The Guide July 2011 by The Guide

The

Guide

By JERRY & SCOTT NUNN Info Northeast

The

this land before the great forests met their inconceivable harvest, caught fish and tracked game in unimaginable abundance, drove rails, built bridges and carved highways to tame a land that still today remains predominately wild. The Guide is the embodiment of who we are in Northeast Michigan; a people whose hardscrabble past fails to dim their dreams We call him The Guide; that rustic and for the future, a tough and rugged race weathered fellow off to the left. grown accustomed to dusting off just so A compilation of photographs, sketches they can tough it out. The Guide represents and imagination, we are proud to adopt him those who thrive on hardwork, who draw as this publication’s representative. Rugged generous inspiration from meager accomand sturdy with a discernible wisdom, we plishment, who realize without grudge think he fits the themes one discovers in that their existance holds greater value not Northeast Michigan and will serve as appro- because of who they are, but because of priate front-man for the topics we discuss. where they live. The Guide joined our little team just The Guide is our culture, holding imagilast month, appearing on our cover as we nation and intellect to equal value, apprecientered our second year of print. ating the beauty of what is without regard Nonetheless we feel that he has been to what it can provide and understanding with us for much longer. that all that has worth does not necessarily More essence than agent, yet as real as deliver value. the myths and legends that surround our While The Guide speaks strongly of small towns, to us The Guide personifies the Northeast Michigan’s past, he lives today. spirit of Northeast Michigan. As apt to be a tradesman as he is a resort From him we will draw our inspiration. owner, entrepreneur as much as artist, He is our history, part French fur trader, doctor or unemployed factory worker, The born of Ojibwe, who grew to be a lumberGuide understands the needs of his neighman and a mariner, before trying his hand bor as much as his own, knows that the at fishing and farming. As such, he walked betterment of himself increases the value

An introduction

Guide

covering the counties of Alcona, Arenac, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon

INDEX

8.........Restoring the Rifle 10.......SuperMoto showdown in Victorian town 12.......Waterborne battle in Paddletown 14.......Big-hearted biker 16.......Mainstreet Magic 18.......Turnkey opportunity: AuSable River Camp 20.......A caring spirit 22.......A summer's float 24.......Fine dining: O'Brien's, in Mio 26.......From Tim's kitchen 2

JULY 2011 Volume 2, Issue IV

Winner of the 2010 O.B. Eustis Environmental Awareness Award

of his community and, above all, realizes that when a society pulls together, no matter which direction they’ve chosen, they will all end up in the same place. He is not without desire. The hard work he enjoys by day is broken by evenings on the lake or walks in the woods. If he wets a line by morning, lunch may find him socializing with fellow Optimists, Rotarians or Kiwanis and by night he spends his time carving, or painting or strumming a tune. A float down a river may be followed by a meal in a local restaurant and an afternoon attending his favorite club. A visit to a school may lead to conversations with senior citizens. Like most who live and visit here, The Guide longs for the weekend and the festivals and hometown events that Northeast Michigan is known for. He’s as apt to attend a lake-side art show or county fair, as often as he is a jamboree, or gallery opening or theatrical performance. Being the adventurer that he is, summer or winter means nothing to him, The Guide feels as much at home on the ice as he does in the mud. So, we’d like to introduce you to The Guide, the spirit of Northeast Michigan. We hope you appreciate that we made him diverse.

CORRECTIONS:

Published by: Info Northeast Jerry Nunn, editor (989) 780-0900 jnunn@infonortheast.com Contributing writers: Jerry Nunn, Scott Nunn, Tim Reed, Casey Ressl, Kelly Trainor Contributing photographers: Genie Ehinger GeniesMagicMoments.com 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 • JULY 2011

Brad and Elaine Moore were incorrectly identified in last month's issue. Visit Brad and Elaine at Valley Mist Vineyards in Rose City. Also, Mi-Story founder Khaki Engster's name was mispelled in last month's column. We apologize.

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. HOSPICE OF HELPING HANDS ANNUAL DUCK RACE, noon at Irons Park, West Branch, cash prizes. Tickets cost $2 each or three for $5. Info: (800) 9926592

JULY 1ST

NATIONAL GUARD BAND OF THE GREAT LAKES, free concert at 7 p.m., on the lawn at the CRAF Center, on the corner of Lake and Fourth Streets, in Roscommon. Info: (800) 676-5330 CLASSY CHASSIS, vintage cars, part of the Fabulous Fridays series in downtown West Branch, every Friday all summer long. Info: (989) 345-2821

JULY 1ST - 2ND

SAND LAKE BLUES FEST, music starts at 6 p.m. featuring the Rusty Wright Band, Greg Nagy Band, Blues Abusers and Those Delta Rhythm Kings, with food and craft vendors; located at Sand Lake Men’s Association Pavilion, cost is $10 at the gate. Info: SandLakeBluesFest.com

JULY 1ST - 3RD

JUNQUE SALE & BAKE SALE, 9 am. to 5 p.m. at Ye Olde Courthouse in Omer. Info: (989) 876-6468

37TH ANNUAL SUMMER CRAFT SHOW, at Houghton Lake Middle School, Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: (989) 366-8511

25TH ANNUAL SUGAR SPRINGS ART SHOW, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. located at 5477 Worthington Court, Gladwin, featuring work of local artists and crafters, plus bake sale, food booth and soft serve ice cream. Info: (989) 426-4111

JULY 1ST - 4TH

4TH OF JULY WEEKEND SIDEWALK SALES AT TANGER OUTLET CENTER, West Branch. Info: (989) 345-2594.

JULY 1ST - 16TH

33RD HERITAGE FINE ART SHOW AND SALES AT FIFTH STREET GALLERY, West Branch. Info: (989) 836-2932

JULY 2ND

HOUGHTON LAKE STATE AIRPORT ANNUAL FLY-IN, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a flea market and swap meet, with a bratwurst and hot dog lunch. Info: (989) 275-7874

MIO MUD BOGS, 1 p.m. at the mud pit south of Mio on M-33. Info: (989) 826-3331

JULY 2ND - 3RD

16TH ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW on the lawn at the Craftmakers’ Cabin in Harrisville. Info: (989) 736-1643 or (989) 739-9059

HARRISVILLE LION’S CLUB KID’S FREE FISHING DAY, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cedarbrook Trout Farm; JULY 3RD - 4TH THE BIGGEST FOURTH IN THE NORTH, Barton kids 12-and-under fish for free. Info: (989) 724-5241 City, featuring a horseshoe tournament, cook shack, 4TH ANNUAL BBQ CHICKEN DINNER 1- 6 p.m. beer tent, teen dance, adult music, parade, a crowd said at Au Gres City Pavilion; to benefit Au Gres Christian to number 10,000 and more. Info: (989) 724-5107 Charities Food Bank. Info: (989) 876-8811 CHILDREN’S PARADE, 1 p.m. through downtown Harrisville, with kid’s on bikes and patriotic dressed pets. Info: 989-724-5107

THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

JULY 4TH

19TH CENTURY INDEPENDENCE DAY AT HARTWICK PINES STATE PARK, 1 p.m. at the picnic area, with a reading of the Declaration of Inde-

pendence followed by Vintage Base Ball pitting visitors HIS WAY, GOSPEL TRIO, 7 p.m. at the Gazebo in Roscommon, part of the first and third Wednesday against the Hartwick Pines Swampers. Info: (989) summer concert series. Info: (989) 275-4975 348-2537 GLENNIE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION, 11 a.m. until fireworks at dusk at Warren Mervin Field, with a craft show, a car show, lawn mower races, food booth and more. Info: (989) 735-4291 TAWAS COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND, 7:30 every Monday until Aug. 15, in East Tawas City Park next to the Iosco County Historical Museum. Info: (989) 739-2635 MIO DOWNTOWN CRAFT SHOW, Info: (989) 826-3331

JULY 7TH

STANDISH HISTORIC DEPOT SUMMER MUSIC SERIES presents Amanda Kari, 6-8 p.m. at the Standish Depot pavilion. Info: 9989) 846-7867

JULY 8TH-10TH

OSCODA SUMMER MUSIC SERIES presents the folk music of George Schwedler Trio, 7 p.m. at Oscoda Beach Park Rotary Band Shell, with more music every Thursday through Aug. 25. Info: (989) 739-7322

GLADWIN FUN DAYS, on the streets of downtown Gladwin, with sidewalk sales, historical village, kids events and much more. Info: (989) 709-1120

WEST BRANCH SUMMER MUSIC SERIES presents Beverly Meyers, in Irons Park. (989) 345-3717 or (989) 345-0500

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, 8:30-10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Beaverton. Adults cost $4. Info: CHIPPEWA INDIANS portray the life of Michigan (989) 435-7086 Indians at Zubler’s Indian Craft Shop in Houghton Lake; every Thursday, with hourly presentation from 16TH ANNUAL BBQ CHICKEN FUNDRAISER, 1-4 p.m. Info: (989) 366-5691 10:30 a.m. downtown Fairview, in front of the Family Bookshelf. Info: (989) 848-5400 ANIMALS AROUND THE WORLD, 10:30 a.m. at the Au Gres Branch of the Iosco-Arenac District TAWAS BAY FIREWORKS SAIL ABOARD THE Library, part of the Summer Reading Program every APPLEDORE IV, a three hour sail to view the fireworks over Tawas Bay; cost $55. Info: (989) 895-5193 Thursday through July. Info: (989) 876-8818 KID’S DERBY FISHING, 10 a.m. in Rose City Park. Info: (989) 685-2936

JULY 7TH-10TH

62ND ANNUAL ST. HELEN BLUEGILL FESTIVAL, with fishing contests, a medallion hunt, vintage car show, parade, kid’s day, horseshoe tournament, live entertainment, carnival rides, crafts, vendors and more. Info: (989) 398-3725 or www.BluegillFestival.org

FREEDOM RUN 5K WALK/RUN, 9 a.m. behind Glen’s Market in Roscommon, with an Ice Cream Social at 1 p.m. at the CRAF Center, followed by the Freedom Festival Parade and a cookout and children’s games from 6 p.m. until the fireworks dusk at the JULY 8TH Roscommon Fire Training Center. Info: (800) 676-5330 AN EVENING WITH THE TAWAS BAY ARTISTS, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Tawas Bay Art Council Gallery, JULY 5TH TUESDAY NIGHT LIVE, with live music and danc- featuring a wine and cheese reception. Info: (989) 362ing every Tuesday through Aug. 23, on Newman Street 5613 in downtown East Tawas. Info: (800) 558-2927

JULY 6TH

STORYTELLER GENOT PICOR, 11 a.m. at the Alcona County Library, Harrisville. Info: (989) 724-6796. HARRISVILLE HARBOR NIGHTS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, 7 p.m. at Harrisville Harbor featuring DnA. Info: (989) 724-5107

WEST BRANCH FILM FESTIVAL, a celebration of the cinematic arts in downtown West Branch including film showings from a variety of categories. Info: (989) 345-5226

JULY 8TH-9TH

ANNUAL MIO POND FISHING TOURNAMENT, $2,000 in prizes in many categories. Info: (989) 8263331

GOOD OLE DAYS FESTIVAL celebrating Mikado’s Quasquicentennial – 1886, family oriented fun and traditional games, parade, old-style baseball, costume contest, view Mikado history, wilderness skills featuring Jim Miller and much more. Info: (989) 736-7721 THE GUIDE • JULY 2011

SUMMER FEST, featuring the 5th Annual Kiwanis Run by the Bay, Tawas Point Lighthouse Tours, bike and pet parade, beach volleyball, car cruise and show, and a street dance. Info: (800) 558-2927 or TawasSummerFest.com

JULY 9TH

GLADWIN ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL, in the Gladwin City Park. Info: (989) 429-3272

42ND ANNUAL ROSCOMMON ART FESTIVAL AND CRAFT SHOW, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Lake Street and at the CRAF Center in Roscommon, with more than 70 vendors. Info: (989) 275-8760

JULY 9TH-10TH

16TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLES SHOW, Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. under “The Big Top” at Harrisville Harbor. Admission costs $2. Info: (989) 736-8265

JULY 10TH

4TH ANNUAL NANCY DOUGLAS DOLL AND TEA EVENT, 2-4 p.m. at Ogemaw County Genealogical and Historical Society, featuring a unique Eskimo doll collection. Info: (989) 873-5673

JULY 10TH-17TH

OGEMAW HILLS BIKE WEEK MOTORCYCLE RALLY, at the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds, Michigan’s largest motorcycle rally featuring a full week of camping, concerts, races and more. All bikes welcome. Info: (989) 312-1312

JULY 11TH-16TH

GLADWIN COUNTY FAIR - The Gladdest Little Fair in Michigan - with carnival rides, 4-H, youth and agricultural exhibits, grandstand shows, entertainment, Super Kicker Rodeo, quad racing, figure eight, demolition derby and much more. Info: www.GladwinFair.org

JULY 12TH

STRANGE LIFE FORMS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, 4 p.m. at the Alcona County Library, Harrisville, by The Organization for Bat Conservation from Cranbrook Institute of Science. Info: (989) 724-6796 TUESDAYS IN THE PARK, Gladwin’s summer music series, kicks off in Gladwin City Park with Barons of Brass Quintet, and runs Tuesdays through Aug. 16, except Aug. 2, 7-8:30 p.m. cost is $5. Info: (989) 4293272

JULY 12TH-16TH

ARENAC COUNTY FAIR, a family festival with tractor show, livestock auction, flat track races, kids’ day, mud volleyball and more. Info: (989) 846-4461

JULY 13TH

EAST SHORE ART GUILD SUMMER IMPROMPTU at the Harrisville Harbor tent. Info: (989) 724-6347

JULY 15TH-17TH

U.S.O. SHOW, a 1930s musical presented by Tawas Bay Players; shows start at 7 p.m., box office opens at 6:15 and all seats cost $10. Info: www.TawasBayPlayers.com

STICKY BUNS DAY, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wellington Farm Park, a Depression-era working farm located just south of Grayling. Info: (989) 348-5187 or visit www. WellingtonFarmPark.org

JULY 16TH-17TH

5TH ANNUAL ROSCOMMON RIVER FESTIVAL, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wallace Park in Roscommon, a celebration of the AuSable River with crafts, fine arts, rod makers, kayakers, guides, fly tying demonstrations, NRA youth firearms safety, kid’s games, and a wooden boat show that is free for entries. Info: (989) 275-8760 MILITARY DAY, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Steiner Museum, Fairview. Info: (989) 848-5362

JULY 21ST-24TH

MICHIGAN WALLEYE TOURNAMENT, captain’s PIONEER POWER ANTIQUE TRACTOR AND meeting at Jerry’s Marina, East Tawas at 6 p.m.; a GAS ENGINE CLUB SHOW AND FLEA MARMichigan Walleye Tour event. Info: (989) 362-8641 KET, at the Pioneer Power Club grounds in West Branch, located on state highway M-55 just west of GAGAGUWON TRADITIONAL POWWOW, at M-33; featuring demonstrations, entertainment, food Old Orchard Park in Oscoda; experience the Native and family fun. Info: (989) 473-4702 American Spirit at this traditional dance and crafts events. Info: (989) 739-1994

JULY 21ST-24TH

WOOD SHAVING DAYS, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hartwick Pines State Park, with wood carvers, wood burners, a steam-powered saw mill, blacksmiths, spinners and traditional crafters of all sorts. On Sunday at 1 p.m. catch the Swampers and Petoskey Mossbacks in Vintage Base Ball. Info: (989) 348-2537

JULY 23RD

CURLEY MEMORIAL CANOE RACE, from Cooke Dam to Finish Line Park in Oscoda; an MCRA sanctioned event honoring Oscoda’s Curley family canoe legends. Info: (989) 739-7322

JULY 17TH

RIVER FESTIVAL DOCK DOG BIG AIR COMJULY 16TH PETITION AND KAYAK PADDLE, at Wallace Park SUNRISE SIDE WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL, in Roscommon; a kayak paddle features $5 kayak rentnoon to 6 p.m. under The Big Top at Harrisville Harbor, als or bring your own, free return shuttle. Info: (989) featuring Michigan vintners, breweries, local restau275-4392 or AuSableRiverCenter.org rants, live music and art show. Info: (989) 724-5107 24TH ANNUAL ROSCOMMON ROTARY DUCK EAST SHORE ART GUILD, with art work on disRACES, following the Dock Dog Big Air Competition play at Harrisville Harbor. Info: (989) 724-6347 at Wallace Park in Roscommon, featuring hundreds of GREATER GLADWIN GARDEN TOUR, 11 a.m. to plastic ducks and $1,800 in prizes. Info: (989) 2753075 4 p.m. featuring eight gardens in and around Gladwin; tickets cost $8 in advance at the MSUE office, or $10 day of. Info: (989) 426-5220

watershed; learn how to care for a shoreline with native plants, erosion control, invasive plant prevention, and more. To participate call Ryan at Huron Pines: (989) 344-0753 ext. 25

JULY 17TH-18TH

HUNTER SAFETY COURSE, hosted by the Mio Moose Lodge. Info: (989) 275-5663.

JULY 18TH-20TH

U.S.O. Show, a 1930s musical presented by Tawas Bay Players; shows start at 7 p.m., box office opens at 6:15 and all seats cost $10. Info: www.TawasBayPlayers. com 8TH ANNUAL SUNRISE SIDE GARDENING CLUB GARDEN WALK, featuring 10 enticing gardens all within walking distance of downtown Harrisville. Tickets cost $6 until July 22; $8 on the day of the walk. Info: (989) 724-6569 SATURDAY NIGHT MUSIC BASH IN UPTOWN GRAYLING, 3-8 p.m. featuring a variety of bands, extended shopping hours and in-store specials. Info: (989) 348-4011

WELLINGTON COUNTRY MUSIC SHOW, 7:30 p.m. at Wellington Farm Park, a Depression-era working farm located just south of Grayling. Tickets cost $12.50. Info: (989) 348-5187 or visit www.WellingtonFarmPark.org

JULY 23RD-24TH

SPIKE’S CHALLENGE CANOE RACE, C-1 and C-2 races, featuring a $5,400 total purse, with registration from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Info: www. AuSableCanoeMarathon.org

ART CAMP - A Summer Outdoor Camp Adventure hosted by the Tawas Bay Art Council, for youngsters aged 7- to 15-years old. Info: (989) 362-5613

PADDLETOWN PLAYOFFS WOMEN’S SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT, at McQuaig Field in AuSable. Info: (989) 739-7322 or registrations available at www.OscodaChamber.com

SHORELINE STEWARDSHIP, a Huron Pines volunteer restoration project in the Ocqueoc River

HUNTER SAFETY COURSE, hosted by the Mio Moose Lodge. Info: (989) 275-5663

JULY 20TH

THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

JULY 24TH-25TH

JULY 30TH

BATTLE OF THE TOWNSHIPS AND BUSINESS CANOE RACES, noon at Finish Line Park in AuSable, 10 man teams, $10 per team and all business are welcome. Info and registration: (989) 739-7322

AUSABLE RIVER FESTIVAL CLASSIC CAR SHOW, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Grayling. Register before 11 a.m. awards at 2 p.m. Info: (989) 3482921 CLASSIC CAR CRUISE NIGHT, with a cookout at 6:30 and 7 p.m. cruise from North Star Auto Wash in Grayling; RSVP is appreciated. Info: (989) 3482921

JULY 30TH-31ST

AU GRES CAR CRUISE AND SHOW, cruise starts at Au Gres-Sims High School on Sat. at 5:15 and ends at Au Gres Riverfront Park for a muffler rap competition and a dance, with a Car Show on Sunday. Info: (989) 240-4615

JULY 25TH-30TH

IOSCO COUNTY FAIR, at the fairgrounds north of the light in Hale, a traditional county fair with carnival, midway, livestock and family events and grand stand events. Info: IoscoCountyFair.com

JULY 26TH

KID’S DAY AT AUSABLE RIVER FESTIVAL IN GRAYLING, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grayling City Park, featuring games, inflatables, prizes, face painting, contests and more. Info: (989) 348-2921 PADDLE TOWN DASH FOR CASH CANOE RACE, at Finish Line Park in AuSable, for registered paddlers of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon with races starting at 3 p.m. and a public meet and greet at 8:30 p.m. Info: www. AuSableCanoeMarathon.org

JULY 27TH

H.U.P. (HURRY UP AND PADDLE) RACE, uniquely designed and water worthy canoes built from one sheet of plywood, judging of design at 5:30 p.m., racing starts at 7:30, in Grayling City Park. Info: (989) 348-2921 6

JULY 28TH

THE WRITING OF THE BOOK, BEFORE DNA, with author Robert Woolever, an Arenac County Museum Summer Education presentation, 7 p.m. at the museum in Au Gres. Info: (989) 876-7029

JULY 29TH

DAVE HERZOG’S MARIONETTES, 11 a.m. at the Harrisville Branch of the Alcona County Library. Info: (989) 7246796

JULY 29TH-30TH

35TH ANNUAL AUSABLE RIVER ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW, Fri. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Grayling City Park, a juried show featuring nearly 100 vendors with hand-crafted items. Info: (989) 348-2921 GLADWIN COUNTY’S FIRST SETTLER SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, celebrating “One County, Many Stories,” with a youth art exhibit, quilt show, pulled pork dinner historical dedications and a parade at 1 p.m. Saturday in downtown Gladwin. Info: (989) 429-3272

64TH ANNUAL AUSABLE RIVER CANOE MARATHON, the longest non-stop canoe marathon in North America begins at 9 p.m. in Grayling, finishes around 10:30 a.m. in Oscoda. Info: www.AuSableCanoeMarathon.org

AUSABLE RIVER DAYS, in conjunction with the AuSable River Marathon, a first-year event with non-profits offering family oriented activities and information. Info: (989) 739-7322 CIVIL WAR CANNON FIRING COMPETITION, Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun, 9 a.m. to noon at Range 35, Camp Grayling, featuring around 20 reenactment groups and sponsored by the Loomis battery of Michigan light artillery. Info: (989) 348-2921

BIG FOOT BASH, 10 a.m. at the Michigan Magazine Museum, with speakers and presentations, bigfoot calling, rock throwing and left foot contests, and more. Info: (989) 848-2246 or (989) 826-3169

JULY 31ST

11TH ANNUAL BLACK BEAR BICYCLE TOUR, a 100-mile tour that begins in Grayling at 8 a.m. and has the fastest riders ending in Oscoda around the same time as the AuSable Canoe

THE GUIDE • JULY 2011

Marathon paddlers. Info: (989) 348-6868 or BlackBearBicycleTour.com

AUGUST AUG 4TH-7TH

ROSCOMMON COUNTY FAIR, at the Fire Training Grounds in Roscommon featuring rides, food, displays, demonstrations, mud bog, horse show and more. Info: (989) 275-8546 or www. RoscommonCountyFair.org

AUG 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 Mennonite world-wide relief efforts. Info: www. ReliefSale.org

AUG 5TH-7TH

27TH ANNUAL SAGINAW CHIPPEWA INDIAN TRIBE POWWOW, at the end of Worth Road, near the casino in Standish, with a fry bread contest, baby parade, vendors and more; Grand Entry on Friday at 7 p.m. and at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Info: 800225-8172, extension 54071 or e-mail sagchippowwow@sagchip.org

AUG 6TH

TAWAS UNTAPP’D & UNCORK’D, noon to 6 p.m., at Harbor Park in East Tawas, featuring 13 wineries, three breweries and 10 area restaurants, with live entertainment and a Super Raffle; cost is $10 in advance at Klenow’s Market or Reeds on the River, or $12 at the gate. Info: (989) 362-8197

AUG 6TH-7TH

51ST ANNUAL TAWAS BAY WATERFRONT FINE ART FESTIVAL SHOW, Sat. 10- a.m. to 5 p.m. and 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

AUG 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) 2756777 or www.KirtlandCenter.com

AUG 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

AUG 12TH-14TH

GLADWIN COUNTY CARRIAGE FESTIVAL, with carriages galore, period re-enactors, costume contests, children’s activities, food and entertainment, a Grand Promenade parade and much more. Info: (989) 426-9277 or www.GladwinHistory.org

AUG 13TH

FOREST FEST, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hartwick Pines State Park Logging Museum; discover the ecology and natural history of Michigan’s forests. Info: (989) 348-2537

AUG 13TH-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

AUG 16TH-20TH

AUG 27TH-28TH

BLACK IRON DAYS, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hartwick Pines 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

OGEMAW COUNTY FAIR, with youth exhibits, carnival and midway, grandstand events, entertainment and food, at Ogemaw County Fairgrounds. Info: (989) 345-5393 or www.OgemawCountyFair. com

AUG 23RD-27TH

ALCONA COUNTY FAIR, 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

AUG 26TH-28TH

10TH ANNUAL BLUES BY THE BAY FESTIVAL, in East Tawas Harbor Park, three days and nine of the best blues bands around; $20 admission for all three days, refreshments available on site. Info: www.BluesByTheBayTawas.org

THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

As our region’s largest conservation organization turns its restorative attention to the Rifle River, volunteers and organizations from across the state give their attention to Huron Pines. Together they’ll repair and protect one of Northeast Michigan’s most popular waterways. By JERRY NUNN editor

Before venturing out along the Rifle River to map stream-side erosion sites in Ogemaw County, members of the Ann Arbor-based William B. Mershon Chapter of Trout Unlimited receive preliminary training from Huron Pines project coordinator Abigail Ertel.

PRESCOTT – The list of team members working together to protect the Rifle River watershed reads like a roster of environmental All Stars, with organizations, agencies, enterprise and individuals all pitching support towards a major league restoration endeavor. With the recent acquisition of a $457,000 fund to further those integrated efforts, Huron Pines advances to the fore as the preservation-minded partnership’s Most Valuable Player. While that pool of dedicated funds sets Huron Pines apart, other major players concerned with the Rifle’s care need not worry. Conservation-minded team mates will still receive more than their share of time on the field. As it has been from the beginning, restoration and preservation of one of Northeast Michigan’s most popular and pristine waterways will remain an all-out team effort, according to Brad Jensen, Huron Pines Director. “Huron Pines depends on its conservation partners and we count on our community partners,” Jensen said recently, while speaking before the West Branch Optimists Club. “Without partnerships such as these we would not be able to undertake projects such as these.” That spirit of teamwork was on display last month, when an updated

THE GUIDE • JULY 2011

While work continues on the Rifle River Watershed Project, The Guide will check in often to inquire how the project commences. We will also take a closer look at Huron Pines’ project partners, to help inform and update us all on the important work these groups do in maintaining Northeast Michigan’s most valuable resources – our land and water. Watch for the August issue as we visit with folks from Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy, a most important player in the protection of this region’s environmentally sensitive lands and waterways. inventory of the Rifle’s stream bank erosion sites was undertaken by both the William B. Mershon and Ann Arbor Chapters of Trout Unlimited. Working side by side with community volunteers, under the guidance of Huron Pines project coordinator Abigail Ertel, the groups set out in canoes to survey streamside damage needing repair. Once complete, surveys such as these will allow project planners to highlight the most egregious points of damage and prioritize the order in which they are repaired. A high-quality, 60-mile waterway flowing through Arenac and Ogemaw Counties, a large section of the Rifle River is designated by the state as a Natural River. From its headwaters in Lupton’s Rifle River Recreation Area the river flows south, first through forest and then through farm, before passing through wetlands and dumping into Saginaw Bay a few miles southeast of Omer. Along with its 140 miles of tributaries, the Rifle River drains nearly 400 square miles of land. Money for the project comes from various sources: $382,000 from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, $30,000 from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network,

Help Kick-Off $30,000 from the Americana Foundation of Adolph and the Rifle River Ginger Meyer, and $15,000 Restoration Project from Healing Our Waters – August 20, 2011 Great Lakes Coalition. In-kind contributions The Rifle River will provide a variety of from project partners, closely conservation-minded projects over the involved government entities, next three years and here is your opprivate property owners and portunity to play a role from the beginothers increase the value of the ning. Volunteers should come prepared project considerably more. for a high level of physical activity, working in and beside the river in an While the brunt of the Rifle effort to stabilize the bank and improve River Watershed Project calls aquatic habitat. for a three-year time frame, work will continue even after Info: (989) 344-0753 that, whether under the guidance or online at of Huron Pines or through the HuronPines.org efforts of other groups that have already demonstrated a longterm involvement. In the 20 years-or-so of examined and Best Management restorative operations on the Rifle, Practices instituted where groups as diverse as county road appropriate. commissioners and canoe liveries, Throughout the watershed, rain Boy Scouts, conservation and user gardens will be installed to minimize groups, township planners, property run-off, municipal storm drains will owners and more have all played be modernized or replaced, and major roles in mitigating existing special protection will be sought damage while minimizing future for properties that hold a significant harm. benefit to the health of the river. Involvement from those groups is As the project gets underway, central to the project’s success and and as community and conservation the future good health of the Rifle partners make visible improvements River, Ertel says. to the waterway, Jensen anticipates Yet, as diverse as the interests the number of critically important of those players are, the scope of partners will increase, allowing the the project may be even more far project to expand even more. reaching. “The neat thing is, once the Near the river itself, eroded project goes further along, you’ll banks will be repaired and replanted, see the contributions increase, with access points may be revamped and groups wanting to contribute to this woody debris will be installed to road stream crossing, or to be a part enhance fish habitat. of that storm water project,” Jensen Along the river’s many smaller says. “As people become more tributaries, road stream crossings aware and as the project’s visibility will be inventoried and the worst increases, you’ll see more groups replaced, flow restrictions will be and individuals want to become a inventoried for possible removal, part of it.” and agricultural practices will be THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

Victorian Town By JERRY NUNN editor

WEST BRANCH – Each year bigger and better events draw rumbling motorcycles to Northeast Michigan for the Ogemaw Hills Bike Week. This year, with a SuperMoto racing event rip roaring through the city's Victorian downtown, the noise of souped-up cycles may be drowned out by the roar of the crowd. Running on a mixed track of dirt and asphalt, the Taco Bell Ogemaw Hills SuperMoto Spectacular will be held July 15 in downtown West Branch. SuperMoto pits the best of three racing styles, motocross, flat track and road racing, and thus offers the high speed of asphalt with the thrills and jumps of motocross. Dirt, brought in for race and dumped on the street, is used to build obstacles, while short straightaways and abundant curves keep top speeds to a minimum. Nonetheless, mounted on fourstroke dirt bikes sporting slicker, asphalt-worthy tires, racers tearing down Houghton Avenue and Fourth Street will likely see top speeds of 60 mph, according to race organizers. Hay bales and other safety devices will separate the motorcycles from the crowd, they said. “How often do you see motorcycles racing through a city's streets? This is definitely going to be a spectator event,” said race organizer Dave Duprey, owner of MiSuperMoto.com. "West Branch is THE GUIDE • JULY 2011

the only place in the nation to hold a SuperMoto on its downtown streets this year. This is attracting a lot of attention.” While motorcycles racing through Victorian West Branch ought to attract a good-sized crowd, prospects of jumping temporarily-installed hills of dirt, negotiating hairpin curves, and riding rip-shod down the city’s main drag has certainly drawn the attention of racers. “We’ve had calls from Texas and California, from guys who want to race. The other day, a team from France called and they’d like to come over,” said Duprey. Planning for the race came together in just a few months time. Tom Youatt, West Branch city manager, says once safety concerns were addressed, city officials were quick to climb on board. “We were very receptive to the idea,” Youatt said, noting the willingness and ability of Ogemaw Hills organizers to work closely with city officials. “I think it is going to be good for downtown West Branch and I think it is going to be good for the bike rally as well. I know the downtown business owners are very excited.” As the largest annual, weeklong motorcycle rally in Michigan, Ogemaw Hills Bike Week is a draw in itself, attracting thousands of motorcyclists to Ogemaw and the surrounding counties. Held at the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds, the event features seven days of camping and concerts, as well as on and off-road motorcycle events.

Events like the SuperMoto Spectacular, put on and promoted by the bike week committee, continue to grow with the support of townsfolk, according to Ogemaw Hills’ organizer Kerry Klug. “The level of enthusiasm and cooperation behind this event, and Bike Week as a whole really, is simply astounding,” said Klug. “Everywhere we turn in our community – city hall, the Department of Public Works, the business community – people are really stepping up to the plate. There is no where we can turn that we don’t find an overwhelming amount of support.” One business that stands out as cooperative is Bunting Sand and Gravel. Their gravel pit, located just off Interstate-75 at exit 212, is the scene of the American Motorcycle Association Pro Hill Climb, a major event in the national hill climb championship series. Over the past few years, the hill climb event hosted amateur hill climbers, including a number of local youngsters. This year, with AMA involvement, the event will attract riders from the national motorcycle racing stage, according to Scott Campbell, president of the Professional Hill Climbers Association. “Any time you have a new venue enter the series, you create a new level of excitement. You also have the worry of what will the crowd be like; what will the hill be like,” Campbell said. To minimize those concerns his organization will come in days ahead of the race to “rework the hill.” While most hills in the national series are natural, the one in West Branch is man-made and, at 400-feet-tall, measures on the small side of the 350- to 700-foot-tall hills that racers normally tackle. “Riders like it as close to vertical as we can get it,” Campbell said. “We’ll come in and put in some

verticals, maybe a tabletop, maybe a double jump, just a little something to shape the hill up some and add to the excitement for the riders and the spectators.” Campbell said the event will feature three classes of motorcycles – 450cc and smaller, 450 to 700cc and an open exhibition class, with powerplants limited only by the imagination. While many hill climbers run extended rear forks to keep the motorcycle from flipping backwards, most bikes run on alcohol or nitro methane, with the larger machines “pushing 250 horsepower,” Campbell said. “This sport is pure adrenaline. Those bikes hit those hills like rockets when they start their climb,” Campbell says. While other race events, including motocross, enduro and flat track races, are held at the Fairgrounds during Ogemaw Hills Bike Week, motorcycle racing is far from the only attraction. Popular events with non-bikers are the Show Your Iron event in downtown West Branch July 15, from 4 to 9 p.m. and the annual motorcycle parade, with its miles-long string of motorcycles leading from the Fairgrounds into downtown West Branch at 1 p.m. July 16. Live entertainment will be featured July 15-16 by the bands Blackberry Smoke, Molly Hatchet, Geneva and Alan Turner and the Steel Horse Band. Organized motorcycle rides, both guided and self-guided, will lead from the fairgrounds through Northeast Michigan farms and woodlands. In addition, towns and businesses across Northeast Michigan will feature special events and promotions to welcome the bikers. For more information on Ogemaw Hills Bike Week, including a complete list of events, go online to OgemawHillsBikeWeek.com. THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

Photos by Genie Ehinger

Waterborne battle in Paddletown JERRY NUNN editor

OSCODA – With the addition of three new canoe races during the frenzied week before the AuSable River Marathon, competitive paddling opportunities in this Isoco County town have just been doubled. The feat offers a base for Oscoda's AuSable River Days, a celebration offering a slew of events including street dances,

entertainment, carving exhibitions, video presentations of historic moments in the marathon's history, as well as live coverage of this year's AuSable River Marathon's start, via large screen TV. It also earns Oscoda its moniker of Paddletown U.S.A. New this year is the Dash for Cash canoe race, an event open to

marathon racers and followed by a public meet and greet. Also on the slate: A Grayling-style H.U.P. (hurry up and paddle) Race, an amateur event that has competitors building their own seaworthy canoes from pre-packaged materials that include little more than a pound of nails, a few two-by-four’s and a single sheet of 2009 Winners of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, Andrew Triebold and Steve Lajoie reached Oscoda in 14:17:42. This plywood. Competition year Oscoda is offering plenty of canoe race action in the includes a design week leading up to the marathon. component, as well as speed. Racing action wraps up locally week leading up to the “big race,” until the big day of the marathon, Griffith says perhaps the most with business relays, a race that pits important is the Dash for Cash. That teams of 10 people in large warrior race is meant to attract professional canoes battling against each other. canoeists away from their busy The events will be as fun to schedule up-river for a one day watch as they will be to participate public appearance in Oscoda. in, says Justin Griffith, chairman of “That is an event designed to get the AuSable River Canoe Marathon the paddlers here during that week Committee’s Oscoda Division. of excitement,” Griffith said, noting “Those big canoes are crazy,” the disparite number of racers who Griffith said. “It’s weird getting 10 call Grayling home. He says that guys in a canoe and trying to get it to historically, it wasn’t always like go down the river.” that. While all the events are meant “If anything, it’s due to to build on the excitement of the exposure,” Griffith said, noting

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that in Grayling youngsters can watch professional canoe racers practice their sport on a daily basis. “I just think we need to build that excitement around here again.” Canoe racing certainly owns its share of Oscoda’s culture. While the Michigan Canoe Racing year starts here in March, with the Klondike Canoe Race, the racing schedule heats up big time later this month with the Curley Memorial Canoe Race, the state’s largest race held in memory of the legendary Oscoda canoe racers, Harry, Jerry and Kevin Curley. The two day event features C-1 and C-2 classes racing from Cook Dam to the AuSable’s Mill Street Bridge on July 16-17. Held two weeks prior to the marathon, the Curley Memorial offers important opportunity for competitive paddlers to test the AuSable River’s lower stretch, in much the same way as the Spike’s Challenge familiarizes racers with the river’s upper stretches and the marathon’s unique running start. Like Oscoda, Grayling has a whole slate of canoe races scheduled all week long just prior to the marathon. While some, such as the Spike’s Challenge and the marathon time qualifiers, are professional events, many of the races offer an opportunity for any adult or youngster to try their hand at competitive canoeing. With a week’s worth of successful events planned around the AuSable River Marathon, folks in Grayling are pleased to see their fellow marathon hosts in Oscoda turn their focus to the river as the marathon nears. “It think it’s exciting,” said John Lucey, a marathon racer and member of the Marathon Committee. With record numbers of marathon

entrants, folks in Grayling have all they can do to entertain them all and Lucey commends Griffith and others in Oscoda for expanding their roster of marathon centered events. “It’s great that they are trying to enhance the marathon with events like Dash for Cash to draw spectators and racers down to Oscoda for the day." For a complete list of marathon related events and times, visit these following websites: AuSableCanoeMarathon.org BlackBearBicycleTour.com GraylingChamber.com OscodaChamber.com

AuSable River Canoe Racing Schedule July 2011 (and one bike race) 16-17: Curley Memorial Canoe Race, MCRA sanctioned event memorializing Harry, Jerry and Kevin Curley, from Cook Dam to AuSable Inn, with C-1 and C-2 classes. Info: (989) 739-1994 23-24: Spike’s Challenge Canoe Race, C-1 and C-2 races in Grayling, featuring a $5,400 total purse, with registration from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Info: www.AuSableCanoeMarathon.org 26: Kid’s Day at AuSable River Festival in Grayling, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grayling City Park, featuring games, inflatables, prizes, face painting, contests and more. Info: (989) 348-2921 26: Paddletown Dash for Cash Canoe Race, at the AuSable Inn and Finish Line Park in AuSable, for registered paddlers of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon with races starting at 3 p.m. and followed by a public meet and greet with marathon contestants at 8 p.m. Info: www.AuSableCanoeMarathon.org 27: H.U.P. (Hurry Up and Paddle) Race, featuring uniquely designed and water worthy canoes built by contestants from one sheet of plywood. In Grayling, judging of design begins at 5:30 p.m., racing starts at 7:30 in Grayling City Park. In Oscoda, the event starts at 6:30 at Oscoda Canoe Rental and the AuSable River Store. Info and registration: In Grayling call (989) 348-2921. In Oscoda call (989) 739-7322. 30: Battle of the Townships and Business Canoe Races, noon at Finish Line Park in AuSable, 10 man teams in warrior canoes, $10 per team and all business are welcome. Info and registration: (989) 739-7322 30-31: 64th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon, the longest non-stop canoe marathon in North America begins at 9 p.m. in Grayling, finishes around 10:30 a.m. in Oscoda. Info: www.AuSableCanoeMarathon.org 31: 11th Annual Black Bear Bicycle Tour, a 100-mile tour that begins in Grayling at 8 a.m. and has the fastest riders ending in Oscoda around the same time as the AuSable Canoe Marathon paddlers. Info: (989) 348-6868 or BlackBearBicycleTour.com THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

A sharing of cultures and a celebration of the Native American spirit with traditional dancing, drum circles, art, crafts, food and more. When: July 16-17 Where: Old Orchard Park, on River Road, eight miles west of downtown Oscoda. Info: (989) 739-1994

Gagaguwon Traditional Powwow

By JERRY NUNN editor

LINWOOD – Gruff, grizzled and visibly confident, there is no mistaking Bubba Philipp as the hardcore biker that he is. Year-round, rain or shine, when the owner of Bubba’s Tri-City Cycle is not running his Bay County motorcycle shop he can often be found running the roads on his Harley-Davidson. While Bubba is known to ride his bike in nearly any type of weather, every month of the year, much of that running around is for a very good cause. Since 1999 the burly and bighearted Bubba has raised nearly $250,000 for Camp Fish Tails, the barrier-free, wheelchair accessible Bay County camp for special needs children and adults. Each year Bubba donates and raffles off a brand new motorcycle to raise money for the camp. Proceeds this year’s raffle totaled $40,000. Bubba presented the check June 21. Over the years, money that Bubba and his do-gooder gang of bikers raised has paid for a new beach, a barrier-free boardwalk, purchased a 24-foot pontoon affectionately named the “Bubbette,” and helped fund a camp medical center. In addition to the raffle, other Bubba-organized events such as motorcycle rallies and picnics provide about $7,000 per year towards scholarships to the camp, Sullivan says. THE GUIDE • JULY 2011

It all started 13 years ago when Sullivan was first appointed director. Looking for entertainment to close out the week-long camp, she caught word of the big-hearted Bubba. “Our camp nurse said ‘I know this big, burly biker who would probably come and help,’” Sullivan recalls. “I said ‘Man that sounds like fun. Bring him on.’” “Bubba and his friends came down and we had a great time. They came back the next week, and the next week, and they just kept coming back every week. “Every Thursday since I’ve been the director, Bubba has been here for us. I can’t say enough good things about him. I don’t know what we’d do without Bubba,” Sullivan says. “Now we count on him as our closing night program.” As for Bubba, he says that Camp Fish Tales “somehow suckered me in and kept me. Now they can’t get rid of me.” And his role has grown from that of a colorful spokesperson to vice president of Fish Tales, Inc., the camp’s parent organization. “It’s not me. I’m just a small part of it,” says Bubba, listing a roster of Fish Tale contributors that includes organizations ranging from Boy Scouts to the Christian Motorcycle Association. “From the biker down the road, to a Bay City commis-

Long-time Camp Fish Tales supporter Bubba Philipp, shown here with camp director Lara Beth Sullivan prior to Bubba's Memorial Day Concert, has raised well over $250,000 over the past 10 years by raffling a motorcycle. This year's raffle raised nearly $40,000. Bubba presented the check June 21. sioner, there are so many people involved I can’t possibly name them all.” While Bubba now holds a place at the helm of the organization, he and his fellow bikers stay involved on a daily basis. Functions and festivities that Bubba often helps with are casino nights, camp talent shows, derby races and carnivals. During the award ceremonies, when campers are honored for their week’s participation, it is the benevolent band of bikers who present the awards. “I don’t know what it is,” Bubba said, attempting to verbalize what it is about Camp Fish Tales that captured his big biker heart. “They tug at you somehow.” For all the time that Bubba donates, he recently resigned his position with the Ogemaw Hills Bike Week when he felt that organization took too much time from his work at the camp. While Bubba says that decision was hard, he said that

Camp Fish Tales, with its grass roots beginning by people who care for their community, has changed his perspective. “I guess it’s my calling, for lack of a better word,” Bubba said, noting he never thought about community, or thought much about those who are often considered less fortunate. “You know, I’ve been spoiled my entire life. My family has been blessed with good health. But when I spend time with the kids and adults out at the camp, they have such a great outlook on life. They are truthful and very straight forward and I felt very comfortable with that. “These kids and adults are out there having a good time. You have to support that,” Bubba said. “And the best thing is, this is right in our community. Who can say no to supporting something right here in their own back yard?” Certainly not a big-hearted biker like Bubba Philipp. THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

By JERRY NUNN editor

WEST BRANCH – Undaunted after three years of courting Hollywood producers and failing to attract a feature film production, organizers of West Branch Area Film Association changed their tactics,

“elaborate music video.” he was doing and why. “The students are fantastic to work For high school senior Tori Miller, with and the writing is great. It’s not 17, who plans to study performing just a bunch of crazy stuff. We rallied arts at Western Michigan University together to produce it, we’ll shoot it after attending Kirtland Community all in one day College, the and, at the end After premiering at the West opportunity and asked creative writing students of the day, we’ll to work with Branch Children’s Film at Ogemaw Heights High School if have a short film a professional Festival on July 8, the fourthey’d provide a script. that includes the film crew was minute musical Mainstreet The idea of a student-written whole town. an irreplaceable Magic will be posted film production caught the attention “This is experience. to YouTube. For more of Rich Brauer, producer of the something we “It was a lot independent films Frozen Stupid and can all be proud of fun. Richard information visit Escanaba in da Moonlight. of, especially the was very down www.wbcff.com. Brauer and a contingency of students,” Brauer to earth, very Ogemaw Heights’ students shot said. easy to get along with,” said Miller, the film Mainstreet Magic barely The day of the shoot, Brauer who plays a dancer in the film. “He one month later. The short musical and his production staff were in just wanted us to go out there and is due to debut at the West Branch downtown West Branch, as students have fun.” Children’s Film Festival July 8-9. scurried about preparing for filming. Miller credits Brauer’s laid back “The most exciting part about Everywhere that Bauer went, and attitude with setting students and it was working with the students,” every task he undertook, he was others at ease and for making not Brauer said, calling the production an accompanied by students. At each only the filming, but the initial script step he took the time to explain what writing session a success.

THE GUIDE • JULY 2011

a film production crew,” said Fabbri. “We always had three criteria that we wanted to fulfill. We wanted it filmed downtown, we wanted it open to the public and number three, we wanted to include the whole community.” That the film was written and acted in by local students THAT’S A RAP – As producer/director Rich Brauer films the just made the entire action, Sarah, played by Ogemaw Heights High School senior production a little bit Leah Lebzelter, saves Janet from a speeding car. Footage for better, says Fabbri. the short film Mainstreet Magic was shot entirely in downtown West Branch and will premiere at the West Branch Children’s “We’ve always Film Festival on July 8. tried to maintain an educational Brittany Richardson, 17, a component to everything we’ve senior who heads off for U.S. Army done,” Fabbri said. “With Rich National Guard boot camp a month Brauer’s help we certainly after the movie’s debut, said that accomplished that. I really can’t script writing session included say enough good about all of them, Brauer, Film Festival officials and really, especially the students. We got nearly 30 students from the class of together and we made this happen. It Ogemaw Heights creative writing was great experience.” teacher Laurie Rose. Richardson Mainstreet Magic, which depicts termed the script confab a “brain the caring atmosphere found in small storming session,” and said that under towns, begins with the film’s star, an Brauer’s guidance all participants had elderly lady played by Janet Ross, equal say. trying to cross a busy intersection. “He came right to our class After stepping in front of a speeding and helped us write the script,” car, Ross is pulled out of the way Richardson said, noting that Brauer by Sarah, played by co-starring coached the students on ideas that student Leah Lebzelter. Following would translate well into video. “I Sarah’s good deed, a street-full of think, in the end, he definitely used movie extras turn out to celebrate by everything that the students wanted. dancing down the main thoroughfare. He made almost every idea we had The role of Sarah was filled by an work.” open casting call in the weeks leading For Film Festival officials, the film up to filming. The starring role played presented a perfect chance to work by Ross was never advertised. towards their mission of attracting “Auditions for Sarah were held at a film crew to their downtown the library and there were four girls Victorian business district, according who were serious contenders for the to Pete Fabbri, festival president. role. It could have been anyone of “We’ve always wanted to attract them,” Fabbri said. During script

writing, when the starring role of an elderly lady was first discussed, Fabbri says Ross – a well known figure around downtown West Branch – came immediately to mind. “I don’t think there was ever any question, really. It was going to be Janet who played that role.” For Ross, 88, the movie role playing was a first-time experience. And while she was impressed with the work of students, as well as townsfolk and Brauer Productions, nearly eight hours of production for a four minute movie made for a long day. “It was a great experience,” says Ross. “What I liked about it most was, it was very inter-generational. That really rang a bell with me. I think that is very important to show. We all have something to contribute.”

THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

Turnkey opportunity! Despite the economy - or in some instances because of it – Northeast Michigan still offers opportunity to those wanting to make an investment. In each issue The Guide will highlight a long-established small business within our area that is for sale, visit with the owners and provide contact information for the realtor. We make no judgement of the investment. But we do present it as a possible opportunity. A turnkey opportunity.

AuSable River Camp As a convenience store, AuSable River Camp offers groceries, ice cream, liquor, bait, recreational gasoline and more. As a resort, it offers three furnished rustic cabins and four others that are more modern. Set on five-and-ahalf wooded acres, AuSable River Camp comes with a four-bedroom residence currently serving as a rental. By JERRY NUNN editor

OSCODA – Located halfway between Hale and Glennie, at the gateway to the River Road National THE GUIDE • JULY 2011

Scenic Byway, AuSable River Camp has been an icon to travelers along state highway M-65 for more than 80 years. Considering the work that has gone into it lately, it may well serve as a traveler’s landmark for another eight decades. When Dave and Linda Bell purchased the resort from Ted and Pat Peterson in 2004, it had been closed for five years. The Bell’s invested plenty to bring the place up to snuff: The AuSable River Camp now boasts a new heating system, siding, insulation, flooring and more. Major structural

improvements were made to the store. Once known popularly as The Red Store, and still called such by locals and familiar tourists, the newly installed red steel roof reflects the store’s past. “Best as I can figure, it was built sometime in the early 1930s or late ‘20s,” said Dave Bell, standing among a collection of old, wallmounted photographs and articles that serves as a monument to area history. “Even back then the cabins were here. And I’ll tell you what; the cabins are in excellent condition. The knotty pine interiors are about 80-years-old and they’re still beautiful.” Operated year-round, AuSable River Camp serves a broad mix of customers – everyone from highway travelers to woodland cabin owners, from bus-loads of sightseers to nearby local residents. Set among the Huron-Manistee National Forest, groomed and maintained trails intersect the property and the AuSable River Camp serves as a pit stop to snowmobilers and other trail users.

Located one mile from the AuSable River and Five Channel hydro electric dam, the resort is used as a base camp for anglers, hunters, canoers and hikers the whole year around. “This area has been named as the seventieth most beautiful place in the U.S. for autumn colors,” said Dave. “I think it’s the most beautiful piece of property around. Out back we have giant oak trees; we have trails right across the street and the River Road National Scenic Byway starts just up the road. “You can see for miles from all those river overlooks. It’s a spectacular view any time of the year.”

To learn more about AuSable River Camp and other Northeast Michigan business opportunities, visit Heritage House Reality of Oscoda online at HeritageHouseRealtyofOscoda.com or call (800) 626-6909. THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

Caring

Pink Warriors team Captain Terri King walks for the Iosco County Relay for Life. Make a difference in someone’s to teach us, whether we wanted to day, and you’ll find contentment in listen or not. your own. Time passed. We grew, self ab-

sorbed, and through self-preservation or youthful arrogance, many of us Northland Area Federal Credit Union learned to fend only for ourselves. By graduation we felt grown up, Our parents taught us the prinimportant and even a little smug. ciple from the time we were small. That is until we discovered real “Treat others the way you’d like life was much harder than we’d to be treated,” they said, until we’d thought. heard it so often that we almost quit Through it all our parents continlistening. Because really – when ued to counsel, hoping one day we’d you’re six years old, how does “what understand. “You never know what goes around comes around” help someone else is going through,” they with the bully on the bus? said. “Be polite and respectful. Be But mom and dad never changed kind. It will come back to you.” their tune. They were determined It wasn’t until we experienced

by Kelly Trainor

THE GUIDE • JULY 2011

adult struggles that we began to open our eyes. It turns out mom and dad were right all along. Northeastern Michigan is a community where people care about their neighbors. Out-of-towners flock here for the friendly atmosphere and breathtaking view. Frequent visitors and those blessed to call this place home know that kindness matters here. It can be as simple as a smile to an overworked cashier or letting an elderly person move ahead of us in line. A small act can make someone’s day – possibly more than we can imagine – and their response may also make ours. A person may never see the results of their handiwork, yet reap the benefits all the same. Sometimes, a thoughtful act can be its own reward. I recently walked into a public restroom in Iosco County. Taped to the back of the stall door was a sealed envelope that read, “Inside is a gift certificate for groceries. If your family truly needs it, please take it. If not, please leave it for a family that does.” I left it behind, knowing that for some families it could be a lifesaver. For one family, it probably was. And in the meantime, how many people felt their hearts touched by a simple envelope taped to a door? If one person can change the course of someone’s day, banding together for a united purpose can change so much more! Opening our hearts to the communities we love can make a huge difference in the lives of those around us…and in our own. The recent Iosco County Relay for Life event sparked a fire of goodwill throughout Northeastern Michigan. Over a 24 hour period, 19 teams of caring people took turns walking a makeshift track in the Tawas City park to raise over $61,000 for the American Cancer Society. These people gave up their time, their energy – and certainly their sleep –

in support of thousands of families they don’t even know. Imagine what that kind of dedication means to a person facing something as wretched as cancer. As it turns out, it can mean just as much to the walkers. That certainly proved true for Terri King, captain of Northland Credit Union’s Pink Warriors Relay for Life team. This year the group’s Relay-inspired efforts raised $5,000. “I’ve experienced the emotions shared by a survivor, or his mother, and the small amount our team raised this year is like a million,” King said. “It is my pleasure to be a part of this dedicated team.” Several Northland staffers participated in this year’s Relay. Top walkers included Lisa Green who donated 12 hours and walked 9 miles, Nikki Foster (25 hours and 8 miles), Olivia Corcoran (20 hours and 9 miles) and Terri King (25 hours and 22 miles). That, my friend, is dedication to others. One smile to a stranger. That’s all it takes to start on a path toward personal contentment and a stronger community. Treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Be polite and respectful. Be kind, and teach your children to do the same. It will come back to you. Just like mom said.

– Northland Area Federal Credit Union is a 13 branch credit union located in Northeastern Michigan. They are committed to volunteerism and actively support dozens of organizations for the betterment of our communities. In 2010 alone, Northland volunteers donated over 1,100 hours to the communities they serve. For more information about Northland or their community involvement, please call 800-336-2328 or visit northlandcu.com.

THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

A Summer’s Float

By Casey Ressl Huron Pines staff

NORTHERN MICHIGAN – Summer is here, truly here. It never ceases to amaze me how Northern Michigan wakes up from the slumber of winter again and again, but here we are. With several days over 90-degrees under our belt, many now seek the cool respite of our coldwater rivers and streams. What sweet relief it is to dust off your kayak or canoe and take that long awaited float down your favorite stretch. What do you see as you float down the Au Sable? The Pigeon? The Rifle? Are there trees along the bank providing habitat for fish? Did you glide through a newly installed bottomless culvert? Can you spot new plants taking root on a once eroding streambank? 22

Maybe you’ll spot one of our crew members collecting data to prioritize resources concerns or a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member removing invasive species like purple loosestrife. Or, maybe you’ll see a group of volunteers working away to stabilize a streambank. If you don’t see us, know that we’re out there. It may be subtle, but projects such as these are signs of Huron Pines and this organization’s partners – folks who are dedicated to the conservation of our forests, lakes and streams. Crews are installing large woody debris to provide habitat for fish and insects. We’re improving road stream crossings to reduce runoff pollution from entering our streams and to improve fish passage. And we’re removing aging dams to prevent failures that could cause extensive

fish kills. As a small conservation nonprofit covering 11-counties of Northeast Michigan, Huron Pines has its work cut out for it. For more than 30 years we’ve been steadily moving through restoration projects and inventorying watersheds to find new concerns. While each completed project is a step in the right direction, there is no shortage of projects on the horizon. Many conservation organizations are up against decreasing government investment, funding shortfalls and increasing demands on natural resources. But conservation in Northeast Michigan does not reflect that sad story. Here we find dedicated and generous partners who will do whatever it takes to keep our natural resources healthy. Huron Pines does not receive any government support for general operating expenses. What keeps this organization going are the communities across Northeast Michigan. Huron Pines provides an opportunity to invest in what makes this region pulse: the forests, lakes and streams. It’s inspiring to be a part of an organization that has such a hard working staff, an extremely talented and invested board, and of course, dedicated and excited volunteers. If you’ve never participated in a Huron Pines event, I encourage you

THE GUIDE • JULY 2011

to join us. Not only will you further conservation in Northeast Michigan, but you’ll have fun and meet great people while doing it. If you’ve never contributed financially to Huron Pines, I encourage you to make an investment that fits your budget. Rest assured, you’ll be donating to an organization that will leverage your donation to perform quality conservation work right here in your backyard. So, next time you let the current carry you through one of Northeast Michigan’s many beautiful waterways, take a look around and see if you can see the subtle footprint of our region’s conservationists. Chances are good that we’ve already been there. Learn more at www.huronpines.org.

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By JERRY NUNN editor GRAYLING – If local artists have their way, this Crawford County town is soon to be the artistic capital of Northern Michigan – a nationally recognized destination for both cultivated aficionados and amateur connoisseurs who can help drive the local economy through their appreciation of fine arts. With the opening of two new art galleries on the town's main drag, the economically-hopeful artists are off to a great start. On Memorial Day weekend, AuSable Artisan Village and The Main Branch Gallery greeted art lovers for the first time during Grayling's annual Spring Art and Wine Walk. In a former Ben Franklin fiveand-dime, visitors here will find the AuSable Artisan Village, a cooperative effort of regional artists. Already the Village is offering art classes. Workshops, artist’s receptions and meet the artist events are in the works. Most days, visitors will find an artist at work. "Anything you want in the way of artwork you can find in Grayling," says Terry Dickinson, president of the AAV. "We have a great artist community here and many of them are world-class. The quality of talent you can find in Grayling is as high as you'll find anywhere."

A tireless promoter, Dickinson and a crew of volunteers worked around the clock in order to have the AuSable Artisan Village ready for its Memorial Day opening event. He says the outpouring of community support is all that allowed the venture to happen at all. "I can’t say enough about the people who've helped with this," Dickerson said, naming contractors and individuals who arrived after work to put in full shifts and get the gallery open. "The night before we opened we had a dozen people in here, cleaning and spiffing the place up, getting it ready to go." If all goes as planned, Kirtland Community College will play an important part in the city's art-inspired revitalization efforts. Technical support that comes from the college may provide everything from classrooms, to instructors to business advice. Kirtland administrators recently coordinated a trip to Berea Kentucky, where arts and crafts has driven the local economy for decades. The excurssion convinced Dickinson and others that they too can make an economic difference with art. "It’s exciting. We have artists from across the state but almost allof them have some sort of connection to Grayling," said Dickinson, telling how artist referral has helped guide talent to AuSable Artisans Village.

“And that’s how this thing is going and drawings, photography, jewelry, to grow, through artist referrals and woodwork, sculpture, pottery and word of mouth. As long as that con- more. tinues, we will build a strong base of "We've been pretty happy," said artists and clientelle and that’s how famed wildlife artist Kim Diment, a we’ll eventually have a much larger partner in the Main Branch Gallery. gallery out on I-75.” "We were worried because we are Townsfolk too, are hoping for tucked back out of the way, but we're success of the artistic economic done pretty well, especially on the endeavor. weekends." “I never realized until we had our “Townsfolk are real hip on the first art walk, how many artists and idea of art galleries in their downthe quality of art work that can be town,” Diment said. “The stores found around Grayling,” said Jamie downtown all tell people we are here Greer, owner of J. Dap gift shop in and we tell people who come here downtown Grayling. “I think it is about the other gallery.” great that they’ve filled the vacant Just like Terry Dickinson said: spots and are trying to create an That’s the way this thing is going to interest in bringing people here.” grow. Across the street and just down Learn more about the main the block from AuSable Artisan Branch Gallery and its artists at Village you'll find the Main Branch MainBranchGallery.com. You’ll Gallery, with a collection of 13 find the AuSable Artisan Village on world-class, nature-focused artists. facebook. Like AuSable Artisan Village, The Main Branch Gallery often has a resident artist at work and both offer a full range of artistic medi- Meet the Artists, July 9, 10 a.m. Main Branch Gallery ums, including paintings 234 E. Michigan Avenue, Grayling

THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

Fine: Dining:

adj. excellent, admirable, of highest quality

By SCOTT NUNN

v. to eat dinner, especially at N.E. Michigan’s best restaurants

Info Northeast staff

The sign on the door says, ‘Come on in!’ And that we did, to our good fortune and culinary comforts. Located on the south side of Mio, O’Brien’s Dinner Table Restaurant at the Song Bird Motel offers casual dining, served formally in an intimate setting. Assuring personal ambiance, Betty O’Brien welcomes customers with a friendly smile. In better weather guests dine in the Key West Room, or outdoors on the adjacent patio. The day we arrived, the north air was chilly. We were seated in the garden room, overlooking the pink blossoms of the crabapple tree, amidst intimate lighting and décor true to the room’s descriptive name. Restaurateurs Dan and Betty O’Brien most recently owned and operated a restaurant in Key West. That was before they retired. Soon realizing they needed something to do, the couple pur-

DAN'S SPESmothered CIAL GARLIC Delmonico CHICKEN 24

chased the Songbird Motel in 2007 and opened O’Brien’s Dinner Table the following January. Not long after, they were joined in business by daughter Peggy and son Vincent. Peggy was our server for the evening. Family ownership pays off and it almost feels as if the O’Brien are not only inviting you in for a meal, but inviting you into their home. They

DAN'S Dan's SPECIAL Special GARLIC CHICKEN

Garlic Chicken

Shannon and I ordered mussels ($7.95) served in a delectable garlicwine sauce. Lemons were optional, but we used ours to make the savory flavors pop even more. After eating these, I had wished I’d ordered the Mahi-Mahi, or one of the other seafood selections. Two dinners Shan and I can personally recommend are the Smothered Delmonico and Dan’s Special Garlic Chicken. The chicken ($12.95), lightly browned and tender, is served aside a bed of mashed potatoes that Shannon described as “heaven, just like grandma’s.” It was accompanied by crisp-cooked green beans, topped with almonds and a slightly sweet sauce. The Smothered Delmonico ($18.95) held true to its promise with the flavorful ribeye drowning in sautéed mushrooms, onions, peppers and gravy. An extra large cut, by our standards, it was tender and juicy. It was served with O’Brien’s fries – sliced potatoes cooked crisp and topped with melted cheese. A word of caution: Don’t eat too

O'BRIEN'S DINNER TABLE RESTAURANT 320 SOUTH MORENCI AVENUE, MIO (989) 826-5547 WED.-SAT. OPEN 4 P.M.-8 P.M. SUN. OPEN NOON-4 P.M. connect with customers in a way that is admirable – naturally personable but lacking the forced familiarity that is too common these days. Every meal at O’Brien’s comes with a generous helping of bread and three varieties of butters, cold salad and relish tray, and a cup of chicken noodle soup. The bread was fresh and butters flavorful, and while the relish tray wellstocked with an exceptional sweet and spicy corn relish that I really liked, the chicken noodle soup was a bit bland for my palette. As an appetizer, my wife

THE GUIDE • JULY 2011

much. You won’t want to pass up on O’Brien’s desserts. While they only offer two, either makes a great finishing touch to a great meal. I decided to cash in on the OBrien’s ties to Key West and try the Key West Key Lime Pie ($3.75). The tart treat was perfectly smooth and delightfully tangy and I was not diappointed. Citrus not your bag? Shan tried the Chocolate Volcano ($4.75), a chocolate cake served warm, filled to overflowing with hot fudge and

circled with generous helpings of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. Even a choclate lover like Shannon could not finish it all (a task I was to happy to help with.) Next time you’re in Mio think about stopping in for a delicious & affordable bite at O’Brien’s, you won’t leave disappointed.

Crab Cakewich

BREAKFAST ON THE FARM

Keith and Heather Kartes and Cole and Lauren Kartes, members of Young, Savvy and Into Dairy, invite the public to the family's Circle K Farm for a complementary breakfast and to learn the modern methods used on today's dairy farms.

From Tim’s Kitchen Crab Cakewich By TIM REED

Where: Circle K Dairy, 4443 S. M-30, West Branch When: July 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: The event is free but tickets are required for breakfast. Find out where to get your tickets by visiting BreakfastOnTheFarm.com Hosted by the group Young, Savvy and Into Dairy, the breakfast is a chance to learn the modern methods used on today's dairy farms. Held on Circle K Farm of the Kartes family just south of West Branch, the breakfast will highlight the jobs and equipment needed to care for a 210 head dairy operation. On self-guided tours, visitors can inspect the milk parlor, examine farm equipment and see a calf nursery. Breakfast on the Farm is a national movement, meant to familiarize folks with their dairy-farming community members. The third-generation Kartes farm has received awards for producing quality milk. Management practices used on the farm include a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan, a written conservation plan developed for farms.

Ingredients:

1 lb premium blue lump crab meat 2 eggs beaten 4 tablespoons mayonnaise 2/3 cup bread crumbs

1 1/3 teaspoons Old Bay 1/3 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper 1 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground mustard 1/4 cup parsley

Directions:

Combine ingredients and refrigerate for an hour. Form into patties and pan fry in butter and oil blend for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown; grill a buttered Kaiser roll then assemble with leafy lettuce, slice of tomato and slivered red onion, top with roasted red pepper, caper, dill sauce. Number of servings: 4

– Tim Reed and his wife Sandy own Reeds on the River in Tawas City, where this special menu item and other recipes are served.

THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

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