B. I. News on the 'Net, July 12-19, 2010

European Swamp Thistle

European Swamp Thistle has taken root on Beaver Island in a number of locations: below Martin's Bluff, the Kilty's Point area, along both Hannigan's Road and Johnny Martin's Trail, and at Little Sand Bay. A small patch was eliminated below Bonner's Bluff as well thanks to a concerned property owner. Being a biennial, a few years of hand harvesting flower tops should go a long way to controlling the spread of this invasive species. Allowed to spread this hardy invasive can easily choke out native species and take over well-lit wetland areas.

The best means of control is to clip off the flowering heads, not only at the top of the plant, but along the stem as well, bag them up and dispose of at the transfer station. Cutting the stalk near the base is a good follow up technique.

If you think you have a population of these plants on your property and would like assistance in removing them call Frank Solle at 2162 or Pam Grassmick at 2314.

Thistle Poster

Music Fest Is Fun-A Great Way to Relax

With the many different styles of music being performed at the music fest, there is no way to be bored there. As the first time that this editor has been to the festival, it can be described in one word, "Wonderful." Even though many do not like the popular music and prefer classical music, the variety of styles performed should appeal to many. From Irish fiddling to blues, from classic rock to modern rock, from musical stories to Motown, the first two days of the music festival down the West Side Road was fantastic. If you have never attended, you should try it. You might come away with a different appreciation of the talents brought to Beaver Island by Dan and Carol Burton.

There were many photographers there. There were many videographers there. The sound crew was amazing from the first note played until the last one of each of the two nights. Helpful people were everywhere from helping you to find a parking place to providing first aid if needed. The campfire in the open space invited you to join in and relax. The music was performed professionally, and the enjoyment of music was obvious from each and every performer.

The facilities are amazing. Although considered rustic by some, they fit perfectly into the Beaver Island experience. The Burton's beautiful garden greats you as you come to the entrance to the fest. Friendly people answer questions and provide accurate information on the facilities at the fest. Dan and Carol are seen walking around and checking on things making sure that everything goes right.

On the way back to town Thursday night, one city dweller stated, "Oh, my gosh, look at all the stars." Once away from the trees and the lights of town, thousands of stars are seen that a city dweller will never see due to the lights of the city. Beaver Island not only provides a chance to relax, but also a chance to get back to nature, view the stars, and mingle with foks.

The event certainly adds a lot to the Island economy with purchases at the stores, even though there are several vendors on site. It would seem that you can purchase everything from food to tee shirts to beaver pelt hats here at the music festival. It is a great addition to the summer activities of the island. Great job, Dan and Carol and your whole crew!

On Thursday, so of the first group that our group heard and a select few of the audience

The audience viewed from the sound platform. Not bad for a Thursday night!

Prisoners of Paradise with three Croswhite family members

The crowd really got involved. Joddi had them on their feet and clapping, laughing, and singing.

Well past dark the hardware man Jeff from the Beaver Island Comedy Group performed his '10' skit modified for the music festival.

The announcer or MC for the night also performed a song.

Next up were the Sowa Brothers..

When the Sowa Brothers were finished, it was time for the older members of the group to go home.

But not before a quick stop at the common area campfire to get a couple of pictures...

Video will be added ASAP.

Ospreys, Loons, Walleye Pond

As of July 15, 2010, these wildlife are thriving, but things can change very quickly in nature.. While everyone is busy doing their summer vacation activities, there are other wildlife that are just continuing along according to the rules of Mother Nature. The osprey young are growing. The loon chick on Barney's Lake is still there as of Thursday morning, July 15th. The walleye pond nets are providing some, but very few, additional fish, but those that are there are getting much bigger. These video clips show the status of these three things in the middle of last week.

Loons

 

Frank Solle stopped by Barney's Lake last night, July 16, 2010 and got this picture of an adult feeding the young one.

Ah, dinner time!

Ospreys

Walleye Pond 

 

Sorry, but some video clips are currently not available!

Here's the sad, sad story that is making us mad, madder, maddest! The company through which BINN has been using for video for the last seven months has sold out to another company. The names of the companies are not important. The emergency shutdown of the server today was to change the messages given to the server subscribers that all video needs to be downloaded and moved to another video server company by August 10, 2010. None of the videos placed on this website will be available through this server after August 10, 2010. There is no plan to offer PRO accounts with embedded video through the new owner, which is what BINN uses.

BINN is not going to upload more video to this server and then just have to move it back off that server in less than a month. BINN is negotiating with another server as this is written via email, and hopes to have the Glen McDonough video clips up and available ASAP. The video is captured and converted, and BINN is only waiting for a place to upload it, so that it will not have to be moved later on. Seven months of work on video will have to be redone if BINN is to keep an archives of the video clips. For those tech-savvy people, it accounts for 8-9 GB of video that will have to be downloaded, labeled, uploaded, and then embedded for a second time in every weekly page in every version of BINN since January 2010. This is a massive undertaking, but hard work and time are the only obstacles once the negotiations are complete.

We apologize for any disruptions in service that you may be experiencing or may experience in the near future. We will work on both ends to include current video uploads, and then go back to January 2010 and update all the pages with the proper embed code for the new server. Busy bees will we be this entire month and more!

Update on Friday morning, July 16, 2010: A new video server is up and running, and the video for the Glen McDonough Memorial Concert is now available.

ROUNDING UP YOUR FOOD PLOT

by Lois Williams

In the last few months you have all no doubt hear the buzz about food plots. Just what is a food plot, you may ask, and what purpose does it serve. In the realm of whitetail deer a food plot is a patch of land, planted by man, to augment and complement what nature has provided for them in the wild. With a lot of old growth forests on the Island and not enough logging, the deer could use some help. The Beaver Island Wildlife Club initiated and encouraged food plots on private land and state land in 1999 . Later we looked into better management practices. In 2005, we sponsored a speaker from the Quality Deer Management discussion at Peaine Township Hall. Perry Russo, North Central Regional Director spoke about measures aimed at improving herd quality. This type of management is a three fold effort to let the little bucks to grow, take a judicious number of does, and provide better habitat for our whitetail herd. We certainly could find no fault in those three concepts. Following this meeting the club decided to implement a volunteer effort to encourage non-harvest of small bucks in a campaign to “let ‘em go, let'em grow.” Most land owner deer hunters have implemented their own regulations to take only bucks that have at least 3 points on one side. The consensus was to keep it voluntary in what we call “hunter's choice”. At this time we also began to encourage more land owners to plant plots for increased nutrition. With the help of the DNR some state land was also planted and older plots were mowed. The club helped private land owners with some of the cost to encourage even more plots.

Food plots don't have to be large. On the acreage I own we prepared one acre, divided into two plots about 400 yards from each other. They are bordered on three sides by forest giving the deer needed protection. Preparing for this on the Island was a major chore. As you all know the glue that holds the Island together is called “juniper”. What was left after juniper removal was something not unlike beach sand. For ten years now we have nurtured that sand with lime, fertilizer and a lot of sweat. Our crops have ranged from rye to buckwheat, winter wheat, king clover, millet, Brassica, and last year buck forage oats. This brings us to the issue of “rounding up your food plot”.

The last two years we have planted our plots in August. This summer the plots have become choked with weeds and unwanted grasses fueled perhaps with warmth and rain. I thought it would be a good idea to spray the area with Round Up and just like magic the area would be weed free for August planting. That was my plan until I did some research on the internet about the product.

For years I have been told repeatedly by farmers, lawn service persons, and even gardeners about the safety of this product ROUND UP. Monsanto is considered the mother of agricultural biotechnology. It is basically a system that requires no tilling. You kill all the weeds, you use Round up ready seeds, spray the crops when weeds appear and viola the weeds disappear and the crops survive. Monsanto advertised more yield per acre and huge savings on labor and fuel for farm equipment. That sounds like a winner but research has shown otherwise. The main component of Round Up is glyphosate . Over time what have emerged are glyphosate-resistant weeds and pests. This has increased the need for more glyphosate, additional pesticides, and increased man power to control these hard to kill “super weeds”.

It was never my intention to use Round Up ready seeds but it was my intention to kill all the weeds. When I started to question how safe this was for the environment I found that there are all kinds of red flags waving out there and I began to read and to dig out the reasons why it is not safe for the environment.

•  Super weeds. Mother Nature has her own way of fighting back. These weeds have found a way to evolve to survive. In some cases they have spread to other areas and even related wild plants.

•  Herbicide in food. I am not comfortable with herbicides/pesticides on my food and go to great lengths to avoid them. Glyphosate is absorbed by the foliage and translocated rapidly throughout the plant. Lettuce, carrots and barley planted a year after glyphosate treatment has shown residues to be present. The beef, pork, and chicken that you eat that has been raised by agricultural farming (what you get in the grocery store and not from you local farmer) contains residues from animals fed corn and soy products that have been raised in Round Up ready acres. Whitetail deer and wild turkeys who feed in the wild are my favorite organic sources of meat. I don't want those deer ingesting plants grown over Round Up if there is any chance of glyphosate residue in the meat. Aren't we just compounding our problems?

•  Harm to wildlife. The use of Round Up has been linked to the decimation of frogs on a worldwide basis. It also causes harm to non-target insects like the caddis fly. There is strong evidence that it also kills ladybugs.

There will be strong support for use of Round Up and strong opposition. You have to decide. I suggest you do your own research. I went on line to www.sourcewatch.org . From there you can find other sites and excellent references.

This fall when I'm rounding up my food plot it won't be with Round Up. We will disc and drag, plant and hope for rain. Hopefully the result will be a healthy crop of forage oats to feed our beautiful, healthy whitetail deer, and all those other critters out there that forage.

Lois Williams

July 17, 2010

Men's Golf League Weekly Results

As expected, the first five or six places in the golf league changed quite dramatically. The results prior to Wednesday night, July 14, 2010, were very, very close from second place down to six place. First place is held securely by Jeff and Ryan. In more than one match on this night, the results hinged on a single shot or a single putt, and a movement up or down of several places could happen, and in some cases, did happen as this table shows:

Place	Week 7/7	Week 7/14
1	Jeff and Ryan	Jeff and Ryan
2	Howard and Joe	Ron and Bob tied
3	Francis and Larry	Rob and Dan tied
4	Ron and Bob	Francis and Larry tied
5	Rob and Dan	Howard and Joe tied
6	Larry and Joe	Larry and Joe

As you can see, Jeff and Ryan are comfortably still in first place. Howard and Joe slipped down from second to a tied for fourth place. Rob and Dan and Ron and Bob switched order, but both moved up from fourth and fifth to tied for second.. Francis and Larry are tied for fourth place.This just goes to show that a handicap method of scoring provides everyone with a chance to win a match.

Next week should also be quite interesting for those that are tied. Good luck and good shots, guys!

Meet the Local Artist-Frank Solle

Our district library has chosen Frank Solle for the local artist to feature for this month. Frank is a local photographer and poet. His art will be featured at the Beaver Island District Library until mid-August.

Frank Solle said, "The library is a hub of activity throughout the year and I think this is a great way to give notice to the many talented and creative people living here. I feel quite honored to be asked to display some of my work and look forward to seeing many other wonderful exhibits over time.

And with that in mind I'd like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the upcoming Art Show during Museum Week. Housed in the Gregg Fellowship Hall July 21-23, there is a tremendous collection of art on display and for sale each and every year. A portion of each sale goes to support the Historical Society as well. See you there."

Here's some samples of the photos on display, a couple chapbook covers, and the broadside of 'Sandhills on the Fen'.

Photos: Yacht Club, Waugonshanse Light, Tree Chair

Books and Poetry

Library News

 

July started off with a bang, and it wasn't just from the fireworks! From the 15 th of June until the 15 th of July the anime artwork of Daniel McDonough has been on display at the library to rave reviews. Daniel is the son of Joe and Tarry McDonough and a graduate of the Beaver Island Community School.

On July 5th , we were visited by Michigan author Adam Schuitema. His collection of short stories, “Freshwater Boys” includes a chapter on Beaver Island. Schuitema read portions of that chapter aloud. Copies of his book were available for purchase and could be signed by the author. While not a huge turnout, those who did attend had an enjoyable time.

July 6th was the Fancy Nancy Tea Party for little girls ages 3 to 8. This was a huge success! Although limited to 32 little ones, the place was packed with the girls all decked out in their finery. Very special thanks go to Tara Palmer, Michelle LaFreniere, Kathy Ruis, and Dalwhinnie for making this such a special event. Each girl left with a Fancy Nancy goblet, a Beany Baby, cookies, and two craft projects that they had made.

The Fancy Nancy Party

July 7th began the annual summer Story Hour for the little ones. We are so lucky to have Mrs. Connie Wojan in charge of this event. Her stories and projects are a huge hit with the kids and they look forward to this every summer. Story Hour begins every Wednesday at 10:30.

The library now has a website and our catalog is available online at http://beaverisland.michlibrary.org/ (note that there is NO www. in front of the address) ! You can set up an account provided you have a library card with us. Fill out the required information using the number under the barcode on your library card. You can then search the catalog (be sure and select the Beaver Island library) and reserve or renew items. At the present time you can not do inter-library loans this way. If you have problems, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our email address is: island.library@gmail.com The website also offers a wealth of other information available to our patrons from homework help to research.

Archeological Dig on the Island

Email letter (thanks go to Bill Cashman and Beaver Beacon)

I wanted to make you aware of some exciting events coming up in conjunction with Professor Deborah Rotman’s Archeological dig on Beaver Island. As you may know, the project is a public archaeology project that includes the Beaver Island community in the field excavation, scholarly lectures, and the Project Archaeology workshop.

As part of this community outreach the following events have been scheduled:

Stephen Brighton from the University of Maryland is the guest scholar who will be speaking next Wednesday, July 14 at 7 (or 7:30 pm) at the Beaver Island Community Center.

Professor Rotman will also be giving a lecture on Wednesday evening, July 21 at 8 pm, also at the Community Center. At the beginning of this event Charlevoix County Community Foundation Trustee Connie Wojan (who lives on the island), will present a check to Professor Rotman toward the guest lecture series and project archaeology portions of the Irish American archaeological project on Beaver Island.

The teachers will be digging with her team all week and the excavation is open to the public. You are welcome to visit the site.
Deb would enjoy seeing you or someone from News on the Net at one of the upcoming events.

Kindest regards,
Brenda

Brenda Hull Cox
Associate Director
Corporate and Foundation Relations
University of Notre Dame

Letter Received from Jason Allen

A few days ago, the editor sent an email to our state representative, state senator, and the governor expressing personal frustration with state government regarding the missing funding for the BIRHC. Jason Allen responded with a copy of a letter that he had sent the budget director. Here is a copy of that letter:

Editorial statement: There is something wrong with the state government when a law is passed and signed by the governor for funding for these remote clinics, and the budget director defies the legislature's law and withholds funding after the money has been appropriated.

Peaine Township Meeting on July 14, 2010

There is still a lot of anger and disagreement over the township airport, and this surfaced in this July 14th meeting. There were a few other issues that are of importance and interest to not only Peaine Township residents here. You can view video of the entire meeting by clicking the link below:

2010 July 14 Peaine Meeting

Ladies' Golf Tournament

The Ladies Golf Tournament was today, July 17, 2010, with a tee off time and 9AM shot gun start with the firing of the canon. A four person scramble was the format. We had a beautiful day to be out on the golf course. We had seven teams for a total of 28 ladies competing in the tournament.

The winning team was Shirley Sowa with her playing partners of Audrey Beilman, Aulene Duffy and Joe Ellen McCarey. They turned in a score of 39.

Second place was Taffey Raphael and team of Ruth Kelly, Marge Boyle and Barb Flournoy. Turning in a score of 42.

We had a third place tie with Nel Worsfold team of Floss Frank, Ann Broder and SandySimpson. The other third place team of Ruth Igoe, Jane Maehr, Jeanne Howell and Katie Wilcox. The third place teams turned in a score of 44.

Then we had longest putt on #1 which went to Jeanne Howell. Closest to the pin second shot on hole #4 went to Jo Ellen McGarey. Straightest drive on #5 went to Nel Worsfold, and the longest drive on # 9 which went to Barb Flournoy. We also had a putting contest after the tournament which Bob Simpson organized. The winners of the putting contest were Sandy Simpson in 1st place, Katie Wilcon in 2nd place, and Barb Flournoy in 3rd place.

A great time was had by all and a BIG THANK YOU to John, Carolyn and Meg Works and the rest of John's crew for setting up everything for the committee this year. The committee consisted of Jean Carpenter, Sandy Birdsall and Sharon Scamehorn.

The other participants in the Ladies' Golf Tournament

1st ANNUAL BIGC MEN'S “PINEHURST” GOLF OUTING

FORMAT: “PINEHURST SYSTEM”

FIELD: MAXIMUM OF 18 TWO-MAN TEAMS

(Need at least 12 teams to hold event)

WHEN: August 27, 2010 5:00 p. m. “SHOTGUN” START 

FEE: $$20 Entry fee + green fees if not a BIGC member

PRIZES: 1ST Place $144.00 (or 40% entry fees)

2nd Place $108.00 (or 30% entry fees)

3rd Place $ 72.00 (or 20% entry fees)

4th Place $ 36.00 (or 10% entry fees)

 

There will be a closest to the pin contest ($5.00) also to add some “spice” to the evening. Same as in league play except on #9 you will have two chances to hit the green for each team. 

Please use sign up sheet on desk at Clubhouse, or call BIGC at 2301 or Buck at 2680 to enter your team.

How the “Pinehurst System” works!

On each hole:

•  Each player hits a drive

•  Second shot each player hits their partners drive

•  Then they choose which ball they want to play.

•  The person whose ball is not chosen hits the 3 rd shot

•  Alternate shot until a putt is holed.

•  If one of the two team members hits their drive out of bounds the team will have to play the other's drive.

•  If both hit their drives out of bounds, the will have to take a penalty stroke and each hit a second drive.

12 TEAM MINUMUM FIELD GUARANTEES $96. 1 ST PLACE PRIZE! PLEASE SIGNUP BY AUGUST 24TH SO WE WILL KNOW IF IT'S A GO OR NOT.

Chamber Adopts Mission Statement

July 14, 2010

At the groups recent meeting the Chamber of Commerce adopted, “To maximize the effective use of member’s dues to market the Beaver Island Archipelago as a tourist / vacation destination by using all manner of current electronic and print media. To support economic development and improvements in the quality of members and community life consistent with conserving our Island’s natural beauty and resources,” as it’s mission statement.


Visits to the Chamber web site www.BeaverIsland.org were up 19% for the month of June to 12, 827. The award winning site is on target to exceed 100,000 visits this year. The average visit length is more than five minutes. Jeff Cashman is the web master and Steve West manages the site. Major search engines like Google rank it first when you search for "Beaver Island."


Diane McDonough (representing McDonough enterprises) has been selected to fill an open seat on the board of directors

ST. JAMES TOWNSHIP

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE 

7:00 pm  

07/15/10

at

ST. JAMES TOWNSHIP HALL 

St. James Township Board will hold a special meeting to consider awarding a contract to upgrade the end of Indian Point Road to meet Charlevoix County Road Commission specifications.

Rick Speck, Supervisor, St James Township

 

Meeting Notice

The St. James Township July Board of Review will be held on Friday, July 23rd at 9 am at the St. James Township Hall located at 37735 Michigan Ave. The purpose of this meeting is to correct clerical errors and mutual mistakes of fact.

Ground Breaking for Vets' Memorial

On July 6, 2010, the AMVETs got together and broke ground for the planned Veteran's Memorial at the location of the old Wolverine Power Plant. The Island's oldest veteran Carl Felix was given the honor of the first shovel of dirt. The day after this the Wojan bulldozer began pushing the dirt.

Posing for a picture before the ceremony

Carl Felix had a few words to say and then with Jack Spanak's help the first shovel of dirt was lifted.

 

This group didn't waste any time getting the work moving and heading toward completion. The Beaver Island AMVETs had the volunteers working very hard and very quickly as well.

A first worker on the site, Ray Matela went to work laying out the scene.

This deep hole, there are three of them, is for a flag pole according to the plans shown below.

The artist rendition.......the sponsoring agency our AMVETs......the soil and erosion permit

Then on the second day of preparation, Ray was joined by Steve Boyle and the work continued in earnest.

The layout was completed ready for the cement to be poured early the next morning.

But not before Jim Wojan firmed up the forms to prevent them from collapsing.

David Schwartzfisher donated the cement and poured it the next morning.

Today, July 12, 2010, Jim Wojan was up there working on the sidewalks leading to the Veteran's Memorial. Jim was spreading the gravel, so the sidewalks could be prepared for cement. Thanks to all who worked on this project and got it to where it is right now. Thanks to Jim Wojan Construction and Schwartfisher Stoneworks.

If you would like to help out by donating or purchasing a brick, click HERE

Cottage for Karen

A work bee was scheduled for Saturday, July 10, 2010, on the foundation completed by Dick and Amy Burris with the Lighthouse students helping start the floor the day before. The work crew began arriving a little after 8 a.m. and continued work until the floor, the walls, and the roof trusses were up.

Dan Burton, Adam Wirth, and Karl Bartels were the earliest arrivals, and they began to finish the floor joists.

Garrett Cole and several others arrived shortly thereafter.

The crew worked very hard all day in the heat. It was very hot all day. The crew stayed until the trusses were all secured in place.

Yet, Another Eagle at Gull Harbor

The eagle shown here stayed in the tree for an entire afternoon, still there when the photographer returned almost three hours later.

Have not identified this bird yet. Any ideas?

Osprey

The osprey was quite watchfull on this day due to another large bird checking out the osprey nest.

The following picture is from an osprey webcam at Ferris State University. This editor would like to see Beaver Island have an osprey webcam. If you are interested in helping in any way, please email me including your contact information as a brief description of what you might like to do to help. medic5740@gmail.com

This photo was taken off the osprey webcam at Ferris State University onJuly 17, 2010, at 3:45 p.m. Perhaps our osprey young could be the same size.

Glen McDonough Memorial Concert

This concert to raise funds for the Glen McDonough Scholarship Fund was held on July 10, 2010, Glenn McDonough was born on Beaver Island on April 20, 1934. He loved music and he played the fiddle, guitar, and piano. After his death in August 2004, Eleanor, Patrick, and Jenny requested donations in his honor to be given to the Beaver Island Club of Grand Rapids. Knowing Glen's great love of music, it was important to them that the funds be used to keep Glen's love of music alive for the others. The music scholarship fund was established with the Beaver Island Club of Grand Rapids in 2005.

Scholarships have been awarded to Brenna McQuay, Catlain Boyle, Christian de Ruiter, Clare Faber, and Michael Zajakowski-Uh II. Funds were also given to the Crooked Tree Art Center for lessons for Tessa Jones and Erin Myers-Dixon. Donations were given to the Jordan Valley Fiddlers Group for student violin lessons. The first concert on Beaver Island was held on July 11, 2009. The 2011 concert will be held on July 9, 2011. All donations at this concert go to the scholarship fund.

The sign that thanks all the musicians

The Suzuki students performed as did a couple on the staff of BICS

The crowd from two different views at two different times.

Here are just a few of the performers that volunteered their talents in addition to those above:

A lot of these performers have been on the the Island and performing here for a long time, John McCafferty, Sheri Timsak, Glen Hendrix and Shaker.

This photographic record does not include Danny Johnsten and Danny Gillespie as well as others whose names are not in this memory bank.

This concert is always one of the favorites, and it always brings out the musicians that knew Glen and the new musicians helped by the scholarship program in his name.

Video clips of this concert are available HERE

Two Fish Tugs Stopped to Discuss Location of Fish

Mixed Pinehurst Golf Outing on July 11, 2010

This new format for the Mixed Golf Outings for the summer is called the Pinehurst. The difference is that both the man and the woman hit a drive from each respective tee. Then they switch balls with the man having to hit the woman's tee shot, and the woman having to hit the man's tee shot. After this the team must choose the ball that they wish to play. If it was last hit by a man, the woman begins, and vice versa. The two members of the team alternate shots until the ball ends up in the hole. It does make for a much more interesting and exciting play.

This past Sunday, the 11th of July, was one of these Pinehurst outings at the Beaver Island Golf Course. Most of the scores improved with this format for most of the teams. The first three teams were only one point apart, but no playoff was needed. The first place team with a score of 43 was Annette Dashiell and Joe Moore. The second place team with a score of 44 was Nel Worsfold and Frank Solle. The third place team was Taffy and Jeff with a score of 45 with the last outings winners Sandy and Bob in fourth place with a score of 48. The next outing will see both winners with one stroke added to their final score.

Others participating as teams included: Buck and MaryAnn, Howard and Terri, Ivan and Sharon, Jerry and Tammy, Paul and Lenore, Father Pat and Chris, and John and Caroline Works.

This is a really fun outing and the new format makes it even more challenging. If you play golf and want to put together a one male-one female team, you can join us at the next outing on July 25, 2010.

St. James Township Meeting July 7, 2010

Unfortunately, due to a technological glitch, the first fourteen minutes of the meeting did not record. This would have included all of the Old Business, so you will have to wait to read the minutes of the meeting to find out what happened during that part of the meeting. Here is the meeting from the New Business on.

Road Issue

Whiskey Island for DNR Building and Property 1

  Whiskey Island for DNR Building and Property 2

 Whiskey Island for DNR Building and Property 3

Board of Review Rescheduled

Planning Commission Request for Change in Zoning

Rezoning of property to R2

Board and Public Comment  

Gillespie Reunion--Let the Fun Begin

The practical joke pulled on Tara Palmer this morning while she slept in her tent in the Palmer yard must be the beginning of the reunion planned for this weekend. Alerted to this situation, BINN got to the location before the evidence was destroyed. Words from the Palmer family included things like "retaliation, you better get a picture of that." This is all in good fun, and, see if you can imagine this. You wake up in the morning and realize that you need to go to the store for breakfast items. You walk outside and this is what you see:

The car is completely boxed...

And the tented style doghouse as well must have some special meaning...

BINN will await the call to report on the next fun-filled event..

Dr. Murray Cotter Coming Again

Dr. Cotter is a dermatologist and came to the island to see patients in April 2010. He will be returning to the island next week on July 16th. You will have to call his Petoskey office to schedule appointments. If you need to see a dermatologist, here is a way to do so without spending the money to go across to the mainland. His phone number 877-901-2230 or 231-487-2230.

Video interview with Dr. Cotter

Human Service Commission Meeting, July 26, 2010

The Human Services Commission will have a meeting with Jack Messer, the new Commission on Aging director, and Shirley Roloff on July 26, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the Peaine Township Hall. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Farmer's Market---Get There Early!

Thursday mornings this summer, you need to get out to the Paradise Bay Coffee Shop early in the morning. You need to be there before 9 a.m. if you want to have a complete selection of all the available items. Arriving there this morning a little after 9:30 a.m. caused the quickest selling items to be snatched up by the early birds, so there as early as eight. There still were things available to be purchased, but the largest variety goes to the early bird. Here are some of the items that were available outside at the Farmer's Market. By the way, there wasn't an empty seat at the coffee shop either by 9:30 a.m. Synergistic is the fancy word that best describes the Paradise Bay Coffee Shop and the Farmer's Market. This foggy morning brought out many a visitor to both.

Fog or not, lots of people were there this morning!

 

One Hatchling Loon at Barney's Lake

Through the fog this morning, July 8, 2010, the photos were taken which verify that there is one hatchling loon at Barney's Lake under the protection of the adult loons. The video was taken on July 7, 2010, but you have to look very closely to see the baby loon on the adult loon's back. According to stories told earlier, the previous hatchling was taken by an eagle. We hope for a better outcome for this one.

 

Watch TV 9+10-Beaver Island Video

The TV spots aired on 9&10 recently are now available to view on the Chamber of Commerce web site. www.BeaverIsland.org . Scroll to the bottom of the home page to find them.

Men's Golf League This Week

To suggest that any other team other than Jeff Mostelle and Ryan Smith could get the first place trophy in this league is near impossible. With a lead of 27 points over the second place team, there is no doubt of the winner in this league play on Wednesday nights. The really interesting contest is the one for second place through sixth place. There is only a spread of nine points separating these teams, and any team could move into second place at this point. Here are the places: second place, Joe and Howard by one point over Francis and Larry; Ron and Bob are one point lower than this; Rob and Dan are one point lower than Ron and Bob; and Larry and Joe are six point below that. One really good night of golf could move any of these teams up or down in the places. It is setting up to be a really interesting contest for second place and third place.

Sandhills

A phone call the other day brought this photographer out to the Richie O residence to see the almost domesticated sandhills. The rainy weather didn't deter them at all. Here is a picture taken from the front door.

Reminiscent of a pair of bookends

Richie O had taken a few pictures and emailed them to BINN for your viewing pleasure. Thank you for sharing.

These sandhills come right close to the porch and feed on the food left out for the wildlife. Richie O believes that his food plot is what attracted these sandhills to his location. Makes sense, doesn't it?

While leaving, this healthy deer was captured just a short distance down the road on the camera as well:

Here is a short video clip taken at the same time as the sandhill picture:

 

The September 4 Marathon Is Coming

On September 4th runners from around the nation will descend upon Beaver Island to run the Second Annual Beaver Island Marathon. We have runners from 15 different states coming from as far away as California, Texas and Utah; my guess is most if not all have never been to Beaver Island previously.
This year we are certifying a new course as a Boston Marathon qualifier; one that may be a bit more complex than last years’ route. To insure that all runners are safe and pleased with their decision to participate, we are asking for volunteers to lend a hand. The following assistance is needed:

· Road Marshalls or Pointers at the following locations
o King's Hwy & Bonner
o Donegal Bay & Back Hwy
o Indian Point and Font Lake
o Gull Harbor/Lake Driveo Allen’s Lakeview/Blue Spruce

Road Marshalls would be in place from 8:00AM until approximately 12:00 cheering and pointing the way for the marathon runners.
Also, If you have a home, cottage or room to rent that is not listed on the Chamber of Commerce web site please contact us and we will try to send a runner your way.

Help is also needed with registration, at the finish line and with food service.

If you can help, please contact us at Good Boy Events. Thanks for Your consideration.
Ron Suffolk - (248) 446-1315 - rsuffolk@sbcglobal.net

4th of July Parade

The traditional first vehicle in the parade is the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department in the squad car. This year was no different, but directly behind the squad was the CCSD ORV with year-round Deputy Travis Williams pulling a trailer.

 

Island Airways Flyover

For lots more pictures of the parade, click HERE.

 

Video of the parade

Osprey Delivers Food to Nest

One of the more interesting birds to observe on Beaver Island is found nesting on the top of the microwave tower on Sloptown Road across the road from the former K+K Farm and on the road in front of the Mike and Susie Myers property. If you sit and listen, you will here the many different voices coming from the nest. If you wait just a little longer than you had planned to wait, one of the osprey mates will deliver food to the nest. You have to be quiet and you have to be patient, but this will be rewarded by one of the great things from Mother Nature direct to you, the observer.

 

Redwing Blackbirds at Barney's Lake

This redwing blackbird was putting up quite a squawking and wanted this photographer to get lost. He (or she) didn't dive at the photographer, but it was time to move out.

More Wildlife Pictures--Gull Harbor

cormorants.....heron......eagles

Minutes of the Airport Committee Now Available

Airport Committee Video Clips

Working Meeting of the Airport Committee

Jack Gallagher's Questions Answered

Hot Off the Presses from the NRETC

Two publications are now past the planning stages and are out and available for this July 4th weekend. The first is the "Beaver Island, Self-Guided, Driving/Biking Tour" which features five tours that include short trails, historic sites, shopping locations, restaurant locations, and nature tours.

The second is called the "Beaver Island Guide to Trails and Wildlife." This guide is amazing in its completeness, particularly in relation to the trails and wildlife, making no distinction between those native species versus invasive species.

The timeliness of these publications should be applauded. The fact that each one sells for only $1 is also astounding with all the work that went into this. Way to go, Natural Resources and Eco-Tourism Commission!!!

NRETC Symposium I Information and Video

All of the presentations are here at this link, as well as the results of the group discussions and round table discussions.

Beaver Island Rural Health Center with

Free Shingles Vaccine

• Must be 60 years old or older
• No Insurance coverage for Shingles Vaccine
• No Medicare Part D

Shingles is a disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus can live, but remain inactive in certain nerve roots within your body for many years; if the virus becomes active again, usually later in life, it can cause shingles. About 1 in 5 people have shingles at some time in their life, impacting an estimated 2 million people in Michigan. It can occur at any age, but it is most common in people over the age of 50. It is uncommon to have shingles more than once, but about 1 in 50 people have shingles two or more times in their life.

A vaccine has been developed that can prevent you from developing shingles. The Herpes zoster vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States in 2006. Call the Beaver Island Rural Health Center 448-2275 if you qualify for the free vaccine and make an appointment.

Donna Kubic, RN, Managing Director

Preventive Care / Wellness Screening at BIRHC

$25.00 fee includes the following:

· Review of Medical History

· Height & Weight

· Blood pressure check

· Cholesterol , anemia , and blood sugar screening

· EKG

To make an appointment for a Wellness Screening, call the BI Rural Health Center - 448-2275

You can schedule a screening Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm , or after hours upon request.  Beaver Island Health Wellness Screening Program is designed to emphasize the benefits of preventive medicine .

from Donna Kubic, RN, Managing Director

BIRHC 2010 Car Raffle

The Beaver Island Rural Health Center is raffling off a 2010 Crystal Red Metallic Chevrolet Cobalt. It comes loaded: cruise control, air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD player, keyless entry, remote start, all season tires, front and side airbags, a 2.2L, 4 cylinder 155 hp engine and automatic transmission. Tickets are $100 and are available at the Health Center, McDonough's Market and from any board member. A maximum of 600 will be sold.

Thanks to all who bought “Early Bird” tickets. The winner of the $1000 Early Bird Prize was Sally Lounsberry. The car drawing will once again take place on Labor Day, but at a new location: The Beaver Island Lodge at 7:30 PM. All proceeds from the raffle will go directly to supplementing the Health Center's operating budget.

Beaver Island Music Festival Schedule Announcement

THURSDAY JULY 15TH

2:30 BOAT FROM CHARLEVOIX DAVE BOUTETTE

7-7:45 RED TAIL RING
8-8:45 BURTON'S GARDEN
9-10 PRISONERS OF PARADISE
10:15-11:15 SOWA BROTHERS
11:30-1AM FOUR FINGER FIVE

FRIDAY JULY 16TH

2:30 BOAT FROM CHARLEVOIX BLUE WATER RAMBLERS

5:30-6 RED TAIL RING
6:15-7 FOUR FINGER FIVE
7:15-8 KUNG FU RODEO
8:15-9 THE AFTERNOON ROUND
9:15-10:15 MIDTOWN UNDERGROUND
10;30-11:30 BLACK JAKE AND THE CARNIES
11:45-1 BLACK ROSE & THE DISCIPLES OF FUNK

SATURDAY JULY 17TH OPEN MIC 1-3

11:20 BOAT LEAVING BEAVER ISLAND RED TAIL RING

3-4 DAVE BOUTETTE
2-6 KIDS TIME
4:14-5 BLUE WATER RAMBLERS
5:15-6:15 THE AFTERNOON ROUND
6:30-7:30 BLACK JAKE AND THE CARNIES
7;45-8:45 BURTON'S GARDEN
9-10:30 FUNDUBMENTALS
10;45-11:45 BLACK ROSE AND THE DISCIPLES OF FUNK
12-1:30 MIDTOWN UNDERGROUND

SUNDAY JULY 18TH

11:20 BOAT FROM BEAVER ISLAND FUNDUBMENTALS

Baroque on Beaver – 2010 – Made in Michigan

July 28 – August 1

 

Opening Night – Benefit Concert* - Going for Baroque, Wednesday, July 28, 7:30 pm, Beaver Island Community Center

Penelope Crawford, Harpsichord – Baroque instrumental and vocal classics with Claudia Schmidt, Martha Guth, and Annie Crawford

*Ticketed event, reserved seating: Phone 231-448-2022 for information

Chamber Music a la Carte, Thursday, July 29, 7:30 pm, Central Michigan University Biological Station – Gillingham Center

A sampling of engaging selections from Mozart to Stravinsky performed by chamber ensembles and soloists

Friends and Family Friday - An Introduction to the Orchestra Friday, July 30, 3:00 pm, Beaver Island Community Center

Family concert featuring pre- and post-concert activities including an Instrument Petting Zoo – fun for children of all ages!

Back to Bach – and a Few More Friends, Friday, July 30, 7:30 pm, Beaver Island Community Center

Sections of the orchestra present baroque influence across the centuries, from Bach's 3rd Brandenburg Concerto to Mozart's Serenade no. 11 and Stravinsky's Dumbarton Oaks

Baroque Classics on Parade: Concerto, Oratorio, Symphony and More, Saturday, July 31, 7:30 pm, Holy Cross Parish Hall

Handel's Concerto Grosso, Opus 6 no. 11, Carissimi's Jephthe Oratorio, Shubert's Symphony no. 5 – offset by Barber's Knoxville Summer – presented by the Festival Chorus and Orchestra

Season Finale: Baroque on Beaver – Made in Michigan, Sunday, August 1, 2:00 pm, Holy Cross Parish Hall

Bach's Orchestral Suite no.1 in C, Copland's Old American Songs, plus the traditional Gaelic Blessing – a special Beaver Island finish to the Festival performed by the Festival Orchestra and Chorus

For more information about Baroque on Beaver – 2010 – Made in Michigan , please check the website www.baroqueonbeaver.org .

Free Varicose Vein Screening Event

Thursday, July 15, 2010

4pm-7pm

On Thursday, July 15, 2010, from 4-7 pm, Dr. Marc Lame will be hosting a free varicose vein screening to raise awareness for venous disease and available treatment options, including the VNUS Closure ® procedure.

An estimated 25 million people in the United States have varicose veins. A leading cause of varicose veins is venous reflux disease caused by incompetent or “leaky” valves in the great saphenous vein running from ankle to groin in each leg. In addition to varicose veins, other symptoms may include leg pain, fatigue, swelling and skin ulceration. This condition can be progressive if left untreated and symptoms may worsen with time.

•  It is estimated that in America , 72% of women and 42% of men will experience varicose veins by the time they are in their 60s.

•  Peak incidence of venous insufficiency occurs in women aged 40 – 49 years and in men aged 70 – 79 years.

•  Common risk factors for varicose veins and venous reflux include multiple pregnancies, family history, obesity, and standing professions.

Dr Marc Lame is hosting this free screening event in order to educate the community about venous disease, risk factors, prevention, and treatment options. Varicose veins frequently force people to dramatically change their lifestyles, especially when they have standing professions and can no longer tolerate being on their feet all day.

Multiple treatment options are available for this condition. Patients with venous reflux disease can now be treated with the VNUS Closure procedure, a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to treat the diseased vein. Patients treated with the VNUS Closure procedure typically resume their regular activities in approximately one day. Prior to the introduction of the VNUS Closure procedure, traditional treatment has been vein stripping surgery, which can result in significantly longer return to work recovery time. Patient satisfaction with the VNUS Closure procedure is high, with 95% of patients reporting that they would recommend the procedure to a friend. The procedure is widely embraced by physicians and is covered by most insurance companies.

Those interested in attending this free varicose vein screening event can contact

Charlevoix Surgeons at 231-547-2812 to make their free appointment.

Nature Walks Are Back

The nature walks are co-sponsored by the Beaver Island Historical Society and Central Michigan Biological Station. The price for each nature walk is $25 and includes lunch. The mysteries of the dunes at Cable's Bay will be revealed by Beth Leuck on July 15, 2010. There will be an adult nature walk on July 21, 2010, and a child nature walk on July 22, 2010. Dan Benjamin will show people the secrets of the inland lakes on July 31, 2010.

Be sure to call for reservations and get in on these wonderful opportunities to learn about the natural surroundings right here on Beaver Island!

Health & Human Services Fair Scheduled for September 16, 2010

The Beaver Island Human Services Commission is hosting a health and human services fair this fall. The event will take place at Gregg Fellowship hall on September 16, 2010, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mark your calendars so that you do not miss out on this great opportunity to get in touch with a wealth of information aimed at improving your health, happiness, and well-being.

Editor's Note: The Human Services Commission is working to get a wide variety of mainland services introduced to the needs of Beaver Island, a part of Charlevoix County.

How you can help support this effort, click HERE.

Beaver Island Women's Golf Tournament Scheduled

Women golfers, mark your calendar for the annual Beaver Island Women's Golf Tournament to be held on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at the Beaver Island Golf Course. Teams of four golfers will compete in a scramble format, and all levels of golfers are welcome. There will be lots of fun individual contests as well.

Sign up in advance at the Golf Course as a team or individually to be added to a team. The fee to play is $20 which includes lunch at the course following the tournament. Sign in at 8:30 and the shotgun tournament starts at 9 a.m. For further information, contact Jean Carpenter, 448-2893, Sharon Scamehorn, 448-2641 or Sandy Birdsall , 448-2982.

Beaver Island Transfer Station Information

Subscriptions to Expire

Please send us your email address.

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

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

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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 NEW!

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

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

Waste Management Committee Minutes (New for 2010!)