B.I. News on the 'Net, July 16-22, 2012

STAINED GLASS WINDOW RAFFLE DRAWING

Visiting Teen Dies in Rollover Accident

At approximately 10:50 p.m. on July 22, 2012 Charlevoix County Sheriff's Deputies along with Beaver Island EMS and Fire were dispatched to a rollover accident on Gull Harbor Drive in St. James Township on Beaver Island. Initial reports indicated that the passenger of the vehicle was unconscious. Upon arrival of Emergency Responders, it was determined that the passenger, 16 year old Thandiwe Elizabeth Baton-Stawson from Pittsburgh, PA had died as a result of the rollover accident.

The driver, Anna Rieker, age 16, also of Pittsburgh, PA, was airlifted to Harbor Springs Airport by the United States Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City's helicopter and was further transported to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital. At this time, her injuries are undisclosed. Initial reports indicated that Rieker may have swerved to avoid hitting a deer. At this time, the accident remains under investigation by the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office Accident Re-constructionist.

Both the victim and the driver were visitors to the island at the time of the crash.

(This news release information is from the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department.)

VISITORS AND SUMMER RESIDENTS

 PLEASE ATTEND ONE OF THE TWO COMMUNITY FORUMS

BIA Presentation NOT Streamed Live

The Beaver Island Association meeting begins at 4:30 pm today, July 22, 2012. Rather than wait to stream only the presentation, the entire meeting before the presentation will be streamed as well.

Update: There was a beginning of the BIA meeting that was streamed live. Almost one hour of setup was a waste of time as the Internet at the Community Center, along with the Chamber of Commerce, Harbor Market, BIBCO, Harborview, and Linksys, all of these lost Internet connectivity after five minutes of the meeting was streamed live. The major question is this: Why does this happen? Why is there a complete lack of connectivity when many people meet in the downtown area? This is exactly like it happened on the 4th of July, but there were many more people downtown then than tonight. TDS needs to resolve this issue and need to do so very soon since they are selling a product that is not performing as advertised.

The message that was received on my two laptops was the same. "DNS server unavailable" or "No name server connection."

The meeting and presentation was recorded. You can check out the video HERE.

2012 MAD Camp Performance

Almost fifty MAD Camp participants joined fourteent MAD Camp staffers for another wonderful music, art, and drama camp. It is amazing to see the final performance of these talented teachers and talented youngsters. The link to the final MAD Camp Performance for 2012 is HERE.

Red Hat Lunch at Paradise Bay Coffee Shop

Summer on Paradise Bay

Sailing, tubing, swimming, tanning, and, oh, so refreshing water temperature.

Blacksmithing in Action

There is a very amazing project going on at Heritage Park today, July 21, 2012, even though it's raining right now. The blacksmiths are working to make items and demonstrate their craft. If there are any parents or children out there that are interested in history or anyone interested in history of Beaver Island or the world, today's presentation is for you. BINN has video and pictures that will be posted as soon as possible, but don't wait for that. Get up to Heritage Park to see history in action. Some of the equipment being used is truly historical from the early 20th century.

This group even has its own non-profit designation as the Michigan Artist Blacksmith's Association. They also have a website that you can go to HERE.

Lance Olsen, organizer of the Beaver Island event

Blacksmiths at work

Some of the items made by hand by this blacksmith

Another working blacksmith with older equipment

Some of the intricate work....

Video of the Smiths at work

Beaver Island Music Festival

Quite a ways down the West Side Road, back off of the road, in about a half mile (or at least it feels that far if you have to walk), is a home owned by Dan and Carol Burton. Every year they put on a music festival with a very wide variety of music. You can check out the information about this music festival HERE. The festival is going on this weekend, and it is a wonderful opportunity to meet people, enjoy music, and, all in all, have a good time. Here are a couple of pictures taken by one of the Friday attendees to the festival.

Late afternoon and early evening.......After dark........

Beaver Island Welcomes Baroque on Beaver Musicians

When the Emerald Isle arrives on Monday afternoon, July July 23, 2012, many of its passengers will be Baroque on Beaver musicians. These visitors will be spending the next week on the island, rehearsing, performing in a variety of concerts, and entertaining at informal gatherings throughout town. Many of the artists are returning from last year; they look forward to another stay at the Brothers' Place or to reuniting with island host families from previous years. On Monday evening the Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association, with the generous help of many island cooks, will host a pasta dinner at Gregg Fellowship Hall. Anyone who would like to contribute a salad or dessert to the welcome dinner should bring it to the Gregg Fellowship Hall between 4:30 and 5:30 PM on Monday, July 23.

The classical music festival begins with the Gala Benefit Concert at the Community Center on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday afternoon the Family Music Fair will introduce children to musical theater, and that evening CMU will host a concert of chamber music. Thursday evening's performance at the Community Center will be A Night at the Theater. On Friday afternoon the Beaver Brass will perform at Holy Cross Church, and Friday evening will feature soloists at Holy Cross Parish Hall. On Saturday afternoon the Woodwind Quintet will entertain at Meet the Artists at Livingstone Gallery. Saturday evening the Festival Chorus and Orchestra will present Americana – an evening of traditional American music. The final concert on Sunday afternoon will feature the orchestra and chorus and end with the traditional Gaelic Blessing. All of the concerts except the opening night benefit are free; no tickets are required. Times, locations, and details of all concerts can be found on posters around town or online at www.baroqueonbeaver.org .

Baroque on Beaver has become an extraordinary week of classical music. The musicians who make the festival possible love coming to Beaver Island. They look forward to performing with this outstanding Festival Orchestra, they enjoy playing such an exciting repertoire, and they value the beauty and friendliness of Beaver Island. Welcome them on Monday, and enjoy the music!

Michigan DNR Releases New Catch and Release Video

View Video HERE

This is an excellent video that provides correct procedures for the practice of catch-and-release for fishermen that fish for sport and not for meat for food. The link above is to a DNR webpage that has the video on the page. It may not always be there, but it's good information anyway.

BIHS Art Show

This year's Art Show is taking place at the Gregg Fellowship Center on the road behind Harborview called Kenwabikise Lane. This year's showing is a little larger than last year's show as evidenced by the amount of video necessary to do a short look at each piece of art hung for viewing. There are three approximately six minute video clips to view almost all the arts and crafts present. The great thing about streaming on demand video is that you can pause the video, back it up, and move it forward, however you want to view the items on the screen. This is perfect for the art show because you can pause on any picture or craft to get a better look at it.

You can view the video HERE

A few pictures were taken also:

A touch of variety to say the least...

From furniture to models

From photography to wood carving

From organizers to spinners

And a Happy Birthday Song to Judi Jones besides!

Another Event for Baroque on Beaver Week

Baroque on Beaver's: Family Music Fair 2012

Enjoy a skit put on by Beaver Island Community School's 21st Century CLC Summer School students about Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale , a piece that will be performed by the Baroque on Beaver musicians in the A Night at the Theatre concert on Thursday evening, 7:30 at the Beaver Island Community Center. The tale is slightly altered from a religiously affiliated story written by Stravinsky's collaborator, C.F. Ramuz, to become a family and community friendly story about temptation. Children will learn about musical theater's various components as they watch an evil sorcerer trick a weary soldier coming home from war into selling his prized possession, his violin, in a trade for a book that tells the future. There will be discussions about the emotions experienced in the tale and then the components of musical theater that were present. Children will be split into groups to create their own skit with guidelines including a short list of songs to choose from, a general storyline for a comedy, and a handful of props to be used in whatever way they choose. Each group will be guided by a teacher with musical theater experience and encouraging collaborative ideas. Each child can participate to the extent that they wish from leaders in acting, narrating, singing, to backstage hands who help the “production” run smoothly by moving props or helping with sound and lights. Each skit will be a few minutes long. Children will have the opportunity to do a crossword puzzle, coloring page, or word search about what they learned in the program. Overall, the program will last 45 minutes to 1 hour, 2:00 Wednesday at the Beaver Island Community Center.

Laura Gibson, Site Coordinator, 21st Century Community Learning Center

Beaver Island Community School

20th Annual Rita Gillespie Memorial Blood Drive

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Rita Gillespie Memorial Blood Drive. The blood drive is sponsored by all the churches of Beaver Island with support from the Beaver Island Boat Company and Island Airways. For details call Lars Larsen at 448-2470, Jean at 448-2893, or Connie at 448-2379. You could win a $250 Meijer grocery card or a $125 Meijer gas card. Winners are drawn weekly. Let's all do our best to show the Red Cross that Beaver Island is in support of their efforts to help.

Frank Solle's Doe Picture

No August Homecoming Dinner

The Holy Cross Parish Council met on July 2, 2012 to decide whether Holy Cross had sufficient parishioners to assist with the August Dinner, the Homecoming Dinner, and given the numbers of people declining to help exceeded the numbers willing to help; we had no choice but to cancel any preparation for the Homecoming Dinner this year. The Homecoming Dinner has been a tradition upheld every August for the past 80 years. It began in 1932 to celebrate the Bishop Baraga Landing.
-Holy Cross Parish Council

Great Lakes Research Institute

The Great Lakes Research Institute, aka the old Coast Guard Boathouse, was opened to the public for tours beginning at 10 am today, July 17, 2012.

According to Dr. Don Uzarski, over 520 people attended the Open House and tour during the hours it was open. The evening event was open to the Friends of CMU and there were some snacks for those attending after 6 pm.

The purpose of this facility that holds ten tanks, each that can be controlled individually for temperature and light, is to maintain a control of three tanks, and use the others to do the experiments. For example, if the study was about different nutrients effects on the ecosystem, three tanks would be the control group, three could have phosphorous added, three could have nitrogen added, and three could have another nutrient, and all twelve tanks would be used to complete this experiment on the effects of nutrients on the environment.

Everyone aatending seemed completely excited about this research facility and the reliable answers it could provide for many issues relating to the Great Lakes in general, as well as specifically around the Beaver Island Archipelago. The CMU and GLRI tanks held some fish and crayfish.

The building also functions as a boat house and a covered boat launch.

Short Video Clip of the Open House and Reception

Help Wanted

LINE COOK NEEDED
PLEASE CALL LIAM
@ STONEY
231-448-2560
(Hope your foot heals quickly Charlie...HugS)
*Hostess/Cashier position available also, call Marilyn @ Stoney

Julie Sommer's Continuing Success

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Funds Invasive Species Work

The Board of Directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has approved a grant of $368,646 to the Conservation Resource Alliance to support the Beaver Island Archipelago Invasive Species Initiative (MI) project. This grant is provided on the condition that these funds will be matched by $375,000 in non-federal contributions raised by the Conservation Resource Alliance.

SECOND ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR DRAWS OVER 50 VISITORS

How fortunate to have such a lovely day of sunny weather, tasty lunches, and 8 unique and inspirational gardens to visit on Beaver Island! Who would have guessed that touring through the woods, traveling down dusty roads, walking down driveways obscured from view, or stepping behind a very busy business in town, could bring you to such wonderful vistas of floral splendor, as well as various shades and textures of the beautiful greenery outdoors?

We began at the public beach parking lot in town by joining up into vans and the Stoney Acre bus. We then traveled to Mary Sholl's “Secret Garden” which was so delightful and such a surprise to many who came. Her 30 years of gardening certainly showed as we marveled at climbing hydrangeas, 4ft. tall dahlias, hundreds of hens and chickens in small containers, a 20 year old Japanese Cherry Tree, and many, many perennials in various stages of bloom. miniature plants, Bantam chickens and little paths leading off to “who knows where?” as well as her concrete art work and other decor all made for a panorama of color and wonder.

Visiting Skip McDonough's “Backyard Retreat” was a complete change for the attendees. We walked across the plush lawn, which serves as the stage for numerous family get-togethers of the McDonough clan, and wandered over to her angel statue (a memorial to her dear granddaughter Logan) and walkway that leads to Jim and Dianne's home. Dianne brings the plants; Skip gets to weed and water! We enjoyed the stories from the heart that only a seasoned Islander can tell and marveled at many of her beautiful plantings.

Our third visit was to two public areas that we encourage those of you who missed out to see: Oak Woods Condominiums (formerly Laurain Lodge) and Sticks, Stones, Feathers and Bones (now located across from the Lumber Store). Theresa Laurain spent time showing us around the condo landscape, gave us freshly-brewed coffee and even opened up a unit for us to view. Her manicured flower beds and buildings all beckoned a good ,long visit. A few yards away we stopped to see what Cheryl Podgorski had in her greenhouse and surrounds. Her tiny air plants, fantasy gardens, potted plants and numerous “miniature” gardens were a delightful change from the previous sites.

Last of the morning tour stops was at the sprawling gardens of Susie and Jon Bonadeo. The hostess, with her parents' and sister's assistance, guided us through the progressive building up of her unique hideaway. Organic maintenance, working around the animals who visit, and the use of native varieties, showed us another side of the gardening aspects one can consider on Beaver Island. She has incorporated hardcape for an effective artistic balance in her gardens. What yummy lemonade-tea she treated us to,( as well as a potted fir tree) before we made our way to the Wellness Garden for lunch.

What a delight to see 8 beautifully-decorated tables placed in the Wellness garden surrounded by a bounty of flowering shrubs and perennials! Thanks to Heidi Vigil, the bouquets of fresh-picked flowers,and the tablecloths from her, Joyce Runberg, and the Resale Shop, as well as th BI Fire Department's tables and chairs, we were able to accomodate 60 people for a delicious picnic lunch provided by Stoney Acre Grill. The Racines offered us both vegetarian and chicken-Caesar wraps (and their lemonade stand as well ) all served up in flower pots for the finishing touch.

After lunch the morning tour group was invited to view the Forest View complex and enjoy dessert over there, thanks to the manager Theresa McDonough and Pete LoDico. Then the full day group, as well as a few afternoon visitors, all climbed into cars and vans (BI Marine and Gordon's Auto both gave us courtesy vehicles) and headed into Peaine Township for what turned out to be a fun-filled afternoon.

First stop was at the hidden gardens of Peter Amster and Frank Galati. The group was blown away by the quiet splendor of their five garden areas; the vine-covered arbor was the entrance to an Aquascape stream (with frogs, lily pads and fish) leading to a walk through a shade garden, (hydrangeas abounding), then on to a lawn perfect for entertaining in the afternoon. The deck overlooked the natural areas that took us down to the beach which was filled with BI wildflowers and other native landscape (rocks, reeds.etc...) Our guide Peter gave us the history of his garden-planning as well as where he aquired his flora from. (Islanders who garden as a hobby love to “share” their wealth!) His primary gardener of 11 years is Pam O'Brien and her Bloomers crew, as well as Heidi Vigil (BI Gardens).

Down West Side Rd., into the middle of the island, we visited the home of Carol and Dan Burton and the venue for The Beaver Island Music Festival. Her garden was all natural, framed in homemade bentwood fencing. Her arbors were covered with trumpetvine and the daylillies stood tall like sentinels, in varying colors which accented the deep thick woods surrounding them. The garden has beds of strawberries, cutting flowers,and summer vegetables as well. As we listened to Carol talk of her family‘s many challenges here on the island (living off the grid, starting life anew here) it reminded one of the “Little House in the Big Woods” stories , with her playing the role of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Change gears; slow to a snail's pace now and meander down Hannigan's Rd to the East Side. (Jim Stambaugh: Did we see wooden mushrooms rising up out of the ditches along the way?) Finally the East Side. Here is Bruce Struik's “Rocks of Resistence “: a garden reflecting 16 years of toil, love, and idyllic beach beauty. Yuccas, yarrow, iris beds, dahlias, sunflowers, coneflowers and even a few unfinished corners that beg for more color (or just to be left alone). Bruce told his stories of hardship and heartbreak. He treated 35 visitors to homemade cheesecake (an old recipe from his former days of restaurant ownership). He allowed everyone into his home to view his “Imagineering” art (pieces made out of waterlogged relics from the beaches and marshes around Beaver Island.) He hopes to share this garden gem with anyone who ventures by.


Last on the afternoon tour was the “Floral Heaven” of Bob and Peg Hoogendoorn. Their garden was a cool, inviting spot so late in the blazing afternoontime. They treated us to cookies and refreshments. Bob spoke to us from his deck, 15 feet over our heads, where his tomatoes and peppers were growing (away from the deer, but not those chipmunks!) He is from the SW Michigan area of flower-growing Dutchmen. His long family history in the floral business has been the foundation of his hobby garden. He has incorporated the native plants in areas that they thrive in. He puts annuals in varying sizes and colors of pots; He brought in a peach, plum and Montmorency Cherry trees to encourage the birds, as well as supply the kitchen with fresh fruit. His compost pile helps supply the fertilizer for the veggies and his lawn is the product of watering religiously. Bob's philosophy, in contrast to the rock gardener, is that if you want the green, you must water every day. He also believes that hand-watering allows the gardener to be in touch with his plants; to notice a bug, a butterfly, a webworm or even a new bud that appears.

So after a long day in the sun, our guests were tired but sated in their quest for garden ideas, new plants, designs and uses of nature. They took home their cameras filled with memories as well as a new group of friends. Will they come back for another Wellness Garden Benefit next year? We sure hope so! The tour will be on the same day, Wednesday, July 10th. Mark your calendars and get growing!

Photos by Terry Keyes HERE

Music on the Porch Successfully Streamed Live

BINN was successful in streaming the entire rainy evening of the first night of the beginning of Museum Week. Music on the Porch was successfully streamed live on the Internet for the entire performance list. Several people from different areas of the country were able to view the songs, poems, and instrumental performances. BINN is very fortunate to offer this option to its subscribers. Keep checking this website for links to other events that can be streamed live.

The interesting thing is that from the few events that have been streamed live, there have been viewers from fifty different cities across the United States. It appears as if there may be an interest in continuing this live streaming. The future of this project is still an unknown, but so far there appears to be an interest in it.

Many thanks go out to Powers Do-It-Best Hardware and Jeff Powers for access to the Internet, so this could be streamed live.

Music on the Porch Participants and Audience

The young ladies in the pictures above were singing different styles of music, but they all did a great job. The first young lady sang the National Anthem, the other two sang popular songs.

The crowd after the deluge and downpour was mostly over.

Sheri Timsak sang "Summertime", Mike Hurkmans sang "North to Alaska", and the third picture is of the live streaming video being posted on http://beaverisland.tv

Mike and Sharon Hurkmans singing...................Doris Larsen presents two songs by Dr.Phil Lange

Even the puppies and dogs enjoyed the evening

Bill Detwiler sang and there was instrumental Bach as well.

And Bach was converted to jazz by the group and then a duo.

Phil Becker sang two Bobby Darin songs, and then we were treated to Engineer Chase song.

The youngsters were either dancing or singing or just enjoying others talents.

The live streaming continued thoughout.

Bob Bass sang and then Matt Kilroy sang some Celtic tunes that got the little girls dancing.

Duff Connors sang and played guitar, Bill Detwiler sang the "Impossible Dream," Sheri Timsak sang "Danny Boy."

The program ended with Mike Hurkmans thanking everyone and then he sang the last song of the night.

What a good turnout of people dodging raindrops and providing support to the performers even during the rain storm!

On Demand Video of Music on the Porch may be viewed HERE

Men's Golf League Week 10 Results

Peaine Township Board Meeting, June 13, 2012

In a history making move, Beaver Island News on the 'Net (BINN) broadcast this township board meeting live on the Internet this evening. The meeting began at 7 p.m. All subscribers to BINN had access to watch the meeting live at a link down below in the story entitled Live Streaming Video.

The township meeting began with a discussion of an item not on the agenda. At the beginning of the meeting, the public has a comment period. A request was made by an audience member to hear about the status of the air ambulance. Jack Gallagher asked Paul Welke, Paul Welke turned the floor over to Angel Welke who reported on the progress from Island Airways point of view. Paul further stated that very little progress had been made with EMS. The EMS director was not in attendance, but a motion was passed thanking Island Airways for all their work in moving this project forward. The vote on the motion was yeas: Jack Gallagher, Pete LoDico, and Colleen Martin, with Larry Kubic and Paul Welke abstaining.

Minutes were approved and bills were approved for payment. The board approved the posting of two positions for the district libarary board and passed a resolution to express appreciation for the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information meeting. The board also approved a resolution change for the Human Services Commission. The Zoning Ordinance was approved, the Phragmities Treatment Program for 2012 was approved, and the County Storm Water Management Ordinance was discussed, but not approved.

Verizon's plan to install 4-G service on its tower next to the old Peaine Township Hall was reported with some possibility that the service would be available as early as July. An update reported the progress of the improvement of the emergency services radio system lease. A few other items were discussed, and you can view the meeting's video page to gather more information.

You can view the video of the entire meeting HERE

CMU Nature Programs

Broder Book Is Available

This book has arrived this past weekend and is available for sale at the merchants mentioned in a story below. This book will also be available at the Beaver Island Rural Health Center, which will receive the proceeds of the sale. The four Broder sons chose the pictures and the columns to be included in the book. The book will sell for $25.00. The title of the book is "The Beaver Island Columns" written by David S. Broder. There will be a "Book Party" on July 3, 2012, at the St. James Township Hall from 5-7 p.m.

NRESC Busy This Summer

August 1-2: MSU facilitated community forum(s) for summer residents (details to be determined)

Violin Happenings

Private Lessons

Ms. Sheri will be offering private lessons this summer during summer school weeks. Details in the near future…

Tax Payer Contributions by Township

The information below is reprinted from a previous editorial on Beaver Island News on the 'Net by Joe Moore:

Peaine Township Millage Rates Set

The millage rates for the two townships are presented here for the joint operations, and you can draw your own conclusions based upon this side by side comparison:

Millage rates in the two townships for jointly funded operations

It takes a lower millage rate to raise the same amount of dollars in Peaine Township because the Peaine Township SEV is higher than the St. James Township SEV. It does not take a statistical analysis to see a statistically significant difference in these jointly funded millage rates. An individual taxpayer in St. James Township is paying more to support these jointly funded operations than an individual taxpayer in Peaine Township.

St. James individual taxpayers are paying between 31.17% and 45.28% higher taxes for the jointly funded operations.

At this Special Peaine Township Meeting of March 31, 2012, Bill Markey suggested that perhaps St. James Township should decrease their millages instead of having Peaine increase their millages for joint projects. This certainly will not work since the amount of money raised by St. James Township is just matched by Peaine Township, so the inequity of individual taxpayers will just continue. If St. James decreased its funding, Peaine would just match that decrease. If this cycle continued, the organizations trying to provide services to Beaver Island would eventually have no money to fulfill their mission.

It is Joe Moore's position that any jointly funded accounts should be taxed equally based upon equal millage, so that each Beaver Island taxpayer is paying the same amount of millage tax for the jointly funded operations. Joe Moore's request made at the Special Meeting of March 31, 2012, was to have the Peaine Township Board reflect and consider the fairness of these tax rates for jointly funded operations.

Equity in Tax Bills

Why should a St. James Township property owner have to pay more tax dollars for jointly funded operations than any Peaine Township property owner?

How Serious is the Inequity

Consultant Report Available

The Feasibility Evaluation for Establishing a Fixed Wing Medical Evacuation Capability for Beaver Island EMS was presented to both St. James and Peaine Townships at their meetings in August. This feasibility evaluation was completed by a consultant Michael Slattery to eliminate any misunderstandings and to provide the information for BIEMS and the two townships to move forward. This report is many pages long, but Beaver Island News on the 'Net believes that it is important enough to post the entire document including all of the legislation that pertains to this issue. You may view this report by clicking on the link below.

Feasibility Evaluation for Establishing a Fixed Wing Medical Evacuation Capability for Beaver Island EMS

Air Transport for Island Medical Emergencies (ATIME for Us)

by Joe Moore

Read Article HERE

32 Miles of Water

(Copyright 2004, Phillip Michael Moore)

Update: 2/19/11---This video has had 108 viewings in the months of January and February so far. We hope that the views are getting the importance of having an air ambulance on Beaver Island and ready to go for the emergencies that have occurred here. It is obvious that ill and injured people are searching out other methods of transport since the transports for 2010 were down 50% compared to the last four years. While part of the cause is the depressed economy, the other part is the concern of being transported to the mainland and having a huge bill for that transport. BINN will continue to have this video available until something gets resolved with this issue. Comments so far: "You must be very proud of your son for doing this excellent video." "We never realized that this was still an issue." "Wow, a very important issue that seems to have been put on the back burner for too long. It's a burning issue."

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

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

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

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

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

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