B. I. News on the 'Net, March 8-21, 2021
Weather by Joe
March 21, 2021
Looking out the window, the wind gauge is sitting completely still. I don't remember this ever happening when I was to do the weather. Right now on Carlisle Road, it is 37 degrees with visibility of ten miles. The sky is clear. The pressure is 30.34. The dewpoint is 24 degrees with humidity at 55%. No rain and no snow, except left over piles that have not melted.
TODAY, it is expected to continue with the sunshine with just a few clouds. High will be near 50. The winds will pick up to 10 to 20 mph from the SSW.
TONIGHT, it is forecast for cloudy skies with only a 4% chance of rain. The low will be near 40 degrees. The wind will be from the S at 10 to 20 mph.
TOMORROW, the forecast calls for cloudy skies with a few showers later in the day. The high will be near 45. The wind will be from the SW at 10 to 20 mph. The chance of rain is given as 30%.
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ON THIS DAY
Journalist Henry Morton Stanley begins his famous search through Africa for the missing British explorer Dr. David Livingstone.
In the late 19th century, Europeans and Americans were fascinated by the continent of Africa. Few did more to increase Africa’s fame than Livingstone, one of the United Kingdom's most famous explorers. In August 1865, he set out on a planned two-year expedition to find the source of the Nile River. Livingstone also wanted to help bring about the abolition of the slave trade, which was devastating Africa’s population.
Almost six years after his expedition began, little had been heard from Livingstone. James Gordon Bennett, Jr., editor of the New York Herald, decided to capitalize on the public’s craze for news of the explorer. He sent Stanley to lead an expedition into the African wilderness to find Livingstone or bring back proof of his death. At age 28, Stanley had his own fascinating past. As a young orphan in Wales, he crossed the Atlantic on the crew of a merchant ship. He jumped ship in New Orleans and later served in the Civil War as both a Confederate and a Union soldier before beginning a career in journalism.
After setting out from Zanzibar in March 1871, Stanley led his caravan of nearly 2,000 men into the interior of Africa. Nearly eight months passed—during which Stanley contracted dysentery, cerebral malaria and smallpox—before the expedition approached the village of Ujiji, on the shore of Lake Tanganyika. Sick and poverty-stricken, Livingstone had come to Ujiji that July after living for some time at the mercy of Arab slave traders. When Stanley’s caravan entered the village on October 27, flying the American flag, villagers crowded toward the new arrivals. Spotting a white man with a gray beard in the crowd, Stanley stepped toward him and stretched out his hand: “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”
These words—and Livingstone’s grateful response—soon became famous across Europe and the United States. Though Stanley urged Livingstone to return with him to London, the explorer vowed to continue his original mission. Livingstone died 18 months later in today’s Zambia; his body was embalmed and returned to Britain, where he was buried in Westminster Abbey. As for Stanley, he returned to Africa to fulfill a promise he had made to Livingstone to find the source of the Nile. He later damaged his reputation by accepting money from King Leopold II of Belgium to help create the Belgian-ruled Congo Free State and promote the slave trade. When he left Africa, Stanley resumed his British citizenship and even served in Parliament, but when he died he was refused burial in Westminster Abbey because of his actions in the Congo Free State.
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WORD OF THE DAY
cannibalize; verb; (KAN-uh-buh-lyze)
Definition
1 a : to take salvageable parts from (something, such as a disabled machine) for use in building or repairing another machine
b : to make use of (a part taken from one thing) in building, repairing, or creating something else
2 : to deprive of an essential part or element in creating or sustaining another facility or enterprise
3 : to take (sales) away from an existing product by selling or being sold as a similar but new product usually from the same manufacturer; also : to affect (something, such as an existing product) adversely by cannibalizing sales
4 : to practice cannibalism
Did You Know?
During World War II, military personnel often used salvageable parts from disabled vehicles and aircraft to repair other vehicles and aircraft. This sacrifice of one thing for the sake of another of its kind must have reminded some folks of cannibalism by humans and animals because the process came to be known as cannibalizing. The armed orces of this time were also known to cannibalize—that is, to take away personnel from—units to build up other units. It didn't take long for this military slang to become civilianized. Since its demobilization, the term has been used in a variety of contexts.
(from Merriam Webster and history dot com)
Beaver Island Waste Management Committee Minutes
March 16, 2021
View minutes of this meeting HERE
Phyllis' Daily Weather
March 20, 2021
Happy First Day of Spring! Clear skies, 34°, feels like 24°, wind is from the SW at 13 mph with gusts to 17 mph, humidity is at 74%, dew point is 27°, pressure is at 30.48 inches, cloud cover is 10%, and visibility is 10 miles. Today: Abundant sunshine. High 44F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Tonight: Clear skies. Low 36F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
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ON THIS DAY in 1760, the dreaded cry of "Fire!" roused sleeping Bostonians. Over the next ten hours, the worst fire to strike a colonial American city ravaged the capital of Massachusetts. Beginning in a tavern near the central market, the wind-whipped blaze spread quickly. The flames consumed shops and homes along King and Congress Streets and continued down to the wharves, where ten ships were left in ashes. Faced with staggering losses, Boston sought aid from the King and Parliament. While other colonies took up charitable collections for the city, the British government refused to help. Some historians have suggested that the Crown's indifference to Bostonians' plight after the Great Fire of 1760 was an early spur to the spirit of rebellion.
No one knows what started the fire of 1760. Open fires were part of everyday life in colonial Boston; embers from a banked fireplace, an untended candle, or a chimney that had lost its clay coating caused frequent conflagrations. Flames spread rapidly, with winds off the ocean driving fires across wood-shingled roofs that quickly consumed cedar-clad houses, sheds, warehouses, and wharves. Fire was a constant hazard in all colonial cities, but Boston's location on a densely packed peninsula in a windy harbor meant that it had more blazes than any other colonial metropolis.
Major fires reshaped Boston repeatedly in the seventeenth century. A visitor noted in the 1680s that Boston was liable to fire "as has already happened several times; and the wonder to me is that the whole city has not been burnt down, so light and dry are the materials." Between the first major fire in 1653 and a huge blaze in 1711 that destroyed much of the center of town — including the Old Meeting House and the Boston Town House — there were at least seven other great conflagrations. Like many of the early fires, the 1711 blaze destroyed blocks of the town center around the Cornhill Market and commercial district. With over 100 buildings lost, Puritan preacher Increase Mather took to his pulpit and proclaimed that the blaze was God's just punishment for Boston's decline into sinfulness:
"Has not God's Holy Day been profaned in New England? . . . Have not burdens been carried through the streets on the Sabbath Day? Have not bakers, carpenters and other tradesmen been employed in servile works, on the Sabbath Day? When I saw this . . . my heart said, Will not the Lord for this kindle a fire in Boston?"
While ministers preached repentance, city officials began enacting laws and establishing practices for preventing and responding to fires. Immediately following the first great blaze in 1653, officials decreed that each house be equipped with a ladder to reach the roof, poles with swabs to snuff out sparks, and other tools to fight fires. Boston became an early leader in firefighting regulations; it was later to pass the first fire-related building codes. It also led the way in introducing new firefighting apparatus.
After a grievous fire in 1676, the town decided to invest in a new hand-operated water pump imported from London. The device was a simple wooden box with handles that could be carried to fires. There it was filled with water by a bucket brigade, and when pumped, it shot a stream of water out a flexible hose. To operate the "hand tub fire engine," Boston named 12 men, who would be paid for responding to fires and using the new machine. With this resolution, passed January 27, 1678, Boston became the first town in the nation to have paid fire fighters. As the town added more machines and more "engineers" to operate them, it decided that these firefighters should be trained "under the same discipline as soldiers," and by 1720 Boston had the beginnings of a modern fire department with ten fire wards, six machines, and 20 paid firefighters.
Volunteers also played a major role in fighting Boston's fires. Responding to a fire had always been a civic duty of all men in Boston; when the cry of "fire" or the pealing of church bells signaled that flames had been spotted, every household was required to send a man with a leather bucket to help fight the fire. In September of 1718, Boston organized the "Boston Fire Society," the nation's first mutual aid organization. Members pledged to fight fires at each other's homes, rescue their property, and guard against looting.
Volunteers and members of the Boston Fire Society joined the "engine companies" with their hand-pumped "fire engine" to combat the blaze that broke out in Boston in the early morning of March 20, 1760. But the wind-whipped blaze spread quickly to businesses and homes around the central market area. The flames, which one observer described as "a perfect torrent of fire," leveled shops and homes along King and Congress Streets and continued straight down to the wharves. The fire raged for ten hours. Hundreds of residents fled and "scarce knew where to take Refuge from the devouring flames; Numbers who were confined to Beds of Sickness and Pain, as well as the Aged and Infant . . . were removed from House to House and even the dying were obliged to take one more Remove before their final one."
David Perry, a sailor from Nova Scotia, recorded in his journal: "[W]e were billeted out at the house of a widow, named Mosely; and while we were here the town took fire in the night. It originated in a tavern . . . at about midnight, the wind in the north-west and pretty high; and in spite of all we could do with the engines, &c. it spread a great way down King's Street, and went across and laid all that part of the town in ashes, down to Fort Hill. We attended through the whole, and assisted in carrying water to the engines. The number of buildings burnt was about three hundred."
Perry's estimate was low. Though no life was lost, the fire consumed about 350 homes, shops, and warehouses. The loss of property made it the worst fire to date in the American colonies.
Boston's fires did not end with independence. Major blazes continued to plague the city. In 1792 the Massachusetts Charitable Fire Society dedicated itself to "stimulating genius to useful discoveries tending to secure the lives and property of men from destruction by that element." Luminaries such as Samuel Adams, Charles Bulfinch, Josiah Quincy, and Paul Revere all turned their energies to inventing ways to prevent or fight fires. The city became a leader in firefighting innovations. In 1851 Boston pioneered the world's first telegraph fire alarm system, with red alarm boxes spread throughout the city that connected citizens to the nearest fire house with the turn of a crank.
Innovations, of course, did not bring an end to Boston's fires. Other famous blazes to enter the history books include the infamous Ursaline Convent Fire of 1834, the Great Fire of 1872, the Cocoanut Grove Nightclub Fire, and the Vendome Hotel Fire in the twentieth century. Boston has responded with innovative building codes, firefighting equipment, and a well-trained fire department. Most of all, the city has demonstrated its resilience: each major blaze has led to rebuilding. (massmoments.org/moment-details)
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DID YOU KNOW in 1881, Saginaw's Bancroft Hotel turned on the first incandescent lights used commercially in the state. ((hsofmich.org)
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WORD OF THE DAY equinox (EE-kwuh-nahks) which means:
1 : either of the two points on the celestial sphere where the celestial equator intersects the ecliptic
2 : either of the two times each year (as about March 21 and September 23) when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are everywhere on earth of approximately equal length
Equinox descends from aequus, the Latin word for "equal" or "even," and nox, the Latin word for "night"—a fitting history for a word that describes days of the year when the daytime and nighttime are equal in length. In the northern hemisphere, the vernal equinox marks the first day of spring and occurs when the sun moves north across the equator. (Vernal comes from the Latin word ver, meaning "spring.") The autumnal equinox marks the first day of autumn in the northern hemisphere and occurs when the sun crosses the equator going south. In contrast, a solstice is either of the two moments in the year when the sun's apparent path is farthest north or south from the equator. (merriam-webster.com)
Geese Have Returned in Force
March 19, 2021
While the editor does not suggest a trip around the island in this, the MUD season, that's exactly what was accomplished today with the small black car in the driveway. The mud is just making the roadways a mess, particularly on the west side of the island. A trip was made down past Barney's Lake, down to Greene's Lake, and to Miller's Marsh. Just about everywhere there was open water or even a small amount of water covered in ice, the one animal seen just about everywhere was the goose.
It is pretty obvious that the geese have returned in force early this year. There have been just a few in the harbor area for about ten days, but there were more geese on frozen Greene's Lake than in the harbor area.
Two geese in little melted area at Barney's Lake
Geese on the ice at Greene's Lake
These geese were not happy that the editor and the car were near them.
View video of the gaggle of geese at Greene's Lake HERE
Beaver Island Community School Weekly Update
(from Superintendent Wil Cweikel)
Friday, March 19, 2021
Islander Basketball Update
The Islanders girls closed out their season at the Northern Lights League (NLL) prelim games on Mackinac Island Wednesday afternoon. Congratulations girls—so glad you were able to play this year—what a crazy season!
The Islanders boys were triumphant again when they met the Mackinac Island Lakers on Wednesday…earning their way to the next round of the NLL tournament this weekend. In addition, the boys will be playing Pellston in the first round of the district tournament next Tuesday. Go Islander Men!
BICS Robotics is Back!
With no prospect for in-person competitions this year, the season has been delayed, but there is still an opportunity to work on finishing (and running) the robot that the team completed last year just as COVID-19 was changing our world. The team objective is to fine tune the robot, set up the practice field elements and then run our robot through them. We’ll make video recordings and submit them along with other teams to show what our robot can do. There’ll be a chance for some mechanical work on the robot (really just making some final adjustments we planned to do on the field last year). We’ll also need to fine tune the programming. Then, we’ll test it and practice driving. Everyone who commits time to getting the robot running will have time to drive it too!
After we finish that fun, we have several options to keep on learning. The team has two 3D printer kits to build. Those working on that will also learn how to use CAD software to design your own print projects. Our current robot has an extensive number of 3D printed parts, so learning those skill will be valuable for next year’s competition. We’ll also begin work to develop a cybersecurity team to compete in a series of cyber challenges next fall. You’ll learn how to protect (and attack) computer systems using some of the same tools and techniques that professionals use to protect IT systems. Those interested in programming will have the opportunity to build their skills with Python, the platform we use to program our robots. It is also used extensively in cybersecurity as well as web development. All of this will help us develop a team to compete in the Cyber Patriot Challenge and the FIRST FRC Robotics League this fall and next year.
Middle School students will have the option to attend robotics class during art class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Middle school students who elect robotics will need to commit to the class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For High School students, robotics will be an afterschool activity on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mr. Boyle will meet with the MS students during art class on Tuesday, March, 23rd. Parents, if you have any questions, please contact Mr. Boyle at 448-3189 or kboyle@beaverisland.k12.mi.us. You can also learn more by visiting the team website at https://birobot.org.
Do You Want to Get Vaccinated?
The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is in process of making future plans for another community vaccination clinic for all Islanders. However, they really need to know how many people who live on the Island are still interested in getting a vaccination.
The Health Department upgraded their pre-registration form at the beginning of March and are requesting that folks register on the new form. They are using the information from the new pre-registration form to determine the level of interest and the number of vaccines needed. If you have not entered your information on the new pre-registration form that is located on the Health Department website, please go to their website and complete the form. For your convenience, here is direct link to the form: https://patienteducationgenius.jotform.com/z/HDNWM
Please share this information with others who live on the Island and are interested in getting the vaccine. The more people who are vaccinated on the Island the sooner we can get school back to some form of normal!
Help Inform Youth Programming at the BI Community Center!
The Beaver Island Community Center is seeking input from Beaver Island’s middle and high school students and the parents of BICS elementary students in their effort to serve the youth of the Island. The secondary students were directly sent the link to their survey and all elementary parents were sent the link to the survey for elementary students. Special thanks to Mr. Richards and the BICS Student Council members spending time brainstorming with BICC director Marcy Dean to develop the framework and ideas for the survey. The survey links to both the elementary parents and the secondary students are included below. Parents--please complete the survey for elementary students and encourage your secondary students to complete their survey by Thursday, March 25th.
· Elementary Parent Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/75SLCXL
· Secondary Student Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7LFFSSF
Movies at the BIC Center
Is there a movie you’d like to see on the big screen at the Community Center? They welcome your input on movies you’d like to see. The showing times are Saturdays at 4:00 pm (typically a movie that’s appropriate for all ages) and 7:00 pm (usually for older teens and adults; sometimes “R” rated films are shown at the BICC, so please be sure you approve of the movie before sending your kids!). Send your movie suggestions to info@biccenter.org. Due to licensing requirements, some films are unavailable to show at the BIC Center, but that list is short compared to what’s available for showing! This weekend’s shows are Rango at 4:00 pm (rated “PG”) and Promising Young Woman at 7:00 (rated “R”). More details about the movies are on the BIC Center website at https://biccenter.org.
Book Fair Books Delivered Next Thursday!
Thanks for participating in the March is Reading BICS Month Book Fair. Our partners at Between the Covers Bookstore will be delivering the books next week for distribution to our students on Thursday…just in time for Spring Break!
Can you DIG?
Help the Beaver Island District Library and the Beaver Island Historical Society Library win a grant to DIGitize the Beaver Beacon! The Library and the Historical Society are finalists for a grant from CMU’s Clark Historical Library to digitize copies of the Beaver Beacon from 1955 to 2001. The final grant award will be based on the number of “votes” that each of the four finalists receive. There are two ways to vote. The first is Twitter and the second is by sending a post card. To vote by Twitter, post a tweet that has the hashtag #DigBeaverIsland.
To vote by postcard, send (must be postmarked by March 21st) any postcard of Beaver Island to:
Clarke Historical Library
250 E. Preston St.
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
Include the #DigBeaverIsland on your postcard to make sure that the Beaver Beacon gets credit for your vote. Mrs. Runberg’s art students created post cards…but you can send as many postcards from home as you like!
Tweet votes can be tweeted between March 22nd and March 28th…make sure you have the hashtag #DigBeaverIsland on your Tweet. And, for those of you who use Twitter, you can send as many tweets as you like! Let’s join together to win this grant to preserve a part of Beaver Island forever!
Travel Safely!
Many families plan to travel over spring break. We encourage everyone, whether you are travelling on the mainland or staying on the Island, to practice the big three strategies for keeping COVID-19 at bay: wear a mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing. This pandemic has been a wild ride, and right now with cases on the rise, Michigan is at a crossroads. Let’s make sure that we all do our part to stay on the right path to ending the pandemic!
Have a Great Weekend!
Blue Ice
March 18, 2021
Thanks for the tip, Tim and Denise McDonough, and thank Mother Nature for the beauty seen down south of the Bill Wagner Memorial Campground on the shoreline!
A quick lesson in physics might be in order. The reason the blue ice exists is really quite simple. The other colors of sunlight are absorbed in the ice, so the only color left to radiate from the ice during sunshine is the light color of blue. That's a layman's statement with some physics of light understanding for your information.
Chunks of ice, some bluer than others
Somewhat larger pile of ice south of the campground
A panorama of photos of the ice south of the campground
Pandemic Costs Island St. Patrick's Day Games
March 19, 2021
Sometimes, the loss of something means a whole lot more than the gain of something. The Islanders would certainly have given up the games without any feelings of loss, if it weren't for the loss of several families on the island this week. It seems a comparison can be made to show the difference in the area between the boat dock and the hardware might actually show this difference for both of these unfortunate situations.
Three years ago, the downtown area of the island was filled with happy, celebrating people ready to participate in the outside games of the island's St. Patrick's Day.
2018
Many people didn't see the major change in the world even on Beaver Island for the special day on Beaver Island. The picture shows this best.
2021
Looking forward to 2022, let's all hope that the negativity and the positivity can change places for this special celebration on Beaver Island.
Phyllis' Daily Weather
March 19, 2021
It's the last day of this very strange winter. Hopefully spring will be more normal. Right now we have sunny skies, 19°, little puffs of wind from the north at 2 mph, humidity is at 100%, dew point is 19°, pressure is 30.54 inches, 0% cloud cover and visibility is 10 miles. Today: Sunny. High near 40F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight: Clear skies. Low 32F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
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ON THIS DAY March 19, 1953, for the first time, audiences are able to sit in their living rooms and watch as the movie world’s most prestigious honors, the Academy Awards, are given out at the RKO Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Organized in May 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was envisioned as a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the film industry. The first Academy Awards were handed out in May 1929, in a ceremony and banquet held in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The level of suspense was nonexistent, however, as the winners had already been announced several months earlier. For the next 10 years, the Academy gave the names of the winners to the newspapers for publication at 11 p.m. on the night of the awards ceremony; this changed after one paper broke the tacit agreement and published the results in the evening edition, available before the ceremony began. A sealed envelope system began the next year, and endures to this day, making Oscar night Hollywood’s most anticipated event of the year.
Public interest in the Oscars was high from the beginning, and from the second year on the ceremony was covered in a live radio broadcast. The year 1953 marked the first time that the Academy Awards were broadcast on the fledgling medium of television. The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) TV network carried the 25th annual awards ceremony live from Hollywood’s RKO Pantages Theatre. Bob Hope was the master of ceremonies, while Fredric March, a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Actor (for 1932’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and 1946’s The Best Years of Our Lives), presented the awards. The statuette for Best Picture went to Cecil B. DeMille’s The Greatest Show on Earth, while John Ford won Best Director for The Quiet Man. Winners in the top two acting categories were Gary Cooper (High Noon) and Shirley Booth (Come Back, Little Sheba).
Hope, a star of stage and screen who tirelessly performed in United Service Organization (USO) shows for American troops during World War II, would become a mainstay of the new TV medium. He was also the most venerated Academy Awards host, playing MC no fewer than 18 times between 1939 and 1977. NBC broadcast the Oscars until 1961, when the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) took over for the next decade, including the first awards broadcast in color in 1966. Although NBC briefly regained the show in the early 1970s, ABC came out on top again in 1976 and has broadcast every Academy Awards show since. The network is under contract to continue showing the Oscars until 2028.
Ratings for the Academy Awards have been notoriously uneven, with larger audiences tending to tune in when box-office hits are nominated for high-profile awards such as Best Picture. When Titanic won big in 1998, for example, the Oscar telecast drew 55 million viewers; the triumph of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in 2004 drew 44 million. The 80th Academy Awards ceremony, held in February 2008, drew the lowest ratings in the history of the broadcast up until that point, with a total of about 32 million viewers–just 18.7 percent of America’s homes–tuned in to the telecast. Analysts blamed the relative obscurity of the Best Picture nominees—the winner, No Country For Old Men, made a relatively puny $64 million at the box office—and the lingering effects of a Hollywood writers’ strike for the poor viewer turnout.(history.com)
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DID YOU KNOW Every March 19th, National Certified Nurses Day celebrates the certified nurses who impact lives every day.
Certified nurses dedicate their entire careers to helping others and often work long, hard hours. The day honors and recognizes them and their significant achievements. Their advanced skills require continuing education, re-certification, and continued knowledge of ever-changing technology. Certified nurses balance clinical needs and patient care. Helping patients meet their healthcare goals in complex and challenging times makes a Certified Nurse’s commitment even more valuable.
A nursing career is as varied as a doctor’s. They specialize and can earn certifications in specialties and sub-specialties. Certified nurses study and take certification exams to demonstrate their competency, skill, and knowledge in a field. Board certification is available in a variety of fields including:
Ambulatory Care Certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
Informatics Certification
Medical-Surgical Certification
Nurse Practitioner Specialty Certification
Pediatric Nursing Certification
Psychiatric Nursing Certification
Nurses can also obtain sub-specialty certifications. Certified nurses provide skilled experience in the medical fields where they work. They also improve the quality of the health care provided. Now, more than ever, health care needs more qualified nurses providing the care that we need. (nationaldaycalendar.com)
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WORD OF THE DAY prevaricate (prih-VAIR-uh-kayt) which means to deviate from the truth: equivocate. Prevaricate and its synonyms lie and equivocate all refer to playing fast and loose with the truth. Lie is the bluntest of the three. When you accuse someone of lying, you are saying that person was intentionally dishonest, no bones about it. Prevaricate is less accusatory and softens the bluntness of lie, usually implying that someone is evading the truth rather than purposely making false statements. Equivocate is similar to prevaricate, but it generally implies that someone is deliberately using words that have more than one meaning as a way to conceal the truth. (merriam-webster.com)
Baroque On Beaver Celebrates 20 years!
Baroque Springs Forward
Dear Friends,
It is only a few days until Spring arrives, and summer isn't far away! Like us, you've probably already begun to anticipate and plan for your time on Beaver Island - and that means Baroque. We are optimistic that we will be able to welcome you back to enjoy our extraordinary performances...LIVE. Mark your calendars:
Please read on for all our current news, and be assured there is more to come. On behalf of Music Director Robert Nordling, Choral Director Kevin Simons, and the BICAA Board,
This summer marks twenty consecutive summers of Baroque on Beaver. So many people (including YOU) have given their support and worked tirelessly over the years to keep Baroque alive - don't miss a note this year as we give a nod to our past...and look to the future.
Offseason Ways to Listen It may not be Festival Week, but the sounds of our brilliant performers are still available. Principal Clarinet Andrew Sprung showcases the versatility and color of his instrument in a recital of solo works on the Baroque YouTube channel. Upcoming monthly performances will include Principal Oboe Jennet Ingle, percussionist Kramer Milan, and baritone Thaddaeus Bourne. WKAR Lansing's Great Lakes Concert Series continues to showcase Baroque on Beaver. There are three chances to listen this month:
Please give a warm Beaver Island welcome to several new Baroque contributors this summer: Cellist Andrew Plaisier, tubist Tony Bush, trumpet Pam Smitter, oboist Jennet Ingle, and our new Operations Director Bailey Banks. We are delighted to have them! |
Memories and More Memories 9
By Joe Moore
While sitting in my chair the day after the snowstorm that dropped 8-12 inches of snow on Beaver Island, I got a slap on the side of the head from my crazy brain, and the memory of an ambulance run down on the West Side of the island did the slapping. The discussion with my wife about what happens when the planes can’t fly was probably a contributing fact in this memory.
BIEMS was paged to a fall down the inside stairs of a home down the west side of the island. It seems that these falls are quite common. I’ve written about a few of them, but this was one of the most interesting due to the snowfall and difficulty getting to the house.
“BIEMS, Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Department calling on fire frequency,” the call paged.
View the rest of the story HERE
From BICOA
March 18, 2021
Hello friends,
I giggled and rolled my eyes after hearing this joke.
What kind of horses only come out at night? I will have the answer at the end of this post.
The April menu and order forms for Beaver Island Community School lunches is now available. The forms are attached to this post or available at the C.O.A. office.
The March 31, drive-thru Easter Meal has reached the 50-person limit. I look forward to getting some use out of my culinary skills as I prepare the upcoming meal. My goal is to bring back Sunday dinners and even add a mid-week lunch or dinner to the mix.
I have the KN95 masks available at the C.O.A office on Beaver Island. Call 448-2124 or stop by when I am in the office to get one.
Monday, March 29 will be the last day to turn in the St. Patrick’s Bingo cards. All persons with a bingo should leave their name and contact information on the card for the grand prize drawing. All bingo winners will receive and meal voucher once they return their card to the COA office on Beaver Island.
I have been informed from the main Commission on Aging office in Charlevoix that all Charlevoix County senior centers will start having indoor activities. On Beaver Island. I plan to begin indoor activities in April.
I am still working out logistics and venue locations that can accommodate 15 clients at a time and still be able to social distance and have room for the activities. Once I get confirmation and the OK from my supervisor in Charlevoix, I will share time, date and place of planned activities. I also have had some great craft suggestions and some wellness activities from clients who submitted ideas when I asked for them a few months back in the works for this summer. Call 231-448-2124 for more information or to make an appointment.
Joke: What kind of horses only come out at night?
Answer: Nightmares
From BICS
March 18, 2021
Vaccinate Beaver Island!
Our partners at the Health Department Northwest (HDNW) are planning the next vaccination clinic on Beaver Island. In order to plan appropriately, they need to know who on the Island still wants and needs the vaccine--regardless of age or eligibility category. In early March, the HDNW created a new pre-registration form to determine the level of interest and the number of vaccines needed for Beaver Island. If you completed on online form before March 3rd, you will need to complete the new form. Here is direct link to the form:
BICS parents and friends—Please complete this form if you still need your vaccine…and…please share this information with others who live on the island and are interested in getting the vaccine.
The sooner we can get everyone vaccinated on the Island, the better! A healthy Island means a healthy school!
Why Shore Armoring Inevitably Fails
Interesting video about shoreline erosion and armoring the shoreline for protection
View video HERE
Some News Coverage of Beaver Island for St. Patrick's Day
March 18, 2021
https://www.9and10news.com/2021/03/17/northern-michigan-in-focus-beaver-island-misses-fiddler-danny-johnston/
https://www.michiganradio.org/post/brief-history-irish-immigrants-michigan
https://wdet.org/posts/2021/03/17/90749-irish-immigrants-found-land-opportunity-and-a-mini-emerald-isle-in-michigan/
https://www.petoskeynews.com/charlevoix/featured-cvx/st-patricks-day-on-beaver-island-50-years-ago/article_5a89ef48-d9d0-5a17-9826-4cbec1bb22dc.html
Timeout for Art: Varnish
by Cindy Ricksgers
Weather by Joe
March 18, 2021
At 9:30 a.m., here on Carlisle Road it is 34 degrees, feels like 30, with a pressure of 29.99 and 80% humidiy. The wind is at about 4 mph when blowing. The sun is shining.
TODAY, it is expected to continue with sunshine with a few afternoon clouds. The high will be 38 degrees. The wind will be from the NE at 10 to 20 mph.
TONIGHT, it is forecast for clear skies. The low will be 24 degrees, and the wind will continue from the NE at 10 to 15 mph.
TOMORROW, it is forecast for sunny skies with a high of 27. Winds will switch to the S at 5 to 10 mph.
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ON THIS DAY
U.S. B-52 bombers are diverted from their targets in South Vietnam to attack suspected communist base camps and supply areas in Cambodia for the first time in the war. President Nixon approved the mission—formally designated Operation Breakfast—at a meeting of the National Security Council on March 15. This mission and subsequent B-52 strikes inside Cambodia became known as the “Menu” bombings. A total of 3,630 flights over Cambodia dropped 110,000 tons of bombs during a 14-month period through April 1970. This bombing of Cambodia and all follow up “Menu” operations were kept secret from the American public and the U.S. Congress because Cambodia was ostensibly neutral. To keep the secret, an intricate reporting system was established at the Pentagon to prevent disclosure of the bombing. Although the New York Times broke the story of the secret bombing campaign in May 1969, there was little adverse public reaction.
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WORD OF THE DAY
fiscal; adjective; (FISS-kul)
1 : of or relating to taxation, public revenues, or public debt
2 : of or relating to financial matters
Did You Know?
Fiscal derives from the Latin noun fiscus, meaning "basket" or "treasury." In ancient Rome, fiscus was the term for the treasury controlled by the emperor, where the money was literally stored in baskets and was collected primarily in the form of revenue from the provinces. Fiscus also gave English confiscate, which is most familiar as a verb meaning "to seize by or as if by authority," but it can additionally refer to the forfeiting of private property to public use. Today, we often encounter fiscal in "fiscal year," a 12-month accounting period not necessarily coinciding with the calendar year.
(from Merriam Webster and history dot com)
Phyllis' Daily Weather
March 17, 2021
Top of the morning to you! Happy St. Patrick's Day even though the island isn't having the usual games due to Covid. Even so, enjoy the day.
It's cloudy, 32°, little puffs of wind from the north at 2 mph, humidity is at 86%, dew point is 28°, pressure is 30.06 inches, cloud cover is 100%, visibility is 10 miles, and the cloud ceiling is 28,000 feet. Today: Cloudy skies. High 37F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight: Some clouds. Low 29F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
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ON THIS DAY On March 17, 461 A.D., Saint Patrick, Christian missionary, bishop and apostle of Ireland, dies at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland.
Much of what is known about Patrick’s legendary life comes from the Confessio, a book he wrote during his last years. Born in Great Britain, probably in Scotland, to a well-to-do Christian family of Roman citizenship, Patrick was captured and enslaved at age 16 by Irish marauders. For the next six years, he worked as a herder in Ireland, turning to a deepening religious faith for comfort. Following the counsel of a voice he heard in a dream one night, he escaped and found passage on a ship to Britain, where he was eventually reunited with his family.
According to the Confessio, in Britain Patrick had another dream, in which an individual named Victoricus gave him a letter, entitled “The Voice of the Irish.” As he read it, Patrick seemed to hear the voices of Irishmen pleading him to return to their country and walk among them once more. After studying for the priesthood, Patrick was ordained a bishop. He arrived in Ireland in 433 and began preaching the Gospel, converting many thousands of Irish and building churches around the country. After 40 years of living in poverty, teaching, traveling and working tirelessly, Patrick died on March 17, 461 in Saul, where he had built his first church.
Since that time, countless legends have grown up around Patrick. Made the patron saint of Ireland, he is said to have baptized hundreds of people on a single day, and to have used a three-leaf clover–the famous shamrock–to describe the Holy Trinity. In art, he is often portrayed trampling on snakes, in accordance with the belief that he drove those reptiles out of Ireland. For centuries, the Irish have observed the day of Saint Patrick’s death as a religious holiday, attending church in the morning and celebrating with food and drink in the afternoon.
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade, though, took place not in Ireland, but the United States. Records show that a St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1601 in a Spanish colony under the direction of the colony's Irish vicar, Ricardo Artur. More than a century later, homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in Boston in 1737 and in New York City on March 1762. As the years went on, the parades became a show of unity and strength for persecuted Irish-American immigrants, and then a popular celebration of Irish-American heritage. The party went global in 1995, when the Irish government began a large-scale campaign to market St. Patrick’s Day as a way of driving tourism and showcasing Ireland’s many charms to the rest of the world. These days, March 17 is a day of international celebration, as millions of people around the globe put on their best green clothing to drink beer, watch parades and toast the luck of the Irish. (history.com)
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DID YOU KNOW On March 17th National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day coincides with St. Patrick’s Day in the United States.
To “corn” something is simply to preserve it in a salty brine (the term corn refers to the coarse grains of salt used for curing).
Corned beef is a salt-cured beef product. Traditional Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage recipes used salt pork or a bacon joint instead of corned beef. However, sometime in the mid-1800s when the Irish immigrated to America, they found Jewish corned beef very similar in texture to the bacon joint (pork). As a result, they used corned beef as a replacement for the bacon when preparing corned beef and cabbage meals. Soon after, Irish-Americans began having Corned Beef and Cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day.
Corned beef and cabbage remains a popular food in many areas of the United States.
In Ireland today, the serving of corned beef is geared toward tourist consumption. Most Irish in Ireland do not identify it as native cuisine. (nationaldaycalendar.com)
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WORD OF THE DAY blarney (BLAR-nee) which means:
1 : skillful flattery : blandishment
2 : nonsense, humbug
The village of Blarney in County Cork, Ireland, is home to Blarney Castle, and in the southern wall of that edifice lies the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that anyone who kisses the Blarney Stone will gain the gift of skillful flattery, but that gift must be attained at the price of some limber maneuvering—you have to lie down and hang your head over a precipice to reach and kiss the stone. One story claims the word blarney gained popularity as a word for "flattery" after Queen Elizabeth I of England used it to describe the flowery (but apparently less than honest) cajolery of McCarthy Mor, who was then the lord of Blarney Castle. (merriam-webster.com)
BIESA Meeting
March 11, 2021
BIEMS AMENDED 20-21-PROPOSED2021-2022 BUDGET 03-04-21
BIESAagn031121_Draft3
BIESAmin031121SM
BIESAmin121720
EMS Director's Report 022521
FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET VS ACTUAL Mar 2020-2021 03-01-21 03-01-21
COVID Statement
March 16, 2021
Beaver Island Waste Management Meeting
March 16, 2021
View documents from the meeting HERE
View video of the meeting HERE
Invasive Species Awards
March 16, 2021
State awards $3.6 million for invasive species prevention and management projects
The State of Michigan today announced that a total of $3.6 million in grants for 29 projects to combat invasive species will be awarded through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.
"Protecting our water and preserving our environment are essential to ensuring our economy, families, and communities succeed,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “I am proud to see the DNR, MDARD, and EGLE collaborate to prevent and manage the spread of invasive species in our state. These grants will impact every corner of our state and help all Michiganders thrive."
The program – cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources – addresses prevention, detection, eradication and control of aquatic (water-based) and terrestrial (land-based) invasive species in Michigan through four key objectives:
- Preventing the introduction of new invasive species.
- Strengthening the statewide invasive species early detection and response network.
- Limiting the spread of recently confirmed invasive species.
- Managing and controlling widespread, established invasive species.
Improving prevention and management
This year’s grants will provide funding for a range of efforts targeting aquatic invasive species:
Didymo: Didymo cells haves been documented in the Great Lakes Basin and Michigan waters in low abundance, but nuisance blooms have not been documented in Michigan until recently in the St. Marys River.
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Funding also will support projects to improve management of terrestrial invasive species:
- Supporting expanded survey and treatment of hemlock woolly adelgid in West Michigan.
- Developing a risk assessment to prioritize treatment of Japanese knotweed in the western U.P.
- Assessing the impact of beech bark disease on tree health and regeneration.
- Surveying for the presence of beech leaf disease in Michigan and studying the distribution of the invasive nematode (microscopic worm) associated with the disease.
Support in every Michigan county
This year’s grants also will support 20 regional Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, the network of partnership organizations working to manage and control invasive species and provide service to all 83 counties in the state. CISMA projects include enhanced education and outreach, technical assistance to landowners, and survey and treatment of high-priority invasive species.
Program background and progress
JK: Herbicide is applied to invasive Japanese knotweed plants in Manistique by a Lake to Lake CISMA staff member./
In 2014 the state Legislature designated $5 million in annual funding to address invasive species. This support substantially enhanced Michigan’s Invasive Species Program for aquatic organisms, supported a formal program for terrestrial species and initiated the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program. |
- More than 494,000 acres of land and water have been surveyed for invasive species.
- More than 38,500 acres have been treated for invasive terrestrial and aquatic plants.
- 206,000 people have been provided with information about invasive species through direct contact, including face-to-face interactions at boat washes, workshops, trainings and other events.
- An additional 23,221,000 people were reached through grantees’ indirect outreach efforts, including mail, newspapers, social media and handouts.
Over $5 million requested
The program began accepting grant applications for this funding cycle in October 2020. This year, 41 applications were received, requesting more than $5 million in support. Grant applicants were asked to commit to providing at least 10 percent of the total project cost in the form of a local match.
The full list of grant recipients, project descriptions and award amounts is available on the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program website at Michigan.gov/MISGP.
Michigan's Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes and Energy; and Natural Resources.
Some Good News
Grandpa Richie and Grandma Laura Gillespie are proud to announce the birth of their grandchild to Jimmy and Alissa Gillespie.
Maeve James Gillespie joined us on March 14, 2021, at 7:03 pm
8 pounds 15 ounces of pure love!
Shirley Sowa, RIP
March 15, 2021
Our sweet Mother Shirley Sowa passed away gracefully at 7:06 tonight. She was surrounded by all of her children and some of her grandchildren. She passed to the sound of memories, her favorite songs, an amazing amount of love and she was able to do it just like she wanted to. She passed away from recurring breast cancer that she has had to fight for the past 6 1/2 years. Thank you for the calls and text messages. I’ve been trying to call or text everyone before having you find out on social media. It’s hard because she was loved by many and they are grieving too.
From the Sowa Family
Shirley Elizabeth (White) Sowa was born on May 25, 1935, on Beaver Island, Michigan. She was the daughter of Capt. John C. and Catherine (ODonnell) White. Her grandmother, Elsie (Schmit) ODonnell, delivered her in a small white house on Round Lake.
Shirley married Major Gerald R. Sowa, and together they raised four children. Despite extensive travel with her family because of her husband’s military career, she achieved a BSN in nursing. She was a Register Nurse and Enterostomal therapist as well as a hospital supervisor and educator during her successful career. She retired in 1995 at which time she and Jerry moved back to Beaver Island. She continued to live in the house that Jerry built on Donegal Bay before and after his passing in 2006.
After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Shirley passed away on March 15, 2021. She leaves behind her children Lois Marie (Kevin) Stipp, John (Elaine) Sowa, Michael (Michelle LaFreniere) Sowa, Catherine (Joel) Meintsma. She has 11 grandchildren Jacob Stipp, Jess (Harvey) Duarte, Theresa (Jeff ) Pliska, Melissa (Mike) Murdock , Jeremy (Danielle) Sowa, Cory (Katina) Sowa, Tara Sowa, Aubreanne (Kyle) Brown, Kyle Meintsma, Kameron Meintsma, and Shelby Meintsma. Additional, Shirley leaves 12 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Captain John Clifford White and Catherine O’Donnell White; her brothers John Clayton (Nancy) White and James (Patricia) White, and sister Kathleen Neiser. She is survived by her sisters Audrey (Vince) Beilman and Pam O’Brien.
We hope that when you remember our mom you will do it with a smile. She was a warm, fiercely witty, loving, and kind soul.
“I fought the good fight but now it’s time to go.”
Phyllis' Daily Weather
March 16, 2021
Within a span of a few days the island has lost three of the best. Our deepest condolences to their families and all who knew them.
A light dusting of snow is what we woke up to. Right now it's mostly cloudy, 27°, feels like 20°, wind is from the east at 8 mph with gusts to 9 mph, humidity is at 92%, dew point is 25°, pressure is at 30.06 inches, cloud cover is 90%, visibility is 3 miles, and the cloud ceiling is 6,600 feet. Today: A few snow showers around this morning, otherwise mostly cloudy. High 37F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%. Tonight: A few clouds. Low 27F. Winds light and variable.
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ON THIS DAY Roy Bean, the self-proclaimed “law west of the Pecos,” dies in Langtry, Texas.
A saloonkeeper and adventurer, Bean’s claim to fame rested on the often humorous and sometimes-bizarre rulings he meted out as a justice of the peace in western Texas during the late 19th century. By then, Bean was in his 50s and had already lived a life full of rough adventures.
Born in Kentucky some time during the 1820s, Bean began getting into trouble at an early age. He left home in 1847 with his brother Sam and lived a rogue’s life in Mexico until he shot a man in a barroom fight and had to flee. He next turned up in San Diego. Again he shot a man during a quarrel and was forced to leave town quickly. He fell into the same old habits in Los Angeles, eventually killing a Mexican officer in a duel over a woman. Angry friends of the officer hanged Bean in revenge, but luckily, the rope stretched and Bean managed to stay alive until the woman he had fought for arrived to cut him down. Bearing rope scars on his neck that remained throughout his life, Bean left California to take up a less risky life in New Mexico and Texas.
For about 16 years, Bean lived a prosperous and relatively legitimate life as a San Antonio businessman. In 1882, he moved to southwest Texas, where he built his famous saloon, the Jersey Lilly, and founded the hamlet of Langtry. Saloon and town alike were named for the famous English actress, Lillie Langtry. Bean had never met Langtry, but he had developed an abiding affection for the beautiful actress after seeing a drawing of her in an illustrated magazine. For the rest of his life, he avidly followed Langtry’s career in theatre magazines.
Before founding Langtry, Bean had also secured an appointment as a justice of the peace and notary public. He knew little about the law or proper court procedures, but residents appreciated and largely accepted his common sense verdicts in the sparsely populated country of West Texas.
Bean was often deliberately humorous or bizarre in his rulings, once fining a dead man $40 for carrying a concealed weapon. He threatened one lawyer with hanging for using profane language when the hapless man referred to the “habeas corpus” of his client.
By the 1890s, reports of Bean’s curmudgeonly rulings had made him nationally famous. Travelers on the train passing through Langtry often made a point of stopping to visit the ramshackle saloon, where a sign proudly proclaimed Bean to be the “Law West of the Pecos.”
Bean fell ill during a visit to San Antonio. He returned to Langtry, where he died on March 16, 1903. Lillie Langtry, the object of Bean’s devoted adoration, visited the village named in her honor only 10 months after Bean died. (history.com)
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DID YOU KNOW NASA astronaut Michael J. Bloomfield was born in Flint, Michigan. A veteran of three space shuttle missions, NASA astronaut Michael J. Bloomfield was born in Flint, Michigan on March 16, 1959. (cmich.edu)
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WORD OF THE DAY replete (rih-PLEET) which means:
1 : fully or abundantly provided or filled
2 a : abundantly fed
b : fat, stout
3 : complete
Given that one of the roots of replete is the Latin verb plēre, meaning "to fill," it isn't surprising that the word has synonyms such as full and complete. Replete, full, and complete all indicate that something contains all that is wanted or needed or possible, but there are also subtle differences between the words. Full implies the presence or inclusion of everything that can be held, contained, or attained ("a full schedule"), while complete applies when all that is needed is present ("a complete picture of the situation"). Replete is the synonym of choice when fullness is accompanied by a sense of satiety. (merriam-webster.com)
From BI COA
March 15, 2021
The St. Pat's BINGO Symbols
Phyllis' Daily Weather
March 15, 2021
It's sunny outside this morning, 21°, feels like 14°, wind is from the east at 8 mph, humidity is at 73%, dew point is 14°, pressure is at 30.53 inches, cloud cover is 10%, and visibility is 10 miles. Today: Mostly sunny. High 37F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Tonight: Overcast. Low 26F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.
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ON THIS DAY Julius Caesar, dictator of Rome, is stabbed to death in the Roman Senate house by 60 conspirators led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus on March 15. The day later become known as the Ides of March.
Caesar, born into the Julii, an ancient but not particularly distinguished Roman aristocratic family, began his political career in 78 B.C. as a prosecutor for the anti-patrician Popular Party. He won influence in the party for his reformist ideas and oratorical skills, and aided Roman imperial efforts by raising a private army to combat the king of Pontus in 74 B.C. He was an ally of Pompey, the recognized head of the Popular Party, and essentially took over this position after Pompey left Rome in 67 B.C. to become commander of Roman forces in the east.
In 63 B.C., Caesar was elected pontifex maximus, or “high priest,” allegedly by heavy bribes. Two years later, he was made governor of Farther Spain and in 60 B.C. returned to Rome, ambitious for the office of consul. The consulship, essentially the highest office in the Roman Republic, was shared by two politicians on an annual basis. Consuls commanded the army, presided over the Senate and executed its decrees, and represented the state in foreign affairs. Caesar formed a political alliance—the so-called First Triumvirate—with Pompey and Marcus Licinius Crassus, the wealthiest man in Rome, and in 59 B.C. was elected consul. Although generally opposed by the majority of the Roman Senate, Caesar’s land reforms won him popularity with many Romans.
In 58 B.C., Caesar was given four Roman legions in Cisalpine Gaul and Illyricum, and during the next decade demonstrated brilliant military talents as he expanded the Roman Empire and his reputation. Among other achievements, Caesar conquered all of Gaul, made the first Roman inroads into Britain, and won devoted supporters in his legions. However, his successes also aroused Pompey’s jealousy, leading to the collapse of their political alliance in 53 B.C.
The Roman Senate supported Pompey and asked Caesar to give up his army, which he refused to do. In January 49 B.C., Caesar led his legions across the Rubicon River from Cisalpine Gaul to Italy, thus declaring war against Pompey and his forces. Caesar made early gains in the subsequent civil war, defeating Pompey’s army in Italy and Spain, but was later forced into retreat in Greece. In August 48 B.C., with Pompey in pursuit, Caesar paused near Pharsalus, setting up camp at a strategic location. When Pompey’s senatorial forces fell upon Caesar’s smaller army, they were entirely routed, and Pompey fled to Egypt, where he was assassinated by an officer of the Egyptian king.
Caesar was subsequently appointed Roman consul and dictator, but before settling in Rome he traveled around the empire for several years and consolidated his rule. In 45 B.C., he returned to Rome and was made dictator for life. As sole Roman ruler, Caesar launched ambitious programs of reform within the empire. The most lasting of these was his establishment of the Julian calendar, which, with the exception of a slight modification and adjustment in the 16th century, remains in use today. He also planned new imperial expansions in central Europe and to the east. In the midst of these vast designs, he was assassinated on March 15, 44 B.C., by a group of conspirators who believed that his death would lead to the restoration of the Roman Republic. However, the result of the “Ides of March” was to plunge Rome into a fresh round of civil wars, out of which Octavian, Caesar’s grand-nephew, would emerge as Augustus, the first Roman emperor, destroying the republic forever. (history.com)
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DID YOU KNOW 1972 Fred Bear became the first inductee of the Archery Hall of Fame. Born in Pennsylvania in 1902, Fred Bear arrived in Detroit at the age of twenty-one to work in the auto industry. In 1929, Bear became a bow hunter and, four years later, founded Bear Products Company. Over the next several decades, Bear traveled, hunted, promoted his industry, and became an international symbol of the sports of bow hunting and archery. Bear passed away in April 1988. His business, which is called the Bear Archery Company today, continues to produce archery equipment and various other related products. (cmich.edu)
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WORD OF THE DAY circumlocution (ser-kum-loh-KYOO-shun) which means:
1 : the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea
2 : evasion in speech
In The King's English, grammarian H. W. Fowler advised, "Prefer the single word to the circumlocution." Alas, that good advice was not followed by the framers of circumlocution. They actually used two terms in forming that word for unnecessarily verbose prose or speech. But their choices were apt; circumlocution derives from the Latin circum-, meaning "around," and locutio, meaning "speech"—so it literally means "roundabout speech." Since at least the early 16th century, English writers have used circumlocution with disdain, naming a thing to stop, or better yet, to avoid altogether. Charles Dickens even used it to satirize political runarounds in the 1857 novel Little Dorrit with the creation of the fictional Circumlocution Office, a government department that delayed the dissemination of information and just about everything else. (merriam-webster.com)
Daniel Morris Boyle, RIP
It is with a very heavy heart we need to let you know that Daniel Morris Boyle (Mo) passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Mo is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sally and his sons Dan (JoAnn) Boyle and Jim (Mary) Boyle. He was a loving grandfather to Katie, Sean, Christopher and Bobby in addition to eight siblings and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Mo is proceeded in death by his parents Jack "Turner" and Beatrice (O'Donnell) Boyle; his sisters Grace Matela and Sharron Simpson and his brothers John and Pat Boyle; his nephew Tom Matela, and most recently and sadly by his beloved niece Caitlin Boyle.
Mo loved Beaver Island. He was born here on his grandparent's - Dan "Turner" and Maggie Boyle - farm on September 7, 1936. Little did he know that he was to be the eldest of 13 children (8 boys and 5 girls) born to Jack and Bea. He laughingly referred to himself as "Number One Son". And he was. Number One Son and Brother.
Mo was a carpenter in the Chicago area for many years working originally for our Dad, along side his late brother-in-law Ray Matela, at Matela Boyle Construction Company on the south side of the city. When he retired, he built his log cabin home on the farm where he was born. He loved coming up in the Spring and staying through to the Fall whenever he could.
Mo will be greatly missed by us. There is no replacing a Number One Son.
Boyle, Daniel M. 'Mo'
Daniel M. 'Mo' Boyle age 84 of Crete, Illinois passed away on March 13, 2021. Master carpenter. Loving husband of 60 years to Sally (nee McKeague). Number one son of late Jack (late Beatrice) Boyle. Beloved father to Daniel (Jo) Boyle and James (Mary) Boyle. Beautiful grandfather to Robert, Kathryn, Christopher (Carly) and Sean; great grandfather to a baby boy due in April. Cherished brother to Jean (Gary) McDonough, Bernard (late Kathleen) Boyle, Donald (Chris) Boyle, Teresa Gacek, Susan Boyle-Heynig (Doug Heynig), Steven (Marie) Boyle, Timothy Boyle, Neal (Connie) Boyle, late Grace (late Raymond) Matela, late John (Marge) Boyle, late Sharon (late Neil) Simpson, and late Patrick Boyle. Treasured uncle to late Caitlin Boyle and many other nieces and nephews. Great friend of late Joesph "Butch" Gremolec, Johnny O'Donnell, Lou Panozzo, Tom McLoughlin, Richie Albanese and countless other coffee buddies. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Cancer Society. Due to the current circumstance and restrictions caused by Covid-19 we ask that you please follow the states guidelines where masks/ face coverings and distancing are concerned. On behalf of the family and the funeral home staff, we would like to thank you for your cooperation. Visitation Friday, March 19, 2021 from 3:00PM until the time of services at 7:00PM at Crete Funeral Home, 1182 Main Street, Crete, Illinois. Funeral mass and burial will be held in Beaver Island, Michigan at a later date. Interment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery on Beaver Island, Michigan. Info: 708-672-7600. www.cretefuneralhome.com
Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com
Young Eagle on the Ice
March 14, 2021
This younger eagle, possibly a yearling, was seemingly waiting for something between the two live streamed church services. It was gone after the Mass from Holy Cross. It was quite a way out from the shoreline on the remaining ice.
Mass from Holy Cross
March 14, 2021
The reader today was Sally Stebbins. The celebrat was Father Peter Wigton.
View video of the Mass HERE
Beaver Island Christian Church Service
March 14, 2021
Judi Meister did the announcements......MaryEllen Dawson and Jeff Connor did the readings.
Pastor Lee Bracey did the prayers and gave the message.
View video of this service HERE
Forgiveness
by Cindy Ricksgers
Memorial Weekend Presentations
We are offering three engaging presentations from knowledgeable biology professors with decades of research on Beaver Island. All presentations are open to the public and held at the Community Center. Masks and physical distancing are required. State restrictions on the number of occupants will be followed in the auditorium.
On Saturday, May 29th at 4 p.m., Dr. Nancy Seefelt will share her presentation : Avian Migration - Amazing Journeys! Dr. Seefelt teaches ornithology classes at CMU and assists the USFWS with research and monitoring of colonial waterbird colonies along with the Piping Plover recovery program.
On Sunday, May 30th starting at 1:30 p.m., Dr. Beth Leuck will present: Monarchs, Milkweeds, Mimicry, and Migration:The Story of Co-evolution, an Endangered Biological Phenomenon, and the Decline of a Charismatic Butterfly. We will have a brief break and return at 3 p.m. with Dr. Ed Leuck presenting: Orchids and Bog Plants of Beaver Island.
We are keeping the group very small this year due to Covid. (from Pam Grassmick)
Weather by Joe
March 14, 2021
For those of us who forgot to turn our clocks ahead, it's just before eight. For the rest of you, it's just before nine.
The temperature on the island right now is just below freezing at 30 degrees on Carlisle Road. The pressure is 30.22 and visibility is ten miles. It's partly cloudy. The dewpoint is 18 and the humidity is 62%. Right now the wind gauge is barely turning, although the there seems to be some wind at the airport.
TODAY, it is expected to have some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. Temps nearly steady around 30. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.
TONIGHT, it is forecast for clear skies with a low around 18. Winds will be from the ENE at 5 to 10 mph.
TOMORROW, it is forecast for sunshine except for a few afternoon clouds. High will be 36 with winds from the E at 10 to 15 mph.
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ON THIS DAY
For as long as most people have been buying popular music on records, tapes and compact disks, the records, tapes and disks they’ve bought have carried labels like “Certified Gold!” and “Double Platinum!!” Those labels have been in use since the early days of the rock-and-roll era, when a young trade organization called the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) created and trademarked its precious-metals-based scale for measuring music sales. On March 14, 1958, the RIAA awarded its first official Gold Record—it had gifted an unofficial gold-sprayed record to Glen Miller in 1942—record to to Perry Como for his smash-hit single “Catch A Falling Star.”
Those who’ve been conditioned to believe that rock and roll wiped out everything in its path on its way toward dominating late-20th-century pop music may be surprised to hear that Perry Como was such a viable commercial artist fully two years after the arrival of Elvis Presley. Como, a 50-something holdover in a cozy cardigan sweater, stood for everything that youthful rock and roll did not, after all. Where rock and roll promised sex, excitement and social change, Como’s act evoked much more staid pursuits. Yet “Catch A Falling Star” was not the only hit record for Perry Como in the early years of the rock-and-roll “revolution.” Songs like “Hot Diggity” and “Round And Round” more than held their own against more rebellious fare, and while they might not have been “cool,” they didn’t need to be in order to find an audience in late 1950s America.
It is certainly worth noting, however, that the RIAA waited until Elvis Presley’s string of pre-Army hits was over before codifying what was formerly a loose, PR-driven process and creating an objective standard (500,000 sales) for the Gold Record. After the first Gold Record was awarded to Perry Como for “Catch A Falling Star,” the RIAA’s next honoree was Laurie London for “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands.” And while Elvis Presley was the third artist to receive such an honor (for “Hard Headed Woman” in August 1958), his single Gold Record through the end of 1961 had him tied on the RIAA’s list with Lawrence Welk (whose “Calcutta” was certified Gold in February 1961).
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WORD OF THE DAY
Attitudinize; verb; (at-uh-TOO-duh-nyze)
Definition
: to assume an affected mental attitude : pose
Did You Know?
The English word attitude was first used in the 17th century to refer to the way a sculptured or painted figure was positioned—that is, to its posture. The word was borrowed from French, which had taken the word from Italian attitudine, meaning "aptitude." Eventually, the word moved from artistic representation to the real world, with attitude being also used for the postures a person might assume for a specific purpose, or effect—be those purposes sincere or not. By the mid-18th century, the word attitudinarian had been coined to label those in the habit of practicing such attitudes—those we might also call poseurs. By the end of that same century the word attitudinize was available for complaints about such behavior.
(from Merriam Webster and history dot com)
Eagles on the Ice
March 13, 2021
While there isn't much ice left on the harbor, the eagles seem to use the ice as a table to feed upon. Today, three eagles were seen on the ice. Two were way out about halfway from the boat dock to the point. The third was right cross from Dahlwhinnie's and McDonough's Market.
Two way out....
After chasing sever seagulls away, this eagle took off with its food and flew south.
View video of eagle feeding on the ice HERE
Caitlin Marie Boyle, RIP
We are sad to let everyone know that our daughter, Caitlin Marie Boyle has passed away peacefully on Friday, March 12, 2021, in her family home. Caitlin battled a rare form of brain cancer with a grade 4 Diffused Midline Glioma brain tumor for 3.5 years. Through it all, she was brave, witty, loving and sweet.
Caitlin cared about others more than herself. She started a fundraising program to help find a cure for Pediatric brain cancer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Build a Cure for Brain Cancer and sent to P.O. Box 242, Beaver Island, MI 49782 (For more information on the program see Facebook or contact Neal or Connie.)
In an effort to keep all of Caitlin's many family, friends and community members safe from Covid and allow for travel to Beaver Island, there will be a service and celebration of her life later in the summer.
We appreciate everyone's support of Caitlin and our family during these very difficult years. ~Neal and Connie
Caitlin Marie Boyle, 29, passed away at her home on Beaver Island, MI on March 12, 2021, in the loving arms of her parents, Neal and Connie Boyle. Caitlin holds a special place in the hearts of her godparents Daniel Morris (Uncle Mo) Boyle and Aunt Debbie Slack, all her many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Caitlin is proceeded in death by her grandparents Jack and Bea (O’Donnell) Boyle and Guy (Ted) and Mary Ann Bendewald, Aunts Sharon, Grace, Kathy and Uncles Neil, John, Ray and Pat.
Caitlin was born April 7, 1991, and grew up on Beaver Island. She attended Beaver Island Community School and was a volleyball player, horse woman and lover of all animals. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Sciences at Michigan State University. While at MSU Caitlin was a member of the MSU Ballroom Dance Team, Rodeo Club, Russian Club and more. Caitlin went on to work in the Michigan State Senate and House of Representatives in Constituent Relations and as a Legislative Aide. She was very happy for the chance to work on legislation that helped protect animals. After leaving the House, Caitlin went back to MSU and started studying for a second degree to become a Veterinary Technician, while working full time as a Veterinary Assistant at Lane Animal Clinic in Chelsea, MI.
Caitlin cared about others more than herself. After her diagnosis, she started a fundraising program to help find a cure for Pediatric brain cancer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Build a Cure for Brain Cancer and sent to P.O. Box 242, Beaver Island, MI 49782 (For more information on the program see Facebook)
In an effort to keep all of Caitlin's many family, friends and community members safe from Covid and allow for travel to Beaver Island, there will be a service and celebration of her life later in the summer.
Arrangements are in the care of Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.
Weather by Joe
March 13, 2021
At 8:30 a.m. here on Carlisle Road the termperature is 30 degrees with sunshine. The pressure is 30.32 with visibility of ten miles. The sky is officially partly cloudy. The dewpoint is 26 degrees and humidity is 83%. The wind is out of the S at 5 mph with gusts to 10.
TODAY, it is expected to have a high of 44 degrees with sunshine. The winds will be out of the WSW at 15 to 25 mph with gusts higher.
TONIGHT, it is forecast for mostly clear skies with a low around 26 degrees. The wind will switch to the NNW at 10 to 20 mph.
TOMORROW, it is forecast for mainly sunshine with a high of near freezing. Winds change once again to the NNE, but remain at 10 to 20 mph.
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ON THIS DAY
Less than a week after the disastrous defeat of Texas rebels at the Alamo, the newly commissioned Texan General Sam Houston begins a series of strategic retreats to buy time to train his ill-prepared army.
Revolutionary Texans had only formally announced their independence from Mexico 11 days earlier. On March 6, 1836, the separatists chose Sam Houston to be the commander-in-chief of the revolutionary army. Houston immediately departed for Gonzales, Texas, where the main force of the revolutionary army was stationed. When he arrived, he found that the Texan army consisted of 374 poorly dressed and ill-equipped men. Most had no guns or military experience, and they had only two days of rations.
Houston had little time to dwell on the situation, because he learned that the Mexican general Santa Anna was staging a siege of the Alamo in San Antonio. Before Houston could prepare his troops to rush to aid the defenders, however, word arrived that Santa Anna had wiped them out on March 6. Scouts reported that Santa Anna’s troops were heading east toward Gonzales. Unprepared to confront the Mexican army with his poorly trained force, Houston began a series of strategic retreats designed to give him enough time to whip his army into fighting shape.
Houston’s decision to retreat won him little but scorn from the Texas rebels. His troops and officers were eager to engage the Mexicans, and they chafed at Houston’s insistence on learning proper field maneuvers. Houston wisely continued to organize, train, and equip his troops so they would be prepared to meet Santa Anna’s army. Finally, after nearly a month of falling back, Houston ordered his men to turn around and head south to meet Santa Anna’s forces.
On April 21, Houston led his 783 troops in an attack on Santa Anna’s force of nearly twice that number near the confluence of Buffalo Bayou and the San Jacinto River. With the famous cry, “Remember the Alamo,” the Texans stormed the surprised Mexican forces. After a brief attempt at defense, the Mexican soldiers broke into a disorganized retreat, allowing the Texans to isolate and slaughter them. In a stunning victory, Houston’s army succeeded in killing or capturing nearly the entire Mexican force, including General Santa Anna, who was taken prisoner. Only two Texans were killed and 30 wounded.
Fearful of execution, Santa Anna signed an order calling for the immediate withdrawal of all Mexican troops from Texas soil. The Mexicans never again seriously threatened the independence of the Lone Star Republic.
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WORD OF THE DAY ungainly; adjective; (un-GAYN-lee);
Definition
1 a : lacking in smoothness or dexterity : clumsy
b : hard to handle : unwieldy
2 : having an awkward appearance
Did You Know?
What do you have to gain by knowing the root of ungainly? Plenty. The gain in ungainly is an obsolete English adjective meaning "direct" that is ultimately derived from the Old Norse preposition gegn, meaning "against." (It is unrelated to the noun in "economic gains" or the verb in "gain an advantage"; those came to English by way of Anglo-French and are related to an Old High German word meaning "to hunt for food.") Ungainly can describe someone who is clumsy, as in "a tall, ungainly man"; or something that causes you to feel clumsy when you try to handle it, as in "a car with ungainly controls"; or something that simply looks awkward and out of place, as in "an ungainly strip mall."
(from Merriam Webster and history dot com)
BICS Hiring Elementary Teacher
March 12, 2021
Teach at the best school on the planet!
Beaver Island Community School is looking for an elementary teacher who loves what we stand for and wants to join our team. For more information, see the job posting or call Wil Cwikiel, BICS Superintendent-Principal at (231) 448-2744. To apply, go to https://charemisd.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=239. The application deadline is April 16, 2021.
Southhead Lighthouse
March 12, 2021
Quick pictures as the car drove past.
First Robins Seen
March 12, 2021
Deer Moving Along the East Side
March 12, 2021
Several groups of deer were seen on the trip down the East Side Road on the way to check on the spring run-off. There were deer in the Greene's Farm field as well as seen on the East Side.
Spring Run-off
March 12, 2021
The sunshine and the warmer temperatures for the last couple of days, and the forecast for warm temperatures tomorrow caused the editor to head around the island to check on the creeks and the water running off from the melting snow.
This run-off creek is seen on Barney's Lake Road.
Jordan River
Jacobson's Waterfall
East Side Road water run-off into the lake
Iron Ore Creek
The spring run-off has begun and is quite wonderful to watch. Here is some video for you to look at.
Spring Run-off Video
Beaver Island Community School Weekly Update
Friday, March 12, 2021
Islander Basketball Plays Mackinac Island this Weekend!
The Islanders girls kept it close in their game against the Northern Lights League’s first place team Big Bay on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the Big Bay boys weren’t able to field a team so they forfeited their game against our boys today. The Islanders play Mackinac Island away on Saturday and Ojibwe away on Tuesday. League prelims start next Thursday. Go Islanders!
Book Fair Order Forms Due on Monday, March 15th
March is Reading Month! Thanks to our friends at Between the Covers Bookstore in Harbor Springs, we are having a virtual Book Fair. Thanks to generous donors, we are able to have each student receive a book fair voucher of $15 “book bucks.” All students were given the Book Fair catalog (the cover of which is the order form) on Tuesday. Please return the order forms by Monday, March 15th so we can make sure the books are back on the Island before Spring Break.
CMU Bio Station Classes
We are so lucky to have the Central Michigan Biological Station here on Beaver Island! This summer, the CMUBS is offering several classes, including water quality chemistry, field biology, observational astronomy, and stream ecology. Attached you will find a flyer with information on all the courses, many of which can be taken as a non-credit workshop so you don’t have to be an CMU student. BIO 100z is a three credit university course for high school students, but anyone could take it if they wish. There are scholarships available for BICS high school students who would like to take BIO 100z—but the deadline is March 15th, so contact me ASAP if you are interested. Again, these are great courses and I encourage high school students and all parents to take advantage of this great opportunity!
Do You “DIG” Beaver Island?
If so, do your part to help the Beaver Island District Library and the Beaver Island Historical Society Library win a grant to DIGitize the Beaver Beacon! The Library and the Historical Society have applied to CMU’s Clark Historical Library for a grant to digitize copies of the Beaver Beacon from 1955 to 2001. Beaver Island is one of four finalists. The final choice will be made by the number of “votes” that each of the four finalists receive. There are two ways to vote. The first is Twitter and the second is by sending a post card. To vote by Twitter, post a tweet that has the hashtag #DigBeaverIsland. You can send as many tweets as you like (yes, you can vote often without any worry of election fraud!). To vote by postcard, send any postcard (homemade postcards are perfectly fine) of Beaver Island to:
Clarke Historical Library
250 E. Preston St.
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
Include the #DigBeaverIsland on your postcard to make sure that the Beaver Beacon gets credit for your vote. Postcard votes can be sent between March 15th and March 21st. Tweet votes can be tweeted between March 22nd and March 28th. Mrs. Runberg will be working with our students to create post cards in her art classes…but you can send as many postcards from home as you like! Let’s join together to win this grant to preserve a part of Beaver Island forever!
One Year Ago
On March 12, 2020, schools were ordered to shut down due to this thing called COVID-19. Little did we know that a year later we would still be in the midst of a global pandemic. I am filled with a sense of grief and gratitude. Grief for all that we have lost in the past year. Gratitude for how our community has come together to stay safe, take care of each other, and support education for all our students. There is so much hope on the horizon for the end of this pandemic, but we are not out of the woods yet. Please stay vigilant and follow the recommended precautions to keep this virus at bay!
Have a Great Weekend!
Wilfred Cwikiel, Superintendent-Principal
Beaver Island Community School
(231) 448-2744
3-12-21 Weekly Update
2021 Summer Classes FLYER
finalist flyer_BeaverIsland_2021
Underway
by Cindy Ricksgers
Phyllis' Daily Weather
March 12, 2021
Old story but too good to ignore.
The Squirrel War
Pretty much everyone knows Phil Gregg. He's pretty much a laid-back sort of guy.. in fact, if he got any more laid-back he'd be horizontal. At the present time though, he's declared war on the squirrels in his yard. Now we all know Phil likes to feed the island critters.. ducks are often seen crossing the road by the post office and coming up the Gregg's sidewalk, birdfeeders hang from various limbs of the big oaks in the yard, there's even a small squirrel throne for the furry guys along with a birdbath. Should be a bird-lovers utopia right? Not so! It's become a battle of the brains between Phil and a certain squirrel who inhabits one of the oaks.
Having tried all the typical remedies that people have suggested over the years (that didn't work) Phil finally ordered a special feeder. This super-dooper one was a clear globe that opened in the center but was operated via a spring that IF a critter heavier than a mid-sized bird were to land would slam the globe shut making the food unavailable. Phil filled up his new feeder and rubbing his hands together with glee hung it from the oak and went inside to watch from his sliding door. Along came his furry friend who looked at the feeder... kept going.... came back took another gander.. and then reached down and carefully - paw over paw hauled the globe up and then proceeded to open it and have a snack.
Phil gave it some thought and figured if he added a weight inside the globe the squirrel wouldn't be able to lift it. Great idea, right? Not! Mr. Squirrel again cased it out.. checking it from all angles.. then with velcro-like feet walked upside down on the limp and reached down, grabbed the edge of the feeder and proceeded to dump in on the ground when he then joined the feed and watched Phil scratch his head.
Aha! Put a baffle there above the feeder.. dang squirrel won't be able to reach a thing. Oh, not so.. Mr. S leaped to the baffle and hanging by his toes reached inside for a handful of seed.. all the while smirking at Phil through the window.
Now this is becoming a real battle.. Phil figures he'll bend the baffle so that the squirrel can't use his toes to reach and he'll place it further away from the feeder. Again.. the squirrel managed to pass the barrier and was discovered sitting in the feeder having a full meal.
Now it's an all out war.. Phil places a smooth pipe over the chain leading to the feeder... figuring he's got the critter out-smarted now. Ol' Mr. S comes by and checks it all out several times then jumps on the pipe... and proceeds to slide like a furry fireman to the ground completely missing the food. Phil's dancing .. he's beaten the critter.. for about ten minutes when the squirrel learns how to grab the edge of the feeder as he's sliding by.
As of the present time Phil is at the kitchen table with his drafting equipment setting up a complete obstacle course and writing a letter and enclosing photos of Mr. S grinning from the inside of the "squirrel-proof" feeder. If you have any suggestions please send them to him ASAP.
Priceless
Remember a few weeks ago, the Squirrel Wars that were taking place in Phil Gregg's yard? We left him sitting at the kitchen table with his drafting equipment trying to stop Mr. S. from eating all the bird seed. I'm sure everyone has noticed those starving blue jays with the malnutrition bloat flying around the island. Well, it seems that Phil has won the war (or at least he hopes so). How? He attached a wire that ran from one corner of his metal roof to the other. Mr. Squirrel hasn't found a catalog store that sells magnetic squirrel shoes and as a result can't get to the seed. Phil has now had three weeks of pleasure watching Mr. S. try to get to said seed with no results. Here's the run-down so that you too can have a squirrel-free bird feeder:
Birdseed....... $17.95 for 50 pound bag (the squirrel ate 45 pounds of it)
"Squirrel proof" Birdfeeders (yeah, right) ......$45.80
Wire for hanging said feeders.........$12.79
Weights to add to the feeders to prevent squirrels from lifting them $1.25
Baffle to prevent squirrel from reaching feeders.... $ 3.68
12" piece of pipe to foil squirrel..... 15.35
Metal roof for house.... $3,000
Look on Mr. S's. face when he can't get to the feeders due to the metal roof ................ priceless
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Mostly cloudy, 31°, feels like 14°, wind is from the NW at 21 mph with gusts to 29 mph, humidity is 76%, dew point is 24°, pressure is rising from 30.20 inches, cloud cover is 90%, visibility is 10 miles, and the cloud ceiling is 29,900 feet. Today: A mix of clouds and sun. Gusty winds diminishing during the afternoon. High 32F. Winds NW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Tonight: Clear skies. Low 21F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
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ON THIS DAY there is almost nothing as ubiquitous as a bottle of Coca-Cola, this was not always the case. For the first several years of its existence, Coke was only available as a fountain drink, and its producer saw no reason for that to change. It was not until March 12, 1894 that Coke was first sold in bottles.
Originally developed as a non-addictive substitute for morphine, then marketed as a non-alcoholic "temperance drink," Coca-Cola was invented by John Pemberton, a druggist in Columbus, Georgia, in 1886. It was soon popular throughout the region, and the rights to the brand passed to Asa Griggs Candler. Candler's nephew had advised him that selling the drink in bottles could greatly increase sales, but Griggs apparently wasn't interested. The first person to bottle Coke was Joseph A. Biedenharn, owner of a candy store in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Correctly determining that bottles could boost sales, Biedenharn put the drink into Hutchinson bottles, a common and reusable glass bottle that bore no resemblance to the modern Coke bottle. He sent Candler a case, but Candler continued to stick with fountain sales.
Five years later, Candler finally sold the national bottling rights to Coke—excluding the right to bottle it in Vicksburg—to two brothers from Chattanooga. Still convinced that bottling would not be a major source of revenue, Candler sold the bottling rights for a dollar and reportedly never collected even that. The contract stipulated that a bottle of Coke would cost 5 cents and had no end date, a legal oversight that resulted in the price remaining the same until 1959. In 1915, the bottlers put out a call for a new design, one so distinctive that one could recognize it if it were in pieces on the ground or by feeling it in the dark. The winning design, produced by the Root Glass Company of Terre Haute, Indiana, gave the world the iconic contoured bottle we know today. (history.com)
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DID YOU KNOW 1972 Detroit Red Wings retire Gordie Howe's number 9 jersey.
Gordie Howe-- Mister Hockey-- revolutionized the game of hockey during his Hall of Fame career with the Red Wings. The Saskatchewan native arrived in Detroit in 1946 as a super talented eighteen-year-old rookie and left town in 1971 as the greatest player to date. Howe's career credentials say everything. He was the NHL's most valuable player and led the league in scoring six times each. After two years away from playing the game, he made a comeback with the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association in 1973. In 1979, at the age of 50, Howe played one season for the NHL's Hartford Whalers. His final career statistics are astounding: 975 goals and 1383 assists in a defensive-minded hockey era. (cmich,edu)
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WORD OF THE DAY williwaw (WILL-ih-waw) which means:
1 a : a sudden violent gust of cold land air common along mountainous coasts of high latitudes
b : a sudden violent wind
2 : a violent commotion
In 1900, Captain Joshua Slocum described williwaws as "compressed gales of wind … that Boreas handed down over the hills in chunks." To unsuspecting sailors or pilots, such winds might seem to come out of nowhere—just like word williwaw did centuries ago. All anyone knows about the origin of the word is that it was first used by 19th-century writers to name fierce winds in the Strait of Magellan at the southern tip of South America. The writers were British, and indications are that they may have learned the word from British sailors and seal hunters. Where these sailors and hunters got the word, we cannot say. (merriam-webster.com)
Great Lakes Water Levels
News Release: Great Lakes water levels lower than 2020 heading into spring rise
DETROIT- Great Lake water levels in 2021 are tracking below last year's levels, though Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie remain well above long-term average levels, according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials who track and forecast Great Lakes water levels.
Lake Ontario recently fell slightly below long-term average levels. The February 2021 monthly mean water levels ranged from 7 to 23 inches below levels from this time last year.
Since November 2020, the Great Lakes basin experienced four consecutive months of below average precipitation. This combined with a cold air outbreak during February led to increased evaporation across the lakes and caused a St. Clair River ice jam to develop. When ice jams occur, water levels downstream of the restriction decline, while water levels upstream of the restriction rise.
"Drier conditions this winter aided in seasonal declines on all the lakes," said Detroit District Watershed Hydrology Branch Chief Chris Warren. "However, as water levels begin their seasonal rise there is still potential for coastal impacts since water levels remain high."
Late winter and early spring are typical Great Lakes seasonal rise periods because of increased rainfall and runoff. Water levels typically peak in the summer or early fall. Even with lower lake levels some lakes are still well above average and coastal flooding and shoreline erosion are possible, especially during periods of active weather and increased wave action.
The most recent six-month forecast of Great Lakes water levels predicts levels to remain below record high levels, but above average on all lakes, except Lake Ontario. Lake Ontario is forecast to remain near average levels: https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/.
Citizens or businesses in the Great Lakes region considering construction projects to alleviate erosion or flooding, may require a Corps of Engineer's permit as they could impact rivers, streams, wetlands and other aquatic resources.
To find more information about the permit process in your area, visit one of the following:
* Michigan and Northeast Indiana: https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/
* Illinois and Northwest Indiana: https://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/
* Northern Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York: https://www.lrb.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.aspx
Contact:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Emily Schaefer, 313-226-4681, Emily.R.Schaefer@usace.army.mil
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District
477 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
LREPAO@usace.army.mil - 313-226-4680
https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict/
http://www.lre.usace.army.mil
Eagle and Goose
March 10, 2021
The eagle was way out on the ice in the harbor, and the goose was way out also, but on a different piece of ice in the harbor. Normally, this editor does not use filters, but the eagle picture was difficult to see through the fog, so a little filtering was used on that one picture. The goose picture shows the unfiltered look, which is usually used.
The goose looked just a little bit lost walking around on the ice. The eagle had found a fish frozen in the ice (possibly), and maybe the goose was looking for the same thing?
John V. Runberg
In loving Memory of John V Runberg
January 18, 1929-September 20, 2020
Please join The Runberg family for a celebration of life, on Friday May 14, 2021 11am at Holy Cross Church
Burial to follow
Luncheon to be determined at a later date
Phyllis' Daily Weather
March 11, 2021
Windy morning, sunny skies, 45°, feels like 31°, wind is from the SW at 27 mph with gusts to 36 mph, humidity is at 76%, dew point is 38°, pressure is rising from 29.53 inches, cloud cover is 10%, and visibility is 10 miles. Today: Windy. Cloudy skies will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 46F. Winds WSW at 25 to 35 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph. Tonight: A few passing clouds. Low 29F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Wind Advisory from THU 6:00 AM EST until THU 6:00 PM EST
Action Recommended
Execute a pre-planned activity identified in the instructions
Issued By
Alpena/Gaylord - MI, US, National Weather Service
Affected Area
Emmet, Leelanau, Antrim, Western Chippewa, Western Mackinac, Eastern Mackinac, Beaver Island and surrounding islands and Charlevoix Counties
Description
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST THIS EVENING...
WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
WHERE...Emmet, Leelanau, Antrim, Western Chippewa, Western Mackinac, Eastern Mackinac, Beaver Island and surrounding islands and Charlevoix Counties.
WHEN...From 6 AM this morning to 6 PM EST this evening.
IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
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ON THIS DAY March 11, 2011, the largest earthquake ever recorded in Japan causes massive devastation, and the ensuing tsunami decimates the Tōhoku region of northeastern Honshu. On top of the already-horrific destruction and loss of life, the natural disaster also gives rise to a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The Fukushima disaster is considered the second-worst nuclear disaster in history, forcing the relocation of over 100,000 people.
During the emergency, each of the three operational nuclear reactors at the Fukushima plant shut down successfully, but the backup power and cooling systems failed. As a result, residual heat caused fuel rods in all three reactors to partially melt down. As crews searched the rubble for survivors and the nation reeled from the earthquake and ensuing tsunami, the nuclear disaster unfolded over the course of several days. Reactors 1 and 3 exploded on March 12 and 14, respectively, prompting the government to evacuate everyone within a 20km radius. Another explosion in the building housing Reactor 2 on March 15 released even more radiation, and thousands of people left their homes as workers used helicopters, water cannons and seawater pumps to try to cool the overheating facility.
The full extent of the fallout became apparent over the ensuing months, with the government eventually evacuating all residents within a 30km radius of the plant. No deaths were initially attributed to the incident, although this was of little comfort to the 154,000 who were evacuated or the loved ones of the more than 18,000 people who lost their lives as a result of the earthquake and tsunami. Some have suggested that such a large evacuation was not necessary, as radiation levels appear to have dropped below what was expected in the immediate wake of the accident.
Though many were able to return to their homes, a 371-square-kilometer “difficult-to-return zone” remains evacuated as of 2021, and the true toll may not be known for decades. In 2018, the government announced that former plant worker who had served during the meltdown was the first death officially attributed to radiation from the disaster, which today is considered second only to Chernobyl in the ranking of infamous nuclear incidents. (history.com)
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DID YOU KNOW today is NATIONAL FUNERAL DIRECTOR AND MORTICIAN RECOGNITION DAY
National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day on March 11th reminds us to thank the professionals who consider every need during the most difficult time in our lives.
Funeral directors and morticians dedicate their lives to helping us celebrate our loved ones. They bring together the memories and achievements of someone we’ve lost to death. With professional guidance and compassion, funeral directors help with every step of planning a funeral. While the news settles, these experts understand how emotional and stressful the process is.
Beyond their training, funeral directors know how to put people at ease. When we grieve, the pain of loss takes on many different faces. Funeral directors act as guides and help to fulfill the wishes of our loved ones. When the pain and suffering ends, the mortician and funeral director provide a sense of peace and unity at a time that can seem chaotic even at its best.
Funeral directors come equipped with a perfect skillset. Their compassion and excellent organizational skills guide us through a celebration of someone we loved dearly. Being a funeral director means being a good listener, a skill many of them have in spades.
They work hard to attain their skills, too. Both morticians and funeral directors study mortuary science attaining at least an associate degree or higher. Their degree is followed by a 1-3 year apprenticeship. Funeral directors must be licensed. (nationaldaycalendar.com)
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WORD OF THE DAY tutelary (TOO-tuh-lair-ee) which means:
1 : having the guardianship of a person or a thing
2 : of or relating to a guardian
Tutelary derives from the Latin noun tutelarius, meaning "guardian." Tutelarius, in turn, was formed by combining the word tutela ("protection" or "guardian") and -arius, a suffix that implies belonging and connection. A more familiar descendant of tutela in English might be tutelage, which initially referred to guardianship or protection, but came to be used to refer to teaching or influence. If you suspect that tutor is also related, you are correct. Tutelary can also be a noun referring to a power (such as a deity) who acts as a guardian. (merriam-webster.com)
Hubert J. McCauley Obituary
Hubert McCauley of Ormond Beach, known to his friends and family as “Hugh”, passed away on March 4, 2021 at the age of 82. He was born on April 22, 1938 on Beaver Island, Michigan to Peter and Elizabeth (Ricksgers) McCauley. After serving in the U.S. Army, Hugh had a career in the banking industry that lasted 38 years. He and his wife of 41 years, Ruth (Gauthier) McCauley' raised three children in Waterford, Michigan before retiring to Florida. After Ruth passed away, Hugh married Marie Boyle.
Hugh had a great sense of humor and was known for his quick wit. He loved history, graveling, polka music, playing cards, and was a connoisseur of beer. He was a proud longtime member of the Eagles Club and was a friend to many. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Hugh will lovingly be remembered by his wife Marie; children, Al (Gayle) McCauley, Sharyl (Mark) shill and Ed (Ellen) McCauley; grandchildren, Patrick, Emily, Brandon, Erica, Samantha, Casey and Bryan; great grandchildren, Lily, Adalie, Franks and John; his brotherWalter; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth; parents Peter and Elizabeth McCauley; siblings Rita (McCauley) Long, James and Charles McCauley; and sister-in-law Marilyn McCauley.
A memorial mass will be held on Monday, March 15 at 11:00 am at St Brendan’s Catholic Church, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd.
Donations may be made to St Brendan’s Catholic School
All I've Ever Known: Margaret Gallagher's Story
Made in 1992 by John Callister for BBC
View this video HERE
My thatched cottage without modern immenites....
Documentary I produced for the BBC in 1992 that has proven to be very popular from its first broadcast, and continues to attract interest from across the world in 2020. Margaret Gallagher from Belcoo, County Fermanagh, N. Ireland, enjoys her rural lifestyle, living without modern amenities. This was shot on 16mm film. It reached one million views by June 2019 without any advertising and those numbers continue to climb in 2020. Fantastic! Many thanks to all viewers and especially those who have left such kind comments. I was in touch with Margaret in 2019 and she is thrilled at the response. John Callister callister.tv
Weather by Joe
March 10, 2021
It's almost 9 a.m. on Beaver Island on Carlisle Road. We both slept in this morning. I just made the coffee and am trying to get woke up. The temperature is warm at 44 degrees. The pressure is 29.9. Visibility is ten miles. It is cloudy out there. While we expected it to be raining here starting at about 5 a.m., so far it's not raining even though the radar says it should be.
TODAY, it is expected to have periods of rain with the forecast saying 100% chance of rain. The wind will be out of the SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Expected rain amount is one inch.
TONIGHT, it is forecast for rain showers with a steady rain overnight. The low should be around 40 degrees with a thunderstorm possible. Chance of rain is 80%. Winds will continue from the SSW, but increase to 20 to 30 mph.
TOMORROW, it is forecast for the rain to end with a few clouds on and off. Wind will switch to the WSW and blow at 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph.
___________________________________
ON THIS DAY
On March 10, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signs a brief document officially promoting then-Major General Ulysses S. Grant to the rank of lieutenant general of the U.S. Army, tasking the future president with the job of leading all Union troops against the Confederate Army.
The rank of lieutenant general had not officially been used since 1798; at that time, President John Adams assigned the post to former President George Washington, in anticipation of a possible French invasion of the United States. One of Grant’s predecessors in the Civil War, Winfield Scott, had briefly earned the rank, but the appointment was only temporary—really, use of the rank had been suspended after George Washington’s death in 1799.
In 1862, Lincoln asked Congress to revive the rank of lieutenant general in order to distinguish between the general in charge of all Union forces and other generals of equal rank who served under him in the field. Congress also wanted to reinstate the rank of lieutenant general, but only if Lincoln gave the rank to Grant. Lincoln had other ideas.
Lincoln preferred to promote then-Commanding General Henry Halleck to lead the Union Army, which had been plagued by a string of ineffective leaders and terrible losses in battle. He was reluctant to promote Grant and risk boosting the general’s popularity; at the time Washington was abuzz with rumors that many northern senators were considering nominating Grant instead of Lincoln at the 1864 Republican National Convention. After Grant publicly dismissed the idea of running for the presidency, Lincoln submitted to Congress’ choice and agreed to give Grant the revived rank. As lieutenant general of the U.S. Army, Grant was answerable only to Lincoln. Well-respected by troops and civilians, Grant earned Lincoln’s trust and went on to force the South’s surrender in 1865.
Although Grant enjoyed a distinguished career in the military, he later wrote that he never consciously chose the life of a soldier. As a student at West Point, he never expected to graduate, let alone lead the entire U.S. Army in a desperate but ultimately successful struggle to preserve the Union.
In 1869, Grant became the 18th president of the United States.
WORD OF THE DAY
falicitate; verb; (fih-LISS-uh-tayt);
verb fih-LISS-uh-tayt
Prev
Next
Definition
1 archaic : to make happy
2 a : to consider happy or fortunate
b : to offer
congratulations
to
Did You Know?
Felix, a Latin adjective meaning "happy" or "fruitful," is the root of the English words felicity and felicitate. The former, which is by far the more common of the pair, refers to the state of being happy or to something that makes people happy; like felix itself, it's also used as a name. Felicitate has always played second fiddle to its cousin, but enjoyed more use in centuries past than it does today. At one time it functioned as an adjective meaning "made happy" (William Shakespeare used it this way in King Lear), but the adjective fell out of favor and is no longer in use. Felicitate today is most commonly used as a verb especially in the English of South Asia where its "to offer
congratulations
" meaning is often extended beyond simple
congratulations
to the honoring of someone with an award or prize.
(Merriam Webster and history dot com)
Peaine Planning and Board of Review Meetings
PTPC_Budget Proposal 2021-2022
PTPCagn031021SM
PTPCmin021120_DRAFT
sally Peaine MBOR 2021 Zoom Meeting Fri Mar 12
Peaine Township Regular Meeting
March 9, 2021, AT 7:00PM
Doug Tilly was off the island looking at a needed piece of equipment for the Transfer Station.
Ernie Martin...............Carla Martin
Vicky Smith.....................Travis Martin
View Meeting Packet HERE
View video of the meeting HERE
BI Emergency Services Authority Special Meeting
Thursday, March 11, 2021, @ 2:00 p.m
BIEMS AMENDED 20-21-PROPOSED2021-2022 BUDGET 03-04-21
BIESAagn031121_Draft3
Director's Report 022521
FIRE DEPARTMENT PROPOSED BUDGET 2021-2022 03-04-21
Deer Beginning to Move
March 8, 2021
View a small gallery of pictures HERE
A few deer have been moving in the fields and out of the swamp for a while, but today they were moving in larger groups. It was great to see them all moving together.
Phyllis/ Daily Weather
March 9, 2021
Sunny skies, 32°, feels like 37°, wind is from the SSE at 3 mph with gusts to 5 mph, humidity is at 87%, dew point is 28°, pressure is 30.33 inches, cloud cover is 10%, and visibility is 8 miles. Today: Sunshine and clouds mixed. Areas of patchy fog. High 46F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight. Low 41F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
_____________________________
ON THIS DAY March 9, 1959, the first Barbie doll goes on display at the American Toy Fair in New York City.
Eleven inches tall, with a waterfall of blond hair, Barbie was the first mass-produced toy doll in the United States with adult features. The woman behind Barbie was Ruth Handler, who co-founded Mattel, Inc. with her husband in 1945. After seeing her young daughter ignore her baby dolls to play make-believe with paper dolls of adult women, Handler realized there was an important niche in the market for a toy that allowed little girls to imagine the future.
Barbie’s appearance was modeled on a doll named Lilli, based on a German comic strip character. Originally marketed as a racy gag gift to adult men in tobacco shops, the Lilli doll later became extremely popular with children. Mattel bought the rights to Lilli and made its own version, which Handler named after her daughter, Barbara. With its sponsorship of the “Mickey Mouse Club” TV program in 1955, Mattel became the first toy company to broadcast commercials to children. They used this medium to promote their new toy, and by 1961, the enormous consumer demand for the doll led Mattel to release a boyfriend for Barbie. Handler named him Ken, after her son. Barbie’s best friend, Midge, came out in 1963; her little sister, Skipper, debuted the following year.
Over the years, Barbie generated huge sales—and a lot of controversy. On the positive side, many women saw Barbie as providing an alternative to traditional 1950s gender roles. She has had a series of different jobs, from airline stewardess, doctor, pilot and astronaut to Olympic athlete and even U.S. presidential candidate. Others thought Barbie’s never-ending supply of designer outfits, cars and “Dream Houses” encouraged kids to be materialistic. It was Barbie’s appearance that caused the most controversy, however. Her tiny waist and enormous breasts–it was estimated that if she were a real woman, her measurements would be 36-18-38–led many to claim that Barbie provided little girls with an unrealistic and harmful example and fostered negative body image.
Despite the criticism, sales of Barbie-related merchandise continued to soar, topping 1 billion dollars annually by 1993. Since 1959, over one billion dolls in the Barbie family have been sold around the world and Barbie is now a bona fide global icon. (history.com)
________________________________
DID YOU KNOW that in 1976 Hot Air BalloonsHot-air balloons flights over the state are legalized.
Governor William B. Milliken signed legislation that made manned hot-air balloon flights from and over Michigan legal. This law ended a ban over the sale and use of such balloons that had been in effect since 1931. (cmich.edu)
_______________________________
WORD OF THE DAY luminary (LOO-muh-nair-ee) which means:
1 : a person of prominence or brilliant achievement
2 : a body that gives light; especially : one of the celestial bodies
Allow us to shed some light on luminary. It came to English by way of Anglo-French and Late Latin, and it traces back to the Latin word lumen, meaning "light." Other lumen descendants in English include illuminate ("to light up"), luminous ("emitting light") and phillumenist ("one who collects matchbooks or matchbox labels"). Luminary has been shining its light in English since the 15th century. (merriam-webster.com)
BICS Board of Education
March 8, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
View board packet and info HERE
View video of the meeting HERE
Otter on the Ice?
March 8, 2021
Finally got the picture!
From BICOA
March 8, 2021
Hello friends,
To start this post, I was given a riddle to try. Riddle: You throw away the outside and cook the inside; then you eat the outside and throw away the inside…What is it?
Answer after the COA announcement.
There are less than 10 spots available for the March 31 Easter Dinner. Please call 448-2124 to reserve a meal for that day.
The photo attached to the post is the C.O.A March St. Patrick Bingo symbols for week’s one and two. Bingo cards are available at the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging office on Beaver Island. Cards are good for the whole month. Play until you get enough symbols to make a Bingo. All clients who get a Bingo are asked to bring the card to the COA office with your name and phone number to be entered in grand prize drawing.
I am going to take a chance and share this early. This information has not been fully confirmed; however, it appears the Beaver Island C.O.A. will have another 95 boxes with a combination of fresh fruit and vegetables in early April. This is not a sure thing and I will know more about these boxes at the end of March. I will keep COA clients informed about this possible box delivery.
I hope you all have a great week and I am available from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. each Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Monday, Tuesday and Saturday are by appointment only. Call 448-2124 to make an appointment if you are unable to reach me during regular hours.
Riddle: You throw away the outside and cook the inside; then you eat the outside and throw away the inside…What is it? Answer: Corn on the cob.
(From Lonnie Allen)
Peaine Township Planning Commission
Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 3:30 P.M.
View meeting notice and agenda HERE
Ducks, Ducks, and More Ducks
March 7, 2021
There seems to be more than a hoard of ducks, so many that they can't be counted, flying landing, moving around any open water they can find in the harbor area or outside the harbor. Most of the winter, the ducks are ignored by many, but some actually come to certain locations, knowing that they will be fed. Other ducks look for anything to eat, diving to the bottom in the shallower water or searching the non-snow covered ground for something to eat.
At the Edge
March 7, 2021
The ice shards are pretty with the sparkling like diamonds on the shoreline next to the water that is melted ice from the day before. Pretty to look at.
Now, instead of "at the edge," this photo for some of us may seem more like "on the edge." There must be some good fishing on the ice going on, or why would someone drive out on the ice to continue to fish on the edge of the deeper water?
Changing Ice
March 7, 2021
Some of the newer residents on Beaver Island have not had the experience of having the season of Spring visit, and then leave, and then come back to visit again. Here is the picture of the melting ice on the harbor seen on Friday.
Open water from Whiskey Point looking toward the public beach
Then the temperature dropped, and the smooth ice covered this open water, not only in the harbor, but also out from Whiskey Point.
Of course, it's Monday now, and all of this could change once again depending on the temperature over the next few days.
Sunset March 5th
The early evening began with a phone call telling the editor that there was an otter playing on the ice near the fishing dock. A quick trip into the harbor area did not reveal what the call was about, but a sunset over the harbor did.
Well, this was eye-catching, so a trip to Donegal Bay was in order to get the after-glow of the sunset.
It was worth the trip.
Phyllis/ Daily Weather
March 8, 2021
Started in 1986, our Advanced Life Support Service is made up of our new ALS ambulance, a back up ambulance, and our fully stocked rapid response vehicle that our Paramedics drive. We utilize Island Airways for our air ambulance. We have 2 full time paramedics and one part time Paramedic. The rest of our service is made up of volunteer MFR's and EMT's. Our MFR's go through about 80 hours of training, EMT's about 200 hours of training, and Paramedics approximately 2000 hours of training. Additionally there is continuous education required for every level of licensure, and additional certifications required for our Paramedics. Cody is an Instructor/Coordinator and can teach many of the educational requirements for our service.
Cody Randall
Kathleena Mason
Brian Meade
Donna Kubic
Andy Kohls
Kandi Randall
Deb Bousquet
Pam Moxham
Bill Kohls
Landon VanderRoest
Erin Randall
Neal Green
Brad McDonough
Bob Turner
Kevin White
Tammy LaFreniere
Gerald LaFreniere
Ron Marsh
Jordan Marsh
A complete history of BIEMS may be viewed HERE
__________________________
Clear skies this morning, 38°, feels like 28°, wind is from the SW at 13 mph with gusts to 22 mph, humidity is at 84%, dew point is 34°, pressure is 30.08 inches, cloud cover is 10%, and visibility is 10 miles. Today: Partly cloudy. High 41F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Tonight: Some clouds. Low 29F. Winds light and variable.
______________________________
ON THIS DAY Volkswagen, maker of the Beetle automobile, expands its product offerings to include a microbus, which goes into production on March 8, 1950. Known officially as the Volkswagen Type 2 (the Beetle was the Type 1) or the Transporter, the bus was a favorite mode of transportation for hippies in the U.S. during the 1960s and became an icon of the American counterculture movement.
The VW bus was reportedly the brainchild of Dutch businessman Ben Pon, an importer of Beetles to the Netherlands, who saw a market for a small bus and in 1947 sketched out his concept. Volkswagen engineers further developed the idea and in March 1950, the vehicle, with its boxy, utilitarian shape and rear engine, went into production. The bus eventually collected a number of nicknames, including the “Combi” (for combined-use vehicle) and the “Splittie” (for its split windshield); in Germany it was known as the “Bulli.” In the U.S., it was referred to by some as a hippie van or bus because it was used to transport groups of young people and their camping gear and other supplies to concerts and anti-war rallies. Some owners painted colorful murals on their buses and replaced the VW logo on the front with a peace symbol. According to “Bug” by Phil Patton, when Grateful Dead musician Jerry Garcia died in 1995, Volkswagen ran an ad featuring a drawing of the front of a bus with a tear streaming down it.
The bus was only the second product offering for Volkswagen, a company whose history dates back to the 1930s Germany. In 1933, Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany and announced he wanted to build new roads and affordable cars for the German people. At that time, Austrian-born engineer Ferdinand Porsche (1875-1951) was already working on creating a small car for the masses. Hitler and Porsche later met and the engineer was charged with designing the inexpensive, mass-produced Volkswagen, or “people’s car.” In 1938, work began on the Volkswagen factory, located in present-day Wolfsburg, Germany; however, full-scale vehicle production didn’t begin until after World War II.
In the 1950s, the Volkswagen arrived in the U.S., where the initial reception was tepid, due in part to the car’s historic Nazi connection as well as its small size and unusual rounded shape (which later led to it being dubbed the “Beetle”). In 1959, the advertising agency Doyle Dane Bernbach launched a groundbreaking campaign that promoted the car’s diminutive size as a distinct advantage to consumers, and over the next several years VW became the top-selling auto import in the U.S. In 1972, the VW Beetle passed the iconic Ford Model T as the world’s best-selling car, with over 15 million vehicles produced. (history.com)
_____________________________
DID YOU KNOW International Women’s Day on March 8th each year celebrates the social, economic, and political achievements of women around the world. The day also brings international awareness to gender parity. According to the World Economic Forum, global gender equality is estimated to be achieved by 2133.
Gender equality is the equal access to the same rights and opportunities regardless of gender. These rights and opportunities include:
healthcare
education
employment / economic gain
pay
protection under the law
right to vote
free from violence
Striving for Change
Holding Political Office
Just over 100 years ago, only .2 % of the United States Congress consisted of women. Actually, the 65th Congress was comprised of a single woman. In 1916, Montana elected Republican Jeannette Rankin as the first Congresswoman to hold a federal office. Fast forward to the year 2020 and women hold 23.7% of the U.S. Congressional seats. While that might seem like progress, according to United Nations statistics, the U.S. percentage matches exactly the worldwide average for women in political office.
Education
In many parts of the world, women are less likely to own land, a business, or attend school. Education alone is a powerful tool leading to financial independence for women. Their children reap the rewards, often for generations to come. Additionally, when the women of a community prosper, so does the community. Educated women and girls are more likely to educate their offspring. They also have a better understanding of healthcare and understand their rights.
Equal Pay
According to the United Nations, more than half of the world’s poorest people are women. International Women’s Day strives to bring economic power to women who are not allowed to work for pay or work for low wages. And despite strides in industrialized countries, there is still work to do there, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalWomensDay
Around the world, organizations, communities, and individuals organize events focused on the mission of gender parity, celebrating the achievements of women worldwide and education.
Attend a lecture, seminar, or festival.
Organize an event.
Speak or perform at a local fundraiser.
Participate in a march for women’s equal rights.
Learn about the women who paved the way for many of the rights and freedoms we have today.
Become involved in your local, state, or national political system.
Invite others to join you, including other women, sons, brothers, sisters, and daughters.
Share your job skills at a local career fair.
Celebrate all month long. It is also National Women’s History Month.
Use #InternationalWomensDay when posting on Social Media.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY HISTORY
International Women’s Day origins can be traced back to the early 1900s when women became more politically active. They took an invested and vocal role in steering their course toward voting rights, fair pay, improved working conditions, and representation under the law.
___________________________________
WORD OF THE DAY pivot (PIV-ut) which means:
1 : a shaft or pin on which something turns
2 a : a person, thing, or factor having a major or central role, function, or effect
b : a key player or position; specifically : an offensive position of a basketball player standing usually with back to the basket to relay passes, shoot, or provide a screen for teammates
3 : the action of pivoting; especially : the action in basketball of stepping with one foot while keeping the other foot at its point of contact with the floor
Pivot is a French borrowing that slowly evolved grammatically in the English language. It began as a noun in the 14th century designating a shaft or pin on which something turns ("The chair turns on a pivot"). Later it was applied to any central person or thing around which action revolves. The noun then came to denote the action of turning about, oscillating, or balancing on or as if on a point ("the pivot of the golfer's body"; "a pivot in advertising strategy"). Adjectival use followed, always functioning as a synonym of the derivative pivotal describing things that are the pivot, that are vitally important or critical ("a pivot decision"). The word evolved yet again in the 19th century to become a verb indicating the act of turning, literally and figuratively, about a point ("The player pivoted and passed the ball"; "The plot pivots on revenge"). In wider extended use, it can imply a change of direction ("The company pivoted towards marketing remote learning tools and resources"). (merriam-webster.com)
Mass from Holy Cross
March 7, 2021
Father Peter Wigton was the celebrant.
Bill McDonough was the reader.
View video of the Mass HERE
Beaver Island Christian Church Service
March 7, 2021
Judi Meister did announcements and played a Prelude
Susan Oole and Bill Detwhiler did the readings
Pastor Lee Bracey did the sermon and lead the prayers
View Video of the Service HERE
Disappointment
by Cindy Ricksgers
Hubert J. McCauley, RIP
Hubert J. McCauley passed away on March 4, 2021. More will be posted when it becomes available.
Kathleen Richards, RIP
From Adam Richards
We will having a funeral for my mother, Kathleen Richards, on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 11am. The mass will take place at St Patrick's - St. Anthony's in Grand Haven, MI. I will post a link for a video feed once I have it.
"IRELAND: THE SOUL OF EUROPE"
WED MARCH 17 @ 7 p.m.
A Live online event. Slideshow, video, storytelling and poetry celebrating the singular inspirational role of this Celtic Island Nation today. We’ll travel from Dublin sites that recall the Famine and celebrate the 1916 Easter Rebellion, to the ancient portal tombs of Sligo, where the grave of W.B Yeats lies beneath the Cailleach of Beara, the Wild Winter Grandmother of the Mountains. Our journey will end with a pilgrimage to Arranmore Island, origin place of the exiles who became present-day families of Beaver Island. You will see amazingly beautiful landscapes, meet some of the 400 proud residents of Arranmore who are kith and kin with, and twinned forever with Michigan’s “Emerald Isle”, and hear an elder Irish Bard tell the true tale of the Ghost Giant of Arranmore.
To get tickets to this even, click HERE
Beaver Island Community School Weekly Update
Friday, March 5, 2021
Islander Basketball Splits Mackinac Games!
What a joy it was to see our athletes play here in on Beaver Island yesterday! The girls’ team came back from a deficit and got within three points in the last two minutes of the game, creating a battle against the clock at the end. The boys’ team dominated throughout the game, giving a chance for every Islander athlete to get some quality playing time and win handily 54 to 40. We also honored our senior athletes and their parents yesterday. Special thanks to the parents of Quintan DeLaat, Zander Drost, Zander Holmes, Jessica LaFreniere, Skylar Marsh, Mackenzie Martin, and Elisha Richards. Thank you parents for having these wonderful children and cheering them on the field and court! Thank you to all the spectators for keeping your masks on and food and drink out of the gymnasium yesterday. Thank you to Joe Moore for live-streaming the games so those at home could keep up with the action! The Islanders play Big Bay on next Tuesday (girls) and Wednesday (boys). Go Islanders!
CMU Bio Station Classes
We are so lucky to have the Central Michigan Biological Station here on Beaver Island! This summer, the CMUBS is offering several classes, including water quality chemistry, field biology, observational astronomy, and stream ecology. Attached you will find a flyer with information on all the courses, many of which can be taken as a non-credit workshop so you don’t have to be an CMU student. BIO 100z is a three credit university course for high school students, but anyone could take it if they wish (this flyer is attached as well). There are scholarships available for BICS high school students who would like to take BIO 100z—but the deadline is March 15th, so contact me ASAP if you are interested. Again, these are great courses and I encourage high school students and all parents to take advantage of this great opportunity!
Help the Library and the Historical Society Win a Grant to Digitize the Beaver Beacon! The Beaver Island District Library and the Beaver Island Historical Society have applied to CMU’s Clark Historical Library for a grant to digitize copies of the Beaver Beacon from 1955 to 2001. This is a competitive grant against the other three finalists…and Beaver Island wins by getting the most votes! There are two ways to vote. The first is Twitter and the second is by sending a post card. To vote by Twitter, post a tweet that has the hashtag #DigBeaverIsland. You can send as many tweets as you like (yes, you can vote often!). To vote by postcard, send any postcard of Beaver Island to:
Clarke Historical Library
250 E. Preston St.
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
Make sure you include the #DigBeaverIsland on your postcard to make sure that the Beaver Beacon gets credit for your vote. Postcard votes can be sent between March 15th and March 21st. Tweet votes can be tweeted between March 22nd and March 28th.
COVID-19 Travel Considerations
As families finalize plans for spring break, I’d like to remind everyone of the Health Department of Northwest Michigan’s travel safety recommendations: limit indoor gatherings, wear a mask at all times around people not in your household, maintain social distance, and wash your hands often. We can do these things to stay healthy and still have fun!
Have a Great Weekend!
CMU 2021 Summer Classes FLYER
CMU BIO 100Z class flyer 2021
Vote for BIDL
This was for a grant to have the Beaver Beacon digitally scanned and accessible through the Clarke Historical Library at CMU. (from the library)
Dear Applicants:
We’re pleased to announce that your institutions have been selected to be the four finalists in this year’s newspaper digitizing competition. Congratulations to all!
#DigBeaverIsland — Beaver Island District Library,
Beaver Island Historical Society — @LibraryBeaver
#DigBelleville — Belleville Area District Library — @bellevillearea1
#DigMonroe — Monroe County Museum System — @monroecomuseum
#DigDioceseOfSaginaw — Roman Catholic Diocese of Saginaw —@DoS_News
An announcement to the public will be made on Friday, March 6 via Twitter @DigMichNews. Please feel free to promote your newspaper(s) after this announcement has been made. The essay response in your application will be posted on the Clarke Historical Library website. Please take a look at it and if any edits are needed, please let us know; we are happy to fix them for you. You will soon receive social media graphics and a customized flyer to help you promote your newspaper. As you recall from the rules, the winner will be selected by a public vote, conducted via Twitter, with an option for voting by postcards individually mailed to the Clarke Historical Library (or, in case of hand-drawn postcards, mailed as a group). Twitter voting will take place between March 22 and March 28. Postcard votes must be postmarked between March 15 and March 21 and received by March 28. Neither early nor late votes will be accepted.
The best thing you could do to familiarize yourselves with past contests is search Twitter for #DigSparta, #DigSaugatuck, and #DigMichNews. But for now, congratulations, and start thinking about how you can engage your community and make the newspaper you nominated the ultimate winner.
Best of luck,
Megan Farrell
Digital Project Manager
Clarke Historical Library
Central Michigan University
2021 DigMichNews - finalist Congrats Flier
dig_mich_vote_poster_2021
finalist flyer_BeaverIsland_2021
BITA Meeting
NOTICE OF THE BEAVER ISLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
REGULARLY SCHEDULED BOARD MEETING
TO BE HELD Both Electronically and in Person
March 9, 2021, @12 noon
View meeting notice and info HERE
Basketball - Both Games - Entire Afternoon
Islanders and Lady Islanders........Lakers and Lady Lakers
View video of the whole afternoon HERE
Islanders vs Lakers
March 4, 2021
The visiting Lakers and their coach came to Beaver Island a little later than the Lady Lakers. They arrived after the Lady Lakers began playing. The Lakers is a young team, but one of their players was amazing at the three point and long two point shots. The Islanders were taller and faster than the Lakers in this game, and the Islanders won the game.
The 2021 Islander basketball team
The 2021 Laker basketball team
View video of this game HERE
Seniors' Parents' Recognition
March 4, 2021
The games for which this recognition was previously scheduled had been canceled due to the COVID exposure of two teams for the first one, and the weather for the second one, but between the two games on March 4, 2021, the ceremony took place. The seniors and their parents were recognized at this ceremony.
View a small gallery of pictures HERE
View video of this ceremony HERE
Lady Islanders vs Lady Lakers
March 4, 2021
This was the last home game for the Lady Islanders for the basketball season. The COVID pandemic has certainly messed with the seniors on Beaver Island at least as far as some student activities. With two teams of the Northern Lights League being quarantined due to the virus, the BICS teams have only had two home games this year, but that didn't put any lack of enthusiasm in the spectators, who were there to support the teams.
While the Lady Islanders did not win this game, they played clean and were good sports in their loss. Congratulations to the Lady Islanders! Your community supports you!
The Lady Islanders played the first game of the day.
Lady Islanders' team.....Lady Lakers' team
As always, the sporting event begins with the pledge.
A shout out to Skylar Marsh from her family
Our scorekeepers and our game officials
View video of this game HERE
Beaver Island Historical Society Presents
In honor of Women's History Month the Historical Society is hosting Ladies of the Lights for a special presentation on Sunday, March 21, 2021 @ 4 PM. There is no charge for admission, a freewill donation of $10 is suggested. To make a donation please visit: https://www.beaverislandhistory.org/donation/
Ladies of the Lights: They were women before their time, taking on the romantic, yet dangerous and physically demanding job of tending to the beacons that protected the shoreline. In all, some 40 women have been identified who excelled in this profession over the years — dating back as early as the 1840s and as recent as present day. Nearly 70 images of keepers, their families and their lights make up this presentation. The program includes readings from newspapers and autobiographies, as well as handouts including the list of featured ladies and additional reading references for attendees.
Lori Taylor-Blitz, BIHS Executive Director, is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: BIHS PRESENTS: LADIES OF THE LIGHTS
Time: Mar 21, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 853 3854 9483
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Beaver Island Rural Health Center Board of Directors
37304 Kings Hwy Beaver Island, MI 49782
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
NOTICE OF MEETING TO BE HELD ELECTRONICALLY, BEAVER ISLAND RURAL HEALTH CENTER, BEAVER ISLAND, CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, MICHIGAN To: The residents and property owners of Peaine and St. James Townships, Charlevoix County, Michigan, and any other interested parties. Please take notice that a meeting of the Beaver Island Rural Health Center Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, March 4th, 2021 at 4:00pm by electronic remote access; see included agenda. Electronic remote access, in accordance with Michigan law, will be implemented in response to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and limitations on the number of individuals in a meeting hall.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CALL IN TO ATTEND THE ZOOM SPECIAL MEETING AS FOLLOWS:
Meeting Link:
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Meeting ID: 832 0387 5422
Passcode: 561167
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Member of the Board of Directors may be contacted prior to the meeting at the following:
Frank D’Andraia, President: francisdiandraia@gmail.com
Diane McDonough, Vice President: mcdonoughdiane11@yahoo.com
Ed Troutman, Treasurer: beavertrout@comcast.net
Carla Martin, Secretary: martincarla254@gmail.com
Cody Randall: codyrandall21@live.com
Kate Leese: kleese@kineticscompany.com
Kellie Sopczyknski, KSopczynski@versiti.org
Laurence Birch: laurencepbirch@gmail.com
Lori Taylor-Blitz: bihistory.director@gmail.com
Beaver Island Rural Health Center Board of Directors Special Meeting to be held on Thursday March 4th, 2021 at 4:00pm
I. Call To Order & Declaration of Location
II. Presentation and Question/Answer Session with Chip Hansen, President, Charlevoix County Community Foundation
III. Public Comment
IV. Adjournment
** In order to facilitate access to the remote meeting, BIRHC will reimburse any member of the public who is charged by their phone provider for this call in the amount of the actual charge for this call upon presentation of a bill to the Secretary demonstrating an itemized charge for this call. This does not apply to members of the public who have unlimited calling plans through their phone provider. **
In addition, you may submit any comments that you have prior to the meeting (to be read at the meeting) to the following address:
Beaver Island Rural Health Center
Attention Board of Directors-President
37304 Kings Hwy
Beaver Island, MI 49782
The BIRHC will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities upon 72 hours advance notice by contacting Carla Martin, Secretary, by email, phone, or mail at the following:
PO Box 91
Beaver Island, MI 49782
peainetownshipclerk@yahoo.com
231-448-3540
View the Slideshow for this meeting HERE
View video of this meeting HERE
BICS Committee of the Whole
March 3, 2021
View video of the Zoom meeting HERE
CMU Biological Center to Offer Classes this Summer
2021 Summer Classes FLYER
astronomy class flyer 2021 (003)
2021 CMUBS Course Schedule
Time Sensitive Survey
Share Your Experience With Storm And Climate Events In An Indiana University Survey
Dear Great Lakes Community Member:
It’s important for community members in the Great Lakes to be aware of and able to prepare for the risk and impact of storms and climate concerns. Dr. Diane Henshel at Indiana University is working to do exactly this. Indiana University researchers in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the United States Coastal Research Program, are surveying households across the Great Lakes watershed to better understand risk, vulnerability, and resilience to storm and climate events.
Your thoughtful answers to the survey are critical. The Indiana University research team will analyze the results to identify vulnerability and resilience and develop guidance to help communities. This is an excellent opportunity for you to provide feedback on the impacts of storm and climate events on your household.
We’d appreciate your response by March 12, 2021. This survey will take approximately 25 minutes to complete. Your answers are anonymous, and the data gathered will be released only as summaries. You may begin the survey by clicking on the following link.
Link: https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3rephDk9fC6QWEK
After you complete the survey, click the link to enter to win one of twenty-five $25 Amazon gift cards.
If you have questions or comments about the survey, please contact Dr. Diane Henshel at dhenshel@indiana.edu.
Thank you for providing information on risk, vulnerability, and resilience to storms and climate concerns in the Great Lakes region!
Sincerely,
Diane Henshel
GLIA Minutes February
ST. JAMES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Updated 3/2/2021 at 3 p.m.
Please use this link for the SJPC meeting tonight. The original link sent out a couple of weeks ago was corrupt and disappeared from the calendar. All platforms have been updated.
Reattached are the packet files for your convivence. The packet files for a proposed Elks discussion were removed from the agenda and tabled for a future meeting.
Topic: St. James Planning Commission
Time: Mar 2, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 867 9889 2198
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Meeting ID: 867 9889 2198
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kWYLRXLE0
Lori Taylor-Blitz is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: St. James Planning Commission
Time: Mar 2, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 867 9889 2198
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Meeting ID: 867 9889 2198
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kWYLRXLE0
03021_SJPC_Agenda_Final
020221_SJPC_Draft Minutes_V1
Food Truck Analysis 2021
View video of the meeting HERE
St. James Meeting Documents
March 3, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom
2021-03-03-01 Resolution Setting Board Salaries Supervisor
2021-03-03-02 Resolution Setting Board Salaries Clerk
2021-03-03-03 Resolution Setting Board Salaries Treasurer
2021-03-03-04 Resolution Setting Board Salaries Trustees
2021-03-03-05 Resolution Designating Social District
Dock Seasonal Slip Assignment Policy - March 2021 Draft
monthlyfinancereport3march2021
SJTBagn030321
social district map - draft
supervisorslens3March2021
Budget 321
Draft Minutes 2321 regular meeting
Draft Minutes for February24 2021 Special Meeting
Payroll 2221-3221
Bills for approval 2221-3221
View video of the meeting HERE
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Search for Rental or Otherfrom Kelly BeckerISO year-round rental options, land contract, rent-to-own, or fabulous home purchase options beginning late May, by June 1, 2021, needed. Please feel free to message me on Facebook Messenger, private message me, text or call me at 269-377-5049.
Welcome to the March 2021 Edition of the Beaver Island Christian Church Newsletter10 a.m. SUNDAY SERVICE VISITING PASTORS March 7, 14, 21, 28 – Pastor Lee Bracey |
Veteran's Park Flags at Half Staff
The flags at the Veterans Memorial Park will be at 1/2 staff for the following week in honor of Rollie Cull and John E. Carey, veterans of the US Army.
Bob Tidmore
AMVETS Post 46
From Charlevoix County COA
March 1, 2021
Good Morning,
Just a note to keep you up to date on what is going on with the COA and to respond to requests for more information. Please find attached the March 2021 Senior Hi-Lites Newsletter. Should you have ANY questions about program requirements or qualifications, please contact Lonnie our Site Coordinator on Beaver Island or Sheri Shepard in the COA Office.
We have had no one this month express interest in the Wellness Check program partnered with the Sheriff’s Department this month.
The recommendation for Advisory Board Meetings at this time is to not meet in person and should there be a time when a meeting is needed, it will be held via ZOOM until further notice.
All Mainland Senior Centers are still CLOSED at this time, but meals and services are still being provided just in a different format.
Beaver Island COA Office Updates:
The BI COA Office is located at 26466 Donegal Bay Rd will now be open daily with new protocols in place for the safety of those visiting and our staff. The phone number is 231-448-2124.
The COA will continue to send emergency frozen meals for seniors to pre-purchase at the BI COA Office as needed during the COVID-19 crisis though the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Aging & Adult Services Agency Recommendations – Risk Level A. Our county is currently at Risk Level E.
Meal Voucher Program update:
Nutritional Program Participation for the following locations has been approved by the Charlevoix County Commissioners
- Beaver Island Community School
- Dalwhinnie Bakery and Deli
- The Shamrock – WELCOME BACK!!!!
Other COA Updates:
Lonnie has been really getting creative on how to better engage and entertain our aging adults on Beaver Island during this time of pandemic. We want to keep you safe but also understand the challenges of isolation and loneliness. We appreciate your patience and understanding that things need to be different, but we are still trying to support you when we can in a safe way.
Upcoming Zoom Activities from the mainland though all are encouraged to participate…
- Thursday, March 11 @ 1PM Caregiver Support Group
**Join us by calling your Center for details and an email invite**
March BI Activities…
- Beaver Island – Weekly Leprechaun Hunts, St. Patrick Day themed bingo, Drive though Easter Dinner…..Call Lonnie for more info at 231-448-2124
Tax Prep information through NMCAA…
The following is information on what is happening with tax preparation this year. Due to the Covid pandemic there is not in person tax prep. Please be sure to call 1-800-632-7334 ext. 3 to request a tax preparation packet to be completed before you drop off your taxes. Drop off locations are: NMCAA, 2240 Mitchell Park Drive Unit A, Petoskey MI. The other 3 locations are in Honor, Cadillac, and Traverse City. There is also a drop off in Charlevoix at the First Baptist Church of Charlevoix (06781 M66 North) on Tuesdays only starting on February 9, 9AM-1PM.
Online/DIYmyfreetaxes.com
For do-it-yourselfers we recommend MyFreeTaxes.com, an easy, fast, self-facilitated tax program backed by H&R Block software, the IRS VITA Tax grant program, and the United Way. For simple returns, it offers free filing for those with income 72K or less. For self-employed returns and incomes above 72K, there is a very low filing fee.
Virtual tax prep
Though we are not taking in-person appointments, we have several virtual tax preparation options available. Follow these steps to get started:
- Download and complete the Tax Prep Packet Important: NMCAA will not process any tax returns without this paperwork complete. (This information is on their website www.nmcaa.net)
- Once completed, return your filled-in paperwork and supporting documents by fax, mail, email, or drop box. Detailed instructions on where to submit your documents will be provided in the Tax Prep Packet (above).
- After submitting your documents, our tax preparers will complete your return. A copy of the prepared return will be mailed/emailed once completed. You will have a chance to review the return before it is submitted to the IRS (please allow one week or less for this process). If our preparers have any questions during the preparation of your return, you will be contacted directly.
Questions? Contact us! (800) 632-7334 #3 taxes@nmcaa.net
I wish you all on the island to Be Safe and to Be Well!
Amy Wieland <wielanda@charlevoixcounty.org>
View Senior Hi-Lites HERE
Wind and Waves
March 2, 2021
At only five feet off the ground, the wind gauge at the corner of Carlisle Road and King's Highway shows the highest gust of wind, remember only five feet off the ground, of 28 mph. The further south you go on the island, and that location was at Iron Ore Bay, the wind was gusting to 45 mph with huge waves coming in to the shoreline. The tops of the waves out a hundred yards from shore were being blown off by the wind. Several pictures were taken as the trip to the South End was taken near 4 p.m. today.
Headed to the south end with views of the shoreline waves and splashes
Headed to Iron Ore Bay
Iron Ore Bay gave some wild spray, getting the camera wet.
The camera was level. It's the trees that were bent at an angle by the wind.
Some more waves on the southeast side of the island.
Almost calm seas at the Bill Wagner Memorial Campground beach.
View video of the wind and waves HERE
WWTV/WWUP- Preserving History: Saving the Squaw Island Lighthouse
This was an amazing video done by Corey Adkins. The call to him came from Brian Cole, and the project to restore the Squaw Island Lighthouse is quite the amazing and wonderful project documented by Corey Adkins. It can be viewed at the following link:
View the video HERE
Help Clean Up the Island
February 26, 2021
Link to the Joes' Junk website HERE
BI COA Announces Addition
Beginning on March 1, 2021, there will be another location available for seniors to get senior meals. Some island seniors have been waiting for this announcement for quite a while and are quite happy about it. Joining in for the senior meals is the Shamrock Restaurant owned by Hodgson Enterprises. This will be joining the other locations of Dahlwhiine's and the school lunch program.
From BICOA:
Hello friends,
The Charlevoix County Commission on Aging on Beaver Island is pleased to announce that on March 1, 2021, the Shamrock Bar and Restaurant will accept COA meal vouchers.
The Shamrock’s COA menu will be available daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. – 2p.m. and dinner is available from 5-8 p.m.
Also, from 10 a.m. – 2p.m. on Saturday and Sunday the Shamrock will offer COA breakfast during and its regular lunch menu During their weekend brunch.
For questions about the menu or hours call the Shamrock at 448-2278 or information about COA meal vouchers call 448-2124.
I would like to remind all COA clients using the meal voucher program that only one voucher per day can be used. Please do not eat at one establishment for breakfast, lunch or dinner and then go to another establishment for another meal. These actions will not be tolerated by the COA. Questions about the policy can be directed to Lonnie at 448-2124 or the main office in Charlevoix at (231) 237-0103.
Grace and peace be with you,
Lonnie Allen
Site Coordinator, Beaver Island COA
Charlevoix County Beaver Island
Building coordinator/Maintenance assistant
(231) 448-2124
allenl@charlevoixcounty.org
Chief Tim McDonough for BIFD
February 25, 2021
As part of the Project Read, the interviews of heads of different agencies and organizations are interviewed. Tim McDonough is the chief of the fire department here on Beaver Island, and he was asked to provide some history of the department as well as future plans and future training. Thank you, Chief!
View video of the interview HERE
BIESA Minutes
Thursday, December 17, 2020
BIWMC Minutes
February 23, 2021 at NOON
Font Lake Park Project
February 25, 2021
Peaine Township is applying for a grant to improve the Font Lake Park behind the Peaine Township building. The information about the grant and the budget for this project are presented below.
Font Lake Park
Attachment 1 Font Lake Resolution 2021 (1)
Beaver Island Waste Management Committee-Special Meeting
Time: Feb 23, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time
Budget Report for WM Meeting 2 23 2021
WM Feb 23 2021 Special Meeting Notice Agenda
minutes januray - waste management
The Waste Management Committee met today at noon. Some of the most important priorities were discussed including working with Joe's Junk group, moving toward single stream recycling, getting the metal crusher here to the island, and figuring out how to dispose of tires. Many of those on the committee have put in hours of work moving these items forward. Some of them may be worked on and preparations for some steps in the process are to take place this month and moving into the March. The major priority are the metal items and the education process of the customers of the transfer station.
View video of the meeting HERE
From St. James Supervisor
February 16, 2021
In 2017, St James Township on Beaver Island was awarded a C3F grant of $5,250 to hire a consultant to write a Recreation Plan for the township, and to position itself to submit proposals to potential grantors to improve and promote access to recreational sites for residents and visitors. The township leveraged the original $5,250 grant into nearly $3 million in grants and gifts over the last few years. Through state, tribal, and private grants and gifts, the following improvements are completed or underway: a new bathhouse and electricity at the campground, 500’ of harbor front property protected, electrical upgrades at two marina locations, improved boat launch and fuel pier, new marina office, and upgraded bathhouse at the public marina. We congratulate St. James Township on their extensive success!
(from the Charlevoix Community Foundation)
Commission on Aging Updates
Hello friends,
Here is a joke to start today’s conversation. What’s the difference between a hippo and a Zippo? I will have the answer posted at the end of this post.
The Charlevoix County Commission on Aging on Beaver Island now has Beaver Island Community School lunch menus and order sheets available online to print off and return to the COA office or they can be picked up at the COA office.
Valentine Bingo will wrap up next week. If you picked up a bingo card and got a bingo please return those cards to the COA office by noon on Friday, Feb. 26. If you still want to play all call symbols are available in the COA office along with Bingo cards. You can take a card and the sheet with this month’s call symbols on it home and mark your card to see if you got a bingo. All cards should be returned with name and contact number on them for the prize drawings.
I have had one couple contact me for the Not so Newlywed Game. We are looking for four couples who are age 60 and older to participate in the game show activity. The planned activity is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, at the Beaver island Community Center. For more information call 448-2124.
In March, I will prepare a COA Easter Dinner for Beaver Island Commission on Aging clients. The meal is limited to 50 people and will require pre-registration. To register for the Easter Dinner please stop by or call the COA office. Registration for the dinner will end at noon on March 19, 2021 or earlier if the 50 person registration is reached. The menu includes honey baked ham, roasted vegetable, au gratin potatoes, dinner roll and dessert served with milk or juice. The meal will be drive-thru pickup only taking place between 4-5 p.m. on March 31.
What’s the difference between a hippo and a Zippo? One’s really heavy; the other’s a little lighter.
March COA order form
March COA Calendar
A Video from the Past
copyright 2004 by Phillip Michael Moore
About seventeen years ago, the director of Beaver Island EMS was Joe Moore. His son Phillip Michael Moore was in a Master's Degree program in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant. It just so happened that the video project for his degree was to be a documentary about BIEMS and the need for a local air ambulance. His video was very professionally done.
It also happened that his grandfather, Phil Gregg, happened to have a heart attack while Michael was on the island filming for this documentary. Lots of volunteer EMS people are shown in this video, along with some of the patients, of course with their permission. The documentary was completed in 2004, prior to the second paramedic class taught on Beaver Island, so some of the current EMS providers were not in this documentary.
At the time of the filming, BIEMS was a volunteer EMS agency with people getting paid only a small amount for each emergency to help cover their gas expenses for participating in an emergency call. Some of them are listed here: Jim Stambaugh, Tim McDonough, Cindy Cushman, Gerald LaFreniere, and others. The "32 Miles of Water" title of the documentary referred to the miles from Beaver Island to the mainland hospitals of Charlevoix and Petoskey.
The Beaver Island community is so fortunate to now have Island Airways with a FAA certified air ambulance that has been operating for more than ten years now. At the time this video was made, the only emergency flights were done by Northflight EMS out of Traverse City, Michigan, or the US Coast Guard helicopter, also out of Traverse City. Sarah McCafferty was the EMS director and then Danielle Dedloff when the BIEMS licensed the Welke Aviation 866JA Britten Norman Islander aircraft with the State of Michigan as an air transport vehicle under the BIEMS agency license. This is the most efficient method of getting a patient off Beaver Island and to a hospital when an emergency occurs.
The concern 17 years ago was the time necessary to get the patient to the mainland hospital with the Golden Hour being the popular EMS period of getting the patient to the operating room within this 60 minute period of time. With the flight time from Traverse City to Beaver Island being almost an hour, this Golden Hour was taken up just getting the aircraft here. Now, with the Island Airways aircraft here on the island, the time to Charlevoix Airport or Harbor Springs Airport is less than 20 minutes or less than half the time to get the plane to the island from Traverse City.
The modern advanced life support agency, completed by a locally based air transport capability makes the island quite capable of transporting a patient within this Golden Hour, but only if the local aircraft and local pilot are available. Thank you, Paul Welke and Island Airways for you commitment to helping BIEMS accomplish this goal.
This video is seventeen years old, or thereabouts, but the accomplishments can still be applauded. Great job and thank you to all the volunteers that allowed this service to accomplish many successes. It has only been four and half years that the BIEMS is now a paid paramedic ALS agency, and the same challenges are still with us here today. The work of all those in the past to get this system set up in an efficient manner cannot be ignored. Great job to all the volunteers!
View this documentary from 2004 HERE
BITA Meeting Schedule
View/download HERE
Beaver Island Community Players
Interview with Jacque LaFreniere on 1/19/2021
View video of the interview HERE
Ways to Give to BIRHC
The Beaver Island Rural Health Center raises only 28% of the funding it needs to operate from patient and insurance payments. The rest comes from property taxes, grants and donations.
There are several ways you can support the Health Center and the essential services it provides:
Amazon Smile
Did you know that much more funding than just patient payments are needed to support our health center operations? We are now a registered charitable organization on Amazon Smile! When you designate BIRHC as your charitable organization and shop through Smile.Amazon.com, Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to the Health Center. Amazon Smile is the same Amazon you know… same products, same prices, same service. Support the Beaver Island Rural Health Center by shopping at smile.amazon.com.
To do this, go to http://www.Smile.Amazon.com, and enter “Beaver Island Rural Health Center” as your charity of choice. Then shop under “Smile.Amazon.com” when purchasing products. Every bit counts!
AmazonSmile: You shop. Amazon gives.
smile.amazon.com
The BIRHC Special Projects Fund
This fund is held with the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. Its purposes are twofold: To fund new and improved programs and to serve as a contingency fund from which the board can borrow to operate the Health Center during times of negative cash flow. This is especially important due to the seasonal fluctuations of property tax receipts and patient revenue. The Special Projects Fund is always kept in liquid investments that do not vary with market conditions. This fund can be spent down to zero in emergency situations. To contribute to this fund click on the Charlevoix County Community Foundation link below and follow the site’s instructions. Specify “BIRHC Special Projects Fund” in the appropriate box on the page.
The BIRHC Endowment Fund
This fund is a permanent endowment fund also held at the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. It was the brainchild of the late Dr. Phil Lange. It is invested under the direction of the Community Foundation’s Finance Committee, is designed to grow over time, and is subject to the Foundation’s spending policy, which provides an annual distribution to the BIRHC. Because the fund is endowed, the principal can never be invaded. So donating to the BIRHC Endowment is a way to “do good forever.” The long-term goal of the BIRHC Board is to build a 1.5 million dollar endowment that could eliminate the current need to hold several yearly fundraisers in order to keep the Health Center doors open. Endowment Fund donations of $10,000 or more are recognized with engraved plaques on the “Legacy Tree” wall sculpture located in the reception area of the health Center. Gifts can be paid over up to five years.
Checks, made payable to the “Charlevoix County Community Foundation,” with BIRHC Endowment on the memo line, can be sent to the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 718, East Jordan, MI 49727. Contributions can also be made online at www.c3f.org.
(from biruralhealth.org)
BITA Meeting Schedule
View/download HERE
Transfer Station Website Up and Running
August 19, 2020
View the website HERE
Transfer Station Prices Increase 10/1/2020
Due to some large increases of the American Waste company, the transfer station prices will need to be increased. There is a list here that you can see the increased prices beginning on the first of October 2020.
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY TRANSIT SERVICE HOURS/INFORMATION ON BEAVER ISLAND
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY TRANSIT IS COMMITTED TO ASSISTING RESIDENTS OF CHARLEVOIX COUNTY REMAIN HEALTHY AND SAFE.
DAYS/HOURS OF SERVICE MONDAY-FRIDAY 10:30AM – 2:30PM
DISPATCH OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00AM - 4:00PM
231-582-6900 OR 1-844-792-6900
FARE RATES DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS:
PASSENGER RIDES:
Seniors Free (thank you Commission on Aging)
19-59 Years Old $2.00
3-18 Years Old $1.50
Students $1.00 (discounted fare going to/from school only)
Under 3 Years Old Free with adult rider
SERVICES AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE DURING BUSINESS HOURS:
DELIVERY OF MEALS, GROCERIES, PET FOOD (UNDER 25#), ETC. THROUGH DECEMBER 31
DELIVERY OF PRESCRIPTIONS THROUGH DECEMBER 31
DELIVERY OF MAIL THROUGH DECEMBER 31
DELIVERY OF OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS THROUGH DECEMBER 31
PREMIUM RIDES/DELIVERIES AVAILABLE OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS HOURS $10 PER PERSON/DELIVERY PER TRIP (based on driver availability)
WE SUGGEST PRE-SCHEDULING DELIVERIES AT LEAST ONE BUSINESS DAY IN ADVANCE. PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE BUSINESS FOR PAYMENT OF ITEMS PRIOR TO REQUESTING DELIVERY.
**Passengers Must Wear a Face Covering or Mask While Onboard Transit Vehicles and Sanitize Hands (provided) Prior to Boarding **
The Founding Documents for the Airport Commission
The Intergovernmental Agreement
The Rules for Procedure
Township Agreement with BIRHC
As I've already posted the challenge to the townships to begin posting all the agreements with all commissions, committees, and authorities, along with any governing documents and changes to those documents, it became necessary to begin a search for those that seem to be questioned nowadays. Thanks to the person that sent me this copy of this agreement. I believe that everyone should read these agreements and make certain that they are being followed. This agreement was signed in August 2002. No changes to this agreement have been able to be found using search engines.
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Posted on 9/6/18 at 9:15 a.m. Reposted 10/13/2020
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