B. I. News on the 'Net, October 7-13, 2013
Trunk or Treat October 31, 2013 from 5:00 - 6:30PM
Learn About the Affordable Care Act from the CEO of Charlevoix Area Hospital
Lunch with Charl. Hospital CEO Lyn Jenks
11:30-1 Wednesday at the Shamrock
Learn about Affordable Care Act and Hospital Services
Lady Islanders Win Match
The Lady Islander Volleyball team had some real competition today as they played the match against the Mackinaw Lady Lakers. The games were all very good and very entertaining to watch. The Lady Islanders won the match in three straight victorious games. It began at 9 a.m, was live streamed by BINN, and was over just a little after ten.
Beauty on the way to the school this morning.
Scorekeepers and officials prepare for the games
Recognition for the two seniors on the volleyball and soccer team
Olivia Cary
Looking on as Olivia gets her recognition.
Jewell gets his recognition and a hug from Mr. Myers
Introduction of the Lady Lakers
Introduction of the Lady Islanders
Hannah Robert sets
Olivia.....Meg.........Emily...good serves
...........Maddie...............................Hannah.......................Sarah.....continue great serves
Senior Olivia Cary serves
Game one score
The second game was really close.
Then the Lady Islanders turned it on and shifted into high gear!
Good game!
Video available, but no sound
Islander Soccer Team Goes Down to Defeat Against the Lakers
The Islander soccer team played hard against the Mackinaw Island Lakers soccer team, but the rough game took the Islanders and wore them out. The Lakers won the game 4 goals to 2 goals. This match started thirty-five minutes earlier than it was scheduled, but it was live streamed by BINN and recorded, so video will be available as soon as it is processed.
BINN editor Joe Moore states, "I apologize for my comments on this video. I felt that the one official there was not calling the game in a manner to prevent injury. I saw elbow after elbow and push after push, and I spoke up. I am sorry for the comments, and apologize for my attempts to referee the game from the sideline." If you watch the video, particularly in the second half, you will hear them. They will not be bleeped out.
Video of the match HERE
BIRHC Annual Meeting Scheduled
December 14, 2013 at 10 a.m.
BIRHC Education and Community Room
2014 Garden Tour, Save the Date
Planning for next summer's events can sometimes be tricky if you don't have any dates so we are announcing the date of our annual Garden Tour Benefit now. It will be on Wednesday, July 16, 2014. Dana D"Andraia and Jan Paul are putting together a wonderful funfilled day for you and your guests. Our vans and lunch seating gets filled up quickly so please mark you calendars and be ready to buy tickets in advance of that date. We will have more information for you next spring so keep reading the " news" and watch for flyers in June. Have a wonderful winter and we'll see you next summer! Leonor, Connie and the Wellness Gardeners.
Peaine Township Meeting, October 9, 2013
The Peaine meeting last night, 10/9/13, began a minute or two after 7 p.m. and ended at approximately 7:35 p.m. This short meeting had lots of information presented. One of the items was the appointment to the District Library Board. While admonishing all committees, commissions, and boards to be sure that the Open Meetings Act is followed, Supervisor Kohls moved to appoint Kurt Welter to the District Library Board to replace Kathy Ruis, who had resigned as Peaine representative. In a discussion of the possibility of ORV trails, it was pointed out that the Charlevoix County Ordinance allows ORVs on the side of all county roads. The first step would be to determine which roads were already covered by this ordinance, and then a plan should be presented to the Peaine Township Board.
Supervisor Kohls stated that this plan for ORV trails should include: a public meeting where the public can comment, a restriction to certain trails, labels on the trails as permissible for ORVs or not permissible for ORV's, enforcement needed and a plan for enforcement, a plan to fix any rutted messes created and any other damage to the trail, and legal authorities approval.
Two resignations had occurred over the last month, the Peaine representative to the trails committee and the manager of the transfer station. There was a letter from the USCG regarding the St. James Light lens, and discussion took place over the plans suggested by St. James Township. The Waste Management Committee Chair Angel Welke presented the need for a new forklift for the Transfer Station, and the board approved this purchase.
The meeting ended after approximately 35 minutes. Video for this meeting may be viewed HERE
North America’s Rarest Songbird Near All-time High in Michigan
A recent annual survey of the federally endangered Kirtland’s warbler – uniquely Michigan because 98 percent of the entire population breeds within the state – shows its population still remains near an all-time high.
Biologists, researchers and volunteers observed 2,004 singing males during the official 2013 survey period – 2,063 males were observed in 2012. In 1974 and 1987, when the lowest survey numbers were recorded, only 167 singing males were found.
The Kirtland's warbler survey is conducted each year in a joint effort between the DNR, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Michigan Audubon Society and numerous citizen volunteers.
During early June, when birds are actively singing and defending their nesting area, warblers are noted by listening for their song. The song can be heard up to one-quarter of a mile away, providing an excellent way to detect birds with minimum disturbance. Only the males sing, so estimates of breeding population are obtained by doubling the number of singing males recorded.
Kirtland’s warblers nest on the ground and typically select nesting sites in stands of jack pine between 4 and 20 years old. Historically, these stands of young jack pine were created by natural wildfires that frequently swept through northern Michigan. Modern fire suppression programs altered this natural process, reducing Kirtland's warbler habitat. The result was that the population of Kirtland's warblers declined to the point that they were listed as endangered.
To mimic the effects of wildfire and ensure the future of this species, the DNR, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manage the forests through a combination of clear-cutting, burning, seeding and replanting to promote habitat for the Kirtland’s warbler and many other species, including snowshoe hare, white-tailed deer, other songbird species and rare plants. Because large prescribed fires are neither safe nor economical in northern Michigan, approximately 3,000 acres of jack pine trees are harvested and replanted annually on state and federal lands.
The DNR, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kirtland’s Warbler Recovery Team have partnered with Huron Pines and other conservation organizations to start a new program: the Kirtland’s Warbler Initiative. The goal of the Kirtland’s Warbler Initiative is to have a broad coalition of partners working together to ensure the long-term sustainability of the rarest songbird in North America, the Kirtland’s warbler.
For more information about this rare bird, visit the DNR's Kirtland's warbler Web page.
Transit Hours to Change on Monday
Charlevoix County Transit will be switching to Fall/Winter Hours on Beaver Island beginning Monday, October 14, 2013. Service will be available weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. As the transit provides services on a first come/first serve basis, it is suggested you call a day in advance for transportation for your scheduled appointments. The Spring/Summer service schedule will be announced in April, 2014. To contact the transit office, call 231-448-2026.
Around the Island
On Monday, October 7, 2013, BINN went around the island in the reverse direction on purpose. First was Fox Lake Road, then came West Side Road, Green's Lake, Green's Bay Road, West Side Road down to Iron Ore Bay and then back up the East Side Road including Lake Geneserath. This began in the morning on a sprinkling, but sometimes sunny day. Here are the results of the pictures taken by BINN.
Miller's Marsh
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Announcements |
Emergency Air Transport
The First Year
In the interest of providing information for the public, BINN had requested a profit and loss statement for the first year of emergency air transport by the Beaver Island Emergency Medical Service, the agency with the State of Michigan license for emergency air transport. This income statement has been provided. At the point in time that the BIEMS had completed its first complete year of emergency air transport, the following are the figures provided:
(click to view a larger picture)
This chart shows the income from BIEMS from August 2012, the beginning date of the licensed air transport to the beginning of August 2013. The chart provided shows that BIEMS received income for 60 ground ambulance transports making an income of $24,218. BIEMS received $45,786 for ten air transports, but paid out $30,390 to the air carrier. This works out to two-thirds of the income going to the air carrier and one-third of the income for the flights going to BIEMS for these ten flights. There were more flights than ten, but these are only the flights that have been paid by Medicare and insurance companies. There are several flights, with BCBS as the insurance company, that have been billed, but have not been paid as of the beginning of August 2013.
BIRHC SEEKS BOARD APPLICATIONS
The Beaver Island Rural Health Center is seeking applicants interested in serving on its board of directors. The board position will be filled at its annual meeting on Saturday, December 14, 2013.
Board terms are for three years and directors are not compensated. The BIRHC board meets on a Saturday morning every third month. 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 Managing Director Donna Kubic. Candidates should send or drop off a letter which states their interest and tells a little about themselves by the deadline of November 15, 2013.
Beaver Boodle
The Beaver Boodle started at 10 a.m. on October 5, 2013, on a wet and cold morning. As this is written there are still several walkers on the course. Approximately 85 persons registered for this fundraiser for the Beaver Island Sports Boosters, who also are in charge of the organization of the event. Just like the discussion below on the shortage of soccer players, so it is the same with the workers for the Boodle. Coaches and kids are off-Island, but instead of mainland, they are on Mackinaw Island. The Lady Islander volleyball team is participating in the volleyball tournament there. Here are a few pictures of some of the participants:
It is quite amazing that these people were so happy to participate on such a wet and cold Saturday. As you can see by the pictures above, these people truly enjoyed it. Their smiles speak volumes about this.
Thank you all for participating and helping sponsor our BICS sports teams!
Islander Soccer
The Islanders played very hard tonight, Friday, October 4, 2013, beginning at 5:15 pm. The Grand Marais Polar Bears played even harder. Ball control was equal during the first half of play, but in the second period, the Islanders seemed to tire out at least on the offensive end of the field. The Islanders scored a total of two goals, but the Polar Bears scored three. The game ended in a very dark, overcast night with the Islanders falling to the Polar Bears, 3 to 2. On another line of thought, one spectator commented that every single Grand Marais player was larger and taller than the greatest majority of the Island team. The Islander team is young in comparison as well.
One Grand Marais player received a yellow card, but there was no explanation of why he received it. He had to go off the field, but was allowed back in after the next stop in play.
There was no live streaming video of last night's event due to the wet weather and the serious chance of rain, and there was no live streaming on Saturday, October 5, 2013, for the same reason. It rained all through the soccer game Saturday, making the field very dangerous by being slippery. The Lady Islanders left the island this morning on an early morning flight to Mackinaw Island, so the Islander soccer team had to play with ten players. This game was exciting with several shots on goal by the Islanders, but they could not get a ball to land in the net. The game ended with the final score 5 to 0 with the Grand Marais Polar Bears on top.
HOLY CROSS PARISH MISSION
Father Tom Allender, S.J., from the California Provence of Jesuits, is coming to give a mission to all of us on Beaver Island beginning the first weekend of November.
All Are Welcome
Obituary for EGGERT, Shirley L.
Calling
by Cindy Ricksgers
One absolute truth that has grieved me for most of my life is this: When I have projects underway that cannot be set aside or deadlines close approaching, I will get an irresistible urge to start something else.
I’m not normally big on housework. I can easily convince myself that floors can wait, that closets and drawers and anything unseen can be put off, that it’s really not a good day to do windows...
Unless I have a bit of writing due, in which case I will decide that the floors have gone too long without a good scrubbing, that the closet must absolutely be organized today, and that maybe--while I’m at it, I should paint the shelf and put new hooks on the inside of the door...
Until I’m in such a mess that there is no turning back, but then the new hooks will plant the idea of a new hat and in the blink of an eye I’m going through yarn and patterns and half-finished crochet projects...
But I am quickly discouraged that it goes too slow when I--after all -- have other things that are much more important, that are being neglected...in the garden, for instance. So off I’ll go to dead-head and weed and prune with a vengeance...
Then I’ll get such gigantic inspiration for an art project that it would be a sin to ignore it and I tell myself that I must paint....
But then maybe a single hunger pang interrupts, and I think, "Why not make soup? How nice to have soup bubbling on the stove while I work. With soup, why not bread? Soup simmering and bread rising..." and before I can talk myself out of it I have cleaned the paint from my fingernails and am surrounded by carrot and onion peelings...
Such is my life.
So today, with my half-day of work in town done, my meeting finished, web seminar completed....I have an hour or two of extra time.
I could devote it to housework, what with company coming in a week.
I could spend the time in the garden; there’s plenty to do there. It’s a bit drizzly, though.
It would, in fact, be a nice day for soup.
Four large paintings are in progress in the studio. Sixteen small collages could use final touches, and yet....my printing press is calling, to send me in an entirely new direction.
Holy Cross Parish Seeks Nominations
How Long Will This Continue?
Editorial by Joe Moore
This information is based upon the 2000 census:
St. James Township has 20 square miles of land, while Peaine Township has 73 square miles of land. Peaine has 200% more area of land to serve by emergency services and other joint projects. St. James has 331 housing units, while Peaine has 410 housing units. Peaine has 24% more housing units. St. James has per capita income of $20,109 while Peaine has per capita income of $33,091. Peaine has 64% higher per capita income.
Why then does the St. James taxpayer have to pay 48.5% more in millage for property taxes than a Peaine taxpayer for all joint projects?
Over the last twenty years, Peaine Township has not levied over a million dollars in taxes that was levied as millage in St. James Township. Why is this fair? Why does a St. James Township taxpayer pay 48.5% more millage for every single joint operation including the BI Transfer Station, BI Fire Department, BI Emergency Medical Service, the Township Airport, and the BI Historical Society?
There was a seven year period where the Peaine Taxpayer paid more millage than the St. James taxpayer. This happened about thirty years ago. Doesn’t the last twenty years more than make up for these seven years that occurred more than twenty years ago? Just because St. James matched dollars for some of this seven year period, doesn’t the last twenty years of Peaine matching dollars make up for these seven years? St. James has had to settle for matching dollars for twenty years while Peaine only had to settle for matching dollars for seven years. St. James has had to deal with this 300% more years than Peaine.
Where would all these joint operations be if the Peaine millage had not been decreased for more than twenty years? Beaver Island will never know the answer to this question.
How many more years will the St. James taxpayer be paying more for the same joint operations? How many more years of the St. James taxpayer paying almost fifty percent more in taxes than the Peaine taxpayer for these joint operations?
Does the fire department serve all of Peaine Township? Does EMS serve all of Peaine Township? Doesn’t the history of the island include history of Peaine Township? Isn’t the Transfer Station available to every single taxpayer in Peaine Township? Isn’t the Township Airport available to a Peaine taxpayer just as much as to a St. James taxpayer? If this is one Island, then why doesn’t the Peaine Township taxpayer pay the same millage as the St. James taxpayer?
St. James Township Meeting, October 2, 2013
The meeting began as all do with the approval of minutes and bills, but there was a serious discussion about the delivery of propane before the township had posted for bids. The question involved authorization of delivery and why it was delivered before the posting for bids. There was a discussion about the heating for the township hall. One board member remembered that there was a deadline for completion of September 15, 2013, and as of October 2, 2013, the work had not been completed. There was an assurance given by supervisor Haggard that the work would be completed this week. The old boiler and hot water piping had been removed and the mess from that cleaned up. The fuel oil tank had not yet been removed, so Jim Wojan suggested that if it was not removed in a week that he would remove it.
There was a great deal of bantering about the dredging of the harbor, but there was work to be done in the way of motion and resolution to get the process moving so the the grants could be applied for. The resolution was passed with roll call vote conditionally. The condition was that the tens of thousands of dollars of the costs already incurred would be covered by the grant.
The next item on the agenda involved the Port St. James Authority, Ed Wojan, and the township board. The question involved the age old disagreement about public access in the Port of St. James. Port St. James wanted to get a definition of the label on the new Wojan-Cashman Beaver Island Map of "St. James Township Green Space." Ed Wojan provided information about a three month communication between the Port of St. James lawyer and Ed Wojan. Kirk McBride, as the Port of St. James representative, stated that he wanted a definition of "Green Space." Ed Wojan stated that the State of Michigan had donated four lots within the area of the Port of St. James that were not part of the covenant of ownership. Ed Wojan stated that the concern was the concept of "public access," and that the Port of St. James Authority did not want public access to Donegal Bay, the same age old disagreement of the use of the property owned by St. James Township within the boundaries of the Port of St. James and subject to their covenant. St. James Township decided that the label of "Green Space" was appropriate. The meaning of "Green Space" was that the area would remain a natural area without improvements such as picnic tables, barbecues, and rest rooms.
The next topic seemed to be a double-opposite-communication problem. One official of the USCG had sent communication stating the the lens in the St. James lighthouse was going to be removed, possibly taken off the island and moved out of state. The opposite communication from another USCG official had suggested that there were no plans to remove the lens from the island, and then be loaned to the Beaver Island Historical Society. The USCG owns the lens, and would loan it only. The discussion involved the requirements of the location where the lens might be placed here on Beaver Island. The USCG does plan to removed the lens and replace it with a more modern lighting method. The St. James Township Board passed a resolution that the lens should not leave Beaver Island and should be displayed within a reasonable distance of the lighthouse itself, possibly the front office area of the St. James Township Hall.
Motions for posting for snow plowing and for posting for fuel oil bids were passed. Ed Troutman was reappointed as the Beaver Island Transportation Authority representative from St. James Township.
Video of the Meeting can be viewed HERE
Link to TV7&4 Story on Miranda Rooy
BINN interview and inforation are down near the bottom of this page. This BINN interview took place last week.
Click Here to see interview
New Trail Created at Barney’s Lake Nature Preserve on Scully Addition
BEAVER ISLAND - On September 23-24, Little Traverse Conservancy staff and ten island volunteers constructed a new 0.75 mile-long trail linking Barney's Lake Road with the Kuebler Trail through the new Scully Addition to the Barney's Lake Preserve.
In addition to the basic task of clearing the route of living and dead vegetation (including large fallen trees and juniper thickets, and raking the pathway clear of leaf litter), work at Barney’s Lake Preserve also included clearing a naturally-surfaced parking area big enough for about four cars, installing trail map signs at three strategic locations, bench-cutting several sections where the trail traversed steep side-slopes, and painting blue trail marking blazes along the way to permanently mark the trail. The section of the Kuebler Trail that runs through the preserve was cleared of deadfalls and overhanging branches.
The new trail runs through several different vegetation covertypes and landforms, highlighting the beautiful diversity of this now 285-acre preserve. The east half is flat, but the west half runs through beautiful high wooded sand dunes, and includes views of Barney's Lake."I’ve already heard a lot of good feedback about this trail segment," said the Conservancy’s Director of Stewardship Doug Fuller.
Subsequent phases of trail work at Barney's Lake may include a new trail segment to the Barney's Lake shore, the Lake Michigan shore, or to the top of Bonter's Bluff. However, Conservancy staff will be determining both the need for and feasibility of these trails through additional site assessment and input from local residents and LTC’s Beaver Island Steering Committee before actual construction.
For more information about this preserve or any other Conservancy nature preserve, please contact the office at 231.347.0991. Updated nature preserve information can be found on the Conservancy’s free smart phone app (see download links below) or on our website at www.landtrust.org where an interactive service area map of all Conservancy preserves can be found. We encourage preserve users to send us feedback!
Since 1972, the Little Traverse Conservancy has been working as the oldest regional, non-profit land trust in Michigan. With the support of more than 4,100 members, the Little Traverse Conservancy works with private landowners and units of local government to permanently protect ecologically significant and scenic lands from development. Since it was founded, more than 50,000 acres and 125 miles of shoreline along our region’s lakes, rivers, and streams have been set aside to remain in their natural state within Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Mackinac, and Chippewa counties. In addition, more than 4,000 young people participate in a Conservancy environmental education outing every year. For more information about the Little Traverse Conservancy and land protection options for your land, please contact their office at 231.347.0991 or visit www.landtrust.org. Check out our new FREE nature preserve app available on Google Play or the Apple App Store!
Lady Islanders Win in a Six Game Sweep
The Lady Islanders won the first match in a three game sweep with very few points scored by the Ojibwe Ladies. After a break, the second match began. The Lady Islanders won this match in an another three game sweep, but the Ojibwe Ladies score more points in the second match, more balls were returned, and the Islanders made a few mistakes. Excellent games played by the Islanders, but the Lady Islanders didn't get much practice for the Mackinaw Island Tournament this coming weekend. Good job, Lady Islanders! Fire up for the tournament this weekend!
Scorekeepers Tessa Jones and Rick Speck
Ladies from Ojibwe.........Lady Islanders
Scoreboards for games
Scoreboards for games
Lady Islanders in Action
There were not too many volleys that allowed the Lady Islanders to show off their ball handling skills, but here are some pictures of the serving, aces, and a few kills:
Great job, Lady Islanders!
Around the Horn on an Autumn Afternoon
Grab some sandwiches, some Cheetos, some pop, and some grapes and jump into your car for a ride around the Island on a fall Sunday afternoon. There is plenty of beauty to be found if you just take your time and look for it. There is nothing like taking two and a half or three hours to make this trip and stopping wherever you feel like stopping, eating whenever you want, and ignoring the list of things to be done at home. Here are a few pictures of this Sunday, September 30, 2013, trip around the Island.
East Side before Hannigan and on Hannigan
Back on the East Side Road
Stop at Lake Geneserath
Cable's Creek Bridge
Iron Ore Creek and Bay
West Side Road
Miller's Marsh
More Miller's Marsh
Last of Miller's Marsh
Greene's Lake
Fox Lake Road
Fox Lake and in toward the airport.
Michigan Student Service Award Recruitment for 2013/2014
Char-Em United Way’s Volunteer Connections works to promote and connect people with volunteer opportunities in our community. In an effort to promote volunteerism and civic engagement, Char-Em United Way’s Volunteer Connections recognizes those students who have shown outstanding dedication to their communities by awarding them the Michigan Student Service Award. Students involved in the Michigan Student Service program over four years will complete and document 400 hours of non-paid community service that meet a recognized community need, under the auspices of a nonprofit organization, government program, community group or school. All students are awarded a medallion and a certificate of distinction signed by Governor Snyder. These awards are presented during the end of the year awards ceremony at each school.
Students who become involved in volunteer work will achieve a more positive sense of well-being and purpose, and will become active in their communities as adults. Char-Em United Way is committed to helping students achieve this. Students can submit hours to Char-Em United Way for tracking to Lisa Luebke at info@charemunitedway.org
Benefits to MSSA are:
- Medallion of Distinction to wear at graduation
- Certificate of Distinction for Commitment to Service
- Community-wide recognition for the time and effort you gave to make a difference in the lives of others in your community
- Learn new skills
- Network with others
- Build your college application
- Build your scholarship resume
- Build your resume
For More Information on the Michigan Student Service Award, contact Susan George, MNA Civic Engagement AmeriCorps*VISTA Char-EM United Way 231-487-1006
More on Taequondo Competition
Messing around after the competition, showing medals
Video from the competition HERE
Verizon Tower Work
It appears as if the Verizon tower on the King's Highway is completed. There are several cables coming down the tower from the antennas and they all go into the old Peaine Township Hall.
There is no way to check to see if this tower is operating since it is in such close proximity to the older Verizon tower. So much to learn, and no way to gain the knowledge as of today.
AT&T Flips Switch on 3G
AT&T tower on King's Highway
On September 30, 2013, at or just before noon, BINN Editor Joe Moore took a trip out to the King's Highway tower site. While standing near the old Peaine Township Hall, the cellphone made a noise, one like the computer makes when you get a facebook message. "Da-Dunk, da-dunk, da-dunk," the I-phone sounded. Joe pulled his I-phone out the case and noticed right away that there were five bars of signal and the "3G" next to the signal strength. This "3G service" wasn't available last week when the trip was made out to the tower site to check on the work on the Verizon tower. Rich Gillespie stopped and his phone started ringing and he noticed that his newer phone said "4G" which means a 3G or 4G signal.
Moving down the Paid-Een-Og Road to the Township Airport, it was discovered that the cellphone made that same sound several times. Stopping at the Township Airport, several questions came to mind. What had changed? Why was the cellphone downloading emails when there was no wireless service standing out on the tarmack of the airport?
While the cellphone did not indicate "3G" at the township airport, it had a capital E next to the signal strength.Verifying that the wireless service was not available, several emails were attempted, and these emails were successfully sent. A short time later, the emails were responded to. Could it be that this part of the island had upgraded service without anyone announcing that it was completed?
Once home, a serious search of the Internet was taken, it was determined that the "E" stood for the Edge Network, and the only thing found was this info from the AT&T website:
"EDGE Network
The largest national high-speed wireless data network in the U.S., AT&T's EDGE Network spans more than 17,000 cities and almost 40,000 miles of U.S. highways. EDGE provides typical download speeds of 70-135 kbps"
The next questions were: Can I get on the Internet using Safari from the phone? Can I get an AT&T coverage map that explains what this represents? The coverage map came up on the phone on an Internet page and showed that the Island was mostly covered by 3G service. This is what showed up on the I-phone when service are for 3G was typed in:
The only explanation that makes any sense is that AT&T flipped a switch remotely and turned on the 3G service because that's what the coverage map says.
District Library Special Meeting
The Beaver Island District Library Board met for a special meeting this morning, 09/30/2013, to determine the district millage rate to be levied for the April 1, 2014-March 31, 2015 fiscal year. There was a lengthy discussion of the budget and the programs to be offered in the future. the final resolution that was passed was to levy .8500 of the 1 mill voted millage. This represents a decrease of millage for the district library. Although decrease does not represent a large decrease, the library board was more interested in getting a one year period of time completed under the new library director, and interested in an expansion of library activities.
Fifty Shades of Smoke
The mornings are cooling down, aren't they? The cat curls up into a ball on the end of the sofa. The dog stays on that old blanket under your bed a little bit longer. The floor chills the bottoms of your bare feet, and the hair on your arms lifts to cool sunlight shining through the kitchen window. You look into your loverʼs over the table, through the steam from a hot cup of coffee. Your eyes lovingly communicate a shared thought, your finger tips touch, and you both jump up to race to another room to.....
the woodstove's cherry red chimney rattling, popping roar. You smell intense heat and dense smoke erupts, settling down onto and into the new living room furniture, including the sofa recently vacated by your frightened feline. Duke the dog shoots out between your legs through the kitchen door. What is happening? Well, the burning creosote that had built up inside the stove pipe from last winter's fires has ignited and is now burning at extremely high temperatures which threatens to warp your stove pipe, crack the masonry chimney, as well a damage the wood burner itself making it useless. The intense heat also threatens to ignite combustibles in your walls and ceiling, as well as the roof rafters.
You both race from the house leaving behind the squawk of new smoke detectors and call 911, and you remember that it takes 10 to 20 SECONDS for the mainland 911 operator to answer calls from Beaver Island. Don't hang up. When dispatch answers, you tell the operator your location, that every one is out including the dog and cat, where the seat of the fire is located and YOU STAY OUTSIDE. The Beaver Island Fire Department will enter your home, eliminate the heat source and haul your ashes OUTSIDE, and check and stop any fire spread in the walls and rafters. However, it isn't a tidy process; drywall sheets have to be torn down, water is squirted into the places where it's hard to reach, and the black ashes left get tracked around by heavy, wet fire boots.
This time, however, the fire is stopped in the chimney. The BIFD firefighters managed to keep most of the drywall intact, prevented the fire from spreading to the roof, and kept most of the hauled ashes in the bucket. Only some chunks of drywall, wet batts of insulation, a tipped over antique table, and black, muddy bootprints disturb the room. Unsettled, you and your beloved sit down to the now cold cup of coffee in the now
smoky afterglow of a Beaver Island morning. Your shared thought returns.
"We better get down to McDonough's Store and borrow (rent free) the chimney cleaning rods and brushes."
Well, the thought was a day late and a dollar short this time, but NOW is the time to clean your chimney before the cold weather settles in. And, if you don't know how or need help with the task, ask any Beaver Island firefighter, and he or she will be glad to help you out or direct you to someone who can.
Please Practice Safe Chimney. Your fire department thanks you. -- Jim Stambaugh
Local Taequondo Students Successful in Competition
The BICS students traveled to Kalamazoo for a taequondo competition with their coach Dave Avery and Sue Avery. The students participating in this competition were Jewel Cushman, Erin Boyle, Ryan Boyle, Sarah Avery, and Forrest Avery. All of our local students did very well in Kalamazoo. Here is a picture of them showing their medals:
Jewell Cushman: gold in breaking and bronze in weapons.
Erin Boyle: silver in forms, silver in synchronized forms(with Sarah and Ryan) and silver in breaking.
Ryan: silver in synchronized forms, bronze in forms (individual) and gold in breaking
Sarah: silver in synchronized forms (with Erin and Ryan) Gold in weapons and silver in breaking
Forrest: silver in breaking, gold in individual forms and silver in weapons.
Jewell Cushman setting his boards to take the gold in his division
BICS Soccer Schedule
BICS Volleyball Schedule
BICS Basketball Schedule
Whiskey Point Lighthouse Nears Completion
At least from the outside, it appears that the brick replacement, sanding, and the painting appear to be almost done as you can see from these pictures. BINN is not sure the progress of any work on the inside of the light, but the outside is almost painted, the last step in the restoration of the outside. The glass is back in the top of the light, the metal has been sanded and painted. BINN will post a completed picture once the scaffolding comes down.
District Library Creating Young Adult Area
With the hiring of a new library director and the summer season past for 2013, the ideas of director Patrick McGinnity related to the creation of a young adult area are almost completed. Last weekend a wall was removed and changes to the area that used to house a copy machine and one computer were made. As you can see in these photos and in the video, the area has been transformed and will soon be complete.
Director Patrick McGinnity shows the new Mac monitor screen, the focal point of the area
A table an stools are right under the monitor
The comfortable chairs and a view of the area.
Video of Patrick McGinnity Introducing the Young Adult Space
Miranda Rooy Invited to Washington, D.C.
Miranda Rooy, a National Board Certified Teacher and teacher at Beaver Island Community School, has been selected as one of nineteen participants in a program in Washington, D.C. Out of over 100,000 National Board Certified teachers in the United States, this invitation was only sent to 19 teachers, and Miranda Rooy is one of the nineteen.
Miranda's Comments
Riley Justis, Principal/Superintendent of Beaver Island Community School has just released a press release on 09/19/13:
"It is my pleasure to announce that Beaver Island Community School's Early Elementary Teacher, Miranda Rooy, hs been slected as one of 19 teachers acros the nation to represent the teaching profession and the Nation Board for Professional Teaching Standards in Washington, D.C. this October. These teachers have been selected to provide input and direction for the continued reform and growth of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Process. Miranda received her National Board Teacher Certification two years ago, an honor reserved for a small number of teacher across the nation and she is one of only 365 in the state of Michigan.
Beaver Island Community School has the honor and the privilege to maintain the highest level of teacher quality and Ms. Rooy's selection once again points to the quality and fidelity of the educational impact of the teachers here at BICS. Please join with us in honoring Miranda Rooy for her work and continued dedication to the craft and profession of teaching and learning in our community and beyond."
"An Invitation from Ron Thorpe to Attend Congressional NBCT Event
Dear Ms. Rooy:
It is my pleasure to invite you to participate in an important bipartisan event being held in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on October 9, 2013.
United States Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, is convening the other 18 board-certified doctors in Congress for a briefing on whether a fully scaled National Board Certification could support the teaching profession in the way a model centered on board certification has strengthened the medical profession. We have selected one NBCT from each of the districts represented in Congress by board-certified physicians to participate in this event. We hope you will accept this invitation to meet with these Congressional members and their staff, including your United States Representative, Dan Benishek of the 1st Congressional District of Michigan, a board-certified general surgeon.
A moderated panel of NBCTs will be at the center of the event. As an accomplished teacher, you will be a member of this panel. The purpose of this panel is for Congressional members and their staff to learn more about the value of Board Certification, what it means to be an accomplished practitioner in teaching, and the pathways currently in place to move teachers toward such status.
The National Board will cover hotel and costs of your travel. We ask that you arrive at our offices by noon on October 9th. There will be a lunch at the National Board offices on October 9th, and a dinner held in your honor that evening. In addition, we are pleased to provide you with complimentary registration to attend the National Board’s Teaching & Learning Conference, scheduled for March 14-15, 2014 in Washington, D.C.
A century ago, the workforce in medicine bore little resemblance to what it is today. Among the several commitments the profession made to achieve this transformation was the development of board certification. Today board certification in medicine -- while still voluntary -- is nearly universal. In fact, the entire preparation path for physicians from undergraduate and graduate training through residency and into professional practice has been designed so that most physicians achieve such status.
When the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards was created in 1987, the founders had the medical model in mind. The profession built the standards and the assessment process, but the essential missing piece is that we have not taken Board Certification in teaching to scale. Even in the face of growing evidence that shows students in classes with Board-certified teachers learn at a higher rate than students in other classes, the profession has done little to make its own measure of excellence an expectation for all those who move beyond the novice phase.
(Personal contact information was removed.) Once we hear from you, we will follow up with logistics and background information. Thanks for considering this invitation and for all that you do for students and the profession of teaching.
Sincerely,
Ronald Thorpe"
Beaver Island Birding Trail Takes Wing
According to a survey by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 45 million Americans watched birds at their homes or on trips in 2011. Expenditures from those activities generated 92 billion dollars and created nearly 780,000 jobs. With a rich array of migrating, nesting and resident birds, Beaver Island is in a great position to serve as a prime birding site, a win for birders and for the region’s economy. Currently, plans are going forward to create a virtual (web-based) birding trail around the island, patterned after the Sleeping Bear Birding Trail, which follows M-22. Thirty-three quality locations with great public access have been identified around the Island.
Kay Charter, Executive Director of Saving Birds Thru Habitat has worked for the past several years with the Beaver Island Community School. She has now joined forces with Beaver Island residents and state organizations on the development of the Beaver Island Birding Trail, and its associated website. The planning group expects to launch the website after the first of the year. Beaver Island Community Center will serve as the trailhead, which will provide access to trail information throughout the week. A map marking birding sites is being designed.
Interpretive signage at sites will serve to enhance birding experiences and provide insight into habitat and management activities. There will also be an eBird component, which will allow birders to document and share their sightings. This component will be made available through a partnership with Michigan Audubon and Cornell University, and will afford individuals the opportunity of documenting and sharing their bird sightings.
The group plans to dedicate this trail with state, regional and national speakers on May 24th and 25th. There will also be field trips with expert birders during that celebratory weekend. For more information, please contact any board member of the Beaver Island Association.
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Warblers are one of the avian families that turn birders on. There is a substantial number of nesting warblers on the Island.
BINN Live Streaming Video Takes a Step Forward
Beaver Island News on the 'Net has been working to take the step forward from standard video streaming to high definition video streaming. The speed of the Internet connection will determine whether the video will be standard video or HD video. So far, the only location that has a high enough upload speed for HD is the Beaver Island Community School. So, the next home games for the Islanders are planned to be streamed in HD video. You should be able to check this out while the games are going on at: http://beaverisland.tv
This increase from standard definition to high definition can only take place with an upload speed of at least 3 MB. This means the speed must be much higher than the speeds generally available through most businesses on Beaver Island. For example, the highest speed home Internet today, September 21, 2013 at noon is 8.11 MB download, but only 0.66 MB upload, so this HD video is not going to work on this slow upload speed. The HD step forward for all video will hopefully occur when TDS is willing and able to upgrade the Internet upload speed.
Historical Society Seeks Members
ORV Trails Discussion
ORV Trails Discussion is on the agenda for October's Peaine Township meeting to be held on October 9, 2013, The meeting begins at 7:00 pm.
Mike and Sharon Hurkmans
Lunch with Lyn
Lyn Jenks, CEO of Charlevoix Area Hospital, will host a luncheon on Beaver Island
President and CEO of Charlevoix Area Hospital will be holding “Lunch with Lyn” on Beaver Island.
Ms. Jenks is excited to host a lunch event on the Island. “I’m looking forward to having an open discussion about health care and the Hospital. This will be a great opportunity to discuss the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) and the Michigan expansion of Medicaid. It’s also a great way to learn more about the services offered at Charlevoix Area Hospital.” The goal of this session is to have an open discussion about health care and how it relates to you as the patient.
The event will take place Wednesday, October 16 from 11:30-1pm. The location for this event will be at the Shamrock Bar and Restaurant. The meal will be provided by Charlevoix Area Hospital. Lunch with Lyn is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.
For more information about Charlevoix Area Hospital and the services offered at the Hospital, visit cah.org.
St. James Township Fishing Pier and Boat Launch Drawings
These were the first drawings presented as options by the engineer for the water side of this project.
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This is the parking area suggested for the boat launch portion of this project
This was another option based upon the some suggestions made at the special meeting.
Beaver Island Township Airport Project
Site Plan
St. James Episcopal Church
Schedule of Clergy
Oct 13 Rev. Carol Spangenberg
News from our District Library
New Hours:
Monday - Friday 10 am--6 pm
Several Subscriptions Have Expired in October
Several family and business subscriptions expired in June and others expire in July. . This is a reminder to those that wish to renew online. If you do renew online using a credit or debit card, and the Paypal SUBSCRIBE button, BINN will automatically make a donation of $10 in your name to the Beaver Island Food Pantry. If you are not sure when your subscription expires, please email the editor at medic5740@gmail.com, and your subscription expiration will be included in a return email.
SUBSCRIBE or Renew
Donate to the Live Streaming Project
The Live Streaming Project includes BICS Sports Events, Peaine Township Meetings, Joint Township Meetings, and much more.
Your donation may allow these events to be live streamed on the Internet at http://beaverisland.tv