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July 17, 2020
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B&B owners trade up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Harbor Beach honors fallen veterans . . . . .3 Calendar of events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Port Austin eatery offers unique dining experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Long-awaited Bad Axe Meijer opens . . . . .8 Temps spike as Helen Stevens Memorial Pool opens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
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The in-development Port Austin Bed & Breakfast along Lake Street. The owners have been working on renovating the building since purchasing it in 2016. (Robert Creenan/Huron Daily Tribune)
B&B owners trade up in retirement ROBERT CREENAN robert.creenan@hearst.com PORT AUSTIN — When most people retire, typically they try to settle down a bit. it’s not often that they try something bigger than what their previous careers were. But Joanne Murphy, along with her husband Lance, have been working the past few years restoring a home along Lake Street in Port Austin and turning it into Port Austin Bed & Breakfast. “We thought we’d have a two-year renovation,” Joanne said. “It turned out to be a four-year renovation.” She said the building, dating back to the 1880s, had previously been a home for one of the founding fathers of Port Austin, and for Frank Hubbard from 1895 to 1930. From 1970 to 2014, it served as an adult foster care facility and was in bad shape. The foundation required fixing, the second and third floors had no support other than the outside walls, and the interior walls needed to be redone so support beams could be added. “Everything inside had to be rebuilt,” Lance said, adding they had to take out a lot of bathrooms when gutting the place. “It’s amazing it hadn’t collapsed on itself,” Joanne
said. When finished, the bed and breakfast will have five guest bedrooms that are able to hold two people each, and each will have its own bathroom. It will also have common rooms, parlor rooms, a breakfast area, a reception area, a laundry room, patio furniture, and a fire pit outside. The Murphy’s own quarters are on the third floor. The Murphys previously lived and worked in the Detroit area, Joanne as an advocate for disabled students and Lance for Verizon. They were looking for options for their retirement and found this house on Zillow, with Lance having the idea of turning it into a bed and breakfast Joanne had been familiar with the area, having gone to a cottage in Port Austin in the summer when she was growing up. “Instead of downsizing, our retirement went up in size,” Joanne said. The Murphys were also looking for work opportunities for their son, who has cerebral palsy and autism. They knew he was not going to get a traditional job, and he also went to a culinary arts school, so they wanted to give him a role with some responsibility. Port Austin Bed & Breakfast hopes to open for the 2021 season, which Joanne
said would last from May to October. The Murphy’s are willing to be open for longer as the Port Austin Chamber of Commerce wants to bring in more people year-round. In contrast to the two other bed and breakfasts in Port Austin, which have a very Victorian feel, Joanne said this bed and breakfast would show off different historical periods the house existed in.
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Harbor Beach honors fallen veterans
Harbor Beach officials and local veterans honored five fallen veterans this weekend by naming a garden in their honor. The city’s flower garden, at the intersection of Water Street and Garden Street, was renamed Veterans Memorial Garden during a ceremony on the Fourth of July. In addition, Water Street will be known by its original name and carry the title of Hero’s Boulevard. More photos, Page 4. (Rich Harp/For the Tribune)
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Brew Moon Coffee House house changes owners PAIGE WITHEY paige.withey@hearstnp.com CASEVILLE — When Evelyn and Ken Peterson opened up Brew Moon Coffee House and Gallery in Caseville, they had no idea that a decade later they would have created one of the town’s favorite summer businesses. When they made the decision to retire in 2019, the hunt began for someone to take over their popular business. Evelyn and Ken were openminded to how this transition would happen, they just needed to find the right people for the job. Michael and Cristina Klaiber were those people. The couple, originally from downstate, had no experience running a coffee shop, but knew this business endeavor was meant for them. With their two daughters helping out, they began their first summer season as the new owners of Brew Moon. After vacationing in Caseville for almost 10 years, Cristina, a labor and delivery nurse, and Michael, a real estate broker, watched the Brew Moon grow with every summer season. The couple now lives in the area full time in order to own and run
Michael and Cristina Klaiber are the proud new owners of Brew Moon Coffee House and Gallery in Caseville. (Paige Withey/Huron Daily Tribune) their new business. “We knew going into this how popular Brew Moon is, everyone has been extremely welcoming and supportive,” Michael said. “It’s a pleasure to be carrying on the legacy that Evelyn and Ken started here.”
“Evelyn and Ken will continue to operate the gallery side of the business this year, while we get our bearings with the coffee shop,” Christina added. “The plan would be to take over the full gallery next year.”
As for the Petersons’, Evelyn and Ken plan on renting out the garage space from the Klaibers’ where they will open a small business called Serendipity Finds. This new store will be “a mix of the unusual and whatnots, on-trend vintage home furnishings, and incidental antiques.” According to Ken and Evelyn, this new project is something that has been in the works for several years. “We gave the Brew Moon our heart and soul for 10 years,” Ken said. “It has been a wonderful journey with no regrets.” “We are looking forward to staying involved by running the gallery this season to assist with that transition next year,” he added. While their first summer might not have started in the ideal way, due to the pandemic, Cristina and Michael are rolling with it. They implemented curbside ordering and pickup and wear masks to keep themselves and their customers safe. Caseville and the surrounding community welcomes Cristina and Michael and looks forward to what the future holds for everyone involved.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS July July 24 — Pigeon Farmers Market, downtown Pigeon, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www. pigeonfarmersmarket.com. July 24 — Harbor Beach Farmers Market, 2-6 p.m. on the Murphy Museum Grounds. Setup is at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 989-553-3317. July 25 — Port Austin Farmers Market, downtown Port Austin from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit the Port Austin Farmers Market Facebook page. July 25 — Market on Main, Caseville from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 989-856-3818. July 25 — Harbor Beach Movies at the Beach, Lincoln Park at dusk. For more information, call 989-550-1662. July 31 — Pigeon Farmers Market, downtown Pigeon, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www. pigeonfarmersmarket.com. July 31 — Harbor Beach Farmers Market, 2-6 p.m. on the Murphy Museum Grounds. Setup is at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 989-553-3317. August Aug. 1 — Port Austin Farmers Market, downtown Port Austin from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit the Port Austin Farmers Market Facebook page. Aug. 1 — Market on Main, Caseville from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 989-856-3818. Aug. 5 — Harbor Beach Outdoor Movie Night, Zion Lutheran Church. For more information, call 989-479-
3615. Aug. 7 — Pigeon Farmers Market, downtown Pigeon, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www. pigeonfarmersmarket.com. Aug. 7 — Harbor Beach Farmers Market, 2-6 p.m. on the Murphy Museum Grounds. Setup is at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 989-553-3317. Aug. 7 — Harbor Beach Music by the Beach, Even Stephen, Lincoln Park, 7-11 p.m. For more information, call 989-479-3363. Aug. 8 — Port Austin Farmers Market, downtown Port Austin from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit the Port Austin Farmers Market Facebook page. Aug. 8 — Market on Main, Caseville from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 989-856-3818. Aug. 11 — Dolly and Me Tea at the Frank Murphy Museum in Harbor Beach from 1-2:30 p.m. For more information, call 989-8643817. Aug. 14 — Pigeon Farmers Market, downtown Pigeon, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www. pigeonfarmersmarket.com. Aug. 14 — Harbor Beach
Farmers Market, 2-6 p.m. on the Murphy Museum Grounds. Setup is at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 989-553-3317. Aug. 14 — Harbor Beach Movies at the Beach, Lincoln Park at dusk. For more information, call 989-550-1662. Aug. 14-23 — “Slice of Cheeseburger” in place of the annual Cheeseburger in Caseville festival. For more information, call 989-8563818. Aug. 14-16 — Blue Water Area Antique Yard Sale Trail. Over 200 miles of antiques and yard sales along M-25. For more information, call 810-3243817. Aug. 15 — Port Austin Farmers Market, downtown Port Austin from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit the Port Austin Farmers Market Facebook page. Aug. 15 — Market on Main, Caseville from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 989-856-3818. Aug. 15 — Port Hope ABC Day, Antiques, Bean Soup, Crafts and Collectables. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 989-4283463. Aug. 18 — Tween Tea in
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Harbor Beach. For more information, call 989-8643817 or email jseddy60@ gmail.com. Aug. 21 — Pigeon Farmers Market, downtown Pigeon, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www. pigeonfarmersmarket.com. Aug. 21 — Harbor Beach Farmers Market, 2-6 p.m. on the Murphy Museum Grounds. Setup is at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 989-553-3317. Aug. 21 — Harbor Beach Music by the Beach, Wayward Wind, Lincoln Park, 7-11 p.m. For more information, call 989-479-3363. Aug. 22 — Port Austin Farmers Market, downtown Port Austin from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit the Port Austin Farmers Market Facebook page. Aug. 22 — Market on Main, Caseville from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 989-856-3818. Aug. 22 — American Legion 100th Celebration, American Legion Hall in
Harbor Beach from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 989-479-3668. Aug. 23 — Harbor Beach Citywide Church Picnic at North Park Campground, 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 989-550-5680. Aug. 28 — Pigeon Farmers Market, downtown Pigeon, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www. pigeonfarmersmarket.com. Aug. 28 — Harbor Beach Farmers Market, 2-6 p.m. on the Murphy Museum Grounds. Setup is at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 989-553-3317. Aug. 29 — Port Austin Farmers Market, downtown Port Austin from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit the Port Austin Farmers Market Facebook page. Aug. 29 — Market on Main, Caseville from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 989-856-3818. Aug. 29 — Harbor Beach Movies at the Beach, Lincoln Park at dusk. For more information, call 989-550-1662.
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Port Austin eatery offers unique dining experience SARA EISINGER hdt_news@hearstnp.com PORT AUSTIN — It is unlike any other eatery in the upper Thumb. A creek runs through the 40-acre plot of land, where alfalfa, herbs and vegetables grow to create the diverse menu options offered at Bird Creek Farms. Hidden away in the kitchen to cook for local and visiting customers is Chef Stan Osentoski. “I started out my career 15 years ago, as a line cook with Brio restaurants, all on the job training,” Osentoski said, “worked my way up to executive chef within three years.” Trained by professionals at various Italian and French restaurants, Osentoski has learned to perfect an array of recipes and techniques that challenge simple taste pallets. “What is special about the menu is that everything is made in-house,” he said. “I have the opportunity to change and grow the menu.” But the chef was careful not to leave out the highly sought-after wines, cocktails and alternative beverages. The tap room is lined with specialty brews from all around Michigan. “There are 16 varieties of craft beer on tap, changing as the season goes and supplies become more readily available,” he said. “We have a sauvignon blanc on tap, as our house wine. We have mead, in many different varieties of micro crafts.” General Manager and Events Coordinator Michele McIntyre added to all the dining establishment has to offer. “I am the events coordinator, weddings, music, art classes,” she said. “(The) big deal is the location and atmosphere — deer in the field, sunsets, cool nights.” McIntyre said her favorite menu item is steak bites. “They are so tender, they melt in your mouth,” she said. Employees only had great things to say about their boss, Todd Murawski, who withdrew from comment to allow his workers to voice their own opinions. “Todd is a great visionary and entrepreneur, great to work for and hardworking, dawn until dusk,” Osentoski said. “(He) will do whatever it takes to get the job done.” Bird Creek Farms and The Tap Room at Bird Creek Farms is open seven days a week, Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. through 9 p.m. It is located in the Village of Port Austin at 282 Grindstone Road. For more information, call 989-553-6444.
Bird Creek Farms and The Tap Room at Bird Creek Farms is now open seven days a week. (Sara Eisinger/Huron Daily Tribune)
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The exterior of the Bad Axe Meijer is seen just prior to its grand opening on July 9. (Aurora Abraham/Huron Daily Tribune)
Meijer opens long-anticipated Bad Axe location SCOTT NUNN scott.nunn@hearstnp.com
BAD AXE — For more than four years the anticipation of Meijer coming to Bad Axe has been growing, and today that dream for some finally became a reality as the store opened its doors to the public for the first time. Bringing approximately 250-300 jobs to the area, with an anticipated 60% of them being full-time, Meijer’s contribution to the community is expected to run much deeper. “Right now we have about 225 team members,” Store Director Scott Neff said. “We plan on maintaining 250300, because our business can be seasonal. We are still hiring right now. We feel pretty good about sitting at 225, that is a little ahead of our goal right now.” Neff said his administrative assistant is currently conducting phone interviews. “Meijer is a family compa-
Communications Manager Joe Hirshmugl said Meijer’s superstore concept is essentially specialty stores within a store. (Scott Nunn/Huron Daily Tribune) ny and one of the things we talk about all the time is we enrich the communities in which we serve,” Neff said. “We have been out partnering with folks in the community. We want to add value
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and enrich the communities we serve.” Neff said Meijer encourages management to join local clubs and organizations for some of those outlets in serving the community. “We want to be a vibrant part of the community,” he said. Unlike some leadership, who might be transferred to the position from outside the community, Neff is an Upper Thumb native. “I am from Kingston,” he said. “It’s not like they brought some guy in from Grand Rapids. I know what it is like to live in a small community. I grew up in May-
ville and raised my six kids in Kingston.” As part of its efforts to ingrain itself into the community, Meijer recently donated $30,000 to local organizations throughout the community, including the Bad Axe Athletic Boosters, Bad Axe Fire Department and St. Hubert Parish Pantry to name a few. Neff is excited to be able to serve a small community. Previously he ran one of the Meijer stores in Saginaw. However, despite serving a smaller community, Meijer is bringing large-town conveniences, such as pickup service, home delivery
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service and Meijer’s Shop & Scan service, which allows shoppers with smartphones to scan their items as they shop and enjoy the benefits of an expedited checkout procedure. “People shop many different ways and we just want to offer as many options as we can,” Neff said. “Whether they want it delivered to their house, whether they want to scan it and bag it as they go, or they want to go online and have it delivered to their home.” “We do have a multiple ways to shop,” Communications Manager Joe Hirshmugl added. “Especially with the pandemic and people trying to be socially distant, this gives people a great opportunity.” Currently Neff said the delivery service will be limited to approximately 25 miles from the store, but he said that could be changed to accommodate as many customers as possible. Neff said team members who shop for home delivery orders are appointed to the position and receive special training. “We are very selective on who works in those areas,” “Not everyone knows what a good head of lettuce looks like. We teach and train to that, on how to pick produce.” “There is a whole training that goes along with it,” Hirschmugl said. “We were one of the first retailers to offer home delivery in Michigan. It is monstrously successful.” Meijer’s delivery service is provided through a partnership with Shipt, which sends a representative into the store to shop for individuals. Shipt shoppers communicate with the customer if a selected item is out of stock, offering a line of communications on substitution options that are available. Neff said Meijer is known for its selection of fresh produce, meats and baked goods. “One of the biggest things See MEIJER, Page 9
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MEIJER Continued from Page 8 people will see, from the supermarket setting, is we focus on fresh,” he said. “The people I know that shop at Meijer, the things they talk about is meat, produce, bakery and deli — fresh is something we do really well.” Like other Meijer locations, the store includes a meat counter offering fresh cut meat in addition to the ready-packaged meat. The fresh incentive extends beyond the walls of the store. Meijer has formed a partnership with Murphy’s Bakery in Bad Axe, which Neff said is part of the local enrichment Meijer is focused on. Meijer is known for its grower partnerships throughout the state, which extends to its store directors. “There is a huge initiative for us, as a store director, to partner with as many local people as we can,” Neff said. “I actually went to the Port Austin Farmer’s Market looking to talk to farmers. We are looking to partner if we can.” “Being founded in Michigan, we have the most extensive relationship with farmers in this state,” Hirschmugl added. The partnerships don’t end there. Inside the new store, shoppers will see a wellknown local name in healthcare, with a Scheurer Health FastCare location at the front of the store. FastCare is a walk-in clinic offering treatment for minor illnesses and health needs, for patients and non-patients. In addition to the partnership between the two companies, Meijer offers free prescriptions such free select antibiotics and select prenatal vitamins. The store shares a similar footprint with five other stores that are or are scheduled for construction this year Hirschmugl said. The new stores boast enhanced energy efficient lighting, wide aisles, fresh decor and an airy feel, as well as long-stapled amenities like a butcher counter, deli counter, a bakery, pharmacy and several checkout options to name a few. “Any time you do something, you feel like you get a little bit better,” Neff said. “Anytime we open a new store we try to open the best store we know how to,” Joe Hirschmugl “There are a number of different things that we do. Most of our buildings are built to LEED certifications and standards. This is the best store we know how to build.” Neff said Meijer has continued to hone its layout, design and selection to provide customers with the best experience. Meijer is known as the first supercenter, establishing the concept in 1962 as the first to offer grocery, clothing and hardware under one roof.
“We get the question ‘How are you different?’” Joe Hirschmugl said. “The difference is that we were founded in grocery and they weren’t. There is no other retailer in these parts that was founded in grocery.” “I think one of the things people don’t realize because this is a big supercenter is, one — we are a family business, and two — we founded the supercenter concept and we do it really well,” Neff added. During a preview tour, Hirschmugl pointed out various sections of the store and said despite Meijer being a supercenter, it is laid out differently. “We call this a one-stop shopping experience, but what it is is a whole bunch of different areas that are specialty stores in themselves.” Each of the areas Hirschmugl pointed out features prominent signage and layout. In addition to its extensive grocery options, the store also features a large pet food selection as well as housewares and clothing. Neff said Meijer features brands such as Carhartt, Skechers, Nike and Adidas. Neff said there is a lot of work that goes into operating a store, so the usual Meijer 24-hour concept fits with stocking and inventory, while providing customers the convenience of shopping in off-peak hours. “Customers generally appreciate the convenience,” Neff said. “Those people that are shopping at two o’clock in the morning, they are used to it. We talk to all of our team members about taking care of the customer.” “Not everyone works 9-5, especially these days,” Hirschmugl said. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Meijer has adopted shortened hours to allow for increased sanitation. After the coronavirus pandemic is over, Hirschmugl said the store will be resuming the corporation’s 24-hour operation, which he said there are less than a half-dozen stores that don’t operate on that basis. The store opened June 9 at 6 a.m., and will be open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight until the pandemic is over and the 24-hour model can resume. “It takes a lot to get a store like this ready, so I’m extremely proud of our team members, who worked very hard preparing for this day,” Neff said. “The excitement I’ve felt from the community is so overwhelming that it’s going to be a pleasure welcoming our neighbors to shop in the best Meijer store we know how to build.” “I’ve been asked, ‘When are you going to open the store?’ hundreds of times over last few months,” he added. “It will be great to have the questions be about finding the green beans and doing my part to help answer all of their shopping needs.”
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Siblings return to Thumb Area and buy brewery CASEVILLE — Lauren Formicola and her brother Mark have a very close relationship and often embark on outdoor trips like hiking, cross country skiing, bike riding, climbing, and kayaking. “This is just another adventure for us,” Lauren said. “We’re really close. We like to talk it out. We like to bat the ball around a lot. We generally agree, it takes us a while sometimes to get there, but we both kind of know our strengths.” In October, Mark was sampling breweries in the area for a podcast he co-hosts. As planned, he stopped at the Thumb Brewery but unexpectedly saw a “for sale” sign. He and his sister were considering buying a business but were not explicitly searching for one at the time. “We just said, Oh that’s perfect for us, let’s buy it,’” Lauren said. Lauren lived in Washington state, so technology was a huge help in communicating with her brother in Sterling Heights. “We would get together and just talk on the telephone about all sorts of areas whether it be the menu or the color design or the tables and chairs, we split work up,” she said. “It really wasn’t a challenge at all because we’re both used to working on the fly.” They placed an offer in December that was accepted in January. Delays occurred with the purchase and licensing due to the coronavirus. Lauren and Mark partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Tri-County Bank. “They put together our
financial package for us and gave us a lot of help,” she said. A representative from the Michigan Certified Development Corporation, an extension of the SBA, assisted them with a loan package. They had to create a business case that included plans to remodel and update the kitchen and the menu. Lauren said the staff was another key factor in them moving forward with the purchase. “The staff have developed long-term relationships with people who come up here for the summer and they’ve developed some local loyalty,” she said. The employees were very
eager to keep and resume their jobs this summer. Nick Bowlby, an award-winning brewer, has worked there since it originally opened over five years ago. “It’s very important to us that he wanted to stay on and continue with his recipes and creating the lovely beers that people actually stop here for,” Lauren said. A favorite beer of his is called Lady Lavender. It has a “lemon zest upfront and floral aromas” according to their menu. She said they look forward to him enhancing his work. They will “give him some room to develop some cool, interesting beers,” she said. They recently had a bicy-
clist group come by that had planned to end its trip at the brewery. “Unfortunately, we weren’t open, but it’s because they love the beer here,” she said. Lauren moved to Caseville in early June and is happy to be back in Michigan. “It’s great, I love it up here,” she said. “I love the little town feel, and everyone has been super nice.”
HURON
AURORA ABRAHAM aurora.abraham@hearstnp.com
They have established over six necessary licenses, but are awaiting the printed copy that will enable them to open to the public. They expected to receive it in the beginning of May, but the pandemic has limited the liquor control’s business hours, thus slowing the process. They do not have a planned day to open See BREWERY, Page 15
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Lauren and Mark Formicola take a selfie with glasses of beer after buying the Thumb Brewery. (Courtesy Photo)
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Temps spike as Helen Stevens Memorial Pool opens MARY DRIER & SARA EISINGER Huron Daily Tribune UPPER THUMB — The Helen Stevens Memorial Pool opened to the public June 19 after a long period of uncertainty. In anticipation of the pool opening, Cass City was able to hire life guards, and the parks department has been busy cleaning and preparing the pool for use. The Tuscola County Health Department gave Cass City’s pool approval to open 1 p.m., Friday, June 19. “The health department inspected the pool Friday afternoon,” said village Manager Debbie Powell. “They inspected the pool and facilities, and approved opening.” However, it will not be business as usual at the Helen Stevenson Memorial Pool at 6757 Church St., in the Municipal Park, “Due to the late start, and the social distancing requirements, this year, we are limited in our offerings of classes and lessons,” Powell said. “We did not know if we could open and use our pool this year due to COVID19. So the plan is to keep operations simple with leisure use of the pool only with open swim.” Due to the COVID-19 challenges and concerns, staff will take extra precautions to insure the health, safety, and welfare of the public and employees alongside the compliance with state and federal guidelines. In addition, the village has changed the disinfection process from salt to chlorine, as was recommended by the pool contractor, Powell noted. The pool will be open every day for open swim, The pool hours will be Monday through Friday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The pool will close from 4:30 to 5 p.m. for cleaning, and shift change, and will re-open from 5 to 9 p.m. weekdays. The pool will be open on Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Pool staff will monitor attendance and only allow 100 people at the pool, including staff. Patrons will be asked to notify pool staff when they leave in order to disinfect their seating area and potentially allow admittance to those who are waiting. At this time, no swimming lessons or private lessons are being scheduled this summer. There will also be no early bird lap swim, water aerobics, or pool rentals. Although a some of the pool’s standard operations will not be available this year, there is some good news. Admission rates remain the same as last year. Single daily admission is
As temperatures spiked to the low 90s, residents in the Upper Thumb rejoiced as the Helen Stevens Memorial Pool opened for the season. For more photos from the pool, see Page 6B. (Sara Eisinger/Huron Daily Tribune) $3 day, and the family daily admission is $10. However, season pool passes will not be available during this season. In midst of its 2020 opening, city council members Tom Herron and Don Ball were busy constructing the village’s new splash pad. “It will be something for the kids to do,” Ball said. “While the bigger kids are swimming, the little ones can run in.” Its radius will be 20 square feet, made complete with 30 “toys.” Ball said the toys include various sprinkle units and even buckets. The pad was Herron’s idea. After visiting his daughter out of state and seeing different sprinkler systems set up for kids, he thought it would be nice to have something similar in Cass City. “I was a building contractor for 56 years,” Herron said. “I was looking for a challenge. It will be a real asset for Cass City.” Herron and Ball anticipate the splash park to open by the end of July, but nothing has been set in stone. For more information on the Helen Stevens Memorial Pool, call the Municipal Building at 989-872-2911. Normally, the pool opens Memorial Day weekend. The pool has faced challenges the last two years. After it opened May 26, 2018, it closed briefly after swimmers complained of getting scrapes on their feet. The pool was drained, cleaned and some minor repairs done so it was able to reopen for the remainder of that season.” However at that time, it
was realized that some major repairs had to be made to the pool that is 44 years old.
The community rally around the pool to raise the funds to do the repairs; but
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Farmers Market
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Cass City Farmers Market: This takes place from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. through Sept. 24 on Main Street (M-81) in front of Rotary Park. For more information, call 989-872-4311. Market on Main, Caseville: Caseville’s Market on Main takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays through Sept. 5. For more information, call 989-856-3818. Harbor Beach Farmers Market: This takes place from 2-6 p.m. every Friday on the Murphy Museum grounds every Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. through Oct. 11. For more information, call 989-550-1662. Pigeon Farmers Market: This takes place from 9 am. to 2 p.m. every Friday from June 19 through Oct. 30 in downtown Pigeon. For more information, call 989-545-5240 Port Austin Farmers Market: This takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 10 in downtown Port Austin. For more information, call 989-738-7600
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New local owners excited about mini golf business AURORA ABRAHAM aurora.abraham@hearstnp.com
PORT AUSTIN — Looking for a change of pace, something a little less stressful and a source of fun three Huron County locals purchased a mini golf business in Port Austin. Formerly known as Birdie on the Fly, Elaine Moore, her sister Joyce Pode, and husband Tom Moore, bought the property last week. The new name is Tip of the Thumb Mini Golf. “We were kind of looking for something that wasn’t as stressful and all of us being from the area we kind of wanted to see the business kept local, like owned by somebody locally,” Elaine said. They said this was a good fit. “We were just looking in
our hometown,” Pode said. “We looked at the options and thought, you know, this might not be too bad. It’s seasonal, and you know see if we could just come have fun.” Elaine said from the time they looked at it and decided to purchase it was a very short period. “All of this happened within the matter of just a little over a week,” she said. “We’ve just been here busy making sure it’s all functional and that people can come in and golf.” While they are considering themes and renovations, they said nothing will happen until fall or spring, in preparation for next season. “Right now, we just wanted to get it open so that people could have somewhere to go,” Elaine said.
They said the business was owned by the same family that built it in the 60s and offered putt-putt instead of minigolf up until 5 years ago. The buyer then changed it from putt-putt to minigolf; however, the new owners will renew the putt putt. They said the previous owner was planning to renovate and stay closed for the season but they did not want to do that. “We just put it all back together and decided that we would see what happened with this being the two busiest weeks of the summer,” Elaine said. Elaine said they plan to do some painting and maintenance on the property. “We’re not probably going to change it up other than, you know, painting it and maybe doing another theme
color or something like that,” she said. “It will still remain the same.” They hope to have a grand opening next year. They said the coronavirus did not impact them as it has other businesses. “We did take precautions,” she said. “He [Tom] is very handy with our maintenance part of it. He did a lot, put up plexiglass, make sure things were all up and protected for us. We’ve printed some signs and have them all posted.” She said being an outdoor business has helped them significantly to avoid many limitations other brick-andmortar businesses face. Born and raised in Huron county, Pode married and moved to Richmond, VA. She managed retail there for nearly 22 years. “When I could retire, I just
came up here to be back with family,” she said. Elaine returned to Huron county after going to college. She worked at the Bad Axe Courthouse for 35 years. She held several jobs there including Court Administrator for the 73B District Court. Tom was born and raised in Kinde. He earned a degree in heavy equipment service and returned home to work as a mechanic where he got maintenance position at Thumb Plastics in Bad Axe. He worked there for 29 years and eventually was supervisor and process engineer before he left. He then assumed a maintenance job at North Huron School, where he still works.
Sebewaing reopens parks and approves film festival return MARY DRIER For the Tribune SEBEWAING — Little by little activities are returning to normal in the village of Sebewaing as COVID-19 restrictions implemented by the state are being lifted. “The lawn-chair film festival was approved to show
BREWERY Continued from Page 12 yet, and because of this when they do, they will only serve small bites. “Our kitchen needs to get prepared to get up and moving since we don’t have a date,” she said. They will serve beer, wine, soda, lemonade, and chips and dip but slowly ramp up their menu and business after opening. They finalized the purchase with the previous owners, Yvonne and Scott Stacherski and the title company, United Title Agency on July 1. They are updating and renovating both the interior and exterior in preparation to open. “We’re going to try to elevate the experience on the menu and also on the property,” Lauren said. “We’ve been in here updating these dining rooms and the outdoor area.” She said based on their own safety concerns and the governor’s order, they will not have dining inside. “We have seating for 80 outside and so that’s really going to be a great attribute now that we’re going to outside dining only,” she said. In addition to social distancing, staff will wear masks and cider sanitizer will be available on the
movies starting in July,” said village Clerk Travis Youatt. “Films will be shown on Fridays July 10, July 18, and July 23.” A roster of movies to be shown is being developed. The films will be shown again at the Muellerweiss Park in the downtown area. “The DPW has reopened
the all-purposed building in the village’s main park, the parks, and the restrooms around town that had been closed because of the COVID-19 virus,” he said. There are several parks throughout the town. There is the Main Park, the South Park, Pitcher Memorial Park, the Northside Neighborhood
Park, and Muellerweiss Park. “The DPW was a little behind on getting them to reopen while dealing with the clean up,” said Youatt. Earlier in the month Sebewaing, along with several other Huron County communities, had extensive damage to clean up after a storm went through and took
down limbs, trees, wires, and poles. “For a while, the DPW’s work was focused on cleanup,” he said. However, some aspects of the community have not opened yet. “The village hall, for now,
tables. Lauren said they may end up removing tables to ensure people feel safe. The dining room is being repainted a deep blue to reflect the Lake Huron color with grey too. Lauren said a coral color will be used as well to represent the Caseville sunset. She said they were inspired partly by the colors of the stained-glass window in the restaurant’s dining room. They added new, modern chairs with walnut seating. Outside, they installed bright blue umbrella’s “to give it some pop out front and a nice fresh look,” Lauren said. They are also doing landscaping in the front of the property. A new kitchen will be installed this month. It will include a char broiler and fryer to make new menu items like char broiled burgers, fries and chicken wings. Lauren said they will add more hot and healthy items to the menu. In addi-
tion, they will offer a kid’s menu with peanut butter sandwiches in the shape of a mitten. “I think the main point of the elevated experience is going to be the new kitchen,” she said. Lauren said they have also added larger tables outdoors to accommodate big groups. In the restaurant, they plan to incorporate more farm to table meals. Lauren said she recently met a farmer who grows tomatoes and looks forward to bringing those in. She also said they would like to bring in fresh, local eggs for entrees like the bun-less burger that will consist of a burger, egg, and lettuce. Lauren said the brewery will try to incorporate as many Michigan products as possible to support local farmers and businesses. The menu will feature a lemonade-infused cocktail menu with all Michigan ingredients.
“We’re pro Michigan,” she said. “We want to support the community, we want to support the farmers … It’s tough on everybody right now.” Lauren and Mark were born and raised in Roseville and went to high school together there. They attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Lauren transferred to the University of Texas and graduated in 1986 with a degree in communications. Mark transferred and graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo with a degree
in business in 1987. Lauren said she spent her most of her life on the coast. “I became pretty much a bicoastal person,” she said. “I’ve returned to Michigan for the first time since I was 21.” Lauren said she and her brother make a good team. They look forward to opening the business as soon as possible and completing all the updates. “We’re taking it out of the colonial and just giving it an update to the brewery look itself.”
See PARKS, Page 16
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Childhood TV viewing spawns two Thumb businesses MARY DRIER For the Tribune
from just painting a room and tiling a backsplash to renovating an entire house. SEBEWAING — There are From there, her business times when not limiting a kept growing and she kept child’s television watching doing more renovation can turn out to be a good work. Soon she was busier thing later in life, as evithan she could ever have denced by local business imagined. owner Becky Wark. Because of that, by June “I loved watching the 2019, she had outgrown her home and garden network garage and storage unit. when I was growing up,” It was time for Boxwood said Wark, who now Design Company to owns two businesses have its own space, so in Sebewaing. “I was she bought the former about 13 when we video store across got cable television. I from Luke’s Market. became obsessed with “It was the perHGTV, and house fect space for what hunters. That is why I needed,” she said. Becky Wark “It had a workshop, I got my real estate license. All of those hours of an office, and a place for watching those programs for inventory, and it also had years did not go to waste,” a 1,500-square-foot showShe bought the store at room that I had no idea 650 South Unionville Rd., what to do with.” Sebewaing to open BoxAfter speaking with her wood Market, and she also family and friends, she uses the space for her other thought there was opportubusiness, Boxwood Design nity for a store to fill shopCompany. ping needs in the area. “I honestly had no idea if Wark and her sister-inthere would be any work for law, Stefani Koch, worked me in the Thumb, which is on a business plan and evalwhy I didn’t pursue it origiuated what they could connally” said Wark. tribute to their community. However, her first client “I have three small kids project quickly changed and we get invited to a lot
of kid birthday parties,” Wark said. “I hated having to drive 20 to 30 minutes to get a gift. Once we really started looking at what was available nearby, we realized how many niches could be filled. There was no place in town to get clothing, accessories, various home decor, and gifts for certain occasions.” They used that knowledge to develop a store, Boxwood Market, for home decor, kids toys and games, and unique gifts. To add to the store, Koch formed her company, Lemon & Laurel, which encompass-
es the clothing and accessory side of the business. The store offers boutique clothing, jewelry, scarves, purses and handbags, home decor, barware/kitchenware items, kids toys and games, a line of baby items and blankets, refinished furniture, custom built pieces, handmade items from local artisans, and more. “We have new inventory arriving constantly and are continuing to expand our services,” Wark said. “Our goal is that if you need a gift for a wedding, housewarming, birthday, etc., or you just want to find something
unique for your home or an outfit for yourself, we have you covered.” She noted she takes some handmade crafts on consignment from local people. “As a small community, we feel it is important that our business complements other businesses in town and not knock them down,” Wark said. “There is only so much money to be spent in Sebewaing and we realize that. While we fully support competition and free market, there is a difference in finding and filling a niche See BOXWOOD, Page 17
In starting their business, Beck Wark and Stefani Koch looked for niche markets — like apparel and children’s items, that were not being met by other Sebewaing businesses. Also, Wark owns Boxwood Design Company, which is a remodeling business. (Courtesy Photo)
PARKS Continued from Page 15 is still closed to the public. We are planning on reopening soon,” Youatt said. “We are in the process of putting precautions in place right now. “We expect to be fully open to the public shortly after July 1.” In the meantime, village business continues to be done by phone, email, using
a drop box, and if necessary by appointment. In other village matters, there is a lot of work that has to be done before a dog park will be ready to open. The plan is to develop a park for dogs on the northeast section of an abandoned industrial property at 249 N. Center St. “The DPW sprayed the park area for weeds,” Youatt said. “They will be removing stones, working the ground up a little to plant grass this summer and fall. We want
to give the grass time to get established before it is used.” The plan for the one-acre park is to have water, benches, trees, an agility course and fences to contain the dogs with one section for larger dogs and another for smaller dogs. To help with the park’s development, the project was awarded a $1,000 grant from the Huron County Community Foundation as part of the program to help communities enhance public spaces.
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More than 40 Michigan vendors sell products at new Bad Axe store SARA EISINGER sara.eisinger@hearstnp. com
Boxwood Market in Sebewaing carries a wide-range of home decor and craft items. (Courtesy Photo)
CONTINUED Continued from Page 16 versus being cutthroat and ripping off other businesses’ ideas.” Finding and filling a niche that others in the community aren’t filling is, “small town business etiquette.” “We promise a better shopping experience in town by continuing to introduce new products, to fill shopping voids, and to work with existing businesses,” Wark said. “We believe in serving our community, not just ourselves.” In their businesses, they have someone who makes handmade cards, a seamstress that makes baby blankets and pillows, and a man who makes custom furniture pieces. There are also some woodcrafts like shelves, small tables or stands that Wark makes herself, and she also does most of the remodeling work for her other company herself. “My grandmother and father taught me to use hand tools when I was little, so it comes natural, whether doing home remodels or crafts,” she explained. “I have a couple of contractors that are local that I work with,” she said. “We can knock out walls, put them up, put in windows, refinish cabinets, put in new cabinets, do plumbing and electrical, and countertops. Anything a person wants I can do it and help them design it.” Although both of her businesses are flourishing, that was not her first career
choice. She went the safe route and pursued her MBA in marketing and advertising. After years of working for others, she took a leap of faith to start her own design business. “We have all heard the saying, ‘Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,’” Wark said. “That is true.” The store’s summer hours are Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, about the businesses go to boxwooddesignco.com or follow along on www.facebook.com/boxwooddesignco and www.facebook.com/ boxwoodmarketmi.
BAD AXE — A teenage dream has grown into a new Bad Axe store that carries products made by 41 vendors throughout the state of Michigan. Vendors Delight is owned and operated solely by Michelle Vanpijkeren, who said she has dreamed of opening her own shop since she was a teenager. “I had a plan and idea in mind,” Vanpijkeren said. “I just always wanted to do it.” The entrepreneur’s hope was to create a warm inviting atmosphere for people to come and shop around. Coffee is available daily and Elaine Glaza’s fresh baked goods are always on sale. Every other Saturday afternoon, Larry Jewel and Jeff Taylor even come in to play some live music. “It’s all local,” Vanpijkeren said. Among the vendors are a few familiar names: Renee Kady with homemade crafts and wreaths, Paparazzi Jewelry by Amanda Wooters, Tim Pawlowski with gardening decor, and Michel McCain’s woodwork. About everything imaginable fills the store’s shelves, including holiday decorations. There are antiques, decor made from wood and metal, homemade soaps, gardening items, art work, photographs, candles, quilts, furniture, stuffed animals and much more. The long list also includes CBD oils, lotions, and gummies.
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Vendors Delight is now open for business in Bad Axe. (Michelle Vanpijkeren/ Courtesy) “Customers will find a lot that they’ve been looking for,” Vanpijkeren said. It was one month ago when Vanpijkeren leased the property, once known as Captain John Smoke House. She wasted no time getting vendors on board, prepped to sell their creations. With doors opening in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Vanpijkeren had to be conscious of all health and safety concerns. It is mandatory that customers wear face masks when shopping. Luckily, Nicole Mauer is another vendor selling products in the store. “She makes beautiful masks,” Vanpijkeren said
There was talk about putting a canopy outside, stocked with store items. Vanpijkeren said this would help her to ensure social distancing among customers. Of course, hand sanitizer is readily available for everyone’s use and surfaces are disinfected regularly. One day, Vanpijkeren said she might consider selling her own crafts at the store. For now, she is happy fulfilling a lifelong dream. Vendors Delight is open seven days a week, Sunday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 2990 North Van Dyke Road, Bad Axe. The phone number is 989-550-7370.
Serving the thumb AreA Since 1914! We have been proud to serve the Thumb area as the oldest member-owned cooperative elevator in the state. We offer a full selection of crop protection products, custom fertilizer, seed, lumber, fuel and oil, hardware, livestock nutrition products, and much more. Stop in and let us know how we can serve you better. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 8am-Noon (Except Dec-March) 338 Main Street • P.O. Box 246 • Kinde, Michigan 48445
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Port Austin artist shares his story, motivations with the world SARA EISINGER sara.eisinger@hearstnp.com PORT AUSTIN — Painting in the tranquil village of Port Austin is notable artist David Thacker — inspired by everything around him. “Sometimes, it will be a dream, movie, or another artist,” Thacker said. “My favorite show piece is the Mother Teresa. It was inspired by Andy Warhol. I wanted to change it and make it pop. It is explicit, but simple to me.” Thacker was deeply hurt over the way he saw people treat one another during the past couple of months, when desperate and scared. As general manager at the Dollar General in town, Thacker witnessed several customers fighting over various store items. “It was a good time to remind people of humanity,” Thacker said. “I am an essential worker. I have seen the worst in people. I have seen people act savage for toilet paper. I have seen people snatch items from the elderly. I’ve seen some terrible things. I’ve cried over it. People are mean.” He has chosen to express these feelings through the colorful strokes of his paint brush. “It seemed like the right painting at the right time,” he said. “I worked seven days a week and the nicest thing anyone did for me was buy a Coke. It brought me to tears.” In sync with the world around him, Thacker paints the intangible onto blank canvases. Abstract brushstrokes seemingly mimic real life, often somehow harmonizing with the thoughts and feelings of its future owner. He spoke of a young boy, whom he has grown rather fond of over the years. “I met a young kid,” Thacker said. “He bought a joker painting,” Oddly enough, Thacker had just painted exactly what the boy was looking for. “It was meant just for him,” he said, left without another explanation. “Then, they came back the next year and asked for a unicorn. I just painted one the day before.” Another family came out to the market looking for a Dragon Ball Z picture. “And I just did one,” Thacker said. “Maybe they are putting it out into the universe just as much as I am.” For the self-taught artist, his work is dependent on mood. “There are no expectations,” he said. “It can just be. The freedom is wonderful. When it comes out beautiful, it is the icing on the cake.” Thacker shared his two favorite pieces: “Chaos” and “Just Dream.” “Dream” was inspired by French impres-
Self-portrait painted by David Thacker of Port Austin. (Courtesy/ David Thacker)
David Thacker of Port Austin. (Courtesy photo)
Art by David Thacker of Port Austin. (Courtesy/ David Thacker) sionistic painter Claude Monet. “It has bright colors in a blur of water,” said Thacker. “To me, it is marvelous. I just can’t bring myself to sell it. It just happened without any expectations. It is freedom. It is like being a dream. If only I could just walk into my own painting. Each is a window into my eyes.” Thacker’s art did not fully blossom until he moved from the streets of Detroit up to the quiet lake town he now calls home. It was 1996 and Thacker was just 16 years
old. “My mom passed away when I was 15 from an overdose,” he said. “I was living on the streets.” Orphaned, as he had been numerous times before, Thacker knew his options. “It was getting locked up in juvenile hall or running away,” he said. “I came up here with friends on camping trip. A friend asked if I wanted to do farm work in the fields. I did it and did it for years. I floated back and forth, but this became home base.”
Painted by David Thacker of Port Austin. (Courtesy/ David Thacker) Thacker made the decision wanted to adopt, but my to attend the Huron Area mom fought and won us Technical Center in Bad back.” Axe, where he completed his When Thacker went back GED. to live with his mother, his “God put me here, I art was finally embraced. believe,” said Thacker. “I had “She covered a wall with to do it for myself. I didn’t my finger paintings,” Thackwant to have nothing. I er said. “The entire wall was wanted to graduate.” covered. She was not the From there, the painter best mom, but she bought did what he knew best and me the best art supplies. continued painting. HowFinger paints were my first ever, this was far from the paints.” birth place of his unique In the third grade, he artistic expression. attended Davison Elementa“I remember being in prery and was selected to be in a school and being taken away special art program. from mom,” the Thacker “Detroit schools took five said. “I would have that time to seven of the most talented in art class and want to give kids and put them in a speit to mom. It was my way of cial program,” Thacker said. showing her that I loved and “They always put my art on missed her.” the walls. My mom would Thacker remembered livcome in and take pictures. I ing with his aunt going back would be embarrassed. Now, to his mother. He would live I can see how important that in and out of the foster care was.” system for the remainder of Thacker’s art still hangs his childhood. on its walls today. “I was taken away again “It was my contribution to and went with another famthe school,” he said. ily,” he said. “Then, I lived Oddly enough, Thacker with the Potts. They were donated some of his art to terrible. They just did it for the check. The next family See THACKER, Page 20
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Huron’s Finest hopes customer service keeps it ahead of the competition SCOTT NUNN scott.nunn@hearstnp.com BAD AXE — For 32 years Huron’s Finest has been the go-to grocer for many in the community, and Owner Jim Cox expects that will continue despite the opening of Meijer. “I know it will slow us down for a while,” Cox said. “Everyone wants to try the new store, and it is going to happen.” According to Cox, this isn’t the first time he was in a David and Goliath situation against larger companies. “We had an IGA, we had a Farmer Jack’s,” he said. “They are all gone.” Huron’s Finest has prided itself on its personal service, and Cox said that will continue to set his store apart, but it won’t be easy. “It is a problem for small businesses,” Cox said. “It will be tough on a lot of small business.” However, if the past few months during the coronavirus pandemic are any sign, Huron’s Finest should weather the storm. Cox said the community has been excellent to work with. “They have been quite supportive,” he said. Unlike some businesses in the Thumb, Cox has drawn a hard line on the coronavirus pandemic since the start, and he continues to do so,
Huron’s Finest, which has won Reader’s Choice awards for many years, continues to take a hard-line approach to the pandemic in hopes to keep its customers and staff safe. (File Photo) even if it means costing him some business. “I am the only store here that has kept people safe consistently,” he said. “We did curbside for two and a half months. When we reopened we required masks. If you are going to shop here, you have to have masks.” Cox said he believes it is important to protect the residents of the community that are at risk, and by doing so, they shop in his store. “A lot of my older people are shopping me because of that,” he said. “We have to protect the older people because no one else is.” Cox said he doesn’t understand the opposition to the masks. “To me everything is just common sense,” he said. “You can put a mask on for 10 minutes to shop my store. If you can’t, you can’t.” Cox said he will continue to enforce the rules because he believes it is important. “I am going to protect them,” he said. “I will keep doing what I am doing and my customers will come back.”
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Painted by David Thacker of Port Austin. (Courtesy/ David Thacker)
THACKER Continued from Page 18 the “Suite Dreams Project” in Detroit a couple years back. “They support that same school and I didn’t even know that,” he said, reminiscing on his time there. “I will never forget my art teacher. He was my favorite part. I will never forget the first time I used acrylics. I can’t tell you the first time I kissed somebody, but I can tell you the first time I used acrylics.” Today, Thacker’s work sells at The Cove in Port Austin and local craft shows, including the Holly Berry Fair in Caseville, Port Austin Farmers Market, and Port Austin’s Art in the Park. “The market is my bread and butter,” he said. “It is wonderful. Hundreds of people see your work and it is lucrative. Between that and regular life, I stay pretty busy.” Thacker’s paintings are currently on display at the market, where all
but six have already sold this year. Thacker ensures his prices meet the diverse monetary needs of all customers. “There is a range — the highest being $450 down to $20,” he said. “There has got to be something for everyone. That kid that works all summer — you know he can’t afford it. That joker painting was just three simple colors. They sell pretty quickly. I am doing well, but this is where the art took off.” There was a single table at Thacker’s first Port Austin craft show. Only seven paintings and a handful bracelets laid across it. At first, he struggled. “Now, I love it here,” he said. “I am our local artist. It is food for the soul. It is fabulous to walk down the street and hear ‘That is our local artist!’ I want everyone to feel inspired artistically. I just want people to be happy.” Thacker’s art can be found online at www.facebook.com/Thackers-Art-Alley-124193411023027.
Painted by David Thacker of Port Austin. (Courtesy/ David Thacker)
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