IndEX
2
6 ........Always a winner
9 ........Heirloom jeweler 11 ......Happy Birthday 14 ......Conservation Corner 16 ......Close to the farm 18 ......N.E. Michigan Farm Markets 20 ......Fine Dining: The Hungry Fisherman 22 ......Turnkey Opportunity: The New Faull Inn
The
Guide
covering the counties of Alcona, Arenac, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon
AUGUST 2011 Volume II, Issue 5
Winner of the 2010 O.B. Eustis Environmental Awareness Award
Published by: Info Northeast Jerry Nunn, editor (989) 780-0900 jnunn@infonortheast.com Contributing writers: Kristy Mortham, Jerry Nunn, Sandie Parker, Casey Ressl, Alexander Silver Contributing photographers: Marvin Graves flickr.com/photos/midmichphotos Penny Wojahn PWOnlocationPhotography.com Advertising sales and design: Scott Nunn (989) 245-7140 snunn@infonortheast.com Layout and design: Kathy Neff (989) 848-5732 kneffphotographics@mac.com
The
Guide
Preserved for you By JERRY NUNN editor Next time you're looking for a spot to picnic, hike or just enjoy a little time outdoors, pay a visit to one of the eight nature preserves set aside by the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy. Scattered across Northeast and Central Michigan, the sites are open to the public and their use is encouraged. "We want the public to use and enjoy the nature preserves," said Valerie Roof, executive director of Saginaw Basin. "We try to put the least number of restrictions on it. It is really to preserve and protect the natural value of the property." Most of the preserves contain wetlands, Roof said. "That's by design if you will. One of our goals is to protect the watershed and wetlands are important in achieving that goal for several reasons," she added. Wetlands act as natural filters
for run-off to lakes and rivers, serve as important habitat to birds and wildlife as well as act as "nature's nursery," Roof said, where many important species start their lives. Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy acquires most preserves, such as the recently acquired Fegan Nature Preserve in Ogemaw County's Mills Township, as gifts from owners who want to see the land preserved. Others are purchased through partnerships or government programs. Several have been newly acquired, such as the Wah Sash Kah Moqua Nature Preserve bordering Arenac and Bay County, where a work day and public open house are in the plans but not yet scheduled. And next week the Conservancy will sign papers to acquire the new Elliott Patchett Nature Preserve in Owosso, so you can look for an
Don't forget these rules apply at all Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy preserves: Open only during daylight No overnight camping No campfires or smoking No littering or dumping Do not remove vegetation
THE GUIDE • AUGUST 2011
inaugural event to be held there late this fall or early next year. Nature Preserves are actively managed only as needed, and sites are visited at least once per quarter by staff or volunteers of Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy to be sure the organizations goals of environmental stewardship and preservation are being met. Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy periodically hosts events on the preserves, things like hikes and educational programs. To stay attuned to what folks at the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy are up to, go online to sblc-mi.org. Better yet, join them. Memberships start as low as $35 per year. And you get a chance to help preserve the Northeast Michigan that we all love. For more information on the preserves, as well as their locations visit online at www.sblc-mi.org
Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy nature preserves, by county • Standish Nature Preserve, Arenac • Saganing Nature Preserve, Arenac • Pressprich Nature Preserve, Arenac • Shaw Marsh, Crawford • Fegan Nature Preserve, Ogemaw • Wah Sash Kah Moqua Nature Preserve, Arenac and Bay • Pinconning Nature Preserve, Bay • Sand Point Nature Preserve, Huron
Northeast Michigan Calendar of Events August 2011 Every attempt at accuracy has been made while producing this calendar of events. Nonetheless, events can change or mistakes can be made. Thus, it is never a bad idea to call ahead, before heading out on that three hour drive north.
August 1st
Tawas Community Concert Band, 7:30 p.m. at East Tawas City Park next to the Iosco County Historical Museum, every Monday until Aug. 15. Info: (989) 739-2635
August 2nd
Tuesday Night Live, with music and dancing
every Tuesday through Aug. 23, on Newman Street in downtown East Tawas. Info: (800) 558-2927
August 3rd
Maggie’s Standard Time Band, 7 p.m. at the
Gazebo in Roscommon, the last of this year’s summer concert series. Info: (989) 275-4975
Da' Bourbon Boyz, 7 p.m. at Harrisville Harbor, part of the summer music series. Info: (989) 724-5107
August 4th
Richard Eddy's Rockin' Oldies, 7 p.m. at Iron's
Park in West Branch, part of the summer music series. Info: (989) 345-0500
Shelia Landis award winning jazz, 7 p.m. in
Oscoda Beach Park, part of the summer music series every Friday through Aug. 25. Info: (989) 739-7322
Standish Historic Depot Summer Music Series presents Steve Drzewicki Band, 6-8 p.m. at the Standish Depot pavilion, series runs every Wednesday through Sept. 1. Info: (989) 846-7867
14th Annual Jim Ruedisueli Memorial Golf Challenge, 8 a.m. registration with 9 a.m. start at
Lakewood Shores Country Club, Oscoda; $70 each
includes 18 holes, cart, lunch and a chance at great cash and merchandise prizes. Info: (989) 739-7322
on Saturday and Sunday. Info: (989) 225-8172, ext. 54071
Chippewa Indians portray the life of Michigan Indians at Zubler’s Indian Craft Shop in Houghton Lake; every Thursday, with hourly
Houghton Lake Historical Village Days, at
presentation from 1-4 p.m. Info: (989) 366-5691
August 4th – 7th
Roscommon County Fair, at the Fire Training
Grounds in Roscommon, with rides, food, displays, demonstrations, a mud bog, horse show and more. Info: (989) 275-8546 or RoscommonCountyFair.org
August 5th
Houghton Lake Historical Village, with a Friday night pig roast and musical entertainment, featuring historical re-enactments in the village all weekend. Info: HoughtonLakeHistory.com
August 5th – 8th
Back to School Sidewalk Sales at Tanger Outlet Center, West Branch. Info: (989) 345-2594
August 6th
Tawas Untapp’d & Uncork’d, noon to 6 p.m., The Scotty Memorial Golf Tournament, 8:30 a.m. at Harbor Park in East Tawas, featuring 13 wineries, shotgun start at the Dream in West Branch, featuring 18 holes with cart, light breakfast, lunch and prizes. Info: (800) 992-6592
Heroes in Uniform, a salute to local veterans,
soldiers, firefighters and law enforcement as they display their vehicles and equipment; part of the Fabulous Fridays series in downtown West Branch, held every Friday all summer long. Info: (989) 345-2821
Teen Movie Night at Oscoda Church of the Nazarene, includes popcorn and soft drinks, every
Friday until Labor Day; free event, donations accepted. Info: (989) 739-7355
August 5th – 6th
46th Annual Northern Michigan Relief and Quilt Sale, at the Oscoda County Fairgrounds,
featuring a huge quilt sale, a garage sale, food, vendors, global crafts, Friday children's auction, musical entertainment and more; open house on Friday, sales on Saturday, proceeds go to the Mennonite World-Wide Relief efforts. Info: ReliefSale.org
August 5th – 7th
27th Annual Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Powwow, at the end of Worth Road, near the casino in
three breweries and 10 area restaurants, with live entertainment and a Super Raffle, cost is $10 in advance at Klenow's Market or Reed's on the River, or $12 at the gate. Info: (989) 362-8197
8th Annual Lupton Fire Department Open House, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rose Township Hall,
Lupton, featuring fun for the whole family with bed races, bake sale, smokehouse, magician and local public safety officers. Info: (989) 685-2936
Sweat Shaker Mountain Bike Race, 10:30 a.m. at
Mid Michigan Community College, mostly fast flowing trails through beautiful woods, with some tight technical trails and a few hilly two tracks; $25 early registration, $35 late, online registration ends Aug. 4. Info: (989) 386-6651 or MidMich.edu
August 6th – 7th
51st Annual Tawas Bay Waterfront Fine Arts Show, Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
Tawas City Park, celebrating its return as a juried art show, with cash and other prizes for the artists and free admission for the public. Info: (800) 558-2927
August 7th
Regatta at Sanctuary Bay, 1- 4 p.m. sailboat races Standish, with a fry bread contest, baby parade, vendors, at Sanctuary Bay, north of Harrisville. and more. Grand Entry is Friday at 7 p.m. and at 1 p.m. Info: (989) 727-4703
THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com
3
Hartwick Pines Swampers vs. the Ludington Mariners in Vintage Base Ball at Hartwick Pines State Park; 1 p.m. at the picnic area. Info: (989) 348-2537
August 9th
The Medallions, 7 p.m. at the Gladwin City Park
amphitheater, part of the Tuesdays in the Park summer music series which runs through Aug 16; cost is $5. Info: (989) 429-3272
August 12th
Jeff Daniels. 7 p.m. at the Kirtland Center for
Performing Arts, at Kirtland Community College. Tickets cost $34 and $32; season tickets available with discounts for seniors. Info: (989) 275-6777 or www.KirtlandCenter.com
Pancake Toss, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Gladwin County
Fairgrounds, with entertainment plus all the pancakes and sausage you can eat; cost is $6, under-4 are free. Info: (989) 426-9225
Ladies Classic Fishing Tournament, register the night before until 6 p.m. at the pavilion at Oscoda/ AuSable Chamber Park, held in conjunction with the Super Boat Tournament (Aug. 12-14.) Info: (989) 739-1182 or (989) 739-2313
August 12th – 13th
Au Gres Wine and Art Festival, 4-9:30 p.m.
in KinderPlatz Park, Au Gres, with the wine tasting beginning at 7 p.m. Friday and the art festival continuing on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for the wine tasting cost $20, must purchase in advance at Au Gres City Hall, Au Gres Library or Chemical Bank in Au Gres. Info: (989) 240-4615
August 12th – 14th
Super Boat Tournament, a two-day fishing
tournament in the waters off Oscoda held in conjunction with the Ladies Classic Fishing Tournament (see Aug. 12;) 6 p.m. registration at the Oscoda/AuSable Park pavilion. Info: (989) 739-1182 or 739-2313
Gladwin County Carriage Festival, with carriages galore, period re-enactors, costume contests, children's activities, food and entertainment, traditional worship services, obstacle course competition, draft horse 4
competition, a Grand Promenade parade and much August 16th – 20th more. Info: (989) 426-9277 or www.GladwinHistory.org Ogemaw County Fair, a traditional country fair with 4H and youth exhibits, carnival and midway, a working 3rd Annual St. Helen ATV Jamboree, a family event centered at Richfield Township Park in St. Helen, hands-on Antique Village, grandstand events, free entertainment and great food, held at Ogemaw County with educational events, kid's events, a GPS scramble, Fairgrounds. Info: (989) 345-5393 or pulls, rodeos, sand drags, and a blind obstacle course. www.OgemawCountyFair.com Info: (989) 389-3725
Jack and the Beanstalk, a youth theater production of The Tawas Bay Players, show starts at 7 p.m., box office opens at 6:15 and all seats cost $10. Info: www.TawasBayPlayers.com
Rummage Sale Benefit for the Grayling Senior Center, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, on state highway M-72 in Grayling. Info: (989) 348-7123
August 13th
Forest Fest, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Michigan Forest Visitors Center, Hartwick Pines State Park, with educational programs, kid's activities and more, all about Michigan forests. Info: (989) 348-2537
Historical Day at Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lighthouse grounds with food, speakers and plenty of family activities. Info: (989) 724-4703 Harrisville Downtown Street Dance. Info: (989)
724-5107
Standish Car Show and Sidewalk Sales. Info: (989) 846-7867
Emergency Services Day at Oscoda County’s Steiner Museum located on M-33 north of Fairview.
Info: (989) 848-5362
August 12th – 14th
Victorian Art Fair in Iron’s Park, West
Branch, featuring 275 arts and crafts exhibitors, with kid’s games, food concessions and old fashioned entertainment; free admission. Info: (989) 345-3856 or www.VictorianArtFair.com
August 15th
AuSable River Canoe and Clean, pitch in to help maintain one of Northeast Michigan's most popular waterways. Info: (989) 739-9040 THE GUIDE • AUGUST 2011
August 17th
Drummunity rhythm and drums program, 1 p.m. at the Harrisville Branch of the Alcona County Library; hands-on, high-energy fun. Info: (989) 724-6796
August 18th
Oscoda County Connect, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oscoda County Fairgrounds. Info: (989) 826-3331 Huron Pines Brown Bag Lunch Series: Small Dams, noon to 1 p.m. at Huron Pines, 501 Norway Street, Grayling; RSVP requested, bring your own lunch. Info: (989) 344-0753 ext. 25 or by email to ryan@huronpines.org
August 18th – 21st
Jack and the Beanstalk, a youth theater production of The Tawas Bay Players, show starts at 7 p.m., box office opens at 6:15 and all seats cost $10. Info: www.TawasBayPlayers.com
August 20th
Endurance Trail Run, at Hanson Hills Recreation
Area, Grayling, with check in at 7:30 and race at 9 a.m., a foot race down 7-mile-plus of single track mountain bike trails; cost is $20 and includes T-shirt, awards and more. Info: (989) 348-9266 or online at HansonHills.org
Annual Conservation Expo, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Houghton Lake Historical Playhouse. Info: www.RoscommonCounty.net
Show & Sell Outdoor Market, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
at the AuSable River Center, Roscommon. Info: (989) 275-4392, 275-8526 or www.AuSableRiverCenter.org
3rd Annual Badges for a Cure, 5k walk/run for
American Cancer Society, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oscoda County Sheriff's Department. Info: (989) 826-3214
August 20th – 21st
Blue Ox Battle of the Bats Softball Tournament, men's slow pitch tournament at McQuaig Field in Oscoda. Info: (989) 739-7322
Going Green III, at the Michigan Magazine Museum. Info: (989) 848-2246 or (989) 826-3169
August 21st
Kick-Off to the Rifle River Restoration Project,
a Huron Pines volunteer event in Ogemaw County. Be a part of Huron Pine’s newest watershed project by helping to stabilize the river bank, reduce erosion and improve aquatic habitat; this is the beginning of a threeyear project in need of volunteers. To participate call Ryan at Huron Pines: (989) 344-0753 ext. 25
Gladwin Nursing and Rehab Center Wine Tasting Fundraiser, 2-5 p.m. at Stone Cottage Gardens; $20 ticket includes 10 wines, hors d'oeuvres, a commemorative wine glass and chance to win a door prize. Info: (989) 426-7275
August 23rd-27th
Alcona County Fair at the fairgrounds in Lincoln, featuring five nights of entertainment for the entire family with 4H exhibits, livestock auction and more. Info: (989) 724-6967 or (989) 736-6169
August 23rd – 28th
Michigan Old US-27 Motor Tour, from Coldwater
to Cheboygan, with stops in Northeast Michigan on Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Clare, noon to 3 p.m. in Harrison and 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Grayling. Info: (517) 881-2329 or www.Old27Tour.com
August 26th
Lincoln Marsh Restoration Project, a Huron Pines
volunteer event in Alcona County. Revisit the site of last year’s marsh restoration project to measure success and learn about the logistics of fighting invasive species. Dress to get wet and work with dyed herbicides. Protective gloves and eyewear will be provided. To participate call Ryan at Huron Pines: (989) 344-0753 ext. 25
August 26th – 28th
Antique Tractor Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wel-
lington Farm Park in Grayling; see old-time tractors in
their natural setting – a depression-era working farm, complete with costumed interpreters, a working steam tractor, shingle and grain mills and more. Admission costs $7.50 adults, students and seniors $5.50, with a $27.50 family maximum. Info: (989) 348-5187 or www.WellingtonFarmPark.org
Blue Ox battle of the Bats Softball Tournament, a men’s slow pitch event at McQuaig Park in AuSable. Info: (989) 739-7322 or www.OscodaChamber.com.
COMING IN SEPTEMBER
10th Annual Blues by the Bay Festival, in East Ta- sEPtEMBEr 2 was Harbor Park, three days and nine of the best blues 2: Open Mic Night, 6-8 p.m. the first Friday of every bands around including The Blues Abusers, The Blues- month, at Flowers by Josie in Grayling, welcoming casters, Chef Chris and His Nairobi Trio, Donna Herula, music and literature. Info: (989) 348-4006 Eric Sardinas, K Jones and sEPtEMBEr 2nd – 5th the Benzie Playboyz, More2-5: Labor Day Weekend Sideland & Arbunkle, The Rusty walk Sales at Tanger Outlet Wright Band and Thornetta Center, West Branch. Davis; $20 admission for Info: (989) 345-2594 all three days, refreshments available on site. Info: sEPtEMBEr 3rd
LABOR DAY WEEKEND ACROSS NORTHEAST MICHIGAN
BluesByTheBayTawas.org
August 26th – 27th
Lincoln Lions Car Show,
downtown Lincoln, with classic cars, trucks and tractors, 50’s/60’s music, raffles and prizes; $15 registration before Aug. 19, $20 day of. Info: (989) 736-8191 or 736-8456
August 27
Wellington Country Music Show, 7:30 p.m. at Wellington Farm Park, Grayling, an old fashioned barn dance with humor and music at a working historical farm, cost is $12.50 each. Info: 989-348-5187 or www.WellingtonFarmPark.org
3: Mio Mud Bogs, 1 p.m. at the mud bog, on M-33 just south of Mio. Info: (989) 826-3331 Junque in the Trunk, rummage
sale, at Grayling Mini Mall. Info:
Hartwick Pines Swampers vs. Northville Eclipse, vintage base
ball at Hartwick Pines State Park. Event is free, Michigan State Park Passport required. Info: (989) 348-2537
Log Splitter Challenge Mountain Bike Race, from North Higgins Lake State Park to Hanson Hills Recreation Area in Grayling, with swag for all and cash for top finishers; $30 in advance, $40 day of, with free events for 10-and-under while 14-years-and-up race as beginners. Info: www.LogSplitterChallenge.com
August 27th – 28th
sEPtEMBEr 3rd – 4th
Black Iron Days, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hartwick Pines
Harmony Weekend, Sat. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10
State Park Logging Museum, featuring the largest gathering of blacksmith in the state, with period and traditional crafters, carvers, spinners and more. Info: (989) 348-2537
a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Craftmaker’s Cabin in Harrisville, featuring more than 400 exhibitors, music, food, parade and a Barbershop and Sweet Adeline concert at Harrisville Harbor pavilion. Info: (989) 724-7197 or
Annual First Dam Canoe Race, held on Mio Pond
www.HarrisvilleArtsCouncil.com
and featuring Expert 1 and Expert 2 classes, with the C-1 state championships on Sunday. Info: (989) 826-5382
THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com
21st Annual Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show, Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Newman Street in East Tawas. Info: (800) 558-2927
5
Always a winner
and Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: (989) 366-8511
sEPtEMBEr 3rd – 5th
26th Annual Barton City Baseball Tournament with proceeds to MDA. Info: (989) 736-3401
sEPtEMBEr 5th
The Labor of Logging Program, 2 p.m. at Hartwick Pines State Park, a 90 minute program with historian Rob Burg. Info: (989) 348-2537
sEPtEMBEr 10th
Civil War Soldier Headstone Dedication Ceremony honoring Civil War veteran Pvt. Josiah Donaldson, 11 a.m. at Twin Lakes Cemetery in
Lincoln by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Info:
sEPtEMBEr 16th – 18th
15th Annual Paul Bunyan Festival,
at Fertaw Field in Oscoda, with the Great lakes Chainsaw Carving Championships, lumberjack show, arts & crafts fair, classic car show, pony rides, kid’s games, Bunyan Games, live bands, beer tent and more. Info: (989) 739-7322
sEPtEMBEr 24th
Curran Black Bear Festival, featuring a car show, horse pull, cake walk, concessions, craft show, kid’s games, parade and more. Info: (989) 335-3947 - courtesy of IMS photo
Crowds celebrate Gordy Johncock’s win over challenger Rick Mears following the 1982 Indianapolis 500. Battling to maintain a 12 second lead over the last 13 laps, Johncock scored the win with only .16-seconds to spare, making it the second closest finish in Indy history.
Last summer, at a time in life logs into rough sawn lumber for the when most famous sports figures pallet trade. By JERRY NUNN would set on their laurels and recall Johncock’s been involved in editor their accomplishments, Johncock, 75, lumbering for longer than he has SOUTH BRANCH –Following his purchased Quigley Lumber, where racing, yet it’s a far cry from the fast-paced and successful career in he and his 10 employees process raw retirement Johncock sought when he auto racing, two-time Indy 500 winand his wife Sue sold their ner Gordon Johncock retired to the When Gordy Johncock, two- Barry County beef farm and peace and quiet of Northeast Michitime winner of the Indianapois moved north twelve years gan. ago. 500, retired to South Branch, While Johncock distanced himself “I tried to retire once,” Northeast Michigan gained a from the grueling pace of auto racing, Johncock says. “I just sat he's not rolling to a complete stop yet. true champion. in the recliner and got fat 6
18th Annual Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show at the Houghton Lake Middle School, Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
THE GUIDE • AUGUST 2011
history. While he ranks third among all drivers in the number of laps completed at Indy, Johncock also competed in 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, racking up three top-five performances and finishing in the top-10 four times. Johncock was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1999 and into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2002. Leaving all that behind would seem hard to do. “I think it used to bother him more than it does now,” says Sue Johncock, an associate manager at the Coach Factory Outlet in West Branch. While the couple married in 1990, she saw enough Two-time Indy winner, Gordon Johncock stands of Gordon’s fast-paced racing beside a truckload of lumber at Quigley Lumber career to understand the toll that in South Branch. A life-long logger, Johncock travel and competition took on purchased the Ogemaw County business last year. her husband. so I decided I better get up and go do “It’s tough to set all that aside but something. I’m not one to tinker and he loves it up here. He likes working build things and I don’t want to travel. in the woods and running the mill,” I don’t care if I ever get on another she said. airplane in my life. While Johncock left his mark on “I guess I’d rather work than play.” auto racing’s history books, his new It’s a wonder that Johncock can sit home in South Branch, located on still at all, after his thrilling career in the rural, wooded border of northern racing. Ogemaw and Iosco Counties, is about With 24 Indy starts in his career, as far from the excitement of profesJohncock finished in the top-five eight sional motor racing as one can get. times and scored 11 top-10 finishes. "I was in logging as a kid since In 1976 he finished first on the USAC I had a saw mill down in Hastings, Marlboro Championship Trail. but I got into racing pretty heavy," Among his pair of checkered flag Johncock said. From the time he was Indy finishes was the rain-shortened 18-years-old, when he piloted his first race of 1973 that was blemished by super modified racer, Johncock felt at two fatal accidents that resulted in the home behind the wheel of a race car. deaths of teammates Swede Savage And auto racing was like any other and Armando Teran. sport, according to Johncock. Time on But Johncock also accomplished the field counted. Good drivers and the infamous .16-second Indy win in pit men could gain notice and per1982 that witnessed his defense of an haps get picked up by better funded extremely narrow lead from chalorganizations. lenger Rick Mears. That race ended "We used to run seven nights in the second closest Indy finish ever a week and twice on Sunday," he and what many still consider to be says. "We'd start out in Flat Rock on the most exciting final laps in Indy Monday, we’d run at Grand Rapids,
Kalamazoo, Oswego. We'd be up in Canada, then to Buffalo, New York. By Sunday afternoon we'd be in Sandusky, Ohio. We did pretty well, I guess. You needed big horses to compete well and we always ran big engines." The really good drivers improved over their careers, Johncock says, but the very best drivers started out with a knack for racing. “You have the feel in the seat of your pants. I don’t know any other way to explain it,” Johncock said. “I think it was Mario Andretti who once said to me, ‘If you let your head overrun your ass you’re in trouble.’ Some guys, no matter how long they raced, never got any better.” While Johncock’s career started out strong it certainly improved as he gained experience. He used his ability to successfully crossover between NASCAR and open-wheel racing. “Cars were different back then. Back when I drove, cars didn’t handle like they do today,” he said, telling of a time at Talladega Superspeedway. “A guy wrecked coming out of turn two and I don’t know how many guys piled up on the back stretch. You’d be running down a stretch at 200 m.p.h. and you couldn’t stop.” Bad luck often seemed to taunt Johncock at Indianapolis – in 24 starts he failed to complete 14 races – but he fared better at other venues. “My favorite place to run was at Michigan International Speedway,” Johncock said, noting the tight banks meant for a faster ride. “I’ll never forget the first time I was able to go all the way around that track wide open. I had the throttle down all the way.” To many, Johncock’s innate driving ability and non-stop competitive courage place him on the list of the 10 best Indy drivers ever. He says much of auto racing’s skill is “knowing what to do before you take the time to think.” Consider it instinct, says Leo Thayer of South Branch, Quigley Lumber’s right-hand man.
THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com
7
8
Country Cedar Crafts, L.L.C. RUSTIC LOG FURNITURE
• Beds • Dressers • Nightstands • Tables & Chairs • Lawn Furniture and more...
(989) 826-5969
Monday — Saturday 9am -5pm 786 W. Kittle Rd., Mio, Michigan 48647
“Check Our Prices Before Buying Elsewhere!” Melvin Jr. & Barbara Gingerich ~ Owners
“To be that good at racing you have to have an edge and Gordon still has it. He has no fear. You ought to come out to the mill and ride around with him sometime, if you want to see what I mean,” Thayer said. While he has known Johncock for “10 or 12 years, now,” Thayer recalls when his boss was giving up on retirement. “He sat around his house, probably watching Quigley Lumber trucks go by. Pretty soon I saw him in there tailing the mill because he wanted something to do,” Thayer says, noting that tailing a mill, or stacking the lumber as it comes off the saw, is hard work for a younger man. “He must have watched that mill and figured out a way he could make some money off it. “That’s the way Gordon is. He watches everything work and figures out a way to make it easier or make it work better.” While Johncock enjoyed a highly successful auto racing career that spanned three decades, his quiet demeanor and avoidance of the limelight set him apart from his fameseeking competitors. As a result, many in the industry and folks from the media never knew quite what to make of him. “I always considered racing a job, I guess,” Johncock says. “I don’t think it meant as much to me as it did those other guys. I mean, I was in it to win just like anyone, but when I got done there I had another job back home, farming or logging, that I had to look out for.” That’s not to say that Johncock wasn’t popular with competitors and fans When Johncock first moved north, he and his wife Sue often traveled to race events with Quigley Lumber Mill’s former owners, Randy and Jean Fournier, now owners of Randy Fournier Trucking in South Branch. If racing was only a job to Johncock, then it was one he was highly successful at, Fournier says. THE GUIDE • AUGUST 2011
“We met a lot of his friends and the people he raced with,” Fournier said “We’d pull in and they’d run right over to say ‘Hi,’ to Gordon.” As a souvenir from those days, Fournier has a picnic table, covered with the names of racing legends, carved by their own hands. “Those were people he worked with and raced against. And Gordon was no slouch. Those guys have a lot of respect for him. They’re still involved in racing and he could be too but he doesn’t want to be. He won the Indianapolis 500 two times. That’s nothing to sneeze at.” Recently, when the Indianapolis Motor Speedway celebrated its 100th Anniversary, invitations were sent to all 26 living Indy winners, seeking their presence at the gala affair. Johncock was about the only one who did not attend. The passing of close friend and fellow lumberman Tom Rosebrugh of West Branch, the owner of T.R. Timber who died in a logging accident just weeks before, “took some of the spirit out of me,” Johncock said. And while it would have been good to see old friends, he says he doesn’t really know most folks in open-wheel racing these days. So, instead of trekking clear to Indianapolis, Johncock spent the day locally at Whittemore Speedway, signing autographs and running a stock car borrowed from Rosebrugh’s son, Todd. “That right there says a lot about Gordon,” Thayer said. “He could have been down there at Indy with all his old racing buddies, but instead he was there in little old Whittemore, signing autographs,” Thayer says. “Those people loved it but that’s just Gordon. He’s all for that sort of thing. If he can help someone out, he does it.”
The purple pod of the capucijner pea stands out against the green in the garden of heirloom seed jeweler Debbie Groat. The pea was developed by Capuchin monks in northeast Europe during the 1500's.
Heirloom jeweler Much of the jewelry that Debbie Groat makes today gained heirloom status centuries ago.
You'll find Debbie Groat and Saverine Creek Heirlooms at Michigan Magazine Museum located on M-33 north of Fairview on Aug. 13, noon to 4 p.m.
Magazine Museum in Fairview and the Dow Gardens Gift Shop. Pieces range in price from a little more than By JERRY NUNN $20 to $160. when I thought about the history editor She also spends time on the behind these seeds, and the idea RHODES – Usually for a road at art shows, craft gatherings that they had been passed down necklace, bracelet, earring or and speaking before from generation pendant to gain heirloom status it groups. to generation must have passed from parent to And of course for hundreds of child for generations. The unique Groat gardens, years, often times and beautiful jewelry handcrafted by within a single growing the often rare beans, corn and gourds Debbie Groat qualifies as heirloom family or culture, she’s collected so that the day it is made. it really piqued my she can harvest the Groat uses naturally colorful interest.” seeds. and intricately patterned heirloom As if the seeds Groat's parents, seeds that were passed generation to aren’t beautiful Louis and Virginia Hagley of generation for centuries. enough on their own, they are even Standish, are still involved. “I always loved jewelry, as far more so when Groat gets done with “As a kid growing up, we always back as I could remember as a little them. Strung with pewter, gemstones gardened,” Groat said, noting that girl,” Groat said. and pearls, the Hagley Farm was started by her And, while seeds take on a great-grandfather in the late 1880’s. growing up on special beauty, the family farm as wearable as it “We gardened and my mother canned. We had beef from the farm, in Standish appears natural. ate from the garden and drank raw taught Groat A former milk from the cows. Everything we respect for stock clerk had was made from scratch. It was gardening and for the Arenac just a way of life for me. making do, it County Road “I don’t know how I’d do it wasn’t until Commission, without my parents. They shell a her brother Groat says she Douglas Hagley, spent 10 years of lot of the beans,” Groat says, noting seeds are harvest and dried before of Marquette, “intensive hard they are shucked or shelled. “My planted an work” building mom and dad save the beans until a heirloom bean a business that warm day in October then they sit that the thought “continues to of making seeds grow every year.” outside on a nice sunny day and shell beans.” into jewelry took Through After collecting and using hold. her company heirloom seeds to jewelry lover’s “He planted Saverine Creek Debbie Groat, with a handful of her Saverine benefit, she has met plenty of folks some heirloom Heirlooms, Creek Heirloom jewelry made of heirloom seeds. who garden with heirloom seeds. soup beans and named for a Like the 93-year-old Mennonite when I saw that creek that runs lady from Fairview, who had a seed, I never saw anything like that. through the family farm, Groat unique bean. I never knew anything like that even sells her jewelry online and at “That was the first summer she existed,” Groat says. venues across the state and beyond. “I thought they were as beautiful Locally it is available at Pleasantry’s hadn’t gardened and her kids were not interested,” Groat said. “She as any gem or precious stone. And Gift Shop in Standish, Michigan THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com
9
didn’t know the name of the bean but her father had grown them year after year. And she was 93. Imagine how long those beans had been in her family.” Often while working with these historical seeds, Groat becomes intently aware of the important role that seeds once played in agrarian cultures. Like the small, shiny black bean known as Cherokee Trail of Tears, said to have been carried by Cherokee Indians on their deadly, forced relocation from Georgia to Oklahoma over the winter of 1838. “My mind goes and I think of all the men, women and children and there were so many who died on that march. I realize how important it was to them, that they carried it all that way so they could continue their way of life. It is such a spiritual experience,” Groat says. While Saverine Creek jewelry enjoys a broad customer base, Groat said gardeners seem to have a better appreciation for what she does. It is rare on her travels that
10
Subscribe to
someone doesn’t approach her with a gardening story or seeds that hold special meaning. Even when home, packages of unsolicited seeds sometimes arrive in the mail. “They are like a treasure trove of gold to me,” Groat said. “I get so excited. Most people look at beans and they don’t think anything about them. Groat has also become a knowledgeable spokesperson for heirloom seeds, the importance of saving seeds and the needed for genetic diversity in the world’s food crops. “It surprises me that so many people know so little about agriculture in the United States and how the world’s seed supply has changed,” Groat said, noting that only five companies own a large majority of the global food crop. “I think that if people knew more they’d be up in arms over it.”
The
Guide
To receive a one-years subscription to The Guide, delivered to your door, return this completed form with a check for $16 made payable to Info Northeast. Name: Address:
Phone Number: e-mail: Mail to:
__________________________________________________
A small selection of the wide variety of heirloom seeds used by Debbie Groat in her Saverine Creek Heirloom jewelry (from bottom left, clockwise.) Hyacinth Bean – An important food crop in North Africa, India and Indochina, this seed was brought from Europe in the 1700’s.
Violet’s Multicolored Butter Bean – Grown in northern Georgia for four generations by the family of Violet Brady Westbrooke.
Dappled Gray Bean – A cousin of the Anasazi bean, grown for centuries in the American southwest by Pueblo Indians; also
__________________________________________________
found colored black and maroon.
__________________________________________________
Good Mother Stallard – Maintained by a single family for more than 100 years, this bean is found in red and black
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Info Northeast 3247 East Sage Lake Road Lupton, MI 48635
varieties.
Mrociumere Bean – This bean was developed in Kenya, Africa, though all beans were originally from the Americas.
Christmas Lima – Dating to the 1840’s, the Christmas lima was developed in the Southwest U.S. THE GUIDE • AUGUST 2011
Happy Birthday With four residents celebrating 100 years-plus in 2011, it was cake and ice cream for all at Grayling Nursing and Rehabilitation Community. By JERRY NUNN editor
GRAYLING – Blowout parties for those hallmark years are an ageless tradition, so when Grayling Nursing and Rehabilitation Community had four residents celebrate a cumulative total of 411 happy birthdays this year, administrators saw reason to hold a party of the century. As it turned out, 50 guests showed up to honor birthday girls Julia Keskeny, 107, Lillian Clough and Mina Stephens, both 102, and Amelia Krenz, 100. "It was a very nice party," says Krenz, a five-year resident of the Crawford County facility. "They've never had big rooms filled with strangers like they did that day." Celebration was low key at the June 24 event – the four guests of honor received corsages, balloons served as decoration and all who attended were served cake and ice cream. Yet just the bare facts behind the party, that the 72-bed, Crawford County facility has four residents older than 100, called for a memorable shindig of some sort. "It amazed me," said Jessica Kunna, activities director, of the four centenarian residents. "When I contacted other area nursing homes, I was told it was rare to have one
resident over 100-years-old. Here we had four and we've had a running total of three or four right residents over 100 all along." Activities are one thing that Mina Stephens looks forward to. At 102-years-old, Stephens says she likes to stay active, doing all she can to help herself. "I'm going to be 102-years-old in December and I still get around pretty well," Stephens said. "I think you have to. At this age you don't want to slow down and stop." At Grayling Nursing and Rehabilitation Community, residents don't have to slow down unless they want to, according to Kunna. In keeping with new thoughts of the long-term care industry, she hosts plenty of activities to keep residents occupied. "Just because you're in a nursing home, doesn't mean you can't do the things you've always done," Kunna says. Often referred to as a "culture change," Kunna said the changing thought is to break away from the sterile environment of nursing homes of the past, to adopt an atmosphere that more resembles a home. "It enhances that spirit and makes them more comfortable," she said. "There is a lot that can be done to empower our residents and the industry is more aware of that now." Among the activities hosted at Grayling Nursing and Rehabilitation Community are self-improvement classes and dance presentations. An accessible outdoor courtyard and garden allows residents to plant
and care for flowers and vegetables while enticing them outdoors. And a memorial flower garden installed by local high school volunteers continues to grow with new additions. "There is a group of residents who get right up and get their breakfast so they can spend some time outside. By the time I get here in the morning some have already been outdoors," Kunna said. "Every year at Easter time, it seems a resident or two receives a lily for a gift and they'll want it planted out here." Help with projects comes from the local business community, service organizations, youth groups and residents themselves. When the late Harold Glasslee, a resident and avid golfer, first arrived at Grayling Nursing and Rehabilitation Community, he looked for a place to practice his putt. Failing to find an on-site putting green, Glasslee designed his own. "The guys over at Grayling Country Club came right over and
THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com
helped install one," Kunna said, of the two hole green that enhances the courtyard. "We are very fortunate that the community supports us so well." Community support allows the facility to better serve its residents. That includes hosting parties that celebrate 411 cumulative birthdays. Yet if one group of community residents receives appreciation at Grayling Nursing and Rehabilitation Community it is the city's youth. Young visitors are always a welcome site, Kunna says, especially once they've become acquainted with residents. "That's really something to see. After they've been coming in for a while they run right up and give residents a hug," Kunna said. "And babies? If I brought a baby in here every day I'd never have to schedule an activity. When resident's see a baby there's immediately a crowd."
11
Gladwin Carriage Festival
When: August 12-14 Where: Centered at the Gladwin County Fairgrounds with more events scattered around town.
find there: l ’l u o y t a h W ges galore, ia r r a c h it w Family fun contests, e m tu s o c , s actor period re-en ies, food and it v ti c a ’s n e r child services, ip h s r o w l a nt, tradition raft horse entertainme d , n o ti ti e p rse com obstacle cou ade parade n e m o r P e d , a Gra competition ore. and much m 26-9277 or Info: (989) 4 g inHistory.or www.Gladw
Photos courtesy of Gladwin County Historical Society
Gladwin Carriage Festival
When: August 12-14 Where: Centered at the Gladwin County Fairgrounds with more events scattered around town.
find there: l ’l u o y t a h W ges galore, ia r r a c h it w Family fun contests, e m tu s o c , s actor period re-en ies, food and it v ti c a ’s n e r child services, ip h s r o w l a nt, tradition raft horse entertainme d , n o ti ti e p rse com obstacle cou ade parade n e m o r P e d , a Gra competition ore. and much m 26-9277 or Info: (989) 4 g inHistory.or www.Gladw
Photos courtesy of Gladwin County Historical Society
Another way to live: preserving private property through a land trust
By ALEXANDER SILVER
Huron Pines AmeriCorps Member, HeadWaters Land Conservancy
Maggie Clay may spend many relaxing and laid-back hours watching the willows on her small pond in the woods but she is anything but nonchalant. She is the author of Another Way to Live, a sort of personal thesis on people, their behavior and the relationships between them, as seen through the lens of human ecology. The book, published by Montmorency Press in 2004, is the distillation of a lifetime of experiences, study and the lessons learned along the way. Clay says every sentence was written exactly as she meant it. The way we relate to the land is also important to Clay. That’s why Clay plans to leave her 47-acre property HeadWaters Land Conservancy, as a nature preserve she calls Claybrook. Clay owned the property with Phyllis Brooks who passed away in 1990. “Claybrook is pretty pure nature,” said Clay, “and it’s an excellent place for people, young and old, to come leaf through my books, look out the window at what is really here, and contemplate life.” A researcher at the University of Michigan’s Mental Health Research Institute, Clay has remained active in the community, both in mental health and other areas. She has served on the HeadWaters board of directors for many years and was recently ap 14
pointed director emeritus. In HeadWaters, Clay says she found a land conservancy “small enough to know that this forty-seven acres is a very special forty-seven acres.” In a sense, engaging in a land preservation agreement with HeadWaters Land Conservancy is pursuing “another way” to manage her property. It is assuring that the land she loves will keep its integrity – biological and scenic – beyond her lifetime. In the past, when people willed their property to an heir or sold it, they had little control over its future. The option to develop a land preservation agreement or donate one’s property to a land trust excites people. Stewardship itself is a great responsibility; long-term protection through a land trust goes above and beyond the call of duty. Beyond her own time, Clay feels that by leaving the property to a land trust, her wishes for it will be respected. The character of the land will remain intact through the preservation of the property’s conservation values, qualities recognized early in the process and documented legally for future enforcement. The placid pond, the cedar swamp, the great maples and beeches, will be subject to nature’s course, not mans. In this case, the willows are not weeping. Rather, as Clay describes it, they are “doing the hula.” THE GUIDE • AUGUST 2011
By CASEY RESSL
AmeriCorp coordinator, Huron Pines
Here at Huron Pines, we’ve struggled for years with how best to communicate the conservation value of improving road/stream crossings. No charismatic animal, sacred forest or villain exists to make the story more dramatic. However, miles and miles of stream habitat and critical fish passage issues are at stake.
Every year, Huron Pines invests a significant amount of staff time and
waterways and is often more than the natural system can handle. An additional serious concern at road/stream crossings is the ability for fish and other aquatic life to move freely through the crossing. Thousands of culverts, dams, and other dollars to keep the number one polartificial barriers were constructed lutant – sediment – out of Northeast to impound or redirect water. All of Michigan’s rivers and streams. these changed the natural features of Sand smothers the gravel river countless waterways, blocking the bottoms necessary for fish reproduc- natural migration of fish to traditional tion. Without gravel to adhere to, fish habitats used for reproduction and eggs are washed away. Excess sand growth. also irritates fish gills making them The solution? prone to disease. And sand changes Find the worst road/stream crossthe shape of the stream channel or ings and invest the time and money stream morphology: The waterway to fix them. becomes shallower and To make certain our efforts will wider, ultimately degrading have the most impact, Huron Pines water quality. initially conducts a watershed invenOf course a natural tory to find and prioritize sites. Then, amount of sand and sediwe bring together the necessary ment enters our waterways partners to get the job done. that is not detrimental to the This year alone, Huron Pines overall health of the stream. has 17 active road/stream crossing But the issue many construction projects: six on Silver conservation partners are Creek in Presque Isle County, three taking aim at is the excess, on the Pine River-Van Etten Lake sand input where roads watershed in Iosco County, one each cross rivers and streams. At on Van Hellon Creek in Montmorenthese man-made points of cy County and West Branch Sturgeon intersection between road and river River in Otsego County, as well as significant amounts of sand enter our six projects on the North Branch Au
HeadWaters Land Conservancy protects land By KRISTY MORTHAM
Development coordinator, HeadWaters Land Conservancy
The largest natural lands left in all of Lower Michigan, not to mention Lake Huron's shoreline and 11 of Michigan’s most important watersheds, are right here in our back yard. When these precious lands are misused or over developed we all suffer.
During the last century, the landscape of this region began to change dramatically and at a faster rate than it was conserved. In response to such unprecedented growth, Headwaters Land Conservancy was established to help conserve the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan. By protecting significant private land
and scenic areas, HeadWaters fosters a heightened appreciation and understanding of the environment. Since 1994, HeadWaters Land Conservancy has been serving people – those who appreciate these lands and have the foresight to preserve such special places. Through the use of a land protection tool called a conservation easement, HeadWaters Land Conservancy is able to preserve the most outstanding examples of our region in
THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com
Sable in Otsego, Montmorency and Oscoda counties. In addition, more projects are in the works. And finally, we can’t talk about road/stream crossings without speaking of Huron Pine's conservation partners. The support that our organization's projects receive from local County Road Commissions is a critical piece of the puzzle in river preservation. Oftentimes, these local agencies provide labor and equipment necessary to complete these projects, while demonstrating critical local investment. In turn, these projects build up community infrastructure and reduce maintenance costs. Other important partners include the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Trout Unlimited.
perpetuity. A voluntary act imposing permanent preservation, restrictions are personalized to the land owner and enforced by HeadWaters Land Conservancy. If you are interesting in what HeadWaters Land Conservancy is doing within our community, please contact us. We are always in need of supporters and volunteers. To learn more visit HeadWaters online at HeadWatersConservancy. org or call (989) 731-0577.
15
16
Northstar
Storage Barns, LLC hoice Your C fing or o o R Metal ntional Conve e s for th Shingle Price e m Sa
Close to the Farm
By JERRY NUNN editor
We also do cabin, garage and polebarns
SIZES FROM 8’x8’ to 16’x32’
Storage Barn Prices 8x8................. $995.00 8x10............ $1,185.00 8x12............ $1,206.00 10x12.......... $1,525.00 12x16.......... $2,350.00 Call for other prices and available options
(989) 826-1000
3 miles north of Mio on M-33 398 N. Mt. Tom Road, Mio, MI, 48647 LaVerne Miller and Daryl Miller Licensed Builder
dors set forth: Everything sold at ARA’s Farm Market must be produced or grown in Alcona County. While other farmer’s markets look to bolster their offerings by trucking locally-unavailable produce in, Reins said, ARA’s Farm Market sells only products grown or made in Alcona County. In addition, those operating the booth must be the actual produce or maker of the goods. To add clout to that regulation, the advisory board
LINCOLN – An unwavering focus on locally grown fruit, vegetables and other products is leading the Alcona Recreation Association Farmer’s Market to early success in its first summer of operation. Held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market’s dozen-or-so vendors attract 200 or more shoppers to the ARA Fairgrounds in Lincoln. While many shoppers are local, others come from counties all around to purchase farmfresh fruit and veggies, homemade baked goods and locally grown beef, as well as crafts ranging from Mike and Deanna Morrison display a small helping of their locally grown produce. In keeping with the fresh as possible theme of the market, Mike spice blends and bat houses returned home on a recent Saturday when the couple sold out of onions, to pluck more of the popular offering straight from the garden. to greeting cards and lawn retains the right to perform farm furniture. visits. While the market fills the needs “I think it is important, that of shoppers, it has met every expecpeople know where their food comes tation of vendors as well. from,” said Deanna Morrison, a “I’d have to call it wildly successful,” said Janet Reins, a member vendor here and who also sells at the Northeast Michigan Regional of the market-governing temporary Farm Market in Oscoda. Judging by advisory board. “We’ve had a great return customers, Morrison is fast to turnout every week.” Reins credits the market’s success note that “if they come just one time, to the role that vendors play, not only they’ll be back.” Owner of a 75-acre, fruit and selling their goods but making deciproduce farm near Mikado, and sions about the market’s operation. growing everything from asparagus Among the first rules that ven-
THE GUIDE • AUGUST 2011
to zucchini through organic practices, Morrison can appreciate the goal most market consumers have of finding fresh, wholesome, quality produce. “Most of these people aren’t going to grow this stuff themselves,” Morrison said. “And it is not something you can find anywhere in the store. But they still want to know where their food comes from and that it is fresh. When people buy from a vendor here, they know they are talking to the person who grew it.” Don’t discount the importance of Morrison’s statement. Bill and Margaret Behm of Oscoda buy strictly from farm markets here in Michigan and at their winter home in Florida. Bill says it is the couple’s way of “knowing what you’re getting.” “When I talk to vendors I want to know, ‘When did you pick it?’ and ‘What did you put on it?’ because that is important to my health,” said Margaret. “I like to cook organic but it’s hard to find. In the stores I’m never really sure of what I am getting.” Of equal importance for many shoppers is the idea of supporting the local economy and in this the Behm’s are no different. “I always tell people to shop their local markets. We need to support our farmers. They work hard to provide us with healthy food,” Margaret said.
Of course most farm markets or not. these days provide far more than Forbes said she shops farm marproduce. The important role that kets at least twice a week to assure local products play in our lives and the freshest vegetables. If the work our local economies even received a load allows, she gives employees nod from Michigan legislators. The hoop housegrown salad greens, carrots and herbs of Teresa McCurdy sold out quickly on one recent weekend, but she hung around selling honey and maple syrup that she would not have been able to market a few years ago. Crowds thin towards the end of a hot day at ARA Farm Market in “The Cottage Industry Law is what Lincoln. Like many area farmer’s markets, folks in Lincoln offer much allows me to sell this more than fresh produce but one thing that makes the market stand here,” McCrudy said, out is the focus vendors place on offering locally produced goods. noting home made products must be labeled as such and time off during market hours so they sold only by the person who made can do their shopping as well. the product. “I love to come here,” Forbes While McCurdy fills shoppers in said. “It reminds me of my grandon bees and honey production, she mother’s garden down in Bad Axe, takes opportunity to interact with the back when I was growing up.” crowd one step further. McCurdy’s Response like that seems to back husband Walter is a coffee roaster, Morrsion’s contention that the ARA and supplies McCurdy with empty Farm Market has “only just begun.” burlap coffee sacks from all over the “I have no doubt that we’re going world. These in turn she hands out to continue to grow,” she said. to youngsters, asking them to learn That’s been the experience of more about the country of origin. Barb Murphy, of Spruce. When she “I think it is important that kids closed her Spruce General Store, understand geography,” McCurdy she looked for a way to maintain its says, “Besides, it’s fun and gives us historically popular line of baked one thing more to talk about.” goods. ARA Farm Market provided The art of social conversation that outlet. goes hand-in-hand with the often “I started coming here with just open-air venues and farm markets a few breads and it exploded from serve as a way for vendors to catch there,” Murphy says, standing before up on local news during their busiest tables of bread, pies, cookies and time of year. doughnuts. “It has been great comIn the nostalgic atmosphere, ing here. The vendors are amazing customers, too, often spend more people. The people here are very time chatting than they do shopping neighborly.” and Jennifer Forbes, director of the Perhaps that is because they share Alcona County Humane Society, a common purpose. Or maybe it’s stopped at nearly every both, wheth- because the vendors all call Alcona er they offered a product she sought County home. THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com
Bicycle Shop
17
18
FARM ER'S MARKETS
OF
N ORTH EAST M ICH I GAN
By JERRY NUNN editor
NORTHEAST MICHIGAN – Farmer's markets have long been the first choice of many consumers for fresh, locally-grown produce. But recent increased awareness of the benefits of healthy eating, as well as an increase in home gardening and food production, has many of these open air venues near to bursting with the local harvest. Across Northeast Michigan these markets offer seasonally fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, baked goods, syrup, honey and other traditional staples. Many offer space to arts and crafts vendors as well Most also accept Project FRESH and Senior Project FRESH, a needbased coupon program designed to help keep fresh fruits and produce on the dinner tables of our senior citizens and families with children. For more information on Project FRESH or Senior Project FRESH contact your local Extension Service. And for the freshest fruits and vegetables, and often jams, breads and other traditional culinary crafts, visit these Northeast Michigan farm markets –
GLADWIN FARMERS MARKET
Saturdays through September, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. plus every Wednesday in August, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on North State Street, Gladwin, just north of the Gladwin County historical village. Info: (989) 426-4133
GRAYLING FARMER'S MARKET
Thursday through the Harvest Festival, 2 to 6 p.m. at the Grayling City Park, on the banks of the AuSable River. Info: (989) 619-3539
HOUGHTON LAKE FARMER'S MARKET
Friday until the season's end, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Historic Village Playhouse next door to the Chamber of Commerce in Houghton Lake. Info: (989) 329-4493
NATURE'S BEST FARMER'S MARKET
Friday through September, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Boney Park pavilion, just east of the light in Fairview. Info: (989) 848-5463
NORTHEAST MICHIGAN REGIONAL FARM MARKET
Wednesday through October, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at AuSable Shoreline Park, just south of the bridge on U.S. 23 in AuSable. Info: (989) 362-3531 Saturday through October, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown East Tawas, as the corner of Sawyer and West Westover Streets. Info: (989) 362-3531
ALCONA COUNTY FARM MARKET ROSCOMMON OUTDOORWednesday, 4:30 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, FARM MARKET 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through September at the Alcona County MSU Extension, 1/8 mile south of the light in Harrisville. Info: (989) 724-6478
ARA FARMER'S MARKET
Monday through mid-October, or while the season lasts, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the AuSable River Center, 200 North Main Street, one block northeast of the business loop. Info: (989) 889-5776
AU GRES CITY FARM MARKET
Saturday through October, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rose City City Hall, three blocks north of the light on state highway M-33. Info: (989) 685-3347
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through December at the ARA Fairgrounds, two miles north of M-72 on Barlow Road in Lincoln. Info: (989) 335-3896
ROSE CITY FARM MARKET
Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Septem- WEST BRANCH ber at the Old Water Funland property, on FARMER'S MARKET U.S. 23 in Au Gres. Info: (989) 876-8811 Saturday through September or later, 8 FARMER'S MARKET IN STANDISH a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown West Branch, at the stop light on South 3rd Street. Info: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oc(989) 345-0500 tober, located at 3440 Pine River Road, 1/2 mile east of the light in Standish. Info: (989) 846-9662 THE GUIDE • AUGUST 2011
4th Annual
Art de Vin Where: Forest Dunes Golf Club, 6376 Forest Dunes Drive, Roscommon When: August 13, 5 to 8 p.m. What you’ll find there: A wealth of original Michigan art and more than 32 varieties of Michigan wine, plus Michigan brewed beers, great food and a social atmosphere. Cost: $10 includes four wine and food tickets; additional tickets cost $1. Complimentary wine glass to the first 200 guests. Info: (989) 343-0227 or (989) 275-0700
All benefits go to support River House, Inc. a shelter serving survivors of domestic violence and the homeless in Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon Counties. ROSCOMMON – Teaming up for their 4th Annual Art de Vin, Enchantè Art Gallery and Forest Dunes Golf Club continue their commitment to River House, Inc., a domestic violence shelter serving victims of domestic violence and homelessness in four counties of Northeast Michigan. "It is a way to give something back," said Chantelle Perrault, owner of Enchantè Gallery in West Branch, an art gallery and hair salon. "This is a great event, the type of event that you normally find downstate or in Traverse City. We're trying to bring a little culture to the I-75 corridor." Of all the causes she supports, Perrault says River House is tops on her list. "We all have time when we need help," Perrault says. "Not everyone has family they can turn to or depend on. River House helps a lot of people and I can appreciate that." In past years the event attracted around 200 guests while highlighting Michigan artists, wines and beer. This year, more than 30 wines will be available along with Michigan-made beer. For folks at Forest Dunes Golf Club, recently voted one of the top 100 course in the nation by Golf Digest, the event provides an opportunity to continue their support while attracting locals to their Roscommon County establishment. "It was a no brainer," said Rocky Papachek, general manager. "It gives us a chance to support a great cause in River House. And it gives us a chance to let the local community share in our success. "What are there? At best 100 communities nation-wide that can say they have one of their local golf course is one of the top 100."
THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com
19
Fine: Dining:
adj. excellent, admirable, of highest quality
By JERRY NUNN Info Northeast staff
v. to eat dinner, especially at N.E. Michigan’s best restaurants
we had heard so much about, as well as the legend that surrounds Gates AuSable Lodge. The Hungry Fisherman is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Small and popular, dinner reservations are required and it is requested that large groups call ahead any time of day Don't let the formality frighten you. Built primarily to serve flyfishing guests of the lodge (a sign on the door forbids waders in the dining room,) The Hungry Fisherman welcomes all, while the small and friendly staff appreciates the advance notice. The Friday evening that we dined there reservations were easily made, tables were continuously open and while business bustled, it was not so busy as to impede the intimacy. Our server, Mary, was attentive, providing confident directions through the unfamiliar menu. While we enjoyed our view of the river and the riverthemed artwork decorating the walls, our food
GRAYLING – Select any excuse Operated for nearly three decades by to dine at The Hungry Fisherman the late conservation steward Calvin Dining Room at Gate’s AuSable "Rusty" Gates, the lodge is a global Lodge, be it the cozy atmosphere, fly-fishing destination. These days attentive service or excellent food, Josh Greenberg owns the place. and you’ll be rewarded with all A familiar face, Greenberg was in three. As a bonus you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of one of North America's most revered at Gates AuSable Lodge waterways. With its picture window facing the 471 Stephan Bridge Road, Grayling AuSable River, The (989) 348-8462 Hungry Fisherman is located 10 minutes east www.GatesLodge.com of Grayling, at Stephan's Bridge, on a section of Breakfast: 8 a.m.-11 a.m. river known world-wide Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. as The Holy Waters. The fabled waterway Dinner: 5 p.m.-8 p.m. is the reason for being for Gates AuSable Lodge. school when he began working for What began as a dance hall and Rusty. saloon in the 1940's, has grown The reason my wife Vicki into a full service fly fisherman's and I chose to dine there was a resort offering lodging, dining, combination of all those things guide services and fly-fishing gear. the food, atmosphere and service 20
The Hungry Fisherman
THE GUIDE • AUGUST 2011
arrived fresh and timely. Gates does not offer appetizers but entrèes are served with a bread basket, soup or dinner salad, potatoes and a side. Selecting dinner was not easy. The menu offered a range of fish ($14.95-$21.95), pork and beef ($11.95-$33.95) as well as veal marinara ($11.95) and chicken Alfredo ($16.95). It also offers several sandwiches, including a salmon burger ($9.95) and prime rib ($10.95). While we did not sample the breakfast or lunch menus, they appeared equally fulfilling and as reasonably priced. When it came time to order, I could not resist the cream of asparagus soup; it was smooth and creamy and the asparagus tender. Vic opted for the Michigan salad, a bed of mixed lettuce with pecans, goat cheese and dried tart cherries, served with raspberry vinegrette. Vic said the tangy-sweet salad “woke up” her tastebuds, a statement I interpreted as a challenge before ordering one of my own. She was right about the dressing and we enjoyed the warm, fresh bread as well. The herbed-oil dipping sauce was a new experience to us both and a touch that will help bring us back to Gates. For an entrèe, Vic fell for the Honey Glazed Spring Hen ($12.95) because of the name if nothing else. Slightly sweet, it was fried crisp on the outside, while still moist and tender within. Her choice of a baked
The view from The Hungry Fisherman at Gates AuSable Lodge includes the world famous Holy Waters, a catch and release, flies-only section of the AuSable River.
sweet potato, a rare find here in the north, served with a small helping of brown sugar, pleased her as well, while sweet peas and pearl onions completed the plate. Considering the locale, I could not pass up The Hungry Fisherman’s award winning rainbow trout ($14.95), ordering it broiled. Moist, tender and lightly seasoned, it was easy to see why the dish has gained accolades. The same reasoning led me to the AuSable hash browns, a seasoned mashed potato, grilled until brown. Tea-totalers both, Vic and I ordered our signature drinks unsweetened with no lemon, but other guests brought their own bottled wine, an option that costs a $2 corking fee. This trip to The Hungry Fisherman came after a day’s work and we opted for a dawdling ride back home to Lupton along the AuSable and through Oscoda County’s forests. Next time – and we will return – we’ll visit on Saturday and take in some Crawford County sights. Any trip to Grayling has to include a stroll through downtown. Gates AuSable Lodge is located within a half hour of Wellington
Farm Park, Hartwick Pines State Park and Hanson Hills Recreation Area. Additionally, we’ve yet to visit the Crawford County Historical Museum and Vic’s itching to spend time at AuSable Artisan Village and Main Branch Gallery, Grayling’s two new art galleries that opened this summer. That list of attractions has long made Grayling among our favorite haunts anytime of year. After dining at The Hungry Fisherman we’ve added one more reason we like to visit Grayling.
THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com
21
Turnkey opportunity!
The New Faull Inn
and a better floor plan. Still, the bar and social setting Despite the economy - or in some instances because remain and The Faull Inn is one of of it – Northeast Michigan still offers opportunity to those places where conversation those wanting to make an investment. In each issue The flows easily between tables or across the bar. Guide will highlight a long-established small business The move from tavern to within our area that is for sale, visit with the owners and restaurant served the Brukheiser’s provide contact information for the realtor. We make no and their customers well and judgement of the investment. But we do present it as a the Faull Inn enjoys a renewed possible opportunity. A turnkey opportunity. popularity with its new direction. “We didn’t want to own a bar,” still sports its original log interior, Folks headed to Northeast said Pat. “So we made changes pretty while Perma-Log siding and a new Michigan’s woods and water quickly. roof dress it up outside. A fire nearly infested interior have a limited “Eighty-two percent of our sales 20 years ago resulted in a new choice of main roads going north. are food. In fact the lowest selling Those traveling to Ogemaw County kitchen, and today, while The Faull item we carry is hard liquor.” Inn still sells beer and hard liquor, the and beyond, up state highway Owners of a vacation home at focus is on food and families. M-33, have to be familiar with The Lake Ogemaw, The Brukheiser’s The menu offers sandwiches, New Faull Inn. Its beige log exterior were familiar with The Faull Inn the Faull Inn’s infamous pizza and and green roof are well-known before they bought the place. Timing appetizers, and dinner items. An landmarks to travelers seeking was right when they learned it was respite from the road and The Faull all-you-can-eat cod dinner serves a for sale. dependable Friday crowd and like all Inn is one of the most well liked Pat worked as a hospital northern establishments, business is local eateries. services representative for Pontiac concentrated toward the weekends. Osteopathic Hospital and Tom, who “It used to be burgers and pizza; passed away three years ago, worked By JERRY NUNN you know, the quick stuff,” says Pat. as parts and service manager for Bill editor “Now it is steak, pasta and fish. And Fox Chevrolet in Rochester Hills we still burgers, pizza and the quick until he took an early retirement. ROSE CITY – In eight decades stuff.” “He played house wife for a year The New Faull Inn has gone through and a half,” Pat says, noting changes and tragedies yet what that boredom had her husband began as a gas station survives seeking something else to do. as one of Northeast Michigan’s After a lifetime in the auto most recognizable family dining industry, that’s where Tom establishments. looked. But a visit to The Faull While each of the previous Inn for pizza gave the couple a owners contributed to what the new idea. Faull Inn has become, none had “Downstate, if you mention as great a say in what The Faull the Faull Inn, people are Inn is today than current owner familiar with it. Everyone Pat Brukheiser. When she and knows where it’s at,” Pat said. her late husband Tom Brukheiser While social atmosphere once That recognition clenched the sale, bought the place in 1998, the Faull surrounded a pool table, dart board she says, but they knew before they Inn operated as a tavern. and bar, the pool table and dart board bought that they’d have to make Built sometime in the 1930’s, it have been replaced with more seating 22
THE GUIDE • AUGUST 2011
changes. “We wanted it to be strictly a family restaurant. We did not want to own a bar.” It a far cry from the establishment’s beginning. “When we bought it was opened 24 hours,” Pat said. Now, hours are seasonally adjusted, and more in line to attract the lunch and dinner crowds. “They used to serve breakfast, and we did away with that too.” Most of the history that Brukheiser is aware of trickled in from customers and townsfolk. An old time photograph showing a group of guys sitting around a potbellied stove awaits framing and will eventually hang on the wall. “It’s a very neat photo. A longtime customer gave it to me,” Pat says. “This started out as a gas station. It also, at one point in time, had cabins for rent.” It was former owner Stu Faull, who gave The Faull Inn its name and set the course for legend status. When The Faull Inn sells, Pat does not look to retire but would like to find another business. If there is one thing she’ll miss most, it is the long-time staff and customers she met as owner of The New Faull Inn. “I meet customers all the time who’ve been coming in here for 20, 25 years,” Pat said. “We see retirees from downstate who came here as kids.” For more information about The New Faull Inn and other Northeast Michigan business opportunities, visit Morris-Richardson Real Estate in West Branch online at www.mrrehomes.com or call (989) 345-2828.
MMC hosts Sweat Shaker Mountain Bike Race
Press release Mid Michigan Community College is hosting its 2nd annual Sweat Shaker Mountain Bike Race August 6, at 10:30 a.m. on MMCC’s Harrison campus bike. The 11-13 mile course should prove fun and challenging for all levels of riders. It’s a one-half mile road rollout that heads into a rolling twotrack, which sets up the 10 miles of single-track through woods and hills. The trail sports long, gentle climbs as well as steep, rough terrain. Depending on their class, racers will either complete just over two laps for a 25 mile race or one lap for
an 11 mile race. The race is open to all riders and has multiple classes and divisions. Following the race, riders can enjoy a complimentary cookout with hamburgers, hotdogs, and all the trimmings. The Sweat Shaker is sponsored by the MMCC Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the Lakers’ athletic program. Early registration is $25 or $35 the day of the race with cash payouts for the winners. Info and registration: (989) 3866651 or MidMich.edu/sweatshaker
THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com
23