The Guide September 2012

Reversal of fortune GUIDEFEATURES 8 10 11 14 18 20 22 24 30 31

Plight of the plover Flutter flight Pampered Beef Return of the grayling Preserving the Big Water Time capsule of history Life and times of Ray Klinger Anatomy of friendship The Way We Worked Slim pickings

covering the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Cheboygan, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and Roscommon September 2012 Volume III, Issue 6 Published by: Info Northeast Jerry Nunn, editor (989) 780-0900 jnunn@infonortheast.com Contributing writers: Charles Bendig, Dennis Mansfield, Jerry Nunn, Samuel Prentice, Jon Paul Roy Contributing photographers: Roger Erikkson, Kathy Neff, Jerry Nunn, Scott Nunn, Shay Polzin, Larry VanWagoner, Denise Willis Advertising manager and design: Scott Nunn (989) 245-7140 snunn@infonortheast.com Layout and design: Kathy Neff (989) 848-0787 kneffphotographics@mac.com

Cover photograph by

Denise Willis — www.SunriseSideSnapshots.com

Centerfold photographs courtesy of Robert

The Mysterians 8 p.m. September 1 at Au Gres Yacht Club $5 cover charge, free for Yacht Club members

By JERRY NUNN editor

AU GRES – Folks in this Arenac County town are experiencing a reversal of fortune.

Last year, membership in the Au Gres Yacht Club had fallen to less than 20 members and there was a real chance the facility would be lost to back taxes.

Now taxes are paid, insurance is up to date, events are being held nearly every weekend and recently, the club registered its

one-hundredth member of the year.

It has been a watershed year in the history of the club.

Built in 1988, the Au Gres Yacht Club began as the central focus of an entire riverside “The first time we had our boat community, part of a development that included condominiums, boat over here, we tied up to the wall and came in and had a burger,” slips, private homes, apartments said Mark. “We said, ‘Hey, this and vacant river front lots. is pretty cool!’ So we bought our The vision of land developer slip and the next year the Yacht and probate judge Ken Ralph, Club closed.” the Yacht Club was once the Tam admits it is exciting to focus of the entire Au Gres think that the club will become community. That was before the a reflection of its former self. economy went adrift and interest Weekly in waterfront dinners and property sank. parties held Now, Visit the this summer interest in the Au Gres Yacht Club have been maritime and popular and nautical has Turn right at the light, if you’re well attended, apparently headed north on U.S. 23, and follow lending been renewed the road to the end. a strong and a new visit them online at suggestion energy has that the www.AuGresYachtClubInc.com overtaken the Yacht Club club. or friend them on Facebook can realize Some eventual credit Mark Better yet, join the fun. success. And and Tam Social membership costs $125 next season Foster, Pool membership costs $150 members hope owners of Combination membership costs $225 to open the Dean’s Bait restaurant and & Tackle in get the club’s Alger. Mark liquor license back. serves as the club’s commodore Tam says like any member and together they bring organizations it is people working experience from their work with together that result in success.

B4K – Bikers for Kids – a multi“It’s teamwork. No one could county fundraising organization do something this big alone,” that focuses on youth.

Tam said. “I’m excited about After purchasing a slip at the this place but I’d like to yacht Club, the couple certainly think we all are.” has the motive to improve the club’s outlook.

Spaulding and Pumpkin Run Car Show and Cruise

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The Guide • September 2012

September 1: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1-2: 9th Annual Junque in the Trunk, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grayling Mini Mall, next to Glen’s Market on the business loop in Grayling, indoors in case of rain.

Info: (989) 348-9419 Wertz Warriors Golf Outing, 1:30 p.m. shotgun start at Knoll View Golf Course in AuGres, $68 each or $272 per team includes steak dinner, hot dogs and shrimp on the turn, many prizes, helicopter ball drop at 8:30 p.m. fireworks at dark, live music and more.

Pre-registration requested. Info: (989) 903-5375 or (989) 876-4653 Mud Bogs, at 33 Motosports Park in Mio, with tech and registration 9 a.m. to noon and racing at 1 p.m. with six classes, entry fee is $25, spectators cost $8 adults, $2 for ages 5 to 10. Info: (989) 280-3534 or www.

ConcernedRacersClub.com Run for River House, 8 a.m. registration and check-in at Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Grayling, racing at 10 a.m., $25 cost with prizes to top male and female finishers. Info: (989) 370-3636 or (989) 348-3169 10th Annual Gun Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Steiner Museum, two miles north of Fairview.

Info: (989) 848-2814 Horn’s Bar Labor Day Regatta, Around the Island Race, with a skipper’s meeting 1:30 p.m. at the Mackinac Island Yacht Club, race starts at 2:15 p.m., all sailboats invited. Info: (906) 847-3363 Fine Art Show, featuring the works of Kirtland Community College staff, 11 a.m. at AuSable Artisan Village in downtown Grayling. Info: (989) 3123660

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11th Annual Aliferis Run & Bike Race, 8 a.m. at Alpena Regional Medical Center, featuring a 1/2 marathon, 5K run, two mile walk and a 18.5 mile bike race; costs range from $20-50 based on event entered.

Info: (989) 356-7351 or www.AlpenaRegionalMedicalCenter.org Fish & Fries, 4-7 p.m. at the Mio Masonic Lodge. Info: (989) 826-6419 Labor Day Cook-Out, 1-6 p.m. at American Legion in Luzerne. Info: (989) 86-5950 Presque Isle County Fair, starts August 29 gates open at noon daily, with crafters, garden demonstrations, mud bog, horse show, music, Extreme Productions and more. Info: (989) 7332584 or www.PICountyFair.net 138th Annual Alpena County Fair, the final weekend at Alpena County Fairgrounds, with a traditional agricultural fair with horse show, truck and tractor show, children’s livestock show, canoe/kayak race and a country classic carnival. Info: (989) 356-1174 or (989) 356-1847 Letters from Frenchman’s Pond – a Tribute to Robert Traver, pen name of author John Voelker, at the Old AuSable Fly Shop in Grayling, with photographs letters and books on display, and a visit on Saturday with long-time Voelker friend, Jim Enger. Info: (989) 348-3330 22nd Annual Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday on Newman Street in downtown East Tawas, with more than 100 crafters offering a wide variety of crafts. Info: (989) 362-8643 or www.Tawas.com Third Folk Art Festival, at Iosco County Historical Museum, with wood carving, basket weaving, fly-tying, spinning, water color

artists and more, with music provided by Olde Tyme Connection. Info: (989) 362-8911 or www.IoscoMuseum.org 37th Annual Harrisville Harmony Weekend, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Harrisville’s Barbershop and the Sweet Adeline groups, art and craft show with more than 300 booths and a parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. Info: (989) 7247197 Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sales, starts August 31 at Tanger Outlets in West Branch. Info: (989) 345-3594 or www.TangerOutlet.com Critter Cash Raffle, to benefit the Alcona County Humane Society. Info: (989) 736-7387 55th Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk, 7 to 11 a.m. across the Mackinac Bridge, starts in St. Ignace, with bus transportation from Conkling Park and the State Dock in Mackinaw City costs $5, suggested to arrive early, prepared for two-hour, five-mile walk. Info: (906) 943-7600 or www.MackinacBridge.org Annual State Street Bridge Walk in Cheboygan, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting on the east side of the bridge and proceeding to Washington Park for hot dogs, and refreshments. Info: (231) 627-7183 The Labor of Logging, 2 p.m. at Hartwick Pines State Park, learn about the work that made Michigan the nation’s 19th century leader of sawed lumber production; event is free, a state park passport is required for entry. Info: (989) 348-2537 Stepping Stones Garden Club, Peoples Garden Fair and bulb sale, at Maxon Field in Onaway. Info: (989) 733-8762

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Annual Labor Day Formal Ride, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. around Mackinac Island. Info: (906) 847-3853 or www.MackinacHorses.org Book Club, the first Wednesday of every month, 1-2 p.m. at Roscommon Area District Library, this month discussing The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford. Info: (989) 281-1305 A Matter of Balance, 9-11 a.m. at the Crawford County Senior Center, an eight-class series stressing safety for seniors held every Monday and Wednesday through Oct. 3. Info: (989) 348-7123 Boomers & Seniors Expo 2012, 2-7 p.m. at the Otsego County Sportsplex, Gaylord, with services, products and programs to help you through the future. Info: (989) 858-3400 or www.GaylordSeniorExpo.com Deputy Ryan Sequin Memorial Golf Scramble, 9 a.m. registration at River’s Edge Golf Club, Alpena, with proceeds to benefit law enforcement agencies. Info: (989) 354-4312 Cruise Night, 5-8 p.m. at Culver’s in Gaylord, classic car season finale. Info: (989) 448-8300 AARP Safe Driver Safety Program, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Crawford County Commission on Aging and Senior Center, a classroom refresher for drivers aged 50 and over, cost is $14 for non-members, $12 for members. Info and registration: (989) 348-7123 Fore Ladies, four player golf scramble for Tolfree Foundation, 9 a.m. shotgun start at West Branch Country Club, $75 includes 18 holes with cart, breakfast, luncheon and prizes. Info: (989) 343-3700 Good Morning Alpena Breakfast, a kick-off to the annual United Way Campaign, 7-8:30

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a.m. at the APlex in Alpena, cost is $8. RSVP to Alpena Chamber. Info: (989) 354-4181 Open Mic Night, 6-8 p.m. every first Friday at Thanks A Latté in downtown Grayling, show your talent in music, poetry or literature or just relax and enjoy the show. Info: (989) 348-4006 Murder Mystery at the Sportsplex, 6 p.m. at the Otsego County Sportsplex in Gaylord, tickets cost $25, with a cash bar. Info: (989) 731-3546 or www.OCSportsplex.com Hopps of Fun, with more than 50 Michigan beers and 40 wines, at Mackinaw Crossings in downtown Mackinaw City. Info: (231) 436-5030 61st Annual Posen Potato Festival, featuring Schmidt Amusements carnival,

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a Country Western tent with Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys, polka tent, flea market, antiques show, vendors, parade and more. Info: 989-766-8128 or www.PosenChamber.com 14th Annual Hospice of Helping Hands Yard Sale, at the former West Branch Industries building, just east of West Branch on state highway M-55, with electronics, house wares, furniture, antiques, and no clothes. Info: (800) 992-6592 Chippewa Hills Pathway Mountain Bike Race, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. registration, racing starts at 1 p.m., awards at 3, 13018 Bartz Road, Hubbard Lake, just off Nicholson Hill Road, 18 west of Alpena; registration costs $20 before Sept. 1, $25 after, with custom metals to top five in all classes as well as prize drawings. Info: (989) 727-3702 or www.ThunderBayTrails.org, Huron Pines Pigeon River Habitat Day, noon to 4 p.m. at help diversify aquatic habitat and help strengthen the Pigeon River; high physical activity, RSVP requested. Info: (989) 448-2293 ext. 21

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Spud Run 5K Walk/Run, 8 a.m. at Posen Consolidated Schools, $20 per person or $75 per family. Info: (989) 766-8480 Hanson Hills Open, Northern Waters Series Disc Golf Tournament, 8 a.m. registration at Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Grayling, cost is $10 to $45 depending on class, from $10 junior to pro open and masters, playing two rounds of 19 holes. Info: (989) 3489266 or www.NorthernWatersSeries.com A Harvest of Quilts, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cedar Lake Elementary School in Oscoda, with hundreds of quilts, vendors, raffles, demos and more; admission costs $4. Info: (989) 739-7322 14th Annual Sturgeon for Tomorrow Banquet, 5 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall in Cheboygan, cost is $25 adults, $15 for 14-and-under, sponsor and big spender packages available. Info: (231) 625-2776 or www.SturgeonForTomorrow.org 42nd Annual Run & Walk Mackinac Island, eight mile run/walk around Mackinac, starts at 9:30 a.m. at Mission Point Resort, REGISTRATION REQUIRED BEFORE SEPT. 7. Info: (810) 487-0954, (989) 659-6493 or www.RunMackinac.com Mercy Hospice Ramble to the Pines, a run/walk fundraiser, 8 a.m. registration and start by 10 a.m. from Grayling city hall to the entrance to Hartwick Pines State Park, $25 in pledges earns a free t-shirt, silent auction, raffles and more. Info: 9989) 348-4383 Cooking with Chef Eric, 9-11 a.m. at the Alpena Farmers Market, behind City Hall in Alpena. Info: (989) 356-5995 Vintage Base Ball at the Grand Hotel, 10 a.m. at Woodfill Park, Mackinac Island, featuring Lah De Dah and National Base Ball Clubs of Greenfield

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The Guide • September 2012

Village, Forest City Base Ball Club of Rockford and the Mackinaw City Boys. Info: (800) 33-GRAND Bridal Show, 1-4 p.m. at Au Gres Chapel in the Park. Info: (989) 240-4615 Show and Sell Outdoor Market, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the AuSable River Center Roscommon; space is free, reservations requested. Info: (989) 275-4392 All-U-Can Eat Breakfast, 8 a.m. at Roscommon VFW Post, with pancakes, sausage, eggs made to order, hash browns, biscuits, sausage gravy, toast, coffee and juice; costs is $6 for adults, $3 10-andyounger, toddlers free. Info: (989) 275-4136 J22 North American Championship Regatta, hosted

by Tawas Bay Yacht Club, with 50 or more teams from U.S. and Canada. Info: (989) 362-3137 Tee Off for Tolfree, 9 a.m. shotgun start at The Nightmare, West Branch, with registration prior, 18 hole, four player scramble, in men’s or mixed divisions, cost is $75 includes cart breakfast, luncheon and prizes. Info: (989) 343-3700 An Afternoon Affair: Music of our Lives, 2-4:30 at Brush Creek Mill, a ladies tea but gentlemen are invited too; cost is $4 in advance, $5 at the door. Info: (989) 742-2527 New to Medicare, 6-7 p.m. at Crawford County Commission on Aging and Senior Center, a presentation to help demystify the issues surrounding Medicare. Info: (989) 348-7123 Alzheimer’s Discussion and Information, a caregiver’s support group 2-3 p.m. every second Wednesday at Sand Road Senior Center, Cheboygan. Info: (231) 238-5165 Quilted Postcards Class, 1-4 p.m. with Ruth Hankins at AuSable Artisan Village,

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$50 for non-members, $45 members, materials included, some student-supplied equipment necessary. Info: (989) 312-3660 Wertz Warriors Golf Scramble, Stoney Links Golf Course. Info: (989) 733-2874 Garland Charity Classic, lunch at 10:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at noon at Garland Resort in Lewiston, with silent auction, live auction, lunch, dinner and prizes, men’s, women’s and mixed divisions; $125 each with 90-percent of proceeds to local charities.

Info: (989) 786-2211 Law Enforcement Torch Run, 5K run/ bike ride for Special Olympics, 3:30 p.m. at Fred’s Restaurant in Roscommon, $25 includes T-shirt, transportation and refreshments. Info: (989) 821-5207 ext. 291 Sharing Hands and Hearts Prayer Ministry, 1-2:30 at Grace Community Evangelical Church in Oscoda, an inaugural gathering of knitters and crotchetiers who plan to meet monthly on the second Wednesday for devotion, prayer and community charity. Info: (989) 739-1825 Tanger Style Pink Kick-Off, a breast cancer fundraiser for the Seton Cancer Center at Tanger Outlet Center, West Branch, runs through Oct. 25.

Info: (989) 343-2594 or www.TangerOutlet.com 33rd Annual Fireman’s Memorial, at the Fireman’s Training Grounds in Roscommon, with a firefighters trade show, memorial service, rescue and equipment displays, competitions, entertainment and dances, arts and crafts and light parade, admission is free. Info: (989) 275-5880 Alpena Grub Crawl, 6-10 p.m. in downtown Alpena, with complimentary food and drink specials; tickets cost $20. Info: (989) 354-4181

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Grandparents Day Dinner, 4-6 p.m. at Crawford County Senior Center, cost is $5.25 for under 60 years old, suggested $2.50 for those older.

Info: (989) 348-7123 Texas Hold ‘Em, a Huron Shores Chamber of Commerce fundraiser at Vista Lanes, Oscoda. Info: (989) 724-5107 Huron Pines Rain Garden Planting, 1 to 3 p.m. at Irons Park, West Branch, help reduce the impact of storm water runoff and learn about native plants; light to moderate physical activity. Info: (989) 448-2293 ext. 21 Open Mic, with a potluck at 6:30 and music at 7 p.m. at Comins Community Center, one block west of M-33 in downtown Comins. Info: (989) 848-2756 Fall Plow Days, AuSable Valley Engine & Tractor Club, location to be announced. Info: (989) 826-5920 Woman to Woman Conference, at the Gaylord Evangelical Free Church, with workshops for crafts or inspiration, admission cost $50. Info: (888) 684-5272 or www.GaylordEFree.org Activity Outdoors Adults Weekend, at Camp Timbers, West Branch, with boating biking, hayrides, high and low ropes course, zip lines, horse riding, archery, campfires and more, $60 each or as many as 12 adults for $400. Info: (989) 753-7721 or www.CampTimbers.org Gladwin Area Art Guild, Fine Art Show, at the Gladwin Community Center, Thunder on the Strip, 1-6 p.m. at Zettle Memorial Airport in Gladwin, 1/8th mile

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street legal drag races, with a 150 vehicle limit, registration costs $25 per vehicle, spectators cost $5. Info: (989) 4192939 or www.ThunderOnTheStrip.net 7th Annual Northern Rods ‘N Rides Car Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Indian River, with trophies plus: best of show, six best original and three people’s choice, public welcome, free admission. Info: (231) 238-5135 or (231) 420-2460 Fall Festival On the Farm, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blue Barn Farm, located on Ridge Road, two miles north of Gladwin, just east of M-18, with crafters and gift items of all sorts, Amish baked goods, glassware, taxidermy, local honey products, alpaca knit goods, goats milk soaps and lotions, What-the-Buck deer attractant, hand painted items, woven rugs, candles, twig furniture, fresh farm produce and more; entry and booth space are free. Info: (616) 638-3458 Evening at a Logging Camp, 7-9 p.m. at Hartwick Pines State Park, journey back to 1896, to Salling, Hanson and Company’s Section 9 logging

camp, meet the people who work there, hear first-hand accounts of what life was like and enjoy hot cocoa around the camp fire; event is free, state park passport required for entry. Info: (989) 348-2537 Quota Trivia Night, 6-9:30 p.m. at East Tawas Community Building hosted by Quota International of Iosco County; teams of 8 are$100 per table, themed tables and costumes are welcome and encouraged. Info: (989) 362-8587 or (989) 362-2084 Fall Mum Fundraiser, through the end of August at the Alpena Farmers Market, to raise money for market expansion. Info: (989) 356-5995 Folk Art Festival and Country Music Show, at Wellington Farm Park in Grayling, admission costs $7.50 adults, $5.50 seniors and students, with a $27.50 family maximum. Info: (989) 348-5187 or www.WellingtonFarmPark.org

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TOUPIN

Chiropractic Clinic

Computerized Evaluation and Treatment of the Spine Y PA DA

S er Octob 20th

n n n n

Nutritional Counseling Cold Laser Massage Therapy Reflexology & Ion Cleanse

For more information: toupinchiropractic.com • (989) 348-4560 1406 S I-75 Business Loop, Grayling www.facebook.com/michigan.guide

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Country Music Show at Wellington Farm Park in Grayling, admission costs $12.50. Info: (989) 348-5187 or www.

WellingtonFarmPark.org Fall Gourmet Wine Dinner, 4-9 p.m. at Rose Valley Winery in Rose City, with entertainment by Easy Street; cost is $55 each plus tips, includes food, wine, appetizers, cocktails and entertainment. Info: (989) 685-9399 12 & 24 Hours of Hanson Hills, a mountain bike endurance race at Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Grayling, a Michigan Cup series race, with free swag to first 100 registered, awards to top 10 in all classes, prize drawings for all, and more. Info: (616) 453-4245 or www.FunPromotions.com

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Big Mac Shoreline Scenic Tour, a family-focused event offering 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles tours around the Straits on Saturday, with a ride across the Mackinac Bridge on Sunday; registration costs $25 after Sept. 1, bridge crossing an additional $20. Info: (231) 436-5574 or www.

MackinawChamber.com Alpena Cycle Club Motocross, 8-10 a.m. registration at Alpena Cycle Club on Spruce Road, racing at 11:15 a.m., admission costs $6, under-5 are free, racing costs $15 per class. Info: (989) 379-3067 Civil War Encampment, at Michigan Magazine Museum, Comins, Info: (989) 826-3196 or (989) 848-2246 17th Annual Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show,

customized semi-trucks with events centered in St. Ignace with a parade of lights across the Mackinac Bridge on Saturday at dusk. Info: (906) 643-8717 Clue Board Game Tournament, 1 p.m. at George N. Fletcher Public Library in Alpena, followed by a showing of the movie Clue. Info: (989) 356-6188 or www.AlpenaLibrary.org Wolverine Mud Bogg, gates open at 8 a.m. at the pit on North Shire Road, Wolverine, with nine classes, $25 to run, $5 admission, 12-and-younger are free. Info: (231) 240-4267 Fall Tractor Pull, at state highway M-211 north of Onaway. Info: (989) 733-2874 PATH Workshop on Chronic Pain Management, 1-3:30 p.m. every Tuesday for six weeks at Devereaux Memorial Library, Grayling; cost is $10. Info: (989) 348-7123 Medicare Fraud & Prevention, 6 p.m. at the Crawford County Senior Center and Commission on Aging, with a presentation by Karl Schreiner, advocacy and resource coordinator for Crawford County Commission on Aging. Info: (989) 348-7123 2nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner, Kick-Off to the Crawford County United Way Campaign, 4-8 p.m. at Fox Run Country Club, $10 per person, $25 for a family of four, discounts for canned good donations, with entertainment and a silent auction. Info: (989) 350-4462 Monthly Music Gig, 6-9 p.m. the third Thursday every month at Corwith Township Hall, in Vanderbilt, everyone is invited to come sing, play an instrument or just enjoy the music of others, event is free, refreshments by donation. Info: (989) 939-4185

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Alcona County Humane Society Annual Garage Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ARA Site in Lincoln. Info: (989) 727-1115 Fall Festival of Arts and Crafts, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Westminster Park in Rogers City, with arts, crafts, music, and a farmers market. Info: (989) 734-7011 or (989) 734-4587 Kid’s Day at the Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alpena Farmers Market, behind City Hall in Alpena, with music, hayrides, petting zoo, pumpkin carving, cider making, and more. Info: (989) 356-5995 Manistee River Clean-Up, meet at Old AuSable Fly Shop at 8:30 a.m. with a luncheon at 1 p.m.; per-registration requested. Info: (989) 348-3330 Harvest Moon Pot Luck, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Emmet County Dark Sky Park, two miles west of downtown Mackinaw City, offering a celebration of autumn equinox with a shared meal, stargazing and stories of local lore and agricultural practices rooted in the stars. Info: (231) 348-1704 or www.EmmetCounty.org/darkskypark/ John Michael Montgomery, 8 p.m. at the Kirtland Center for Performing Arts, tickets cost $39 or $34, dinner packages for this show and season discounts available. Info: (989) 275-67777 or www.KirtlandCenter.com your own season ticket at Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts. See two or more premium performances, as many as four value shows, and save up to 30-percent off normal prices. For more information visit www.KirtlandCenter.com or call (989) 275-6777

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Apple Cook Off, 1 to 4 p.m. at Hale area Merchants, part of the Hale Hot Air Balloon Festival with winners in three categories – appetizer, dessert and main entrée – judged by the public. Try your hand at baking or judging; bottomless mug for tasting costs $7.. Info: (989) 728-2525 or www.HaleYes.org Patron Appreciation Day & Book Sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tawas City Library, U-Pick the book, U-pick the price, with proceeds to benefit the Author Quest Scholarship. Info: (989) 362-6557 Inaugural River House Road Rally, 9-11 a.m. registration at Ole Barn in Grayling, with the ride across four counties to follow, $25 includes a T-shirt and prize drawing. Info: (989) 348-3169 Fall Fest Arts Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Westminster Park in Rogers City, with crafts, farmer market, family fun. Info: (989) 734-8446 35th Annual Gun Show, at Northland Sportsmen’s Club in Gaylord, admission is $4 adult, under-12 are free. Info: (989) 732-6389 or www.NorthlandSportsmensClub.org Hot Air Balloon Festival, at Iosco County Fairgrounds in Hale, with balloon flights, balloon glow, kids games and rides, cooking contests, wine tasting, taste of Hale, classic car show, antique snowmobiles, art battle and silent auction, live entertainment and more. Info: www.HaleYes.org 15th Annual Pumpkin Run, at Walmart in Houghton Lake, custom and classic car show and ride, registration costs $20 with dash plaques and goodie bags to the first 200 registrants. Info: (989) 366-5644 (see this issues center fold) 3rd Annual Mackinac Island Restaurant Week,

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to highlight Mackinac Island as a dining destination, no passes, coupons or tickets required, prex fixe menus at participating restaurants all week. Info: (800) 454-5227 Community Read, The History of the Mystery Novel, 7 p.m. at the Alpena George N. Fletcher Public Library. Info: (989) 356-6188 or www.AlpenaLibrary.org Land Guardian Photography Club, field trip to the Jordan Valley, 5:30 p.m. meet at HeadWaters Land Conservancy office at 110 South Elm Street in Gaylord. Info: (989) 731-0573 or www.HeadWatersConservancy.com Huron Pines Invasive Phragmites Removal, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Alpena County, help remove an invasive phragmites stand in Alpena while learning about the ecology of invasive species; light to moderate physical activity. Info: (989) 448-2293 ext. 21 Annual Fall Card Party, 5 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, Hamilton Road, Alpena, with soups, sandwiches, desserts, beverages, raffles, prizes and more. Info: (989) 356-1978 Man of La Mancha, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30, Sundays at 2 p.m. at Thunder Bay Theatre. Info: (989) 354-2267 or www.ThunderBayTheatre.com 28th Annual Elk festival, Atlanta, featuring a craft fair, music and entertainment, with a beer tent, live music with Knockin’ Joe Band, greased pig, pizza eating, children’s trike race, Elk Fest Auction, talent contest, motorcycle rodeo and much more. Info: (989) 785-4509 or www.AtlantaMichiganChamber.com Halloween Weekend at Otsego Lake County Park,

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for campers only, reservations required, with hayrides, pumpkin scramble, trick-or-treat and more. Info: (989) 731-6448 or www.OtsegoCountyParksRec.com Bump Run, 4 p.m. at the Montmorency County Fairgrounds. Info: (989) 785-3696 Curran Black Bear Festival, with a craft show, car show, motorcycle rally, horse pull, food and entertainment. Info: (989) 848-7593 Keep on Dancing, a conference for cancer survivors, caregivers and loved ones, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the APlex in Alpena. Info: (989) 356-3231 or www.FriendsTogetherMI.org Northern Michigan Lamb and Wool Festival, at the Ogemaw County Fair Grounds, with fiber arts galore, plus fiber art classes, vendors, sheep and pasture management

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classes, pasture tour, and more. Info: (989) 345-2434 or www.LambAndWoolFestival.com

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IOSCO COUNTY – More and more bird watchers extol Lake Huron’s beach and this county’s shoreline structure for their attractiveness to large numbers and wide varieties of birds.

It appears that birds in greater numbers are sharing those sentiments.

This year, three pairs of the piping plover choose this county’s beaches as a place to build their nests.

And apparently for good cause.

All three nests were successful, fledging a total of four of the skittish, long-legged shore birds.

“I like to say that we had quite a plover summer,” said Peggy Ridgway AuSable Valley Audubon member and founder of the Tawas Point Birding Festival. “Not only did we have three nests of piping plovers, two at Tawas Point and one at AuSable Shoreline Park in Oscoda, but we had the only nests of piping plovers on the Lake Huron side of Michigan.”

Ridgway’s plover summer is certainly a rarity.

Listed as endangered in the Great Lakes Region, the piping plover is considered threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in other areas of its range – the Atlantic Coast and Northern Great Plains.

The Guide • September 2012

In 1984 only 12 breeding pairs of piping plover remained in the Great Lakes region. By 2008 the numbers of breeding adults had increased to 63 pairs, with 53 pair nesting in Michigan and 10 pair nesting in neighboring states and Canada.

Wildlife officials credit a cadre of volunteers who help out with the bird’s recovery program by watching after the nests and educating the public about the plover’s plight.

Those folks include Audubon members like Ridgway, as well as many others.

“The thing we try to encourage most is to not disrupt the nest,” said Leisa Sutton, chamber director for Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce, whose office adjoins the township park where the northernmost pair of birds nested.

A small bird, 6 to 7 inches long, the piping plover is sand colored above with white under parts, yellow legs and a short neck.

Dangers to the birds include wild animals and domestic pets, beach walkers and other human traffic, according to Sutton. The birds are also susceptible to storms, waves and high water and one of this year’s successful pair at Tawas Point lost two.

Like the more common killdeer, the piping plover are graceful birds that run in fits, stopping often to look for insects. Like other plovers,

the piping plover will feign injury and set up a raucous display to attract attention away from its nest.

To further help protect the birds a small enclosure is placed around the nests.

Those who were most helpful in protecting the AuSable Township nest were various owners of the condominiums overlooking the park and beach, Sutton says.

“Those people from the condo association really assumed ownership and watched out for the birds,” Sutton said, noting from the time the piping plovers were recognized, through their mating, nesting and brooding process, a month-and-a-half period had passed.

“It was fantastic to watch the whole process.”

Of particular interest to all was the time of hatching. Within 20 minutes of entering the world, the little birds are running up and down the beach.

“They are small, but it is amazing how fast they are,” said Chuck Allen, manager at Tawas Point State Photos by Park. Allen ROGER experienced ERIKKSON the bird’s speed first hand when he helped graduate students from the University of Minnesota band the birds. “Not only are they fast, they’re running all over the place.”

For the parent birds, Ridgway likens the ordeal to “having instant teenagers.”

“These poor parents. The babies are like ping-pong balls with legs,” Ridgway said. “Here they are

running helter-skelter all over the place.”

An avid birder, Ridgway says the opportunity to watch over the plovers was a “phenomenal experience; the chance of a lifetime.”

Yet, as much as she enjoyed watching the birds, she enjoyed her interactions with the public more.

On the busiest days Ridgway said she and other volunteers spoke to as many as 250 or 300 visitors to the beach.

“That was the part that was best,” Ridgway said, noting her group handed out pamphlets and spoke to nearly all who approached or used the beach. “Just about everyone we talked to, from people strolling the beach to the kite boarders who use Tawas Point, were wonderful.”

Sometimes that interaction called for the plover overseers to share a glimpse of the birds through their binoculars, Ridgway says.

“These birds are wonderfully camouflaged.

Most people are never able to see one on a beach, yet you’d see people, when they saw the bird, they’d have an ‘aha’ moment,” Ridgway said.

“You could tell they really got it, that they understood why we were there.”

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Flutter flight Photo by LARRY VanWAGONER

While it is rare to find piping plovers at Tawas Point, Oscoda Shoreline Park and elsewhere along the Great Lakes Shoreline, another occurrence at Tawas Point is probably viewed by even fewer people – the autumn migration flight of the monarch butterfly.

Come mid-September or so the regal black and orange insects check in at Tawas Point for an overnight stay as they make their way 2,000 miles south to their winter haven in Mexico.

Catch the right day, says Tawas Point Park Manager Chuck Allen, and you may find them en masse, numbering 3,000 or more butterflies.

“It’s amazing,” Allen said.

“Sometimes it looks like leaves on the trees but it’s not, it’s butterflies.”

Peggy Ridgway, whose AuSable Valley Audubon group has helped tag the migrating butterflies for scientific study, said she has seen people walk right under a tree full of the monarchs and not even realize they are there.

“They look just like leaves, The Guide • September 2012

fluttering in the breeze. They are very elusive,” Ridgway said, recalling the scene as a dozen adults leapt about Tawas Point trying to net a monarch. “You have to be pretty fast to catch one.”

Ridgway says you have to be attentive to catch the migration.

“It’s a one day deal,” Ridgway says. “They spread their wings to warm up. When they left, four or five started to fly then the rest took off. These guys took off right over the bay. They were gone in about a minute.”

The cover photo in this issue of The Guide shows the mass butterfly gathering at Tawas Point. It was taken by Denise Willis of Sunrise Side Snapshots.

Pampered Beef

By JERRY NUNN editor

FAIRVIEW – Tom Trimmer’s beef cattle production venture, Pampered Beef, is aptly named, coined by his former partner, the late Virgil Abbe. Back when they started, Abbe made pets of all his cows and, still today, Trimmer’s herd of angus-cross cattle live in relative bovine luxury, ranging their grassy pasture.

Yet, when Trimmer set out a few years ago to supply his Oscoda County community with natural beef that was hormone and antibiotic-free, he and his partner could not gain attention no matter how hard they tried.

“Originally, when we started

Photo by KATHY NEFF

this so called healthier beef, no one cared,” Trimmer said. “We ran ads on the radio, we gave away a half a cow, we even had a cook book. All the promotion we did? Nothing worked. It wasn’t that important to people.”

Fortunately for Trimmer there has been a shift in consciousness towards healthier food.

Now he has a hard time meeting demand.

“In the last two years there has been an awakening,” Trimmer said. “Suddenly everyone is paying attention to what they eat.

They want to know where their food comes from.”

It was out of necessity in 1999 that Trimmer entered the additive-free beef market, after

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11

bovine tuberculosis turned up in gives his cattle shows in his that stuff,” he said.

Northeast Michigan. customer list.

In addition to pre-ordered Prior to that, Trimmer raised AuSable Valley Restaurant beef sales, Trimmer sells beef at “stockers” – 500 to 600 pound in Mio purchases all its beef from Nature’s Best Farmers Market, beef cattle that were sold off to be Pampered Beef. held every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 finished out to their 1,200 pound “People like the idea that it is p.m. in Fairview. final weight raised locally “I sell a lot of steaks there,” by someone and that it is all Trimmer said. “Ribeyes, T-bone, else. Those natural,” said porterhouse, New York strips. sales took manager Ann It shocked me that everyone place in Galbraith. From wanted these big steaks, except stockyards a cattle farming little old ladies. They want the centrally family herself, little petite steaks. They are located in Galbraith says cheap, but they are tender.” the state, an she “knows While business is finally good, area free of good beef.”

Pampered Beef is still subject to bovine T.B. “Tom’s beef the vagaries of the agriculture “After is so good you market. From that stand point, the T.B. came can’t not use it,” recent high price of grain and hay around, I she said. has Trimmer feeling more than a couldn’t sell Other little nervous. a thing,” names on the “A few years back, when the Trimmer list normally recession hit, I lost my shirt,” Tom Trimmer, owner of Pampered says, noting make perennial Trimmer said, noting the price Beef, has found the market for the fear appearances, of grain is already high and natural, hormone-free beef to be that farmers Trimmer says, large and growing. predicted to go higher. “That’s elsewhere calling the local what scares me now.” had of spreading bovine grocery store his best advertiser.

While his cattle are pastured tuberculosis. “They wouldn’t touch “Once people get their meat when grass is available, they are my cattle with a 10-foot pole.” there and then try mine, they still fed hay and corn silage during So Trimmer teamed up with never go back to the grocery the winter, and while Virgil Abbe and Tom Brunink, store,” Trimmer said, Trimmer’s costs formed Pampered Beef and the echoing of grain and hay trio tried their hand at selling recent are fixed for the eef B l a r u Nat natural beef. Abbe passed documentary most part, there is grown y l l a c o l away three years ago, and films claims likely a limit that -6729 t 0 5 3 ) 9 Brunink moved back to his (98 arthlink.ne that modern, consumers will e @ native Falmouth in 2004, leaving large scale pay for beef. tetrim Trimmer as Pampered Beef’s meat processing “I am almost sole proprietor or, as it claims on is targeted more embarrassed now to tell people his business card, the company’s at profit than it is at quality of how much it costs,” Trimmer said.

Head Honcho. product.

As it stands now, in late The extra care that Trimmer “You never know what’s in August, Pampered Beef sells for 12

ef

P

d Be e r e p am

The Guide • September 2012

$3.15 per pound hanging weight, or about $4.50 a pound for fully processed beef purchased by the quarter or half.

So far price has not hampered sales and Trimmer suggests potential customers order sides or quarters of beef six months in advance.

As pampered as his cows are, Trimmer pampers his customers as well.

Buy a Pampered Beef and Trimmer transports the cow to the USDA inspected Ebels General Store in Falmouth, where it is processed, vacuum packed and frozen to your specifications.

When processing is complete Trimmer delivers the beef to the customer’s door.

“That’s what makes it nice, I get to deal directly with my customers,” Trimmer said, noting he recently had a customer visit the farm to see the operation first hand. “I even offered to let them pick out the cow they wanted. Of course, they look that cow in the eyes and they don’t want to do that.”

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In

addition to monetary support, which they hope will come by way of guided fishing tours for record brook trout and Arctic grayling, Jeff and Michael Johnson are also looking for donations of old logging tools, fishing paraphernalia and other reminders of Michigan history.

While they welcome anglers of all sorts, they are inviting to youngsters, to tour Brookhaven’s property and fish in Brookhaven Lake.

Brookhaven Lake is open to fishing by reservation only from April 1 to July 8, and Sept. 1 to Nov. 30.

Beginners are welcome, lessons and guide services are available, a drift boat and all equipment are included, and no license is necessary. Youngsters and families may receive special pricing.

For more information on Brookhaven Lake go online to www.Brookhaven-Lake.com

An Arctic grayling fresh caught from Brookhaven Lake is destined for a speedy return to the frigid waters. One look at the fish and it’s hard to deny its rightful nicknames: northern sail fish, Michigan big fin, lady of the river, among others.

By JERRY NUNN editor

CLARE COUNTY – Traipse the varied landscape surrounding Brookhaven Lake and you’ll encounter near-endless monuments to fly fishing’s colored past and the conservation of Northern Michigan’s natural resources.

Names of authors, artists and famous fly fishers, carved in wood, decorate the forest trail, causing visitors here to reflect on the work of pioneers who’ve bettered the sport of fly fishing and promoted the preservation of Michigan’s great outdoors.

Yet central to this commemorative concept lies 14

Brookhaven Lake itself, where calm frigid waters harbor a monument of an undeniable historic sort: a living population of Arctic grayling.

Those silver-sided, sail-finned fish living in Brookhaven Lake are Michigan’s first wild grayling in nearly a century – a living memorial to the late George Johnson, dedicated by his son Jeff Johnson and grandson Michael Johnson.

An avid fly fisherman, who passed his love of the sport and of nature down to his offspring, George Johnson, a retired Royal Oak homicide detective died in 2010 having never caught a grayling.

“As kids, we used to go to the Grayling Restaurant and see the stuffed one on the wall,” Jeff Johnson said. “My dad always thought it was too bad we had to go to a restaurant to see one of these

that is something you can pass down to their own children. You don’t have to be in great physical shape to fly fish, it’s not like football or basketball.

“You can have arthritis and still ride in a river boat. You can still cast a fly.”

A “kettle lake,” formed by receding glaciers, Brookhaven Lake is small and shaded, its spring-fed waters stay about 50-degrees year round, according to Johnson. He said he We’ve literally caught 24-inch, and Michael searched for two years for the four-pound brookies.

“Basically, this is just like Canada perfect body of water, before buying this but without the black flies. piece of property in — Jeff Johnson 2010.

Grayling were planted here for the first time last spring and more will that Johnson hopes will tour Brookhaven. In time, Johnson plans go into the lake shortly, according to erect a log cabin-style building to to Vince Schulz, owner of Blue serve as fly fishing and conservation Springs Fish Farm in Gladwin.

It was Schulz and his nephew museum, he said.

Scott whom Johnson chose to raise “Our hope is that well-heeled fly his fish and the pair spent the better fishermen will rent the lake so that part of a year learning all they the kids can fish for free,” Johnson said. “What we’re trying to do is get could about the extremely particular grayling. kids off the computer and outside.

“Grayling are a very difficult fish We want to educate them on the to raise. They need very clean, very sport of fly fishing and teach them historic fish.”

While the property is held in honor of historic figures from the past, it also stands in trust of future generations. Those wooded monuments are ready to greet the throngs of school kids, scouts, 4-H’ers and other youth organizations

“

The Guide • September 2012

”

cold water,” said Vince Schulz, noting that it was those narrow parameters the grayling demands of its environment that doomed the fish in the wild.

Small and frigid, the springAs fed Brookhaven Lake is able lumbermen to host a population of Arctic cleared the trees “But we have grayling, a fish that was once some huge across the north, widespread in Michigan but has brook trout. using the state’s been extinct in the state for the past 80 years.

We’ve literally waterways to move caught 24-inch, those logs, stream banks were eroded, allowing sand to four-pound brookies.

“Basically, this is just like flush into the rivers and disrupt the Canada but without the black flies.” grayling’s spring breeding. At the Perhaps that comparison to our same time, logging cleared the river northern neighbor is true with the banks of trees, allowing the sun to fishing. warm the water.

In fact Schulz’ first attempt to As far as the Brookhaven raise the fish met limited success property’s educational aspect, that because his water contained too may be hard to find anywhere else. much dissolved iron. Blue Springs As students wander the now uses a special filtration system, trails and glimpse the names of installed just for the Grayling.

Michigan’s fishing and conservation And Blue Spring was discovered trailblazers, they’ll also find lumber only after a lengthy search, tools and other trinkets that are according to Johnson. linked to the state’s history. With “I’ll tell you, we looked all luck, Johnson says, the discovery over,” Johnson said. “We needed will spark a hidden interest. someone who was passionate about “This is honoring the people what they did. We found that in who’ve gone before us,” Johnson Vince and Scott. At his place, you said. “I’m hoping that one day, could literally eat off the floor it is some kid who goes through there that spotless.” becomes inspired, and becomes the Fishing in Brookhaven Lake next Rusty Gates,” Johnson said, is strictly catch and release, citing Gate’s name as a leading Johnson said, though he admits conservationist. “It’s possible. It that youngsters may get to keep a really is portion of their catch. Regardless of “It’s always one or two people whether fishermen get to keep their who change the world. It’s not done catch, any self-respecting angler by committee or corporations,” ought to feel enthused just fishing Johnson said. here.

There is nothing to stop that “So far we’ve caught 17 change from starting at Brookhaven. grayling. They are averaging In the case of the grayling, change 11-inches so far,” Johnson said. has already begun. www.facebook.com/michigan.guide

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15th Annual Pumpkin Run Car Show & Cruise Saturday Sept. 22 Registration - 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

DJ & Karaoke - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cruise starts at 4 p.m.

Sunday Sept. 23 Registration - 7 to 11 a.m.

DJ & Karaoke - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Awards Ceremony 3 p.m.

Held in the Walmart parking lot 2129 West Houghton Lake Drive Houghton Lake Early registration $18 or $20 after Sept. 1 Goodie bags and dash plaques to the ďŹ rst 200 registered

Info: (989) 366-5644 A Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce event www.HoughtonLakeChamber.net

15th Annual Pumpkin Run Car Show & Cruise Saturday Sept. 22 Registration - 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

DJ & Karaoke - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cruise starts at 4 p.m.

Sunday Sept. 23 Registration - 7 to 11 a.m.

DJ & Karaoke - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Awards Ceremony 3 p.m.

Held in the Walmart parking lot 2129 West Houghton Lake Drive Houghton Lake Early registration $18 or $20 after Sept. 1 Goodie bags and dash plaques to the ďŹ rst 200 registered

Info: (989) 366-5644 A Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce event www.HoughtonLakeChamber.net

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Conservation groups team with Huron Pines to improve river access along the AuSable River

By SAMUEL PRENTICE

watershed project manager for Huron Pines

OSCODA COUNTY – It was early summer, late May. I was stepping into the AuSable River for the first time. More than stepping into the river, I was trying my luck at catching the elusive brown trout using a fly rod I received as a birthday gift from my mother and father after moving to Northeast Michigan.

I was surprised at how cold the water was and how refreshing it felt to wade downstream of the point where I chose to access the river.

The water rejuvenated me from a hard day’s work and raised my awareness of what a special place this was.

As I looked back upstream to ensure I knew where to exit the water, I saw sand and other material from the bank sloughing into the

The Guide • September 2012

water, turning the cold clear waters of the AuSable into what looked like a mixture of chocolate syrup and milk.

Fishing past nightfall, I decided to head back to the access point, prepared for what was sure to be an early morning. With only the moonlight to guide my return, I chose to leave the river and travel back on land. My waders pushed more of the bank into the river, forming the chocolate milk mixture once more.

I did not leave the AuSable River with any trout that night, but what I did leave with was a better understanding of why people value this great Michigan resource and what we can do to protect it.

The AuSable River is a destination for recreationists of all kinds.

Every spring and summer, thousands of people float or fish a stretch of the AuSable River known as the “Big Water,” from Mio to Alcona Pond. While enjoying the river is something everyone shares, eroding streambanks from heavy

That was teamwork! Conservation partners and volunteers come together to create a bucket brigade while building a stairway to improve access to the river and reduce erosion.

The finished terrace stairway at Buttercup Campground on the Au Sable River. This stairway replaced the eroded bank that was depositing large amounts of sediment directly into the river, degrading aquatic habitat and posing a safety threat. traffic can take a toll on this great resource. Not only do these eroding access points pose a safety concern over time to river users, they also pose a threat to fish and other organisms that rely on clear, cold water and pristine gravel beds for feeding and reproduction.

Conservation partners in the area decided to address these concerns in 2012.

Huron Pines, a conservation nonprofit that serves the 11 counties of Northeast Michigan, received funding from the U.S. Forest Service to coordinate and manage the restoration of six river access sites in Oscoda County. The AuSable Big Water Preservation Association was responsible for selecting these six access sites using recently completed erosion surveys, providing funding and recruiting volunteers as well.

An impressive planning effort

access point to river users in the hopes that they too, can appreciate this great river as much as I did in my first fly fishing experience.

By the end of September, work on the sites will be finished.

However, this doesn’t mean our work is complete.

There are many other eroded areas where people access the river that need the same attention. This group of conservation partners is hoping to work on more of these access sites in Oscoda County along the AuSable River in 2013.

Huron Pines would like to say thank you to the organizations and volunteers who made this work possible.

To learn more about the river access restoration project, as well as the many other projects and programs that Huron Pines coordinates or takes part in, visit Huron Pines on line at

www.HuronPines.org

then followed.

After a lot of hard work, some long days and the exchange of many fishing stories, great relationships have been sustained between community partners and some great restoration work was completed.

Thomas Buhr and Kevin Foerster of the AuSable Big Water Preservation Society rallied volunteers. The Challenge Chapter of Trout Unlimited helped their

favorite fishing access sites. The U.S. Forest Service work crew worked long days including weekends and made sure what we needed was ready when we needed it.

The work, which Buhr called “the largest grassroots restoration project on this section of the river in many years,� will go a long way to reduce sediment from entering the river. It will also provide a safe

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M arine City Time capsule of history

C s o

b L a s h I u T C a S

Marine City Vessel Type: Single deck side-wheeler Dimensions: 192’ length, with a 28’ beam Gross Tonnage: 695

t

Propulsion: Steam

Built: 1866 by P.L. and Arnold Lester at Marine City, Michigan Wrecked: August 29, 1880 Location: N44°46.237’ W83°17.366’

20

photo courtesy of Thunder Bay Sanctuary Research Collection

The paddle wheeler Marine City burned on August 29, 1880 off Sturgeon Point, resulting in the deaths of nine passengers and crew. While the Marine City’s hull and machinery can still be found, it now lies in fragments, in shallow water one mile north of Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, not far from shore.

By CHARLES BENDIG

special to The Guide

STURGEON POINT — One of the many things that makes the Great Lakes amazing is their dynamic use as both a fresh water supply and a commercial waterway.

Over the centuries, the natural environment has allowed for the push westward and the development of cities like Detroit, Chicago, Green Bay, and Duluth. And, over time the

growth of shipping across the Great Lakes led to more and more traffic.

Without proper navigation this led to a series of wrecks such as the number located off the northeast coast of Michigan in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. But ships that have been lost beneath the surface are not without their own purposes as time capsules of America’s maritime history.

The Marine City is one of these time capsules and offers a glimpse into Northeast Michigan’s fascinating past.

The Guide • September 2012

Today the Marine City rests on the bottom of Lake Huron two and a half miles southeast of Alcona, Michigan. The 192-foot vessel was built in 1866 as a barge with a plain white bow and a round stern.

In the following year Marine City was converted to a one-deck sidewheeler. The engine was a vertical walking beam from the ship Ark and could produce up to 80 horsepower.

The City was noted as having 696 gross tons in order to carry passengers and freight cargo.

During the course of Marine

passengers perished from the fire City’s life on the Great Lakes the and waves. ship encountered a number of The Marine City is just one of obstacles and changes in ownership.

By 1868, the vessel was owned hundreds of vessels in and around

by River & Lakeshore Steamboat Thunder Bay. To date, more than 50 Line and operated between Detroit shipwrecks have been discovered and Mackinac. In July of 1869, the within the sanctuary and an ship broke the main crankshaft and additional 30 wrecks have been had to head to Detroit for repairs. located outside of the sanctuary In 1875, the Marine City was boundaries. under the ownership of Michigan Although the sheer number of Transportation shipwrecks is Company when it impressive, it Follow Thunder Bay almost capsized off is the range of Marine Sanctuary Sturgeon Point. vessel types Facebook: facebook.com/ The real blow located in ThunderBayShipwrecks to the City would the sanctuary not come until five that makes Twitter: twitter.com/ years later. After the collection ThunderBayWreck departing Alcona, nationally YouTube: youtube.com/TBNMS Michigan in 1880 significant.

Marine City was From an 1844 carrying 158 side-wheel passengers, several tons of shingles, steamer to a modern 500-foot-long railroad ties, and 100 tons of salt German freighter, the shipwrecks fish. Suddenly, at approximately of Thunder Bay represent a 3:30 in the afternoon, smoke and microcosm of maritime commerce flames were seen coming from the and travel on the Great Lakes. hurricane deck around the smoke Northeastern Michigan’s maritime stack. landscape includes the hundreds The tug Vulcan saw the smoke of shipwrecks located on Lake while heading up bound on Lake Huron bottomlands. But Michigan’s Huron about two miles away and history also encompass all of the came to Marine City’s aid. Another cultural and natural features related tug, the Grayling, was leaving Black to maritime heritage. Lifesaving River with a raft in tow. Grayling’s stations, lighthouses, historic boats captain immediately cut the raft and ships, commercial fishing in order to head to the aid of the camps, docks and working ports are Marine City. Assisting the crew among the more obvious historic of the Sturgeon Point Life Saving and archaeological features.

Station, the citizens of Alcona used Many features are less visible two rowboats to bring survivors to and some remain unrecognized or shore. These Life Saving Stations unknown. were the earliest version of the U.S. Humans have used the waters of Coast Guard and were located at Thunder Bay and its shores for strategic points across the Great thousands of years. Geological and Lakes. archaeological evidence suggests a Because of the quick response high probability of prehistoric from several vessels most of the archaeological sites awaiting passengers and crew of the Marine discovery. In addition to helping to City survived. In the following protect and interpret individual sites, days it was reported three crewmen managing the sanctuary as a and anywhere between 6 to 27 maritime cultural landscape reveals

a broad historical canvas that can encompass many different perspectives to foster an interconnected understanding of the maritime past. The state’s cultural landscape allows Thunder Bay’s maritime heritage to continue to unfold as new discoveries are made and encourages an increasingly diverse public to find shared meaning in this nationally and internationally significant place.

— Charles Bendig is a Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research fellow at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena. Charles has worked on various archaeological projects from Hawaiian temples to shipwrecks in the Florida Keys. He is currently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of West Florida.

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The life and times of Ray Klinger

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Master cobbler and Tawas native

By JON PAUL ROY special to The Guide

Raymond Klinger and his late wife Ardis.

EAST TAWAS – Raymond Klinger is a man of dedication and experience.

A cobbler by trade, Ray’s work ethic shows in his rough and weathered hands, still strong after nearly a century of hard use. You hear his love of life in the hearty laughter after each story he tells.

Ray Klinger is a man of dedication and experience.

He has lived in East Tawas for all of the 97 years of his life. He began work as a cobbler at the age of 14, and retired only last year. Married

to his wife Ardis, who passed away earlier this year, for 73 years, Ray is the father of seven, the grandfather of 52.

Ray witnessed the impact on this community of every war dating back to World War I. He’s seen just about everything, and can tell you a book’s worth on how the times change, and how they don’t.

When Ray’s family came to the Tawas area, shortly before his birth, the population was around 1,500. His father had come to work for the principle employer of the community, D&M railroad.

The physical nature of work of the day could be seen in Ray’s uncle, John, a D&M laborer who shoveled coal. When John died, he had to be placed diagonally in the casket, to compensate for the extreme difference in the size of his arms after a career spent shoveling coal.

Ray began his career during the

SOME SECRETS WERE MEANT TO BE SHARED Stay & Play on Tawas Bay in 2012! www.TawasBay.com • 877-TO-TAWAS 22nd Annual Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show September 1 & 2

Set on beautiful Newman Street in East Tawas. More than 100 booths filled with various crafts, paintings, furniture, jewelry, and much more. Fun for the whole family! Show times from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Gateway to Fall Colors Spanning Northeast Michigan’s busiest highway, Tawas is your gateway to fall colors. From here you can explore the nearby AuSable River valley, the Sunrise Coast, or the forested hill country to the west and north. All three areas come alive with vibrant fall colors.

The Guide • September 2012

Tawas Point Haunted Lighhouse Weekend October 19 & 20

Features carnival games and prizes for kids, costumed characters, hayrides, spooky cemetery. Take part in daytime and nighttime lighthouse tours and ends with a Monster Bash Dance in the pavilion.

summer of 1929. guard station when he was 18. “You “While the rest of the kids were could see it through the ice until out playing ball, I went to work as they hauled it out of there.” a shoe repairman,” Ray said. When The memories of youth that he asked why he chose shoe repair, Ray holds closest are the entertainments merely replys, “Well, now, I wasn’t of the day, pleasantly simple when the sharpest compared with lick in the the passtimes of Catholic the present. school.”

“We would Back at go to dances on school, after Saturday nights. class let out It didn’t matter for the day, where it was, we Ray would would go. Or ride into town like the county on his new fair in Hale.” bike, a gift When asked his father to choose the had puchased most outlandish for $6.50. thing he ever There he park saw in all of the bike in his time living From the age of 14 Ray Klinger spent in Tawas, he the bicycle his entire working life - 82 years shed which picks the Polar repairing shoes in his East Tawas housed the Bear Swim of transportation garage.

Perchville. of the majority “Jumping in of working men that water with who had to travel into town for their just a skin suit on, I call that crazy,” jobs.

Ray said.

Ray eventually took his craft Perhaps the most interesting beyond the repair of shoes and into history lesson to impart from Ray’s building them himself, making vast experience is how, though time boots and moccasins for friends and marches on and sees incredible family. To this day, one wall of his advancements in technology, large garage is filled with the bulky social circumstances have certain machines and countless specialized consistencies. tools involved in creating footware.

From the tumult of the Great The love for the art has never left Depression, Ray remembers him. “Sometimes I look at them, how many people were forced to and think, ‘I’d really like to do that abandon their homes. This prompts again,’” says Ray, speaking of boots him to relay news of a family he he’s made. knows who just had to do the same Ray has also seen many thing as a result of the current remarkable events in this lakeside economic climate, a story repeated community over the years. endlessly across the nation these “I think I was twelve years old; I past few years. remember the fire that went through War, likewise for Ray, points here,” Ray said. “It burned out the out a recurring trend wherein the stores for one full block.” He also loss of innocence and life stay true recalls the flat top boat that sunk and only the means of propogating about a mile out from the coast these terrors develops. When asked

what he feels about humanity’s most astounding trial of the modern age, World War II, Ray says this: “It was a horrible thing, you know, because people back then, I don’t think we were too used to war. First there was World War I, then we go into World War II. The things we have to kill people with have been subjected to so many additives. I feel bad for any young man who gets drafted, joins the fight, and then finds out he wants out.”

On the other hand, Ray sees the good in much of society’s technological advancement.

After a lifetime of witnessing the evolution of industry in his own field, he believes in the potential for positive change across all crafts and employments.

“The shoes we have today, they’re remarkable. Who wouldn’t like a nice, new, shiny automobile?

Shoes are the same.”

Huron Shores

Walk-In Clinic Mon. thru Fri. - Noon-7pm Sun. - 9am-1pm

The SJHS Walk-In Clinic provides same-day, quality, acute care in a convenient setting. Our dedicated team of professionals provide care for the diagnosis and management of common illnesses.

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Anatomy of a friendship Letters, photos give glimpse into Michigan’s favorite fly fishing storyteller

courtesy photo

By DENNIS MANSFIELD special to The Guide

GRAYLING – Visitors to the Old AuSable Fly Shop in Grayling are in store for a special treat over the Labor Day weekend.

Jim Enger, 66, of Roscommon is displaying letters and photos of John Voelker, famed author and former Michigan Supreme Court justice during the 1950s, at the fly shop during the holiday weekend, as well as make himself available to talk about them on Saturday, Sept.

1. Under the pen name “Robert Traver,” Voelker wrote the bestselling novel, Anatomy of a Murder, published in 1958.

The book served as the basis of the movie by the same name by The Guide • September 2012

Otto Preminger, starring the likes of Jimmy Stewart, George C. Scott, Lee Remick and Ben Gazzara.

“The movie, based on a real murder case in the U.P. is still considered one of the best courtroom dramas ever made,” said Enger. “When Preminger bought the film rights to the novel, Voelker returned to the U.P. where he was born and raised and continued to write, including two books of fly fishing stories which became classics.

“He is considered Michigan’s best known fly fisherman and fly fishing story teller.”

And Enger knows a thing or two about telling fly fishing stories. In addition to writing for two national

fly fishing magazines, Enger penned exchange letters. The relationship during a discussion Enger said he the book, The Incompleat Angler, A continued after Enger was named once had with Jeff Gardner, who Fly Fishing Odyssey, a collection the regional editor of a fly fishing along with his partner, Linda Matas, of stories about his fly fishing magazine. own the Old Au Sable Fly Shop. adventures from the Arctic Circle to “That’s what really connected “I had mentioned that I had the rain forests of Central America. us,” he said. known Voelker for many years, Enger was also the director of The idea to display the photos both of us writing for the same communications for the Detroit and letters from Voelker came about national fly fishing magazines,” Auto Show and he said. “I mentioned Letters from worked at various that I had some 90 advertising agencies Frenchman’s Pond letters from Voelker, in Florida and written between 1975 — A Tribute to Robert Traver, Michigan. and 1991, plus many pen name of author John But, Enger photos of Voelker taken Voelker said he first at his secluded fishing came to know camp in the U.P., where When: September 1-2 Voelker when I fished with him for Where: the Old AuSable Fly he owned and many years.

Shop in Grayling operated an Orvis “The last letter I fly fishing shop received from him What you’ll find there: in Farmington was dated March 18, photographs, letters and Hills. After 1991, mailed the day books on display, and a visit Voelker became he died, which I found on Saturday with long-time a customer of in my mailbox when Jim Enger will reflect on his I returned from his Voelker friend, Jim Enger Enger’s, the two friendship with John Voelker continued to funeral in the U.P.,” Info: (989) 348-3330

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Enger added.“At that time I was living in Traverse City.”

Gardner and Matas wondered if Enger would be willing to share his material with Voelker’s many fly fishing fans.

Enger said he readily agreed and, in some small way, hopes the program will help honor Michigan’s best fly fishing storyteller and to keep his writing and name alive in the fly fishing world. The letters and photographs will be on display during normal shop hours the entire Labor Day weekend. There is no admission charge.

The Old AuSable Fly Shop is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information contact the Old AuSable Fly Shop at 989-3483330 or visit online at www.

OldAuSable.com.

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“(And) when it’s done, it’s fun to hang around the area for lunch and Special to the Guide shopping.

“The worst part is the traffic, MACKINAW CITY waiting to get on a bus to go over St. – Each day thousands Ignace to walk back,” she added.

Westover also had some advice of motorists cross the to any newcomers to the walk. five-mile span that is the “Wear comfy shoes, bring water Mackinaw Bridge, as and don’t forget your camera,” she they travel between the said. state’s Upper and Lower To begin the walk, participants peninsulas. may drive to St. Ignace, park their But, only once a vehicle, walk the bridge and then year do people have the return to St. Ignace on the school opportunity to make that buses provided by the Mackinac very same trip on foot.

This year, that opportunity Bridge Authority. Or, they may buy tickets for the buses in Mackinaw is on Labor Day during the 55th Annual Mackinac City at the bus loading area, ride a bus over to St. Ignace and walk back Bridge Walk on Monday, Sept. 3. to Mackinaw City.

The walk begins at 7 a.m., with The walk occupies the east two Gov. Rick Snyder and his party starting the walk from the St. Ignace lanes of the bridge till 9:30 a.m.

Like many Michiganders, Stephanie end of the bridge. There is no fee or After 9:30 a.m., only one of the Mansfield of Grayling and Sandra Westover eastbound registration for the of Frederic are regular pilgrams to the lanes will event, although Annual bridge walk gives annual Mackinac Bridge Walk. be available bus transportation people unique way to to walkers. from Mackinaw cross the Straits The average City back to St. walk time is Ignace is $5 per estimated at two hours. person (infants are free).

No pets are allowed on the bridge Sandra Westover, college student and mother of four from the for the walk, except for working service dogs. Also not allowed are Frederic area in Crawford County, signs, banners, umbrellas, bicycles, has made the walk at least five roller skates, skateboards, wagons times. And, she’s planning for a and similar types of devices, sixth. according to a flyer issued by the “The view is gorgeous,” Michigan Bridge Authority.

Westover said, adding that the For more information or to event draws a very diverse group of download a flyer on the bridge walk, people. visit the website at www.

As to what to keeps bringing MackinawBridge.org and click on her back, the answer is simple – a the link for “Annual Bridge Walk” unique view from the third-longest at the top of the screen. suspension bridge in the world.

“The best part is the view,” — Dennis Mansfield is an she said. “It’s very different from award-winning newsman and driving over. Breath-taking really.”

But, there are even more benefits now managing editor of the Grayling-based Mound’s Media, a to participating. professional freelance news service.

“I think the bridge is five miles, Contact him at dennislmansfield@ so it’s a beautiful way to get your exercise for the day,” Westover said. gmail.com.

By Dennis Mansfield

The Guide • September 2012

Lamb &

Wool Festival

WEST BRANCH – When sheep farmers and fiber artists come together at the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds Sept. 29-30 they’ll celebrate the 13th Annual Northern Michigan Lamb & Wool Festival.

It might as well be a family reunion.

“We have vendors from as far away as Wisconsin and Indiana but most of our vendors are from Michigan and they’ve been coming to the festival for years,” said organizer Jeanie Prentice. “They tell me this is their favorite festival and I hope and pray it’s true. If it is, then it means were doing everything right.”

That Northern Michigan largest gathering of wool aficionados has been happening here for 13 years would seem confirmation enough that festival organizers are doing something right.

With more than 80 vendors, fiber artists will find everything they need for their next fresh-from-the farm project – from raw wool and roving, to dye, needles, felting forms and everything in between.

As always classes will be offered in needle felting, beginning spinning, dying, felting, drop spinning, lace and crochet.

For sheep farmers, whether industrial grade or hobby craft, there will be sheep and pasture seminars, a shearing class and a pasture tour.

Just as in years past, food vendors and entertainers will be on hand.

The Lamb and Wool Festival runs Sept. 29-30. Late registration for classes begins at 8 a.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Vendor booths open at 9 a.m. Saturday, at 10 a.m. on Sunday and close at 5 p.m. both days.

13th Annual

Lamb & Wool Festival Where: Ogemaw County Fair Grounds When: Sept. 29-30 What you’ll find there: 80 vendors offering everything fiber, from raw material to finished fiber arts, live music, farm equipment, pasture tours, sheep raising seminars, food vendors, classes and more.

Info: (989) 345-2434 or www.LambAndWoolFestival.com

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you may learn on a Cannonball excursion, according to owner Jack Armstrong.

“On the way out we might go through the center of the island, then on the way back come along the lakeshore. We vary it, so we don’t go the same way every time,” Jack said. Among the sights are Devil’s Kitchen, Brown’s Brook, the Grand Hotel and more. “You’ll see great views of the Mackinac Bridge, but really, there’s no bad place to be on

measure of customer approval she knows is the high rate at which those customers return.

“We have a lot of repeat customers. We have a lot of island residents who we see two or three times a week,’ she said. As one would expect on Mackinac Island, not all the customers are locals. “We’ve had customers from all over. We even had one couple from 7641 British Landing Road, on the Texas, where they really northwest corner of Mackinac Island know barbeque, who said Serving lunch and dinner, and offering a our barbeque sauce was unique wagon ride from town and back that great.” includes a barbeque chicken and rib dinner The ride to the restaurant with all the trimmings for only $45. and back is about four Wagon rides available Friday and miles, Terrie said. The Saturday, or otherwise by arrangement; wagon hauls about 22 reservations are highly recommended. people, give or take, so reservations are highly (906) 847-0932 or (906) 847-8271 recommended. www.CannonballMackinacIsland.com Located on the the island. It’s all beautiful.” northwest side of the island, in For those who’ve explored the the settlement named British Landing, the Cannonball is the only island and worked up an appetite, perhaps the most beautiful sight place for food outside the more is the plate of food at the end of commercialized island’s south side. the ride. Meals include barbecued Set close to the shore, and overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, chicken and ribs, corn on the cob, potato salad and rolls. It is served even its location has a history. banquet style and while it is not allBritish Landing was the site of covert military operation during The you-can-eat, Jack says no one goes away hungry.

War of 1812.

“Once they get their plate we On the night of July 16, 1812, come around a tray of chicken and before the American soldiers ribs if folks want more,” he said. occupying Fort Mackinac were “We get raves, and I know I sound even aware they were at war with like I’m bragging, but we get a lot the British, a small group of British of return visitors. People have a regulars, along with a larger force great time and leave here in a good of voyageurs and their Native mood. They’re strangers when they American allies, secretly came get here but before long they’re aground at British Landing. By morning, the fort was surrounded by yucking it up and having fun. They get a tour of the island, a great meal troops and the Americans gave up and they get to make new friends. the fort without a fight.

It’s a good time for them.”

That history is only part of what

CANNONBALL INN AND CATERING

By JERRY NUNN editor

and Saturday from Mother’s Day until mid- to late-October, or by appointment on special occasions.

It’s not that folks at the Cannonball have tried to keep the cut-rate deal a secret. The Cannonball has been there for quite some time.

“It was established in 1905

by Jack Chambers. We’re the third family to own it since it opened,” said Terrie Armstrong. Previous owner was Bill Cass Early, she said, and the restaurant was part of the Early family farm. “They served chicken dinners, in a home style meal. We serve barbecued ribs and chicken banquet style.

“The Cannonball has a rich tradition and we’re trying to uphold that.”

It’s also building a tradition of its own and Terrie said the greatest

MACKINAC ISLAND – Pity those who pay the big bucks for a horse drawn carriage ride around Mackinac Island. They could have shelled out far less, still taken a relaxing ride around the state’s most popular island and enjoyed barbecued rib and chicken dinner halfway through the trip.

The Cannonball Inn Photos by SHAY POLZIN and Catering will even pick you up downtown or at your hotel for the $45, dinner-destined wagon ride to the back side of the island where the restaurant is located. The deal is available Friday 28

The Guide • September 2012

Celebrate Summer’s End in Mackinaw Be sure to visit the Mackinaw area and celebrate the end of summer with these excellent events!

55th Lab or Day B Septem ridge Walk ber 3

e Fall n li e r o h S Big Mac Tour e ik B c i n Sce r 15-16 Septembe

Hopps of Fun B eer & Wine Fes tival September 7 -8

September may bring summer to a close but the fun doesn’t have to end.

Check out these great October Mackinaw area events!

imackinac il h ic M t a t h ig Fort Fr 4th Annual Fall October 5-6 Colors Bridge R ace October 6

k Show c u r T g i al B 17th Annu Lights f o e d a & Par 14 - 15 r e b m e t Sep

For more information on these events or other Mackinaw area events please visit www.MackinawCity.com or call (800) 666-0160.

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The Way We Worked

By JERRY NUNN ROGERS CITY – When the Smithsonian Institution sends its traveling exhibit, “The Way We Worked” to the Presque Isle County Historical Museum, visitors will examine the history of labor in America. Included in the study are five aspects of our country’s

their parents drag them out.”

Of particular interest is the vast photograph collection the museum acquired from the town’s limestone quarry. While much of the museum’s collection is specific to life in Rogers City, most of it portrays a shared history and Thompson notes the pioneering exhibit with an emphasis on logging and early farming that applies equally to small towns across Northeast Michigan.

Thompson said the museum entertains 3,000 people a year.

“We don’t charge admission.

We get a lot of families,” he said.

“We get a lot of people who come in every week, and grandparents who bring in their grandkids every month.”

Even the museum’s main facility is listed on the national register of historic places.

The museum is not government

employment traditions; a closer look at our work environment, the uniforms we wear, how race and gender determined roles in labor, our labor conflicts and our most dangerous jobs.

In many ways, it is appropriate that the traveling exhibit should appear here.

The Smithsonian exhibit will merely build on exhibits that Presque Isle County Hitorical Museum already has on display.

“All together we have 10,000 square foot of This photo of young loom workers at Bibb Mill No. 1 in Macon, Ga., exhibit space,” in 1909, offers an example of how Amnerican attitudes towards work said Mark have changed over the past century. (National Archives) Thompson, funded, but rather receives museum director. its operating expenses from Included in that space is the memberships, grants and sales popular “Fabulous 50s-60s,” an through its gift shop. exhibit featuring “all things baby The Way We Worked will be on boomer, that captures the aspects display from Sept. 15 until Oct. 28. of growing up in 50s, 60s Rogers “I think it will be a fantastic City,” Thompson said. exhibit” Thompson said. “Work is a “For kids, the most popular basic activity of life and one that we exhibit has to be the one room spend the most time at. I think we’ll school house,” he added. “Kids all find something that we can relate like going in there, writing on the to in that exhibit.” chalk board and sitting at the desks.

They’ll play school in there until

The Guide • September 2012

September 21-22: Fruitful Orchard Fall Festival, featuring Animal Oasis petting zoo, with Saturday concessions, vendors, and all sorts of orchard goodies.

September 29:

Slim pickings in the

apple orchard

September 29: Get out and Vote Family Fun Day, family fun activities to get families out and help prepare them for voting this fall.

GLADWIN – Visit any Michigan orchard this autumn and the scene will be vastly different than what was found last year. While the fruit crop of 2011 had apples literally falling from the trees, 80-degree temperatures in March of 2012, followed by seasonal cold, then a weeks-long drought, has left those same overbearing apple trees from last year with nary a fruit on them.

Statewide this year’s apple harvest may be 90-percent lower than normal, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Locally, some orchards have fared better, but nowhere will consumers find the harvest they did last year according to Dan Vannest, owner of The Fruitful Orchard, a 45acre orchard just west of Gladwin.

Apples – along with their associated products of cider, jam and other scrumptious treats – will still be available, Vannest said, but the cost to consumers will likely be more than in the past.

While there may not be an overabundance, the family-owned Fruitful orchard will still celebrate its harvest. The orchard officially opens on Thursday, Aug. 23, and will then be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Sunday.

Don’t

let the cost increased g one m enjoyin o r f u o r y stop ost popula m ’s te ta s of our . e products agricultur e your apples But do us that, right. complish this c a lp e h To offers st family the Vanne ecipe. pr apple cris

The Fruitful Orchard and Cider Mill

5740 West M-61, Gladwin (989) 426-3971 www.MichiganAppleOrchard.com

Apple Crisp Filling:

• 5 cups peeled, sliced apples • 3 to 4 tablespoons white sugar • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

Topping: • • • • •

1 cup oats 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon dash nutmeg

Filling directions:

Place fruit in a 2 quart baking dish, stir in the white sugar and cinnamon.

Topping directions:

In a bowl combine oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and dash of nutmeg. Cut in butter until mixture turns to coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over filling.

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Bake crisp in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is a golden brown A Vannest family favorite? Place warm apple crisp in bowl and top with vanilla ice cream.

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