B. I. News on the 'Net, March 28-April 3, 2011

Lake Michigan Level Way Down

Based upon the information available at this time, the level of Lake Michigan is down about 20 inches from the level of last year at this time. This doesn't seem like much until you take a walk on the shoreline and see the areas that were under water last year, but aren't under water this year. A perfect example of this is seen at Gull Harbor. One rock that was surrounded with water last year is not this year.

The rock in the foreground in this picture was surrounded by water about ankle deep last spring and summer. It is now completely high and dry. If you walk from the edge of the waterline that you can see from last year, it is a full fifteen paces, or approximately 45 feet to the edge of the ice. Twenty inches in heighth does not equal twenty inches in shoreline. In this case, twenty inches of height is equivalent to 45 feet more shoreline at this one location at Gull Harbor.

This drop of water levels is supposed to continue well into the summer months unless we get a great deal of rain. What this means in some areas is a much longer walk to get to the water from your shoreline property. This may explain the reason that the Neah Bay did not come alongside the BI Boat Company Dock or get any closer to the dock than some onlookers suggested.

USCG Cutter Neah Bay Breaks Ice in the Harbor

Specific Information on the Cutter can be found HERE

After spending forty-five minutes out at Gull Harbor waiting for the USCG Cutter, several people left and headed home. It wasn't five minutes later that the vessel could be seen from Whiskey Point. Here it is coming from afar and then up close:

Then a quick few views from the trip around the harbor to the yacht dock:

The Neah Bay stopped about fifteen feet short of the Beaver Island Boat Company Dock. The cutter spent a a lot of time working to break up the ice in the harbor. All that is needed now is a good wind from the proper direction to help clear out the ice.

The first pass was in toward the BIBCO dock. Then it did a few somewhat perpendicular cuts. Then it began what appeared to be concentric circles getting larger and larger in diameter.

The crew members kept their eys open to make sure they didn't get too close to the BIBCO dock.

Those on the dock watching were somewhat puzzled that the Neah Bay didn't come closer and dock at the BIBCO dock.

There were lots of watchers including the TV crews with a very nice camera..

Ice going every which way, and lots of spray could be seen off the Neah Bay's bow..

Thank you the crew of USCG Neah Bay for their efforts in helping the island get ready for the ferry season.

Four Video Clips of the Neah Bay Ice-Breaking Process

Entering the Harbor

 

Inside the Harbor and Approaching the BIBCO dock

 

2nd pass toward the dock and crowd of onlookers

 

Making a concentric circle pattern and Widening the track at the mouth of the harbor

 

Dave Broder's Memorial Service on C-Span 3

The Dave Broder memorial service will take place at noon 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. It can be viewed on C-Span 3, Webcast on C-Span, and on the Washington Post website.

Stoney Acre Celebrates the 25th Anniversary

Marilyn and Liam Racine's 9th Anniversary at Stoney Acre

When Bill and Marge Wagner started the Stoney Acre Grill, named after their farm, there was no way for them to know that this business would grow and change so much over the years. With several different owners over the last twenty-five years including Nancy and Roger Sommers, the restaurant has been known for many different positive menu choices. Bill and Marge could not have known how far this hip-roof barn could go toward providing another excellent dining choice to the residents of and the visitors to Beaver Island.

Marilyn and Liam have had the Stoney Acre Grill for the last nine years, and in that time have expanded the menu as well as adding on the Donegal Danny's Pub. The food is still excellent with many different menu items than were even thought of by Bill and Marge or Nancy and Roger. Friday night, their anniversary night, offers the Perch Dinner special, and this is a very popular item. No matter what the special is for the particular night, the entire dinner menu is available. It is quite amazing that this large menu comes out of this small kitchen.

Marilyn and Liam, Congratulations on your ninth anniversary at Stoney Acres! Keep up the excellent work!

It's not too late to get out and go to their anniversary! It's Friday night, tonight, April 1, 2011, and this is posted at 5:30 p.m.

Marilyn and Liam Thank the Community for its support!

 

Video posted at 6 p.m., April 1, 2011

Beaver Island Wildlife Club Has Facebook Page

See it HERE

Five Island Residents Successfully Complete EMT Class

Update on Wednesday night, March 30, 2011: All five of these adult students have successfully passed the written examination for Basic EMT. Congratulations to all the students and their instructors!

Update: All five of these dedicated volunteers passed their practical skill examination on Monday, March 28, 2011.

There are five dedicated adults who are completing the Basic Emergency Medical Curriculum as required by the State of Michigan, Department of Community Health, EMS and Trauma Division. These five students have be attending classes since September 2010, and will finish up this week on Monday and Wednesday with their practical skills and didactic written examinations. These exams will take place right here on Beaver Island. After completion of the local exams, paperwork will be completed and each will be required to go down to Traverse City to take the National Registry of EMTs computer exam. Once each has passed the National Registry exam, more paperwork will be completed, and they will be licensed by the State of Michigan as Basic EMTs.

Dan Burton.................................Danielle Dedloff......................................Kevin White..................................Tammy LaFreniere......................................Vince Pickhardt

The students who are successfully finishing the EMT program offered and taught by Beaver Island EMS are Danielle Dedloff, Vince Pickhardt, Kevin White, Dan Burton, and Tammy LaFreniere. Sarah McCafferty is director of EMS and EMT class coordinator. Four of the students completing the EMT class are licensed as medical first responders already, and one of them was previously licensed in another state as an EMT.

If you see any of these EMT students, encourage them, and tell them how proud the island is to have such dedicated volunteers. Thank you, all five of you, for you dedication! Thank you for the hours upon hours you have spent studying for class. Thank you for the extra study sessions that you have arranged for yourselves. And lastly, thank you for your desire to help your community!

Birds Returning and Preparing for Spring

Seagull on a dock post

The birds are back doing what birds do...Ducks, geese, gulls, turkeys, woodpeckers...

All part of life....this duck was killed by a predator, but many feasted on the remains.

An eagle seems to be followed by crows and seagulls

The eagle feasting on the remains of the duck shown above....

The Beaver Island Community Development Corporation

"The Beaver Island Community Development Corporation is an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the quality of life for seniors and disabled adults residing on Beaver Island by providing and maintaining adequate, high-quality, cost-effective housing."

This grouip is the one that is responsible for the building the Forest View Apartments across the road from Stoney Acres and next to the Beaver Island Rural Health Center. They have a very nice website that is up on the Internet that provides a great deal of information. You can view that website at this link HERE

Here is just a little taken from their website:

"Come join us April 17, 2011 from 1:00 - 3:00. The building will not be complete, but you can take a tour. We are too excited about these senior apartments to wait until they are all done to show them off!"

Forest View Community - Grand Opening Celebration

The Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for July 11, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The building will be complete and the apartments will be occupied.

Please try to attend one or both of these events to help us celebrate!

Beaver Island Community Development Corporation
Affordable Housing for Seniors
PO Box 190
Beaver Island, MI 49782

Citizen of the Year Nominations due April 8th

The deadline for Citizen of the Year nominations is 3:00 PM Friday April 8 th . We must have your nomination in the Chamber of Commerce office by that time. You can use USPS or email. To see previous story, click HERE

Chamber@BeaverIsland.org

Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce

P O Box 5

Beaver Island MI 49782

Several dozen people have signed 15 nominations so far. You don't have to be a chamber member to write a nomination. An official form and more information can be found here.

http://www.beaverisland.org/2010-citizen-of-the-year.pdf

Stoney Acre Anniversary Celebration

Please join us Friday April 1st in Celebration of Stoney's 25th year, and our 9th year with the restaurant. Stop in and enjoy a Free piece of Cake...we'll have Chocolate, Banana, & Carrot-all homemade.
Our Thanks to everyone...we couldn't have done it without you!
Danny's is also celebrating Stoney's Double Anniversary, with a...
Here's TWO ya from 2-8pm...$2- Domestic Beer, 10oz. Drafts, Schnapp Shots, e-Well Drinks & House Wine...all only $2 each...Plus our regular Happy Hour... PLUS , a DJ!
Premiere DJ music starts @ 9pm...a huge collection of Great Tunes to Dance to.
* Also a reminder that Danny's has a 6 hour Happy Hour, 6 Days a Week (mon-Sat 2-8pm), and on Sunday...it's all day!
Our Thanks for your Patronage!
Liam & Marilyn Racine

Just One Star 

Can Comfort a Soldier   

Talking Threads Quilt Guild invites you to join in honoring soldiers who have been injured in the line of duty while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

All sewers of all levels are asked to join the effort to assemble Just One Star blocks. Judi will provide step-by-step instructions. Work will be done individually or as group efforts in assembly lines. Our star blocks will be sent to the Just One Star project to be assembled into quilts for the wounded Marines. soldiers, airmen, and sailors.

All interested Islanders are invited to this event. Sewing machines, neutral thread, fabric, and cutting tools will be needed, but not required. You may come” just to help”.

Some fabric will be provided by Talking Threads Guild, but we encourage you to bring medium reds, blues, and cream background 100% cottons if you have some.

Sunday, April 17, 2011 from 1:30 -4:30

Hearts to Holly Quilt Shop in Charlevoix is organizing this project locally. If you have questions please call Judi at 2963 or Donna at 2797.

A Day Off

An Editorial

With all the spring fever and winter blah's causing some on the island to become frustrated and angry, with all the fighting going on about the NREC, and with all the budgetary discussions being topics of the Annual Meetings, this editor decided to take the day off. No, I did not go out and play golf. No, I did not leave the island for any reason. No, I did not have appointments. I was feeling a little under the weather due to a mild case of intestinal issues as well as congestion issues. It was just time to relax, watch some NCAA basketball, and give the body a chance to catch up and heal itself. So, to those who rely on this website to gain information, I apologize for my laziness for this one day. I did not attend the annual meetings of Peaine Township and St. James Township. I did not attend the Junior High School talent show at the community center. I did go out to the car wash and wash the echo car for BIEMS. I did not spend my day going to any event whatsoever. I did spend some time working and researching and fixing a desktop computer. I did spend some time just sitting in my easy chair. I did spend some time playing with my dog. I did take a nice long hot bath. In other words, it was a day off. If I say so myself, it was a well deserved day off. I think everyone should take one once in a while to reflect on what they spend their time doing, recharge the batteries, and generally goof off.

Today was Senior Dinner at the Community Center

This Sunday, March 27, 2011, the dinner was chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, pears, a dinner roll, and a special chocolate desert. The food was excellent, the company was even better. This, as well as the weekday congregate meals are about as good a deal as you can get for your money on Beaver Island anywhere. The Sunday Dinner costs seniors $4.00. The weekday congregate lunch costs seniors $3.00. This is an excellent wasy to get together for just about no reason at all.

Line-up to pay and sign in for the Sunday Senior Dinner

Everyone enjoyed the meal, and especially liked the chocolate dessert.

A short Senior Dinner video clip

 

Fundraising for the Tsunami Victims

The BICS Honor Society, supervised by Connie Boyle, held a bake sale out in front of the school entrance on Sunday, March 27, 2011, to raise funds for the Tsunami victims. The note on the table said it best. "Please make checks out to the Red Cross." The donations of baked goods looked scrumptuous and the table was swarmed by many getting out of church.

The swarm of people looking for goodies.....Collecting cash for the tsunami victims......Pete and Sandy pose with the pie from the bake sale......Lots of other goodies

A short bake sale video clip

 

Wildlife Preparing for Spring

Whether we want winter to go away and for spring to be here or not, the wildlife are beginning to prepare for the spring season. We have Canada Geese back lounging on the harbor shorline. We have more ducks back than the ones that stayed all winter. The deer are starting to move out of the swamps and into the open areas even if just to explore. It won't be long and the osprey will be on their nest on top of the microwave tower, seems like early April when they were here last year. So ready or not, temperatures warm or cold, or snow on the ground or not, the wildlife seem to telling Mother Nature that it's time for spring. Here are a few pictures taken of the wildlife on Friday, March 25, 2011.

It's a little early for the deer to be bothered by the presence of a human.

The birds are up and at 'em, quite a few of them...

Whiskey Point in the morning sunshine

Wildlife Club to Host MDNR on Antler Point Restrictions and Wildlife Certification

The Beaver Island Wildlife Club will host a meeting at 7 p.m. on April 11th at the Beaver Island Community Center where the Michigan DNR will be soliciting comments on the proposal to require  bucks to have at least three points on one side to be legal for take while  Deer Hunting on Beaver Island.  As part of this plan an exemption for youth hunters sixteen years of age and younger has been suggested.  A discussion regarding Wildlife Certification will also occurr at this meeting.  We strongly encourage all interested parties to attend this meeting.  The meeting will be attended by members of the DNR Wildlife Division and the DNR Natural Resources Commission.


Jeffrey Powers DVM President, Beaver Island Wildlife Club

Dermatologist to Come to BIRHC

The services that are offered to the island residents continue to amaze some of the long time island residents. BIRHC has a physical therapist and a chiropractor who come regularly to the island, and sometimes, on the same day. In addition to our two local providers, Sue Solle, a nurse practitioner, and Chris VanLooy, a physician's assistant, Doctors Neucomb and Mann come to the island on a regular basis. Beaver Island has its own resident dentist, Dr. Wendy White, who has been serving the island for years.

On April 15, 2011, Dr. Cotter, a dermatologist will be seeing patients at the BIRHC. You can set up an appointment by calling 877-901-2230, which is his office number on the mainland.

From Historical to the Present

In one room of the BIRHC where the historical medical equipment was found to one of the emergency exam rooms, there seems to be an ironic difference in time. While the bone saw is being used to remove casts, it is stored in the same room that the BIRHC has the most up-to-date equipment for telemedicine and tele-education that can be found anywhere. Attending a Grand Rounds educational seminar while still on Beaver Island seems to be contradictory, but it's not with the advent of the REMEC network and the telecommunications equipment in Room 5 of the Beaver Island Rural Health Center. Here we have Donna Kubic, BIRHC manager, attending a seminar through the network. The first picture is the presenter from somewhere on the mainland.

A picture of the presenter from the telecommunications equipment

Donna Kubic attending the class at the BIRHC Room #5

More Medical Devices from Historical B.I. Medical Center

Not sure why the only devices other devices saved and miraculously found were devices that looked more like torture than anything else. The other items were for looking into a body orifice that most of us would just as soon forget. He's the first one, a cystoscope. Here is what an Internet search brought up as the definition.

Cystoscope: An optical instrument (a scope) that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. A cystoscope has two ports. Aside from the optical port that permits one to see inside the bladder, there is an additional port in the instrument for insertion of various instruments designed for biopsy (removal of tissue samples), treatment of small bladder tumors, removal of stones from the bladder, and removal of the prostate (prostatectomy). This is a much more modern definition with modern procedures including modern surgical practice.

The imagination doesn't need much help after looking at these items found recently at the BIRHC. This device is used to look where?? Yes, there.

Individual parts to the antique cystoscope. One piece selling on Ebay for $99.

Then another interesting piece of equipment, and it's still in use at the BIRHC today. Now they use this device to cut casts off of patients when the injury has healed. You would be amazed to see what its purpose was previously in history.This device is a Stryker Bone Saw for doing orthopedic surgery.

Some blades......the powered saw motor.......some more items for surgery

Apparently, the device shown just above could also be used for surgical removal of skin for skin grafting. The device was adjustable for different thicknesses of cuts for the removal of skin. The Stryker Dermatome.

This is fascinating stuff that the medical center staff has uncovered in storage.

There is only one question: Can we not provide the BIRHC with donations to get them a modern day cast removal tool instead of using a bone saw?

Antique Medical Tools Found at BIRHC

One such tool box was photographed and sent to Ron Winchester for his opinion. Here is what Ron Winchester wrote back:

They're old embalming instruments, in a "home" embalming set.  It was common at the turn of the century that embalming was actually done in the home where the person died.  There was an elaborate bunch of equipment the undertaker would haul to the house - all sorts of embalming instruments, pumps and fluids, and a cooling table, (Ron Winchester still has one over a hundred years old), a rubber sheet to protect the cooling table during the operation, a velvet pall to be placed over the body while on the cooling table after the operation, along with a headboard and foot-board to make it look like a bed.  The person would remain on the cooling table until the casket was ready. 

When Ron Winchester came home in 1980, his dad was still embalming in the basement of the old Medical Center.  It was unlicensed and the state was checking on those things back then, so Ron had all of the stuff brought back to Charlevoix - old vacuum bottles and pumps that he didn't have a clue how to use.  We were still using an old fashioned wicker basket (instead of a cot) to remove the deceased from the island up until the early eighties, when Ron sent a folding cot over to be used.  Ron suggest that we ask Richie Gillespie about that one.  Makes Ron feel old –he's one of very few funeral directors his age that utilized such equipment.  But then, he doesn't know any of his contemporaries who regularly - if ever - arrange wakes and funerals in the home, or have attended burials on four Great Lakes islands

Official Program of Michigan Archival Association

for June 14 and 15, 2011, Conference HERE

St. James Marina Not Listed on State System

The following letter was sent by Jeff Powers:

Dear Township Officials,

I would like to again bring to your attention the fact that the St. James Marina is NOT listed on the Michigan DNR's marina reservation system.  This is something that is long overdue in being completed. I pointed this out last year to Supervisor Speck after discussing this fact with several boaters who were attempting to book some reservations for a large number of yachts last spring.   A community such as ours that is so dependent economically on tourism should be at the forefront in the use of technology to facilitate potential tourists utilization of our wonderful harbor and the islands facilities.  I have posted the link below again for your review:

http://www.midnrreservations. com/SearchHarborPark.aspx

Stories from the Past

These stories from the past were written and compiled in 1979 by the 9th and 10th English class taught by Barbara Noyes. The students in that class gathered the information and put together a class project. Interestingly enough, three of these students are still living on Beaver Island. The students in this class were Ron Gregg, Roy Hogan, Paul Cole, Kevin Green, Gena Delamater, Lynn McCafferty, Dawn Mooney, Suzy Belfy, Lynn McDonough, Terry Mooney, Deb DeRosia, Sheri Mooney, and Jackie Timsak. The stories are about Island People, the title of the compilation of stories. The booklet was printed on green paper with pictures of the people included. The people featured in this booklet included Bill Wagner, Charlie Martin, Archie LaFreniere, and Joy Green. There was also a story about the reconstruction of the Southhead Lighthouse residence. The text was typed using a typewriter. The pictures were black and white and most are unfortunately too light to scan. The idea was to reproduce the text of the stories and add a picture or two to show the distance the world has come in providing old print media compared to today's electronic media.

If this project was done today, the results would look completely different due to the changes in technology that have occurred over the last thirty-two years, but the information is historical, and many may not know about these people. These stories are reproduced here to be saved for the future. BINN hopes that this information may inform some of the current residents about the rich history of the modern era.

Island People (1979)

Bill Wagner

The island Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officer is Bill Wagner, and his job keeps him moving all the time.

Every day he has to check the weather. Outside the station there are three water and snow sample cans. Two of the cans contained acids and the other stays plain. There recording and three completed samples from each of the cans are sent to the Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago monthly. The temperature is also recorded. There are temperature gauges that record the minimum and maximum temperatures daily. At the end of each month all the temperatures are averaged, and the averages are sent to the National Weather Bureau.

Outside in front of the station stands a Smoky Bear Fire Danger sign. This is a part of the National Fire Danger System. The High, Low, Moderate, and other fire danger readings are found by recording the amount of rainfall, how many days since the rain, temperature, humidity, and wind speed. This sign is posted from about April through October, so the people may see what the fire danger is. Mr. Wagner is responsible for fire prevention and inspection on all the outer islands also.

Fire fighting is also a part of the job. The station is on the Island fire number. The DNR has some equipment, and the volunteer fire department has two fire trucks. Mr. Wagner also keeps track of bulldozers and other heavy equipment that is owned by the local people, so in the case of a large fire, he will know what equipment is nearest and if it is working. Help is usually easy to come by when it comes to a fire (it may be inexperienced help, but it is help.).All you have to do is drive through town with a siren on, and everyone follows. It works out good that way because the fire fighters have all the help they need in most cases. Here on Beaver Island, we have been very fortunate as far as big fires go. "We never had any big fires that I've been around to report," says Mr. Wagner, "What went on before I got here, I have no idea."

Bill Wagner also maintains the State Forest Camp Grounds on the east side of the island. There are twenty-five campsites, trash barrels, a pump for water, toilets, and tables. Mr. Wagner is also in charge of taken registration there. I think we keep Mr. Wagner pretty busy here on Beaver, and he is really busy now because he is starting to build a new house and run a farm on the side.

(Written by Ron Gregg and Roy Hogan)

Charlie Martin: Beaver Island's Own Storyteller

"Quite a character, regular old salt." That's what one person said when I asked him to describe Charlie Martine, and how true it is. Born on Beaver Island in 1906 and lived here all his life, he is what you might call a celebrity. If someone wants to find out about the island, they just go and interview him. Who know how many times he has been interview, or how many times his picture has been taken? He remarks himself, "One of these years I've got to keep track of how many pictures are taken of me in just one year."

He is mostly known for his story telling with a bit of detail and embellishment. His stories contain history with a great deal of humor. For example, here is one of his stories. "We had a contract to carry the mail on the ice for one winter. We would haul freight across before that, then our contract ran out, then the airplane came, and the horse they used was out on the ice when the airplane came....Everybody used to carry mail. They always used to buy that horse. He was a dandy horse for than...and they had the horse right down there when the airplane came in...Johhny McCann and Fonz Sendenburg came over there and they got out of the plane, and they threw the letter sack out of the plane, and the horse dropped dead, just like that. So Stanley Floyd's father, he never talked much. Joe Floyd he came around the plane and he saw the horse...looke up and said, 'What you fellow looking at? If you carried as much mail as that fellow did, and seen a big bird came in here and throw the letter sack out on the ice, wouldn't you die too?'"

Fishing Industry

Charlie has spent all his life in the commercial fishing industry with occasional odd jobs here and there. "You earned enough to live on, but it wasn't easy. We got an awful lot of fish, but we didn't get much of a price for them. That was the worst of it. One time my dad and I, we had fifty-five hundred pounds of whitefish and we went into Charlevoix and could get only $.05 a pound for them. Nowadays you $1.00 a pound," (Charlie said.)

"McCanns were the leading fishermen in my time. My dad was about next to them. One day one would have a little more than the other. They would get from 1200-1500 pounds a day. A lot of fish left the island. They even had to run to passenger boats in the fall to get all the fish over to Charlevoix.

When asked if he thought there was much of a future in the fishing industry, he responded, "Well, that depends on the DNR. They make the laws. They want to put the commercial fisherman out of business and put in the sports fishermen. I fished all my life. I bought my first license in 1919 and license every year except for two years ago when I had a stroke. Well, then I missed one year getting my license and couldn't get it back.

Do you think it was all right to outlaw the gill net? "No I don't think it was. I think if they left it the old way, it would have been all fight." Do you think if they didn't outlaw the gill net, there would be extinction of whitefish? "No. That don't make no difference. I don't think. The gill nets don't hurt the whitefish. It won't hurt any fish. What I've seen all my life, fish will come and fish will go, and we don't know where they come from. Just like our perch here in the harbor. Five years ago you couldn't catch a one. Then they got so thick down here at the dock, I seen a guy take a water pail, punch holes in it, dip the pail in the water and scoop up a pail of fish. There used to be so many perch that the price dropped to three cents a pound. Now we can't get any. Where they went, we don't know. The DNR will tell you this and that and they don't know a damn thing. They think they do, but they don't. Now you take your whitefish. There's more whitefish than there ever was, and they still don't want them to catch them. It seems to me every law they made, they never bettered it."

Back Then

"Seventy years ago they had about 1800 people on the island. The main industry was lumbering and most of the people worked in lumbering." We asked him about the Israelites and what kind of people they were. He responded, "They lived in High Island Harbor. They were a very nice bunch of people. If you went from here over to there in a boat, and you broke down or anything, they always gave you something to eat and a good be to sleep in. They would fix your boat for you. They would tow you back to the Island. They were good. The only was, they didn't believe in eating meat. They wouldn't give you meat to eat. They were a nice bunch of people. Everything they done, they made it by hand. They even had a big windmill up over there. You ought to see it pump water and it was all made out of wood. The paddles were all wood. They had laundry there, a little steam boiler in that laundry mat, and little washing machines that they made. It was quite a place. Too bad there's not a lot left. I picked up quite a bit of money just taking people over there to see that stuff. The first thing it was all burned down. There's nothing there now.

We asked him about Garden Island. "Well one time there was 200 people on Garden Island. There was Indians and a few white people lived all different places on Garden Island. Some of them fished. Some of them farmed. They had a mill on Garden Island right on North Scotts Bay, we call it. They made a lot of fish boxes and they would ship them down to Cheboygan, Michigan. A lot of them Indians worked in that mill.

We asked him about his net shed that was originally used as a lighthouse station at the point and how he moved it down to his fishing dock where he now uses as a net shed. He responded, "It wasn't hard to move it. I just put some greased planks on the road and rolled it along." How long ago did you move it? "Around '64 or '65. Do you know what I paid for it?" We guessed between $500-600. He said, "That's what I was going to pay for it, but I got on a bid, and I was the only one who bid on it. I got it for $110. Them days you could only make a money order out to a $100, then you had to start over again. So I made a hundred dollar one, then a $10 one, and I put the money order stubs in my pocket. So young Paul, he came down into the building and he said, 'I make a bet what you paid for this bill.' I said, what do you think? 'Oh, ' he said, 'I bet $800-900.' I told Paul, I'll tell you what I paid if you won't tell anybody. He said he wouldn't tell anybody. I turned around and reached into my pocket, got the stub out and showed the $10 on it. He went uptown and told everybody. Everybody."

As we were finishing our interview, we asked him how long he had been married to Marian? "Forty three years in July." Is that a long time to live with one woman? "We talked about getting a divorce, but she won't pay for it," he responded jokingly.

(Written by Paul Cole and Kevin Green)

Follow your Nose.....

In a small grocery store on the North end of Beaver Island, stands a small sign made of Island drift wood with the words, "Home made Baked Goods by Joy Green," painted in orange, brown, and green. The sign was made by Reny Kuligoski, a draftsman for Spartan Stores, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Joy Green is the wife of Russell Green. They have eight children, ranging between the ages of twelve and twenty-two. The three youngest girls, Kathleen, Amy, and Rosie all help out in the bakery. Joy has been baking for over thirteen years. She started when they lived in a small house, using her regular oven and baking in the winter for hunters and whenever there were small private parties. But her baked goods became very popular and many more people began ordering baked goods. She and her family moved into a bigger house. She had a room added and she uses the basement under the room for her bakery. She started buying equipment first through a friend who has a bakery and now she orders her equipment through her brother, Bud McDonough, who owns a Spartan Store here on the island.

The equipment she uses is a commercial 20 quart mixer, a stack oven that will bake sixteen loaves of bread at a time, a deep fat donut fryer, which is automatic. Joy gets her material for baking also from her brother. She orders about once a week. She uses cubed years and dry yeast. She gets about 1500 pounds of flour at one time, in hundred pound bags. She buys sugar like this also. She buys her buttermilk donut mix in 50 pound bags. She has a small room off the end of her bakery where all her materials are stored.

Joy's line of baked goods consist of many different breads, such as white, wheat, rye, and dill. She also bakes cinnamon rolls and coffee cakes, hamburger buns, hotdog buns, donuts (strawberry, chocolate and plain), and pies, (blueberry, apple, rhubarb, and cherry). Joy supplies her baked goods for the restaurants on the island, such the Shamrock Bar, Circle M, Beaver Lodge, Central Michigan University Biological Station, and the hamburger stand. Her main outlet is McDonough's Market. She sometimes bakes for weddings and other parties.

Joy's business is best in the summer. Joy gets up and is down in her bakery by seven because she has a lot of work to be done. Joy says, "Ya have to make hay while the sun shines." Her days end around four or five and she works seven days a week. She bakes approximately 75 loaves of bread a day, 26 dozen donuts, 10 coffee cakes, 17 pies, and 24 pans of cinnamon rolls. Joy and her daughters do all their delivering themselves. Joy's business is slow in the winter and fall seasons. She only bakes about once a week in the winter.

If you are ever on Beaver Island, just follow your nose.

(Gena Delamater, Lynn McCafferty, Dawn Mooney)

Get a Piece of the Rock

Beaver Island is an island known for its calm simplicity, its natural beauty, and unpretentious people. However, most people don't realize the island has quite a few very successful businesses. On of which is the LaFreniere Gift Shop, located on St. James main street.

The owner of the shop is Archie LaFreniere. He has been a resident of Beaver Island his entire life. He has had a few businesses, one of which is the local bar called the Shamrock. Archie owned and operated the bar for about 30 years. Then within the past five years he sold the bar to make a business of his hobby of painting and drawing and doing some hand crafts. So he thought a gift shop would be a good idea. The business has expanded since into another shop which Archie's son Mark operates and helps with the craft work. Between both stores they keep very busy in the summer. The shop is only opened by appointment in the winter because Archie has to take time in the winter to keep up his supply.

The shops sell various things but one of the big sellers are the flagstones with scenes of the Island, boats and some have certain prayers or poems inked on them. Archie is very proud of the rocks and how he came about the idea. One day while he and his son Mark were putting away the summer furniture at the Tourist Courts that he owns, he noticed a large pile of flagstones on the beach and sent over to look at them. On the top of the pile was a flagstone that has a penciled writing of the song "Day by Day" on it. This rather impressed Archie and he thought that it might sell well at the shop because so many people ask for something directly from the island. Archie inquired on how he would go about printing on the rocks. Once he found that out, it came rather easy. Because Archie had already had previous experience in printing and drawing. Then production of the rocks was under way. In the beginning it took about three hours for Archie to complete a rock, but now it only takes him a little under an hour. The rocks sold like wildfire and even between the two shops they have a hard time keeping up with the demand. The rocks vary in size and price mainly depending upon the work Archie puts into them.

The shop deals in many other things such as jewelry made from Petoskey stone, Beaver Island stones and turquoise, T-shirts that Archie made the design for, and he also designs stationary. He also has the same things as most other gift shops. But Archie says if anyone has an idea or a painting or handcraft that they do to bring it in and he'll see if he can sell it. He's always looking for new ideas. Archie enjoys his work and plans on staying in this business for a while.

We really enjoyed interviewing him and wish to thank him for his cooperation.

(Suzy Belfy, Lynn McDonough, Terry Mooney)

Reconstruction of the Lighthouse

One afternoon we took a 45 minute drive out to the south end, where an old lighthouse is being repaired.

When we got there we talked to Brian Allan Molitior. He hold us that they get funds from different grants, so they will be able to add classrooms down by the lake, and also nature trails to be used by everyone. Eventually they will be charging fees to use these facilities. This lighthouse will be used mainly for educational purposes, such as Beaver Island history and all the environmental factors. There will always be a summer program because people need jobs or something to do during this time. Last year no one was there all the time, but this year, between Mike Crawford and Brian Molitor, there's always someone out there. Next year they might have a caretaker there.

The lighthouse is mad of masonry brick on the outside. On the inside it is plaster and old wood which is a problem because they put on a lot of coats of paint, and it's hard to get off. Nobody knows whose idea it was to repair the lighthouse. A number of different schools were interested in the lighthouse, but the Charlevoix Public School bought it. Right now nobody really knows how much electricity the lighthouse takes, but right now the bills are very high.

They would like to get some ideas from talking to some of the older people who know what it used to look like, when it had the white picket fence. The lighthouse is now open for tours to the public. But of course there are restrictions, such as when the workers are using paint removers, etc. The tours start at anytime within reason. Mr. Molitor thinks the islanders will find the changes interesting. Mike Crawford is there for the weekdays and Brian Molitor is there from Friday afternoons until Monday afternoon. There's more work as the summer gets closer. There are going to be about two sessions of fifty youths from Charlevoix County and Beaver Island.

The first week of work was mainly shoveling paths to the road, woodpile, fuel oil tank, and tool shed. To keep the fire going they moved a wood pile from down at the garage to the porch using a wheel barrow. The wood was split for kindling and stacked on the porch. They then started replacing broken glass in panes in all the windows, most of which had been vandalized. Then there was a major cleanup of the upstairs and basement. They also organized and did a full inventory of all the tools. They prepared to refinish the floors because there are beautiful hardwood floors under the paint. Work was done on the downstairs bedroom.

They've split pine logs, re shoveled paths. They have been making drawers, shelves, closets, and cupboards. Selected were 5 out of 12 people but they've added on since. Brian Molitor is quoted as saying, "All the workers I hired and all the applications were excellent. But some were ineligible because they were already working part time." As spring and summer roll around there will be more positions open.

They want mainly island people because they're here and they've seen the lighthouse before it was vandalized. Also the island people take a certain amount of pride in the lighthouse.

There isn't going to be any problem in scheduling this summer but there are certain rules that will be set down. Mr. Molitor plans on housing his staff in the three apartments at the lighthouse. These rooms would be off limits on tours. Mainly what people what people want to see when they come to the lighthouse is the tower for the view that it has. People also like to see the fine wood work on the staircase, also the camp ground, and the metal building.

The lighthouse was built in 1851 and was operated by the U. S. Lighthouse Service until the Coast Guard took it over in 1938. In 1958, it was closed as a manned station when automated equipment was installed. It was put up for sale by the General Services Administration which is in charge of all surplus government property. The Charlevoix Public School system bought it and Brian Molitor was chosen from about 30 people, by Mr. Dan Kaczynski for the position he has now. When asked how long the repairing would take, Mr. Molitor answered, "Probably years and years."

(Deb DeRosia, Sheri Mooney, Jackie Timsak)

There certainly have been major improvements in printed media and the electronic media that seems to be taking the place of print media. These efforts by these young students in 1979 were astounding for that time frame. To publish anything within the public school on Beaver Island without using a mimeograph machine was unheard of. BINN applauds the efforts of these young writers in capturing the "words directly from these historical figures." We wouldn't have them otherwise since all of these people are no longer with us, having passed away years ago..

Frank Solle's Eagle Picture

Frank's Story:

The eagle had plucked another carp out of the lake off of Welter's dock. I tried to carefully sneak up along the side of the boat house, but as you also know it's pretty hard to sneak up on an eagle. Especially when there's a flock of seagulls squawking at your arrival as well. With just the 24-85 (36-128) lens on the camera, I really couldn't pull the eagle in. Shooting RAW I could crop the shots, but that can leave much to be desired when you are taking so much info out of each file.

Now for the next few days I will again be taking the telephoto lens with me, but no doubt the eagle will be sated and off looking for his next meal somewhere else.

Forest View Apartments Construction

Floor Plans of the Forest View Apartments

Floor plan of the entire building (large view)

Floor plan of just the common areas (large view)

Floor plan of one bedroom apartment

Senior Housing Project Update--Walk Through Video 03/20/11

 

The majority of the dry wall is up on the walls. This is the most obvious change in the senior housing building project. The actual space can now be determined by a walk through of the apartment building.

Entering the front door......Looking back out the front door.....Looking around in the vestibule.......Lots of drywall completed.............................................

View of the community area where tables and chairs will be set up.....Looking into the one bedroom apartment from the hallway

Look at kitchen in one bedroom apartment........bedroom and bathroom............living room..........

St. Patrick's Day Weekend Games

Link to TV 9+10 Coverage of these games HERE

Thanks to Andrea Moore for helping with the photographs of these events. Thanks to Courtney Moore for her help with video of these events.

Video Pan of the Early Crowd

 

Before the games started these two little young ladies decided to set up, perform, and raise some money for the animals. It was way too cute to pass up. they were amazing and hopefully they were successful at raising the money for their charity.

Susi McCafferty and Madison

The games began very much the same as in years past, on Beaver Island Time. As usual the two-by-four, four person road skis were ready for four members of the team. The fifth member of the team was waiting in the cart. Here are the pictures of the starting of the several stage race.

The Blue Jean Band and Overview of the Race

 

A few of the teams at the starting line

Youngsters in training for future games.

Racers in action at the start..

The next thing that the racers needed to do was push the cart to the next step in the race. All of these photos include the cart and the cart drivers getting in and out of the cart.

And then we had the one helper

The first step after the cart being pushed was a stop in which the participants had to put a lemon under their chin, raise their arms and chant the "Patty Cake" rhyme.

Patty cake, patty cake, baker's man, bake me a cake as fast as you can. Roll 'em and pat 'em and mark 'em with a 'b,' and put 'em in the oven for baby and me.

The next step is to move the cart down to the bouncy ball challenge. The idea is to bounce the ball into the receiver squares. You have to bounce it and it must stop in the square and stay there.

Video of the First Half of the Race

 

The next step is to move the cart over to the string challenge. The idea here is to thread a string in one sleeve, across the chest, and out the other sleeve. It must go through all five team member's sleeves.

Some shirts were easier than others...Long sleeves are the most difficult.

The next step was to have one person bob for legos. The green lego scored the most points. The liquid is soapy water, so you know what it is like. Do you want your mouth full of soapy water?

The last step in the race is to go through the tires and then run to the finish line.

Run, run, run! We're almost done!

Video of the Last Half of the Race

 

 

Lots of wonderful fun put together and monitored and cajoled and helped through the race course by the workers.

Kathy Maudrie.............Mary Delamater...............Kali Delamater.............Laura Gillespie..............Denise McDonough

Lots of people having lots of fun even if they were not participating in the race....

And winners were...................

The winners and the prize..

The winners of the paddy wagon race was Andy Mayhew's team including Amelia, Casey, Cristy and Lawdry with a time of 1 minute and 21 seconds.

Video of the Winners

 

Next on the agenda was the fish toss. Throwing a frozen fish is a wonderful chance to show your manly and womanly skills..

The cutest fish tosser, and a winner in her age group!

The winners of the fish toss were Chuck Pop, Tara Palmer's fiancee, and Theresa Martin.

Fish Toss Pictures HERE

Video of the Fish Toss

 

And, of course, the traditional Tug of War with the lines between the two teams blurred completely.

Kathy Maudrie pulls out the rope for the tug of war.

It was a pretty one-sided tug of war.. Who won? Does it really matter? The Hayseeders and the Fishchokers were all mixed up, and no one wanted to wait for the "Go!" signal.

Video of the Tug of War

 

Getting the rope out of the roadway. Thanks to the organizers and the helpers.

The outdoor St. Patrick's Day Games came to an end, and everyone interested moved into the Shamrock for the indoor games. This reporter was exhausted and the games inside were left to others to report.

Inside game winners were: Fish Stomp was won in 48.4 seconds by Bill McDonough's team including Gary, Christina, and Keith. The Minute to Win It Game winners were Drew and Peg with fifteen pretzels. Second place was Nate and Lisa. Kathy Maudrie said, "He ought to get something for coming in second all the time." The Limericks winner was Bob Banville. In second place was Ryan Wojan and his friend Amanda. In third places was Just Keith.

The King and Queen winners were Jeanne Gillespie and Kathy. Kathy Maudrie said, "They played well in the sandbox, did the Gator on the dance floor, and left feathers all over the place." Ryan Wojan and Amanda were in second place. Third place was claimed by Kellie Gillespie and Tara Palmer.

BICS School News

May 3, 2011 Annual School Election

Beaver Island voters will once again be asked to RENEW the school's operational millage. The requested millage renewal amount is 15.7908 on non-homestead property. It is the same operational millage amount that has been levied for more than 18 years. All of this money stays in the district to run our K-12 program. If you own just your primary residence (homestead property) or qualified agricultural property, you do not pay this tax. Proceeds from this millage account for approximately 75% of the school's general fund revenue.

The following people have been nominated to fill vacancies on the Beaver Island Board of Education: Jessica Anderson and Brian Cole, both current board members are running unopposed for two four-year school board terms. Also on the ballot will be the election of Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District board members. The following people have been nominated to fill open seats on that board of education: Beverly Osetck, Jane Roberts and Selma Chellis.

A more complete informational flyer will be mailed to all P.O. box holders in late April. Voting for the school election is held at the St. James Township Hall.

Isolated Schools Funding in Jeopardy

When Governor Snyder presented his school aid budget on February 17 to a joint committee of the legislature, Section 22d funding for Isolated School Districts was not included. Since 2003, Section 22d funding has helped provide for the very basic instructional needs of students in Michigan's five most isolated school districts: Beaver Island, Paradise, Grand Marais, Mackinac Island and DeTour. Beaver Island Community School receives approximately $114,000.00 from this state funding source and it is essential to our operation. The school board and administration is doing everything possible to get Section 22d funding reinstated in the budget before the final legislative vote in late spring. BICS parents will receive an email with more information about this important funding along with contact information so they can let state legislators know how important it is to fund a school on Beaver Island. Community members are also encouraged to contact legislators and may get more information about such a contact from the school office.

Beaver Island Community School MEAP Scores Strong Again :

Fall 2010 MEAP results were just released to the public, and, once again, Beaver Island Community School results are very strong – among the highest in the state on Michigan Educational Assessment Program tests!

Average % of Beaver Island Community School students who meet or exceed

2010 MEA P standards (grades 3-9)

	Math	Reading	Science	Social Studies
Beaver Island	97%	90%	100%	87%

Peaine Township Meeting Video 030911

Sandra Birdsall Letter Read at Peaine Township Meeting, March 9, 2011

March 15, 2001 Version of the CAMP from NREC

This was the version of the plan that was to be sent to members on March 15, 2011. This version is different from Version 10 which may be found below, a couple stories are in between this version and the other to help keep them separate. There is no BINN position on either versions of the plan. BINN does support the idea of getting various stakeholders together as suggested at the Peaine Township Meeting of 3/9/11. BINN is willing to provide information in any positive form about this subject on this website.

Newest Version of the CAMP

An idea about how to maximize our benefit from our ownership of

Whiskey Island

After listening to several people and considering their diverse opinions, an idea occurred to me about how we might obtain a satisfactory and beneficial resolution to our recent purchase of Whiskey Island. St. James Township was very fortunate to obtain such a beautiful, pristine asset in the Beaver Archipelago. This island, the middle of three small private islands lying northwest of Beaver, consists of two lots, one of 43 acres and the other of 53. Many people have supported the possibility of trading Whiskey Island to the State for the property on Paradise Bay in St. James, which was intended to house Beaver Island`s DNR employee, but for the past 25 years has been home to our Deputy Sheriff. The lot starts at the water and extends across the road and back into the woods. It contains a building, which the two townships have contributed equal funds to maintain and improve.

Other people have suggested that this proposed trade would short-change Beaver Island because Whiskey Island has to be worth much more than a single lot.

My idea is that we band together and work hard and smartly to obtain some additional considerations for this trade. First and foremost is that we make it a joint effort between St. James Township and Peaine Township. Showing Island-wide support is necessary for this to be accomplished. Some other conditions would facilitate this plan:

l) We need to get Bud Martin and his supporters on board.
2) St. James and Peaine should be the co-owners of the new acquisition, with Peaine reimbursing St. James for half of its expenses to date.
3) The two Island Townships should collaborate on the development of this acquisition to enhance the likelihood of receiving grants.

Improvements to the harbor property could include:
a) The creation of a public launch ramp and fishing pier on the waterfront;
b) The installation of off-street parking for boaters and fishermen, far enough behind the home to not constitute a nuisance;
c) The building of a picnic area and restrooms on the property, which could be called “Larsen Park,” after Sybil and Big Art Larsen; and
d) The continuing joint-Township maintenance and improvement of the home used as the Deputy's quarters.

I believe the DNR lot and these improvements could be obtained in trade from the State, and that this could be done in exchange for one of the two Whiskey Island lots. Creating this facility in St. James would relieve our current congestion and allow us to offer greater boating and fishing opportunities, enhancing our appeal to tourists from all over the Midwest. My hope is that we can simultaneously trade the second Whiskey Island lot for a line item ten-year bequest from the State's Commtmity Health Budget of $50,000/year for each of the Rural Health Centers in the island consortium of Drummond, Mackinac, and Beaver. We can accomplish great things, but only if we overcome our differences and work together. This plan could be a turning point, and lead to several comparable future benefits.

~ Bill McDonough, 3-10-201 l

Proposed Conceptual Drawing

Many Thanks to Jeff Cashman for this wonderful conceptual drawing!

Airport Commission Budget Meeting

The March 5, 2011, Airport Commission Meeting was held at 10 a.m. at the Peaine Township Hall. All members of the commission and a few audience members were present. The purpose of this meeting was to put together a budget document for the fiscal year starting on April 1, 2011. The commission spent over an hour and ten minutes preparing the budget with laborious and complete discussion on some categories. The next airport commission meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the St. James Township meeting.

The full meeting can be viewed HERE.

Draft 10: Beaver Island Adaptive Management Plan

The following link takes you to the converted document in web format of the NRETC's Beaver Island Adaptive Management Plan. This document is the document referred to at the Peaine Township Meeting of March 9, 2011. This document will be one of the items that should be discussed by the interested parties in attempting meet common ground. Only ten copies were distributed by Ed Wojan at this meeting, but the entire document is available at this link.

Draft 10 Adaptive Managenent Plan

A Model Ordinance (from the Huron Valley Watershed Council Website)

To help local governments to enact their own ordinances to supplement the State program, the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC), with funding from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, has developed a model wetlands ordinance that is consistent with the State law. The ordinance will provide local governments with a legally sound tool to protect their wetlands and property owners with consistent, predictable treatment throughout the State.
» Protecting Your Community's Wetlands , HRWC's wetland ordinance brochure dated September 2006
» Frequently Asked Questions About Wetlands Ordinances , factsheet dated September 2006
» MDEQ Model Wetlands Ordinance , dated March 2003
» Notes Regarding the MDEQ Model Wetlands Ordinance , prepared April 2006
» Legal Cases Related to Wetlands in Michigan , dated March 2002
» Natural Features Setback Ordinance , passed August 1998. HRWC highly recommends that communities enact a natural features setback ordinance along with a wetland ordinance.

from http://www.hrwc.org/the-watershed/watershed-protection/wetland-protection/

St. James Township Meeting, March 2, 2011

The St. James Board had just enough board members present to be a quorum with Tim McDonough and Jim Wojan absent, off the island. The items discussed are presented below for the less than thirty minutes meeting for the township.

Minutes, Bills, up through Beaver Island Association Letter

 

Beaver Island Wildlife Club Letter

 

No Action on NREC at this time and Lighthouse Committee Meeting

 

Air Evacuation Discussed and Poverty Level Discussed

 

Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing set and discussed

 

Public Hearing on the Medical Air Evacuation Issue Tentatively Set

 

Sewer System Discussion

 

Public Comment and Adjournment

 

Turkey Licenses Available

The B I Wildlife Club (BIWC) & Chamber Of Commerce want you to know about turkey hunting licenses available for area J that includes Beaver Island. The club has done a fantastic job over the years of developing and supporting a large flock of turkeys. The Chamber has agreed to work with the club to market our Island to turkey hunters. An ad is currently running in Turkey & Turkey Hunting magazine and some responses have already been received. The Chamber hopes to host a writer as well. It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving to enjoy a fresh turkey dinner.

Leftover Spring Turkey Licenses Go on Sale March 8

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds hunters that leftover spring turkey licenses go on sale to unsuccessful license applicants on Tuesday, March 8, at 10 a.m.  Licenses may be purchased by any hunter beginning March 15 at 10 a.m., including those who did not participate in the application process.

Hunters may look up their drawing results and view leftover license quantities at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings .

"There are numerous licenses available for many areas of the state," said Al Stewart, the DNRE's Upland Game Bird Specialist. "There are more than 52,000 remaining licenses available, which allows hunters to pursue turkeys on private land in southern Michigan from April 18 - May 1, the first two weeks of the season.  Or, hunters may purchase a license for Hunt 234 to hunt turkeys statewide from May 2 – 31, except for public lands in Unit ZZ."   The Hunt 234 license may be purchased until May 1.

There are over 74,000 total leftover licenses available for limited-quota hunts. Hunters may purchase only one license for the spring turkey season. Licenses can be purchased online at www.michigan.gov/dnr or are available for purchase at state retail license agents.

Transfer Station News

Beginning April 1, 2011, the cost of all black trash bags will be $3.00 per bag based upon the decision of the meeting of the Waste Managment Committee. The discussion of the color of the bag was eliminated by the change in wording to include all "consumer" type bags will cost $3.00. The Waste Management Committee met on February 15, 2011. The minutes of that meeting may be accessed HERE.

BI Christian Church Resident and Visiting Ministers

April 3: Timothy Locker

10: ?

17: Harold Kruse

24 (Easter): Harold Kruse

 

Easter Brunch Scheduled

Sunday April 24 Easter Brunch NOON at the Gregg Fellowship Center. Pancakes, Ham, Scrambled Eggs, French Toast Casserole and Strata along with OJ and Coffee.  Community is invited to attend.  Anyone wanting to bring a dish to pass are welcome  do so.

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.

 

2010 Citizen of the Year

Nomination Form

Two possible awards: Individual and Organization

 

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

that has made a significant contribution to making Beaver Island

a better place to live, work or visit.

 

 

My name is _________________________________ Phone ___________________

 

Address ______________________________________________________________

 

I would like to nominate _________________________________________________

 

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

•  Mail to: Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce

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

Deadline is Friday, April 8, 2011

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

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

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

Citizen of the Year 2011 Banquet Menu

Sirloin Tips Gaelic

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

Roast Half-Chicken with Mushrooms

(Poulet au Champignon)

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

Yellow Lake Perch

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

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

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

1st Annual "Gail's Walk"

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

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

On the Beach of Beaver Island

You will need Quicktime or another music player to enjoy this link.

The music played in the Holy Cross Hall in the late 70's and early 80's, recorded for posterity and shared here.

BICS Calendar for 2010-11 Approved

Beaver Island Transfer Station Information

Expired Subscriptions

Please send us your email address.

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

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.

Airport Committee Minutes

Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association Minutes

Peaine Township Board Minutes

BIRHC Board Meeting Minutes

St. James Township Meeting Minutes

Beaver Island Community School Board Meeting Minutes

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

Beaver Island Natural Resources and Eco-Tourism Commission Minutes

Joint Human Resources Commission Minutes

Waste Management Committee Minutes

Beaver Island Airport Commission Minutes New for 2011!