The Guide October/November 2011 by The Guide

IndeX

7 ............Fruitful harvest 10..........Promise keeper 14..........Distant vision 16..........Classroom in the woods 19..........Capturing the landscape 20..........Huron Pines volunteers 2011 22..........Are you ready for winter? 23..........Neighborly ambition 24..........Catch the colors of autumn

The

Guide

covering the counties of Alcona, Arenac, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon OCT/NOV 2011 Volume II, Issue 7

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, Kelly Trainor Contributing photographers: David Smith, Tasha Trainor, Penny Wojahn, Jerry Nunn Advertising sales and design: Scott Nunn (989) 245-7140 snunn@infonortheast.com Layout and design: Kathy Neff (989) 848-0787 kneffphotographics@mac.com

The By JERRY NUNN

Guide

editor

There are educators and there are teachers. And then there are folks like Tom Dale of Roscommon, who take the intellectual guidance of youth to a whole other level. You’ll meet Dale, educational director at Roscommon's Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve, later in this issue of The Guide, when we highlight the unique educational opportunity that Gahagan offers to area youth. I received my introduction to Dale through Kirtland Community College, during COOR ISD’s 4th Grade Summer Enrichment Program or MEAP Week, as it has commonly been called. A reward program that serves 300-

400 of COOR’s most brilliant students, MEAP Week provides an intellectual workout for COOR's fourth grade students who achieve exemplary scores on the statemandated Michigan Educational Assessment Program. For one week each August, these brilliant youngsters give up one of their last precious weeks of summer vacation to descend on Kirtland’s wooded campus and challenge the world of knowledge. Experiencing as I did, from a background outside of academia, the program was an emotional event. To witness an exuberant horde of youngsters pile off a school bus in the middle of summer and literally run for a classroom tells us plenty about their desire for education. But it was Tom Dale, a former Kirtland instructor who spent his career teaching college biology to young adults, who best sums up the experience. “If I’d have known then how fun and challenging it is to teach these kids, I’d have never taught college,” Dale said. Others feel even stronger. When COOR ISD administrators could not find the $40,000 to host the program in this year’s budget and cancelled MEAP Week, a handful of us involved in the program stepped up and asked if we could seek funding on our own. Now with the blessings of COOR and Kirtland boards of trustees, the backing of administrators, and with the

THE GUIDE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

Supporting young scholars

Kirtland Community College Foundation serving as our fiduciary, we set out to raise the money to keep this academic rewards program alive. It is a program worth saving. Untethered by regulation, the curriculums that these teachers develop stand out for the lofty demands they place on the youngsters – challenges that these over-eager students rise to and surpass. Unhindered by normal classroom protocol, MEAP Week acts as a wellspring of new concepts and ideas, introduced at levels that would leave the average fourth grader far behind. And mostly, in an age when student need is reduced to statistics, where classroom decisions are made by legislators, when regulatory pressure dictates that our most intelligent students step aside and wait for those less able, we feel that a program aimed at our most gifted youth is not one that students can afford to lose.

Support Young Scholars

Please consider donating. Cost to send one student to COOR's 4th Grade Summer Enrichment Program is only $100. Cost to sponsor an entire class is $2,000. And personalized sponsorships can be designed to provide classroom supplies, teaching materials, transportation and more. To learn more about the program or to schedule a presentation before your group or organization, call (989) 780-0900.

Northeast Michigan Calendar of Events Oct / Nov 2011 October 1

Depot Days, at the Historical Depot in Standish, with carnival rides, live entertainment, historical exhibits, antique tractors and more. Info: (989) 846-7867

Biker Garage 101 Toys for Tots Charity Ride,

registration from 8 to 10 a.m. at Biker Garage 101, ride starts at 11 a.m. Cost is $10, donation of new toys encouraged, with an after ride party at the Office Lounge. Info: (989) 569-3660

4th Annual Grayling Harvest Festival, 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m. in downtown Grayling, including tractor and truck shows, parade, museum presentations, craft show, kids games and more. Info: (989) 348-2921

Harvest Festival at the Historic Museum, part of Grayling's harvest celebration featuring Michigan author Raymond Goodwin, and his monologue, The Wreck of the Gimpy Gin, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Info: (989) 348-2921

22nd Annual Hartwick Pines Challenge,

registration at 8:30 a.m., race at 9, in the picnic area at Hartwick Pines State Park, with 5k and 10k races; $25 adults, $15 youth, first 75 registered get a pair of gloves. Info: (989) 390-5530 or www.Grayling-Area. com/pinerace/

Sprinkler Lake Education Center Annual Nature Fest, Lincoln, featuring presenters and

activities, PaleoJoe, Sunrise Side Woodcarvers, birds of prey, nature walks and more. $2 admission includes lunch. Registration and info: (989) 724-6165 or (989) 735-4532

Fall Arts & Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the

Grayling Elementary School, with a shuttle bus from the Harvest Festival, $1 admission goes to the Christian Help Center. Info: (989) 348-7966

Sunrise Side Hockey and Figure Skating Golf Fundraiser, at Lakewood Shores Gailes, with a

shotgun start at 9 a.m. Cost is $60 each includes golf, games and prizes. Info: (989) 820-573

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.

Quota Club Trivia Night, 6 p.m. at Knight of

Columbus Hall, East Tawas, with eight-player teams competing for fun and prizes; $10 per player, games start at 7 p.m. Applications available at Alley Cuts and Village Chocolatier. Info: (989) 362-8587 or 362-2084

Gestational Diabetes presentation, first of a six-

session presentation, part of the Healthy You! Healthy Life! program at Mercy Hospital Grayling. Info: (989) 348-0455

11th Annual Oscoda Lions Club Fall Festival Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the

Oscoda School Complex. Info: (989) 739-3911

Bow Hunter's Dinner, 4 p.m. at the Grayling Eagles Club, with homemade stuffed cabbage and desert, $6 a plate, featuring music and raffles. Info: (989) 348-5287 Grayling Rotary Fall Flinger Disc Golf Tournament, 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. start, at

Hanson Hills Recreation Center, Grayling. Info: (989) 348-9266

Earleen Fox Memorial 5K Walk/ Run Promoting Breast Cancer Awareness.

Proceeds go to OHHS Scholar ship fund. Info: ww.EarleenFoxMemorial5kWalkRun.com or (989) 685-2552

Gently Used Book Sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the

Tawas City Library, you pick the book and you pick the price too. Info: (989) 362-6557

October 1-2

State Bump and Run Derby Championship,

at Ogemaw County Fairgrounds with Saturday events including a car show, chili cook-off, camping, pinewood derby, pig roast and night time activities. Info : (989) 345-7266

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October 3

Diabetes Presentation and Diabetes BINGO, 2-4 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church of the North in Roscommon. Event is free; pre-registration required. Info: (989) 275-5577

Forest Dunes Golf Course Local Play Discount Day, golf for $50 with a Roscommon or Crawford

resident. Info: (989) 275-0700, ext. 104 or www.Forest DunesGolf.com

October 4

Tales to Tails, Every Tuesday in October 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Tawas City Library, a chance to read to the library's live canine companions, Nic B. Nimble and Miss Ida. Info: (989) 362-6557 Cash is Key, small business seminar, 8:30-11 a.m. at Chemical Bank in AuGres; class is free, preregistration is required. Registration and info: (989) 686-9597

October 6

11th Annual Knights of Columbus Fundraiser Dinner, 6:30 p.m. at the K of C Hall, Gladwin, with

entertainment and door prizes, proceeds to Habitat for Humanity. Info: (98(0 426-3078

October 6-8

27th Annual Quilt Show and Raffle, at the West Branch Library and 4th Street Gallery, with more than 100 quilts on display; admission costs $5, quilt raffle tickets cost $2 or three for $5. Info: (800) 992-6592

October 6-9

17th Annual Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival,

with lighthouse events all along Michigan's Great Lake's shoreline. Tour the light at Tawas Point and learn more about the light keepers program. Info: (989) 362-5658

October 6-7

Rummage and Bake Sale, to benefit the Ladies Aid

of St. John Lutheran Church; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at 2882 Houghton Lake Dr. across from Buccilli's Pizza. Info: (989) 366-5164

October 7

Open Mic Night, first Friday of every month at

Thanks a Latte and Flowers by Josie, share your music and literature or just come enjoy. Info: (989) 348-4006

October 7-8

Fairview Schools Eagle Fest, games for kids,

parade, car show, pancake breakfast, chicken dinner and lots more. Info: (989) 848-7054

October 7 through month's end

Forest of Fear, haunted forest on Stephan Bridge

Road, east of Grayling; 7-11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, $5 admission. Info: (989) 745-2451 or (989) 390-6241

October 8

Ogemaw Trails: Railroading Ogemaw County

– East Edition, a self-guided driving tour of railroad history in Ogemaw County. Info: (989) 873-5673

Scrapbooking Event to benefit Roscommon County Relay for Life, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memory

Lane Scrapbooking, Roscommon; $25 includes continental breakfast, lunch and snacks. Limited space. Registration and info: (989) 366-5076

The Frank E. Ward Co. open house, 10 a.m. to 5

p.m. with games, prizes, cider and doughnuts, cookies and special sales. Info: (989) 426-9421

Charity Trail Run for United Way of Roscommon

County, 8 a.m. at Camping World in Houghton Lake, with a 5k and 10k races down wooded trails. Cost is $40. Info: (989) 910-5121

Bockwurst Open, at Forest Dunes Golf Club in

Roscommon, 11 a.m. shotgun start, four-player

scramble with prizes for top three, 18 holes with cart, boxed lunch, Bavarian Buffet and commemorative beer mug. Info: (989) 275-0700

Holy Family School Auction Dinner, 5:30 p.m. to midnight at Holy Family School in East Tawas, with dinner, auctions and raffles. Info: (989) 362-5651

Sunrise Creations Fall Art Show at Medical Arts Center, West Branch. Runs through Jan. 31. Info: (989) 343-3690 Uncorked/Uncapped in Grayling, wine and beer

tasting, 5:30 to 7:30 at the Grayling Officers Club, $15 per person. Info: (989) 348-9033

Lion's Dinner Raffle, 6 p.m. at Skidway Lake

October 14

Spooktacular Comedy Show, with Joel Tacey,

Church in Beaverton. Info: (989) 435-7086

Chamber of Commerce. Info: (989) 873-3296

10:30-11:30 a.m. at Roscommon Area District Library. Info: (989) 281-1305

October 8-9

Apple Butter Day at Wellington Farm Park,

featuring apple products of all sorts at a Depression Era historic farm. Info: (989) 348-5187 or www.WellingtonFarmPark.org

October 9

Dig the Blues Big Blues Jam, to support

Roscommon and Crawford County food pantries, 4-8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall n Roscommon; admission is free, cash donations appreciated. Info: (989) 275-8137

Music with a Mission, featuring Hank Nelson,

Firefight and Superchick, 2 p.m. at Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts; tickets cost $20. Info: (989) 275-6777

October 13

Harvest Dinner, 4 -7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian

Church in Beaverton, featuring roast beef and all the trimmings and great hospitality; adults $8.50, children $3. Info: (989) 435-7086

Harvest Dinner, 4 to 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian

October 14-15

Tawas Point Haunted Lighthouse, with kids

games, a Monster Bash dance, $2 tours of the lighthouse including a night climb, hayrides and trickor-treating for campers. Event is free, state park pass required. Info: (989) 362-5658

October 14-16 & 20-23

Tawas Bay Players present Escanaba in Love, return to the Sodie deer camp for the hilarious

sequel to Escanaba in Da Moonlight. Show times at 7 p.m. except 2 p.m. Sunday matinees at Tawas Bay Playhouse. Info and tickets: (989) 362-8373

October 14-16

A Celebration of Fine Art, featuring Northern Michigan's finest artists, at the Roscommon County Annex, 112 S. 4th Street; 5-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Info: (989) 275-5000 ext. 418

October 15

Richard Marx “Stories to Tell” – a very Special

Acoustic Performance, 7 p.m. at Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts, tickets cost $32 and $36. Info: (989) 275-6777 or www.KirtlandCenter.com

Critters in the Moonlight, 5-8:30 p.m. at Hartwick Pines State Park, featuring costumed critters greeting youngsters along a jack-o-lantern lighted path. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Event is free, state park pass required. Info: (989) 348-2537

Halloween Costume Exchange, noon at Richfield Township Park, St. Helen, with pumpkin decorating, face painting and refreshments. Info: (989) 389-4994

THE GUIDE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

Men's to Men's Sale, 10 a.m. to 1

p.m. at Roscommon VFW Post 4159, featuring tools, toys, sports equipment and apparel. Info: (989) 275-6014

Nine Pin No Tap, 7 p.m. at Legion Lanes in Grayling, $25 per person includes three games, shoes and food, with raffles and drawings; a fundraiser for Grayling Little League. Info: (989) 390-4633

Oscoda Health Expo, at the Oscoda

Community Center. Info: (989) 739-2934

Scrapbooking for a Cure, at VFW

Post 3580 in Standish, $35 each includes lunch, drinks, snacks and prizes. Register by Oct. 8, limited to 35 participants. Info: (989) 615-7500

October 15-16

Punkin' Chunkin' at Wellington

Farm Park, featuring a medieval style trebuchet; cost is $7.50 adults, $5.50 seniors and students, or $27.50 per family. Info: (989) 348-5187 or www.WellingtonFarmPark.org

October 19

Fraud Fest 2011, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at

the Grayling Senior Center, presented by the Fraternal Order of Police, featuring Scams and Scum, end of life planning, investment frauds, home repair and equity scams. Reservations required. Info: (989) 348-7123

October 19-21

Fiction Fest Book Sale, at the Devereaux Memorial Library in Grayling. Info: (989) 348-9214

October 20

Huron Pines Brown Bag Lunch

Series: Road/Stream Crossings, noon to 1 p.m. at Huron Pines, 501 Norway Street, Grayling; RSVP requested, bring your own lunch. Info: (989) 344-0753 ext. 21 or email jill@huronpines.org

Harvest Dinner, 5-7 p.m. at

Michelson Memorial Methodist Church, with turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, squash, cranberries pies and more; adults $8, 6- to 12-yearsold $4, under 6 are free. Info: (989) 348-2974

October 21-22 & 28-29

October 29

Cindy Lou's Haunted Trail, 8 - 11

p.m. at Cindy Lou's Zoo, Roscommon; cost is $4. Info: (989) 275-4000 or www. CindyLousZoo.com

October 22

Snowmobile Safety Class, 8 a.m. to 4

p.m. at Klacking Township Hall, for ages 12-18, cost is free but pre-registration is required; parents are encouraged to attend, lunch is included. Info: (989) 343-2822 or 473-3062

Gardening Workshop, bulbs and

container bulb gardening, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Plainfield Township Library. Registration required, limited to 25 participants. Info: (989) 728-2811

Cindy Lou's Zoo Boo, noon to 6

p.m. at Cindy Lou's Zoo, with games, refreshments and costumes encouraged; under-12 are free with an adult. Info: (989) 275-4500 or www.CindyLousZoo.com

Trunk or Treat, 6 to 8 p.m. at Hilltop Manor, Roscommon; tricked out vehicles and trick-or-treaters welcome. Info: (989) 275-8936

October 26

Unexplained Michigan Mysteries, 7 p.m. at Ye Olde Courthouse, in Omer; cost is free donations appreciated. Info: (989) 876-6468

October 27

The Joy of the Image, tips and tricks for photographers, no matter what kind of camera you use; with instructor Ken Wright. Cost is $20, limited to 15 students, registration at www.GraylingArea.com/joyoftheimage. Info: (989) 370-2025

Frightful Tales of the Night, 7-9 p.m. at Iosco County Historical Museum, a Halloween celebration for adults. Info: (989) 362-8911

October 27-29

The Haunting of Wellington,

experience the Legend of Sleepy Hollow in person at this depression-era interpretive farm; cost is $7.50 adults, $5.50 seniors and students, or $27.50 per family. Info: (989) 348-5187 or www. WellingtonFarmPark.org

Trunk or TreatÂ¸ 6 p.m. at Richfield Township Park, St. Helen. Info: (989) 389-4994

Halloween Parade, 3 p.m. on Greenwood Road, Skidway Lake. Info: (989) 873-5675

Pumpkin Painting, at Gladwin City Park, kids under 10 are free. Info: (989) 426-3272 Cemetery Walk: Brookside Head

Stone Stories, hosted by the Ogemaw County Genealogical and Historical Society. Info: (989) 343-0177.

November 1

Annual Auction & Wine Tasting Dinner, 6 p.m. at Woodland Sanctuary; tickets available at Chamber of Commerce office. Info: (989) 826-3331

November 1-12

Death by Chocolate, a Mid Michigan

Community College theater production of Craig Sodaro's comedic detective tale; various performance dates and times. Info: www.MidMich.edu or (989) 3866622

November 1-21

Curious George, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

at Roscommon Area District Library, Roscommon. Info: (989) 281-1305

November 9

Edmund Fitzgerald, a Ric Mixter presentation, 7 p.m. at Ye Olde Courthouse in Omer. Cost is free but donations appreciated. Info: (989) 8766468

November 10

2nd Annual Food and Coat Drive,

Oscoda Lions and Lioness Thanksgiving Dinner, 6 p.m. at Oscoda Methodist Church. Info: (989) 739-8591

November 2

November 12

the Alcona Humane Society, at the Backwoods Bistro in Lincoln. Info: (989) 736-7387

p.m. at St. Stephan's Hall in Skidway Lake. Info: (989) 873-3340

at Hilltop Manor, Roscommon. Info: (989) 275-8936

Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for

November 4

Pine Cone Ball, 6 to 11 p.m. at Hartwick Pines Forest Visitor Center 1880's period costume party and dance, featuring The Olde Michigan Ruffwater String Band and music from 1860-1889. Cost is $10 each; RSVP by Oct. 5. Info: (989) 348-2537 Open Mic Night, first Friday of every

month at Thanks a Latte and Flowers by Josie, share your music and literature or just come enjoy. Info: (989) 348-4006

November 5

Bells for Hospice Community Memorial Service. Info: (800) 992-6592

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Hunters Smorgasbord Dinner, 4-8

November 12-20

Festival of Trees, Christmas Tree Raffle at Grayling Mini Mall, featuring two-dozen-or-more fully decorated Christmas trees; proceeds to benefit Grayling Promotional Association. Info: (989) 348-2921

November 12-13

Tawas Area Art Tour. Info: (989)

362-5613 or 820-7850

November 13

Hunter's Dinner, at the Mio Moose

Lodge, west of Mio on M-72, Info: (989) 826-3331

than 30 vendors at St. Joseph Catholic School, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with raffles, pictures with Santa and lunch available. Info: (989) 345-0220.

November 24

Thanksgiving Day Community Dinner, noon to 3 p.m. at St. Stephen’s

Hall, Skidway Lake. Info: (989) 8733340

November 25

East Tawas Annual Parade, tree lighting and sing along. Info: (989) 362-8643

Thanksgiving Night Midnight Madness, midnight at Tanger Outlet

November 15

Deer Hunter’s Dinner, by the Barton

Center, West Branch with more than 20 stores for your early Christmas convenience. Info: (989) 345-2594

Santa Parade and Tree Lighting, in

City Improvement Association at VFW Post 8135. Info: (989) 736-3401

St. Helen. Info: (989) 389-3725

November 18-19

Holiday Light Parade, at dusk in downtown Mio. Info: (989) 826-3331

November 26

West Branch Kiwanis Variety Show, 7 p.m. at Ogemaw Heights High

School. Info: (989) 343-9934

CASA Wreath Auction, to support

November 19

Christmas Walk in Uptown Grayling, with entertainment,

refreshments and in-store specials, historical displays, an art exhibition, a living nativity scene, carriage rides and a visit from Santa. Info: (989) 348-2921

Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre, 7 p.m.

at Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts, featuring narratives, creation stories and video imagery of Indian traditions, with more than 20 sacred songs and dances. Tickets cost $20 and $16. Info: (989) 275-6777

St. Joseph Christmas Shopping Spectacular, West Branch, more

November 29

Oct. 22 & 29, 2011 12-5 PM

Ogemaw County's Courts Appointed Special Advocates for children. Info: (989) 345-0145

December 1

Tree Lighting in Rose City Park. Info: (989) 685-2936

December 2-3

Arenac County Historical Society Christmas Walk.

Info: (989) 876-6468

Christmas Open House, at Ye Olde

Courthouse in Omer. Info: (989) 876-6468

December 3

Harrisville’s Christmas in the Village, with in-store specials, bazaars at area churches, a visit from Santa, horse-drawn hayrides, cookie walk and other events. Info: (989) 724-5107

6th Annual Northern Lights Parade, 6 p.m. in downtown Oscoda. Info: (989) 739-7322

Festival of Lights Night Time Parade, 6 p.m. in downtown Gladwin. Info: (989) 426-5451

Christmas in the Village Bazaar, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Maria Hall, Harrisville. Info: (989) 724-5107

Oscoda Lions Club Children's Christmas Party, 11 a.m. at Oscoda

American Legion Hall, with free lunch and photos with Santa. Info: (989) 7393911

Holiday Art and Wine Walk in downtown West Branch, featuring art, wine and entertainment. Info: (989) 345-5100

Christmas for Kids Auction, 1 p.m.

at Jerry's Joint tavern in West Branch. Info: (989) 345-8312

Ogemaw Heights High School Music Boosters Craft Sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school. Info: (989) 3120959

December 9-10 & 16-17

Farming by Lantern Light, 6:308:30 p.m. at Wellington Farm Park, Grayling; a depression-era working farm and interpretive museum; $7.50 adults, $5.50 seniors and students, $27.50 family. Info: 989-348-5187 or www. WellingtonFarmPark.org

December 10

Children's Christmas Party, Mio Moose Lodge. Info: (989) 826-6081

Christmas Parade of Lights, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, West Branch. Info: (989) 345-2821

Annual Cookie Fundraiser to support the Ogemaw County Child Protection Council, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Senior Center, $5 buys 18 Christmas cookies and a cookbook, with a silent auction, raffles, door prizes and activities for kids. Info: (989) 345-6222 Children’s Christmas Party, 1-3

p.m. at Richland-Logan Fire Hall, Skidway Lake. Info: (989) 873-6409

December 10 & 17

Pet Pictures with Santa, 11 a.m. to

4 p.m. at the Ogemaw County Humane Society, located on M-33 just north of M-55. Info: (989) 343-7387

December 10-11

A Christmas Carol, 7 p.m. Saturday

and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Kirtland Center for Performing Arts, the classic story of redemption tickets cost $10 and $5 available through area non-profits or through the KCPA box office. Info: (989) 275-6777

December 17

Christmas Fantasy, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown West Branch; featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, horse and carriage rides, hot cocoa and more. Info: (989) 345-5226

1st Annual Fall Wine Festival Rose Valley Winery & Valley Mist Vineyards

Free Hayrides between wineries Free tank tasting with the wine makers

Free wine tasting and tours Snack and appetizers all day long

Special wine pricing for those that attend

For info and reservations call: (989) 685-9399 or (989) 685-9096 THE GUIDE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

Fruitful harvest By JERRY NUNN

bushels and I think we had 200 bushels left at the end of the GLADWIN – Days grow short, season," says owner Dan Vannest. nights turn cool and the next thing "This year I think we are looking at you know, apple harvest season is 8-or-9,000 bushels. We'll probably here. For most folks, fresh pressed make about 800 gallons of cider." cider and cinnamon doughnuts are While cider making is not an enough to wish exact science, that our Northern The Fruitful Orchard and Cider Mill there is a Michigan trick to it 5740 West M-61, Gladwin autumns would according (989) 426-3971 last forever. to Peter www.MichiganAppleOrchard.com Of course, not Open this year until November 23 Bergman. everyone feels "It takes that way. four or five “We don’t get tired of apples. varieties of apples at least to get That’s pretty much what pays a good blend. If you're only using our check,” says Justin Barta of one or two varieties it won’t work Gladwin. “But we do lose the taste well," Bergman says. At peak of for cider by the end of the season.” the season, cider pressing is an all You’ve got to figure that will day operation, where the apples happen. are washed before being coarsely Barta works at The Fruitful ground and then getting squeezed Orchard, one of Northeast Michigan's largest commercial orchards. This year, great summer weather and the lack of a late spring frost has led to a bumper crop of Michigan apples and Fruitful Orchard is no different. A glance around the 45 acre orchard, located just west of Gladwin on state highway M-61, reveals trees heavy with apples of all varieties and color. "Last year we picked 6,000 editor

THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

at 3,200-pounds-per-square-inch section of the orchard is set aside for pressure."Some people like a sweet pick-your-own. cider, and others like something a They also grow sweet and sour little more tart. I taste every other cherries, which ripen and go on sale pressing and try to keep a good in early summer. balance." Aside from on site sales of At three bushels of apples to one Fruitful Orchard's harvest, most gallon of cider, the cider part of the Saturday's also finds their products operation will cost Fruitful Orchard at the Northeast Michigan Regional about 2,400 bushels of mixed Farm Market, in East Tawas. varieties. In late September the orchard hosts an apple festival, on weekdays While Bergman pressed apples, his wife, Cindy, bottled the fresh cider. Like many of the 30 seasonal workers, the Coleman couple are family to Vannest. Most employees rotate jobs, picking apples one day and sorting another, with some days working in the kitchen. While most of the crop will go to fresh Peter Bergman presses apples to make apple cider at Fruitful Orchards as Justin Barta looks whole apples, plenty of on. The Gladwin County orchard will produce apples will be served more than 8,000 bushels of apples this year. up in pies, breads, turnovers, doughnuts and other fresh baked groups can tour if appointments are products. made in advance, and on Saturdays a All are available in The Fruitful hayride provides orchard tours if the Orchard's country store, where you'll find crafts, gifts and of course weather permits. Nearly all season long you'll find apple-based foods of all sorts. They also carry jams, jellies, salsas, maple employees picking apples, according to Joy Ogg, of Gladwin. syrup, local honey and fall candies From atop a ladder Ogg had and Vannest said he is trying to carry a commanding view of Fruitful more products made locally or in Orchard, yet her attention was tuned Michigan. As far as the baked goods, it can't to a single overloaded branch in a failed attempt to pick apples without get any more local than this. dropping any. "Our doughnuts are popular and "Any apple that falls to the they're made fresh every day," said ground stays on the ground," Ogg Cindy Bergman. "Everything we said. "We don't pick them up." make is made from scratch." Those fallen fruits are collected "It keeps us busy, that's for sure," later, to be bagged for animal feed. she said. Like Barta, Ogg says the seasonal Fruitful Orchard is open every employment is fine with her. day but Sunday until November 23 "It's a lot more work than you'd and makes a great destination for a think," she said, ascending the fall color tour. The operation offers ladder yet again. "I wouldn't want nearly 30 varieties of fresh picked, to do it all year round, but the way seasonally available apples and one THE GUIDE â&#x20AC;˘ OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

Baked goods of all sorts with an apple theme, as well as apples, cider and gift items, can be found at the country store at Fruitful Orchard and Cider Mill located west of Gladwin on M-61.

I see it, it's a good workout for a couple of months." Vannest, a Gladwin native, has owned Fruitful Orchard since January 2007. He and his wife Tracey purchased the 35-year-old orchard when they moved back to Michigan from West Palm Beach, Florida. Owning a Northern Michigan apple orchard after residing in the land of citrus and perpetual summer is not as outlandish as it may seem, Vannest said, noting that Tracey's hometown of Linwood is less than an hour's drive. "I have no agricultural background," Vannest said. "I was in mechanical engineering and business administration." Nonetheless, while looking for a way to "come back home," Vannest heard the orchard was for sale. A flight home to inspect the place proved, well, fruitful, and the next thing the couple knew, they and their two children were headed home to Gladwin.

"This is all I do now. Tracey works so I can play," Vannest said. During apple season the work is "non-stop," Vannest says. "I start early every day and during the week it's 8 or 9 o'clock before I'm done. On weekends we start making doughnuts at 3 a.m." But work includes the off-season tasks of pruning and spraying trees, tending to bookwork, repairing and replacing machinery, and mowing 40 acres of tree-covered fields. "I get to use my mechanical engineering skills and I get to use my bookkeeping background," Vannest says. "Besides, I like cider and I like doughnuts. What else could there be?"

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The promise keeper By JERRY NUNN editor

OSCODA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; As a devout Christian, Ann Hume feels duty bound to keep a promise. Thus it is that, diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 and uncertain of what might lie ahead, Hume made a covenant with God that benefits the children of Haiti to this very day. "I told God, if he'd help me recover I'd do His work for the rest of my life," Hume says. Now Hume, a certified medical assistant, serves as president of Bon Samaritan, the faith-based, non-denominational mission and orphanage she founded in Montrouis, Haiti, about 45 miles northwest of Haiti's capital, Port-auPrince. Since 1996, the non-profit has supplied tons of medical supplies, personal care items and clothes to the people of Haiti. Through her work, she has brought Haitians to the states for medical treatments they could not get back home. Hume spends months at a time there, living at her Haitian orphanage where residents call her "mom." "They are my kids. I call them my second family," she said. "They need me but I need them just as bad. I guess you could say we need each other." THE GUIDE â&#x20AC;˘ OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

An estimated 40-percent of Haiti's citizens live in remote villages, many assessable only by foot or mule, and much of Hume's time there is spent traipsing the countryside, seeking people in need. A six month stint beginning in early October will find Hume hauling donated pillows, toys, prosthetics, clothing and other items by commercial airliner. Among her tasks will be taking dental impressions on a man with no teeth, to be sent back to the states where his dentures will be made. "I get closer to God each time I go to Haiti," Hume says. "My faith keeps getting deeper and deeper the more work I do." Hume and her husband Mark own Oscoda Canoe Rental. She says that Haiti is a whole other world. Hume undertook her mission work with a trip to China in 1995, when she smuggled 88 pounds of Holy Bibles into the religiously oppressed country. Her following mission was to Haiti, where Hume was so struck by the poverty, as well as the kind and appreciative nature of the people, that she was compelled to make the country the center of her life's work. Quick with a prayer, Hume speaks openly and publicly to God and says she draws strength from the work she performs.

Still, given the oppressive was the first time that Kesmy, then poverty the country suffers, working 15-years-old, had used electricity or with children and others there would seen a flush toilet. He now studies at try anyone's faith. Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Located 80 miles east of Cuba with plans to lead an American in the Caribbean Ocean , Haiti is church and perform mission work in the poorest country in the Western Haiti. Hemisphere and has one of the most Many of those who have been unstable governments. Insufficient helped by Bon Samaritan return the health care, a lack of proper nutrition favor by providing services to the and unsanitary conditions has long mission. subjected the Haitian people to short life expectancies, extreme infant mortality and To learn more about Bon Samaritan an increased susceptibility to go to www.BonSamaritan.org disease. Since the Haitian To learn how you can help, to earthquake in 2010 and the schedule a presentation or to visit subsequent cholera epidemic Bon Samaritan: that continues still, it has only Bon Samaritan gotten worse Hume says. P.O. Box 662 And Ann Hume has only Oscoda, MI 48750 worked harder. "I found out about the (989) 739-3946 cholera outbreak on Thursday and I was on the ground godbless@chartermi.net in Haiti on the following Monday," Hume says. "We are Lisa, and her husband Kwam, the only chance these people have. live at Bon Samaritan full time, People from outside have to step in watching the place when Hume to help. is away. While the couple earn no "They get nothing from their income from the mission, when government. You can't believe the conditions. Most locals live in thatch money gets tight Kwam spends from his own pocket to keep the place huts," Hume said. going. Much of Hume's focus is on Hume calls them "angels," a children and adults who have term she uses to refer to many, undergone amputations, a condition including doctors, businesses, that she says is rampant due to churches and individuals back here improper sanitation and a lack of in the states who support her work medical treatment. and help provide for her Haitian Despite the overwhelming family. poverty, Hume has found great "This is not me. This is God's success through Bon Samaritan. work," Hume says. "It is a blessing "All my kids have quite the to do this. Jesus is my life and I get story," Hume says, running through a long list of people that her mission blessed by him more and more every day." has helped. And the people of Haiti are Included among them is Kesmy, blessed by Ann Hume. 23, who had lost both arms to infection when Hume found him in a Haitian hospital. When Hume brought him to the states for advanced treatment and therapy, it

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October 29, 6 p.m. at Richfield Township Park in St. Helen Featuring 70 or more devilishly decorated cars, trucks, tents and other vehicles, Trunk or Treat n is a favored Halloween destination for more tha e, 1,000 ghoulish goblins. With a haunted hay rid a chili cook-off and a raging bonfire, Trunk or Treat has much to offer trick-or-treaters young and old. Of course everyone is welcome at this r. Roscommon County event - the more the scarie For those wishing to decorate a vehicle, a tent or even a motor home, electricity is available and prizes are offered for the most outlandish, with first place taking home $100.

For more in formation or to registe r your vehic le for decorating, call (989) 38 9-4994

Fairview's small town bookstore looks far beyond its community to fulﬁll a unique vision By JERRY NUNN editor

Country Cedar Crafts, L.L.C. RUSTIC LOG FURNITURE

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“Check Our Prices Before Buying Elsewhere!” Melvin Jr. & Barbara Gingerich ~ Owners

FAIRVIEW – The hills that lie just outside this Oscoda County town offer a far reaching view of the Huron National Forest and surrounding countryside. Stop by the Family Bookshelf located at the center of this little town and you'll have visions of Africa, South America, Asia and other developing lands. That distant vision comes from the store's wide selection of fair trade gift items. Here you'll find everything from coffee and musical instruments to toys and handcrafted items. They are all purchased with the fair trade approach, designed to promote sustainability and help producers in developing countries procure a livable wage. Folks at the non-profit Family Bookshelf view it as part of their mission: To make a difference in the world, one person at a time. "We started as a non-profit to bring Christian books into the area because there was nothing available locally" says store manager Jane Handrich, noting the 45-minute drive from Fairview to the nearest large town. "We carry a lot of fair trade products, purchased at a fair value from the artist. There are a lot of people who come in for our fair trade." THE GUIDE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

The items you will find here are as diverse as the countries they come from, with Alpaca fiber crafts from South America, purses and jewelry from the South Pacific and musical instruments from Africa. Popular among customers are the Higher Ground coffee, pop can jewelry, hand-bags made from discarded shipping tarps and bracelets made of flip-flops. Those flip-flops are lost by cruise line passengers and wash up on a

remote Caribbean beach, Handrich explains, offering locals a unique opportunity to make money while improving their environment. "People buy this stuff not just because of what it is, but also because of the story behind it," Handrich says. "Some of the things that the artists and crafters come up with are amazing. They work with what they have at hand and often it can be a surprise. There is some excellent craftsmanship." Items come and go as the free market allows but Handrich said she tries to stock as wide a range of free trade items as she can. Always available is the coffee, tea, nuts, chocolates and musical instruments. While Family Bookshelf devotes a large part of inventory to helping people in far-flung parts of the world,

the small but well-planned store carries much more than just fair trade products. Where one section offers children's items, another boasts cabin dĂŠcor and another area is set aside for greeting cards, bibles and church supplies. Much of the sales area is devoted to gift items, compact disks and home furnishings. Of course, as the name implies, a large area displays books on a wide variety of topics. Here you'll find nature field guides from the Audubon Society, cook books, books on Christian living, gardening, education and more. If you think everyone buys their

Family Bookshelf reaches well beyond northern Michigan in its mission. One recent order calls for 1,000 bibles to be sent to Honduras. "We just have to find a way to ship them," Handrich said. No doubt a way will be found. While the Family Bookshelf is located in a small Northeast Michigan town, it's vision stretches well beyond Oscoda County thanks to locals from the Fairview community. "We have a lot of behind scenes volunteers as well," Handrich said, listing jobs from snow shoveling and plowing, to maintenance and garbage

books online these days, think again. One recent afternoon Handrich and her staff had 15 books on order, along with a large number of compact disks. "We do a lot of ordering of books," she said. "Some are books that just came out. Some are just books that people are looking for. Some are older, out-of-print books. "It shocks me sometimes, what people will pay for a book." Like a recent customer seeking historical information on her family, looking for an old book that referenced a family ancestor. "It ended up being a $400 book," Handrich said. "It was exactly what they were looking for." But not all purchases are from locals. Board operated and volunteer staffed, with support from five local churches as well as local individuals,

removal that all get done at no cost to the store. "All those positions that are normally paid are done here by volunteers," Handrich said. "That's what allows us to stay open." And that's what allows Family Bookshelf to set its sights on a distant vision.

Village Bookshelf

located at the corner of M-33 and M-72 in Fairview Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (989) 848-5400 Look for Family Bookshelf on Facebook

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3 miles north of Mio on M-33 398 N. Mt. Tom Road, Mio, MI, 48647 LaVerne Miller and Daryl Miller Licensed Builder

By JERRY NUNN editor

ROSCOMMON – When former biology instructor Tom Dale retired from Kirtland Community College, he left the classroom behind. But that doesn't mean that Dale stopped teaching. As environmental educator for the Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve, Dale delivers lessons out-of-doors to 1,500 elementary students each year at the preserve. For Dale, the change of educational venue proved the epitome of his career. Spending work days in the woods, on the 60-acre nature preserve, suits the life-long science teacher just fine and he's quick to extol the rewards of working with elementary-aged students. "People ask if I ever have discipline problems," Dale says. "I never have. The secret is to keep them busy." Dale's hit-and-get approach to lesson delivery – where he makes a point, shows an example and THE GUIDE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

moves on to the next lesson – keeps the teacher as busy as he keeps his students. And three miles of paved trails and elevated board walks, not to mention a world of nature, make holding student interest an easy proposition at Gahagan Nature Preserve. The preserve also serves as a great backdrop as Dale teaches a grade-appropriate curriculum to the visiting children. While third graders observe patterns in nature, second grade classes study what is nature and the first grade lesson about trees doubles as a tutorial on how to observe nature using all the senses. A sunny September afternoon found the second grade class of Roscommon Elementary teacher Lee Wyckoff, scurrying along the Gahagan's pathways, taking their cues from Mr. Dale. Wyckoff says that Dale's programs are as popular with teachers as they are with students. "Everyone loves it," Wyckoff said. "Teachers sign up weeks in

advance and jockey for the best students-turned-deer cannot find food, water and shelter they die, times." Students certainly make the most Dale said. of it. "You would not believe the Wyckoff's class began with a deaths I've seen. You see some very woodland game before observing horrific deaths. Very, very dramatic an Eagle Scout nature survey, where deaths," Dale said. But while play a fenced in area will determine the acting and games hold a student's effects that browsing white-tailed attention, they also make the lesson deer have on forest undergrowth. much more meaningful, he said. "I Students followed that up by searching a ferncrowded clearing for a long-dead skeleton of a whitetailed fawn before looking below an ancient, half-dead In typical animated fashion, Tom Dale talks about forest oak tree for undergrowth with a second grade class from Roscommon owl pellets. Elementary School. As environmental educator at With Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve in Roscommon, Dale's help Dale teaches around 1,500 students each year about the they found natural world. the skeleton and while the find of a freshly regurgitated can't lecture to a kid. But a puppet owl pellet eluded the students on can. And not only can a puppet this visit, the great bird's past meal lecture to a kid, they'll listen and was revealed in the miniscule mouse learn from the puppet." bones discovered among the leaves. Dale's on-site lessons at Gahagan "Kids really like hands-on and I Nature Preserve are not the only try to include those kinds of lessons educational programs that he as much as I can," Dale said. "These delivers. kids are sharp and they are just During the winter when naturally attracted to our outdoor classroom field trips come to a world." halt, Dale travels to the individual All classes play games to make schools of the four-county COOR the lessons more meaningful, Dale ISD, delivering his Visiting says, noting older students study Naturalist Program. Funded by animal behavior. While one class Kirtland Community College may learn how animals over-winter, and serving nearly 5,000 students others learn about white-tailed deer, annually, the program delivers with students divided into four revolving lessons on bears, big cats, groups representing food, water, weasels and wolves. shelter and deer. Dale and the preserve also Just as you find in nature, if the provide low cost training to

THE GUIDE â&#x20AC;˘ InfoNortheast.com

volunteer educators in individual schools through Project ELF. Perhaps best described as a curriculum-in-a-box, Dale instructs volunteers how to deliver the lesson, while the nature preserve provides a large tote containing the month's lesson plan. That Dale's work with elementary students waited until he finished his college instructor's career, seems a

surprise after observing the senior educator work with young children. His patience is readily apparent and the excitement for nature is as hard for him to conceal as it is for his young students. While Wyckoff's class toured the preserve, they were chaperoned by Mark and Tricia Kibbe of Gaylord. With grand-kids enrolled in Roscommon Schools, the couple have accompanied Dale and a classroom of students 12 times or more. "We come to these whenever we can. Tom is great with the students and the kids just love him," Mark Kibbe said. "These trips are great. We always have a good time. I've actually learned a lot coming to these." – When "The Guide" won the O.B. Eustis Award for Environmental Awareness, the prize came with $500 to donate to the environmental organization of our choice. Because of Tom Dale's exemplary work with children, we selected the Marguerite

Gahagan Nature Preserve as recipient of those funds. Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve 209 Maplehurst, Roscommon, MI 48653 (989) 275-3217 Set aside at the wishes of Marguerite Gahagan, owner and publisher of The Northwoods Call, the Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve is located south of Roscommon, just off the Interstate-75 business loop. From the original 10-acre Gahagan property, the preserve has grown to 60 acres of mature pine and hardwood, mixed with cedar swamp. With three miles of paved trails and elevated board walks, the preserve is a great place to hike, snowshoe, observe nature and enjoy the outdoors. While the property is open to the public year round, Gahagan also offers seasonal education programs, nature presentations and environmental ﬁeld trips for area schools. To learn more about Gahagan Nature Preserve visit Online at: www.GahaganNature.org THE GUIDE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

Capturing the Landscape By Kristy Mortham

Development Coordinator, HeadWaters Land Conservancy

The trembling skies slowly dispersed and moved east while the sun peaked through the clouds on this perfect summer day in northern Michigan. It was about that time to head out to an enchanting property along the AuSable River in Crawford County. My hiking boots were laced up and I was ready to go on my first Volunteer Monitoring Expedition. Volunteer Monitors are volunteers at HeadWaters Land Conservancy who oversee conservation properties. With more than 75 conservation easements in 11 counties of northern Michigan, Headwaters Land Conservancy offers ways for land owners to manage their property, while assuring that the land they love will keep its biological and scenic integrity beyond the owner’s lifetime. This property I was going to monitor is nestled along the AuSable River, where trout fishermen, grouse hunters and float riders love to spend the day. And I was excited to learn that this property has a diverse natural landscape with tranquil waters of the AuSable flowing right along the property line, lots of cover for grouse and woodcock and many different wild flowers, berries, and trees.

I thought to myself, 'Why didn’t I bring my camera?' I enjoy documenting my outdoor adventures and one way to that would be to capture the natural integrity of this place with my camera. In addition to discovering the diverse natural landscape that this property features, I learned that Henry Ford spent a lot of time there. Ford was a member of the AuSable Trout and Game Club, located across the river from this property, and spent many hours here fishing, hunting, and enjoying the same “Up North” we all enjoy. It was then that I realized what an amazing opportunity for photography enthusiasts to not only capture this landscape but also learn about what it used to be. So we've decided to form the Land Guardian Photography Club. If you are interested in the outdoors, history and photography, and would like to learn more about land conservation, contact me at (989) 7310573 or by e-mail me at kmortham@ headwatersconservancy.org. Land Guardian Photography Club will meet at HeadWaters Land Conservancy at 5 p.m. on the first Thursday in October, December, February and May. Meetings will consist of feedback on submitted photographs and field trips to local conservation easement properties. Members are encouraged to submit their digital images to HeadWaters for publication in their Newsletter, website, and in HeadWaters Land Conservancy's Gaylord office, on the photo of the month bulletin.

THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

s e n i P s n o m r Hu r Progra e e t n — u l 1 o 1 V — 20

ung l H. Yo am. u a P e to th rogr thanks 1 volunteer p had g i b a an and o send the 201 d like t supporting heast Michig nd get their l u o w Nort n for Pines tion a e Erwi vents across ut conserva rnMichigan. Huron r i a l C ight e orthe rn abo er and Chapt ines hosted e e out to lea .VolunteerN w P om rg. Huron volunteers c ore go to ww Pines.o n o r 0 m u 0 ww.H over 2 rty. To learn go to w i s d e s n i d P n ha uron bout H a e r org. o nm To lear

Snowshoe Hike at the Greenwood Foundation: As the kickoff to the Huron Pines 2011 volunteer season, over 20 volunteers hiked the trails at Greenwood Foundation in Wolverine learning how wildlife adapts to the harsh winter conditions.

bout event a e r o pr rn m how to a e l to ng ame includi . c s r r ive ntee lants Volu queoc R higan p : p i ic sh Oc ward on the native M e t S p e dshi with relin Sho e stewar scaping and elin shor on and l i eros

Earth Day at Cedar Lake Elementary: Over 30 kindergarten through third grade students and 40 parents and volunteers gathered at Cedar Lake Elementary School in Oscoda to help plant 60 trees, paint 10 benches and tables, rake up countless piles of leaves and sticks, and install a split-rail fence around the compost pile. Photos courtesy of David Smith. 20

THE GUIDE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

Pigeon Instream Habitat: Directions for this day includ ed “channeling your in ner lumberjack” and it wasn’t hard! It was definitely reminisce nt of the logging era as trees floated down the river. The big diffe rence though was Huron Pines left the trees there instead of stripping the streambanks of thei r natural woody debr is.

Lincoln Lake eers Phragmites: Volunt ragmites treated invasive ph was a on Lincoln Lake. It theast or gorgeous day in N spiring Michigan and an in d event that illustrate at th the difference e in our volunteers can mak communities.

ver na “Ri e p l A ihe mer sc Rats: T River ram is a sum olds that year prog Rats” ies for 5-10 doors as a r t e d ence s the great ou es partnere n s i e P r h featu uron s wit om. H ad activitie e. o r s s a l e m c l ian the b,” a em to b h i t h h p t i w am m le and eed bo a repti olding a “s and native m d While of clay, mu arned why e r s u t d i le r mix , the k mportant fo d e e s t i e r a plan plants ians. native and amphib s reptile

Garlic Must ard Remova l: Volunteers c leared garlic m ustard at the Luzern eT (US Forest S rail Campground ervice) and le arn all about this noxious plan ed t and what Huron Pines is doin g to control inva sive plant sp ecies.

Rifle River: Soaked to the bone, 40 industrious volunteers worked away on the Rifle River. It was an erosion control extravaganza with tree revetments, biologs, brush bundles and native plants. THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

Are You Ready for Old Man Winter?

Photo by Tasha Trainor

By Kelly Trainor

Northland Area Federal Credit Union

As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to turn, we start shifting our focus from hot summer weather to cooler fall temperatures. Autumn in Northeastern Michigan is a magnificent feast for the senses. The sights and sounds of colorful, crispy leaves, the brisk chill in the air, the tang of fresh apple cider on your tongue. Few things are as enjoyable as a leisurely drive down US-23 during the peak of the color change. Travelers from all over the country gravitate here just for a glimpse of what we residents are blessed to see every day. This year, why not take a color

tour with someone you love? It’s a wonderful, low-cost way to enjoy time together in this beautiful area. For fall color updates, routes and destinations, check out www. michigan.org. The cooler weather may bring to mind thoughts of hot cocoa and hayrides, but to the do-it-yourselfers among us, it also carries with it the need to get ready for winter. From rooftop to basement and everything in between, now is a good time to ensure you’re well prepared for the Michigan winter ahead. Start with the basics. You don’t have to be a heating and cooling specialist to take steps to winterize your home. Even a little preparation can help lower your winter bills. Here are a few tips to improve the efficiency of your home. Get rid of the air leaks. Caulk, weather strip and put up storm windows and doors. Add insulation to the attic and under floors. Close doors to unused rooms and block any drafts coming from under the doors. Install insulating gaskets, or socket sealers, under the cover plate of your wall sockets. The more airtight your home, the better.

Even tiny air leaks can lead to hefty winter utility bills. Inspect major appliances. Replace furnace filters and clean duct work and vents. Check the water heater for leaks and install an insulating jacket. Clean or replace the dryer hose and outlet duct. If you’re not comfortable maintaining appliances yourself, hire a professional. Yes, it’s that important. Prevent broken pipes. Frozen pipes can easily burst, causing some very expensive repairs. Ensure all plumbing is leak-free and has sufficient protection from cold Michigan winters. In questionable areas such as basements and unheated rooms, wrap pipes with heat tape or insulation tubing. Drain and disconnect air conditioning units and garden hoses from your home. Take a walk outside. Remove debris around your home’s foundation and look for cracks in need of repair. Search for any trouble spots on the roof. Replace shingles as needed to prevent ice build-up that can cause future leaks and further damage your roof. Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts.

THE GUIDE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

If you have overhanging trees, consider installing leaf guards to keep the mess to a minimum next year. Winterize equipment for winter storage. Take a look around your garage and shed. Drain fluids and pull batteries for items like lawnmowers and ATVs that will be stored all winter. Store batteries in a secure, dry location and up off concrete. Check emergency equipment. Ensure your home has sufficient smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and add fresh batteries. (A good rule of thumb is to replace the batteries with every time change. Spring forward, Fall back!) Check the gauges of all fire extinguishers to make sure they’re still charged. Replace any emergency equipment over 10 years old. A little preparation now can make a big difference in your heating bills during the coming months, so take a good look at the efficiency of your home. The most important thing to remember is if you find trouble, fix it. Little problems in October can be expensive headaches in January!

Neighborly ambitions

By JERRY NUNN editor

Endorsing an inaugural and unproven event can be a dicey undertaking for a promotional publication such as The Guide. Aside from behind-the-scenes functions such as planning and scheduling, there are just too many uncontrolled variables to tell in advance if an event will be worth attending. Nonetheless, after hearing the good intentions of Missy Kaiser and Mary Jo McGuire, we felt compelled to step out on a limb and offer up our invitation to their Fall Festival on the Farm. It's hard to imagine a plan more deserving of success. GLADWIN – When times get tough, it is easy to feel like we are all on our own. If you have a craft to sell, a service to promote or a product to offer, don’t ever believe that, not while sisters Missy Kaiser and Mary Jo McGuire are around. Demonstrating a sense of community that's exceedingly rare, the Gladwin natives are hosting an event meant to help their fellow crafters, artists and entrepreneurs as much as it is to help themselves. Come October 15, they'll host Fall

Festival on the Farm at Kaiser's farm just north of Gladwin. At no cost to vendors or festival goers, anyone with something to sell is invited to show their wares. "I just think that when people help themselves, they ought to help their neighbors out as well," says Missy Kaiser, a Gladwin native now living in Grand Haven. "Hard times mean we need to stick together, and these are hard times for a lot of people right now. It is the dismal economy that drove the sisters to host a free-for-all festival. "I understand the struggle," says McGuire, a dispatcher for Clare County emergency services and the mother of two young daughters. "I see it in my job. There is no money up here. I'm by no means well off, but I want to do something for my community." McGuire credits Kaiser with the idea to hold a craft fest. But the sisters are descendants of the Bellinger family, among Gladwin County's original settlers, and the both say the seed of the idea was planted long ago. "It comes from our family," McGuire said. "We were always taught that we are supposed to help out." The girls acquired more than that from their ancestors.

"My grandma Pearl could make anything out of nothing," said McGuire, describing how the two gained their own craftiness. Of course they'll be among the crafters at the Fall Festival, with unique painted items, glass wear, honey products and more. Others will sell Amish baked goods, goats milk soap and lotions, primitive painted furniture, wood workings, crafted knives, leather work and more. "We're going to have a little bit of everything," Kaiser said, noting effort was made to include vendors of wares aimed more at men. "We 're trying to cover just about everything." Neither could guess how many crafters will eventually sign up, but 16 confirmed vendors were signed up back in September. If all works out, that tent will overflow with vendors and the event could prove the precursor to a more permanent purpose. Kaiser would

Kaiser speaks as if competition doesn't even exist. "We have to tell our customers about each other if any of these little stores hope to survive," she said. "We have to do that for each other. It all comes back, I know it does." For now Kaiser is living in Grand Haven, where she writes bankruptcies for an attorney's office, Kaiser hopes to use the plan as a step toward moving home. When her husband Jim, who works in purchasing at Leon Plastics of Grand Rapids, visited Gladwin "he was smitten," Kaiser says. "When we first came up here he said, 'This is where we want to be.'" The couple have made strides towards that end, buying the 75acre farm where they'll host the Fall Festival, building a large blue house, planting more permanent type of crops such as grapes and continuing to work the ground. "I was raised on a hobby farm," Jim Kaiser explains. "I would have been a farmer if I could have inherited it. I'm not Fall Festival on the Farm very good at it, but I just When: October 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. love it." Jim is among many, Where: Blue Barn Farm and Gallery, located including family, friends, on Ridge Road, two miles north of Gladwin even local media outlets, and one mile east of M-18. who deserve credit for What you'll ﬁnd there: Crafters and gift preparing for the festival items of all sorts, including Amish baked and getting word out on the goods, glassware, taxidermy, local honey streets. products, alpaca knit goods, goats milk soaps But it is Missy Kaiser and lotions, What-the-Buck deer attractant, and Mary Jo McGuire who hand painted items, woven rugs, candles, have done the brunt of the twig furniture, fresh farm produce and more. work and shelled out nearly Cost: Admission is free. $1,000 of their own money Vendors: All are welcome; registration is to rent tents, tables, portable required but booths are free. restrooms and more. Looking over a long and For more information: (616) 638-3458 ever-growing list of tasks needing to be complete, the eventually like to build a store in sisters check off a few more items. Gladwin that operates under the "There are 45 items here and that's same open-to-all vendor system. just since Monday," Kaiser explains. Even then she says she'll demonstrate "I hope we are successful. I've the share-a-like attitude that makes prayed a lot and I think we will be. I Farm Festival such a good story. hope it's a wonderful success for Noting a store that was once just everyone involved." down the road but has since closed,

THE GUIDE • InfoNortheast.com

Catch the colors of Autumn in Northeast Michigan

ALCONA COUNTY – From Harrisville go west 2 1/2 miles to Poor Farm Road. Turn north 6 1/2 miles to Shaw Road and west. At Shaw Road’s end turn right and immediately left on Sucker Creek Road about 6 miles to Hubbard Lake Road where a left turn will return you to M-72. Better yet continue straight on a 20-mile loop around Hubbard Lake and a stunning view from the peak of Mount Maria. Alternately stop by Hollyhock Quilt Shoppe in downtown Harrisville for a map and directions to the Alcona County Quilt Trail. The celebrated trail leads all across the county’s forested and farm-dotted countryside. ARENAC COUNTY – From the Historic Depot in downtown Standish go north on U.S. 23 through AuGres to a left on Tonkey Road, past the Chicken Coop Gift Shoppe. Follow Tonkey Road north to Turner Road and turn left. The road leads through rich rolling farmlands and colorful maple ridden landscapes and becomes Maple Ridge Road west of M-65. Ten miles further on you will reach Melita Road where a left turn will lead to Sterling, while continuing straight will take you across the Rifle River to Alger at Interstate 75. A right turn here leads to Ogemaw County farm land and Oscoda County beyond.

CRAWFORD COUNTRY – Any autumn excursion to Crawford County must include a stop at Hartwick Pines State Park and the Michigan Forest Visitor’s Center. Not only is Hartwick Pines home to Michigan’s largest stand of virgin white pine, the 1,400 acre park offers a wide example of Northeast Michigan’s deciduous trees. The park also hosts miles of foot trails, some of which are paved and accessible. Entry to exhibits is free, a state park vehicle pass or Michigan’s new State Park Passport is required. GLADWIN COUNTY – From downtown Gladwin go west to Chappel Dam Road then north through maple studded farm country to M-18. From here turn west and follow M-18 through Meredith to Houghton Lake, where maples turn to oaks and eventually mix with pines. Alternately, from Chappel Dam Road, turn east 1 3/4 miles to Round Lake Road (County Road F-97) and go north. Here you will pass from mapled farmland into northern oak and pine forests before arriving in St. Helen. IOSCO COUNTY – From the shore of Tawas Bay go west on M-55 1 mile to Wilber Road and turn north 1 1/2 miles to Monument Road. From here a left turn down Monument Road will lead through Huron National Forests and past the Corsair Ski Trails to Lumberman’s Monument Visitors Center and

sweeping vistas of the mighty AuSable River. For a more rustic venture continue north on Wilber Road 2 1/2 miles to a right on Galion Road then left on Sherman Road. Travel 1 1/2 miles to May Road east, right on Brooks where the gravel road wends its way to Tuttle Marsh Road and the Tuttle Marsh National Wildlife Area. Travel slowly, with an abundance of wildlife and natural flora Tuttle Marsh is sure to have something for everyone. This tour will end at Old US 27 west of Oscoda. OGEMAW COUNTY – From downtown West Branch go west on State Highway M-55 about 3 miles to Pointer Road and south. At the end turn right on Rau Road 1 mile and left on Stillwagon Road through rolling hillsides and maple dotted farms. When you reach M-30 turn right to Gladwin or take a left to return to West Branch. Alternately from downtown West Branch go east to the Michigan State Police Post and turn left on Fairview Road. Fairview leads north into the maple forested Ogemaw Hills. At Clear Lake Road a left turn will take you past Clear Lake and the Ogemaw Deer Refuge and St. Helen. As an alternate continue north to Rose City Road and turn east. This leads along rolling countryside through Rose City to Long Lake and Hale beyond.

THE GUIDE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011

OSCODA COUNTY – From downtown Mio travel north, cross the AuSable River to McKinley Road east where the road will lead along the AuSable River and numerous overlooks afford travelers colorful views. At Abbe Road a left turn will take you to Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad located 2 miles north where, if the timing is right, you can book a color tour aboard an authentic narrowguage railroad. From Abbe Road continue on along the river through McKinley to AuSable Road and the corner of Aspen Alley Road. Here a left turn will lead you to Curran and a right turn will lead past Alcona Dam Pond to Bamfield Road and the AuSable Vista Federal Forest Overlook.

ROSCOMMON COUNTRY – From state highway M-55 in Houghton Lake go west to old U.S. HWY 27 and turn north. To your right you will see Houghton Lake, to your left are Houghton Lake flats an environmentally precious swampland that provides a crucial home to waterfowl, herons, osprey and serves as feeding grounds to bald eagles. Along the way you will find numerous overlooks and viewing points. At the north end of Higgins Lake turn east on North Higgins Lake Drive; within one mile you will find Michigan’s CCC Museum on the left, where educational displays of our state’s logging history make a fitting stop on any color tour.