The Guide-April/May 2015

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Huron Pines, NEMi GLSI, Industrial Arts Institute and The Guide’s newest partner – Northeast Michigan Council of Governments

Life’s little curve balls

By Scott Nunn partner As the deadline for this issue of The Guide approached, life threw us a curve ball.

Jerry Nunn, writer and editor of The Guide found himself struggling to use one of the most important tools for his job – his voice. Struggling to speak, gruff in tone, using more effort than usual put us dangerously close to falling behind schedule.

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See, Jerry, my father and business partner, and I run the roads of Northeast Michigan together more often than not.

In our tasks we are constantly talking. Talking to business owners, area leaders, and most often to each other. And if we aren’t talking to others then usually you find us singing, joking, and pranking each other to amuse ourselves and everyone else.

To many, Jerry-without-voice seems like a dream come true.

Unable to yell, complain and annoy it is true that life on the road has been rather quiet lately, dare I even say serine. However, Jerry is also my best friend and someone I have molded my life around.

Nearly 7 years ago, Jerry’s passion to promote Northeast Michigan became contagious to me. I left the desk of 11-years in the wholesale lumber industry and ventured back home to Northeast Michigan, to a job I had no apparent qualifications

for. Appearances are easily fooled. Once that promotional bug bit me, my role became second nature, often annoying my wife Shannon and our family as the self-appointed tour guide for Northeast Michigan. It’s a role that I get great pleasure filling and do not take lightly.

Now temporarily down a man, with The Guide to put together along with a million other things to do, I was left to decide how best to man this helm.

Divided exactly in half, our roles fall quite simply: if you read it, Jerry wrote it or edited it; if you see it, I designed it.

This leaves you and me in an awkward position. I need to put some words on paper and, please accept my apologies, but you are left to read them.

Now Jerry wouldn’t be quick to share such a personal note.

He would likely tell me that it is unprofessional.

The way I see it, this is a family gig and if you are reading this then you are part of the

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family. Northeast Michigan, while rich in resources is also low in numbers. There simply aren’t enough people to go around. Take a look around at people behind the scenes and you will see that they aren’t filling just one role but two or ten.

As spring and summer quickly approach remember: behind every event there are people hard at work, usually unpaid and doing it for the enjoyment of pulling their hair out to amuse others. If you find that you enjoyed yourself – which I am sure you will – then ask how you can help next year.

We all certainly need the hand, through the good times and the bad, in this little big community that we are building and living in together.

And by all means, when life throws you that curve ball, bust out the biggest bat you can and crack that baby right outta the park.

April/May 2015 Volume VI, Issue 2 Published by: Info Northeast

Kirtland’s Warbler Festival Returns Northernaire Wildlife Rescue Tawas Point Birding Festival Soaring the Straits Earthweek Plus Rifle River Prosperity Initiative Paper, Plastic or Reusable Bag Birder’s Paradise Salmon in the classroom North Country History: Lovells History Marianne’s hamburger challenge: Wagon Wheel Inn

Editor: Advertising manager and design: Jerry Nunn, editor Scott Nunn (989) 780-0900 (989) 245-7140 jnunn@infonortheast.com snunn@infonortheast.com Contributing writers: Rob Burg, Denise Cline, Meaghan Gass, Marianne Kuzimski, Jerry Nunn, Scott Nunn, Brandon Schroeder, Deanna Staton, Contributing photographers: Gary Gee, Marianne Kuzimski, Greg Miller, Jerry Nunn, Phil Odum, Peggy Ridgway

This issue’s cover was taken by Lewiston resident, Gary Gee. An avid outdoorsman, Gee opted to set down his guns and hunt through a cameras lens. Gee is a board member of the Gaylord Area Council for the Arts where his work is displayed. You can contact him through his website at www.PhotographyUpNorth.com

The Guide is published 8 times annually. Distributed through all M-DOT Welcome Centers, Chambers of Commerce and over 300 fine businesses across Northeast Michigan. Covering the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Cheboygan, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and the City of St. Ignace

The Guide • April/May 2015

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Tawas Area Lion’s Easter Egg Hunt, 9 a.m. at Tawas Area High School, giving away over 1,000 toys along with 3 bikes. Info: (989) 362-8643 or www.Tawas.com Spring Expo Home Party Consultants, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Standish Depot in Standish, home party vendors, door prizes, samples and cash and carry items. Info: (989) 718-3021 or www.StandishDepot.org Alpena’s Farmer’s Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., inside Alpena Mall in Alpena, every Saturday until April 25. Info: (989) 356-5995 or www.AlpenaCVB.com Easter Egg Hunt, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at AuSable Children’s Park in Oscoda, hosted by the Oscoda Church of the Nazarene, open to public ages 1 to 12, bring a basket, will be held rain or shine, hot dogs on the grill; free. Info: (989) 739-7322 or www.OscodaChamber.com West Branch Optimist Easter Egg Hunt, noon to 5 p.m. at Iron’s Park in West Branch, kids ages 12 and under, if bad weather event will take place in Surline Elementary School gym. Info: (989) 942-6608 American Legion Post 211 Wild Game Dinner, 6 p.m. at American Legion Post in East Tawas, lasting until food is gone, menu includes beaver, muskrat blue berry, bear, venison, pheasant, swiss steak, mashed potatoes, corn, coleslaw and rolls; cost is $12 for adults, children 12 and under free.

Info: (989) 362-8643 or www.Tawas.com Easter Eggstravaganza, 10 a.m. at Hanson Hills Recreation in Grayling, the

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Easter Bunny will be present for photos, three areas to search: ages 8, 9 and 10 years old, 5, 6, and 7 years old and 4 and under; free. Info: (989) 348-9266 or www.HansonHills.org Java & Jazz, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Cheboygan Area Public Library; local musicians perform, coffee will be provided by State Street Coffee Company, cookies by the library. Info: (231) 627-2381

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Health Fair Horizon Senior Living, 10: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Horizon Senior Living in West Branch; join us for a fun time learning

about new ways to stay healthy, open to the public and vendors are welcome, cost is free.

Info: (989) 343-9404 or www.WBACC.com Tree Planting, 10 a.m. to noon at Oscoda’s River Bank Park in Oscoda, Alcona Conservation District is looking for volunteers to help with planting of trees. Info: (989) 355-1056 or www.OscodaChamber.com Dinner Theater Murder Mystery, 5 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall in East Tawas, Murder on Maui, limited seating, tickets must be purchased by April 4 at Brew Krew; $20 per person. Info: (989) 362-8643 or www.Tawas.com True North Radio Network Winter Concert Series, 7 to 10 p.m. at APlex in Alpena, featuring The System, a Bob Seger Tribute, doors open at 5:30 p.m., cash bar and concessions; cost is $8 in advance or $10 at door.

Info: (989) 354-4611 or www.AlpenaCVB.com Breakfast Buffet, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Knights of Columbus Hall in Alpena, all you can eat, menu includes pancakes, potato pancakes, french toast, scrambled eggs, western style eggs, polish sausage, sausage links, ham, fried potatoes, fresh baked cinnamon rolls, sweet breads, coffee, tea, juice and milk; cost is $7.99 per person. Info: (989) 590-2665 or www.AlpenaCVB.com Community Celebrating and Sharing Dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at APlex in Alpena, silent and Chinese raffle begin at 11:30 with dinner at 12:30, door prizes, 50/50 drawing, Battle of the Breads, all proceeds to go to Salvation Army and St. Vincent

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True North Radio Network Winter 11: 5: Concert Series, 7 to 10 p.m., APlex in Alpena; the rock show tribute featuring Tommy K., this band salutes and pays tribute to 70’s and 80’s rock, doors open at 5:30 p.m., cash bar, concessions available, cost is $7 in advance or $10 at door. Info: (989) 354-4611 Oscoda Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.., all you can eat pancake breakfast at Tait’s Bill of Fare in Oscoda. Info:(989) 739-3911 Wild Kingdom’s Peter Gros and Friends, 7 p.m. at Kirtland Center for Performing Arts in Roscommon, Wildlife Expert, Co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and environmental conservationist, Peter Gros shares his exciting animal world, travel experiences and timeless wildlife tales; cost is $35 per person for lower level, $30 for upper level or $88 for family of four. Info: (989) 2756777 or www.KirtlandCenter.com Say Hello to Spring, 2 to 4 p.m. at Robert J Parks Library in Oscoda, join singer-songwriter Kevin Devine as he chases away the winter blahs with his upbeat and lighthearted music, geared towards ages preschool to 3rd grade. Info: (989) 739-7322 or www.OscodaChamber.com

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www.facebook.com/michigan.guide

While all attempts at accuracy have been made, it is always best to call ahead and confirm before making the drive.

DePaul energy assistance program as well at St. Paul and Grace Lutheran Churches, tickets can be purchased prior to April 5 at St. Paul Lutheran or Grace Lutheran Church; cost is $12 adult, children 12 years and under are free. Info: (989) 356-1658 or www.AlpenaCVB.com Alpine Village Variety Hour, 4 p.m. at Gornick Auditorium in Gaylord High School, charity event featuring a live, vaudeville-style show, special performance

by Seth and May, tickets can be purchased at Gaylord Chamber of Commerce, Seams like New and Saturn Booksellers; cost is $5 adults, $2 kids under 12. Info: (231) 627-7183 or www.Gaylord.com Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alcona Public Library in Harrisville, grafting is a centuries-old method of plant cloning in which a branch or bud from a parent tree or shrub is placed on the rootstock base or trunk of a similar species, each participant will be given opportunity to graft and keep three dwarf apple trees along with a lecture and demonstration; cost is $25 per person. Info: (989) 724-5272 or www.AlconaConservation.org CPR and First Aid Training, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at AMA ESD in Alpena, training is being offered free of charge for Alpena County parents with children under the age of 12, participants will gain the basic knowledge of CPR and first aid to help during medical emergency, limited to 25 people. Info: (989) 278-5990 or www.AlpenaCVB.com

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I Love You, You’re Perfect, 16-19: Now Change, 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, continuing Thursday,

Friday, Saturday and Sunday through May 3, two part comedy exploring the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage along with the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up technique of the geriatric set; cost is $15 for adults, $13 for military, $8 for youth. Info: (989) 354-2267 or www.ThunderBayTheatre.com Representative Bruce Rendon Local Office Hours, 9 to 10 a.m. at West Branch Chamber of Commerce, the third Friday of each month Representative Bruce Rendon will be available for questions, concerns, or comments. Info: (989) 345-2821 or www.WBACC.com

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While all attempts at accuracy have been made, it is always best to call ahead and confirm before making the drive.

Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop, 10 18: a.m. to 2 p.m. Oscoda Public Library on Wurtsmith Air Base in Oscoda, grafting is a

centuries-old method of plant cloning in which a branch or bud from a parent tree or shrub is placed on the rootstock base or trunk of a similar species, each participant will be given opportunity to graft and keep three dwarf apple trees along with a lecture and demonstration; cost is $25 per person. Info: (989) 724-5272 or www.AlconaConservation.org The Northern Lights Indoor Vintage Snowmobile Show and Swap, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Northern Lights Arena is Alpena, first ever indoor snowmobile show and swap, vintage and collectible machines will be on display, vendors will be set up to sell parts for those looking to fix or restore a machine; cost is $20 to swap, free to view and show machines. Info: (989) 358-0652 or www.NorthernLightsArena.com Earth Week Plus Expo, noon to 4 p.m. at Cheboygan Area High School, come participate in Northern Michigan’s biggest Earth Day Celebration, offers educational events and adventures related to being a custodian of our earth; free. Info: (231) 627-7183 or www. Cheboygan.com Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament, 3 to 11:30 p.m. at The Lighthouse Restaurant in Rogers City, $5 all you can eat pizza buffet, 50/50 drawings and cash bar; $40 buy in. Info: (989) 734-2535 or www.RogersCityAreaChamber.com

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Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, 18: 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Camp Inn Lodge in Oscoda, Shore line Players Community Theater

presents “The Mystery of the Marshmallow Murder”, purchase advance tickets at Camp Inn Lodge or Gilberts Drug Store; cost is $25 in advance or $30 at door. Info: (989) 739-7322 or www.OscodaChamber.com Lyric, Ragazzo and Cantus, 7:30 p.m. at Alpena High School Auditorium in Alpena, presented by Thunder Bay Arts Council the outstanding children’s choir of Traverse City.

Info: (989) 354-4181 or www.AlpenaCVB.com Yesterday and Today Beatles Music, 7 to 9 p.m. at Kirtland Center for Performing Arts in St. Helen, the audience will pick a playlist and Billy McGuigan and his brothers in the band make every song a masterpiece with dead-on music precision and stunning set designs; cost is $35 for lower level and $30 for upper level. Info: (989) 275-6777 or www.KirtlandCenter.com An Afternoon with Jake Allan, 3 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Gaylord, Jake Allan’s signature sound is complex and haunting; cost is $10 adults and $5 students. Info: (989) 732-3242 or www.GaylordArts.org Michigan Rediscovered with Ron Rademacher, 6 to 8 p.m. at Robert J Parks Library in Oscoda, entertaining and education program about unique destination on the back roads of Michigan, refreshments served, books available for purchase and signing; free. Info: (989) 739-7322 or www.OscodaChamber.com Experiencing Armenia, 6 to 9 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Alpena, Mr. and Mrs. Mooradian will present a

dinner and program on Armenia, Mr. Mooradian was captured and imprisoned by the KBG and later escaped, dinner will be served at 6 p.m. with presentation at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, reservations required by April 15; cost is $10 for dinner, presentation is free. Info: (989) 3400391 or www.AlpenaFUMC.org Otsego County 2015 Career Fair, 1 to 4 p.m. at Gaylord Eagle’s Hall in Gaylord, preregister with Michigan Works to obtain a ticket to attend this career fair. Info: (989) 732-3886 or www.GaylordChamber.com Lake Huron Regional Fisheries Workshops, 6 to 9 p.m. at Camp Inn Lodge located 2 miles south of Oscoda, open to public and will offer valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals and other community members interested in Lake Huron fishery, pre-registration is required; free. Info: (989) 984-1056 or www.Msue.Msu.edu Pioneer Power Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club-Swap Meet, off M-55 east of West Branch, concessions available. Info: (989) 3453185 or www.WBACC.com Lovells Township Historical Society’s 13th Annual Trout Opener, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lovells Township Complex, local artists and crafters will display their wares, new ‘Michigan Authors and Artists’ exhibits in the Trout Fishing Museum, try casting a vintage bamboo fly rod, lunch provided at no charge. Info: (989) 348-6704 Iosco County Family Fun Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oscoda High School in Oscoda, event educating local families of the various organizations and local businesses that provide health, recreation and family services in

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Bring in this copy of The Guide for $5 off.

CCW/CPL Certification & Renewals State approved class

by NRA instructor

(989) 329-8988 The Guide • April/May 2015

area; free. Info: (989) 724-6478 or www.Msue.Msu.edu 12th Annual “Let’s Get Growing” Garden Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alpena Mall in Alpena, hosted by Alpena County MSU Extension, something for everyone, beautiful exhibits will feature unique flowers, trees, shrubs and garden art; free. Info: (989) 354-9870 or www.AlpenaCVB.com 6th Annual Leaky Wader 1K Fun Run, 11 a.m. at Lovells Township Historical Society in Grayling, pull on your chest waders and bring your friends, event fee includes a ride to the start, souvenir hat and refreshments, prizes for the first 3 places along with random drawings; cost is $20. Info: (989) 348-6704 or www.LovellsMuseum.com Harbor Nights at St. Ignatius School, 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius School in Rogers City, dinner, auctions and raffles, tickets available at the parish and school offices, must be 21 or older to attend; $25 per person. Info: (989) 734-3443 or www.RogersCityAreaChamber.com Party at the Plex, 5 to 10 p.m. at Otsego County Sportsplex in Gaylord, a fun night for all adults with beer, wine, music, games and much more; cost is $10 at door, $8 in advance, $6 seniors. Info: (989) 858-3400 or www.GaylordChamber.com Business and Community Expo, 4 to 7 p.m. at Houghton Lake High School in Houghton Lake, dozens of vendors, tastes of Houghton Lake, service groups community resources, door prizes and more, public welcome. Info: (989) 366-5644 or www.HoughtonLakeChamber.net 21st Annual Hard Hats and Hope Banquet, 5 to 6 p.m. at Knights of

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Columbus Hall in Cheboygan, menu includes sauerkraut salad, fresh polish sausage, parsley potatoes, homemade pierogis, veggies, desserts and more, pre-sale tickets can be purchased from Habitat Board Members, The Habitat Office or Habitat ReStore; cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children under 12 or $15 at the door. Info: (231) 597-4663 or www.Cheboygan.com 8th Annual Community Pride Clean-up Day in downtown Indian River, residents and downtown businesses are encouraged to participate in this town-wide spring cleaning in preparation for the busy summer ahead, downtown shredding available at the Chamber of Commerce, hot dogs and soda for clean-up volunteers downtown. Info: (231) 238-9325 or www.IRChamber.com

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Northern Michigan’s Outdoor Expo, 3 to 7 p.m. at Otsego County Sportsplex in Gaylord, Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., hunting, fishing and outdoor expo will both inside and outside; cost is $5. Info: (989) 858-3400 or www.GaylordChamber.com 1st Annual Haunted Heights Paranormal Conference, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Old Stone Schoolhouse in Houghton Lake, guests include a demonologist, several psychic mediums a paranormal radio team and many more, presentations go all day, VIP tickets include dinner and ghost hunt; cost is $50 for conference and $75 for VIP. Info: (989) 422-7070 or www.VisitHoughtonLake.com A “Frozen” Tea Party, 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. at Standish Depot in Standish, dress the part, have photo taken, delicious

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treats, carriage rides, activities and goodie bag, tickets in advance only; $25 per pair, $5 for each additional child. Info: (989) 718-3021 or www.StandishDepot.org 3rd Annual North Ohio PTO Art and Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gaylord Elementary School in Gaylord, fabulous handcrafted items from vendors from all over.

Info: (616) 498-2088 or www.GaylordChamber.com Sock Hop, 6 to 10 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall in West Branch, fun, food, and refreshments for a buck, BYOB, dance and dress contest, fabulous 50’s, 60’s and 70’s live entertainment; cost is $10. Info: (989) 345-2821 or www.WBACC.com Corsair Concert Series: Claire Lynch Band, 7:30 p.m. at Tawas United Methodist Church Family Center in Tawas, long recognized and praised as a creative force in acoustic music, Claire Lynch is a pioneer who continually pushes the boundaries of blue grass; cost is $15 per person. Info: (989) 362-8643 or www.Tawas.com Dedication of Sunrise Coast Birding Trail, 8:30 a.m. at Duck Park on the corner of Chisholm and Long Rapids Road in Alpena, tentative schedule will be birding on Island Park with leader Bill Grigg, Cub Scout report on the Island Park bird house project with Kali Smith, dedication ceremony at Duck Park, hot spots from Tawas to Mackinac with bright orange metal signs and have descriptive maps available to guide visitors to a new appreciation of the birds. Info: (989) 354-4181 or www.AlpenaCVB.com Kentucky Derby at Girl’s Night Out, 3 to 8 p.m. in downtown Grayling, sales, prizes, refreshments, hat contest and lots of fun.

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www.facebook.com/michigan.guide

Info: (989) 348-7661 Cheboygan Area Business Expo and Taste of the Straits, 3 to 8 p.m. at Cheboygan Ice Pavilion in Cheboygan, Northern Michigan “Brewhaha” Michigan beer competition, enjoy area restaurants samples, vendors will be selling merchandise and more.

Info: (231) 627-7183 or www.Cheboygan.com Mother-Son Superhero Dance, 6 to 8 p.m. at Riverwalk Place in Gladwin, boys ages 3 through 18 can join their mom for an evening of dancing, refreshments, games and dressing up like their favorite superheroes, tickets available at Chic Boutique, ticket includes admissions, refreshments, face painting, games and one professional photo; cost is $15 per person. Info: (989) 246-9119 or www.RiverWalkPlace.net 2015 Lewiston Morel Mushroom Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lewiston Elementary School in Lewiston, join for a full day of fungus and fun including annual arts and craft show, guided morel mushroom hunt, pro morel mushroom hunt competition, mushroom tasting event, tasting competition and more.

Info: (989) 786-2293 or www.LewistonChamber.com Spring Fling Craft Show and Mother’s Day Flower Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hale Eagle’s Auxiliary, lunch will be available, looking for local crafters and vendors to participate. Info: (989) 257-2066 or www.HaleYes.org Big Pig Gig, 6 to 10 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall in Roscommon, public is invited for dinner followed by music and dancing. Info: (989) 275-2005 or www.VisitHoughtonLake.com

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Hen House Restaurant

Open 7 days a week Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Specials Drive ru Free WiFi! (989) 389-3731 1965 N. St. Helen Rd. St. Helen, MI www..eHenHouseRestaurant.com 5

While all attempts at accuracy have been made, it is always best to call ahead and confirm before making the drive.

40th Annual Ducks Unlimited 9: Banquet, 6 to 10:30 p.m. at The Sanctuary Inn in Alpena, fun evening to

socialize with drinks, dinner, games raffles and live and silent auctions, fun for all ages; cost is $35 per person or $60 per couple. Info: (989) 340-0021 or www.AlpenaCVB.com

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Gladwin Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m.

10: to 1 p.m. at North State Street in Gladwin, running every Saturday through

October 11. Info: (989) 426-4133 or www.Gladwin.org Rivera and Kahlo, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gaylord Area Council for the Arts, learn about Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Detroit exhibit currently showing at the DIA, intriguing Mexican artists spent 1932 in Detroit creating ground breaking paintings, presentation followed by light refreshments.

Info: (989) 732-3242 or www.GaylordChamber.com Paint and Sip, 8 p.m. at Riverwalk Place in Gladwin, paint and sip package includes one night stay, Oasis Spa service, paint and sip class, two glasses of wine, snacks and more, limited availability; cost is $199. Info: (989) 246-8000 or www.RiverWalkPlace.net Tawas Point Birding Festival, Tawas Bay Beach Resort in East Tawas, many different events

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running all weekend long including different workshops, tours and presentations; cost is $25 for Audubon members, $50 for non-members and $10 for under 18, additional fees vary by program. Info: (517) 580-7364 or www.TawasBirdFest.com Denim and Diamonds, 6 to 11:30 p.m. at Sojourn Lakeside Resort in Gaylord, The Otsego Memorial Hospital presents the 52nd Cherry Pink Dinner Dance “Denim and Diamonds”, attire, music, food, activities and raffle carry out the theme. Info: (989)732-4981 Tawas Farmer’s Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gateway Park in Tawas City, continuing Saturdays. Info: (989) 362-8643 or www.Tawas.com Trunk Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Depot in Standish, rain or shine event; $5 fee per car allows the parking spot and setup for the day. Info: (989) 718-3021 or www.StandishDepot.org 15th Annual Open House and Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 40 Mile Point Lighthouse located 7 miles north of Roger’s City, enjoy the work of many talented artists, musicians and crafts from people all over Michigan, also climb the lighthouse tower, tour the museum and gift shop, step aboard the restored Calcite pilothouse or visit the shipwreck on the beach, light refreshments and Roger’s City Kiwanis Club famous white fish sandwiches also available; admission is free. Info: (989) 354-4181 or www.40MilePointLightHouse.org Championship Rodeo and 24th Annual Dick Berg Rodeo, 7 p.m. at Gladwin County Fair Grounds, no alcohol will be allowed; $12 adults, $6 kids 4-11. Info: (989) 426-2311 or www.GladwinFair.net

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Memorial Weekend Breezes on Tawas Bay Kite 22-25: Sidewalk Sales, Tanger 30: Festival, 10 a.m. at Harbor Park on Outlet Mall in West Branch, mall will holding Tawas Bay, fun filled day of kite flying, kite sidewalk sales all weekend. Info: (989) 3452821 or www.WBACC.com 12th Annual Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Run, 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bridgeview Park in Mackinaw City, one of the two unique opportunities runners’ are allowed to run across the “Mighty Mac”, runners must be able to run a minimum of 12 minutes per mile to participate; cost is $45 if post marked by May 1, $50 until day of and $60 day of. Info: (231) 436-5664 or www.MackinawCity.com 23rd Annual Shoreline Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shoreline Park in Tawas City, annual show featuring variety of arts and crafts.

Info: (989)362-8643 or www.Tawas.com Tent Sale, at Alabaster Corner in Tawas City, vendors accepted for antiques, vintage and quality hand made products; booth rental is $30 for 10x10.

Info: (989) 254-7314 or www.Tawas.com Colonial Michilimackinac Pageant, at Colonial Michilimackinac Park in Mackinaw City, over 400 cast members will re-create events that took place between French, British and Indian tribes on June 2, 1763, longest running, free historical Memorial Day performance in the Nation. Info: (231) 436-4100 or www.MackinacParks.com

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Memorial Day VFW Ceremony, 9 to 25: 10 a.m. at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Tawas. Info: (989) 362-8643 or www.US23HeritageRoute.org

Northeast Michigan

Optimist Clubs Join one

Start one

Alpena • Rogers City St. Helen • West Branch

Chuck Snyder

Lieutenant Governor, Zone 1

(989) 942-6608

The Guide • April/May 2015

making, kite giveaways, candy drops and more.

Info: (810) 653-3633 or www.Tawas.com

JUNE

Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 6: Depot in Standish, rain or shine outdoor event featuring arts and crafts. Info: (989) 718-

3021 or www.StandishDepot.org Kirtland’s Warbler Festival, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Roscommon, Kirtland’s Warbler tours, educational workshops, AuSable South Branch float trip and kids’ tent and activities, volunteers needed. Info: (989) 448-2293 or www.HuronPines.org Annual Kiwanis Spring Fest Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Westminster Park in downtown Rogers City, many talented artists and crafters will display their work along with music, a bounce house and other activities. Info: (989) 734-4587 or www.AlpenaCVB.com 2015 Summer Arts and Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Washington Park in Cheboygan, view and buy a wide variety of arts and crafts. Info: (231) 627-7183 or www.Cheboygan.com

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Celebrate the success of the species and communities of Northern Michigan!

Roscommon, MI - It’s back!

The Kirtland’s Warbler Festival is set to hit the community of Roscommon, MI with a fullslate of interesting, hands-on and family focused events, June 5-6, 2015.

The event will boast the same great exposure to Northeast Michigan’s public lands, unique natural assets and rich outdoor heritage as in the past, but from a new location—downtown Roscommon.

This drawing, by student Gwenyth Murray The two-day program will will be featured on the official button for see workshops, tours and kids’ the 2015 Kirtland’s Warbler Festival. programs to provide attendees the opportunity to learn about the jack Kirtland’s Warbler has experience an pine forest, home of the endangered amazing recovery as a result of strong Kirtland’s Warbler, as well as to explore conservation programs and public the unique shops, restaurants and lands management by state and federal public spaces of one of Northern agencies.

Michigan’s vibrant communities.

“The conservation of natural Just as the species has experienced resources is without question growth in its population, the Festival connected to the health of this region’s Planning Committee is setting its sights communities and the Kirtland’s Warbler on growing the program in coming Festival is a great way to showcase years. “We want to see this celebration this important relationship,” said Abigail grow over the next few years to Ertel, Kirtland’s Warbler Coordinator incorporate more program offerings, but for Huron Pines. “It has been great also an opportunity for other working with a group local people communities in Northeast Michigan to who are dedicated to providing great play a significant role in its success by programming for the people of Northern perhaps hosting the event or offering Michigan that celebrates our quality of new opportunities for visitors and life and one of the many special natural residents alike to experience local pieces of our home.” culture and tradition,” said Ertel.

The Festival kicks off Friday evening, June 5th with a storytelling For a full listing of events and and wine tasting event sponsored by details as they become available, the Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance and a list of Festival sponsors and Fifth Street Market. Saturday brings partners as well as information a variety of programs all day long on how to purchase a collectable including Kirtland’s Warbler tours, a admissions button visit guided kayak tour of the South Branch www.KirtlandsWarbler.org of the Au Sable, kids’ programs and an activities tent, VFW Pancake Breakfast, The 2015 Kirtland’s Warbler Festival workshops and much more! will celebrate the bird’s important 2015 marks a comeback year for the relationship to Northern Michigan festival—an appropriate development as well as highlight the many rich for a species that itself has experienced outdoor experiences local residents a remarkable comeback. Nearly and visitors enjoy on the area’s extinct twice in the last 40 years, the public lands.

• Custom Framing • Custom Maaing • Art Gallery more! and

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Oak Hill Furniture and Fabrics

Northernaire

Wildlife Rescue

By JERRY NUNN editor

Handcrafted Solid Oak Furniture Pillow Top & Deluxe Mattress Sets, Children’s Furniture, Woodcrafts,Quilts, Hickory-Bent Furniture, Clocks & Fabrics

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CHEBOYGAN – After 12 years as a wildlife rehabilitator, Sue Good hopes to semi-retire.

It’s not just the physical demands of the job – the early morning phone calls, the late night rescues or the 20-minute feeding schedule that baby birds demand – that have Good wishing to close the door of Northernaire Wildlife Rescue.

There’s an emotional toll as well.

Good began her career in wildlife rescue “pretty much like everyone else.”

“You find these baby raccoons and they’re so cute and the next thing you know you’re up to your elbows in raccoons and baby bunnies,” she said.

“There is no way you can say no.”

Good’s love for animals is life long, but it wasn’t until she was an adult that she was able to indulge her passion.

“My mother wasn’t an animal lover,” she said. “I’d drag an animal home and she’d make me take it back.”

Good’s love of critters does not discriminate.

While raccoons are cute, she says they are pesky and singles out opossums as her favorites.

“I just think that baby opossums are cute,” she said. “Most people think they look like rats. But then again, I think rats are cute, too.”

The Guide • April/May 2015

Besides mammals, Good treated everything from song birds to geese, but did not take in marsh birds: “They’re too big and I never had the facility for them.

They’re dangerous. And they’re big, with their beaks right there at head level.”

These days, much of the wildlife that Good rescued still wander the 180-acre rural property ranch that she and her late husband, William Good dedicated to helping animals. Those animals share space with an arm-long list of domestic animals including dogs, peacocks, geese and heritage breeds of turkeys.

This interview was interrupted to hand feed a fledgling parakeet. “Sometimes I feel like Snow White,” she says, telling of walks in the woods with blue jay’s perched on her shoulder and herds of critters traipsing at her heels. “It doesn’t happen every day but when it does…”

“I’ve been fortunate,” Good admits.

“I’ve seen fawns that were just born, that still had steam coming off them. I’ve seen things that most people will never see.”

A retired registered nurse from Cheboygan Memorial Hospital, as well as former owner of Soody’s Steak House restaurant and The Durty Dawg tavern in Cheboygan, Good says the decision to end what amounts to a third

career is bittersweet Yet, with no staff, all the work of Northernaire Wildlife Rescue fell to her.

“I used to have people show up at one o’clock in the morning. They’d call at 2 a.m. It was crazy,” Good said.

Like most wildlife rehabilitators, Good is quick to caution against picking up baby wildlife. Baby animals are often left alone while mom forages, she said, and it’s not often that a wild creature

abandons her offspring outright.

“Nine times out of ten it’s kidnapping.

People find a fawn and pick it up thinking is abandoned,” she says.

“Fawns spend their first couple of weeks alone. I get 100 calls each year about abandoned fawns and I take in three, if that tells you anything.”

Wildlife rescue or Unintentional kidnapping?

Baby birds and animals often venture outside their nests to explore, play and forage. Additionally, they are often left alone by their mothers giving the appearance that they’ve been abandoned, though that is usually not the case.

So how do you determine if a baby has been orphaned?

Is there a dead mother or sibling nearby?

Is the baby wet or cold?

Is the animal in a danger zone – near the road, susceptible to or under attack by domestic animals, in a lawn area or near a residence?

The best way to determine if an animal is abandoned is to observe from an unseen position. Chances are, the mother will show up or the animal will wander back to its nest.

If the animal has truly lost its mother, contact a wildlife rehabilitator before you collect it. The rate of success of inexperienced individuals raising wild animals is dismally low. Also realize that little in nature goes to waste; this one of nature’s many ways of maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem.

For a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators check online at www.MichiganDNR.com/dlr

FIRST SIDEWALK

SALES

OF THE

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include shoreline, marsh, grassland and forest, providing opportunity to see a wide range of species in a short period of time.

Bill Thompson III When: May 14 – 17, 2015 is this year’s keynote Where: Tawas, MI speaker, a lifelong birder What you will find there: Bird tours, bike tours, and copublisher of Bird demonstrations, wildflower tours, bird cruise and Between presentations, Watcher’s Digest who much more. n bo du Au an speakers and will be presenting “More hig –photo courtesy of Mic workshops, Perils and Pitfalls of Cost: Varies, depending on programs selected. Many Tawas Point Birding”. During the 30 events require registration and are limited capacity.

Birding mile Big Green Tour of Info: www.TawasBirdFest.com Festival offers Iosco County bike tour, serious birders participants will have the a chance to opportunity to see up to 80 Tawas Point great chance at seeing rare birds learn more or 90 different bird species.

Birding festival such as the piping plover. Held about bird New this year is the Sunrise with presentations, workshops at the peak migration the festival Coast Birding Trail. See the story identification, behavior and on pages 20-21 for more info. and speakers. There is plenty to offers a great opportunity to see habitat. But the festival offers If the birds make Tawas Point educate, entertain, and excite birds that do not live here in plenty to the informal, coffeeattendees of all skill levels. With Northeast Michigan. Meanwhile, part of their northern jaunt, table birder as well.

Join the fun at the 10th Annual tours to Tawas Point you stand a excursions to a variety of habitats shouldn’t you as well?

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SOME SECRETS WERE MEANT TO BE SHARED Stay & Play on Tawas Bay in 2015! www.TawasBay.com • 877-TO-TAWAS 10th Annual Tawas Point Birding Festival May 14 - 17

23th Annual Shoreline Arts & Craft Show May 23 - 24

Annual Breeze on the Bay May 30

Nationally recognized destination for observing spring bird migration, offering sightseeing hikes, presentations, birding tours with the chance to see 300 or more species.

Over 100 booths with arts, crafts and more. Something for the whole family! Spend the day at the Tawas City Park and view crafters’ wares and enjoy time on the beach overlooking Tawas Bay. Admission and Parking is free!

A family event on the shore of Tawas Bay, featuring free kite making for kids, candy drop, giveaways, kite demonstrations and a Nite Kite Flight, and more.

The Guide • April/May 2015

Tour the

Sunrise Side Tawas Bay serves as a great central location for touring Northeast Michigan and the Au Sable River Valley. From here you can enjoy boating, canoeing, birding, hiking and biking, as well as wining and dining tours and more.

Soaring theSingle day record counts for golden eagles Straits Spring bird migration has begun, reports the Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch. To observe and record the movements of hawks and owls, this local non-profit group has hired three staff people to work out of Mackinaw City and Cheboygan.

Kevin Georg, professional hawk counter, explains “Mackinaw City to be one of the best places in the country to see eagles and hawks up close. These raptors often fly over at close range, perfect for viewing with binoculars and photography.”

The count started on March 8 this year to study golden eagles, the earliest migrants.

To date, Georg has recorded 1,524 raptors of thirteen species, including 229 bald eagles and 287 golden eagles. The counts of 70 golden eagles on March 17 and 85 golden eagles on March 21 set records for all hawk observation sites east of the Mississippi River. Georg explained: “The eagles power through in a steady stream all day into a strong wind, not waiting to glide on thermals like many other raptors. Up to six have been visible in the sky at one time. This has real significance to people on a lot of levels. I feel fortunate and honored to be here to see and record such magnificence.”

Mackinaw City is one of 100-plus hawkwatch sites in Central and North America which gather information on

the species, numbers, and timing of the spring migration. The shape of Michigan’s lower peninsula funnels migrating birds to the Straits for the shortest distance to the Upper Peninsula and Ontario. The region’s woodlands serve well as a resting and feeding ground for birds weakened by migration.

This marks the fifth year of local survey work on these birds of prey. In addition, Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch conducts research on migrating owls. So far, the biologists working from Cheboygan have collected data on 57 northern saw-whet owls and one long-eared owl.

“We want to educate people about our rich heritage of species,” says Ed Pike, chair of MSRW, who welcomes guests to visit.

“Come to Mackinaw City, take Central Avenue west, and look for the hawk watch signs. Dress warmly and bring a lawn chair.”

The hawk count will continue through June 7.

Stories, photographs, data, and planned outings are available at www.MackinacRaptorWatch.org.

–Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch is a project of U.S. Inc. Foundation, and donations are tax-deductible.

Questions can be directed to Pike at edandanne6750@gmail.com or 231758-3319.

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Earth Week Expo Saturday April 18th, 2015 Our Earth Friendly Expo offers free Workshops and Presentations for adults and children alike.

What: A free, family friendly event featuring presentations about the earth and its creatures, displays, and exhibits for all ages.

Cost: Earth Week Plus attendees are invited to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to St. Thomas Food Pantry.

Please bring your printer ink cartridges to be recycled and support our youth with their recycling program.

Where: Cheboygan High School, 801 West Lincoln Ave. Cheboygan, Michigan. 49721 When: Saturday, April 18th, 2015 – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Doors open at 12:00 Noon so you have time to view the great informative and often interactive displays.

Pizza and snacks will be available for purchase in the Cafeteria through the Key Club.

Other events, open houses and adventures, honoring Earth Week, will be taking place during the months of April and May all over Cheboygan County. Below are the featured presentations.

For more info visit: www.EarthWeekPlus.org and click on the adventures tab.

2015 Expo Schedule Here are the presentations by sessions with times. For more information about the presentations visit www.EarthWeekPlus.org.

Below is an Expo by Session view of the featured presentations for the 2015 Earth Week Expo. There are 3 Sessions at the Expo with multiple presentations going on in different rooms.

Wildlife Discovery Room – Visit Anytime: 12:00-4:00 Wildlife Discovery Room, presented by the Straits Area Audubon Society: stop by and participate in hands-on exploration of bird nests, and animal artifacts.

Smokey The Bear! – Visit Anytime: 12:00-4:00 Smokey the Bear Live and in Person! he will be next to the Seedums Garden Club Booth where children will be able to make a Smokey the Bear hat with ears.

Green Dinosaurs will be doing face painting.

Session A: 1:00 -1:45 Garlyn Zoo: see live animals and learn about their habitats.

Owls of the North Woods: learn about the variety of owls in our woods.

12

TaiChi: learn what it is, participate and watch demonstrations.

Geocaching Michigan Natural Features Inventory: Getting paid to understand our natural heritage.

Session B: 2:00-2:45 Garlyn Zoo: see live animals and learn about their habitats.

Owls of the North Woods: learn about the variety of owls in our woods Carbon Fee and Dividend: A solution to climate change that puts money in your pocket.

Vampires of the Great Lakes: see and learn about sea lampreys and other invasive species Recycling in the Garden: learn and see how to use recycled items Session C: 3:00-3:45 Garlyn Zoo: see live animals and learn about their habitats Lake Sturgeon: see and learn about the sturgeon in Black Lake GMO’s: The original Frankenfood!

Crazy About Containers: be creative with container gardening Michigan Natural Features Inventory: getting paid to understand our natural heritage

The Guide • April/May 2015

Upcoming Events in

26

th

Mackinaw City May 16 – 17

June 27 – 28

Annual Zoo De Mac Bike Race Memorial Weekend

12

Mackinaw City Premier Arts & Craft Show

Annual Memorial Day Bridge Run & Fireworks at Dusk Memorial Day Parade / Colonial Michilimackinac Pageant Mi th

June 13-14

Spring Big Mac Shoreline Scenic Bike Tour & Ride across the Bridge June 19 – 20

19th Annual Antiques on the Bay St. Ignace Car Show Sh June 25 – 27

(800) 750-0160

Fourth of July Independence Day Waterfront Events & Fireworks 2

July 10 – 12

Annual Mustang Car Show Celebration & Music Fest (in Mackinaw City)

nd

July 31 – Aug. 1

Mackinaw Area Historical Festival July 31 – Aug. 2

Rendezvous in Mackinaw & 18th Century Market Fair

40 Annual St. Ignace Car Show & Down Memory Lane Parade at 7 pm on the 26th th

Mustang Stampede July 10th thru 12th, 2015

The 2nd Annual Celebration of the Ford Mustang! Event will include some top music acts playing music from the era of the 60's and 70's. Family fun, food, drink and children’s activities and will be topped off with a parade of Mustangs across the Mackinac Bridge

For more info visit: www.MackinawCity.com www.facebook.com/michigan.guide

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Recommends

Sturgeon for Tomorrow

Sturgeon Guard Program Each spring when lake sturgeon move from Cheboygan County’s Black Lake up the Black River to spawn, the volunteers members of the Sturgeon Guard spring into action, lining the river’s banks from mid-April to early June to help protect this prehistoric fish.

And what a fish it is – growing as large as 200 pounds, living to 100 years old, with a Great Lakes fossil record dating back 136 million years – few species of wildlife have had the cultural significance on the Great Lakes as the lake sturgeon.

Best of all, volunteer Sturgeon Guards are still being sought.

Camping is welcome along the river; families, organizations, scout troop and school groups are encouraged and all are welcome.

To learn more about Sturgeon for Tomorrow and the Sturgeon Guard program, plus the many other events, activities and opportunities presented by Sturgeon for Tomorrow, go online to www.SturgeonForTomorrow.org

Recommends

Sturgeon for Tomorrow

Sturgeon Guard Program Each spring when lake sturgeon move from Cheboygan County’s Black Lake up the Black River to spawn, the volunteers members of the Sturgeon Guard spring into action, lining the river’s banks from mid-April to early June to help protect this prehistoric fish.

And what a fish it is – growing as large as 200 pounds, living to 100 years old, with a Great Lakes fossil record dating back 136 million years – few species of wildlife have had the cultural significance on the Great Lakes as the lake sturgeon.

Best of all, volunteer Sturgeon Guards are still being sought.

Camping is welcome along the river; families, organizations, scout troop and school groups are encouraged and all are welcome.

To learn more about Sturgeon for Tomorrow and the Sturgeon Guard program, plus the many other events, activities and opportunities presented by Sturgeon for Tomorrow, go online to www.SturgeonForTomorrow.org

Nature Needs Your Help

Rifle River Prosperity Network

to enhance wildlife & commerce

“In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous.” ~Aristotle

By DEANNA STATON Huron Pines Americorps Member

16

Make a posi�ve difference for our lands today. Your membership or dona�on to our stewardship program will help preserve and protect Northeast Michigan’s forests and elds.

Visit our website at www.huronpines.org to see how you can contribute. Dona�ons are tax‐deduc�ble and are used to help us protect those “Up North” places you love, like  The Au Sable River,  The Lake Huron Coastline,  Pigeon River Country,  Saginaw Bay, and  all the places in between!

Huron Pines 4241 Old US 27 South, Suite 2, Gaylord, MI 49735 (989) 448‐2293 info@huronpines.org

www.huronpines.org www.huronpines.org

Huron Pines is a 501(c)(3) nonprot organiza�on and an equal opportunity provider

Imagine: you’re floating down the Rifle River on a warm Saturday afternoon inside a kayak. Finally, after a tiresome yet rewarding work week you dedicate a day to yourself. You begin your journey at the Rifle River Recreation Area. Sliding your kayak into the river, you carefully hop in and begin paddling upstream.

A breeze tickles your face and the sun hits your nose, exposing a few winter-dormant freckles. The forest’s crisp, clean air fills your lungs while stroking the glassy water with the paddle, creating gentle ripples that cascade outward and eventually dissipate back into the river’s unity.

A chickadee sings on a branch, “Chick a dee-dee-dee! Fee-bee fee-bee!”

Rounding the river’s bend, you see a box turtle peeping its head above the water’s surface. It spots a sunny basking log near the bank of the river and clumsily scales it, sprawling out its limbs and stretching its neck outward in content.

What a sight!

You dip your hand into the river’s crystal-transparent water to feel a cool chill run up your arm. Setting down your paddle, you retrieve a fishing hook from the front end of the kayak. It takes a few moments to situate, and then finally, you’re able to cast a line. Plop! It disappears beneath the gleaming water’s surface.

The above example is but one of the many blissful ways to frequent Northeast Michigan’s Rifle River.

Fisheries, agriculture, canoeing, kayaking and camping are all activities that contribute to the local economy in Ogemaw and Arenac counties. Northeast Michigan is a wonderful place to be, and people across the country have increasingly caught on to this piece of information. We see more and more tourists from far and wide romping and playing along Michigan’s coastlines and interiors each year, eager to experience the sights and sounds in all four seasons.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation is a diverse and growing super sector, bringing in 646 billion dollars

The Guide • April/May 2015

annually in the United States. In fact, 18.7 billion dollars of this massive amount is spent on outdoor recreation by the consumer in Michigan alone.

Outdoor recreation has the ability to attract visitors of all ages–young, old, local and international–as they all share the common desire to explore the wild shores, parks, and open aired backcountries.

The woodlands and banks of the Rifle River can indefinitely provide these adventurers with all the outdoor recreational opportunities they seek, thus bringing an influx of dollars into the area!

Advocates such as the Ogemaw Economic Development Corporation, NEMCOG and EMCOG have long supported the development and sustenance of the Rifle River, along with funding important events that bring communities together. The city of West Branch’s “Fabulous Fridays”, held weekly on downtown streets all summer long have garnered much publicity and success by bringing community members together for themed gatherings among local food, drink and entertainment.

These types of events are fun, festive and extremely vital in achieving the economic potential that small Michigan towns harbor.

Huron Pines is committed to enhancing and strengthening Northeast Michigan’s communal support and adding to the conversation about regional economic prosperity.

A new and upcoming alliance called The Rifle River Prosperity Network will bring together a formal partnership of local economic and conservation partners to develop a unified vision and marketing plan for the region. This project will use

the momentum generated by the current conservation activities to unify the vision and development of a gateway region for the Rifle River and Northeast Michigan.

The Prosperity Network’s projects will improve and increase visibility of the natural beauty and health of Ogemaw and Arenac counties by enhancing the river’s wonderful, clean flowing resources. Behind outdoor recreation lies an individual who wants to enjoy a heightened quality of life. Identifying the overlap between quality of life and economic value provides tremendous potential for a diverse influx of people of all ages, drawing in tourists and families to the wonderful, wildlife-packed riverbanks for some much needed R & R. The end result?

Increased economic gain when tourists choose to eat, stay and play at local businesses while enjoying the responsibly conserved outdoors.

What more could a city ask for?

Through the Prosperity Network platform, $15,000 will be invested in local communities wishing to participate in the watershed’s restoration and enhancement. This

will allow community driven ideas to come to life and directly impact the success of the future, thereby increasing overall civic stewardship and morale in small towns. Thanks to a generous $50,000 donation from Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network, the Prosperity Network has set its sails high and is ready to take off to achieve its goals of enhancing both nature and commerce.

Just as there is true value in business, there is true value in the environment. The Rifle River Prosperity Network is designed to carve out this small niche where both of these seemingly opposing forces can thrive, working to broaden them for the greater good of both wildlife and people.

Huron Pines is excited to work with Ogemaw and Arenac counties to enhance and protect the Rifle River to allow its residents and tourists to recreate in its strong, healthy flowing water, and we invite you to get involved.

Learn more about the Rifle River Prosperity Network, as well as our projects and the ways we are helping make Northeast Michigan a better place to live, work and enjoy, visit www.huronpines.org. or call (989) 448-2293 ext. 21.

To learn more about Huron Pines AmeriCorps program visit www.

HuronPinesAmeriCorps.org. Organizations can apply to host a member for a oneyear or six-month term. People looking to increase their conservation skills and networks can apply to become a member.

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Paper, Plastic or Reusable Bags

Alpena Youth ‘Bagging It’ for Earth Day

By MEAGHAN GASS NE MI GLSI and BRANDON SCHROEDER Michigan Sea Grant Since 1970, Earth Day reflects an annual, worldwide tradition in paying appreciation for our living planet and the habitats – food, water, and shelter - she affords us. Northeast Michigan communities – rich in Great Lakes and natural resources – may understand more than anyone the importance of caring for clean air, fresh water, our living woodlands and waterway ecosystems. You can celebrate Earth Day this year with some area student artists.

In the weeks preceding Earth Day, area youth in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade classrooms around Alpena will participate in the Northeast Michigan Earth Day Bag Project in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic bags. In partnership with the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, its community partners, and Neiman’s Family Market, students will decorate bags to convey messages regarding conservation and preservation following a discussion about the dangers of using plastic bags.

These bags will then be distributed to customers at Neiman’s Family Market in Alpena, MI on Earth Day, April 22nd.

The students’ campaign aims to lower the use of plastic bags, which have harmful environmental consequences, and to advocate the use of paper or reusable bag alternatives.

18

Single-use plastics, like plastic bags, can become harmful when entering into water ecosystems as litter or marine debris. This plastic pollution can weather and break down into smaller and smaller plastic fragments known as microplastics. These small pieces of plastic absorb pollutants and confused as food, they can also be consumed by fish and birds; resulting in harm. Attention toward the issue of marine debris and micro-plastics stems from the campaigns to raise awareness toward the infamous floating Pacific Ocean garbage patches. Yet closer to home, marine debris and micro-plastics are an increasingly challenging pollution issue here in our Great Lakes.

No strangers to the issue of plastic pollution, Alpena High School chemistry students have been studying the issue of micro-plastics in Lake Huron. On the water, they monitor for small particles of

plastic and compare microplastic levels in Thunder Bay and Lake Huron. In class, they also investigate and raise awareness about personal care products such as facial scrubs, which can sometimes contain tiny plastic beads as exfoliants. Thunder Bay Jr. High students monitor environmental

The Guide • April/May 2015

health and conduct beach clean-ups at local public parks along Lake Huron’s shoreline as part of the Great Lakes Adopt-a-Beach program. Elementary youth have also studied the effects of

NORTHEAST MICHIGAN Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative

Expanding Classrooms. Strengthening Communities.

invasive species, a form of biological pollution, and monitored water quality for signs of chemical pollution. Thus, the Northeast Michigan Earth Day Bag Project is an extension of some of the great projects area students are already doing to limit and better understand pollution in the Great Lakes.

This simple and artful learning project allows students the opportunity to provide a great environmental service as well as the ability to take an active role in making a positive contribution to their community. With this project, youth apply arts and science while learning and raising public awareness about plastic pollution in the Great Lakes.

Reflecting place-based education at its best, the Northeast Michigan Earth Day Bag Project offers a hands-on learning experience, allowing these young citizens to actively contribute to the benefit of their local community and environment.

Overall, for these Alpena students, Earth Day is the perfect day to celebrate opportunities to care for our Great Lakes and natural resources in sharing their

artfully decorated grocery bags with you.

So, what will you do to contribute to the health of our blue planet on Earth Day – or in your daily lives throughout the year? If grocery shopping at Neiman’s Family Market in Alpena on Earth Day, April 22, you can start by answering a simple question – paper, plastic, or reusable bag? In general, using a reusable bag is the better choice, but when given the choice of paper or plastic bags, selecting paper bags both helps promote products from our renewable forest resources and limits the potential for plastic bags to enter into our area waterways. Follow the example of our proactive citizen youth, and you can help protect our area waterways by limiting your own use of plastic bags!

For more information visit www.nemiglsi.org

Support

community-based education in Northeast Michigan.

Visit www.NEMIGLSI.org today.

Protecting the Great Lakes and the Natural Resources of Northeast Michigan through hands-on, place-based education in and with the community.

www.nemiglsi.org

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Northeast Mic higan Council of Gov ernme

Beaugrand Cheboygan

Munro

36N

Burt

Grant

Mullett

L

Bearinger

Aloha

CHEBOYGAN

35N

Tuscarora

34N

Mentor

Koehler

Ellis

33N

Waverly

PRESQUE ISLE

Belknap

Bismark

CY

Wellington

Hillman

Briley !

Green

Avery

Highway 23, the new trail takes a westerly spur down Oscoda’s River Road where birders can make stops at Eagle Run and Foote Site Park where they are sure to spy some trumpeter swans and numerous other aquatic avians along the Au Sable River.

Heading north on Heritage Route 23, birders will find Harrisville State Park with its heavily wooded pine and cedar habitat. Several birding hotspots are found in Alcona and Alpena Counties including the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary featuring Island Park, a 17-acre island jewel with nature trails and viewing platforms in a variety of ecosystems.

The trail continues north through Presque Isle County where six birding sites offer a variety of species and sweeping views of Lake Huron. Birders will find unique sites in Cheboygan County including Dingman Marsh where great gray owls have been sighted along with numerous other species.

After stopping at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, birders find themselves at their final stop along the route – the Mackinac Straits

4W

Sanborn Clinton Greenwood

Caledonia

Elmer Alcona

Grayling

OSCODA

Grayling

South Branch

2W

Comins

Mitchell

1W

Ridgway

Raptor Watch, where a hawk counter will be on site from March until June in 2015.

“In 2014, over 43,000 raptors were counted passing over the straits,” Baker said. “When snow cover is still present, a sunny day at the hawk watch can present a very special viewing opportunity. The sunshine reflecting off the snow illuminates the soaring hawks from below, a spectacular sight. The hawk watchers refer to this as Snow Glow, causing overhead hawks to brilliantly glisten in the blue sky.”

The Sunrise Coast Birding Trail

The Guide • April/May 2015

Hawes

ALCONA Millen

Big Creek

Curtis

1E

2E

3E

4E

5E

6E

Mikado

7E

Haynes Lincoln

Gustin

Mentor

photo by Phil Odum

photo by Peggy

Wilson

Ossineke

Lovells

CRAWFORD

3W

Alpena

Alpena

Rust

!Mio

rom the mouth of the mighty Au Sable to the sparkling Straits of Mackinac, 28 birding hotspots have been designated as part of the new Sunrise Coast Birding Trail, a 145-mile-plus stretch of remarkable habitat that birders will surely flock to.

Presque Isle

Maple Ridge

Loud

Maple Forest

Beaver Creek

Long Rapids

ALPENA

Atlanta

Chester

Frederic

25N

Krakow

Hillman Vienna

Charlton

Otsego Lake

27N

Posen Posen

N

MONTMOREN

Dover

Hayes

*Emmet County is a member of both the NE and NW Councils of Governments

Pulawski

Montmorency

OTSEGO

Bagley

28N

Case

Metz

Gaylord

29N

Allis

Nunda

Corwith Vanderbilt

Livingston

30N

Forest

E

Area of Region

O

Elmira

K

Rogers City

Moltke

Square Miles

694.2 13.90% 593.5 11.88% 796.2 15.94% 562.7 11.27% 562.7 11.27% 571.2 11.44% 527.4 10.56% 686.6 13.75% 4994.5

R

31N

NEMCOG REGI ON*

8 COUNTIES 81 TOWNSHIPS 14 CITIES & VILLAG ES 103 TOTAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT S

Alcona Alpena Cheboygan Crawford Montmorency Oscoda Otsego Presque Isle

Ocqueoc

North Allis Onaway

Walker

Wolverine Wilmot

A

Rogers

Millersburg

32N

on

nts

Benton

Inverness

Albert

F

20

Hebron

37N

EMMET

26N

NORTHEAST MICHIGAN– This has been a phenomenal yearlong cooperative effort by three Michigan Audubon chapters, with additional support from Michigan Audubon, Consumers Energy and the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments.

“Information about some of our best Lake Huron coastline and inland birding sites is now available in a simple easy to follow format,” according to Au Sable Valley Audubon’s Peggy Ridgway, “The website will help keep birders updated and alerted to seasonal sightings.”

The new Sunrise Coast Birding Trail, with its inland spurs, connects to the existing 142-mile Saginaw Bay Birding Trail making for nearly 300 miles of designated birdviewing sites which will attract visitors from afar.

The Sunrise Coast Trail begins at Shoreline Park at the mouth of the Au Sable River where green herons frequent a small pond below an observation deck. Federally endangered Great Lakes piping plovers often nest along this stretch of shoreline. Before traveling north along the shoreline and U.S.

NEMCOG Regi

Mackinaw

U

By DENISE CLINE NEMCOG Regional Planner

t along the Sunrise Coas

Mackinaw City

39N 38N

H

Birder’s Paradise

N

8E

Harrisville Harrisville

Greenbush

9E

w Th S m s was created through a partnership a of the Michigan Audubon, Au M Sable Valley Audubon, Thunder Bay Audubon Society, Straits Area S Audubon Society, US 23 Heritage c Route, NEMCOG and Consumers H Energy. The Map Guide contains v detailed maps of the trail, directions s to each site and descriptions of b the types of birds most likely to be spotted at each. In addition, amenities available at each site are denoted including parking, restrooms, wheelchair access, paved and unpaved trails, winter access, picnic area, kayak/canoe launches and boat launches. Visitors should be sure to watch for the orange Sunrise Coast Birding Trail signs

Official Sunrise Coast Birding Trail Sites 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Shoreline Park Piety Hill Riverwalk Riverbank Park Eagle Run Foote Site Park and Foote Dam 6. Clark’s Marsh 7. Oscoda Airport Grasslands 8. Harrisville State Park & DNR Boat Launch 9. Sturgeon Point Lighthouse 10. Negwegon State Park 11. Partridge Point 12. Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary 13. Lake Besser 14. Ninth Street Dam Outflow 15. Wessel Road “CKD Prairie” 16. Misery & Isaacson Bays which denote the official sites.

The signs coordinate with the blue Saginaw Bay birding trails signs, making it possible to locate birding sites from Port Austin in the thumb area all the way to the Straits of Mackinac.

In addition, www.

SunriseCoastBirding.org was created as part of the US 23 Heritage Route website. Users can view the sites and photos online and submit their bird sightings.

Not only will the trail provide birders and wildlife-seekers a formal

17. Alpena Township Nature Preserve 18. Rockport State Recreation Area & Besser Natural Area 19. New Presque Isle Lighthouse 20. Thompson’s Harbor State Park 21. Sea Gull Point 22. Herman Vogler Conservation Area 23. P.H. Hoeft State Park 24. Cheboygan State Park 25. Gordon Turner Park 26. Dingman Marsh 27. Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park 28. Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch

Helping communities achieve success

route through some of Michigan’s most beautiful settings, it will stand as a reflection of the longstanding culture of bird and wildlife appreciation in the Michigan’s Northeastern Lower Peninsula, says Jonathan Lutz, director of Michigan Audubon.

“We are grateful to local Audubon chapters and members for their leadership in establishing the Trail, which we expect will connect birds and people for many years to come,” Lutz said.

For info on the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail visit: www.SunriseCoastBirding.org For info on the US-23 Heritage Route visit: www.US23HeritageRoute.org For info on Northeast Michigan Council of Governments www.NEMCOG.org

For more information on NEMCOG, our partners or projects visit: www.NEMCOG.org

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A+

proudly sponsors:

Educational Excellence

Salmon in the Classroom In nearly 200 classrooms across the state, students rear Chinook salmon in partnership with the Michigan DNR. Beginning with salmon eggs in October, students care for the fish through the complicated early stages of their lives, until they release the fish into a Great Lakes tributary in May.

By JERRY NUNN editor ROGERS CITY – By the time teacher Holly Wirgau’s middle school students raise 200 Chinook salmon by hand, the budding fisheries biologists will understand all there is to know about the complex early life cycle of one of the Great Lake’s most popular sports fish.

Starting with hatchery-fresh eggs in late October, they’ll hatch the salmon right in the classroom, in a cold-water tank, then watch them grow from tiny alevin stage, with their yolk sack at their side, through the fry stage, to the smolt stage the salmon reach in May when students here trek to the nearby Trout River to release the three to five inch salmon.

But the students will learn a lot more than just fish biology.

Established in the Great Lakes in the 1960s, bolstered by a strong alewife population, Chinook salmon quickly became a popular sport fish, becoming an important element in Michigan’s outdoor culture, as well as an integral part of the economy in lakeside towns such as Rogers City.

The Salmon in the Classroom The Guide • April/May 2015

program comes complete with age appropriate lesson plans to fit a customized curriculum, according to Wirgau, a science and language arts teacher. Before the students are done learning they’ll expand their handson Great Lakes fisheries study to include culture, history, economics, art, math and more.

In many ways the Salmon in the Classroom program sells itself, both to students and teachers, says DNR Forester Craig Kasmer, the Salmon in the Classroom Coordinator for Northern Michigan.

“Teachers talk,” Kasmer said, “One teacher will say ‘I raise salmon in the classroom.’ Then another teacher says ‘What? I want to raise salmon too.’”

“In some schools they keep the tanks right in the hallway so that all students can be a part of it. And in most cases the entire school is aware of it, so kids are like, ‘Oh, next year we get to raise salmon in our classroom.’ The students look forward to it.”

Teachers wishing to participate apply between January 1 and April 15 to join the program the following fall. Accepted applicants are notified prior to summer break and then

fund and lead the required field trips to hatchery and river. Further corporate support comes from La Farge Presque Isle as well, and Wirgau says it is only through the help of these outside groups that Josh Colorite, Drew Flewelling and Jacob Pomranke, the program is all sixth graders at Rogers City Middle School observe possible. the salmon they are raising for release in May. The But the program lasts nearly the entire year and curriculum program proves supplied by the DNR ties the studies to biology, popular with science as well as civics, history, culture, economics, anglers and art and more. resources groups must file for the permits to legally throughout rear the salmon, as well as attend a the state and Kasmer credits those one day workshop that teaches how partnerships with the program’s to raise the fish and more. success.

The autumn-spawning salmon’s More central to the state, the life cycle fits the school year Midland-based Leon P. Martuch just about perfectly, according to Chapter of Trout Unlimited Wirgau. Teachers receive eggs in sponsors Salmon in the Classroom October or November which will in five schools in Gladwin, Midland hatch in December. The newly and Saginaw Counties, with plans hatched fish, in their alevin stage to pick up three more schools in still have a yolk sack attached that the near future, according to Steve will maintain the fish until students Wilkowski, chapter president. return from Christmas vacation.

Beyond funding, Trout Unlimited After that students begin feeding the members often serve as volunteers, fish by hand with rations supplied give presentations, assist with tank by the DNR. Through it all they set up, and provide support for monitor tank temperatures, water stream-side activities, Wilkowski acidity and cleanliness, ammonia said. levels and more until the fish are Rationale for the investment ready for release in May. is straight forward according to Cost of a fish tank measuring Wilkowski says.

55-gallons-or-larger, the necessary “We reach well over 1,500 chiller to keep the water 50-degrees students because nearly all the or colder, and other supplies costs classrooms involve their whole about $1,200. Fortunately, DNR school in some aspect of the partner organizations such as Trout program,” he said. “By creating Unlimited as well as local groups, excitement and educating students corporations and individuals can and their families about fish and our usually be found to funds that cost. cold-water resources we will In Wirgau’s classroom that increase the number of people educational partner is Hammond supporting our fisheries and natural Bay Anglers Association. The group habitat today and into the future.” not only underwrites the cost of the classroom supplies they also help

Phone (989) 345-4120 Fax (989) 345-4121 Monday - Friday 8:30-6:00 Saturday 9:00-4:00

401 W. Houghton Ave. West Branch, MI 48661

Office Supplies Copy & Print Services Parent & Teacher Educational Store visit our online catalog www.biggestbook.com Fax Service & UPS Shipping Also Available

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North Country History

with Rob Burg

Lovells- Lumbering and Fishing on the North Branch of the AuSable

When it comes to trout fishing, few get more excited than the folks in Lovells.

Lovells in Crawford County is like many places in Northeast Michigan—a place of forests and water. The North Branch of the AuSable River flows for more than sixteen miles through Lovells Township on its way to the AuSable mainstream.

Originally part of Maple Forest Township, Lovells was Salling, Hanson and Company logging set off as a separate township crew near KP Lake in Lovells Township. in 1912. The main settlement is the small village of Lovells Lovells. located where the Michigan Lumber was the major industry Central Railroad’s Twin Lakes with several logging operations in Branch crossed the North Branch the area. Charles Brink had one of on its route between Grayling and the early logging camps and the Lewiston, but Judges was the first Salling, Hanson and Company settlement in the area located a few had a large camp near KP Lake. miles southwest. A railroad stop was T.E. Douglas, a former employee established in 1889 and a post office of the SHCo., built a sawmill next in 1892. The post office remained to the railroad bridge on the east here until 1909 when it moved to side of the river in 1898 and a general store and later a hotel on the west bank. In 1909 the Lovells post office was added by Douglas to his businesses.

Several families settled along the North Branch below Lovells, including Ed and Bessie Kellogg and their large family. To meet the needs of these families the Lone Pine School was constructed in 1906 by Ed Kellogg and AuSable River Boats with fishermen and guides Gustav Ernst on the east on the AuSable River. The entire AuSable River bank of the river at Jackson system, including the North Branch became a Hole. popular for fly fishing region by the late 1800s.

As the last lumber was ­— photos courtesy of the Devereaux Memorial Library, Grayling, Michigan The Guide • April/May 2015

cut, Tom Douglas understood the changes happening along the North Branch. More and more fishermen were coming to trout fish. Douglas added the North Branch Outing Club to his hotel and it became the headquarters of many while fly fishing. Some of the North Branch Outing Club’s guests included Henry and Edsel Ford, the Dodge brothers, and Charles Nash. Many traveled by private train car and some invested in their own fishing lodges on the river.

The history of Lovells is preserved and presented at the Lovells Historical Museums. In 1991 the Lone Pine School was moved to

the grounds of the Lovells Township Hall and restored and opened as a local history museum by the Lovells Township Historical Society. In 2004 the Lovells Museum of Trout Fishing History was added. This is Michigan’s only museum dedicated to trout fishing and has exhibits on the history of the North Branch of the AuSable River and trout fishing.

Annual exhibits focus on the AuSable River and trout fishing. This year the exhibits are “Authors and Artists of the AuSable” and “The Big Creek Lodge.” The museums open on April 25 with the annual Trout Opener event.

Learn more - www.NorthCountryHistory.com

Lovells Historical Museums A popular event in Lovells is the Annual Trout Opener scheduled for the last Saturday in April. Not only is this the opening of trout fishing season but it also opens the Lovells Historical Museums, operated by the Lovells Township Historical Society.

This year the Opener is on Saturday, April 25. The Lovells Historical Museums will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and includes the “Authors and Artists” and “Big Creek Lodge” exhibits in the Lovells Museum of Trout Fishing History.

Authors include Jerry Dennis, Jim DuFresene, Rusty Gates, Josh Greenberg, Jim Harrison, and Ernest Hemingway. Featured artists include award winning artists Larry Cory, Kim Diment, and Rod Lawrence.

The Lone Pine School Museum will be open with exhibits on the history of Lovells. There will be vintage fly rod casting demonstrations from 10 a.m.-Noon and 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and art and crafts inside the Lovells Township Hall from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. Lunch will be served from 12 noon to 1 p.m.

A highlight of the day is the annual “Leaky Waders 1K” fun run.

The race begins at 11 a.m. and starts on County Road 612 between the Riverside Tavern and Caid’s Grocery.

Runners cross the Lovells Bridge and finish at the Lovells Township Hall on Twin Bridge Road. Unique to this race, runners must wear chest waders.

The Lovells Historical Museums 8405 Twin Bridge Rd., Lovells Township, MI

(located on the grounds of the Lovells Township Hall Complex)

Open: April 25 to September 26.

Hours: Weds. & Fri., 1-4 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Info: www.LovellsMuseum.com. www.facebook.com/michigan.guide

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Photos & story

By MARIANNE KUZIMSKI

special to The Guide

M arianne’s hamburger challenge

A burger lover’s search for the best burger in Northeast Michigan WEST BRANCH – As soon as we walked into this western-themed tavern and saw burgers served on red and white checkered paper, I figured we’d found a winner in this issue’s Hamburger Challenge. I’ve said before that classic presentation really is the best way to serve a burger.

Then Wagon Wheel owner Jason Winters sealed the deal when he took our order and asked what temperature we’d like our burger served. You see, every other place has either given me a choice of how I would like my burger cooked, or gave me no choice in the matter. And often-times after requesting a medium burger, it came out welldone anyhow.

The burgers at the Wagon Wheel Inn came out glistening with promise.

The smells wafting up from these beauties set my hands itching to grab one, and my mouth watering for a taste.

Lucky for you, my readers, the reason for being there suddenly dawned, because I nearly forgot to take a photo to admire.

Cutting the two burgers in half to share with Sue Davidson, my mom and cohort in culinary crime, I lined two halves side by side and admired the pink, juicy centers.

They were PERFECT! Like a hamburger junkie needing The Guide • April/May 2015

their next fix, my trembling hands could barely hold the camera still long enough to take another photo.

Finally, the Mushroom & Swiss Burger was cradled like a newborn babe between those same trembling hands. Teeth sinking slowly through a Brioche Bun, then the yummy layer of sautéed mushrooms and Swiss, until an explosion of juicy, fresh-grilled beef hit the taste buds.

The John Wayne, topped with cheddar cheese, grilled onion and slathered in a sweet bbq sauce.

A drizzle of warm juice greased my lips and started dripping down my chin and hands. A moan of pleasure escaped from somewhere, and my eyes popped open just in time to witness a similar look of ecstasy on Sue’s face.

Through a mouthful of burger I mumbled: “Good, huh?”

Sue only nodded as she sank her teeth in for another bite of the John

The Mushroom and Swiss burger, piled high with fresh sauteed mushrooms and a thick slice of melted swiss.

Burgers – especially the John Wayne – ranked near the top of my list of all time favorite burgers.

Winters aims to offer his patrons the freshest of ingredients: all burgers are made with a half pound of USDA Choice Beef cut, trimmed and ground fresh daily in house to make a flavorful and juicy 80/20

chuck.

Burgers are served on a fresh brioche bun with a side of salt and Wayne burger. Testing the theory pepper kettle chips and a pickle spear. that a truly wonderful hamburger Arrive on a Monday 11 a.m. to 9 would make its owner possessive and p.m. and take advantage of two-for-one greedy, I asked, “Aren’t you going to burger price special. Besides burgers, set that down and try the other one for the Wagon Wheel Inn offers a weekend comparison’s sake?” menu that includes fresh caught The John Wayne never left her walleye, Michigan perch, Atlantic cod, death grip as she shook her head to the fried shrimp, king cut prime rib, and they negative and dove in again. also have a special Mexican Menu on I couldn’t help but laugh because Wednesdays. usually it’s my partner telling me to Jason Winters has owned the come up for air. At Wagon Wheel Inn we Wagon Wheel Inn for four years now had certainly found another Hamburger and still cooks his burgers the same Challenge winner. since first beginning. As a matter of fact, Offering 10 hamburgers on the when we walked in the door we were Wagon Wheel menu, Winters has asked if we were there for something come up with his own idea of winning specific. When mentioning burgers, combinations. He is also willing to Winters was not surprised. accommodate the imagination of his The Wagon Wheel Inn is located at customers so long as they have the the corner of State Highway M-30 and requested ingredients in house.

Lehman Road, four miles south of West As usual, we sampled two burgers Branch. Turn south off state highway from the menu.

M-55 at the Ogemaw County Court First choice, the Mushroom & Swiss House.

Burger for $9.49. It not only had a thick Coming off I-75? At Tanger Outlet layer of aged Swiss cheese melted on Center take Exit 212 south on Cook top, it was loaded with slices of freshly, Road past Bunting Sand & Gravel to not canned, sautéed Lehman Road and mushrooms. turn west; two miles Wagon Wheel Inn Second choice, the down and you’re at 3480 Lehman Rd. John Wayne Burger the Wagon Wheel West Branch, MI for $8.59. Topped Inn. with melted cheddar Try it! You won’t (989) 345-8066 cheese and a thick be sorry you did. wedge of grilled onion, — Marianne Kuzimski lives in Houghton the burger’s bottom was bathed in a Lake with her husband Kurt. Besides a sweet barbecue sauce that worked passion for photography, Marianne is in perfect harmony with the other a self-proclaimed foodie who enjoys a ingredients.

Both burgers had wonderful flavor, good glass of wine and great food of all and the simple ingredients played their kinds, not just burgers. own little sing-song on the taste buds.

Fresh and juicy, these Wagon Wheel www.facebook.com/michigan.guide

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