B. I. News on the 'Net, January 24-February 3, 2014
From Libby Struik
My dad, Bruce Struik, wanted me to pass along that he is currently in Munson Medical Center (has been for a week). Unfortunately his prostate cancer spread to his spine.Please take a walk for him! He is currently receiving radiation and will soon figure out the next step as more radiation/chemo.
His current address is : Munson Medical Center
ATTN Bruce Struik Room 4606A 1105 Sixth St. Traverse City MI 49684
Thank you!
Libby Struik
Karen Johnson, New Trustee
Karen Johnson, a Beaver Island resident was part of a Charlevoix County Leadership Program. This provided her the opportunity to network and discuss important issues with her fellow trainees. This program is obviously a wonderful program, and Beaver Island News on the 'Net is a proud contributor to the leadership program. Karen was recently appointed to the Charlevoix County Community Foundation as one of four new trustees. Congratulations, Karen Tritsch Johnson.
Islanders versus Lakers, Friday, January 31
One of the best and definitely one of the closest basketball games in the history of the Northern Lights League took place on Friday, January 31, 2014, on Beaver Island at the school gym. This game was close. The play was amazing, and both teams played hard for the whole game.
Alex started out shooting and dribbling and shooting some more.
Jewell shoots.........Simeon battles for position.......Alex drives
Jewell's jumper.........Alex's jumper.........Ron's three pointer
On the defense........Alex with a short jumper.......Jewell, a longer jump shot
Fouled, but no call.......On the defense.......Nick shoots
Jump shots: ...Alex..................Jewell...............Nick
Ronnie's shot..............Simeon's foul shot.......Ronnie's shoots another
Half time Score
Cheerleading
Skye tumbling
Sveta tumbles
Beaver Island Cheerleading Squad
More tumbling
Second Half Begins
Alex drives...............and shoots...................Alex with a steal
Alex boxed in...................Drives.......................Fouled
Simeon trying to get position....Alex jumper.........Jewell's jumper
Third Quarter Score-Islanders behind by eight points
Jewell shoots................Ronnie shoots.............Alex with a short shot
The Islanders started to make their baskets. The Islanders started to play serious defense. The Lakers' shots began missing their mark. The Lakers began to foul out of the game.
Ronnie shoots a foul shot.......Ronnie shoots a long jumper........Nick is fighting for possession of the ball
Ronnie shoots..........Defense fails on Laker steal..............Nick shoots
The game gets close in score 30-31
Nick shoots from the corner........Simeon works to get into position.........A Laker trap
Ronnie shoots a three pointer........Alex shoots a jumper......Simeon gets rebound and shoots
Islanders take the lead....Lakers get desperate and foul......Nick shoots a foul shot
Good defense, Islanders.........Simeon with position..........Nick shoots foul shot
The score is close once again.
Fighting for a tie game. Time for overtime.
Fighting for the win
Overtime number 2
Overtime number 3
Alex drives once..................twice................... Simeon ready for a rebound
Nick shoots
Islanders WIN!
Video of the game can be viewed HERE
Beaver Island Phragmites Control
No, Thank You!
by Cindy Ricksgers
We sent letters out, before the end of last year, to property owners who are impacted by invasive Phragmites on Beaver Island.
We detailed the steps we’ve been taking to handle the problem, and requested continued support of our efforts.
This is my first year in this position; I didn’t know what to expect.
Times are hard; money is tight; the holiday season always brings a mailbox full of requests for donations.
I understand!
Still, the response has been tremendous.
What followed our mailing was a steady stream of envelopes.
What they revealed was not only support of the work that we are doing, but generosity and kindness of spirit.
Christmas cards, personal notes and letters repeatedly offered gratitude and approval of our efforts to stop the spread of this invasive species.
I’m not only pleased by the generosity of monetary donations, but awed by all of you who also took the time to write a note of encouragement.
The money will help to fund our work, and is also instrumental as a show of backing when we apply for grant funding.
I am heartened by your confidence and encouragement.
I’ve sent out a few letters in response to specific questions or concerns. I’m sorry I can’t thank each one personally.
Honestly, it means so much to know we have your backing to continue our good work.
Thank you!
Joe Dillingham Passes Away
Mr. Dillingham Passed away Saturday, February 1, 2014 after a short illness. Age 92 years. He was born June 21, 1921 in Boaz, Kentucky to Felix and Sammie (Harrell) Dillingham. He graduated from Boaz High School in their last graduating class and attended Murray College. Joe moved to Michigan in the 1930’s and spent the rest of his life here. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Pacific Theatre.
He spent several years on Beaver Island working at a variety of jobs before starting the Beaver Island Telephone Company which was the beginning of his career in the telephone industry. He retired from Continental Telephone Company in Pinconning in 1981. He served as a CWA union steward for several years in Caro and Pinconning.
He married Marilyn (Jeanie) Gifford on January 24, 1970 at her parents home in St. Louis, Michigan. They had just celebrated their 44Th. Anniversary. Joe enjoyed woodworking, bird watching, photography and computers.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jeanie; one daughter, Gale (Kent) Jones of Davison; one son, Dale Dillingham of Belding; grandsons, Jared Nickel of Beaverton and Joey Dillingham of Belding; great granddaughters, Kadence and Ava Nickel. He is also survived by one sister, Lou Jean (W.B.) Ford; two brothers, Jimmy (Imogene) Dillingham and Don (Glenda) Dillingham; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Joanne Gifford, Janice (George) Kilborn and Dan Bayerd. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Lois Gifford and one sister-in-law, Jackie Bayerd.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Brent Raap for his care over many years, the nursing staff at McLaren 6 East for their care and patience, the wonderful Hospice people, Terri, Ben, Michelle, Trisha and Len for all their help and understanding and Jacinda and Paul Wackerle for all they’ve done to make things easier. At the request of Mr. Dillingham cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. and until the time of services. Memorial cards for the Library of Michigan Foundation, which supplied books on tape for him for so many years, will be available at the funeral home
January Live Streaming Video Report
In January the Live Streaming Video Project reached two hundred sixty-three (263) unique IP addresses, which represents a minimum of 263 people. If two people were watching at each IP address, that would be over five hundred people watching events take place on Beaver Island in the month of January alone. This includes viewings from the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and Paraguay as well as views from twenty differenct states and one province, Ontario, Canada.
In Michigan, there were viewings from Marquette, Frederic, Mt. Pleasant, New Baltimore, Ypsilanti, Hopkins, Manistee, Ecorse, Owosso, Paradise, Traverse City, Holland, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Farmington, Lansing, and Saginaw besides Beaver Island.
Beaver Island News on the Net is seeking sponsors of this wonderful service of providing live video on the Internet for those who are unable to be on the Island for these Beaver Island events. While the subscriber fees and donations help to defray the costs of a streaming video server, they help with only 20% of the actual costs of providing the live streaming and on-demand video of these Beaver Island events. This statement is not a complaint, but is seeking help to continue this service.
There are a few ways that the live streaming video could be financed. BINN could seek more donations, could require a donation to be able to view the live events, or could determine a fee per event. BINN prefers not to go to the last step of a pay-per-view because that opens up even more issues. That being said, something has to change due to an approximate $4000 loss in the calendar year of 2013 just for the live streaming and on-demand video portion of the services provided by News on the 'Net.
Ideas are welcome. Send your ideas to medic5740@gmail.com
Historic events have been archived, which also places a burden on the live streaming video server costs. One of the things that could happen is the elimination of the archived video to help lower the costs related to this operation. You can view these historic events from 2000-2012 (soon to be joined by 2013) at http://beaverislandnewsarchives. com which contains a search engine to help locate the events that you may be interested in.
BINN would like to expand the audience of the live streaming. Some ideas are: a Friday afternoon live broadcast and on-demand video from Beaver Island Community School to notify the viewers of the upcoming events at the school, a live streaming of the Beaver Island Music Festival in part or in entirety, a live streaming of Baroque on Beaver events, St. Patrick's Day games, 4th of July activities, and many more. BINN would also like to improve the quality of the video to HD video.
You can help by donating to the live streaming project: You can also help by renewing your BINN subscription or subscribing to BINN or consider giving a gift subscription.
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
Wrestle and Hassle to Count the Passel of Blue-jays at the Feeder
From a count of forty blue-jays, not certain of the count due to the flit and flutter and fast movement of these birds, the area around the intersection of Carlisle Road and Kings Highway, known as Moore's Wildlife Bistro, Moore's Frog Farm (actually registered with the Charlevoix County Clerk), and other names, to only one blue-jay at the top of the highest pine tree in the area, this provides a great deal of entertainment for two dogs and three cats, as well as two adult humans. There have been twelve rock doves on the ground underneath the sunflower seed feeder and so many blue-jays that you can't count them, as well as many chicadees and purple finches.
It is very interesting to see the variety of birds, but also causes a wonder at what causes the feeders to be completely empty once in a great while. Is it because of the merlin or pigeon hawk, flying in the area or some other bird of prey? The crows, at least one raven, the turkeys, and the other birds mentioned above are also quite busy with the corn spread out in the driveway. After Lil Gregg's experience of last year where forty-two squirrels were captured in an attempt to keep them out of her house, the Bistro is attempting to chase away the squirrels, so a search for methods of accomplishing this was undertaken.
A brief period of familiar slingshot attempts were not successful. The old eyes and loss of coordination over these many years made for very little success.
The non-violent atmosphere portrayed by the Bistro in welcoming birds was challenged by finding a method to scare away the squirrels without permanently scaring the birds away. As the editor sat in his chair working on video, a memory from more than fifty years ago came flooding back into the brain. How does that happen? Nevermind, the memory included a young neighbor named Eddie Hendricks getting a bb-gun for his birthday. He used it to hunt squirrels, but the squirrels were never murdered. The worst that every happened was that they were stunned for a while, but then eventually recovered and ran off. The memory includes chasing them out of their garden, but it's not clear enough to determine why the squirrels were trying to get into their garden. Perhaps they were after strawberries?
So the sixty-three year old squirrel-chaser want-a-be decided it was time to get a bb-gun. The hardware store here on Beaver Island sells some pretty powerful pellet guns. There were two old-fashioned bb-guns. Not desiring to kill the squirrels and not desiring to lose composure, get angry, and pump the pellet gun too many times, the bb-gun became the weapon of choice.
So, if you are driving past the Bistro on your way to Stoney Acres or the Pub and you see a gun barrel sticking out of the window closest to the tall cedar hedge, don't be surprised or concerned. It's just the sixty-three year old owner of the Bistro trying become a ten-year-old squirrel hunter of the past.
Another interesting thing is the number of words that are considered synonyms of the word "passel". Here are the b-word synonyms: band, bank, batch, battery, block, and bunch. That would be a band, bank, batch, battery, block, or bunch of bluejays. Try to say that five times fast.
BICS Basketball vs Mackinaw Island
The Islanders and Lady Islanders played hard this past weekend. The cheerleaders cheered hard and loud. The spectators cheered and yelled and felt proud of both the Lady Islanders and the Islanders. Somewhere over a hundred individuals (based upon 100 unique IP addresses) watching the Friday and/or Saturday basketball games. (See article above)
The Lady Islanders were out-run and out-shot by a much more physically aggressive Lady Laker team on both Friday and Saturday. The spectators still showed their support to the Lady Islanders even though they were defeated in both contests, Friday and Saturday.
The Islanders played quite well even with some passing issues. Both the Friday night game and the Saturday morning games were very close. Congratulations Islanders for your win on Friday night! The Saturday morning game was even closer. Friday, Islanders win by two points. Saturday, Islanders lose by one point.
Pictures of Friday night games and video for all four games will be available once it is processed.
Airport Commission Meeting, February 1, 2014
The Airport Commission meeting schedule today started just a little late while the commission waited to have a quorum. The meeting continued with the quorum, and the minutes were approved and one item was added to the agenda. Only one piece of mail was discussed by the committee as it was the only written communication. There was a short terminal building committee report. The new airport terminal lease received extensive discussion, and the plan was to make some changes before the next meeting on April 5, 2013, before it was sent off to the lawyer for his comments and suggested changes. The discussion on the minimum standards at the Beaver Island Airport was tabled due to Mike Scripps absence from this meeting.
The airport commission had an in depth discussion of the budget for the April 2014-March 2015 Budget. After much discusson, it was decided to write up the budget as discussed, and then this budget was approved with the changes discussed so that it could be presented to the townships. A short report on the progress of the seven trees needed to be removed or topped to maintain the night approach at the Beaver Island Airport was given.
Rachel Teague gave her Airport Manager report which included that all necessary operations at the airport was up and working. The fueling station was repaired and available after being down for a short period of time.
With no public comment and no commissioner comment, the adjourned.
Airport Terminal Progress
The pictures taken were labeled around the building Choose the number in the table below to see the picture.
William “Rick” Patrick Andrew
William “Rick” Patrick Andrew, 66, of Traverse City, passed away on January 21st, 2014, at Munson Medical Center. Rick was the son of the late William and Amy Andrew and grew up in Southfield, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan, then earned a master’s degree from Cornell University, and a Ph.D from Penn State University. He was a professor of Finance at Penn State for 37 years. Rick enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, summers on Beaver Island, Michigan, and keeping a very close eye on the stock market. Rick is survived by his wife, Janine, his daughter Jamie, brothers Brian (Vicky) Andrew, Gary (Jean Braxton) Andrew, sister Joan (Peter) Cristiano, and cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements are with Life Story Funeral Home in Traverse City. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring, when he will be buried at The Bohemian Cemetery on Old Mission Peninsula. Memorial contributions may be made to: Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, 3860 N. Long Lake Road Suite D, Traverse City, MI 49686 Rick cared deeply about those closest to him โ€“ his family and friends. His depth of character and trustworthy nature made him a source of support and reliability for those who loved him most. For that, and many other fine qualities, he will always be remembered.ย
BRIAN REED CRUICKSHANK Passes Away
Brian was a passionate man, who was in love with his family and his projects. He believed in working hard and giving back to those in need. It's difficult to describe how supportive and proud a father and loving and thoughtful a husband he was. Brian is and was an unforgettable spirit with a tender heart and rough hands.
Sometimes
by Paul Cole
Years ago, when snow piled high around doors and windows, and people kept warm with a wood stove, winters were filled with "sometimes". People would venture out into the cold island air for a bit....
Sometimes it was to go to the bar,
Sometimes it was to ice fish,
Sometimes it was to check in on someone ill,
Sometimes to catch a house party that came up on "the party line".
Sometimes it was for adventures with snowmobile safaris to the south end with warm chili around a fire,
Sometimes it was for skating after Dickey Doo plowed the ice for us with a bonfire, and to "crack the whip", hanging on for dear life.
Other times bonfires at night, sledding down Mt. Pisgah with four or five in to a sled,
Sometimes it was to dance to Jim Reeves at Madonna’s or to Lorainne singing a tune,
Sometimes it was to go and listen to Mary Tom recite a poem from memory,
Sometimes it was to go towing, to laugh as we wiped out in the snow.
Most often, it was cards at a house---- playing smear or other games with family and friends.
I recall playing smear down at the pole barn or at my gram's table, and I can still hear her screaming whenever someone stole her "jack" and caused her to look for her flour barrel for a "break" (Now we know it was for a little bit of whiskey!).
The table that is at Lefts house holds many "sometimes" too, back when it was Ket and Maryann's. So glad it is still in the "loop". Corneil Gatliff was visiting years ago and said, "That was the best table on the Island for playing cards...if it could only talk...Ket and Maryann had the stories, I loved walking down and playing cards night after night for a penny."
Winter is harsh, hard and draining at times. Hang on everybody, and just play your cards, dance to Jim Reeves, and head to the bar with some friends whether your on an island or in the middle of the city.
Always look for "sometimes" to create with your kids and friends. Our parents created "sometimes" for us to pass on, and I'll be eternally thankful for that.
From Stoney Acres
STONEY SPECIALS Jan 29-Feb 2 w/Happy Hour Daily 2-6
Regal Spring TILAPI-Grilled or Fried-$12
Grilled BEEF & PEPPERJACK or SWISS MELT-$7
CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER or HOUSE CHILI
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY-$1 off any glass, $3 off House Btl, $5 off List Bottle.
For ALL those snowed in for $2 Tuesday...we're doing $2 THURSDAY All Day/All Night this week!
TIGER'S Opener FRIDAY
SATURDAY-Extended HAPPY HOUR Till 8pm
SUNDAY SUPERBOWL-HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY/COMPLIMENTARY HOT DOGS, BRATS & MUNCHIES.
JIM'S PIZZA for purchase 4-8:30, Carry Out or Eat IN...phone your order in and have it ready when you are...YUM!
Let the GOOD TIMES ROLL...at Stoney & the PUB!
Old B. I. Airport Terminal----Bids Accepted
Beaver Island Airport Commission Meeting
This morning a little after 10 a.m., the representatives from Mead and Hunt arrived at the Peaine Township Hall to discuss several topics with the BIAC. The consultant firm Mead and Hunt's representatives had left Lansing in an aircraft flying to Beaver Island. The meeting was slightly delayed due to the weather and the desire to get as many airport commission members present as possible.
The first topic on the agenda of this meeting was the needed tree clearing to maintain the night approach at the Beaver Island Airport. It is difficult to get this approach back if it was lost. The example given was the fourteen month time frame for another airport that had lost their approach. This example was plenty to get the airport commission aware of the importance of this particular topic.
(Thanks to Rod Nettleman for the PDFs from Mead and Hunt and Elaine West for the forwarded documents)
PAPI Obstacle Clearance Surface(OCS) is one plane surface that must be accomodated to satisfy the Federal Aviation Administration. The PAPI OCS provides a pilot with a minimum approach clearance for the pilot landing at the airport. This is just one surface that the Mead and Hunt representative presented. To meet these requirements to maintain the night approach at the Beaver Island Airport, there are three trees that need to be cut down or topped. Two of these trees are on the property of the Paradise Bay Coffee Shop, and one of these trees is on the property owned by Bob Banville. Mead and Hunt PDF HERE See graphic HERE
The second surface discussed was from FAR, Part 77, for the SAFE, EFFICIENT USE, AND PRESERVATION OF THE NAVIGABLE AIRSPACE. This plane surface would require additional trees be removed or topped from the properties mentioned above and one tree from another property owner. The two trees from Paradise Bay Coffee Shop property would need to be removed or topped as above in the description above in the paragraph above. It would require additional three trees be removed or topped from Bob Banville's property and one from the Garthwaite property. Mead and Hunt PDF HERE. See graphic HERE
Perhaps everyone was amazed that this small number of trees were those that were required to be removed or topped. The total was only seven trees in the most demanding plan. This was certainly much less that most had thought. That statement does not minimize the rights of the property owners, but just relates that this is certainly not as many as thought. This process needs to be completed as soon as possible to prevent loss of the night approach at the Beaver Island Airport. It also must be completed so that this new information can be uploaded to the FAA. It also has to be completed before April 1st due to the Migratory Bird Act. The funding, if needed, for this removal or topping of trees must be funded from local funds because the federal process of funding takes too long.
These tree removals are necessary, not only to maintain the night approach, but also for any improvement, such as a WAAS approach, at the Beaver Island Airport. The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) is an air navigation aid developed by the Federal Aviation Administration to augment the Global Positioning System (GPS), with the goal of improving its accuracy, integrity, and availability. Essentially, WAAS is intended to enable aircraft to rely on GPS for all phases of flight, including precision approaches to any airport within its coverage area. The idea of this improved approach using WAAS is that it improves the ability to fly emergency medical patients off the island when the weather is bad.
Next, the representative from Mead and Hunt spoke about the airport apron expansion, its location, and the timing needed. This led into a discussion of the Kings Highway paving project, and how this would determine the timeline for the apron expansion. Also discussed was the new access road, to be completed by the Charlevoix County Road Commission, played into the timing of the apron expansion as well. One of the issues related to this apron expansion included the fact that no one really knows when the 2014 federal funds would become available.
Mead and Hunt PDF of Airport Apron Expansion
Also related to this apron expansion was that the existing terminal building sits on part of the apron for this expansion project. The BIAC was working on this and reported that progress on this moving along quite well. It was a complex contract that had to cover everything, and wasn't currently in final form.
Mead and Hunt also reported on the necessity of bidding out the airport commission consultant position. Mead and Hunt presented a draft selection process to the airport commission. It was noted that a consultant could be selected from a Statement of Qualifications, and that interviews were not necessary. The airport commission needs to determine a time frame for this process.
The meeting adjourned with another committee meeting to take place after this one.
BINN live streamed this meeting on beaverisland.tv, and recorded the meeting for on demand video viewing for subscribers.
View Video of this meeting HERE
Poison
by Cindy Ricksgers
I take a little pink pill each morning, to regulate my thyroid.
I’m not much for taking pills, generally.
I take aspirin for headache. If I start getting leg cramps, I’ll take magnesium for a while. I’ve learned to take 600 milligrams of ibuprofen the minute I feel my back go out. Now and then I start a daily vitamin and baby aspirin regimen, but I forget, and neglect to form a regular habit of it.
The pink pill, I remember.
Without it, my skin dries out and my hair and nails become brittle. Without it, my cholesterol levels go all out of control. My energy level drops. Depression blankets me.
The pill does exactly what it is supposed to do.
It also strips my body of calcium. That’s a well known side-effect of the prescription drug, and I knew it going in.
I come from a family of strong-boned women.....yet I have osteoporosis.
My little dog, Rosa Parks, has severe allergies.
I inject her, every ten days, with a serum made specifically for her. It contains the essence of the many things she is allergic to, so that her body will build up defenses against them. It’s a lifetime commitment, but her little life is worth it.
Usually in about 24 hours after receiving her dose, she starts to get uncomfortable. Her ears get yeasty and itchy; her eyes water. They are the same symptoms, but in smaller measure, that she would exhibit all the time, without the treatment. If she becomes too miserable, there are other things I can give her to counteract the discomfort.
They come with their own side-effects.
It’s a balance we strike.
My little sister Nita--my cute little sister who can make me laugh like nobody else in the whole world--starts chemotherapy today.
Her prospects are dire. Knowing it wouldn’t save her, she didn’t want treatment.
She knows what a challenge it would be!
The doctors spoke to her about time, and quality of life, and comfort.
They assured her she could stop at any time.
They convinced her to try.
Yesterday--a long day for her--she had a port put in, for administering the chemicals. She went for her first radiation treatment after that.
Today, she will receive her first chemotherapy.
I’m not thinking of Nita in the hospital bed.
I’m thinking of Nita, standing strong like a warrior, in her raggedy wide-leg bell-bottom jeans with her long dark hair showing glints of red highlights in the sunshine and a big smile on her freckly face.
I’m not thinking of the toxins being introduced into her system. I am thinking of those chemicals as soldiers, every one, dressed in white with silver swords blazing, marching in to fight the disease.
We find the balance.
From the Chamber of Commerce
2013 Beaver Island Citizen of the Year
Here is the nomination form for 2013 Citizen of the year. The nomination deadline is April 4 and the awards banquet is set for May 17th. Additional banquet information will follow in late February. As usual there are many great candidates and the Chamber directors will have a challenge selecting one for the 2013 award. Now is a great time to start talking with friends about who would make a great nominee.
NEW Board Member
The Chamber directors accepted with regret the resignation from the board of long time director Pat Anderson. By unanimous vote the board wishes to thank Pat for her many years of service. Jean Kinsley was selected to replace Pat for the remainder of her term. Jean is a real estate broker with Prudential Preferred Properties.
More Winter Pictures
Empty downtown with hardware, Shamrock, community center, Chamber--all closed
Coming and going at Willy Schmidts'
Loader-piled snow with drifting by Welke Airport headed to Four Corners
Evergreens at the Four Corners
Shapes of trees shown covered with snow
In a driveway looking for a corn dinner
Links |
Announcements
BIRHC Meeting Dates SetThe board of directors of the BIRHC has set these meetings for 2014: March 15
Sept. 20 Annual meeting Dec. 13. |
02/23/14 |
Stoney Acre |
03/23/14 |
Dalwhinnie |
04/27/14 |
Shamrock |
05/18/14 |
Stoney Acre |
06/15/14 |
Dalwhinnie |
07/20/14 |
Shamrock |
08/17/14 |
Stoney Acre |
McDonough's Winter Hours
Moonday-Friday 8-6
Saturday 9-5
Sunday 11-1
Need Asphalt Work Done?
Paving Contractor Contact Information
If you are interested in getting some asphalt work completed on your property, it appears that the contractors for the Kings Highway repaving project are searching for additional work or side jobs. While the asphalt plant is on the island, you could get your driveway paved, a parking lot paved, or other work completed. Here is the information for calling to set up an appointment in the spring for an estimate:
Rieth-Riley Construction Company
Contact: Mark Wagner or Jim Pemberton, 231-439-5757, or 06795 US-31 N, Charlevoix, Michigan 49720
Payne and Dolan, Inc.
Contact: Matt Miller or Gery Hartman, 989-731-0700, or 1029 Gornick Ave., Suite 105, Gaylord, Michigan 49735
B I Christian Church Ministers
February
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 funยญfilled 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.
Need Heat, Got Food
Holy Cross Mass Schedule for Fall 2013
Sunday morning mass 10:00 am
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),ย 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.),ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ______ (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.
When Santa Missed the Boat to Beaver Island
as read by Phil Gregg
Birding Trail Group Receives Grant
Chili Cook-Off
January 23, 2014 at the Shamrock
And the winners from this evening's cook-off involving a total of twenty different soups and chilis were:
1st Place-----Dawn Marsh - Ham & Potato Chowder
2nd Place-----Julie Martin - Cheeseburger Soup
CHILI:
1st Place-----Jerry LaFreniere - Spicy Chili
2nd Place-----Jewell Gillespie-Cushman - Sweet-n-Spicy Venison Chili
The judges at work tasting the different soups and chilis
John Works at the door.......Students greeting the customers
One of the winners
Some of the attendees to the cook-off
Shamrock workers
Sue Avery read off the winners...2nd place chili, Jewell....3rd place chili. Carolyn Works
First place Chili, Gerald LaFreniere
Chili and Soup winners
Video of the Chili Cook-off
Is Lake Michigan Frozen?
This video gives you the answer to that question. It appears to be frozen from Beaver Island to Charlevoix. That does not mean that the ice is safe for walking or snowmobiling between the two locations.
Many thanks to Anne Willis for sharing her video.
BICS HOSA Students Take BLS for Healthcare Providers
Kathy Ehinger, Beaver Island Community School's Health Occupations teacher, (BICS and HOSA), arranged for the 9th and 10th grade students of BICS to take a Healthcare Provider level program in Basic Life Support (BLS). This program is the same program taught to EMTs, paramedics, nurses, doctors, and other healthcare providers. There were four instructors present: Kathie Ehinger representing the BICS, Joe Moore, Gerald LaFreniere, and Jim Stambaugh representing Beaver Island Emergency Medical Services (BIEMS).
This program took place on Saturday, January 18, 2014, from 2-5 pm, and Sunday, January 19, 2014, from 1-5 pm. Fourteen students and two adults joined four instructors for this program. Joe, Jim, and Gerald are American Heart Association certified instructors through the Training Center in Harbor Springs.
Thanks to Jim Stambaugh for taking the following pictures!
Adult and child CPR
Infant CPR begins
Two adults and Joe Moore..................Infant choking and CPR finishes
Joe Moore, lead instsructor, said, "This was a wonderful group of interested students. I am happy to say that every single student will be recommended to the American Heart Association for certification in the Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers program. Congratulations to the school, their HOSA instructor, and BIEMS instructors for a wonderfully successful two days of instruction and training."
Real Winter Hits Beaver Island
The last couple of days on Beaver Island are reminiscent of the days from the past winters' stories of the old timers on the island. Beaver Island is having a real winter with school closed a little earlier in the season for cold temperatures below zero. Yesterday, January 22, 2014, the school closed for the first real snowstorm in years. Somewhere between twelve and twenty inches of snow fell and drifted to just below thirty inches, and the county trucks could not keep up with the the snowfall. It took some school kids and their parents an hour to get home in this storm. This morning school is on a two-hour delay for the same reason.
Some of the hold-outs from paying for plowing would have gladly paid almost any amount to have the driveways plowed instead of shoveled or blown by the owner. Most of those spoke of having to blow the snow twice yesterday or taking at least twice as long. One hold out even had issues with the extension cords as the temperatures would not allow the electric cords straighten out. The cords would stay coiled and spring back to that shape as soon as the stretch was gone. In any other season, this would be good, but a spring extension cord hidden in the snow is a disaster waiting to happen. During the time of snowblowing, another four inches of snow came down, and then the wind began to blow drifting additional inches back into the driveway.
Protected backyard
With twenty-nine and a half inches of snow measured in the protected backyard in the morning to only twenty-six in the afternoon, you can tell that the wind was moving the snow around. That three and a half inches of snow from the backyard ended up in the driveway drifting the edges making a flat parabola-shaped driveway. The snow on the deck was chest deep on a tall drink of water and neck deep on a perfectly placed person. Last night was no night to be out moving in a vehicle although a few were ignoring the weather and still looking to see if anyone else was out and around.
The stories about the storms usually began, "You remember the winter of '67 or '69? Boy was that a storm to remember." Years from now, they will be saying, "Do you remember the winter of 2014? That one January day in the middle of the month when it took us hours to get to school only find out that school was closed, and it took just as long to get back home?"
Stay safe in the below-zero windchill cold that has followed this wintery storm!
Diving for Wolves in Ice Water
A view into the past Beaver Island History of February 1967 Sports Illustrated
That may sound mad, but then Beaver Island on Lake Michigan has a mad history, including a brief period of domination by a Mormon 'king.' Today the island is a pleasant summer resort, but when winter comes Arctic winds gnarl trees and the temperature plummets far below zero. It was in such weather that the author visited Beaver to join in a wolf hunt, during which one of the hunters added a new chapter to the island's history
HERE
BIRHC Meeting Dates Set
The board of directors of the BIRHC has set these meetings for 2014:
All are Saturdays at 10 AM in the Community Room at the Center:
March 15; June 21; Sept. 20; annual meeting Dec. 13.
Rambling
by Cindy Rickgers
I’ve just spent a full ten minutes debating about whether this title should be “Rambling” โ€“ as in “I have beenย rambling around in the woods” โ€“ or “Ramblings”, like a series of random thoughts.
No kidding!
I got up and circled the chair, to look at it from a distance. I put the “S” on and then took it back off again.
More than once!
I even โ€“ briefly โ€“ considered replacing the “g” with an apostropheโ€ฆas in “I’m a ramblin’ man.”
That’s the way my mind is working these days.
Rambling.
I haven’t been sleeping well.
I was wide awake through much of last night. The little dog had gone outside to pee at three o’clock, and I’d gone to the bathroom to do the same. When I came out, she was already at the door, peering in, anxious to get out of the weather. Back in bed, she quivered and moaned in her sleep, breathing fast, heart pounding. When the other dog does that, I attribute it to dreams of chasing squirrels. I wasn’t so quick to let it go, in this case. Had she been terror-stricken when I wasn’t right there at the door to let her in? What went through her little dog-mind for those few moments alone out there in the dark and snow? Was that to blame for her restless sleep now?
After mulling that over for too long in the early morning hours, I turned my attention elsewhere. My notes for art class were brought out for examination and review. My finances then came to the forefront, were worried over and set aside. A grant I’ll be writing was given its due. Next, a hangnail that’s been bothering me, and achy joints, and the persistent tickle in my throat.
Finally, my thoughts turned to my sister Nita who, truth be told, is the cause for my restless nights.
She was sick in bed over Christmasโ€ฆgot worse when she expected to get betterโ€ฆwent finally to the hospitalโ€ฆand no good news came of that.
Last week my sister Brenda and her husband drove from Michigan to Florida and back, to collect Nita and her few belongings so that she can be surrounded by friends and family that love her.
She saw a specialist yesterdayโ€ฆis having more tests and procedures todayโ€ฆand will likely begin a difficult treatment regimen next week. It’s not a good prognosis, in any case.
When I spoke to her, she said, “Yeah, I’m dying,” and gave a bit of a laugh. Dad and our sister, Sheila, fill her dreams, she said. “I’m sorry to put you guys through this again,” she told me.
“Don’t worry about us,” I said, “Take care of yourself!”
In the middle of the night, seems I can do enough worrying for all of us.
Waste Management Committee
The January 2014 meeting of the Waste Management Committe (WMC) met on Tuesday, January 21, 2014. On vacation were Paul and Angela Welke, but there was a quorum of the other members. Several issues related to hazardous materials were discussed, but it was decided that this discussion would be laid to rest. Instead, all of the employees of the Beaver Island Transfer Station (BITS) would be offered the opportunity to do the HazMat training online, which would provide them with a certificate of completion that could be filed in the personnel files and at the BITS. Up to $1000 was set aside for this purpose from the budget by motion and vote. Several other issues were discussed including the possible new organizational document outline provided by Bill Kohls. Jean Wierenga also found some 2010 Bylaws that had been looked at and somewhat approved by the St. James Township lawyer. These and others will be part of the discussion of the new document. Both townships will be asked to help define what decisions can be made by the WMC and which must go to the townships.
The seven member committee was discussed related to the new document, and it was pretty much a consensus that the current method used by the townships seemed to make sense. Two board members from each township would be appointed. Then each township would appoint one additional person that was not a board member. The committee then would recommend to both townships the seventh member of the committee. A possible seventh member was discussed, but no letter of interest had been received, so could not be sent at this time to both townships. If one was received, then it could be sent to the townships.
It was also determined that if the townships were the ones to appoint an individual to the WMC, then it must be the townships that accept a letter of resignation from a member of the committee.
Many thanks to Dawn Marsh for the operation of the video camera for this meeting.
Saturday Morning Basketball Islanders versus Bobcats
Cheerleaders Pictures
This morning the cheerleader squad made certain that they cheered in an area that allowed the pictures to be taken. It was much appreciated. Their cheers inspired the audience and both Lady Islanders and Islanders.
Posing
Cheering
Tumbling
Great job, Ladies!
Saturday morning Lady Islanders' game
Unfortunately, the video camera quit working just as the Lady Islanders moved into the lead, but there are pictures at the above link.
Saturday morning Islanders vs Munising Bobcats
Friday Night Basketball Islanders versus Bobcats
The live streamed video was viewed by 129 unique IP addresses for Friday night's and Saturday morning's games.
On demand Pictures and video here
Taekwondo Demonstration on Friday Night
The Taequondo Club of BICS did a demonstration on Friday night, January 17, 2014, between the games, after the Lady Islanders played and before the Islanders played. There seemed to be quite a wide age range for the participants. The first part of the demonstration involved a defense demonstration.
A knife attack and defensive moves
Jewell and Levi
Protection from a knife attack
Some defense and some offense
Breaking Boards
Jumping kicks to break board
Breaking the board with just one finger
This after school program and club is seeking donations for attending competitions, obviously off-Island. The last trip was to Kalamazoo.
Video of the demonstration
More Snow
by Cindy Rickgers
Once again, our attempts at a good walk have been foiled.
The dogs are bored, and I’m getting discouraged.
Clover and I went down the road for our walk a few times, when the extreme cold or ice didn’t stop us. Guilt at leaving the little dog at home was the only damper on our enjoyment. A bit of a thaw allowed the three of us to get out together to walk the old logging road into the woods. Still, not close to our usual routine for frequency or distance.
Now, we have more snow!
In other years, there has been a long dry spell between the end of hunting season and the beginning of lasting cold weather. Time that we could walk through the woods, keeping grasses and snow trampled down. Time to reacquaint ourselves with the path, the landmarks and wildlife along the way.ย Time to get accustomed to our route so that we’d know the way when it was buried in deep snow.
Not this year!
In other winters, the snow has come down wet and heavy, forming a nice crust that would carry my weight. Then, we could leave the path. We could explore deep into the woods, knowing we’d have our footprints in the snow to lead us back home.
Not this year. Not yet, anyway.
We had our first snow early, and it hasn’t let up. Five or six inches at a time it has fallen, accumulating quickly into a deep landscape of fluffy snow. So light, snowmobiles could not go out on it; so soft, it would not carry my weight, with or without snowshoes. I don’t think an entire week has gone by without a fresh layer of snow being added to what is already here.
In years gone by, one companion was my old dog, Maggie. Maggie loved a good walk! Part Malamute, part Lab, she was undaunted by the weather. Cold didn’t bother her. Though she had bad hips, she could “swim” her way through snow that seemed impassable to the rest of us. She would lead the way. Clover and I would follow.
Not anymore. Maggie left this world a few years ago. Her spot has been filled with Rosa Parks.
Rosa has much the same coloring as Maggie. She is similar in shape, carrying a bit of extra weight around the middle. She has the same bossy attitude and snippy temperament. She even has similar health and food issues! However, she is considerably shorter and one hundred pounds lighter than Maggie was. This winter, that’s a definite consideration!
Clover is feeling her age, of late. She doesn’t have the endurance or stamina she exhibited even a year ago.
Me, too! Tramping through deep snow is hard on my knees and exhausting all around. I can go a short distance, but long walks are out of the question in this weather.
This winter has slowed all three of us down!
Follow Cindy Rickgers on her blog HERE
Part Time Position: Operations Manager
Submit letter of application, resume with email address, and the names and mail/email addresses of three professional references to: BICAA Coordinator, PO Box 326, Beaver Island, MI 49782. Applications received on or before February 15, 2014 will receive first consideration. Later applications may be considered until position is filled.
Super Bowl on the Big Screen
Charlevoix County Commission on Aging Beaver Island Congregate Sunday Dinners 2013/14
(Subject to changes based on Island events!)
01/19/14 |
Shamrock |
02/23/14 |
Stoney Acre |
03/23/14 |
Dalwhinnie |
04/27/14 |
Shamrock |
05/18/14 |
Stoney Acre |
06/15/14 |
Dalwhinnie |
07/20/14 |
Shamrock |
08/17/14 |
Stoney Acre |
Josh Broder Tells a Story
Josh Broder is invited to tell a story about his experience doing a scene in a classic movie. Josh does a wonderful job!
Need Asphalt Work Done?
Paving Contractor Contact Information
If you are interested in getting some asphalt work completed on your property, it appears that the contractors for the Kings Highway repaving project are searching for additional work or side jobs. While the asphalt plant is on the island, you could get your driveway paved, a parking lot paved, or other work completed. Here is the information for calling to set up an appointment in the spring for an estimate:
Rieth-Riley Construction Company
Contact: Mark Wagner or Jim Pemberton, 231-439-5757, or 06795 US-31 N, Charlevoix, Michigan 49720
Payne and Dolan, Inc.
Contact: Matt Miller or Gery Hartman, 989-731-0700, or 1029 Gornick Ave., Suite 105, Gaylord, Michigan 49735
Township Airport Terminal
Elevations
Floor plan
Grand Rapids Beaver Island Party Announced
2013 Michigan State of the Great Lakes Report Released
For More Information:
Brian Sweeney, 517-284-5047, sweeneyb2@michigan.gov
The Michigan Office of the Great Lakes today announced the release of the 2013 Michigan State of the Great Lakes Report. This statutorily required annual report is prepared each yearย by the Office of the Great Lakes and highlights state priorities and programmatic accomplishments addressing Great Lakes protection, restoration and economic development.
The report brings together authors from state agencies, academia, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to analyze the top issues affecting Michigan’s Great Lakes and coastal areas. Topics include Great Lakes water levels, aquatic invasive species, restoration work, harbor dredging successes, and economic development and revitalization.
The report is available online at: www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/State_of_the_Great_Lakes_2013_opt_442885_7.pdf
Weekly Fishing Tip:
Weekly Fishing Tip:ย Mark your calendar for the 2014 Winter Free Fishing Weekend!ย
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 โ€“ 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.
BICS Basketball Schedule
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 โ€“ 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:ย 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, MIย 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.
Township Airport Floor Plan and Site Plan
Site Plan
Subscriptions Have Expired in January
Several family and business subscriptions expired in January and others expire in February. . 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