GoodLife November/December 2011 by Northern Michigan Review Inc.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

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features

On the cover: Christkindl, or Christ child, is the giver of gifts in Germany; St. Nikolaus was only his helper, said Rosemarie Sluyter of Petoskey, who grew up in Germany. Christkindl was often represented in fi gurines such as the one pictured.

6 Good Stuff Good to Go: Working the hip girdle Grandparenting: Gingerbread ornaments

12 Good Escape Horton Creek Inn offers tranquil retreat

9 Nod to Nostalgia Year: 1966

16 Good Buys Finding a TV

10 Good Taste Quick breads

18 Good Health Avoiding winter hazards

14 Good Word Anne Kelly

20 Good Idea Scrapbooking 22 Cover Story A tale of two memories 26 Good Cents Succession planning 28 Good Samaritan United Way Volunteer Connections website GOODlife 3

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY | INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING

OPEN ARMS,

Grateful HEARTS

LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE AND VA BENEFITS ACCEPTED

AT INDEPENDENCE VILLAGE OF PETOSKEY, WE FEEL HONORED TO HAVE YOU CONSIDER BEING PART OF OUR FAMILY.

Wines for Humanity Wine Tasting

Friday, November 4 at 3:00 p.m.

Northland Notables Saturday, November 26 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Bring your friends to enjoy holiday music performed by this well-known professional group.

Friday, November 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join us at this special time as the Petoskey Friendship Choir helps honor our veterans.

Learn about exciting new wines, while raising money for charity. Appetizers and fun provided!

Veterans Day Brunch

Christmas Craft Show Tuesday, November 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Shop local vendors for your holiday wreaths, decorations, and gifts. Even local homemade food items will be available for sale, so get your holiday pie here!

Independence Village of Petoskey 965 Hager Drive Petoskey, MI 49770 Off US 131 South and Lears Road

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888-777-0327

4 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

Join us as we gather together for a bountiful month of events. We keep life exciting for our residents with a host of activities designed to keep their minds and bodies happy and healthy. We invite you to attend one (or more) of these fun events and experience our warm, luxurious community.

You’ll see (and feel) the difference. CALL

TODAY 888-777-0327 RSVP FOR ANY OF OUR EVENTS

Central Drug Store NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 2 PUBLISHER DOUG CALDWELL EDITOR MAGGIE PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY G. RANDALL GOSS LAYOUT AND DESIGN WENDY WOLFSEN FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT ADVERTISING DIRECTOR CHRISTY LYONS (231) 439-9329 clyons@petoskeynews.com ADVERTISING SALES BETH FLYNN ANNE MCDEVITT ERICA NIESEN

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© GoodLife, all rights reserved, 2011. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without express written permission, is prohibited. The views expressed herein, whether expressed as fact, fiction, opinion, advice or otherwise, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of this magazine. The publication of any advertisement does not reflect any endorsement for any products or services by the ownership or management of this magazine unless it is specifically stated in such advertisement that there is approval for such endorsement. GoodLife is published bi-monthly by Northern Michigan Review, Inc. GoodLife Magazine 319 State St., Petoskey, Mich. 49770

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GOODlife 5

GOOD STUFF GOOD TO GO

GOOD HUMOR

Working the hip girdle A strong core is important to overall movement, and this exercise aims to strengthen the pelvic region. “This (exercise) is to help strengthen the hip girdle, which is helpful to stand up from a chair, get out of bed, that kind of thing,” said Ethel Larsen, a physical therapist with Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center in Petoskey. The floor is the best surface for this exercise, but if it’s difficult to get down and back up, a firm bed will also work. To start, lay down, with arms by your side, knees bent toward the ceiling and feet flat on the ground or bed. Your knees should be slightly separated. Push down on your feet, and arms if desired, lifting the hips up to a comfortable height. Let them down. “You don’t want to flop them down, either. You want to go nice and slow,” Larsen noted. Start with 10 repetitions, and gradually increase as you become more comfortable. Variations of this exercise include: — If lifting your hips is too painful, initiate the movement of the exercise by tipping back the pelvis. — Place a pillow between your knees. Squeeze the pillow as you lift; this works the inner thighs as well. — Place a stretchy or adjustable band around your legs, just above the knee. Press out as you lift; this works the outer thighs as well. — If you find the lifting repetitive, lift and hold instead. Try to start with 10 second holds, working up to 30 seconds. — Maggie Peterson

6 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

Bea MacGregor of Petoskey

Activity director? Be your own! There are instructions in airliners that say if the oxygen mask drops down from the console above, mothers must FIRST use it BEFORE giving it to the infant in her arms. And while you probably don’t need me to explain this to you, consider seeing this as a metaphor for life: YOU WILL BE OF NO USE FOR OTHERS IF YOU HAVEN’T FIRST TAKEN CARE OF YOURSELF. When I retired, I had to be my own guide. I was reluctant to care for myself. But soon I found things I really love to do: Daily walking. I came to this kicking and screaming, being from a generation of women who got out of gym class if you had a new perm. When Title 9 came along, I secretly thought: Oh great! Now look what they’re going to make us do. We have the babies, work full time and of course are wives, committee chairs and now we can be in sports and sweat and hurt ourselves. But since I retired, I walk every day. Sometimes it seems there is nothing that can’t be fixed by a walk. I start with some problem in my head, and when I finish I can hardly remember it. I love to camp. Real tent, no electricity, dirt camping. There is nothing like it for a gratitude adjustment. I don’t think you can overrate the smell of bacon cooking over a wood fire, or the feeling of putting on clean socks after you wash your feet. We go for star walks at night because the places we camp are not light polluted. And sleeping bag wars: I love the look on my dog’s face when she gets in my bag before me! But the best part is when I return home, and I turn on the hot water to wash something, and I think: a miracle! The shower, clean clothes, the way the recliner feels, the remote control ... Deprivation is actually a good thing. Creating something. About two years ago, I began taking art classes after saying for 40 years, “Boy, I sure would love to take an art class ... ” I LOVE my art class. For two hours a week I am completely empty and somehow free. It’s like 

GOOD STUFF The trick is to pull up exactly with the car in front, then reverse and know when to turn in. I can even close my one half of my brain goes to sleep and eyes! the other half comes out to play ... And that really says it all. Find And ﬁnally, I love to parallel park. things that make you smile. Simple I am actually very good at this, and things that don’t depend on money or love nothing better than an audience time with other people who still have of men (their wives inside the store). schedules. Something you can do You can tell how bored they are, and now, today. But like everything in life, I think of myself as the entertainment. know when to pull up even and when GOOD HUMOR

Continued from page 6

to turn in. But keep your eyes open! — Katie MacInnis Katie MacInnis is a retired nurse and lives with her husband Charlie in Harbor Springs. She estimates that two-thirds of the phone calls to her house start with a delay, then a recorded sales-pitch, or helpful people asking about her upcoming birthday and signing up for Medicare beneﬁts. She writes to escape reality!

GRANDPARENTING

Gingerbread ornaments — Maggie Peterson

he aroma of gingerbread cookies ter and baking soda mixture to the is hard to beat, and these ornashortening mixture. ments add a homemade touch to 4. Stir until mixed thoroughly and rea tree. If you’re looking for a more frigerate six to eight hours. classic gingerbread look, use the 5. Cut dough into three equal pieces, same sorts of decorations you would knead each piece lightly and then on a gingerbread house — royal icing use a rolling pin to roll out each and assorted candies. piece to a 1/4-inch thickness. 6. Use holiday cookie cutters made in GINGERBREAD the shapes of gingerbread people ORNAMENTS and houses to cut shapes out of the Ingredients dough. 6 tablespoons shortening 7. Use a medium- to large-sized drink1 cup sugar ing straw or the end of a wooden 1 cup molasses chopstick to make a hole at the top 2 teaspoons baking soda of each shape. *Tip: make sure to 2 teaspoons ground cloves really make a sizable hole (bigger 2 teaspoons ginger than you think you need), as these 2 teaspoons cinnamon do puff up in the cooking process, 7 cups flour making the hole shrink. 1 1/2 cups water 8. Put cookies on cookie sheets and Directions bake for about 20 minutes. Turn 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. oven off and allow cookies to cool 2. Beat shortening and sugar together in the oven. This will help harden in a large bowl. Stir in molasses. the cookies. 3. Sift baking soda, ground cloves, gin- 9. Place cookies on racks to comger, cinnamon and flour together in pletely harden. Place racks in a cool, a large bowl. Stir this mixture plus dry place and let sit for two to three water into the sugar and shortening days. mixture, alternately adding the wa- 10. Coat cookies with clear acrylic or

varnish and allow cookies to dry thoroughly. 11. Paint cookies with acrylic paints as desired. Allow paint to dry thoroughly. 12. Thread a 5- to 6-inch length of narrow ribbon or cording through the ea ornament. hole at the top of each You may have to use a toothpick to chip a little bit of cookie out of the hole if it has closed up a bit, before threading with ribbon. Knot ends and hang ornaments. Yields elds 30-40 cookies.

Source: ource: Gingerbread “Gingerbread Christmas Ornaments,” www.food.com

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8 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

NOD TO TO NOSTALGIA -- 19XX 1966 Music Movie

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ xxxxxx

Th Movie e way it was

Twister Nearly everyone has been to a party, regardless of age, during which the board game Twister has been broken xxxxxx out. A grid of colored circles printed across a mat, the game aims to twist its players into contortions until each player can stand up no longer. xxxxxxxxxx At the helm of the game is the person in charge of making players change their position based on where a spinner dictates the players hands or feet should go. The Milton Bradley Company marketed the game, which was patented by Charles Foley and Neil Rabens, in 1966 after hesitation fearing public criticism. But after the game was featured by Johnny Carson on the “Tonight Show” — Carson played the game with Eva Gabor — Milton Bradley knew it had a hit. More than 3 million copies of the game were sold during the ﬁrst year of its release.

The Grinch, a bitter recluse socked away on Mount xxxxxxx Crumpit above Whoville, schemes ways to steal Christ- xxxxxxx mas in the 1966 classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christxxxxxxxxxx mas.” He enlists help from his dog, Max, and dresses Max as a reindeer. The Grinch, voiced by Boris Karloﬀ, and his dog sled to steal Christmas from every Who in Whoville — the Whos, who love Christmas more than all. From those Whos, the Grinch took every present, and all of the Whos’ feast, even their “roast beast.” But despite having lost their whole Christmas, the Whos joined together in their town square, joined Who-hands and started singing. Their singing makes the Grinch reconsider his Christmas position, and his heart grew just a little more.

Music In the news

In the news The way it was

The Band It was the shout heard ‘round the world, and it happened during a performance by Bob Dylan and xxxxxx the Hawks — later renamed The Band — at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester, England. At the height of a chorus of boos, one fan’s shout rang out the loudest: “Judas!” he screamed. xxxxxxxxxx The event the fans were protesting was Bob Dylan’s transition to an electric band. He had transitioned the year before, when he played a set with an electric band at Newport Folk Festival — where all performers used acoustic instruments. Dylan was considered a sell-out. Near the time of the Manchester show, the single “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” hit the charts, ultimately reaching No. 2 on the United States pop singles chart. It was a song released on June 27 from the album “Blonde on Blonde,” one of Dylan’s seminal records.

xxxxxxx

xxxxxx

xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx

— Star Trek debuts on NBC-TV with its ﬁrst episode, “The Man Trap.” — Bobby Seal and Huey P. Newton found the Black Panther Party. — John Lennon says The Beatles are more popular than Jesus in an interview with London Evening Standard. He later apologizes. — Bobbi Gibb becomes the ﬁrst woman to run the Boston Marathon.

If you have a favorite nostalgic item you’d like to share with GOODLife readers, let us know! E-mail Beth Anne at bpiehl@petoskeynews.com. GOODlife 9

GOOD TASTE

Everyone has time to bake a batch of quick bread T

he appeal of quick breads isn’t merely the ease — though you have to love any baked good that is no more complicated than mixing a bunch of things together, then baking. But it also is the adaptability and flexibility of these recipes that have earned them such a coveted place in the home kitchen. They can be flavored with nearly any combination of ingredients, from sweet all the way to savory and spicy. They also can be baked in numerous styles — loaves large or small, as muffins, even simply as muffin tops (if you have the right pan). To help get you baking this fall, we created two basic quick bread Matthew Mead/Associated Press base recipes, one savory and one This photo shows Southwestern quick bread (left) and blue cheese walnut quick bread. Quick breads can sweet. Each recipe includes sug- be flavored with nearly any combination of ingredients, from sweet all the way to savory and spicy. gested flavorings, easy ways to take a basic bread and make it so much 1 cup cooked, mashed poclean, about 50 to 60 minutes. For more. And of course, these recipes tato (unseasoned) muffins, spoon the batter into the are so versatile, feel free to play. Mix-ins (see below) prepared tins and bake for 18 to 20

SAVORY QUICK BREAD Start to ﬁnish: 1 hour 15 minutes (15 minutes active) Makes 1 loaf or 12 muﬃns 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cornmeal 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup sour cream 3 tablespoons melted butter 2 eggs 10 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

Heat the oven to 350 F. Coat a minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minloaf or muffin pan with cooking utes in the pan, then turn out onto a spray. cooling rack. Allow the loaf to cool In a large bowl, whisk together fully before cutting. the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt and sugar. In another bowl, Mix-ins: mix together the sour cream, but- — Southwestern: 1/2 cup diced ter, eggs, mashed potato and the cooked bacon, 1/4 cup cooked mix-ins of your choice. Add the potato-sour cream mixture to the diced green pepper, 1/2 cup flour mixture and mix just until cooked diced onion, 1 tablespoon diced jalapeno combined. For a loaf, spread the batter (it — Olive-herb: 3/4 cup chopped will be thick) into the prepared olives, 1/2 cup grated Parmepan. Cook until a wooden skewer san, 2 tablespoons chopped inserted at the center comes out capers, 1 tablespoon chopped

fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary — Blue cheese walnut: 1/4 cup diced roasted red pepper, 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Nutrition information per serving before mix-ins (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 180 calories; 60 calories from fat (36 percent of total calories); 7 g fat (5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 55 mg cholesterol; 24 g carbohydrate; 4 g protein; 1 g fiber; 290 mg sodium.

mixture into the applesauce mixture cup chopped toasted pecans just until combined. — Lemon-blueberry: Zest and For a loaf, spread the batter into juice of 2 lemons and 1 cup the prepared pan. Cook until a frozen wild blueberries wooden skewer inserted at the center comes out clean, about 50 to 60 — Chocolate cherry orange: Zest minutes. For muﬃns, spoon the bat- of 2 oranges, 1/2 cup mini chocoter into the prepared tins and bake late chips, 3/4 cup dried cherries for 18 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn Nutrition information per servout onto a cooling rack. Allow the ing (values are rounded to the loaf to cool fully before cutting. nearest whole number): 230 Mix-ins: calories; 90 calories from fat — Cinnamon-pumpkin: Sub(39 percent of total calories); stitute pumpkin puree for the 10 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g applesauce. Add 1 teaspoon trans fats); 35 mg cholesterol; cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground 33 g carbohydrate; 3 g proginger, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 tein; 1 g fiber; 210 mg sodium. cup crushed toffee chips and 1/2

SWEET QUICK BREAD Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes (15 minutes active) Makes 1 loaf or 12 muffins 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 1/4 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 cup applesauce (or see cinnamon-pumpkin note in mix-ins below) 1/2 cup water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt Mix-ins (see below) Heat the oven to 350 F. Coat a loaf or muffin pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, eggs, applesauce, water and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and the mix-ins of your choice. Gently stir the flour

Matthew Mead/Associated Press This photo shows cinnamon-pumpkin (top), chocolate cherry orange (right) and lemon-blueberry quick breads. GOODlife 11

GOOD ESCAPE

Away in the woods Horton Creek Inn oﬀers a secluded retreat

By Mark Lindsay

The Horton Creek Inn Bed and Breakfast is a Town and Country log structure located in a country setting with spacious gardens. (Courtesy photo)

or visitors to Northern Michigan, wanted to someday operate a bed and or locals looking for a romantic breakfast,” Babbitt noted. vacation in the woods, CharlevThe couple began planning and oix’s Horton Creek Inn offers a peace- looking for an opportunity to impleful getaway. ment their dream plans. David and Jeannie Babbitt, who “We were thinking with my cookown Horton Creek Inn, first met in ing, his gardening and our love for Eaton Rapids. After the couple got being around people we would make married, they decided to open a new good innkeepers,” Babbitt said. branch of their family company in The pair traveled around the Flandreau, S.D. southern and eastern United States “David managed our small manu- looking for a location to build toward facturing business while I was busy their goal. raising four kids and volunteering “As it happened, once we returned with many local projects,” Jeannie to Michigan, it felt most like home said. “I also pursued my love for cook- and therefore we started planning the ing and cake decorating for several move back home,” Babbitt noted. years.” Once they found the property that “When the opportunity arose in fit the vision they had for a bed and 1990 to sell the company, we knew we breakfast, they began to build. Town 12 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

and Country Cedar Homes built the house for them in 1991, and in late fall they moved in. Having three teenage sons still living at home, the Babbitts decided not to move forward with the business until they had all moved on. “We ﬁnished raising our four children here. As our youngest was nearing graduation we started putting the rooms in order the way we wanted them for our guests,” Babbitt said. Once the youngest child left for college, the Babbitts had their oﬃcial grand opening. Now, with more than 10 years of successful operation of their bed and breakfast, the Babbitts are still growing and enjoying each season of guests. “We’ve had so many wonderful

guests over the years,” Babbitt noted. “We’ve made many friends and have even gone on to stay at some of their homes in return.” The inn offers several Northern Michiganthemed rooms, including bear, deer, garden and northwoods. The second floor has two single rooms and a two-room suite, and all the upper floor rooms can be combined if your group needs the entire floor. There are two additional hall beds available for large groups taking the upper floor or the entire inn. The lower floor and the main floor have one room each, with sitting and reading rooms throughout. Both floors have fireplaces, and views of the gardens and forests. “We have many gardens for our guests to see and visit,” Babbitt noted. Their gardens have been featured in both Birds & Blooms and Traverse Magazine. “Our guests often are found in our garden areas, just enjoying the peace and quiet. We take a lot of pride in them getting caught up in the enjoyment of the simple beauty and peacefulness.” The inn also offers an outdoor pool for their guests, as well as many trails for those wanting to get out and explore. The inn is not technology free, and for those who wish to watch TV, they provide a large selection of movies. Each room also offers a stereo with CD player, and an available selection of music. They also offer free Wi-Fi for their guests use during their stay. All of the rooms are air conditioned, and are set up to accommodate one or two people. They include a queen size bed with a handmade frame, and a desk or table area with a comfortable chair. “Our guests really enjoy the uniqueness of each room, and we have had many returning again and again,” Babbitt said. The Babbitts serve a full hot breakfast each morning in their sun room. “I let Dave do the breakfast, while my specialty is in the baking and snacks,” Babbitt noted. The inn does accept dietary requests for both breakfast and the provided evening snack. For those staying at the Horton Creek Inn there are several nearby attractions. “Most of our guests will visit nearby Horton Bay, Charlevoix and Boyne City,” Babbitt said. “With water sports on Lake Charlevoix, fantastic art in East Jordan and all the shopping close by, there’s plenty to see and do.” The inn is located at 5757 Boyne City Road, in Charlevoix. Rates start at $130 per night. For more information on the Horton Creek Inn, call (866) 582-5373 or (231) 582-5373, or visit www.hortoncreekinnbb.com. GL

Courtesy photo ABOVE: The four-season porch also serves as a dining room and oﬀers great views of the surrounding countryside year-round.

Courtesy photo ABOVE: The “Garden Room” is one of the seven themed bedrooms available.

Courtesy photo The spacious family room oﬀers a place to gather and enjoy movies. GOODlife 13

GOOD WORD

The rules of the game By Anne Kelly

y husband and I were transplanted Buckeyes and it didn’t take too many years to realize that our Big Ten loyalty to OSU failed to emigrate over the border with us. I suppose this was partially because of the fact that a substantial amount of money was being funneled into both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan when our kids came of age. Allegiance is a funny thing. One minute you’re wearing scarlet and grey; the next you have three college flags waving from your front porch on Saturdays during the football season. Ambivalence aside, I have a few poignant memories of games past, being initiated into the nuances of “fanmanship” during our dating years back in the ‘60s. My favorite one has to be that of the first Ohio State game I ever attended. My future mother-inlaw, who was also big into hosting pre-game tailgate parties complete with brandy sidecars, dressed in a white flannel coat for the occasion and was seated on a red plaid wool blanket next to us. The heavens opened during the first quarter and never let up. Pouring-down, bone-chilling rain fell on us all, including her accordion pleated plastic rain hat. I excused myself from the precarious heights of C-deck to the lower level under cover but she never flinched or left her place during the game. When she did 14 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

by “Mike” who seemed to be the PR person for the immediate vicinity of Row 81, Seat 5. (Our other seat was somewhere in the row behind, but Mike assured us that we were “cool”). He held a running repartee with most of the kids around us and conducted business (like what would be going on later that night), on his cell phone throughout the game. Mike was an electrical engineering Ph.D. student we learned, but I think he had another calling ... maybe as a lobbyist. He filled us in almost immediately about the “Blue Boy,” who painted his body blue most games, and “The Puker,” his girl friend, who regularly after the final play, and we exited threw up either during the game, the stands, the plaid had thor- or right before she arrived in her oughly imprinted itself on her seat. I think he just wanted to prebackside. To my surprise, this pare us. didn’t bother her at all. She was a football fan. The rules for being a U of M She not only liked to watch the fan “seated” in the student section band do “Script Ohio,” she actu- are these: ally watched the game. She knew 1. Yell “Who Cares?” when the the rules. You see there are rules other team players are being infor football fans. Rules like stay- troduced. ing to the bitter end, rain or shine, 2. Stand at all times (this is and knowing terms like “offsides.” three hours unless the game goes These are the more obvious ones. into overtime) except for a brief When you sit in the student sec- reprieve at the half-time show. tion, you crank it up a notch. 3. Learn the Wolverine clawing One game in Ann Arbor par- motion, which is a little like putticularly stands out. It was one in ting a hex on the opponent. which our daughter had arranged 4. Shake your keys at the optickets for us in that sacred sec- ponent’s third down. This should tion. rattle them. She must have also warned her 5. Twirl your hat at kick-off. 6. Be ready to be thrown bodifriends that we were coming. We were greeted almost immediately ly into the air among the fans,

should your team score a touchdown. The number of tosses matches the number of points amassed. 7. Spend the entire fourth quarter watching for your turn to do “The Wave.” It may be reversed, speeded up or slowed down, so be watchful. The fourth quarter is pretty boring if you’re winning or losing by a lot, so you have to do something.

ate and just kept standing. My husband mentioned that he thought he had lost the feeling in his left leg. I didn’t dare to look around for fear I might be thrown up into the stands after the next touchdown. Michigan had 42 points. “Blue Boy” was on his best behavior and “The Puker” did not puke, even when SHE was tossed up in the air 42 times (whew!). Everyone was very gracious and accepting of the old Mike told us that he really didn’t know what hap- folks in Row 81, Seat 5, thanks to Mike. pened to fans once they became alumni ... no spirit I haven’t been to a game in a while but, according any more ... “Look at them,” he pointed to a section to reliable resources, the tradition continues. When under the press box. “They just sit there. And only I go, I’m not sure it will be in the student section, last year they were over HERE having fun! I’ve seen since I really like to sit down occasionally. But if I do, GRANDPARENTS that have more spirit!” at least I know the rules of the game! GL I didn’t tell Mike that we were grandparents as well as our daughter’s parents. Anne Kelly is a freelance writer for several local We chanted “Let’s Go Blue!” when it was appropri- publications. She resides in Charlevoix.

GOODlife 15

GOOD BUYS

Finding a TV: Features, beneﬁts and research By Mark Lindsay · Photos by G. Randall Goss

Kevin Liddy, general manager of Chuck’s Appliance in Petoskey, points of some of the features of a 55-inch Internet capable LED television in the store’s showroom.

hese days it’s possible to find good quality televisions selling for a few hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars, but choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Whether replacing a current television, upgrading in technology or adding a new set for other reasons, getting good advice from a reputable source may save you time and money. There are many publications and websites, such as Consumer Reports, that offer

16 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

both evaluations and consumer reviews of electronics. “Doing some good research before venturing into the marketplace can provide valuable knowledge and will narrow your search,” said Kevin Liddy, of Chuck’s Appliance and Furniture in Petoskey. “Technology is fast changing and new features come into the market all the time. Keeping up with that and educating customers is a good salesperson’s duty.” Most consumer sites recom-

mend identifying two or three televisions that have the features and benefits desired before going to a retailer. When price shopping, it’s important to compare identical items between stores especially if looking for a retailer to match prices from a competitor. “Many big box stores carry models exclusive to them, sometimes manufactured for them alone, which makes comparison shopping impossible,” said Liddy. An advantage to visiting a spe-

cialty electronics retailer is they will often have very well trained and educated salespeople able to answer difficult questions about technology. The assistance of a salesperson who can explain complex features can be invaluable, Liddy noted. “Even if you pay a little bit more for an item, getting exactly what you want and additional services is well worth it,” he added. One of the primary choices for someone purchasing a new TV today is whether to go with plasma or LCD technology. There are also LED TVs, which are essentially LCD TVs with LED backlights. Chuck’s Appliance and Furniture is located on M-119 north of Petoskey. “LED technology can offer a much thinner and lighter set, more suitable than others for 40 inches will often offer lower alternately dim each lens in sync mounting on a wall,” Liddy said. resolution options to provide with the TV by way of an infrared Liddy added that the LED style lower price options. Most all TVs emitter so you can see a 3-D imsets will eventually replace LCD more than 40 inches will be 1080 age. altogether. or higher, which will suit most Polarized glasses, on the other Technology, such as DLP (rear consumers needs. When consid- hand, are the kind you’ll find in projection) and tube TVs, is rap- ering choices in resolution, 1080P 3-D movie theaters; some TVs idly becoming outdated and as a is the recommended standard to will even work with the glasses result less available. look for at a minimum. The term from the theater. They’re cheaper, “DLP sets are really popular refers to 1080 lines of vertical lighter and easier to wear, but they with people who want very large resolution with progressive scan, technically don’t provide as highsizes, or a mid-size at a much low- meaning that unlike 1080i the im- quality an image since each lens blocks out some of the light to er price,” Liddy said. DLP sets are age is not interlaced. much bulkier and don’t offer the “TVs under 40 inches limit your create the 3-D image. Probably the most important wide range of features consumers choices substantially, and are priwant today. marily purchased for value only, consideration for 3-D is what Plasma and LCD differ in the most typically for occasional use you’ll be watching. There isn’t way that they create the image in a setting such as a bedroom or much 3-D video out there at the moment and your programming on the screen. LCDs use a bright den,” Liddy noted. backlight that shines through For most prospective TV buy- provider might only have a chana layer of liquid crystals, which ers, 3-D isn’t a necessity yet sim- nel or two available with 3-D conmove to transmit or block the ply because currently there isn’t tent. Another advantage to shopping light. Plasmas use an electri- enough 3-D content out there. For cal charge to make a gas give off those who want the feature, there at a specialty retailer like Chuck’s ultraviolet light, which in turn are a few things you should know can be unique services such as delivery and set-up, programming causes phosphors to glow, much about 3-D technology today. the same as a fluorescent light. “With 3-D, the bigger the better and education, and expanded warranty or repair service, Liddy “LCD sets are brighter and bet- is the rule,” Liddy noted. ter suited to well-lit rooms while There are currently two types said. “We’ll often do extra things for plasma sets are ideal for darker of 3-D glasses technology found rooms with less light sources,” in TVs — active shutter, and po- our customers like relocate an Liddy noted. larized or passive. Active-shutter old TV and set it up in a different Size of the TV to choose can be glasses are much more expensive room, or offer a loaner TV while a broken down into either larger or and heavier because they’re actu- warranty repair is being made,” he smaller than 40 inches. TVs under ally two small LCD screens that noted. GL GOODlife 17

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GOOD HEALTH

Avoiding winter hazards By Morgan Sherburne

inter can be a tough time for with fire- it’s important for this age group to anyone, with having to think places, can- have a regular exercise program so about snow and ice removal dles and that they are in good shape. Coorwhile dealing with the months of oil-burning dination and balance is improved gray weather Michigan can somelamps, ex- through exercise and strength times have. ercise cau- training,” said Meyerson, explainBut it is especially important for tion, ad- ing that excess home clutter should seniors to stay safe through the seavised Puroll. be streamlined, stairs well lit, rugs son while having to contend with Keep heat- taped down and items placed well slippery sidewalks, the cold and the ing devices within reach in order to avoid trips stress of the holidays. away from and make items easier to get. Lindsey Puroll, who oversees acfurnishings, He also recommends seniors get tivities and marketing for the Friend- Lindsey Puroll including their vision checked yearly and stay ship Centers of Emmet County and curtains up-to-date on medication and prethe Council on Aging for the county, and blankets, and make sure to in- scriptions so that the medications has many suggestions to keep safe stall smoke and carbon monoxide are not making them sleepy or dizzy. during the winter months. alarms. “I would add that one of the key When driving in the winter, pack “House fires are more common ways seniors can prevent accidents an emergency box in case of a for seniors in the winter,” she said. and injuries is to be willing to ask for breakdown or accident. Make sure For the slipperier conditions win- help,” said Puroll. “Recognizing limithe box includes a flashlight and ter often presents, make sure to wear tations and reaching out to friends, emergency candles, matches, flares, skid-proof boots and shoes and family and neighbors for assistance warm blankets and extra clothes, a use a skid- — a ride to an appointment, shovelshovel, ice scraper, hand warmers, proof cane ing the sidewalk, hanging Christmas water, granola bars and snacks. or walker, lights — is a surefire method to stay “Carry a cell phone if you have one, if needed safe in the winter months.” GL and never risk driving in bad weath— as well er conditions,” she said. “When in as always doubt, err on the side of caution.” taking adThe council also advises seniors vantage of to dress warmly in order to prevent handrails hypothermia, in hats, scarves, mitand ramps. tens, boots and warm coats — even Many for a brief outing. Low body temof the sugperatures can lead to heart attack, Dr. Joshua Meyerson gestions kidney problems or liver damage. Dr. Joshua “Staying warm is important Meyerson, medical director for the even indoors,” she said. “Cozy up Health Department of Northwest with wool blankets, socks, slippers, Michigan, has for safety can be apsweaters and robes.” plicable year-round. While keeping your home warm “Other than being careful, I think GOODlife 19

GOOD IDEA

Be a ‘scrapper’!

Debby Bosma, of Boyne USA, heads up the annual “Girls Just Want to Crop” scrapbooking weekend in September at Boyne Highlands. The Harbor Springs resident is also an avid scrapbooker.

crapbooking can be a fun way to preserve memories and be creative at the same time. It is easy to start and relatively inexpensive, according to Debby Bosma, who organizes a major scrapbooking event twice a year at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs. “Anyone can do it,” she said of the hobby. Bosma, a Harbor Springs resident, said she’s been scrapbooking for about 15 years and has created wedding books, graduation pages, homemade cards and scrapbooks of all kinds. The idea of scrapbooking, said Bosma, is to put your pictures in a book because, “If they’re in a box, you don’t look at them.” Seasoned scrapbookers make use of photo albums, colored paper, cut outs, 20 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

By Aebra Coe Photos by G. Randall Goss

stickers, and stamps — really a va- kids and grandkids. riety of color and texture to create “It’s important to journal and layouts for a book of photos which write in the caption areas what’s includes backgrounds and captions. happening in the photos, the date New and interesting products and details about who’s in it,” she to create scrapbooks are always said. around, said Bosma. Recent tools Other tips the seasoned scrappeople have started using include per provided was to start small in the Cricut machine, which cuts a order to not become overwhelmed wide variety of shapes in paper, liq- and slowly create more complicatuid glass, acid-free glitter ink and ed books as you progress. blendable markers. “As people learn more, pages ﬁll She said she has made albums up with decorations and pictures,” for several family members. One she noted. was for her 100-year-old grandShe said it doesn’t have to be mother who was in a care facility. fancy; the most important part is She said it helped her grandma re- just getting the pictures in the book. member events and people better Bosma said her favorite part by seeing them on a daily basis. about the hobby is showing her When her grandma passed, work to others and seeing their Bosma said looking back over the reaction. She has made several album helped her in the grieving scrapbooks of her granddaughprocess. ter visiting her parents’ farm. She Bosma said scrapbooking is a said the girl loves to flip through great way to preserve the past for the books and can’t wait to take

Darlene Martin, of Sebring, Fla., wears her passion on her shirt as she works on her scrapbook project at the Boyne Highlands day lodge.

them home with her when she is old enough. Scrapbooks can range from as little as 10 to almost 100 pages of photos. Bosma said it can take several minutes to create a page, but depending on the level of detail, can take more than an hour. For those interested in starting to scrapbook, Bosma suggested buying a few supplies and starting on your own, or attending one of the many scrapbooking events in the area. “We have people come from 13 years old on up,” she said of the event she hosts twice a year at Boyne Highlands. When she first started the “Girls Just Wanna Lou Schrader, of Boyne City, works on creating a family scrapbook of last year’s Christmas and New Year’s photos. Crop” weekend nine years ago, 65 people came. This fall, there were The “Girls Just Wanna Crop” more than 300 participants. The event takes place every fall and popularity of the hobby has ex- spring. Other events in the areaa h ploded in the last 10 years, said include a weekly scrap day with Bosma. snacks at Alfie’s Attic in Petoskey Women, and a few men, drive and additional annual events in from all over the state and coun- Mackinac Island, Traverse City try for the event. and Gaylord. GL

IIn no order to start, you will need: ✂ A cutter ($10-$100) ✂ A pair of scissors ✂ Acid-free adhesive ✂ Acid-free paper ✂ An album with plastic sleeves

✂ Photos ✂ Optional: stickers or embellishments

✂ Optional: a Cricut machine, which cuts out shapes and symbols paper ols in ol np ap per aand nd d other materials r al ri als Terry Beattie (left) and Shelly Lemieur, both of Petoskey, work on their scrapbook projects during the recent “Girls Just Want to Crop” scrapbook weekend at Boyne Highlands. GOODlife 21

COVER STORY

Traditions of

childhood Story & photos by Maggie Peterson

Rosemarie Sluyter of Petoskey reads the Bible, much as her grandfather did at Christmastime in Germany. She said it wasn’t common to read the book out loud, but Christmas was a special time. 22 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

hile each home that celebrates Christmas does so a little differently, there are elements known to be ubiquitous — a shared meal, gift giving, Santa Claus. Growing up in eastern Germany, today Poland, Rosemarie Sluyter’s Christmas holidays were marked somewhat differently — by Advent and visits from St. Nikolaus, or Santa Claus, and Christkindl, or Christ child. “Christmas has a lot of religious background, and it stayed that way through all my youth,” the 80-year-old Petoskey resident said. Every Dec. 1 until she was a teenager, she would be given an Advent calendar. A small window would be opened every morning through Dec. 24, revealing a new picture. The final day, Christmas Eve, always held a picture of the Holy Family and the nativity scene, signaling the arrival of Christkindl. A handmade Advent wreath, decorated with four red candles, was hung by red ribbons; one more candle was lit every Sunday of Advent. St. Nikolaus Day is Dec. 6 in Germany. Sluyter recalled many children placed shoes or socks outside their doors the night before, but her aunt was a bit germ-conscious. “I always had to put a plate outside my door,” she said. When she woke up the next morning, that plate was full with apples, sweets, nuts and an orange. These were the presents of St. Nikolaus; Christkindl was the giver of toys, although St. Nikolaus did help transport them in his sled pulled by two white horses.

In Germany, decorations such as the Weihnacht karussell, or Christmas merry-go-round, pictured were common. Heat from the candles moves the top blades, spinning the interior tree.

and there, bright with the glow of lit candles, heavy with decorated cookies and candy, tinsel and ornaments, was the tree. Sluyter said under the tree was her spot for presents, while other family members’ were placed throughout the room. Sluyter recalled that when it came to opening the presents, there was no mad dash to tear off the paper in one riotous jumble. Instead, after singing “Silent Night” to thank Christkindl for the gifts, they each opened one in turn, Sluyter going first as the youngest. It continued like this until the last gift was opened, snacking on sweets, fruit and nuts as they went. “I was pretty appalled when I first saw children dive in and open (presents, after moving to the States),” Sluyter noted. “ ... They are happy for 15 minutes and then what else. I never was. I was happy with what I got and got to see what everybody else got.” Sluyter said when she came to the United States at 21 after marrying an American soldier, she adjusted to how Christmas was celebrated stateside. When her children came along, however, two German traditions were passed on — Advent calendars and St. Nikolaus Day — and they continue to make their way down the family line to grandchildren.

At some point around two mass on through dinner, she was weeks before Christmas Eve, kept to the kitchen area. Doors Sluyter would make out a note between rooms were customarily with her wish list, called wun- closed as a way to concentrate the schzettel, to the Christkindl, to heat, but it served another reason be sent skyward to the star angels on Christmas Eve. that crafted the presents. Until that day, there was no Christmas Eve is where ev- Christmas tree in the house. Decoirginia Corpus was born in erything came together. The day rations such as boughs, apples and Manila, Philippines, and was spent getting ready for an pinecones were there, but not the lived there until she was 45; afternoon church service, called tree, which in addition to wrapped Christmesse, or Christ’s Mass. gifts was a sign the Christkindl her mother was American, and her father, of Spanish descent, was Upon returning home after the has come. service, Sluyter and her family Sluyter recalled that just as din- born in the Philippines but travwould sit down to their traditional ner had ended, her aunt would eled to America at age 15. For her, the Christmas season Christmas Eve supper — potato stand up and leave the room for a in the Philippines was much like salad, wurst, pickles, bread, butter moment. and marmalade, and for dessert, “She would come back and say, those celebrated in America, but vanilla pudding with raspberry ‘Well, guess what? The Christkindl with a little bit of Spanish and Filipino tradition to it. There was sauce. came,’” she said. Sluyter said from the time of The kitchen door would open, also a strong Catholic inﬂuence. 

GOODlife 23

BELOW: This home in the Philippines was owned by Virginia Corpus’ father-in-law, and was often the site of holiday gatherings.

Courtesy photo

with a smile. In the morning, after a few hours of sleep, they would be picked up by their parents to go home for Christmas morning and opening gifts, delivered by Santa. Later in the day would be a Virginia Corpus of Petoskey was born in and spent the first 45 years of her life in the Philippines. The Christmas meal of many main courses. Later holiday was much as it is in the United States, she said. in life, after she was married and TRADITIONS OF CHILDHOOD and college, she and other girls had children, their family would Continued from page 23 in the glee club were chosen to travel to her father’s house, where sing at the Christmas masses — they would meet with four of her “The Catholic life in the Philip- at midnight, 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on other siblings and their families pines is lived. You live your reli- Christmas. Once the hymns were for this meal. gion. You never make plans with- sung and services had ended, the “The table is filled with food. It is out hearing ‘If God wills it’ or ‘God nuns who taught at the school groaning with food,” she recalled. Setting the backdrop to this willing,’” the 81-year-old Petoskey would take them to the kindergarresident said. ten classroom, where they would season were visits from neighborStarting Dec. 15, there would receive wrapped holiday treats hood children, going door to door with homemade instruments and be a daily 10 p.m. Mass for pray- and a served meal. ing novenas, a set of nine prayers, “They would have places fixed singing songs for a bit of money or one each day, leading to Christ- on the desks for us. ... They would treats. be serving us, and boy, did they There were also visits to godmas Eve. For eight years, in high school spoil us rotten,” Corpus recalled mothers and godfathers by their 24 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

godchildren. “Many of those (godchildren) live hundreds of miles away or on a diﬀerent island,” Corpus noted. There were also the traditional decorations known as parols. A parol is a kind of lantern, made of a bamboo frame covered with tissue paper in the shape of a star. A light was strung inside so they would glow, and each home would have its parol lit. Competitions were not uncommon, with neighbors trying to upstage each other to be named best parol on the block — and receive a cash prize, Corpus noted. “You cannot pass a house without any of the parols. You see all these lanterns on both sides of the street,” she said. Corpus added that Christmas is the most major of the holidays celebrated in the country, and it’s all-consuming. “Everywhere you go, you see (people) walking in the street and saying ‘Hi, Merry Christmas,’” she said. GL

Courtesy photo This mango orchard was owned by Virginia Corpus’ relatives in the Philippines.

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GOOD CENTS

Securing a legacy

By Aebra Coe

Succession planning for your business

uccession planning occurs who are actively planning the suc- ensure their business stayed in the when a successful business cession of their companies. community to bring strength to owner determines they want “Any business owner’s plan the area. Many also said the busito sell or transfer their company should be to work themselves out ness they had created felt like a to a new owner and implements a of a job,” said Erber. “In order to family and they wanted it to stay plan to make that happen. exit smoothly, you need to have a that way. Everyone’s work life span is lim- plan in place.” Living in Petoskey was a vital ited and plans need to be put in Erber said there are several factor for one participant, Noah place for when that last day comes, steps a current owner needs to Marshall-Rashid, when he joined said Kathy Erber, vice president of make in order to do that and gave the family business, American The Bank of Northern Michigan. these tips. First, she said, it’s criti- Spoon Foods, co-founded by his Erber and her company hosted a cal that business owners identify father, Justin Rashid. Noah asked “leadership exchange” in Petoskey what’s important to them. What himself how and where he wanted this spring, where local business is the culture of the business and to invest the next 25 or more years leaders discussed the topic of suc- how can that be maintained? of his life. He concluded that the cession planning. There were close Many in the Petoskey commu- beneﬁts of operating a business in to 70 participants at the event in- nity who attended the leadership the Petoskey region were doubly cluding several business owners exchange said they would like to rewarding because of the pride 26 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

and love he and his family shared for the region. “One key element to remember is the human element,” said Erber, noting you need to take into consideration the personalities of staff and those you’re working with and be as honest and forthright as you can about the succession process. Next, she said, you have to determine who the next owner is going to be. That person could be a family member, someone in the company or an outside buyer. Once the decision is made, it’s good to be actively involved with Courtesy photo the person who is taking over Kathy Erber is senior vice president of The Bank of Northern Michigan. your responsibilities. “Open communication is key,” Boyne City, spoke about knowing Erber said. The previous owner successor, Bud Shear, and realizshould be there to offer advice, ing that Shear fit his own personal but not take over. standards of business integrity, fiAll panelists agreed that having nancial prudence, dedication to shared values with those taking top quality product, strong faith over the business was of utmost and insightful business savvy. importance. Mike Stowe, former These considerations gave Stowe owner of Industrial Magnetics in confidence that Shear would take

Industrial Magnetics to the next level. According to Erber, a common mistake made is when people wait too long to begin the process of succession planning. It can take five to 10 years for an effective succession plan. “Having the insight to know you won’t work forever is important,” she noted. “Above all,” Erber said, “It’s necessary to document your plan in writing.” Otherwise, there is no guarantee that it will be followed, or that anyone will even know what you wished. Erber gave a few resources that may help people looking to begin planning a succession. She said they could start by searching the Internet and working with trusted friends, advisors and legal advisors. Most important and helpful, according to Erber, is to find an individual who has gone through the process successfully who can act as a mentor. GL

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GOOD SAMARITAN

Volunteer Connections: Fitting volunteers to programs

By Morgan Sherburne

Access Volunteer Connections at www.charemunitedway.org/volunteer-connections.

har-Em United Way has devised a way volunteers can meet up with organizations all year long — virtually. The organization was looking for a way to meet volunteers’ needs after it realized Northern Michigan residents were interested in volunteering year-round, not just on the annual Day of Caring, a day centered around community volunteerism. So the team at Char-Em United Way came up with a simple plan: to create an online volunteering center, called Volunteer Connections. “We had done a needs assessment, and determined a need in the community for a virtual vol28 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

unteer center. It’s a place where people can go and ﬁnd volunteer opportunities that meet people’s interests, availability and passion,” said Martha Lancaster, executive director of CharEm United Way. Online since December of 2009, the website has connected at least 254 volunteers with variMartha Lancaster ous agencies. But this number might not reﬂect the actual number of volunteers using the site, as the website does not keep track of the volunteers who

might contact agencies by directly calling them. One such agency whose volunteer opportunities are advertised through the site is the Little Traverse Conservancy. Stewardship volunteer positions have been posted by the conservancy for all of the Little Traverse Conservancy preserves. Anne Fleming, communications and publications coordinator for the organization, said other positions might include environmental education programs, during which volunteers might lead field trips for summer programs or for field trips from schools. A real find for the conservancy,

said Fleming, was connecting with Marty Hair Amlin, a current Harbor Springs resident and former reporter and editor for the Detroit Free Press — a position she occupied for 30 years. Amlin responded to a volunteer position Fleming had posted on the United Way website, which asked for someone interested in interviewing longtime members of the Little Traverse Conservancy. The interviews will be put together in celebration of the conservancy’s upcoming 40th anniversary. “It was a great opportunity for

Online since December of 2009, the website has connected at least 254 volunteers with various agencies. us,” said Amlin, whose husband, Darrell Amlin, accompanied her to take photographs of the interviews. “We got to meet many interesting people who are committed to the conservancy and we learned a lot about the organization’s history.” Another benefit of the Volunteer Connections website is to keep families who are summer residents of Northern Michigan in the volunteering loop. “One of the things I really like is that if you’re a seasonal resident and you want to see in advance what you can do in the upcoming summer, or if you want to find something for your teenaged kids to do when you get back, you can look at the website,” said Lancaster. Many nonprofits see their volunteer needs rise during the sum-

mer months, and may benefit from the online center. The Harbor Springs Area Historical Society and Museum is looking ahead to next summer, when it plans to put together a crew of volunteers to look after the museum’s grounds, like the crew who worked on the grounds during United Way’s Day of Caring. “I didn’t realize that people like to weed,” said Mary Cummings, executive director of the society. “The volunteer we had was here for five hours. It was raining a little, but she had a smile her face the whole time. She was weeding and pulling and plucking and clipping — I would have been grumbling a few hours in, but she did a great job.” Summer is the prime time the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society and Museum needs most of its volunteers. Still, Cummings looks for volunteers interested in working the front desk of the museum all year long. “One of the biggest volunteer needs we have is serving at the front desk of the museum,” she said. “The first impression people get at any place is the first person they interact with.” Volunteering could lead to more than a temporary time commitment. Lancaster said volunteering may help in job searches — something in which those approaching retirement are increasingly interested. “Volunteering is a really great thing for people to do if they’re unemployed and looking for work,” said Lancaster. “It may be the last thing on their minds, but it’s a great place to network and make connections in the job search, as well as to build resumes and gain experience.” For more information, visit Char-Em United Way online at www.charemunitedway.org/volunteer-connections or contact the organization at (231) 487-1006. GL

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