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INDEX
Hooping it UP Non-profit pasties Centenarian Raising grayling Conservation Corner Small steps Northeast influence Get fit Fine dining Reed’s Tuscan bean soup Recreation Expo Brown bag Sandie’s Galley Brickery
The Guide
to Northeast Michigan
covering the counties of Alcona, Arenac, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon APRIL/MAY 2011 Volume 2, Issue II
Published by: Info Northeast Jerry Nunn, editor (989) 780-0900 jnunn@infonortheast.com Contributing writers: Patrick Ertel, Jerry Nunn, Scott Nunn, Shannon Nunn, Sandie Parker, Jim Smith and Kelly Trainor Advertising sales and design: Scott Nunn (989) 245-7140 snunn@infonortheast.com Layout and design: K. Neff Photographics kneffphotographics@mac.com
PW On-Location Photography Penny Wojahn • (989) 305-1722 sunrisepenny@yahoo.com See some of my photography at www.flickriver.com/search/sunrisepenny/recent
g n i h c t a C t i r i p s e th By JERRY NUNN, EDITOR I have to admit, I felt outclassed and overwhelmed stepping to the podium at the Huron Pines Annual Meeting to accept a 2011 O.B. Eustis Environmental Award on behalf of Info Northeast. That’s not to say we are not grateful for the recognition. The late O.B. Eustis, in whose name the award is given, was an Alpena-area industrialist and a staunch environmentalist who understood the unique challenges that face Northeast Michigan. That I never met the man I consider to be my great loss. We appreciate the recognition plenty and look forward to fulfilling the challenges that we believe the award presents to Info Northeast and the Guide to Northeast Michigan. At the same time, my notion was not without reason. I was outclassed (and proud to say so) by this year’s corecipients for the award, Claire Erwin and Carol Rose. Rose, who serves as chair of the Upper Black River Watershed Council and vice-president of the Montmorency County Conservation Club, has spent the past 20 years as a leader of environmental endeavors, an advocate for habitat improvement and an educator for conservation causes. So devoted
Photo courtesy Huron Pines
Carol Rose of Hillman, Claire Erwin of Bloomfield and this author were recipients of 2011 O.B. Eustis Environmental Awards from the Mr. and Mrs. O.B. Eustis Memorial Fund, Huron Pines and the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan. is Rose to the ecological issues of age. After playing a leadership role in achieving Green School Northeast Michigan, that before status for her school in Bloommoving north from Ann Arbor field, Erwin spent the summer Up to champion the wilderness she North, enrolled in three volunteer loves, she and her husband Paul reorganized and downsized their projects for Huron Pines. In her spare time Erwin participated in nation-wide construction firm Jeffress Dryer to better fit our re- Huron Pines’ Cedars for the AuSgion’s economy and the couple’s able Program and also planted and cared for native flora on her newly anticipated northern way family’s vacation property. of life. Carol Rose’s burgeoning Easy to see why I felt outroster of past accomplishment classed but I felt overwhelmed as should serve notice to any who well. doubt the causes she has yet to As a writer, I find few things adopt. as exciting as hearing a good Not to be outdone is Claire Erwin, 14, a summertime resident story. Yet, if that old adage ever was true, that everyone has a of Grayling and recipient of the story to tell, it was here, where award’s youth division. When it 150 of Northeast Michigan’s comes to protecting our natural most devoted conservationresources and the AuSable River’s North Branch, Erwin exhibits ists made up the Huron Pines’ crowd. The type and caliber of an energy that is rare in today’s environmental do-gooders who youth. When it comes to the prowere there that day – agency motion and endorsement of those leaders, organizational directors, same resources, Erwin demdevoted staffers and self-starting onstrates a wisdom most often reserved for folks many times her volunteers – are the kind of folks
INFONORTHEAST • APRIL/MAY 2011
who write their own human interest stories. While I like to say, “I merely share those stories with the world,” at Info Northeast we recognize the greater value of our task. Claire Erwin and Carol Rose do not provide their often-lonely labor expecting some far-off recognition. Whether their stories were ever told or not, they would be there, devoted to a cause to which they’ve sworn allegiance. Yet when we hear their stories it spurs us on to do better ourselves, to be more attentive to our environment and to be more aware of the natural resources that we all too often take for granted. It is in that spirit that we devote the Guide to Northeast Michigan. And in the spirit of O.B. Eustis. You see, Eustis understood that not only is Northeast Michigan’s potential growth limited by our area’s vast natural resources, it must be defined by them as well; that the rights of usage run parallel to the responsibilities of stewardship and that in all this uncommon abundance, you’ll find an unforgiving vulnerability that we must not ignore. It is by that principal that the industrialist O.B. Eustis lived his life. It is a belief with which we could not agree more. – Info Northeast would like to thank the Mr. and Mrs. O.B. Eustis Memorial Fund, Huron Pines and the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan for recognizing our efforts to increase environmental awareness in Northeast Michigan. The $500 that was granted with the award, for dedication to an environmental cause of our choice, went to Roscommon’s Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve, an environmental educator to area youngsters.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 8: 27th Annual Spring Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s of 1: Open Mic Night, 6-8 p.m. on the Standish Hospital Skilled Nursing first Friday at every month at Flowers Facility, with homemade soup and by Josie, downtown Grayling. Info: salad luncheon11 a.m. to 1 p.m., cost Ernie (989) 348-4006. is $5, at the SMMSH cafeteria. Info: 2: Spring Fling Gladwin Com(989) 846-3525. munity Arena. Food, crafts, silent auctions, petting zoo, door prizes, moonwalk, hands on activities for Every attempt at accuracy has kids, Easter bunny. Admission is been made while producing this free. Info: Mark (989) 426-6436 5-16: Drinking Habits, a play by calendar of events. Nonetheless, Tom Smith, at the Mid Michigan events can change or mistakes Community College Theater, offering can be made. Thus it’s a good a matinee and performance plays on a variety of dates; cost is $8 adults, idea to call ahead, before $5 under-12 or $18 for a matinee venturing north. luncheon. Info: (989) 386-6640. 5 & 12: The Standish Lion’s Club 9: Papa Doo Run Run, a Beach Annual Smelt Fry, 5-7 p.m. at the Boys tribute, 7 p.m. at the Kirtland Granton Inn, at the light in downCenter for Performing Arts; cost is town Standish. Cost is $9 per person. $24 and $26. Info: (989) 275-6777 or Info: (989) 846-9929. online at KirtlandCenter.com. 7: Ogemaw County Business 9: Fashion Show, noon-3 p.m. at and Community Expo, 4-8p.m at the Grayling Eagles Club, hosted by Ogemaw Heights High School. Info: The Curves Team, featuring lunch, (989) 345-0692. give-aways and more; admission is $10 with proceeds to American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Info: (989) 348-1055. 9: MMCC Rust Shaker Mountain Bike Race, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Mid Michigan Community College Harrison Campus, featuring forested trails over rolling hills, with some tighter technical trails and hilly twotracks. Info: (989) 386-6651. 9: Scrapbooking Day, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Outdoor Adventures Club House, Standish; hosted by Bethlehem Lutheran Church, proceeds to Relay for Life. Cost is $30 includes continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, beverages, snacks and a goody bag. Info: (989) 846-4147. 9&16: Pet Pictures with the Easter Bunny, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ogemaw County Humane Society. Info: (989) 343-7387. 10: All You Can Eat Country Breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon at Roscom-
April
THE GUIDE
mon VFW Post #4159, with pancakes, sausage, eggs made to order, hash browns, biscuits, sausage gravy, juice and coffee; cost is $6 adults, $3 for 10-and-under and toddlers eat for free. Info: (989) 275-4136. 15: Pheasants Forever Dinner & Raffle, 5:30 p.m. at the Gladwin Community Arena. Info: (989) 4266414. 16: Spring Art and Wine Walk, downtown West Branch, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Info: (989) 345-5100. 16: Open Comedy Mic and Poetry Slam, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Grayling Country Club; tickets cost $5 in advance, $7 at the door, with benefits to Kirtland Ms. Club for student assistance. Info (989) 275-5000 ext. 325. 16: Ogemaw County Humane Society’s Pet Pictures 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ogemaw County Humane Society, located on M-33, with Easter Bunny Laura Dean. Info: (989) 3437387 16: 26th Annual Auction to Support the Arts, at the Northeast Michigan Arts Center, at the corner of Grove St. and U.S. 23, on the curve north of Standish. Info: (989) 846-9331. 16: Moms to Moms Community Sale, 10 a.m. at the VFW Post in Roscommon, featuring good usable children and baby items, clothing, games, sporting goods, toy and more; sponsored by Friends Helping Friends Foundation. Info: (989) 275-6014. 19-30: Youth Art Show at the State Street Gallery, by West Branch Creative Arts Association. Info: (989) 836-2932. 21: Blast the Blues fundraiser for Tolfree Foundation, 5-8:30 p.m. at Dean Arbor Ford in West Branch, featuring food, art, auction and the best of blues music. Info: (989) 3433690. 21-23: Pioneer Power Antique Tractor and Engine Club Spring Swap Meet, at the West Branch 3
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strations, competitions, tools and supplies, with soap carving for kids. Info: (989) 362-7982. 7 & 14: Arenac Area-wide Youth Art Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northeast Arts Center featuring student artwork from Arenac-Eastern, Pinconning, Standish-Sterling and Whittemore-Prescott school districts. Info: (989) 846-4577. 8: All You Can Eat Country Breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon at Roscommon VFW Post #4159, with pancakes, sausage, eggs made to order, hash browns, biscuits, sausage gravy, juice and coffee; cost is 6.00 adults, $3.00 for 10-and-under and toddlers eat for free. Info: (989) 275-4136. 13-15: Tawas Point Birding Festival and the Michigan Audubon Annual Conference, headquarters at Tawas Bay Beach Resort, with daily seminars and field trips to area birding attractions. Info: (517) 886-9144 or (989) 739-5674. 13-15: Shoreline Players presents “Into the Woods,” Friday thru Saturday show time 7 p.m., Sunday show time is 2 p.m. Info: (989) 739-3586. 14-15: 3rd Annual Au Sable Recreation Expo , celebrating the heritage and recreational possibilities of the Au Sable area of Crawford County, featuring river sports, hiking, birding, camping, 1: Gourmet Delights, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the photography, geocaching, biking and more; located Tawas Community Center, a chance to sample delectable locally-made treats, presented by Quota at Hanson Hills in Grayling. 14: Northern Water Series Hanson Hills Disc Club International of Iosco County. Golf Open, at Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Gray5: High Tea and Silent Auction, to benefit River ling. Info: (989) 344-0047 or House, Inc., 4:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic AuSableRecreationExpo.com Church, Grayling; pre-purchase of tickets pre17: Valerie Van Heest, presents the Sinking of ferred, cost is $35. Info: (989) 348-3169 or the Lady Elgin, a steamer that went down in Lake www.riverhouseinc.org Michigan in 1860, at the Houghton Lake Historical 6: Coffee Hour, 8-10 a.m. at Devereaux MemoSociety; doors open at 5:30, cost is $11.95 includrial Library, hosted by the Friends of Crawford ing dinner buffet. Info: (989) 366-6454. County Libraries. Info: (989) 348-9214. 18: 3rd Annual Roscommon Business Expo, 6: Open Mic Night at Flowers by Josie, 6-8 3-7 p.m. at the CRAF Center, featuring business p.m. on the first Friday of every month, located in and organizations from Roscommon County. Info: downtown Grayling. Info: (989) 348-4006. (989) 275-8760. 7: Robin Speilberg, pianist at the Kirtland Center 20-23: Victoria Days Weekend Sidewalk Sale for Performing Arts; 7 p.m. tickets cost $20 or $22. at Tanger Outlet Center, West Branch. Info: (989) Info: (989) 275-6777 or KirtlandCenter.com. 345-2594. 7: Spring Fling and Dinner Dance, 6 p.m. at 19-22: Shoreline Players presents “Into the Skidway Lake Chamber of Commerce. Info: (989) Woods”. Thursday thru Saturday show time 7 873-4150. p.m., Sunday show time 2 p.m. Info: (989) 7397: Roscommon Rotary Club Spring Auction – 3586. Margaritaville, 6 p.m. to midnight at Roscommon Knights of Columbus Hall, more than 200 fabulous live and silent auction items, plus great food and See your Northeast Michigan event or your high resolution drinks, cost is $25 in advance or $30 day of the photograph on these pages. Send them by email, along event. Info: (989) 275-5169 ext. 1060. with a phone number where you may be reached, to 7 & 8: 20th Annual Sunrise Side Woodcarving jnunn@infonortheast.com. Put “calendar of events” in the Show and Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun., at Oscoda High School on River subject line. Road west of Oscoda, featuring carving demonclub grounds on M-33 just west of M-55. Info: (989)473-4702. 21: Craft Night at Roscommon Area District Library, meets 6-7 p.m. for a make and take craft. Info: (989) 281-1305. 22: 14th Annual Walleye Club Dinner, 4-8 p.m. at the AuGres VFW. Info: (989) 30: Arenac Choraleers Spring Concert, 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in West Branch. 30: Beatles Bash featuring tribute band Sliver Hammer, doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 8 p.m. at the Ramada Inn of Grayling, 60s and 70s costume contest. Advance tickets cost $30 through April 23, benefits to Crawford County United Way. Info: (989) 348-1429. 30: 2nd Annual AuGres Fireworks Scavenger hunt, 4 p.m. at the Town & Country Lounge. Cost: $15 per person up to four per team before April 15, $20 per person after. Info: (989) 329-7444. 30: 3rd Annual Oscoda Business Expo, at the Oscoda Community Center on the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Info: (989) 739-7322.
May
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INFONORTHEAST • APRIL/MAY 2011
21: Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Festival, a celebration of nature and wildlife of all kinds, featuring the rare Kirtland’s warbler, with speakers, demonstrations, art, music, field trips, arts and crafts sale, food and more. Cost is $5 for 15-years-and-older. Info available online at: Warbler.Kirtland.edu. 21: Spring into Fashion, noon to 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center in Grayling, with fashions by Ice House Quilt Shop, J. Dap, North Country Corner, Parrot’s Perch and Riverland Gear, and music by Thane Doremire. Tickets cost $15, includes luncheon and door prizes. Info: (989) 348-4821. 21-22: Golf Swap, at Fox Run Country Club, west of I-75 on Four Mile Road, south of Grayling. Info: (989) 348-4343. 22: Thunder on the Strip at Gladwin Zettel Airport. Racers $25, spectators $5 and children under 10 free Info: (989) 426-6151. 22: Alcona County Humane Society Benefit Spaghetti Dinner, at Maria Hall, dinner at 4:30 p.m., presentation at 7 p.m. and silent auction from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Info: (989) 736-PETS. 27-30: 20th Birthday and Memorial Day Sidewalk Sales at Tanger Outlet Center West Branch. Info: (989) 345-2594. 28: Hanson Hills Hundred Mountain Bike Race, a first-year event in the Michigan Cup Endurance Series, featuring solo, two- and four-person teams. Info: (989) 348-9266 or online at HansonHills.org. 30: Sturgeon Point Lighthouse opens for the season, call for tower climb hours. Info: (989) 7246297. 28-29: 19th Annual Shoreline Players Arts & Crafts Show, at Tawas City Park. Registration is $100. Show hours: Saturday 10 am to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 800-55-Tawas.
9-13: 28th Annual Lincoln Lions Fishing Tournament in Harrisville Harbor, with salmon, trout and walleye divisions, featuring daily and super tournaments. Info: (989) 736-8151 or (989) 4715557. 4: Breezes on Tawas Bay Kite festival fly your own or watch the kites on display. Info: (989) 3628643.
June
2: Perennial Exchange; West Branch Greenhouse starting at 6 p.m. Info: (989) 345-1133. 3-5: 13th Annual Garage Sale at the Villages of Oscoda, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., about 100 participating homes, rain or shine. Info: (989) 739-4915. 5: Hanson Hills Challenge Mountain Bike Race, an MMBA Championship Points Series race, with prizes and awards in 30 different classes for youngsters, beginners and advanced riders. Info: (989) 348-9266 or online at HansonHills.org. 10-12: Noreast’r Music and Art Festival in Mio, with three stages of entertainment, juried art fair, instruction, demonstrations and a youth guitar give-away. Camping is available. Info: (989) 8262159 or www.noreastr.net. THE GUIDE
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g n i p o Ho it
P U
Wednesday, their order was ready to be picked up Friday morning.” Brittain, ALFA members and their commercial customers do not benefit alone – the ALFA community greenhouse in Harrisville, was filled to capacity all winter long and, as soon as spring weather breaks, another grant-funded greenhouse will be installed somewhere in the county.
“The intention of the grant was so we could extend the season by two months in front and two months behind,” Pompa said. Given that carrots planted in August were harvested the last week of January, and that salad greens were grown all winter long, Pompa notes that directive was easily met. That ALFA foresees great need for
Program, according to Pamela Burt, ALFA secretary treasurer. The By JERRY NUNN, Editor money will also pay for promotional efforts by ALFA to raise awareness of the MIKADO – Given that her family’s income depends on her produce, Alcona Farmers Market Brittain was among six Alcona County farmer and commersuppliers o the Alcona Farm cial vegetable producer Kim Brittain Market to receive a hoop is far less anxious for spring than one house – an unheated, doublemight expect. walled greenhouse that That’s because Brittain, president makes use of passive solar of the Alcona Local Foods Associaheat. In addition, ALFA built tion, has been harvesting crops all winter long in her 48-foot-by-96-foot another hoop house designated for community use and hoop house. a second is planned. While Crops of beets and carrots have most are half the size of Britcome and gone; salad greens and tains, she and her husband Swiss chard were harvested several Stepping gingerly, Kim Brittain navigates among the crops in the hoop house that Robert, owners of Brittain times over. The potatoes Brittain allowed her to harvest salad greens and other crops all summer long. Alcona County Family planted in early March farmers and communities received six of the structures through the U.S.D.A.’s ProjWatch for a future issue Farm, paid will see their first harect Farm market Promotion. of The Guide to Northeast the difvest about the time most Michigan, when we revis- ference gardeners put theirs in the a second greenhouse comes as no Based on demand of Harrisville’s it the commercial Brittain in cost to install a ground. Soon, tomatoes surprise to Brittain. community greenhouse, that second Family Farm to hear more hoop house that was and cucumbers will join After all she’s learned by particistructure can’t be completed fast about the family’s journey larger. the spinach. pating in the grant, she already plans enough, according to ALFA member to self-sufficiency. “It has been a “All warm season crops, a second hoop house for her singleKim Pompa, owner of The Flour learning experience. we’ll get a bump of about family enterprise. Garden in Harrisville. We didn’t really know what we were one month,” Brittain says. “We’ll “It looked so huge when we first “There are 14 beds and everyone have tomatoes by the Fourth of July. doing when we started, but we do put it up but we knew every square is spoken for,” Pompa said. “The now,” she said. “We’ve learned a lot We’ll have them by the bushel.” inch would be in production,” Britand now, we’ll be able to teach others need is certainly there. We have more Brittain gained her off-season people interested than we can accom- tain said. “The demand for what we green thumb and her greenhouse last who want to do this.” modate now. We have people waiting produce is far greater than we could Ultimately, it was Brittain Family August thanks to the Alcona Local for space.” ever accomplish without the hoop Farm customers who harvested the Foods Association and a U.S. DeWhile the greenhouses came with house. From what we’ve seen so far, partment of Agriculture grant. ALFA benefits. U.S.D.A. stipulations, Pompa said I think it will be pretty easy to justify “Each week I sent out a newsletreceived nearly $78,000 as part of the meeting those has been no problem another one.” ter, telling people what I had; if Project Farmers Market Promotion at all. they placed their order by midnight 6
INFONORTHEAST • APRIL/MAY 2011
Pasties for Non-Profit By JERRY NUNN, editor
WEST BRANCH – Locals craving an Upper Peninsula-style pasty can knock about 200 miles off their drive to get one. West Branch Masonic Lodge offers the Cornish meat pies for sale every Thursday and Friday, 1-6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or whenever a member can be found at the lodge. Available as the traditional beef,
with rutabaga, carrot, potato and onion pie, the Masons also sell a chicken pie with veggies and gravy. Cost is $4 each; beef gravy is available for 50-cents extra. Money raised goes to scholarships, a community emergency fund and a wide range of other benevolent objectives. The American Red Cross, Ogemaw Heights High School senior lock-in and Hospice of Helping Hands are just a few of the organizations and events that benefit. Made of fresh ingredients, the pasties are cooked and frozen, produced two or three times each month by a team of Masons-turnedchef who gather as much for the camaraderie as they do to cook
pasties. While dough fights have been known to break out now and then, lodge rules allow light-hearted ribbing but outright fighting is not tolerated. “On a good month we sell 250 to 300 pasties,” says Phil Matthews, master of the lodge. “We used to think 100 was a good month.” “We do it as required once or twice a month and we have a good time when we do,” said Charlie Symonds, referred to by his lodge brothers as the Pasty Master. “If we get to where we need them, we can knock out 350 or so pretty fast.”
A large batch of several hundred takes about four hours including clean-up, lodge members say. The meat pies known as pasties are considered to be a product of Cornwall, England, where Cornish miners carried them in their pockets to work the underground mines. The tradition was brought to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula when Cornish immigrants came to work U.P. copper mines. You won’t want to transport a Mason’s pasty in your pocket – the
modern day version is far too tender and delicate for treatment like that. And while we’ve never sampled an Old World pasty, it is hard to imagine they are any more delicious than those made here in West Branch. With one team rolling dough, another operates a turn-over machine – a hand-cranked unit that packs and crimps the meat pies. Another group mans the oven while a couple other members package the pasties for sale or freezing. All told, production takes nearly a dozen people or more. “Other lodges make them, too. You can get them in Houghton Lake and Tawas,” said Bill Scherer, who learned the art of pasty making from his grandmother. “We needed some money and this is what we turned to.” For five years now, the group has been filling empty bellies in an effort to fund their mission. But pasty production is only the latest in a long list of endeavors for one of Northeast Michigan’s most successful Masonic Lodge. Last year the local group celebrated their 125th Anniversary. The 140-member West Branch lodge has been meeting regularly since 1875. The current lodge, once the site of a shingle mill, has been in use since 1960. The group gathers the first Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. for a dinner that is open to the public, with a members-only meeting directly following. For all the good work the Masons perform locally, you won’t find them bragging. They say it is not about personal recognition. “We have a good group; we really do,” said Jim Hastings, lodge member and retired health inspector for District #2 Health Department. “We don’t beat our chests; that’s not our job. We see a need in the community and we fill it. That’s our job as Masons.”
THE GUIDE
West Branch Masonic Lodge
Located on Mead St., just off Houghton Ave., one block west of the Michigan State Police Post Beef pasties or chicken pies $4 each, beef gravy for 50-cents Thursday and Friday, 1-6 p.m., Saturday 11-3 p.m.
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Considering A Century
Starting in this issue of The Guide, Info Northeast will periodically celebrate a centenarian – those 100-year-old-plus citizens of our region who stood up to the Great Depression and endured two world wars in order to forge a future and build the Northeast Michigan we know today. This issue, we visited with Ardist Morrison, 102, of Houghton Lake. Born Ardist Grace King, on Jan. 8, 1910 in Belding, Michigan, Morrison grew up in the small settlement of Michelson, a logging outpost and shingle mill once located along the Muskegon River, just west of Houghton Lake, near the Reedsburg Dam. Deeply faithful, Morrison is member of Houghton Lake Wesleyan Church and has been devoted to God since young adulthood. A voracious reader still, Morrison proved to be sharp-witted, articulate and intelligent as she told us about her life and the difficulties that Northeast Michigan’s early residents faced. As if to punctuate the hard times of her early years, Morrison arrived in Roscommon County following the deaths of her parents – her father died of pneumonia when she was 1-year-old and her 26year-old mother Pearl died when Morrison was only eight. Morrison says she was “just a little bit of a snot” when she came north to live with her grandmother, Grace Wilson. 8
Ardist Morrison, of Houghton Lake “It was harder then, but we didn’t know any different. You just made do with what you had,” Morrison said. “We were tough. People had to live like that or they’d starve to death.” Those hard times were nearly always shared and Morrison says the common struggle bound communities together. Hard times also resulted in strong people and Morrison’s role model performed a variety of jobs to make ends meet. “I don’t know of anything that woman could not do,” Morrison said. “If someone needed something done they’d get Grace Wilson to do it.” “She’d do anything for anyone,” Morrison says. “If someone burnt out, she’d take the wagon and go around the community house to house, ‘So and so burnt out, what have you got to give them?’ Before the end of the day they’d be in a house somewhere.” A midwife, justice of the peace, as well as an acting nurse, Wilson was a great cook and ran a tidy house but was just as comfortable hunting, fishing and trapping. “I remember we used to sit on the railroad tracks, where the trestle crossed the river, and fish,” Morrison said. “The train only came through once a week to bring supplies or pick up shingles.”
Seasonal opportunity was used to full advantage and wild berries were picked and sold or fur bearing critters were harvested. “You had to stretch and dry the pelts and then the fur buyers would come in and they’d try to beat you down on price,” Morrison said. “In the spring they’d put a lantern on the front of a boat and go out spearfishing at night. I remember the fish. Everyone around would come get their share. We’d all eat fish for a week.” During winter someone usually had venison hung up in the woods. Morrison said neighbors were free to bring an ax and cut off a chunk. “When that one was gone someone else would get a deer and they’d share that one too,” she said. “If you had a loaf of bread and your neighbor didn’t, you’d give them half at least.” Tough times demanded a strong constitution and back then discipline was nearly always more strict. “My grandmother was very strict. You were taught manners; yes ma’am, no sir, and if someone
INFONORTHEAST • APRIL/MAY 2011
came in a room and there was no where to sit, you got up and gave them your chair. “I’d get a switch if I misbehaved,” said Morrison, noting she holds no hard feelings and feels corporal punishment should still be practiced. “That was the worse law they ever came up with, that you can’t spank a kid. Kid’s don’t have any respect these days.” While she offers plenty of critique concerning modern methods, Morrison has a crystal clear recollection of the ways of the past. “My grandmother was never a very good driver,” Morrison said. “We had a Model-T Ford, and you’d go up along where M-55 is now and you’d get stuck in the mud.” Of course travelers always carried a spare inner tube as well as a patch kit. “Back then, the roads around
Through the years: Ardist Morrison today, at her home at the Brooke Retirement Community in Houghton Lake, and on the facing page, as she appeared at her wedding to Jesse Morrison in 1935, and pictured with her mother around 1912, when she was two-years-old. here weren’t worth much. I learned to drive before I could reach the pedals. I was 12-years-old when I learned to drive.” After school, Morrison moved to Flint where she worked cleaning offices for 35-cents an hour. It was there she married Jesse Francis Morrison, of Merritt, who had moved south after a few years as a teacher to take an autoworkers job. Jesse and Ardist were married for 53 years. They had two sons – James Morrison of Flint and the late Paul Morrison, of Swartz Creek. Jesse passed away in 1988. They have five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Jesse and Ardist’s life together began with difficulty. “I met my husband at the dance hall, over in Nellsville,” Morrison said. “The day before we were to get married, he got laid off. It was right after the Depression and the automakers were in a slump.” Jesse thought they might call the whole thing off, but with plans in place the wedding went through. “It was a simple wedding, nothing fancy.
They didn’t spend a million bucks on a wedding like people do now. We didn’t have a blessed thing when we got married.” Eventually the couple prospered and bought a cabin back up north. When Jesse retired, they returned to Houghton Lake permanently. Morrison now resides at The Brook Retirement Community in Houghton Lake assisted daily by long-time friend, Judy Swanson of Prudenville. Looking back, Morrison said there are things she would have done differently. But she is quick to offer a piece of advice. “I think in marriage, you need love and you have to have God at the front of your house. I always lived a Christian life. I still do,” Morrison said. “We were saved three years after we were married and I’ve always stayed very busy in the church. “I’ve tried to live a good life and I feel I have,” she said. “I helped a few people find the Lord along the way and I helped build a few churches.” THE GUIDE
9
Raising grayling Vince and Scott Schulz, owners of Blue Springs Fish Farm, feed the trout in their Gladwin County pond. Blue Springs is the only fish farm in the state licensed to raise Artic grayling and is doing so for a private party in Central Michigan.
GLADWIN – With its graceful and sail-like dorsal fin, the grayling is a unique and beautiful fish. Sadly, it is extinct in Michigan’s wild waters, wiped out early in the last century by shoddy conservation practices and over-fishing. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some grayling swimming around still. Vince and nephew Scott Schulz have a rearing tank full of 6-inch Arctic grayling at their Blue Springs Fish Farm in Gladwin. Once raised up, the fish will go to a private pond in Central Michigan.
Blue Springs Fish Farm In addition to offering fee fishing to the public, Blue Springs offers brook, brown and rainbow trout for pond stock, sells pond supplies, fish food, aerators, water fountains and more. They also offer consulting. For more information go online: www.BlueSpringsFishFarm.com Or call (989) 429-8029. 10
“We are the only ones in the state licensed to raise them,” Vince Schulz, noting the fish he is raising arrived as fertilized eggs. “They are hard to get and a super difficult fish to raise.” “Grayling need cold, clean water without any pollutants,” Schulz said. “They used to be in almost all our rivers.” The grayling also grows at onefourth the rate of the heartier brown and rainbow trout that have now replaced them in Michigan’s waterways, according to Vince Schulz. Those are the very traits that led to the fish’s demise, says Rob Burg, historian at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling, a town that’s name was changed from Crawford because of the fish. Legend has it the AuSable River once teamed with grayling so thick “they laid in the water like cord wood,” and Burg tells of stories from the past describing the fish as so abundant it was thought the resource would never run out. In
Crawford County and elsewhere the fish was harvested commercially, salted and packed in barrels, according to Burg. Even sport anglers showed the grayling no respect, and stories abound of fishermen tossing their unwanted catch up on the riverbank. “They tell of stories about fishermen baiting their lines with multiple hooks and catching six fish in a single cast,” Burg said, noting he has also read tales about the stench created when river banks were overrun with dead, discarded grayling. “Unfortunately, the Michigan grayling is extinct,” Burg said, noting that several attempts have been made to stock the similar Arctic grayling to Michigan rivers. “The last attempt, I think, was in 1980. It was a failure because our rivers are still too warm.” While over-fishing played a large roll in the grayling’s extinction in Michigan, it was the logging industry that sealed the grayling’s sorry fate. Once riverbanks were stripped
INFONORTHEAST • APRIL/MAY 2011
This lunker Kamloop rainbow trout came from the crystal clear artesian waters of Blue Springs Fish Farm. of shade-providing trees, the grayling’s habitat changed substantially. “In the spring, when the fish would spawn, they were sending logs down the river. That disrupted and destroyed their eggs,” Burg said, noting that increased amounts of particulate matter in the water clogged the grayling’s gills and choked the fish to death. “Logging aside the rivers did two things. It allowed sand to wash into the river, contaminating the gravel beds but it also allowed in sunlight.
“Grayling are a cold water fish. The rivers became too warm.” Even knowing the fish’s exacting parameters, Schulz figures he’ll be able to raise the young grayling to a stockable size. Specially installed filtration systems keep the brood tank’s water crystal clean, going so far as to remove the naturally occurring iron. And if Blue Spring Fish Farm’s water is anything, it is cold: 1 million gallons of artesian spring water flow through the facility’s three large ponds each week.
While that cold water will serve the grayling, it is especially appreciated by the brook, brown and rainbow trout that Blue Springs raises for fee fishing and to sell to pond owners. “Water quality is the most important thing when it comes to raising fish,’ Schulz said. “Trout are a cold water fish. This water is crystal clear and cold. Our trout do excellent in it.” While most his fish measure 12- to 13-inches, lunker-sized, wall-hangers are not uncommon. “Our goal is to have the finest fee fishing around,” Schulz said. “People can come here and catch some really nice fish but they have an opportunity to catch a 15-pounder as well. And, where the cold water really makes a difference, the fish taste just tremendous out of this water.” While the grayling enriches Michigan’s history, Blue Springs Fish Farm lends its own history to the City of Gladwin.
Located on the west edge of Gladwin’s residential district, Blue Springs has been in the Schulz family for five generations. “This property has been in the family since the 1880s,” Schulz said. “There was a grain elevator here until it burned down.” In the early 1960s the ponds were dug and the wells installed. Up until seven years ago, fishing was mostly for family and friends, Schulz said. “It started to get expensive and we didn’t want to charge family and friends just to fish,” Schulz said. Now – in addition to raising Arctic grayling for a private owner – Blue Springs Fish Farm offers fee fishing, rears brook, brown and rainbow trout for pond stock, sells pond supplies and does consulting. While the opportunity to catch a nice fish, and possibly a 15-pounder, are invitation enough, the well groomed landscape and crystal clear ponds of Blue Springs Fish Farm are worth a visit even if it is just to relax. “It’s beautiful. We love living here,” Schulz said, noting the name of the business pretty much says it all. “The water is blue, especially in the summer time, when the sun shines on it.” “We get a lot of return customers,” Schulz said. “We have fishing poles, bait, everything they need. You don’t need a license to fish here and we’ll even clean your fish.
Look for Denise’s photos in this issue’s center fold THE GUIDE
11
Tawas Point Birding Festival
Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Festival
Tawas Birding Festival photos by
Denise M. Willis
TawasBirdFest .com
kir tland.warbler.edu
Tawas Point Birding Festival
Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Festival
Tawas Birding Festival photos by
Denise M. Willis
TawasBirdFest .com
warbler.kirtland.edu
AmeriCorps is a national service program designed to strengthen citizenship and the ethic of service by engaging thousands of Americans on a full-time or part-time basis to help communities address their toughest challenges. The Corporation for National and Community Service administers AmeriCorps at the federal level and works with states to develop service programs and create a community-based national service network. In 2007, the Huron Pines AmeriCorps program began out of the realization that many local partners needed more hands. These hands were needed to recruit and train volunteers, complete on-theground restoration projects, talk to the public about conservation solutions and develop ideas into innovative new programs. As the sole environmental AmeriCorps program in the state, Huron Pines has created a model for other organizations to apply across the state. In 2010, the Huron Pines AmeriCorps program was selected as one of the top 52 most innovative programs in the nation. With over 2,000 programs nationwide, it was an honor to be recognized for the time and effort that AmeriCorps members put towards conservation efforts in Northeast Michigan. What makes the Huron Pines program so unique is the partnerships that are formed with other organizations. Many of the members are placed within conservation districts, conservancies, community organizations and state or federal programs. By utilizing these other groups, members can reach across the region and in multiple ways. They help combine the skills and resources of volunteers and professionals and have a tangible impact on our communities. The heart of the program is the ability of members to focus on the region’s most pressing needs. Huron Pines is a hands-on conservation organization that serves eleven counties in Northeast Michigan, and getting dirty is part of process. AmeriCorps members are leading the charge for invasive species removal, habitat restoration, educational workshops, and creating land stewardship programs. Without their service, many of these projects just simply would not get done. The Huron Pines Invasive Species Removal program is one example of this. In October 2008, Huron Pines AmeriCorps member began doing surveys and inventories of invasive plant species such as phragmites, buckthorn, and purple loosestrife along the Lake Huron shoreline and inland areas. Local landowners and organizations received information through meetings and presentations and were advised on the best methods for early detection and rapid response. Through these efforts, a cooperative agreement was reached in 2009 between government officials, conservation organizations, and private landowners to effectively identify, remove, and monitor invasive species. By the end of 2010, 33 acres of phragmites on 80 properties were treated and removed by volunteers and an AmeriCorps SWAT Team made up of three members and a crew leader. They also treated 4 acres of buckthorn in Alpena County and removed 45 trash bags worth of purple loosestrife along 30 miles of the Au Sable River. Huron Pines is now in the process of writing a 5-year plan to continue the vision and implementation of the program as the need for treatment of these and other plants is growing. The ability of an AmeriCorps member to devote so much time and energy to laying the framework for the program was paramount in getting on-the-ground treatment started. In January, eight new members began a 10-month service term at seven different host sites. Now in its fourth year, these ‘Year 4 Corps’ members will continue the conservation efforts of their predecessors while implementing at least ten new programs in 2011. For more information on the Huron Pines AmeriCorps program, go to www.huronpinesamericorps.org . 14
INFONORTHEAST • APRIL/MAY 2011
Success for Northeast Michigan starts with small steps By SCOTT NUNN INFO NORTHEAST Sustained and prolonged economic growth has been elusive for Northeast Michigan. During my travels I have spoken with many citizens, business owners, and legislators across our region. All have their own ideas for growth in Northeast Michigan’s seasonal, tourist-dependent economy. Using those insights as inspiration, I have formulated a directive for Northeast Michigan’s success. Simple steps that if employed properly, could get Northeast Michigan on the track to prosperity without sacrificing the values that stand us apart. The first step is regionalization, not defined by town lines or county borders but, rather, by commonality; common goals, common thoughts and a common drive for economic success. Embrace your neighbors regardless if they are competition or complimentary. Realize the truth behind the age old saying “the more, the merrier.” One example to look at and admire is the recently formed Sunrise Coast, a shoreline advertising initiative formed last summer. These folks saw the need and opportunity to join eight shoreline municipalities along US-23 to raise funds for buy-in to the state’s Pure Michigan marketing campaign. Regardless of their opinions of each other, these entrepreneurs and community leaders united in knowing that every dollar counts. Success of those around you can also mean your success. Another example of economic unity is the AuSable River Country, a group formed in a cooperative effort by folks in Alcona, Crawford, Iosco and Oscoda counties to promote the world renowned river and the economy that surrounds it. ARC’s stated mission: To foster the development of the new economy in the Au Sable River
Region by attracting people to live their passion in a unique quality place through creating regional identity and encouraging a collaborative spirit throughout the region. With those two marketing efforts as a model, I would like to propose a much larger task. There are 3,429 businesses in our eight-county coverage area of Northeast Michigan. If we each provided $2 per month to a non-profit fund, it would amount to $82,296 annually that our area could dedicate to regionalized promotion. If you expanded that number of businesses to include non-employer establishments, the number grows to 12,718 businesses and a more-than-$305,000 promotional pool. Using those funds, we could increase promotional buying power, advertise Northeast Michigan in larger regional markets or develop larger marketing campaigns aimed at a national audience. Utilizing combined efforts in area-wide promotions, we could work together – unaffected by season and economic condition to establish Northeast Michigan as a year-round destination. As a business owner in Northeast Michigan, I’d see this $24 per year as a small investment in my success and the success of the business owners around me. Unity will help Northeast Michigan succeed in poor economic times and provide greater growth during the stronger ones. Look for step two in June’s issue of The Guide. – Scott Nunn is a business partner in Info Northeast and the company’s advertising manager. He can be reached at (989) 245-7140.
THE GUIDE
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By JERRY NUNN, editor
OSCODA – Think a Northeast Michigan business owner can have no influence beyond our little corner of the world? Don’t tell that to Tom Ruedisueli, owner of Eymer Duchane Ace Hardware. As chairman of the board for the North American Retail Hardware Association, Ruedisueli helps to direct his industry’s future. “It’s an independent organization, not associated with any one hardware chain like Ace or Do It Best. Our goal is to improve things for individual hardware store owners,” Ruedisueli said. “The networking opportunities have been great; the friendships we’ve made have been great yet, while we are friends, we are hardware store owners. We can give each other advice.” Telling how he moved up through the ranks, beginning with membership in the Michigan Retail Hardware Association, Ruedisueli says he has been involved with NHRA for about eight years. A 10,000-member organization, NHRA provides industry-specific training and resources to the retail hardware trade, according to the group’s website. While conducting studies on industrial trends and tracking legislation, NHRA facilitates communication between vendors, manufacturers and hardware store owners. And while annual meetings keep industry and organizational leaders in touch with each other, Ruedisueli says NHRA’s online training services provide a wealth of resources to store owners and their employees. Like other retail industries, hardware faces its challenges, Ruedisueli says. Some of those challenges, such as pressure from Big Box Stores, are a nation-wide phenomenon. Other pressures are 16
Among his wide array of supplies for homeowners, Tom Ruedisueli, owner of Eymer Duchane Ace Harware in Oscoda, talks shop with Rick Carstens, owner of Ossineke Building Supply. As chairman of the board for the National Retail Hardware Association, Ruedisueli is in position to help direct his industry’s future. Oil,” Ruedisueli said. “The owner more prevalent in regional or local wanted to sell but he didn’t want to markets, he says. sell to anyone local. He wanted to “I think here, it’s not so much the bring in new blood. He thought they Big Box retailers as it is people’s needed new families in town.” willingness to travel further disEventually, Duchane and Eymer tances for products and services,” made a transition from selling gasoRuedisueli said, noting that people line to dealing in hardware as an af“don’t think anything about driving filiate of Worthington Hardware and to Alpena or downstate.” added three more partners. Retail From that perspective, the lumber sales were added in 1942. employee trainings and customer Ruedisueli’s father, James Rueservice resources that NHRA memdisueli, moved from Detroit to join bership provides are invaluable, the team after marrying Percy’s Ruedisueli said. school teacher daughter, Mary Jane As a small town hardware store Duchane in 1956. In 1959 the store owner helping to lead an industry, became an Ace Hardware affiliate Ruedisueli says he is never made to and eventually James Ruedisueli feel out of place. became the sole owner. Not that he should, with two While Tom Ruedisueli and his generations in the hardware trade siblings worked at the store growbehind him. ing up, his first career choice was It was 1937 that Ruedisueli’s law enforcement and he served as maternal grandfather, Percy Duchan officer for the Oscoda Township ane moved from Alpena and teamed Police Department until 1993. with business partner Roy Eymer to Ruedisueli and his wife Karen purchase the store. took over the store in 1997 and his “Originally when they bought father passed away in 1998. it, it was a gas station for Standard INFONORTHEAST • APRIL/MAY 2011
Since becoming the owners they’ve made a few changes, closing the store’s lumber division and operating a summer-time flea market in the former River Road facility. In addition, the store now offers tool and party rentals in addition to paint, tools and other staples of the hardware trade. As a member of the Oscoda Township Planning Commission, Ruedisueli stays deeply involved in the Oscoda community. After purchasing a shuttered, two-story school building located next door to gain use of the school’s parking lot, the Ruedisueli’s opened the building to the community for use as a Halloween-season haunted house. While the hardware industry has taken its share of losses in a bad economy, Ruedisueli says it’s not as bad as one might expect. “I have felt it these past few years, that people are hurting, but what I am seeing is more of the do-it-yourself,” Ruedisueli says. “People are buying more paint; they’re fixing their own plumbing.” “That’s where customer service becomes so important, especially in a small town,” Ruedisueli said. And that offers opportunity not only for Eymer Duchane Ace Hardware or the NHRA that Ruedisueli leads, but to the future of the hardware industry as well. “I think that’s what I take to the organization,” Ruedisueli says, noting one fellow NHRA board member owns a huge store in Boston specializing in lumber. Another owns a chain of 40-some hardware stores. “I’m one store in Northern Michigan,” he said. “But when we get together we’re not Ace Hardware, or Best Do It, or some other big hardware chain. When we walk through that door we’re just individual hardware store owners.”
Credit Union did, and soon the employee F.A.N. Club (fitness/attitude/ nutrition) was born. Ask around. Your co-workers may need someone to take the first step. You can have a healthier, more or more. A good rule of thumb for active lifestyle just by enjoying the beginners: While walking, you should beauty we have right here in Northbe able to maintain a conversation eastern Michigan. We have miles without feeling overly winded. If you of national forest, amazing wildlife, can’t, you need to stop and take a rivers, beaches and a special beauty rest. found nowhere else in the U.S. Need a little extra encouragement? All you have to do is step outside Enlist the help of a workout partner. your front door! On days when you’re not in the mood to exercise, you’re more likely to folNorthland Area Federal Credit low through if you’re meeting some- Union’s F.A.N. club is an employeeone else. Ask a friend or neighbor to driven group that meets regularly join you on daily walks. Schedule a to encourage one another in fitness recurring time that’s convenient for and exercise goals. The club ofboth of you and together you can stay fers resources to employees such as motivated and keep boredom at bay. pedometers, newsletters, information Carrying on a conversation as you on healthy living, smoking cessation walk will not only make the workout and more. For additional informago faster, but burn more calories, too. tion on Northland, please visit www. Think you’re too busy for daily northlandcu.com or call 800-336walks? If you’re already working 2328. a full schedule, consider starting a lunchtime fitness walk at work. Give up part of your lunch hour for a brisk walk around the property. Even 10 or 15 minutes of activity can give you a healthy boost, make you more alert and build stamina. Check with your co-workers to see who might be interested, and you could be surprised. That’s what Northland Area Federal
Northeastern Michigan: A perfect setting to get fit
By KELLY TRAINOR Northland Area Federal Credit Union
Can you feel it? Spring is here. The days are getting longer, the sun seems to shine a little brighter and Old Man Winter is about to settle down for a long nap. By this time of year, many of us have had quite enough of sitting on the couch and watching TV. We may have a few extra pounds to show for it, too. Fortunately, this is a great time of year to get up, get busy and get healthy! If you’ve gained a few unwanted pounds this winter, you’re not alone. Cold weather brings out the hibernation factor in a lot of us. As fall turns to winter we start to slow down, spend more time indoors and munch on junk food more than we should. By the time spring rolls around, the sedentary lifestyle has become quite a habit. The good news is that bad habits can be changed into healthy ones. No time for the gym? No problem. As springtime unfolds, you can get healthier just by enjoying the outdoors. Doctors have long touted the benefits of fresh air and sunshine. Even moderate exercise from outdoor activity can help you lose weight, reduce health risks, strengthen your immune system and improve mood. While we recommend a thorough physical check-up before any physical training, to determine the level and intensity of exercise that’s right for you, it won’t be long before you can step outside and become a healthier you. Pick a beautiful day and explore your neighborhood with a spouse or grandchild. Take your favorite pet for a stroll along a new route. A cardio workout can be as simple as a brisk walk in the sunshine. The key is to get your heart rate slightly elevated and to keep it that way for 20 minutes
Lisa Green is the 2010 Top Exerciser of the F.A.N. club, an employee driven group at Northland Area Federal Credit Union that meets regularly to encourage proper fitness and exercise goals. THE GUIDE
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Fine: Dining:
adj. excellent, admirable, of highest quality v. to eat dinner, especially at N.E. Michigan’s best restaurants
By SCOTT NUNN INFO NORTHEAST STAFF
Quaint and unassuming, nestled between US-23 and the Tawas River in Tawas City, Reeds on the River is a gem of a delicatessen that once discovered will never be forgotten. Owners, Tim and Sandy Reed take great pride in their establishment, setting the mold for others with the delicious foods they serve and the manner in which they serve them. Setting the bar even higher, Tim is often found in the kitchen preparing meals entirely from scratch. He starts his day early and ends late cooking chicken, turkey and even the roast beef found in the tantalizing foods served at Reeds on the River. Sandy makes for a difficult target to track moving from counter to kitchen to tables and back again. All the while she greets every customer with a friendly smile and most often by name. Each of the four tables in the cozy restaurant is adorned with books focusing on wine, art and history. The walls are splashed with a bright paint and work of local photographer, Penny Wojahn. Outside during warmer weather you’ll find ample, shaded seating. Reeds even offers Adirondack chairs as respite, while you enjoy the local flora and fauna of the river. From the contemporary Ovenroasted Turkey, Ham and Cheese or Veggie Sandwich, to the robust Caprese Sandwich ($8 each) with its grilled tomatoes and basil pesto, or the portabella-packed Bella Chicken 18
of Italian sausage, northern beans and baby portabella mushrooms. Served in a rich broth with fresh ingredients, and a light underlying touch of spice, this soup is a sure warmer and big winner. Rising in popularity, Reeds on the River hosts Dinner and a Demo, where you are welcomed to the store, or occasionally off-location, after hours. Dinner and a Demo is not only a unique dining experience, but a demonstration on technique and preparation as well. Those who attend enjoy a fine dining experience among great company, and are sent off with recipes and knowledge to replicate their experience.
Reeds on the River
646 West Lake Street, Tawas City Florentine Sandwich ($9), (989) 362-9964 Reeds’ menu is sure to please Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. any taste bud. Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The specials menu alone makes Reeds on the River worthy of a visit. It frequently features the Muffaletta, a sandwich piled high with provolone, the dry-cured Italian prosciutto ham, salami, black forest ham and a homemade olive salad sandwiched between two warm ciabatta squares, Italian bread with a dense crust and a soft light body. Made with ingredients rich in history, the muffaletta dates back to the early 1900s, and this author believes the folks in the French Quarters of New Orleans created this sandwich with his tastes in mind. Accompanying the muffaletta is a healthy portion of crunchy kettle chips and a serving of Reeds’ Redskin Dill Potato Salad. According to Tim, another local favorite is the RB Blue sandwich ($9): fresh homemade roast beef, blue cheese, grilled onions and horseradish sauce on a ciabatta square. We suggest you follow your sandwich with a hot, steamy bowl of Tuscan bean soup. This soup is full INFONORTHEAST • APRIL/MAY 2011
Tuscan Bean Soup Tuscan Bean Soup: 3/4 cup onion – chopped 1/2 lb spicy Italian sausage 2 cups chopped Kale 2 cloves garlic – minced 8 cups Chicken Broth 19 ounces Great White Northern Beans – rinsed and drained 6 oz baby Portabella Mushrooms – Sliced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley Freshly ground black pepper, Italian Seasoning, ground Fennel, red pepper flakes to taste
ENT
Directions: Brown Italian sausage in dutch oven over medium heat. When browned add onion, continue cooking until tender then add garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes – don’t burn the garlic – it will be bitter. Stir in chicken broth then add chopped kale, slicked baby bella mushrooms and great white northern beans. Simmer gently until temperature reaches 165° F – adjust spices and serve with croutons.
ENT
Ear, Nose &Throat Speciality Care
Created by Tim Reed, owner of Reeds on the River
St. Joseph Health System and Valley ENT have combined efforts to form the new St. Joseph ENT. St. Joseph ENT will provide more clinic and surgery days to increase availability and decrease wait time for appointments and treatment. The outstanding quality of care remains the same along with our physicians Richard Louden, M.D., Brian Perry, M.D. and Keith Scharf, M.D. They have a cumulative of 54 years experience and are all board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Our ENT’s specialize in managing diseases of the ears, nose and nasal passage sinuses, larynx, oral cavity and upper pharynx. We treat and perform surgery, if recommended on both adults and children. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 989.362.0188.
989.362.0188 • www.sjhsys.org
THE GUIDE
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AuSable Recreation Expo celebrates its third year Booth space and sponsorships are still available; registration deadline is April 20. By JIM SMITH GRAYLING – Wild success of Crawford County’s recreational opportunity has spawned a need for changes to the fast-growing AuSable Recreation Expo. This year’s Expo will be held May 1415 at the much larger and historic Hanson Hills Recreation Area just west of Grayling. Spawned by the ideas of a community think tank, the AuSable Recreation Expo works to raise awareness of the rich heritage of the AuSable and Manistee Rivers. As in previous years the Expo will highlight the unique fishing, canoeing and camping opportunities traditional to both the AuSable and Manistee river systems. Visitors will meet and watch demonstrations by some of the world’s best fly rod builders, fly tiers and precision fly reel manufacturers. Also present will be craftsmen of all sorts, including some of the last AuSable River Boat builders. Folks will also be able to enjoy local historians who will share tales of the logging industry that provided the lumber to build our major cities and story’s of legendary outfitters, trappers and guides who helped capture and preserve the romance of Northern Michigan’s early days. The work and crafts of local artists will be available and on display.
Photographers, basket weavers, painters and craftsmen from every imaginable discipline are represented at Grayling’s AuSable Recreation Expo. Representatives of state and local organizations and agencies will also be hand to answer questions about the use and enjoyment of Crawford County’s natural resources.
Workshops include a discussion of the Natural River Act, conservation education, the how to’s of fly fishing and music traditions of the rivers, presented by local musicians. Numerous vendors of outdoor products will be there,
along with professional guides and outfitters eager to talk about the premier fishing opportunities on these fabled rivers.
3rd Annual AuSable Recreation Expo When: May 14-15
Where: Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Grayling What you’ll find there: Vendors promoting Crawford County activities and recreational opportunities, along with educational programs, workshops, and hands-on activities. For more info: Go online to www.AuSableRecreationExpo.com.
INFONORTHEAST • APRIL/MAY 2011
BrownBag
Luncheon Series continues at Huron Pines Brown Bag Luncheon Series continues at Huron Pines The Huron Pines Brown Bag Luncheon series continues with the second installment in the fivepart series. The April 21 luncheon will focus on Huron Pines’ Large Woody Debris program, which replenishes rivers with fallen trees and brush to serve as fish habitat and stabilize riverbanks. Now in its thirteenth year, the program has been largely focused on the Au Sable River but has expanded to sites on the Black and Pine Rivers. This year’s efforts will focus on South Branch Au Sable, with projects also beginning in the Pigeon and Sturgeon Rivers. Huron Pines project manager Patrick Ertel will lead the upcoming discussion and luncheon. The large woody debris program enhances in-stream habitat by using a diversity of tree size, type, and fall direction to move the river back to its naturally occurring state. The single technique of placing the large woody debris back into the water reduces erosion, diversifies habitat types, and manages sediment as well as improving water speed, depth, and temperature. The luncheon will provide a forum for people to learn how Huron Pines chooses sites, what techniques are used for proper placement, and what changes are in store for 2011. People interested in attending the luncheon are asked to RSVP by April 19 by emailing Ryan Reichle, Huron Pines AmeriCorps Outreach Specialist, at ryan@huronpines. org or by calling (989) 344-0753
ext. 25. The discussion will begin at noon and last about an hour. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch or snack with them. Brown Bag Luncheon details are available at www.huronpines.org/article/150.
TOPICS OF FUTURE June 16 — Invasive Species August 18 — Small Dams October 20 Road/Stream Crossings For more information on Huron
BrownBag
Luncheon Series Pines’ Brown bag Luncheon Series or to register, call (989) 344-0753 ext. 25.
THE GUIDE
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The Brickery 107 Ottawa, Grayling Phone: (989) 348-8999 Hours: Call before press. Have Summer and winter hours Website: www.thebrickery.net Search on Facebook: The Brickery By SHANNON NUNN INFO NORTHEAST WRITER
With its bright red brick building sharply contrasted by the rich and stately green entry-way, the Brickery most certainly catches the eye of any passer-by. Located one block north of the light in downtown Grayling, on the corner of Ottawa and the Interstate 75 business loop, you’ll find the interior just as unique as its exterior. From the weathered hardwood floors and a decorated balcony over-looking the sales floor, to the embossed tin ceiling you can’t help but appreciate the architectural history of the building. Linda and Jeffrey Nickert opened the doors three years ago and cleared a spot off their shelves for more than 30 local artists to peddle their wares. You will find everything from handcrafted jewelry, hats and paintings to doilies, furniture and more. And that’s not all that The Brickery has to offer – their inventory is fortified with antiques on consignment, gifts and home decor. Besides serving as an example by supporting and growing their local community, Linda and Jeffrey Nickert provide another great model of how folks can move to Northeast Michigan and make it their home. Originally from Detroit, the couple certainly found their niche in this Northern Michigan community. INFONORTHEAST • APRIL/MAY 2011
Q: What made you decide to open this business? Linda: I was making birdhouses as gifts for family. They liked them so much they said I should sell them. I had a good response to it and became a crafter. My husband and I would travel Northern Michigan to different craft shows. After awhile it got to be too much always setting up and taking down our displays. We decided to buy our own building and invite other artists to display their work. Q: Do you know the history of this building? Linda: The building is 101 years old. It was originally a temple for the International Order of the Odd Fellows. It has also been an opera house. When my husband and I bought it, it was a plumbing warehouse. Q: Were you born and raised in Grayling? Linda: No, I actually grew up in southwest Detroit. After we had children we decided to move out of the city. We have lived here for 20 years now never regretted moving. My family has every opportunity available here, as they would have there. Q: What are your best sellers and specialty items? Linda: Most of my products are specialties because they are handcrafted from local artists. Some of the handmade things include pillows, ornaments made from driftwood, wood carved bowls, sculpted pottery, handcrafted jewelry. I exclusively carry Blossom Bucket figurines and Patience Brewster greeting cards.
By SANDIE PARKER, sandiesgalley.com We all know that most boaters love seafood and fish. With that in mind here is an excellent salmon recipe. I am sure many of you have had something similar in a restaurant and thought it would be difficult and time consuming to make. NOT. I have made it simple, fast, pretty and oh so good. The sweet taste of the glaze, along with the addition of the coconut and pecans, gives the salmon wonderful flavor. As for the salad? You will have a huge hit on your hands when you serve this for sure. It is good in the spring, summer, winter and fall. I served this during the winter holidays and everyone asked for the recipe. Now I must be honest and give credit where credit is due. The recipe originated from one of my husband’s secretaries. I eat with my eyes and thought the tomatoes and the purple onion would give it the color I needed to really dig in. I know if you make this once, you will make it time and
time again. Hope you enjoy both of these recipes. Visit my website for more recipes: SandiesGalley.com. Drop me a note while you are there; I love to read your emails!
Pecan Coconut Baked Salmon 2 nice size salmon filets 1 1/2 c. butter 3/4 c. honey 1/4 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. flaked coconut 1/4 c. chopped pecans
spread half of the remaining sauce on bottom of baking dish to coat bottom. Arrange salmon in the dish and pour remaining sauce on top of salmon making sure you have some coconut and pecans on the top. Bake 25 minMelt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey, brown sugar, utes, or until salmon flakes with fork. Serves two. coconut and pecans. Bring to boil then remove from heat, cool slightly, then brush each side of salmon pieces Crunchy Cherry with mixture, place on dish, cover Poppy Seed Salad and refrigerate for 1 hour or more. Cover and refrigerate left over sauce 1/2 c. cherry flavored Craisins also. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees, 2 heads Romaine lettuce 2 slices red onion, cut into pieces 6 to 8 cherry tomatoes, cut in half 15-20 mandarin oranges sections, drained 1 red sweet apple of choice, chunked 3/4 c. slivered almonds, toasted with melted butter & sugar (see below) 4 oz. can oriental rice noodles
Toss first 6 ingredients. Mix up the dressing, and add almonds, rice noodles and dressing just before serving. Makes 4-6 servings.
Dressing:
1/2 c. canola oil, not olive oil 1/4 c. cider vinegar 1/4 c. sugar 1 T. Montreal steak seasoning 1 1/2 tsp. poppy seeds 1/4 tsp. pepper
Roast almonds in a pan with 1 tablespoon butter and sugar, until browned, not burnt. Allow to cool. THE GUIDE
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1 Northstar Storage Barns 2 Country Feed Supply 3 Country Cedar Crafts 4 Shady Lane Footwear and Fabrics 5 Pine Grove Woodworking 6 Granny’s Chocolates 7 Bylers Custom Cabinets 8 Highland Rail
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