B. I. News on the 'Net, March 22-28, 2010

Brett Maudrie's Military Address

He can receive letters and pictures, but no care packages.

PVT Maudrie, Brett Roster 437
E Co., 1-50th ITB, 4th Platoon
198th Infantry Brigade
9747 Second Armored Division Rd. Bldg. 3560
Fort Benning, GA 31905-5919

Commission on Aging Department Executive Director Appointed

The Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jack Messer as the new Executive Director for the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging Department. The appointment becomes effective Monday, March 29, 2010.

Mr. Messer replaces interim director Mr. David Emmel who has been working on a contractual basis since the resignation of the previous director in August of 2009.

In his new role as the Executive Director, Mr. Messer will assume leadership and management responsibility for the department and will report to the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Messer will also provide a support role to the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging Advisory Board.

Mr. Messer brings more than 25 years of management and leadership experience to the role. He previously served as the Director for the Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet Office of Emergency Management, Director of Emergency Services with the Sanilac County Sheriff's Department, Chief of Police and City Manager for the City of Sandusky , and the Michigan State Police.

The Charlevoix County Commission on Aging provides in-home respite, homemaking and personal care services, assessment services, congregate and in-home meals, health and wellness programs, and senior center operations services to residents of Charlevoix County over the age of 60.

Meet the New COA Director on Friday

The new COA Director Jack Messer will be on the island accompanied by Shirley Roloff and Sheriff Schneider on Friday. They will be available to meet with all interested parties on Friday, March 26, 2010. The gathering will take place at the Beaver Island Community Center at 3:00 p.m. Coffee and Girl Scout cookies will be provided.

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 th , 2010, from 2pm to 7pm. 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.

Citizen of the Year Deadline Approaches

The Citizen of the Year nominations deadline is Thursday April 1. A nomination form can be found on the Chamber of Commerce web site www.BeaverIsland.org . Below is a link.

http://www.beaverisland.org/2009-Citizen-of-the-Year.pdf

“The award(s) will honor an individual, couple or community organization that has made a significant contribution to making Beaver Island a better place to live, work or visit.”

Nominations can be sent by mail or email. - Chamber@BeaverIsland.org

Chamber of Commerce
P O Box 5
Beaver Island, Mi. 49782

The Citizen of the Year banquet is April 24, 2010, at the Community Center. Reservations and information: (231) 448-2022. The dinner will be roast prime rib of beef or herb incrusted chicken with salad and dessert. Top notch comedy entertainment is also planned. The price is only $25. Seating is limited to 100

Community Free Clinic Announces Relocation 

The Community Free Clinic, affiliated with Northern Michigan Regional Hospital, has announced that it will be relocating from the Lockwood-MacDonald campus on Arlington Avenue to the main Hospital campus on Connable Avenue in Petoskey in the Spring of 2010. In preparation, new signage is being developed and parking spaces are being clearly designated for patient convenience. To access the new location, patients will continue past the Main Entrance of the Hospital and the parking structure, and follow the signs to the entrance on the left.

Hours of operation will remain the same, as will the telephone number.

•  Office Hours * Monday – Friday * 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

•  Appointment Clinic * Monday * 1 – 5 p.m.

•  Walk-in Clinic * Wednesday * Sign in 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

•  Phone * 231.487.3600

The Community Free Clinic serves our area's uninsured through the dedicated work of volunteer community members and medical professionals, supported by grants, donations, and funding from Northern Michigan Regional Hospital and the Northern Michigan Regional Hospital Foundation. This move will enable patients to benefit from other services offered at the main Hospital campus, such as Lab, Radiology, and the Cafeteria.

The accelerated construction schedule of the new John and Marnie Demmer Wellness Pavilion on the Lockwood-MacDonald campus has prompted this relocation. Northern Michigan Regional Health System is grateful to the generous donors and volunteers who have given so much of themselves to both of these initiatives. The staff and volunteers at the Community Free Clinic look forward to continuing their mission of providing access to quality healthcare at their new, centrally-located clinic.

Cormorant Harassment Training

On March 31, 2010 (Wednesday) a representative from the Department of Agriculture Fish and Wildlife Services will be on the island to conduct this year's cormorant harassment training. There will be a significant increase in their activities over last year and the Wildlife Club has allocated additional monies to help in their efforts. Likewise the club expects to increase our activities especially the harbor area.

If you are interested in participating in the harassment program please attend this meeting. You do not have to be a member of the wildlife club to help in these efforts.

The meeting is at 7:00 PM at the Peaine Township Hall. Program is sponsored by the Beaver Island Wildlife Club.

Frank Solle's Sandhill Crane Pictures

Frank stopped at Barney's Lake and caught these sandhill cranes playing around a little bit. It is spring, and perhaps the mating dances are beginning. Nonetheless, these are amazing pictures, Frank. Thank you!

Pancakes and More Pancakes

One of the fundraising activities of the past weekend included a pancake, egg, and sausage breakfast held at the Gregg Fellowship Center. The purpose of this fundraiser was to help raise funds to build a "Cottage for Karen." The event raised close to $1000 and many thanks are in order for all those who worked and for those who attended. This is another example of why Beaver Island is a special place.

Although the pancake maker was gone by the time some attended the breakfast, there were plenty of pancakes and food available. Games and activities were also available for the kids.

This was must another wonderful opportunity for all to get together, support a need in the community, and socialize as well.

Six New Nationally Registered First Responders

The first three medical first responders to go down to Traverse City, Michigan, to take their National Registry Exam, have all three been successful. Danielle Dedloff became a nationally registered first responder on 3/8/10 followed quickly by Tammi LaFreniere and Deb Bousquet. Congratulations to these first three to take the exam. (Updated 3/17/2010) Kevin White and Garrett Cole have also been successful on the National Registry exam. Congratulations to both of you as well. Congratulations to Dan Burton who was also successful in completion of the National Registry Exam.

Good Job! And kudos to their first responder instructor Sarah McCafferty as well!

Shipping Season Begins

Video clips of Wendy Anne's first trip of the shipping season of 2010

Wendy Anne Breaks Ice

Wendy Anne comes alongside the barge

Wendy Anne heads toward the harbor buoy

Wendy Anne heads out of the harbor

In a relative surprise this morning, March 18, 2010, the Wendy Anne tugboat and crew decided to make its maiden voyage of the year 2010 by pulling away from the dock. It began in an unproductive way, but ended with the barge in tow on the way out of the harbor. First of all, the water level in the harbor is down. The Wendy Anne went temporarily aground in the mud just off the its dock. Using wenches, the Wendy Anne was pulled free, and the icebreaking began from the Beaver Marine dock out to the open water near the Beaver Island Boat Company Dock.

Loading the barged.......the barge is loaded and ready to go...

Wendy Anne aground just off the dock...

Breaking ice open for the barge to fit through...

After breaking up the ice, the Wendy Anne returned to its home dock and came alongside the barge. The dockside portion of the barge was pull away from the dock in preparation for the trip. Pulling the barge loaded with logs, the Wendy Anne began its passage in the shipping lanes of the harbor, came to the BIBCO dock, and headed out of the harbor. All in all, quite an exciting morning for those that had the time to watch.

 

Headed out.......Safe voyage, Wendy Anne!

Happy St. Pat's Day

from Beaver Island News on the 'Net!!

There are people in this world that wouldn't be able to determine the relationship between the following pictures. What is this relationship? Do you know? Can you tell?

The answer is the St. Patrick's Celebration Weekend on Beaver Island!!

More pictures here over 100

Video clip of the games

Video clip of the tug of war

Video clip of the fish toss

Reflections

Joint Township Meeting at St. James Hall

Tonight, March 16, 2010, both the St. James Township Board and the Peaine Township Board met at the St. James Township Hall. The meeting began promptly at 7:00 p.m. There was only one item on the agenda. This was a resolution entitled "A Joint Resolution authorizing the Acquisition of Property by Negotiation or Eminent Domain if Necessary and Declaration of Taking." Both township boards passed this resolution by unanimous roll call vote of those present. Those present for St. James Township were Rick Speck, Jim Wojan, Ray Cole, Tim McDonough, and Jean Wierenga. Those present for Peaine were Jack Gallagher, Colleen Martin, Pete LoDico, and Larry Kubic. Paul Welke was absent from the meeting.

The resolution and the property description may be viewed in its entirety by clicking HERE.

ST. JAMES TOWNSHIP

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position: St. James Township Zoning Administrator

Immediate Supervisor: Township Supervisor – Rick Speck (rickspeck@tds.net)

BROAD STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBLITIES 

Administers and enforces the township zoning ordinance. The administrator issues land use permits, performs inspections and is the ordinance enforcement officer.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

1. Issues zoning permits.

2. Enforce the provisions of the township zoning ordinance.

3. Review and investigate permit applications to determine compliance with the provisions of the zoning ordinance.

4. Maintain a working knowledge of all applicable township zoning ordinances.

5. Assist citizens and private or public agencies in determining what zoning forms and procedures, apply to proposed zoning requests and land use changes.

6. Attend meetings of the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals as staff representative.

7. Review all site plans prior to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals and prepare staff reports.

8. Maintain the official zoning maps, keep all text and office records up to date, by recording all amendments and retaining all official documents in a systematic filing procedure.

9. Attend seminars, workshops, and other continuing education classes, as appropriate and/or requested by the supervisor, with Township Board approval prior to attendance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES DESIRED 

1. High diploma or equivalent required.

2. Ability to understand and interpret drawings, diagrams and property descriptions.

3. Previous related work experience or training would be helpful.

4. Valid driver's license and personal vehicle required.

5. Good communication skills, both written and oral.

6. Good interpersonal skills, to interact effectively with citizens and township officials.

7. Ability to meet deadlines, to organize, prioritize and work independently.

ANNUAL REVIEW

The Zoning Administrator shall submit a report, summarizing his or her activities to the Township Board and the Planning Commission by February 1st of each year. After receipt and review of the report, the Township Supervisor, shall meet with the administrator for an annual review of duties and performance. A summary of this review will be submitted to the Township Board members.

SALARY 

$5,968.00 – 4/1/10 to 3/31/11 – paid monthly

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Submit a letter of interest by March 31, 2010, to:

Jean Wierenga, Clerk, or Rick Speck, Supervisor,

St. James Township , P. O. Box 85 , Beaver Island , MI 9782

TDS DSL High Speed Internet Available NOW

TDS® announces high-speed broadband availability to Beaver Island residents

For more information contact:
Cindy Tomlinson, Associate Manager – PR
TDS Telecommunications Corp.
608-664-4471 / cindy.tomlinson@tdstelecom.com


(March 15, 2010) — TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS®) announces high-speed broadband Internet service is now available to the residents and businesses of Beaver Island. TDS will offer speeds ranging from 1.5Mb to 10Mb.

“We’re excited to make this announcement,” says Al Ripp, market manager for TDS. “Our customers have been waiting patiently for access to high-speed Internet service; they needn’t wait another minute.”

TDS’ new high-speed broadband service is available to nearly all businesses and residences on Beaver Island. Because high-speed Internet service is a distance-sensitive technology, speeds may vary and services may not be available to all TDS customers on Beaver Island.

Residential prices start at $39.95/month; prices for business customers begin at $49/month. For more information, or to sign up, call 1-888-CALL-TDS.

Al Ripp
TDS Market Manager
608-826-4395

3rd Annual Easter Egg Scramble

and visits with The Easter Bunny

Saturday, April 3, 2010, at the Beaver Island Community School 1:00 PM

There will be cookies, treat Bags and prizes! The Egg Scramble will be held in the gym so bring your empty Easter basket and bring your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny in the gym lobby.

Proud Sponsors:
Beaver Island Boat Company, Beaver Island Community School
Beaver Island Trading Post, Central Drug Store, East Wind Spa
Fresh Air Aviation, Island Airways, Martin Gas & Oil
McDonough’s Market, Montaage, Powers Do It Best Hardware
The Shamrock, Stoney Acre Grill & Donegal Danny’s Pub
Whimsy, Jim Wojan Excavating Co.
Ron Wojan General Contractor

Beaver Island Community School

37895 King's Highway, Beaver Island , MI 49782

(231) 448-2744 – phone (231) 448-2919 – fax

www.beaverisland.k12.mi.us info@beaverisland.k12.mi.us

POSTING OF POSITION 

POSITION

Elementary Teacher Aide . High school diploma required. Two years of study at an institution of higher education or an Associate's degree is preferred .

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidate should have a strong interest in working one-on-one with an elementary student who requires individual adult supervision due to physical limitations. Candidate will be trained to transfer student from wheelchair to other chairs/surfaces, and bathroom. Candidate may also assist with student's physical therapy. A pleasant, positive attitude and an ability to work cooperatively with others is imperative.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Support classroom teacher.

•  Assist student with daily tasks and assignments.

•  Willingness to attend off-island training, if necessary .

DURATION

30 to 35 hours a week beginning April 13, 2010, through June 11, 2010. It is likely that this position will resume when school starts up again in September .

SALARY/BENEFITS

Starting salary is $12.63 per hour. Benefits per the Support Staff Benefit Schedule.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Submit a letter of interest and resume or job application by March 29, 2010, to: Kathleen McNamara, Principal/Superintendent, at the address above, or email kittym@beaverisland.k12.mi..us .

"Ancestry Library Edition" --- Free at District Library

Geneaology Search Tool Available

The Beaver Island District Library is now a subscriber to Ancestry® Library Edition, distributed exclusively by ProQuest and powered by Ancestry.com which delivers over 4 billion records in census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more.

You can access Ancestry® Library Edition from any of our public computers or bring your laptop to the library because you can use it within range of our WiFi. The difference between this and the Ancestry you would subscribe to personally is that you cannot write to ours, but you can use any of the 4,000+ databases to gather that information you've been hunting for about Aunt Blanche or Great, great, great grandpa Higgins.

Ancestry Library Edition brings the world's most popular consumer online genealogy resource to your library. It's an unprecedented online collection of over 4 billion individuals from North America, Europe, Australia, and more.

Answers await everyone—whether professional or hobbyist, expert or novice, genealogist, or historian—inside the more than 4,000 available databases. Here, you can unlock the story of you with sources like censuses, vital records, immigration records, family histories, military records, court and legal documents, directories, photos, maps, and more.

And, with ongoing updates and new content always being added, you'll keep coming back to discover more. Popular and recently added collections include:

U.S. collections deliver hundreds of millions of names from sources such as federal and U.S. censuses; birth, death, and marriage records including the Social Security Death Index; and U.S. border crossing and trans-ocean ship records.

Canadian collections provide nearly 60 million records from the Census of Canada; and key vital records, such as the Drouin Collection (1621-1967), which includes nearly 30 million baptism, marriage, and burial records from Quebec.

U.K. collections offer censuses for England, Wales, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, and Scotland, with nearly 200 million records; Births and Baptisms (1834-1906), Marriage Licenses (1521-1869), Deaths and Burials (1834-1934), and Poor Law Records (1840-1938) in London; and more.

Other international collections continue to grow with more than 46 million records from German census, vital records, emigration indexes, ship lists, phone directories, and more; Chinese surnames in the large and growing Jiapu Collection of Chinese lineage books; Jewish family history records from Eastern Europe and Russia; and more.

Military collections deliver over 150 million records containing information often not found elsewhere; and includes records from the colonial to the Vietnam era.

Multimedia collections deliver millions of files ranging from family and gravestone photos to postcards and newsreels.

All this, plus an intuitive search interface, detailed search indexes, and helpful Learning Center tools, makes the Beaver Island District Library's subscription to Ancestry® Library Edition an indispensable resource.

No Easter Services at Episcopal Church

St. James Episcopal Church will not hold Church Services on Easter Sunday, April 4 or the following Sunday, April 11.

Fall Turkey Hunt

March 15, 2010

FROM: The Beaver Island Wildlife Club

We have been informed by Russ Mason, Chief of Wildlife Division, Michigan Department of Natural Resources that it is MOST LIKELY, there will be a fall turkey season on Beaver Island. We hosted a public meeting on March 5, 2010 at St. James Township Hall to discuss various wildlife management subjects. I asked Brian Mastenbrook and Tim Reis at the time why Beaver Island could not be designated a unit separate from J (all of Charlevoix county). That was a matter that Brian has explored already but we were denied. Then Tim informed us that under unit J there would be no fall hunts here in 2010. I spoke up and asked the question, “If I showed up dressed in feathers do you think the powers to be would change their minds?” That did get a laugh and it just may have produced the result we wanted. Tim and Brian convinced Russ Mason to reconsider and it looks like we will receive a separate unit status in time for the fall hunt. This is good news to all of us turkey hunters although maybe not good news to the 800+ turkeys out there.

Lois Williams, secretary

Baroque on Beaver 2010 will be “Made in Michigan”

This summer over 80 musicians from around the state will join artists on Beaver Island during the last week of July to present the ninth annual Baroque on Beaver classical music festival. For the first time the concerts will be “Made in Michigan,” as all participants will be either residents of the state or seasonal visitors to Beaver Island. The festival will be organized by a new managing director, Zac Moore, from Traverse City, who is also Managing Director of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra. Robert Nordling, of Grand Rapids will be the new conductor of the Festival Orchestra. Kevin Simon, from Saginaw, will lead the Festival Chorus for the third year.

Baroque on Beaver will include concerts by the orchestra, chorus, chamber ensembles, and soloists. Featured artists will include Martha Guth, whose performances have been a highlight for the past two years, and Claudia Schmidt, who is new to Baroque on Beaver but well-known to island audiences. As in past years, concerts will be held in the Parish Hall, the Community Center, and Gillingham Hall at CMU; in addition, an outdoor family concert is being planned as well as mini-performances and open rehearsals at a variety of places around the harbor and town.

To involve more of the community in Baroque on Beaver, Zac Moore will schedule additional rehearsal time for island musicians. He will also work with Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association Board Members Kitty McNamara, Miranda Rooy, and Jane Maehr to engage students in the concerts and in musical activities throughout the year. Details about concerts, rehearsals, and music will be available online at www.BICAA.org as soon as those plans are finalized. To learn about participating in the festival as a musician, host, or volunteer worker, contact Judi Meister, Jayne Bailey, or any member of the Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association, or check the website. To enjoy four days of beautiful classical music in a gorgeous island setting, mark your calendars now – July 29 to August 1, 2010 – Baroque on Beaver – Made in Michigan!

Beaver Island Ice Classic

Update by Bob Tidmore, pictures and story:

It's over for this year, the tower went through the ice a  4:10 PM   yesterday afternoon. There are tickets in the mail on the way from Florida so we will not be able to announce the winner until we receive them.

Ice Classic Results

The tower rolled over at 4:10 PM on March 18, 2010. There were 26 individuals that guessed that day including: Mark Lafreniere at 3:40 PM, Ed Wojan at 4:00 PM, Judy Gallagher at 4:09 PM, and Andy Kohls at 4:21 PM Judy is the winner and splits the total amount of tickets sales that amounted to $, 1570.00; her amount is $785.00 Thanks again to all that contributed.

Thanks to Beaver Island Marine for the use of their dock and Island Airways for the wind sock.

March 14, 2010 7 p.m.

Even though there appears to be lots of ice the tower could go in at any time. If you have tickets and have not filled them out you need to get them to McDonough 's or the Community Center as once it goes in we cannot accept any entries. Thanks for all your support.

March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM

The ice continues to turn black and as shown in the pictures there is a pool of water under the tower and lots of cracks.

Lots of ice in the harbor, and one “old timer” says it is at least 18 inches thick. The ice has turned black and there are some cracks as shown in the pictures. You still have lots of time to get your Ice Classic tickets filled out. They are available at the Community Center, McDonough's Market for from Community Center Board Members. Tickets are for sale until the first day of spring, March 21 .

When I went down to check the clock and tower I spotted the large beaver that is making a home in the dock. He doesn't seem to be afraid of humans and I was able to get close for these pictures.

I also included a never before  picture of the high-tech secret control room with the clock.

The 2009 Beaver Island ice classis is under way after the indomitable launch team of Bob Banville, Ed Troutman and Don Tritsch placed the tower on the ice February 3 rd . The purpose ofthe contest is to guess the day, hour and minute when the tower will go through the ice. Last year the tower went into the water on March 29 th and the winner collected over $600!

Ticket proceeds will be shared 50/50 and the net proceeds go to help operate the Beaver Island Community Center.

Tickets are$5.00 each or 6 for $20.00 and are available from any PABI board member, the Community Center or at McDonough's market. If anyone off the island is interested tickets contact Bob Tidmore at 231-448-3088 or e-mail him at b_tidmore@hotmail.com .

B I Wildlife Club March 5, 2010, Meeting Minutes

BIWC Deer and Cormorant Survey

Here is a link to a survey about deer hunting on Beaver Island (and one on cormorants). The BIWC would appreciate your taking the time to answer the questions and will will share the results with the public.


http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9VGRW7L

Beaver Island News on the 'Net Has No Position on BI Wildlife Club or BI Conservation Club

Editorial by Joe Moore

There are those on both sides of this issue that want Beaver Island News on the 'Net to choose sides. This website will not allow either side to determine what is posted here and what is not posted here. The editor of Beaver Island News on the 'Net wishes to provide information. Information is power only if it is shared in a timely manner! Beaver Island News on the 'Net will post information in as positive a way as can be determined by the editor. If you are looking for someone to post anything and everything, no matter in what form received, you have sent your information to the wrong place. If one side or the other decides that this website is not being fair, then there are other places to post your information.

Just like the Northern Islander and the Beaver Beacon, Beaver Island News on the 'Net will edit Letters to the Editor for length, but will also attempt to eliminate negativity without changing the facts. This website will NOT be dicatated to by either side of any issue including the BI Wildlife Club versus BI Conservation Club issue.

Now, to get back to the Quality Deer Management issue, Beaver Island News on the 'Net has posted educational video for its subscribers. The educational portion of that video will be made public (to non-subscribers) after a short period of time. All of this video is available on this website. Beaver Island News on the 'Net has posted a link to survey regarding deer management. Beaver Island News on the 'Net will publish the results of that survey if they are provided to us. Beaver Island News on the 'Net will await the consensus of the Natural Resources and Eco-Tourism Commission (Committee) and will gladly publish the minutes of this meeting if they are to be made public. The March 23rd meeting is not an open meeting and only includes those invited by the committee, which includes officers from both of the above mentioned groups, but any minutes will be posted when and if received.

Quality Deer Managment Meeting-An Educational Presentation

Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The Beaver Island Community Center Public Information Meeting on Quality Deer Management (QDM) took place on Saturday, March 6, 2010, from 4-6 p.m. featuring Bob DuCharme, the Regional Director of the Quality Deer Managemen Association (QDMA). This event is co-sponsored by the newly formed Beaver Island Conservation Club and the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce. A great deal of information was provided at this meeting and educational presentation. Video clips of the entire program will be available as soon as processed.

Bob DuCharme

Thirty-six people attended this meeting that was held at the Beaver Island Community Center.

Gavin West, one of the founders of the Beaver Island Conservation Club made some opening remarks and then introduced Bob Ducharme. Mr. Ducharme, regional director of the Great Lakes Region of the Quality Deer Management Association, was the primary presenter. His presentation was educational and was the largest portion of the meeting. Mr. Tim F. Reis from the State Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division, was also present at the meeting. Mr. Reis is the managment unit supervisor for the Northeastern Management Unit. He operates out of the Gaylord Operations Service Center.

Mr. Ducharme made a PowerPoint-like presentation in which he presented the composition, procedures, and benefits of Quality Deer Management based upon the QDMA agenda. His presentation suggested that the current method of managing a deer herd on Beaver Island needs to be modified in some different ways that are currently accepted in traditional methods of deer management. His presentation was educational and seemed to provide some reasons to consider embracing some of the theories presented at this meeting. QDM does provide a multi-faceted approach to managing a deer herd. You can find out more by watching the video clips presented below, or by going to http://michiganqdma.com/

The four main "cornerstones" or QDM are Herd Management, Habitat Management, Monitoring the Herd, and Hunter Management. Bob stressed the most difficult one to control was hunter management.

There was also a question and answer period after the presentation which appeared to get a little tense.

Mr. Bob Ducharme can be reached at (517)-238-5375 home or cell (269)-832-0486 or be email at: bducharme@qdma.com

Mr. Tim F. Reis can be reached at (989)-732-3541, exct. 5030 or by emal at: reist@michigan.com

Video clips of the entire meeting are HERE

QDM Letter to the Editor from Lois Williams

QDM Popularity and Outcomes from Conservation Club

OP-ED

Title: The Time Has Come the Walrus Said

To: Joe Moore

From: Lois Williams

The time has come the walrus said to talk of many things. Today I want to talk about the Beaver Island Wildlife Club: what place do we have in the community; what are we doing for wildlife management; what is our stand on Quality Deer Management; what other roles do we play in the management of other resources such as fisheries.

The Beaver Island Wildlife Club has been in existence since the 1940's. It was organized for charitable, scientific and educational purposes—more specifically to preserve all wildlife on Beaver and Garden Islands. Upon review of years of minutes there is a thread that moves through the years: everything takes time and moves slower than we hoped and every project requires hours of physical labor and/or conferencing.

In 2005 we sponsored a Quality Deer Management (QDM) discussion at Peaine Township Hall. Perry Russo, North Central Regional Director spoke about measures aimed at improving herd quality. This is a three fold effort to let the little bucks go to grow, take a judicious number of does, and provide better habitat for our whitetail herd. We certainly can 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 and what we like to call “Hunter's Choice”. We also agreed to continue drive by surveys and Jacque LaFreniere and Jeff Powers check our harvested deer for those hunters voluntarily bringing them in. This provides valuable information on health. Our continued liaison with the DNR through Brian Mastenbrook has given us direction and valuable advice.

Link to Let Him Go, Let him grow

Lately we have been bombarded with information about Quality Deer Management again. While we agree on the basic concepts (don't harvest little bucks, take some does, improve habitat) we do not want it to become a LAW. As a hunter I want to be able to choose because ultimately I am the one who controls what I harvest—I am the one who chooses to pass up that little guy even if it means I don't get a deer some years. We have been told there are no drawbacks to QDM—listen to this. Currently QDM is mandatory in Leelanau. It was at one time mandatory on Drummond Island. The DNR recently told us the hunters and landowners there were dissatisfied with it and voted it out at the evaluation period. When Jacque inquired about support in the UP she found out that the UPSA has a majority of members that do not support QDM under the method offered because they do not like to have the mandatory dictate that QDM presents. One of the largest constituents groups, U.P. Whitetails pushes a “let ‘em go, let ‘em grow” theme and they also promote “hunter's choice” and wish to leave the decision of what is harvested to the individual. Another comment was that mandated QDM is not very democratic nor is it a method that has any more scientific basis than the concepts of these two UP groups.

On a personal level I don't think it is a wise decision to drop QDM regulations that work on the mainland into Beaver Island. Islands are a very special entity. Our ecosystems are fragile and right now we are concerned with how to best handle this situation.

Resolutions are being made asking our townships to support QDM. Beware that what the townships are being asked is for a blanket endorsement of the principles of QDM as DEFINED by the QDM Management Association—and just what are these principles and who defines them and what do we have to say about them?

On March 5, 2010 we hosted a meeting at the St. James Township Hall featuring guest Brian Mastenbrook, Senior Wildlife Biologist, DNR Gaylord and Tim Reis, Supervisor, DNR Wildlife Division, Gaylord. This was not the first time we had Brian Mastenbrook on Beaver Island to talk about wildlife and other natural resource issues. Brian has worked very closely with our club for years. He was very involved in the war against Phragmities. He has been advising us for a long time and we respect his knowledge. The meeting on March 5 focused on deer health and management, habitat improvement and turkeys among other topics. He praised our efforts in providing important information about population of whitetail deer, ratio, health through our driving census and voluntary deer check. From 2004 to 2009 the beam diameter of 1 ½ year old bucks has increased showing better growth and development. At this time it appears that the population of the herd on the whole is down (that is true for all of northern Lower Michigan). Habitat has always been a concern of ours. We requested clear cutting as early as 2000 but it wasn't until 2006 that the first clear cutting was done. We have encouraged private owners to establish food plots on their acreage and that has moved along but we could use more.

The Wildlife Club will continue to endeavor to protect and preserve the treasures we have here. We have a very active, viable membership that donates countless hours of volunteer time. We do because we care.

I will only briefly touch on the issues of fishing and cormorants. Suffice it to say that our war against cormorant damage is moving ahead once again due to our persistence. This entire effort was spear headed by our president, Jeff Powers. We are confident that when the cormorants come under a manageable control, the small mouth bass fishing will rebound like the perch fishery rebounded in the Les Cheneaux Islands with control. Meanwhile, enjoy the walleye fishery we established on Lake Geneserath.

Lois Williams

NEW Community Calendar Feature

New Events Scheduled!

At a request from a couple of emails, the BINN Community Calendar has been extended from one or two months to include the rest of the entire year of 2010. Several people wanted to schedule their events without having a conflict with another event. The BINN reply via email was, "Of course, we would be happy to include a full calendar year in the Community Calendar!"

Please send us your calendar of events for the the entire year. We will put all scheduled events on one calendar with one place to check!

This will only work if all those people with scheduled events send a quick email with those events to the editor of this website. We will gladly post them on a community calendar available to everyone. Please take the time to send your events to:

medic5740@gmail.com

“What Do We DO on Beaver Island?” DVD Available NOW

DVD Production AVAILABLE!

“What Do We Do on Beaver Island….when you're not here,” a compilation of video clips about the important happenings on Beaver Island in the year 2009 is HERE!.

The DVD may be purchased online at the link below, or it may be purchased from store and businesses on the Island.

What does this DVD document? It documents wildlife including eagles, ospreys, loons, and beaver; holiday celebrations, and news items that were completed in public places that do not need permissions. It documents Music on the Porch and some Museum Week presentations. It documents the first ever Beaver Island Marathon. It documents musical performances by Island musicians as well as visiting musicians. This DVD has a little something for everyone. It provides high quality video of events that have been previously viewed on Beaver Island News on the 'Net.

Three charities have been chosen to receive money from this project. They are: the Beaver Island Rural Health Center, the Beaver Island Food Pantry, and the Beaver Island Fire Department Auxiliary. All money collected after costs are paid will be divided equally and given to these three organizations.

You can order your DVD today by sending $20 plus $5 postage to DVD, c/o Joe Moore, P.O. Box 50, Beaver Island, Michigan 49782 or you can order yours over the Internet from the provided link.

Order online using the secure PayPal server:

Community Center Letter Regarding DVD

BIRHC to Provide Dermatologist for Island Visits

The Beaver Island Rural Health Center announced this morning that Dr. Murray Cotter, Dermatologist, will be seeing patients at the rural health center beginning on April 23, 2010. Dr. Cotter is a member of the Dermatology Assoiciates of Northern Michigan, P.C. and the director of this group. Dr. Cotter completed medical school at the University of Michigan followed by a residency in Dermatology at the University of Utah. He has also completed fellowship training in the Mohs Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology at the University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Cotter is board certified in Dermatology and is pleased to be back home in Michigan providing the full spectrum of skin care at their offices in Petoskey, Gayloard, St. Ignace, and Beaver Island.

To make an appointment with Dr. Cotter, call his office 231-487-2230. They will schedule you for your appointment here at the BIRHC. If you need further information, please call the BIRHC at 448-2275.

Dermatology Associates of Northern Michigan, P.C. has its office in Petoskey at 2240 Mitchel Park Drive. They have a website at: http://www.dermatologyassociatesonline.com

Beaver Island Bike Festival

Click each picture to view the brochure.

Free T- shirts -1st Beaver Island Bike Festival

Online registration information is now available for the 1st Beaver Island Bike Festival on June 26th. FREE T-SHIRTS for the first 250. The registration brochure will be available at the Chamber of Commerce office in the Community Center in early April.

http://www.beaverislandbikefestival.com/6.html

"The Beaver Island Bike Festival (June 25-27) is your chance to experience the unique unspoiled beauty of Lake Michigan’s most remote island in a fun festival atmosphere. Bikers will ride at their own pace and enjoy incredible scenery, island monuments, historic sites, a beach picnic lunch, a downtown after party and all the friendly hospitality Beaver Islands residents are famous for,” says promoter John Sohacki.

For complete information and registration information for the new Beaver Island event see the events section on the home page of The Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce web site www.BeaverIsland.org .

The new route map and course description for the second annual Beaver Island Marathon (September 4) is now available on the Chamber web site.

The Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce is a principal sponsor of both events.

Peaine Township Meeting 3/10/2010

On a surprising note, the Peaine Township meeting of March 10, 2010, was just a little over 70 minutes. The topics that may have caused serious disagreement seemed to have been worked on quite a bit outside of the meeting, not by the board members necessarily, but definitely by the committees and commissions. This meeting was a pleasant and successful meeting with a great deal accomplished in a short period of time.

The appointments were made to the various organizations, the airport committee was discussed, the waste management committee was discuss, and this was all accomplished with only a small amount of questioning by the public and with excellent answers by the board or the board's representatives. Information was presented, shared, and decisions were made.

Video clips of the entire meeting are HERE

Citizen of the Year Banquet Announcement

The Citizen of the Year banquet will be held at the Beaver Island Community Center on Saturday April 24, 2010. The price of the event will be $25.00 for an inclusive evening including appetizers, dinner, desert and entertainment. A cash bar will be available at the annual event to honor the Chamber of Commerce 2009 Citizen of the Year. Reservations will be accepted beginning in mid-March. Seating will be limited to 100.

Previous recipients of the Citizen of the Year Award:

2001 - Don Vyse
2002 - BIEMS
2003 - Connie Wojan & B I Hospice
2004 - Phil & Lil Greg
2005 - Jim Wojan
2006 - John Fiegen
2007 - Pam Grassmick & Father Pat
2008 - BI Fire Dept. & Jim & Mary Gillingham

For additional information about the banquet please contact the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce at (231) 448-2505. For reservations, contact the Community Center at (231) 448-2022.

Official 2009 Citizen of the Year
Nomination Form
Two possible awards: Individual and Organization


The award(s) will honor an individual, couple or community organization that has made a significant contribution to making Beaver Island a better place to live, work or visit.

My name is ______________________________________ Phone _______________

Address ________________________________________________________________

I would like to nominate ___________________________________________________

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

Mail to: Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 5, Beaver Island, MI 49782 - Chamber@BeaverIsland.org

Deadline is Thursday April 1, 2010

Questions: Chamber@BeaverIsland.org or call Steve West, Mon. – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00, at (231) 448-2505

The Award Banquet will be Saturday, April 24, 2010

Subscriptions to Expire

There are quite a few subscriptions that will expire or that have already expired in March, 2010 and April 2010. 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:

RENEW

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.

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!)