last night was the anger that no phone calls took place to any other Peaine Township Board members. Whether any phone calls took place to members of the NRETC was not established at this meeting. The anger also stemmed from the fact that neither the Peaine Township Supervisor or Chairman Sandra Birdsall had gotten authorization from their respective board or commission to write these letters. The real issue from one audience member was that "you decided to speak for the whole island without anyone's knowledge or authority."

Caught in the losing battle was Pam Grassmich, the only letter writer who did not sign her letter as an officer of the NRETC, but instead her letter was signed by her and her husband, an individual exercising her right to free speech. Unfortunately, Pam had to endure the crumbling of her vision to help Beaver Island, as the mortar shells fell all around her. All of the positive accomplishments of the NRETC, all of the volunteer hours dedicated to the good deeds accomplished, and all of the efforts to educate the community about invasive species were ignored, and the anger directed at two individuals fell like a guillotine on the local governmental support of the NRETC. There were so many stones thrown at this meeting that sorting them out may take a long time. The majority of the stones were thrown at Jack Gallagher and Sandra Birdsall, who was not present to defend herself.

There were a few stones thrown at the BICC suggesting that they had also attempted to speak for the entire Island without any publicly expressed authority, but these stones fell on deaf ears as the anger continued to grow.

The Peaine Township support of the NRETC as added to the agenda by Pete LoDico, who accused Jack Gallagher of purposely leaving it off the agenda even after several emails and calls had been placed to ask that it be put on the agenda. From the moment that this accusation occurred, the outcome of the night was predetermined. The inaction of Sandra Birdsall and the other members of the NRETC in not working quickly enough at adding the Beaver Island Conservation Club and the Chamber of Commerce was another strike against the organization. The fact that those members on the commission who had the opportunity to vote to add these two organizations and didn't do so, was quickly deemed another strike.

These letters were strike three. The Peaine Township Board voted to rescind the motion that created the township commission named the NRETC or NREC. The votes to rescind were LoDico, Martin, and Kubic. The negative vote was Gallagher, and Paul Welke was absent from the meeting.

In another contentious situation, the Peaine Township Board had passed a motion at its previous January 2011 meeting to direct Jack Gallagher to write a letter to correct a previous letter sent to the DNRE regarding the Whiskey Island trade for the DNR building and property on Paradise Bay. There was much discussion from audience members about the need to write this letter, but Jack Gallagher had written a letter that was approved by two members of the Peaine Township Board and not approved by two other members of the Board. It was even suggested by one member of the audience that a two way tie should not prevent the sending of the unapproved letter. After much discussion, again by angry board members and audience members, the Peaine Township Board voted to send the letter as written. The original purpose of the motion on January 2011 in this regard was to notify the DNRE that Peaine Township would not stand in the way of any negotiations between St. James Township and the DNRE in discussions about the Whiskey Island trade. Peaine Township was withdrawing its objection to this, and removing its statement of financial interest in the housing of the Beaver Island deputy as well as its demand to have the Peaine Township name on the deed for this exchange if and when it occurs.

There were two members of the audience that didn't want this letter, nor the motion of the last meeting, to stand, but the Peaine Township Board voted to approve the letter written by Jack Gallagher and put it in the mail on Thursday, February 10, 2011.

There were many other items, less contentious, discussed and completed at this meeting. One of those items was the passing after an excellent presentation by Jeff Powers and Don Tritsch of the Wildlife Certification document and approval of the process by the Peaine Township Board. Two resolutions were passed to approve a poverty exemption with an amount set at $15,000 and an asset maximum set at $100,000 and to allow local residents to protest their assessed valuation in writing. An appointment was made to the Board of Review for an alternate, Tina Morgan. An appointment was made to the Planning Commission, Kathy Jones. A motion was passed to keep the township salaries the same for the year beginning 4/1/11. The Annual Elector's Meeting, the budget meeting, and the Board Hearing to adopt the budget were all set on the same day, 3/26/11 beginning at 11 a.m., followed by 11:45 a.m., and then 12:30 p.m. By-laws for the Waste Managment Committee were going to go back to the committee for approval after suggestions from the lawyer. The 2010 Audit should be available on the Peaine Township website in the next few days

.The video of the meeting will be available as soon as processed. With four hours of video for this four hour meeting, it may take a few days to get it all processed. It will be uploaded and available as soon as possible with the early parts of the meeting available first based upon the agenda and as the meeting unfolded. Items 1-5 on the agenda with be uploaded first.

Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce Not Affiliated

 

The issue of affiliation with the National Chamber of Commerce comes up from time to time because that organization is so often in the national news. Some confusion has recently been caused by someone posting on a local chat site . The Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce is NOT affiliated with any other Chamber of Commerce either national or state. It is completely a local organization dedicated to serving Island members.

You Can't Make a Better Commercial

Here is one fantastic commercial for a national company. This video link was posted by a nationally known EMS magazine named the Journal of Emergency Medical Services. It is definitely an example of how having all the pieces of the puzzle in place to be successful can and will make a difference. As Beaver Island continues to work toward accomplishing its goals, it would be very nice to sit back and watch this video that speaks to the need of pre-planning for even the worst situation. Beaver Island is very lucky to have this technology available, not only in both ambulances, but at the Community Center, the Beaver Island Community School, the ferry boats, the deputy's car, and others.

Beaver Island can be proud of the fact that it has had one similar save as is shown in this video.

http://exposureroom.com/members/stevecahill/468fa570943849e1a48fcbc3368c767b/

Grand Marais Wins

While frequently this title might suggest that Beaver Island was beaten in a sports event, this title is even more wonderful for Beaver Island and Grand Marais than most would have knowledge about. Grand Marais was entered in a Reader's Digest contest in which people could "Cheer" up to ten times per day. Beaver Island residents and their facebook friends rallied to help Grand Marais win this contest. Jessica Moore, a Grand Marais graduate and wife of Michael (PM) Moore, posted a thank you on the beaverislandforum to all the connected Beaver Island people who helped Grand Marais win.

So pat yourselves on the back, Islanders! You helped a competitor in BICS sports win a $40,000 prize as well as the publicity that this will bring. Grand Marais has been battling the sand and the wind which seems to be filling in their harbor, the only harbor within many miles in Lake Superior. With 1, 281,724 "Cheers" Grand Marais won over much larger towns and cities. Two other Michigan cities were in the upper six places with Albion winning a $10,000 prize and St. Johns also winning $10,000.

This just goes to prove that with a little bit of communication and a lot of Beaver Island and Grand Marais connections that great things can be accomplished.

Congratulations, Grand Marais! AND congratulations, Beaver Island!

News from Stoney Acre

VALENTINES Dinner, Saturday Feb. 12th & Monday Feb. 14th...a treat not to be missed... ALL Entree's $17.95ea .* Filet Mignon Nantua , 8 oz. hand-cut choice filet, topped with grilled prawns and a Shrimp-butter sauce. * Black & whites , Farm raised Green-lip New Zeeland Mussels & FRESH Little-neck Clams, as an Entree' or as an Appetizer to be shared. * Slipper Lobster in Champagne Sauce over Penne Pasta. *Sensuous Scallop Bisque. * Stout Cake, *Chocolaty pepper biscotti cookies with Tiramisu ice cream. Everything homemade and wonderful!
*Reservations suggested & helpful...walk-ins welcome!
**Full Menu Available too!
We hope you join us!

Easter Brunch Scheduled

The Beaver Island Christian Church is sponsoring an Easter Brunch on April 24, 2011, at the Gregg Fellowship Center. Everyone is welcome to attend! This annual event is open to the public. Bring a dish to pass if you wish and are able, but this is not necessary. The Easter Brunch will start at Noon.

Island Treasures Resale Shop

BIG WINTER SALE !

Feb 10-12

ALL CLOTHING 1/2 PRICE

We have coats, boots, jeans, pants, sweaters, shirts, and more for the whole family.

Happy Valentines Day - Any RED item is 1/2 price!!

Stop in for a Tootsie Roll. We LOVE our Customers.

Forest View Senior Housing Building Progress

 

....Most outer walls are insulated....Electric panel in apartments....Electric outlet boxes in place......Fresh air returns are insulated......Drywall on ceiling with openings for lighting

Utility area includes plumbing, geothermal, and master electric...............Shower stall sits in the SE apartment...Might be the handicapped apartment

An ingenious heating system with blowers on the inside.....pipes running from inside to outside.......scrap wood is used to heat the construction areas......External wood-fired heat works well...

Video from inside the FV Apartment Construction

 

Canceled Snowshoe Adventure

Everything was in readiness on Thursday, February 3, 2011.. The plan was to take a car down to the Southhead Lighthouse and leave it at the Lighthouse School. Permission to do so was acquired. Next, the second vehicle would take the snowshoers back to town where Jon Bonadeo was ready to transport the snowhoers in at French Bay Road to French Bay Trail to the beach. The snowshoers would follow Jon in a car and meet at the rendezvous location. Jon would give the snowshoers a snowmobile ride in to French Bay and the adventure would begin. Lunches were packed-check. Snacks were packed-check. Extra water was packed-check. Fire starting materials packed--check. Extra gloves, hats, and socks packed--check. We were ready!

Unfortunately, no one told Mother Nature to turn off the gale force winds coming from the West-Southwest at 25 gusting higher. The first leg of the adventure was the last leg. Walking out on the bluff above the fog signal building at the Southhead Lighthouse was the determining factor. When you get windburn and watering eyes by being there for less than five minutes, a five hour snowshoe adventure doesn't seem like such a good idea. It was time to swallow the pride and look toward yet another adventure in the future. Of course, Mother Nature was laughing at the snowshoers on Saturday and Sunday, the two days after the planned outing. The temperatures were to rise to 32 degrees and the wind was to drop to 5 mph.

Forest View Senior Housing Project

On Friday, February 4, 2011, there were several 'strangers' at the Beaver Island Rural Health Center Community Education Room. They were meeting to sign paperwork for the work completed, to view the work completed, and to discuss the project. Most Island people would not know who these visitors were. There are several pictures below of the meeting. Some of the faces are familiar, but some are not, so a short interview was completed by all those willing to participate.

Preparing for the meeting......passing documents for signatures.....discussion taking place.....Pete sings the papers.....Barbara Murphy listens intently

......................Architect shows latest rendition....Rick Speck looks on......USDA representative.....State inspector discusses.......Pete and Ray look at progress........USDA rep and Ann discuss possible funding

Changes in the building include drywall on the ceiling, insulated fresh air ducts, and openings for plumbing, etc.................Don Spencer......................Julie Gardner

Meet Those Working to See This Project to Completion

 

Forest View Apartment Homes

One and two bedroom spacious apartment homes and 1 bedroom barrier free apartment homes are soon to be available. Applications to rent this Beaver Island new senior housing are now available. They are available at the Community Center, the rural health center, and the library. These application should be mailed to the management company at:

KMG Prestige, Attention: Jane Crawford, 3390 Pine Tree Road, Lansing, Michigan 48911

Live worry free in an elderly community with elderly being defined as 62 years of age or older or disable of any age. These apartments have head and electric included, geothermal heating, water, sewer, and trash removal are also included. There is a community lounge for entertaining, an on-site laundry facility, and lawn care and snow removal is also included. There will be indoor mail delivery, lots of extra storage, and 24 hour emergency maintenance.

Rental rates are set by federal guidelines and are projected to be $567 for one bedroom and $629 for two bedroom. This includes the utilities. The housing construction is projected to be ready for occupancy by June 1, 2011.

These apartment homes are located next to the Beaver Island Rural Health Center. Call Jane today at 989-721-7254 or Pete at 231-448-2004 for more information.

Islander Basketball

The Beaver Island Community School basketball teams will be traveling to Mackinac Island to play today and tomorrow, February 4th and 5th. There are quite a few Island residents going to cheer them on. Those that can't travel to Mackinac will also have good thoughts for the Islanders. Rumor has it that the Mackinac teams are having a Homecoming celebration for the Islanders. Hopefully, BINN will be able to have some coverage of this event early next week.

UPDATE: Rumor has it that the girls and the boys lost on Friday night. Then just the boys won on Saturday morning. We look forward to posting scores when they are available.

St. James Township Meeting, February 2, 2011

St. James Township Board Votes to Remove NRETC Support

The usual regular business including approval of the previous meeting minutes and approval of the bills was accomplished quite quickly at the Wednesday night meeting of the St. James Township Board, but the audience of twenty members were sitting quite impatiently awaiting the topic of the night, the NRETC. The Northern Islander had gathered information and provided this information to the board members. It was fairly obvious from the tone of the meeting that began with the reading of correspondence that something was going to happen.

The business of passing a motion to meet in Joint Session with Peaine Township on February 7, 2011, at Peaine Township Hall, at 1 p.m. to discuss the airport property settlement agreement was quickly concluded. The meeting dates for the Board of Review on 3/14/11 and a second day of Board of Review 3/18/11 were passed. Board members and audience members alike stated how pleased they were with the current assessor, who found more than ten structures that were not previously on the tax roles of St. James Township and added up to 1.3 million dollar value. The board passed a motion to authorize Supervisor Rick Speck to sign a contract with AD Assessing for the next three years. The board spoke with Doug Tilly about his Zoning Administrator performance as required.

Then Jeff Powers presented a Wildlife Certification Report to request approval of the St. James Township Board. His presentation indicated the agreement of the Beaver Island Conservation Club, the DNRE, and the Wildlife Club agreement on this plan. The Board approved their paperwork unanimously.The content of these documents are HERE.

This discussion lead right into the main topic of the meeting--Township Support of the NRETC. Every Board member commented on the actions taken by the Sandra Birdsall as chairperson of the NRETC without knowledge of the membership of that organization., They also commented on the actions Jack Gallagher who signed his letter as "Peaine Township Supervisor." The comments suggested sincere anger at these individuals who "did this without the approval of the township boards or the other members of the NRETC.

After many comments on this issue, a motion was passed by St. James Township Board, to rescind the motion of the township that created the NRETC, effectively cutting the connection between the NRETC and the St. James Township Board. The action was accompanied by a consensus of: If they want to continue, they can continue as a private organization like the Beaver Island Association.

Video of this meeting available HERE  

Frustrations in Paradise-An Editorial by Joe Moore

In a couple of years, there may not be a need to choose a Beaver Island Citizen of the Year. Why? Read about it below.

There seems to be a trend on Beaver Island to make it just like the big city. Beaver Island used to have fund raisers at the Holy Cross Hall to raise money for one charity or another. Beaver Island used to have fifty-fifty raffles for the same purpose. Beaver Island used to have an atmosphere of trust and caring and a willingness to work together. I'm not sure what of this spirit remains in today's society of “keeping up with the mainland.” There used to be a general consensus that we trusted our local government leaders to do “what is best for the entire Island.” I'm not sure that this still exists either. We used to be able to help take care of our friends and neighbors and get them the help they needed when they needed it. Now, we are prevented from helping them by some rule or some threat or some fear.

Every situation that I have encountered in the last year seems to come up with a cement block wall that prevents the “good” thing from happening. Can you imagine the crazy world that does not allow a person to volunteer to help the community? The first thing that brought me to this scary place was the concern over raising money for some very needy organizations, charitable organizations of Beaver Island. “You can't do that because someone may sue us,” the head of one of the organizations stated. “We can't have anything to do with this because the lawyers tell us we might be liable for damages.” So a well-intentioned fund raising effort for three Island charities went busted due to fear.

Another situation of goodwill went haywire when a local business wanted to help out and raise money for helping women out when they may have breast cancer. Someone turned them in, and they almost lost their livelihood.

One person wanted to volunteer to help out at the rural health center. “The accountant isn't comfortable with (a person) not getting paid. We do get audited.” So, the fear of violation of some rule is now preventing volunteering. Everyone seems to be “a little gun shy.” So now you can't even volunteer to help out without the fear getting in the way. This is just a little microcosm of the mainland now. Everyone on the mainland operates on the fear of getting sued.

I long for the days when you could do a good deed without worrying about who was going to get mad because you took money out of their pocket. I long for the days when a neighbor could come over and help you out without you being afraid that the neighbor might get hurt and sue you for damages. I long for the days when a sincere desire to help out your community was seen as a good thing, and people thanked you for these efforts. I long for the day when people could put together an activity without worrying about how much money they might lose in the effort. I long for the Holy Cross Hall parties where everyone got together to just have a potluck dinner just for the sake of getting everyone together to socialize. And, it didn't matter which church you attended. Now, the divisiveness is rampant.

And, then we have some that don't know any other way to accomplish something other than bullying. If everything doesn't go their way, then the crap hits the blower, and blood pressures rise, and there is not room to compromise. What happened to sitting down with a few people and working out a compromise? Instead we have people asking others to reveal everything including personal communications about a specific topic. For a while there, I thought I was back teaching elementary music in the local school with kids fighting with other kids over who hit whom, when, and where. There is a middle ground in every disagreement, and reaching an agreement is what most adults do instead of squabbling over not getting your own way.

I can't even imagine what the previous generation thinks of all of this, assuming they can look down on what we are doing today. These old-timers, who put in a whole lot of effort to make this a wonderful place to live with love and trust being the main rules of law, must be sitting up there wondering what in the world happened to their Island. If every decision one makes is based upon whether or not someone will sue someone else, there can be no Beaver Island as we used to know it.

It is pretty sad when you can't even volunteer to help your community without the threat of a lawsuitor a threat of losing your license hanging over your head. The lawyers who are pressing this as a reason not to do something must not know that volunteerism is what keeps Beaver Island functioning. So where do we go from here? I'm open to suggestions. Maybe that's been the plan all along---scare everyone out of volunteering. What do we accomplish by doing this?

I've never heard this before, but this is what I'm being told right now. We can't allow you to volunteer to help us because the liability insurance will only cover employees, not volunteers. You can't even be an unpaid helper anymore. This is truly sad. What does this tell our children? What does this tell the next generation who will be running things when we get older?

Let's get rid of this fear tactic right now. Let's figure out how to undo the use of the fear tactic to force us into doing things the mainland way. Let's put a stop to the bullying and the threatening. Otherwise, we will lose a lot of our services that are accomplished by volunteers instead of paid employees. We simply can't afford to pay for every good deed that needs to be done.

Winter Computer Class at BICS

Click HERE to see the flier

A Microsoft Excel Workshop is being offered at BICS for all levels, click above

Once again, we will be offering computer classes for adults.  The winter class will be BEGINNING EXCEL (Spreadsheets).  If you have no experience, you will begin with the basics.  If you have  some experience, you will be able to start where you are  comfortable.    Should you miss a class, you will not “fall behind”.  The classes will meet on Mondays and Wednesday s from 5:30—6:30  pm starting Wed, Feb 16 thru Wed, March 9.  (Note:  If these days/dates don't work, call Connie and depending on others who sign up, perhaps we can make changes to the schedule!  Please note: no class on March 2 .)

The cost for the class is $25.  Please make checks payable to “BICS” (Beaver Island Community School).  You may bring your payment to the first class.

CALL  THE  SCHOOL OFFICE  AT 448-2744 TO SIGN UP TODAY!!!

Questions? Call Connie Boyle at school (448-2744) or home (448-2491)                              or email:  connieb@bics.us

What is This?

Editor's note: I'm not sure if we have a prank going on or whether this is legitimate. What is this?

From Ken Scoggins:

I was sitting in the kitchen when I saw something move out of the corner of my eye, and I yelled at Betty to get the camera! We don't know what this thing was, but I ran and got my coat and hat and grabbed something to scare it off. The closest thing was my BB gun. I didn't want to shoot it; I just wanted to scare it off. I was yelling at the thing, and it just stood there looking at me. Then it ran off. Betty was able to get a few pictures of it. Has anyone else seen this thing? Can anyone tell what the heck it is???

 

Update from Ken on February 1st: I enlarged the picture to try and get a better look at this thing. I also went back to where it was to see if there were any distinct footprints in the snow but there wasn't... just drag marks.

32 Miles of Water

(Copyright 2004, Phillip Michael Moore)

Beaver Island has two flight services, and neither of them are currently certified or licensed to transport emergency patients from Beaver Island to the mainland. We thank the crews of the USCG helicopters for coming to do medical evacuations. We thank the flight services that have helped us get patients to the mainland for the last seven years and before. We thank Northflight for providing this service as well.

While a lot of things have changed over the last 7 years including a new school, a new executive director of EMS, new township supervisors,and new rural health center board members, there is one thing that has not changed.

Beaver Island does not have an FAA Certified Air Ambulance that is licensed by the State of Michigan.

When Phillip Michael Moore made this video as a Master's degree project, no one would have guessed that seven years later Beaver Island would still not have achieved this goal.

Please take the time to view the video. Please take some time to think about this, and then start asking some questions about how this can be resolved.

Beaver Island News on the 'Net Presents "32 Miles of Water" in its final form (28.5 minutes). The previously video, viewed here, was a slightly shortened version. The video is in high quality, but is still streaming video.

 

2010 Citizen of the Year

Nomination Form

Two possible awards: Individual and Organization

 

The award(s) will honor an individual, couple or community organization

that has made a significant contribution to making Beaver Island

a better place to live, work or visit.

 

 

My name is _________________________________ Phone ___________________

 

Address ______________________________________________________________

 

I would like to nominate _________________________________________________

 

•  Please write 3 or 4 paragraphs, typed preferred, see criteria above

•  Mail to: Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 5 , Beaver Island , MI 49782 – Chamber @BeaverIsland.org

Deadline is Friday, April 8, 2011

Questions: Call Steve West, Mon – Fri., 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 231.448.2505

The Award Banquet will be Saturday, April 30, 2011.

Please call Stoney Acre Grill & Pub (231) 448-2560 for reservations.

Citizen of the Year 2011 Banquet Menu

Sirloin Tips Gaelic

Braised, Choice Sirloin Tips with shallots, garlic and seasonings, deglazed with Irish Mist and finished with cream. Served over penne pasta and garnished with grated Pecorino Romano.

Roast Half-Chicken with Mushrooms

(Poulet au Champignon)

Roast spring Chicken topped with sautéed fresh mushrooms and resting in a sauce of chicken stock, horseradish, garlic, seasonings and cream. New Potatoes and Vegetable accompany.

Yellow Lake Perch

Eight hand-dusted Lake Erie Perch, lightly fried and served with House Slaw, Vegetable, Saffron Rice and House Tartar.

*All dinners are served with an amuse, a small garden salad, herbed bread, and dessert.

Cost per dinner is $20. Does not include gratuity. Alcohol and beverages extra.

1st Annual "Gail's Walk"

The first annual "Gail's Walk" will take place on Sunday, May 29, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. In honor of Gail Weede, each year we will have a Memorial Weekend Walk to raise money that will help Island families who experience unexpected or long term medical treatment.  This fund would help with bills or expenses related to the condition. A minimum donation of $10 per person is asked for this 5k untimed event.  Children 5 and under are no charge.  There will be commemorative long sleeve t-shirts available for $10 each (please pre-order your shirts).  Be sure to include quantity and sizes.

To pre-register for the walk and/or t-shirt, please make your check out to BIRHC (Beaver Island Rural Health Center) memo: Gail's Walk, and mail to Beth Croswhite, P.O.Box 143 Beaver Island, MI 49782.
If you are unable to join us, but would still like to donate to this worthy cause, any donation would be welcomed and appreciated. This walk would begin and end at the Public Beach Parking lot.
Any questions call Dawn Marsh  at 231-448-2910.

News from Stoney Acres and Donegal Dannys

SUPERBOWL Sunday Feb. 6th. Drink Specials, Happy Hour All Day, Complimentary Munchie Buffet...including Jim's PIZZA and much more!
VALENTINES Dinner, Saturday Feb. 12th...a treat not to be missed...will update soon!
JOHNNY CASH'S BIRTHDAY Saturday, Feb. 26th
'Get Rhythm'... and Get rid of yer Blues out at Stoney. More info to follow!
***Just a Friendly Reminder of our Daily Specials :
SUNDAY'S enjoy a commplimentary Hot Dog Buffet , Our Happy Hour All Day, AND Jim & Pam's PIZZA!
Every MONDAY Sizzles , with our choice SIZZLER Dinner $7.50 and $1 off Drafts all night! FREE POPCORN!
TUESDAY'S is $2 TWOsday ...ALL Domestic Beer, Any Schnapp Shots, and our e-well Shot & Pop's
WEDNESDAY is LADIES Night, Happy Hour All Night & $4 Well Bombs!
THURSDAY is 'THIRST Day' , Double Happy Hour 4-6 & 6-8!
Friday's it's YELLOW LAKE PERCH , 8pc.Dinner $15.95 or 5pc. Basket $9.95.
SATURDAY is GOOBER Day! PEANUTS & HAPPY HOUR!
**HAPPY HOUR DAILY & COMPLIMENTARY PUB SNACKS!
WHEW!!! ....
Please join us for Great times with Good friends!
Our Best to You!
Liam & Marilyn

Beaver Island Airport Commission Meeting on January 22, 2011

The Airport Commission met at the St. James Township Hall at 10 a.m. with only four members able to attend. Mike Scripps, Rachel Teague, Ray Cole, and Jim Wojan were absent. Discussion took place regarding how to handle the Recording Secretary position. Compensation rates were determined for time and materials and postage. Rental of space at the Governmental Center was also discussed. The Airport Commission agreed to pay St. James Township a $1080 yearly fee to take care of the cleaning, heating, etc. for the building. The fee is paid once per year. A procedure for budget was discussed. Don Vyse was given authority to sign documents for the Tree Clearning Project. The next airport commission meeting will tentatively be on March 5, 2011, at 10 a.m.

For Video of the meeting, click 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.

News from Beaver Island Community School 

BICS Board of Education has New Board Member

At its January 10, 2011 board meeting, school board members unanimously approved the appointment of Brian Cole to fill the seat vacated by the untimely death of member Gail Weede. Cole submitted a letter of interest for the position, which runs until the annual organizational meeting in July 2011. The seat will be up for election at the May 3, 2011 annual school election. Brian has served on the board in the past and is planning to be on the May 3rd ballot. 

Notice of Filing Deadline for BICS Board of Education

Candidates for the Board of Education have until 4 p.m. February 8, 2011 to register with the St. James township clerk's office. Two four-year terms will be up for election at the annual school election on May 3, 2011. Incumbent board member, Jessica Anderson and recently appointed board member Brian Cole are planning to run in the May election. Other interested candidates must be registered voters of the school district and file a nominating petition with signatures of at least 20 voters or a $100 filing fee. Petition packets can be picked up from the St. James Township clerk or from the school office.

21st Century Learning Scholarship benefits from Donations in Honor of Gail Weede

Nearly $6,000.00 has been received from over 80 donors to the Beaver Island Community School 21 st Century Learning Scholarship in honor of Gail Weede. These donations signify a real tribute to Gail and her commitment to youth which she showered on Beaver Island from the day she arrived. Gail's contributions to the youth of Beaver Island started before she became a school board member; she organized and ran the annual BI Boodle which raised thousands of dollars for the athletic program, she refereed games when needed and she acted as a mentor for students and parents alike. The generous donations to the scholarship fund helped push the endowment portion of that fund over the $10,000.00 mark so that it will now begin to pay out on its own annually. In addition, the spendable, or grant making, portion of the fund was also enhanced and will allow up to two $500.00 scholarships to be granted in 2011 and again in 2012.

The 21st Century Learning Scholarship was created in 2003 by the Beaver Island Board of Education to assist graduating seniors of Beaver Island Community School in receiving an education beyond high school. Students must meet the school's Graduate Profile to be eligible for the scholarship; graduates must prove they: 1) have strong personal qualities and values; 2) use their minds well; 3) have positive work habits, 4) make a positive contributions to society; and 5) use technology fluently. The 21st Century Learning Scholarship fund is an endowment through the Charlevoix County Community Foundation.

The school is grateful to all those who contributed to this fund in Gail Weede's honor. The school is grateful to have had the opportunity to be served by an amazing woman whose years on the board of education were valued and appreciated.

Beaver Island Health Occupations Students Help Senior Citizens

BICS high school HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) students recently presented a check for over $600.00 to Connie Wojan, President of the Beaver Island Rural Health Center Board.   This money will be put in the account for the Senior Help Mate Program that the Health Center provides for the Seniors on Beaver Island.  BICS students were very happy to contribute to the community in a meaningful way.     The money was collected during a Rockathon fundraiser the students organized under the direction of their Allied Health teacher, Sara McCafferty. 

Left to right in HOSA photo the students are: juniors Jamie Campbell, Michael McCafferty and Olivia Schwartzfisher.  

Island National Honor Society has FUN with Youngsters

Members of the BICS National Honor Society recently gave back to their community by hosting a FUN night for younger students.  National Honor Society members Jenna Battle, Kaylyn Jones and Olivia Schwartzfisher hosted the “Annual NHS Fun Night for Grades Pre-School – 6th."  There were 23 in the younger group and 12 in the older, grades 4-6 group.  (94% of all the elementary students attended!)  Youngsters watched a movie, had popcorn, and played lots of games in the gym.  The NHS students provided all the snacks for the event, using money they earned at last year's fundraiser.  Other high school students who helped out were Jamie Campbell and Brogan Maudrie.  Teacher Connie Boyle is the advisor for the school's NHS.

Islander Winter Sports Underway

Beaver Island boys and girls basketball teams are getting back on the court after a long break in the action. The teams played a set of games against Hannahville in early December, followed by a non-league contest at Northport before Christmas. Bad weather led to the cancellation of games at Grand Marais and the rescheduling of the Ojibwe game in early January left the Islanders hungry for competition. The teams travelled to Paradise on January 14th where the girls' team won both games and the boys dropped two. The teams have a full schedule between now and the NLL Tournaments in late February. Teams will travel to Hannahville, Mackinac Island and Maplewood Baptist. Two home game weekends are coming up: January 28/29 will bring a girls' team from Ojibwe and a boys' team from Petoskey. The final home game of the season is the February 11/12 matchup between the Islanders and Grand Marais.

Girls Basketball Coach Diane McDonough begins her second year with the Islanders. Members of the girls' basketball team are: Juniors Jenna Battle, Brighid Gillespie Cushman, Brogan Maudrie and Olivia Schwartzfisher; freshman Olivia Cary; eighth graders Emily Boyle, Hannah Robert and Meg Works and seventh grader Emily Burton.

Boys Basketball Coach Matt Richie begins his first year coaching basketball. The boys' team is made up of the following members: senior Doug Campbell; juniors, Gus Connaghan, Matthew Cull and Billy Lemmink; sophomore McCauley Connaghan; freshmen Jewell Gillespie Cushman and Ron Marsh; seventh graders Ryan Boyle, Liam Hodgson and Nick Williams. Coach Richie is assisted by Jeff Connor.

Island Students Win Two Rounds in Petoskey Quiz bowl

National Honor Society advisor and teacher Connie Boyle took a team of students to compete in a High School Quiz Bowl on Friday, January 14, 2011. The team competed with several area schools in a fast-paced trivia type competition. The Beaver Island team consisted of senior Jake Drost, juniors Michael McCafferty and Kaylyn Jones and freshman Erin Boyle.

Peaine Township Meeting January 12, 2011

This was another interesting meeting at the Peaine Township Hall. There seems to be one or two different topics that seem to cause an emotional upset most months. The first topic of the meeting involved whether or not to pay the Northern Islander $500 for the publication of the Intergovernmental Agreement. The rest of the meeting was mostly just as contentious. Another topic toward the end of the meeting was a Freedom of Information Act request from Gavin West and from Elaine West. And in between them was the Peaine Township letter to the DNRE about the Whiskey Island trade for the DNR building and property in St. James Township. All in all an interesting meeting!

Video of the Peaine Township Meeting HERE

By the way, the topics are on this linked page. So, if you can't view the video, you can still get the idea of what was discussed and who discussed it by going to this page.

Father Pat's Dream Trip

The Parish of Holy Cross Church is sponsoring a trip for Father Pat Cawley to take the vacation of his dreams, Normandy, France. We are presently working out the details of his 2011 trip. If you wish to help with this endeavor, we have set up a special savings account at Charlevoix State Bank. If you wish to help, you can send a donation of any amount. Address your check to Nancy Tritsch or Skip McDonough, PO Box 14, Beaver Island, Michigan 49782 or Charlevoix State Bank, 111 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720. Please add 'Father Pat's trip' on the memo line. or you can give your donation directly to the bank. Personnel of Charlevoix State Bank at both the Island and the Charlevoix branches are aware of this special account. The savings account number is 910100732. Call Nancy Tritsch's phone at 448-2178 for any questions.

Lake Geneserath Winter Fun Scheduled

 

The Second Annual Fresh Air Winter Festival will take place on Lake G on February 19, 2011. The above was created by Mike Hurkmans from video of the event of 2009.

Beaver Island Community Development Corporation

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beaver Island Airport Commission Inter-Governmental Agreement

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

B I Airport Commission Rules of Procedure

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

Re-Appraisal, Assessor, and Property Taxes Explained

In a December meeting at the Peaine Township Hall, the Peaine Assessor, hired by the Peaine Township Board sat down with a small number of attendee at a scheduled meeting, albeit on a very busy night. She explained the process of the appraisal, her job as assessor, the role of the townships and the role of the State of Michigan. Ed Wojan, John Fogg, Don Tritsch, and the Hurkmanns attended with Jim Birdsall doing the introduction and participating as well. If you are interest in seeing what was discussed at this meeting, video of the entire session can be viewed in video clips HERE.

Peaine Township Tax Assessment Roles Online

Search Peaine Township Assessment Role Online

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

BICS Calendar for 2010-11 Approved

Beaver Island Transfer Station Information

Expired Subscriptions

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

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Meeting Minutes

The minutes of all public meetings will be posted

as soon as they are received.

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

Airport Committee Minutes

Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association Minutes

Peaine Township Board Minutes

BIRHC Board Meeting Minutes

St. James Township Meeting Minutes

Beaver Island Community School Board Meeting Minutes

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

Beaver Island Natural Resources and Eco-Tourism Commission Minutes

Joint Human Resources Commission Minutes

Waste Management Committee Minutes

Beaver Island Airport Commission Minutes New for 2011!