Sunday, December 4, 2011, the Community Choir will present their gift to the Beaver Island community. The program begins at 2 p.m. at the Beaver Island Christian Church. There will be some familiar faces and lots of familiar songs, but the Cantata being performed is completely different than any that have been previously performed. You don't want to miss this!
Last evening Dorothy Willis fell and fractured her hip. She is in the hospital in Petoskey at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital. Dorothy had surgery on December 3, 2011. More will be posted as it becomes available.
There has been some talk about what the Little Traverse Conservancy has done at Barney's Lake. Here are some pictures taken from both directions as you approach the lake. You will have to decide what you think about these changes. There are no pictures taken from the walking trails that were provided there since this doesn't seem to be the topic of discussion.
The following pictures were taken in late November 2011 and were taken on the approach from Sloptown road...The last picture is a glance up into the parking lot on the right on this approach.
These pictures were taken at the same time as those above with an approach from the Four Corners on the old Darkeytown Road---The last picture is a look to the left to where the sign was moved.
If the entire lake is viewed, particularly the boat launch area, there are some major changes that may cause some concern:
Yes, the aluminum boats are quite a ways away from the water's edge, more like twenbty-five yards than 25 feet. Yes, the canoe and kayak storage is quite high. BINN does not take a position on this issue. It is up to your to decide and draw your own conclusions. BINN provides these pictures to you for that purpose.
The Beaver Island 99, a group of sturdy Islanders, will walk to support the Beaver Island Food Pantry and to show unity with the 99% across the country on Sunday, January 14, 2012, starting at 1:00 p.m. Like citizens everywhere, people here are suffering from unemployment, foreclosure, and poverty. Beaver Island 99 asks that large corporations and the wealthy, who have most of the money, pay their fair share of taxes. We also support legislation to make Wall Street accountable.
Join our trek starting at Paradise Bay Park by the ferry dock to the lighthouse (weather permitting), and returning to the Community Center for hot chocolate, coffee, and JoAnne's Internationally Famous Cookies. Bring a donation (cash or non-perishable food) for the pantry, and your own sign or we'll provide some to share. Plan to get out of your warm houses, have fun in the snow, and show your support for a more compassionate and egalitarian USA. For more information contact: thebeaverisland99@rocketmail.com .
On Friday night, December 2, 2011, the Hannaville Eagles came to Beaver Island for the beginning of the Northern Lights League basketball season. Up first were the Lady Islanders versus the Lady Eagles. For the first two quarters this game was very close in score. Then the Lady Islanders began to move ahead. The Lady Islanders won their game 33-24.
.....Jenna lays it up......Brighid's jumper.....Olivia drives......Brogan shoots....Brighid drives to the basket
Ms. McNamara introduces the Lady Eagles and the Lady Islanders
Brighid ready to pass.....Olivia goes up for two.......Meg awaits rebound
Jenna is fouled......Jenna shoots her free throws...Meg is found and shoots free throws
Brighid scores a layup......Brighid awaits a rebound...Another layup......another rebound.....Jenna fights for the ball....
Final Score
Good game, good crowd, good concessions!
In probably one of the most physical games that the Islanders will play this season, the Eagles outran, out-jumped, and out-pushed the local high school boys' team. In addition to that, the Islanders had two players not able to play with the team. It was obvious that the team missed Gus Connaghan and Ron Marsh. The Eagles came out running and never stopped running, fighting, and quick-passing the basketball throughout the entire game.
Billy's jump........Jewell's charge.....Michael Pryor's attack.....Trent Williams controls.....McCauley shoots....Billy drives
McCauley lays one up....Michael shoots a foul shot......Eagles runaway layup.....Billy shoots a foul shot
McCauley's jump shot............layup...........and foul shot.............Matt lets one fly
Trent Williams shoots.....Ready for the rebound.....McCauley makes a layup
Final score: Islanders 43 Eagles 54
A Spaghetti Dinner is being sponsored by the students of the Lighthouse School on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Peaine Township Hall. Free-will donation
December 13, 2011, from 6-8 p.m. at the St James Township Hall, there will be a meeting to discuss the report from the COA Advisory Board, to get feedback and gather information regarding COA programs and services. Information about the alternatives that the COA Executive Director is presenting to the County Commissioners will be reported and he will be addressing opportunities and challenges.
Link to the full report as a PDF
Friday-Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 1st-3rd
* Think Christmas...
All Clothing 30% off!
* Think No Fuss NO Mess...
Let us do the Cooking for you, before the Shows!
Friday Dinner & Sunday Lunch - 15% off entire Check!
Enjoy Great Food & Gifts at Stoney!
Happy Holidays!
Our best to you,
Liam & Marilyn
At 2 p.m. at the Beaver Island Community School
The Commission is a collaboration of organizations that advocates for the emotional and physical needs of island residents and visitors of all ages.
January 19, 2012
February 16, 2012
March 15, 2012
April 21, 2012
May 17, 2012
September 20, 2012
October 18, 2012
November 15, 2012
Members: Mary Cook (Char-Em HSC), Donna Kubic (BIRHC), Bob Tidmore (AmVets), Alice Belfy/Adam Richards (BICS), Judi Meister (Food Pantry), Ann Partridge(COA liaison/Community Center), Lois Williams (Hospice), Kathy Tidmore(St. James Township Rep.), Pam Grassmick (Peaine Township Rep.)
Drs. John Beck and Julie Brockman, the MSU facilitators, will meet with the NRESC on December 10, 2011, from 10 am to 4 pm, at Peaine Township Hall for an initial planning session.
The traditional Cookie Carnival at the Gregg Fellowship Center is scheduled for 12:30 PM until 4:00 PM. The NOON slot is for the BI Community School students to be at the event. We also will be selling recipies for some of the cookies at the event. Anyone wanting to pre-order nutmeg log or party cookies can call Jean Carpenter at 2893 or can stop by the Church and fill out the sheet hanging by the kitchen door.
The 2011 production of Irish Christmas in America concludes its US tour on Beaver Island, Michigan—America's Emerald Isle—less than 24 hours before heading home to Ireland.
Conceived in 2005 by Oisín MacDiarmada of renowned traditional Irish band Téada, Irish Christmas in America is a combination of Irish music, song, dance and stories, performed against a photographic slide-show backdrop. 2011 features special guest vocal group “Lumiere”, currently one of Ireland's leading performing and recording vocal acts. Seamus Begley, legendary West Kerry accordionist and singer once again joins the tour, having just finished recording a new duet album with Oisin which will be released just in time for the Christmas tour.
“It will be so exciting to finish our long tour on Beaver Island,” said Oisin, “where I'm sure the weather will be more Christmassy than that which we will encounter at the beginning of the tour—in California!”
The final tour performance of Irish Christmas in America 2011 will take place Sunday, December 18, 2011, at 6 pm at the Beaver Island Community Center. Weather permitting! Tickets are $30 and can be reserved by calling 231 448-2022. Travel packages are also available for those wishing to experience a unique Beaver Island Irish Christmas celebration.
Samples of past Irish Christmas in America productions can be found at www.irishchristmasinamerica.com .
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday of the year, and it will remain so into the future. Why is this my favorite holiday? There are several reasons, but here is just one.
This is one day of the year that we can, if we choose, to all thank God for all our blessings, together in one building at one time. A community giving thanks to God celebration seems like an excellent idea. This idea was a good one, and I don't know who started it, but John Fiegen organized one in the fashion that made each church group welcome and equal participants. It was a Thanksgiving service with praises sung to God and country. The Community Choir sang one preview song from their Christmas Cantata as a preview, and they also lead the church in singing the hymns. The leadership of this entire service was delegated to many people so that the service was truly Ecumenical, everyone participating equally. This was the beauty of this Thanksgiving service; everyone participates equally and fully in the celebration.
In recent years this practice has seemed to fall by the wayside due in part to the presence of a Catholic priest on the island. Don't take this the wrong way. I am a Catholic, and have been an Episcopalian and a Protestant. It is unfortunately true that having a priest on the island for Thanksgiving Day has somehow prevented the equality of participation and turned this service into a Catholic Mass, which is fine for the Catholics, but not-so-fine for the Protestants because they can't participate fully in the service. This year was slightly better for this because each church was able to participate with one member of each church doing a reading or the intercessions. But the real issue is that the Protestants can't participate fully in the service.
I recall the time that made me choose the Thanksgiving Day as my favorite holiday. It goes back a few years. I believe that the priest was Father Alvin Yard, and the homily was presented by Phil Gregg from the Christian Church, and everyone participated fully in the service. That's what made this service special. I long for the cooperation, the equality, and the thanks that came from this special Beaver Island Thanksgiving Day Celebration.
Since I am not likely to be able to change the practice of the Catholic priests and the rulings of the Gaylord Diocese, I have a proposition. Let's give this Thanksgiving Service another home, perhaps one that moves between the four churches in the community. I propose that the next Thanksgiving Celebration take place at the Beaver Island Christian Church with all churches participating equally in the service. Communion would be optional, or a short communion service could be held after the Thanksgiving service for those that wanted to partake in communion at their own church. Then the next year, move this service to the Episcopal Mission, and then to the Lighthouse Church in a rotational basis. The most important agreement would be that each church participate equally, and that the purpose of the service was to thank God for all our blessings.
If you agree, please send the editor of BINN an email at medic5740@gmail.com . If you disagree, please don't hesitate to send an email to the same address.
A very appreciated phone call came to the editor's house a little after 10 a.m. the morning after Thanksgiving. Kurt Smith was working for the BI Boat Company this day, and happened to see this snowy owl behind the Beaver Island Community School and in the BIBCO parking lot. Sheri Timsak called to let us know about it. A quick trip over there produced several photos, but these two, although pretty much the same, were the best of the twenty or so pictures taken. Let's face it. The editor is consumed with an undying interest in nature, and this seems to become a worse affliction every day and every opportunity that presents itself. Enjoy!
..........There it is over in the corner...Zooming in with the camera....Not quite in focus yet
It's great to see this snowy owl here on Beaver Island!
For those of you who like this sort of thing, Kurt Smith called back for a second round of pictures and a little video. See them HERE
Damaged by a motor vehicle accident that smashed the runway side of the building, the repairs seemed to have been delayed. The repairs are now completed, however.
The waiting room in the terminal
Fixed base operator now has a door into their office area from the outside.
Potatoes peeled yesterday with tables all set up the day before Thanksgiving at the Gregg Fellowship Center. Arrival at approximately 2 p.m. to begin the process of carving three turkeys. The day has gone well so far. Somewhat Ecumenical service at Holy Cross, watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and watch the first half of the Packers versus Lions footbal game. Putting the potatoes on the stove, making sure to light the burners in the new kitchen at the Gregg Fellowship Hall, the favorite day of the year is going well. Turkeys carved and a whole roaster of mashed potatoes are done. Time to get the heat table ready for serving. Water in the steam table, heaters placed and ready to go. And before you know it the people are starting to arrive, some with a dish to pass, others with salads, and still others with desserts. Ice water glasses filled, food moved out to the steam table. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stufing, and gravy in place ready for the dinner to begin. Four plus hours of preparation and more than 75 people enjoyed the Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Gregg Fellowship Center. A terrific day, all in all!
November 22, 2011, was a windy and cold fall day on Beaver Island. The day was a recall of memory to a Winnie the Pooh movie, hence the title to this group of pictures. First a crow in a bush has its feathers all fluffed out as protection from the cold wind.
Whisky Point crow fluffy in protection from the wind
Wave action at Gull Harbor
Look closely and you'll see Jonathon Livingston Seagull and a friend
Wish we could find some place out of the wind to eat....Follow me, I know where to get some corn.....
Me too, if you turkeys would get out of the way
When I opened this letter, which looked just like any other junk mail, I noticed that this listed a magazine that to which I had subscribed. I noticed that all the address information was correct, so I decided to see what this was all about. After reading both sides of the letter, a red flag popped up, and I was concerned enough to call the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department as well as my bank, the Charlevoix County State Bank.
How did you get my address? We got your address from the publisher.
How would you transfer the money from my account? This would be an electronic transfer.
How did you get the account information? We got it from the check that you used to pay the subscription fee.
What would have happened on December 2, 2011, if I had not called and canceled this? We would have debited $40.00 from your account.
If you get one of these letters, make certain that you contact the phone number and cancel your payment. Most have probably already thrown this out as junk mail. Keep your eyes open and keep track of your bank account. If you see one of these transactions and you did not authorize it, make sure you call your bank right away.
Here is the letter with both sides. Click on the small picture to enlarge it.
SANTA'S WORKSHOP and LUNCH WITH SANTA!! The AMVETS and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary will be holding the Children's Lunch with Santa on Saturday, December 17, 2011, from 11:30 - 1:00 PM at the Gregg Fellowship Hall at the Beaver Island Christian Church. All children and their parents and/or grandparents are invited to come and have a hot dog lunch before seeing Santa, who will arrive at 12:00 Noon. Bring your camera to take a picture of your child with Santa.
The AMVETS and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, in conjunction with the BICS, will again be hosting a Santa's Workshop on Monday, December 19, 2011, at the school. The children will be able to purchase items for $1.00 each for their families members. The AMVETS and the ladies will be available with paper to help in wrapping the packages. The ladies ask that the children again bring tags with the recipient's names to be put on each present after it is wrapped.
WE WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!
Ms. Rooy got news of her successful completion of the National Board certification. Lots of friends told Ms. Rooy to keep positive thoughts in mind. Congratulations, Miranda, on your national certification!
The longest discussion of an issue at today's BIRHC Board Meeting, November 19,2011, from 10-noon, was the discussion about whether the rural health center and the island's emergency medical service should merge. The discussion covered many topics related to this issue, and many presented obstacles, but others stated the obstacles could be overcome. There was a decision after almost an hour's worth of discussion to create a task force or committee to research the many aspects and to report back to the BIRHC Board for their January meeting.
Intense conversation took place about this merger issue at the BIRHC Board Meeting, November 19, 2011
The BIRHC attorney was present and spoke
Don Spencer and Connie Wojan received Emeritus Director awards from Denny Cook
The awards
Jeff Powers DVM shows off a nice eight point buck he took this year. Powers, Island Wildlife Club President, has been practicing QDM principals on his Beaver Island land for several years
This fall marks the first deer hunting season on Beaver Island when three on a side antler point restrictions have been in effect. However, most of the Island 's private hunting camps have been practicing basic Quality Deer Management (QDM) principals for several years. The food plots and trigger discipline appear to be having the desired impact.
“There are lots of young bucks around this season. I have heard from numerous people that they are excited those young bucks they are seeing will be protected with the new antler restrictions. So far I have yet to hear a negative comment about the regulations. My camp is excited to see what the next few years brings,” said Island land owner and hunter Todd Ireland .
“According to the latest's Michigan statistics each deer hunter spends on average over $1000 per season. We hope to get more of them to visit Beaver Island for a fall hunt in future years as the QDM program and more bucks mature.” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Steve West.
Well, when a new sign goes up on Beaver Island, particularly if it is a road sign, it usually is news. For many years, people didn't know where the 25 mph speed limit ended and where it began when you were driving out of town. It has been obvious where the 25 mph speed limit began when you were headed into town because there is a warning sign saying "25 mph ahead" and then a "25 mph speed limit" sign to notify you when you were to slow down. Some probably thought that once you passed this speed limit sign going out of town, you were okay to speed up. There is no doubt now when it is legal to speed up now because there is a sign that you see headed out of town toward the Four Corners that states, "25 mph ends."
Here is the sign, so we know when we can speed up.
The sign is across the Kings Highway from the Rasmussen's summer cottage.
Below are the premier air dates of the 30 minute Beaver Island show. The show airs on The Sportsman's Channel . That is 395 on Dish Network.
2011 - Ep 12
Wed |
12/14/2011 |
3:000am |
Fri |
12/16/2011 |
9:00am |
Sat |
12/17/2011 |
7:30pm |
A big thanks to our Chamber member partners who helped make this great Beaver Island marketing opportunity happen. THANKS! Indigo Guide Service, E J Hodgson Ent. Inc, Island Airways, Beaver Island Lodge and Roger & Nancy Wilcox.
| . We will reopen on Thursday, Dec. 1 for Christmas shopping and treasure hunting. If you need help with donations or shopping, please call Donna at 2797. Thank you for the tremendous support from our volunteers, donors, and shoppers. |
CHARLEVOIX, MI - Beaver Island Boat Company (BIBCO) is proud to be named “November Business of the Month” by the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce.
The Charlevoix Chamber stated, “The business of the month is a business that goes above and beyond business as usual, positively impacting the community.” Selection is done by the Chamber Ambassador Committee and BIBCO will be a contender for the Charlevoix Chamber's Business of the Year Award.
When asked what they enjoyed about being a Charlevoix business, BIBCO stated “Charlevoix's beauty and natural waterway is the best part of being here. Passing under the drawbridge and waving to people along the boardwalk is an essential experience in Charlevoix and we are happy to be a part of it.”
The Beaver Island Boat Company stated that they feel privileged to not only be a ferry service for passengers, vehicles and pets but also so many of life's essentials that are transported to Beaver Island.
Pictured left to right): Erin Bemis (Charlevoix Chamber), Tim McQueer (BIBCO), Cathy Dewey (BIBCO), Barb Nunemaker (BIBCO).
Station Owner, Mr. Joseph Moore
Executive Director, Katrina Martin
Director, Mary Jane Martin
Assistant Director, Rob McPherson
On a time machine trip taken about two weeks ago, this recorded footage was located and the plan is to re-record it from the old video format to the newest video format. This is just too good not to share with all. One portion of the newscast will be shared at a time. This newscast video was made many years ago in a classroom and in a building that no longer exists--a trip down memory lane. Please let the editor know what you think about this idea.
So we go back in time when Beta tapes and VHS tapes were first coming out, when the first and only video camera was purchased by the school, and when Mr. Moore was teaching Social Studies at the Beaver Island Community School. Social Studies? Yes, Social Studies. These students were middle school students with four grades in the classroom.
Here we are! The Social Studies class reporting on WTIM (The class nickname was "What Time Is Math?"). The time period of the video report was beginning in 1750. The program name was Back to the Future.
This is the first reporter presentation by Rene Gillespie. Rene was responsible for the 1750-1752 timeline, and no editing has been done to the original video tape. Please remember that this presentation was done before computers and before PowerPoint presentations, and back when the art work was done by hand. The only pictures used were from a collection of historical drawings of historical figures. All the other boards and artwork were done by the individual presenter.
The second reporter was Jennifer Wojan. As previously stated, please remember that video was brand new to students and staff of Beaver Island Community School. The idea of editing was only in its infancy as well. This video tape is being presented in its entirety, so that you can experience or re-experience the beginnings of video production in the early years of these students. Mistakes are presented on purpose, and, for a reason. The reason is to give you the idea of what it took to accomplish this project that was never presented in any final form. The students were all proud of the effort and work that went into this project.
Two options for this one because of a different video delivery method experiment.
2nd method for Jeff Cashman (This brings up the video in a separate window.)
At this point, the students were responsible for all the camera work, so you might see that some of the pictures are out of focus. The students were not all ready to present, so the timeline got out of order. By this time, the students were in charge of all phases of the production. There was no money in the budget for a video editor, nor was there any expertise in this area available at the time. When the students discovered that the pictures were out of focus, they immediately corrected this by redoing all of the pictures that were out of focus, but all these pictures are not accompanied by any information. You just see pictures without descriptions.
The Peaine Township meeting started at 7 p.m. at the township hall, with the first decision being about who should run the meeting since Jack Gallagher was over in Charlevoix attending a legal proceeding. The winner ended up being Larry Kubic, who ran the meeting quite well, and accomplished all the items on the agenda including two items that were added to the agenda, the need to schedule a joint township meeting with St. James with Michael Slattery, consultant on the air ambulance/air transport issue. Also added was the desire to have the two townships share the costs of having Mr. Slattery come to answer any and all questions about this important issue.
It hardly seems possible, but Christmas is almost upon us. With that in mind, the Beaver Island District Library is going to have a Children's Book Sale on November 25th and 26th from noon til five.. This will be children's books only , no adult books. This would be a terrific time to pick up some new books for your kids. Books make wonderful Christmas gifts, so please stop in and check out all the great books we'll have for sale.
We're all set for Mother Nature to slip on her white coat. Plants and planters are stored, the new Dan Gentle benches from the Memorial Garden are on display in the entryway and getting rave reviews from those who hadn't seen them while they were outside, the new eaves are up and working great. We are ready for Jack Frost to begin painting our windows!
Did you know that libraries are magical places? It's only at the library that you can travel back in time. It's only in the library that you can change forms – you can be a giant, a dragon, a tiny ant, even an earthworm. In the library you can fly, you can become a Super Hero, you can be and do anything. How you ask? Though your imagination and a good book! Stop in, bring the kids and introduce them to fantasy books, science fiction, and authors such as Tolkien and Rowling or Keene and Stein, check out fun books like “There's a hair in my dirt” or “Diary of a Whimy Kid”. We have literally thousands of books to pick from.
When you enter the library check out the posted lists of Best Sellers just inside the door. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how many of them we own. Remember, if it isn't available, we can reserve it for you when it is returned.
We also have many, many new DVD's for your entertainment. While we love getting them as gifts, please do not donate those that are severely scratched/broken. You don't want to watch those, and neither do our patrons. We can repair a lot of minor scratches, but if it looks as though it's been kicked around on the floor, we'd just as soon you toss it in the trash. Remember, we do NOT take any VHS tapes.
With the holidays upon us, remember we have a huge music collection and each CD may be checked out just like a book. You can listen to jazz, classical, country, Irish, and many Island musicians.
Working with the school's 21st Century Learning program, librarian M.G. Roe, has been reading to many of the school children as part of the after school project. This is a great way to get the younger generations interested in reading.
Don't forget, The Children's Book Sale on November 24th and 25th from noon to five! Lots to chose from and they make great gifts. Think of all the happenings coming up in 2012 – New Year, Birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and for just the fun of it and to exercise your, and your kids' imaginations. We look forward to seeing you!
The Chamber of Commerce will purchaser a full page ad in the December issues of the Beaver Beacon and NorthernIslander to support: Christmas After Hours Open House – 5-8 PM Friday December 9, 2011.
Participating member businesses will be listed in the ad. Member businesses that want to be included should send their business name and a one sentence description of their sale event to Chamber@BeaverIsland.org no later than November 20 .
“This is the second year we have been pleased to support this local retail event. We hope this encourages Islanders to plan some local Christmas shopping,” said Chamber Executive Steve West.
View contents at the link above.
Custodial and Hospitality Lead
Job Duties
The CMU Biological Station is looking for a seasonal Custodial and Hospitality Lead for the 2012 season, April 1 to October 31. The person who fills this role will work in the spring and fall doing custodial, hospitality, and kitchen assistant duties. During the summer the person will do custodial and hospitality work while supervising one student employee. These duties include but are not limited to cleaning bathrooms, cleaning classrooms and labs, cleaning housing units, washing linens, cleaning social areas, washing dishes, assisting with food preparation, and other duties as assigned.
Duties will require moderate to heavy lifting and the individual to be on their feet throughout the day.
Experience
The minimum qualifications for the position are:
• High School degree or equivalent
• At least one year of work experience
• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Must live on Beaver Island
Desired qualifications:
• General computer knowledge
• Previous supervisory experience
• Some college or an associates degree
$10.50/hr, 40 hrs per wk (may be less at end of season), plus 3 meals per day. Position does not include benefits.
Job offer would be contingent upon passing a criminal history check, preemployment physical, and driver's license check.
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS SHOULD EMAIL A RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO wul1bc@cmich.edu
CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity and provide equal opportunity within its community.
real appreciation of the DNR/MSU offer. After the discussion, the Executive Committee members agreed to recommend the following: (a) Plastrik should send to the Steering Committee a short note describing the meeting; (b) the Township boards would be briefed about the meeting; and (c) The Executive Committee would recommend to the Steering Committee that the offer be accepted.
Arlington, VA – The deadline for high-school students and their teachers to submit essays for the Bill of Rights Institute's national Being an American Essay Contest is fast approaching. The Contest asks students to explore the Founding principles outlined in the Constitution by answering the question: “ How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty? ”
The Contest, which has quickly become the largest high-school essay competition of its kind, totaling over 80,000 submitted essays, is administered by the Bill of Rights Institute, a non-profit educational organization in the Washington, D.C. area devoted to educating young people about the Constitution and Founding principles.
“This contest is unique in that it gives students the opportunity to think about the important Founding principles communicated in our Constitution,” said Dr. Jason Ross, Bill of Rights Institute Vice President of Education Programs. “This contest is vital to helping students see the Founding principles as a meaningful part of the American experiment of self-government.”
The top three student winners from each of five geographical regions will be awarded cash prizes of $1,000 (First Place), $500 (Second Place), and $250 (Third Place). Teacher sponsors of each student winner will also receive a cash prize of $100.
Essays must be submitted online at www.BillofRightsInstitute.org/ Contest by 11:59 P.M. PST on December 15, 2011. Supporting contest materials, including lesson plans meeting Common Core standards, are provided at no cost to teachers who want to incorporate the Essay Contest into their classroom.
The Contest is sponsored by the History Channel . “We are pleased to support the Bill of Rights Institute's Being an American Essay Contest,” said Dr. Libby O'Connell, SVP, Corporate Outreach and Chief Historian, History Channel. "The contest encourages students to think critically and truly makes the past relevant in their lives today."
The Essay Contest serves as a key part of the Bill of Rights Institute's mission to educate young people about the words and ideas of America's Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society. Complete contest details can be found below.
BEING AN AMERICAN ESSAY CONTEST
2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR PARTICIPATING REGIONS:
North Eastern Region:
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
Southern Region:
Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia as well as Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands
Mid-Western Region:
Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin
Central Region:
Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming
Western Region:
Alaska, Arizona , California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington as well as Guam, American Samoa, and American Armed Forces Schools Abroad (APO)
SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Bill of Rights Institute, Arlington, VA.
The Bill of Rights Institute, founded in 1999, is a nonprofit educational organization. The mission of the Bill of Rights Institute is to educate young people about the words and ideas of America's Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society.
FUNDING PROVIDED BY: History Channel (New York City, NY).
CONTEST GOAL: To help promote dialogue among students and teachers about American Founding principles. The Essay Contest serves as a key part of the Bill of Rights Institute's mission to educate young people about the words and ideas of America's Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society.
ESSAY QUESTION : “ How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?”
ELIGIBILITY: Students in grades 9-12 who are U.S. citizens or legal residents and are either attending public, private, religious, or charter schools, being home-schooled, or participating in a GED or correspondence school program but are no older than 19 years of age. Military bases and U.S. territories are also invited to participate.
ESSAY LENGTH: No more 1,000 words.
JUDGING CRITERIA:
JUDGES: High school teachers
STUDENT CASH PRIZES: Three cash prizes per region will be awarded to students:
TEACHER CASH PRIZES: Cash prizes of $100 will be awarded to the teachers of all winning students:
CONTEST START DATE: September 17, 2011
DEADLINE FOR ESSAY SUBMISSIONS: December 15, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. PST. All essays must be submitted at www.BillofRightsInstitute.org/ Submit .
WINNERS ANNOUNCED: February 2012
WEB SITE AND CONTEST GUIDELINES: www.BillofRightsInstitute.org/ Contest
At the St. James meeting on Wednesday, November 2. 2011 CMU representatives presented a plan for use of the boathouse for research. Their plans include the ability to modify the environment including temperature of each of the proposed twelve tanks to be installed there, each with its own individual heat pump. This will make this research facility unique in the State of Michigan. Here is the newsletter that they passed out at the meeting, so you can read more about it.
Randi Hunter, manager of the Charlevoix AmericInn and a Navy veteran serving from 2000-2004, is establishing a discount program for veterans. The idea is for veterans to obtain an ID card from the Veterans Affairs offices in Charlevoix and Emmett counties. When this card is produced at area businesses, the veteran would receive a discount on purchases or services. Registered veterans will then be provided with a list of participating merchants.
"There isn't much out there for veterans after their service," said Randi. "I wanted to change that. Anyone who has ever served can get this ID card and then qualifies for these discounts. I was interviewed on Monday the 24th by the Petoskey News Review, and I hope to expand this to many more businesses in Charlevoix and Emmet counties. There are over 7800 veterans in these two counties, and they deserve something after serving their country."
Participating businesses who have already signed up to provide discounts to veterans are: Island Airways will give a 10% discount year round, Northern Michigan Dust Control will give a 25% discount year round, Fox Motors of Charlevoix will give a 10% discount on parts and labor.
Business owners or managers who wish to register for the program may contact Hunter at (231) 237-0988 or via email at Charlevoix.mi@americinn.com.
Free Cholesterol Screening, Blood Pressure monitoring, EKG test.
Call the Beaver Island Rural Health Center 448-2275 for an appointment
This is made possible through a grant from the American Heart Association.
The video is now in stock at McDonough's Market (231) 448-2733 and the Beaver Island Boat Co (888) 446-4095 . The suggested retail price is $9.95. There would be a charge for shipping and handling if you want the DVD mailed.
The updated and complete list of Chamber member merchants selling the new I Dream of the Island DVD: McDonough's Market, Beaver Island Boat Co. (both locations), Paradise Bay Coffee Shop, The Blue Pearl, The Community Center, and the Beaver Island Marina. This DVD makes a wonderful Christmas gift.
The Beaver Island Rural Health Center is seeking applicants interested in serving on its board of directors. Board positions will be filled at the annual meeting, Saturday, January 21, 2012.
Board terms are for three years and directors are not compensated. The BIRHC board meets every other month on the third Saturday. Directors are expected to attend most of the meetings, either in person or by speakerphone.
Candidates should be team players who will champion the cause of the Health Center and be willing to contribute their time and talents to board activities, including fundraising. Full or part-time residents are encouraged to apply by letter to the BIRHC Selection Committee, P.O. Box 146, Beaver Island, MI 49782.
For more information, applicants may contact Donna Kubic, Managing Director; Denny Cook, President; John Martin, Vice President; or John Works, Secretary. Candidates should send or drop off a letter which states their interest and tells a little about themselves by the deadline of December 21, 2011.
Beaver Island Natural Resources and Eco-tourism Steering Committee
2011-2012 Meeting Schedule
All meetings open to the public
Entire Steering Committee to meet at 7 p.m. at Peaine Township Hall
November 21, 2011
January 16, 2012
March 19, 2012
May 21, 2012
July 16, 2012
Executive Committee to meet at 4:30 p.m. at Peaine Township Hall **denotes date or time change
November 21, 2011
December 19, 2012
January 16, 2012
February 20, 2012
March 19, 2012
April 16, 2012
May 21, 2012
June 18, 2012
July 16, 2012
Volunteer to support The Beaver Island Community School
College and Career Day! - May 2012
Click Here for information and Form for Submission
Donna Kubic, manager of the BIRHC, announced today that the flu shots are now available. Please call BIRHC at 448-2275 to set up an appointment.
We post school events, religious events, sports events, visiting minister events, and many other events including musical events, special events, and even regularly scheduled events. At the very least, the event will go on the Community Calendar, so others won't schedule something at the exact day and time of your event. Imagine the following:
Two well known and exceptional fundraising events are scheduled on the same day. How sad for those who work so hard to raise funds for a good cause.
This can be avoided by sending your dates to BINN,. You can send them by postal mail, email, or even call the editor at 448-2416. Email medic5740@gmail.com
The Human Services Commission of Peaine and St. James townships has put together a resource manual--a guide to services available to all residents of Beaver Island. A copy of this resource manual appears below. Printed copies will soon be available at a number of locations, including the medical center and the library. Other locations will be announces later. Many thanks to Joan Vyse and Judi Meister for coordinating the information in the manual.
Complete Guide to Charlevoix County Human Services HERE
The Feasibility Evaluation for Establishing a Fixed Wing Medical Evacuation Capability for Beaver Island EMS was presented to both St. James and Peaine Townships at their meetings in August. This feasibility evaluation was completed by a consultant Michael Slattery to eliminate any misunderstandings and to provide the information for BIEMS and the two townships to move forward. This report is many pages long, but Beaver Island News on the 'Net believes that it is important enough to post the entire document including all of the legislation that pertains to this issue. You may view this report by clicking on the link below.
(Copyright 2004, Phillip Michael Moore)
Update: 2/19/11---This video has had 108 viewings in the months of January and February so far. We hope that the views are getting the importance of having an air ambulance on Beaver Island and ready to go for the emergencies that have occurred here. It is obvious that ill and injured people are searching out other methods of transport since the transports for 2010 were down 50% compared to the last four years. While part of the cause is the depressed economy, the other part is the concern of being transported to the mainland and having a huge bill for that transport. BINN will continue to have this video available until something gets resolved with this issue. Comments so far: "You must be very proud of your son for doing this excellent video." "We never realized that this was still an issue." "Wow, a very important issue that seems to have been put on the back burner for too long. It's a burning issue."
Beaver Island has two flight services, and neither of them are currently certified or licensed to transport emergency patients from Beaver Island to the mainland. We thank the crews of the USCG helicopters for coming to do medical evacuations. We thank the flight services that have helped us get patients to the mainland for the last seven years and before. We thank Northflight for providing this service as well.
While a lot of things have changed over the last 7 years including a new school, a new executive director of EMS, new township supervisors,and new rural health center board members, there is one thing that has not changed.
When Phillip Michael Moore made this video as a Master's degree project, no one would have guessed that seven years later Beaver Island would still not have achieved this goal.
Please take the time to view the video. Please take some time to think about this, and then start asking some questions about how this can be resolved.
You will need Quicktime or another music player to enjoy this link.
The music played in the Holy Cross Hall in the late 70's and early 80's, recorded for posterity and shared here.
There are quite a few subscriptions that will expire in July and some that have already expired. We appreciate your support and ask you to renew your subscription as soon as possible. Emails have been sent out, but quite a few have been returned without delivery, which means that BINN does not have your current email address.
You can subscribe online by using PayPal and a credit card. Please click the link below if you wish to renew online:
BEAVER ISLAND COMMUNITY CENTER
At the Heart of a Good Community
Check www.BeaverIslandCommunityCenter.org or the Community Center for listings
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BI Community Center........Senior Center Activities.....COA Menu for November
Beaver Island Community Center December
Senior Center Activities for December
News on the 'Net welcomes minutes to all public meetings. All organizations are welcome to submit meeting minutes for publication on this website. Please email them to medic5740@gmail.com.
Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association Minutes
St. James Township Meeting Minutes
Beaver Island Community School Board Meeting Minutes
Beaver Island Transportation Authority Minutes
Joint Human Resources Commission Minutes