J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 3
YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
GOOD life Life’s a beach
Experience the benefits of beachwalking
Good sport: Adventures in river kayaking
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CONTENTS 22 7 featur
On the cover: Beachwalker Mary Trout advocates exercise on the beach for both the health of it and the opportunity to enjoy wildlife, particularly the birds found along the shorelines and within the tree line. Photo by G. Randall Goss/GoodLife
6 Good Stuff Good to Go: Functional Balance
11 Good Taste Tomato, onion & cucumber salad
Good Humor: Katie MacInnis
12 Cover Story Beachwalking
Good for Kids: Sea Scouts
15 Good Thoughts Tips to un-stress summer
9 Good Word Rick Fowler
16 Good Advice Vigilance is key with skin cancer
17 Good Health Sugar alternatives 18 Good Sport River kayaking 20 Good Buys Personal beacons 22 Good to Know Eric Fryberg, Boyne Avenue Greenhouse GOODlife 3
GOODlife JULY/AUGUST 2013 - Volume 4, Issue 6 PUBLISHER DOUG CALDWELL EDITOR SHERI MCWHIRTER-O’DONNELL 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 ERICA NIESEN JEFF GENSCHAW MATT HAUSLER JOY HOLMES
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© GoodLife, all rights reserved, 2013. 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
Functional balance Story by Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell, GoodLife editor · Photography by G. Randall Goss
P
hysical therapist Benjamin Kolly, of Xcel Physical Therapy in Indian River, said he recommends a particular exercise to improve balance which can be both beneficial and fun. “Many of the balance exercises are static in nature — standing on one foot or standing with your feet together — something we don’t usually have balance problems doing,” Kolly said. But this functional balance exercise can help to build up strength and improve balance, he said.
Step No. 1: Stand
with one leg in front of the other and slightly bent. Hinge at your hip as your reach 6-10 inches in front of you and lift a leg 6-10 inches off the ground at the same time.
Step No. 2: Continue to fur-
ther hinge at hips until your body is horizontal — parallel to the ground — or as far as you are comfortable, all while balancing on the one leg.
Step No. 3: If still comfortable,
continue to hinge forward, reaching toward the floor with your fingertips and lifting your leg further upward, continuing to balance on one leg. Each position should be held for 3-5 seconds. Additionally, the goal should be to complete 10 repetitions for each leg either two or three times per day. “We recommend if anyone is uncomfortable being on one leg, we suggest keeping that back foot on the ground,” Kolly said. Another modification is to limit how far you can bend down by placing an ottoman or other object in front of you as a target. Or, in case of lower back pain, you can reach forward instead of downward at waist height. Kolly said this functional balance exercise strengthens both buttock muscles and feet arches, while improving balance. It can be performed by all ages, from children through seniors, he said. GL 6 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
GOOD HUMOR
Not so grand
B
ecoming a grandparent is more complicated than I thought it would be. Having been a nurse, having even worked in the newborn ICU at one time, I thought I knew a few things. Ha! Not according to my son. Babies have changed. This is not evoluCOURTESY PHOTO tion or Darwin, it’s statis- Katie MacInnis, columnist from Harbor Springs tics. It turns out smart people have actually looked at what works with little humans and gone on to make recommendations. And while at one level I think this is, of course, what I want for our little grandson, there is still a gravitational pull to the past. Babies can no longer sleep on their tummies. No pillow, of course, but I was instructed quite firmly by my son that no blanket would be applied, either. Babies are to sleep on their backs in woolly PJs. Car seats — oh, boy. It turns out you almost have to go to car seat college at the police post. Yes, yes, of course I want our little guy to be safe. But the mystery of the straps and pulleys, clips and restraints ... Bottoms have changed. No powder, but some creams. The wicking of the diapers seems almost endless, so much so ➤ Continued on page 7
GOOD HUMOR
GOOD STUFF
Continued from page 6
GOOD FOR KIDS
Charlevoix Sea Scouts
Story by Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell, GoodLife editor · Photography by G. Randall Goss
T
he Charlevoix Sea Scouts are looking for new members and volunteers. “We have so much water and so many boats, but there are so few local people who have a deep interest in this and all the careers that are available to them,” said retired U.S. Coast Guard commander Dave Smith, of Charlevoix. Smith serves as the Charlevoix Sea Scouts’ committee chairman. Formed in 1912 as an offshoot of the Boy Scouts of America, the Sea Scouts is an organization which trains 14to 21-year-old participants boating safety, maintenance and operation. Aside from learning water safety, how to fix a boat engine and how to operate both power and sailboats, the Sea Scouts offers young men and women the opportunity to join the U.S. Coast Guard or Navy at a higher rank than those without nautical training.
“All the good things that came to me in life — even my wife — came to me through scouting, whether as a Boy Scout or a Sea Scout,” Smith said. The ongoing group is financially supported by the Kiwanis Club of Charlevoix, which permits youth to participate in this program for a $10 annual registration fee. Additionally, the nonprofit group seeks volunteer adults, both men and women, to be scout assistants, known as mates in the program. Those who can donate their time or the use of their vessel are greatly appreciated, Smith said. The group’s scoutmaster, or skipper, is Scott Stebe, of Charlevoix. More information about Charlevoix Sea Scouts is available at (231) 547-0172, (231) 547-4505, or by visiting the national website at www. seascout.org. GL
that babies seem to experience far fewer rashes. Silly me, I used cloth. Really, I’m not that old. But at the time I was a temporary hippie and trying to save the planet before it was fashionable. And the paper diapers were expensive and only seemed to leak. In large cities, hospitals offer classes at $275 a pop for grandparents to learn how to be contemporary. And in the long history of passive-aggressive generational conflict over child-rearing, perhaps taking a class to prove to a new parent you are trying might be worth it. No cereal until six months. Oh, this goes on and on. But sometimes I want to go into the room where he is asleep and pretend. Pretend that he is mine, that the calendar on the wall is from the last century and when he wakens and begins to cry, I lean over the crib and scoop him up in my arms. I comfort him and he begins to laugh. Because I think I know what I am doing, and he knows I don’t. GL — Katie MacInnis Katie MacInnis is a retired nurse living in Harbor Springs with her husband Charlie.
Charlevoix Sea Scout Brittany Bonar (front right) rigs the jib sail as skipper Scott Stebe (left) oversees prior to a recent evening sail.
GOODlife 7
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GOOD WORD
Storyteller, author, wordsmith? A By Rick Fowler
s young man, I never considered myself a writer, a wordsmith, or a word worker. In fact, I felt more comfortable in the Northern Michigan woods and water, in a gym or on a football field than I did putting a pen to paper. Indeed, allow me to chase partridge in the morning, take some notes and answer a few questions in the afternoon, and that same night play football — it seemed to be a recipe for a perfect high school day in 1970.
Nevertheless, the seeds were cast to my entrance into authorship (or is it simply storytelling) that year when Sister Joan assigned an outdoor article to me one day in journalism class. The assignment was to investigate why kids went deer hunting, any who had been successful, and then paraphrase their stories of hunting into an interesting article. It really wasn’t much of an article, maybe 500 words in length, with a couple of black and white photos of students sans deer. Sister Joan, who was also my English teacher, wrote on my finished piece, “This was one of the best pieces you have submitted thus far. You must enjoy the outdoors!” Now, getting a positive comment from Sister J was tantamount to having an audience with the Pope — not too darn
likely! So, with this compliment etched like Hester Prynne’s scarlet “A” to my ego, I ventured forth into my life cycle as a purveyor of words. As I entered college I knew my major could not be declared as an outdoor writer. I also knew I could not major in coaching and minor in hunting, at least not at the college I attended. Thus began the second cycle: a degree in secondary education with an English major and a physical education minor. Though it wasn’t my idea of a perfectly meshed system, for now it gave me a job. This teaching realm soon overtook many of my passions for the outdoors. In fact, I was extremely happy in what I had called, “just a job for a while.” Yet coaching and endless papers would leave me exhausted by the weekend and my source of outdoor recreation was
watching the “Jerry Chippeta Fishing” or “Michigan Out Of Doors” shows on TV. As the years drew into decades so did my responsibilities. By now I had a beautiful bride and thereafter two children followed. We then invested in a log cabin that nestled on 100 feet of lakefront in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With the solitude that this setting gave me, especially in the summer, and with my wife’s encouragement, article ideas began to take root and I found myself relaxed and ready to spew forth a mountain of tales about how, why, and where in my own rusty journalistic flair. Luckily, the first article I wrote about the wonders of fishing for bass from a dock sold. I was ecstatic, proud, and set my sights on vanquishing the spirit that often affects dormant writers. I was now a published author and felt unstoppable as I ventured more and more into the outdoor world that had so influenced me. However, while I continued to send in articles and essays to a variety of publications, the first rejection note arrived by post. This was followed by six more “no, thank you” messages. I was devastated. How could anyone not enjoy my article on landing a master angler bluegill and then returning it to the water? Why would any editor reject an ➤ Continued on page 10
GOODlife 9
GOOD WORD
Continued from page 9
essay on hiking with your dog to stay in shape? From this experience came the realization that maybe I wasn’t as good as I thought. Maybe this is why so many famed authors go off the deep end, if you will. They probably received rejection notices, too, and were so put off by the negativity they ended their careers by ending their lives. Too drastic for me! Then a new thought took wing. After many, many years of teaching sophomores how to get their thoughts and reasoning displayed on paper, I was becoming more and more aware of their writing prowess and weaknesses. Some, through no fault of their own, might only be able to write for survival. This realization brought forth new emotions. Why was I whining? Is the name in print so important that without it one can’t be important? Robert Browning
10 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
once wrote that “A moment’s success pays for the failure of the years.” Maybe Sister Joan had this adage in mind when she wrote kindly of the work I authored in her class that day more than 35 years ago. Perhaps that is why in my teaching tenure I made it a point to offer positive comments in addition to the errors I found in the papers my students wrote. There are many ways to approach prose and authorship. Though I had looked forward to expressing my feelings of the outdoors and all it entails, though I held dear the articles I had written explaining to others how they, too, might enjoy this recreation. I realized that the quips to the charges in my classroom were a brand of story that might have an effect for a lifetime, not just a monthly issue. I still write a multitude of articles for various magazines, many of which are themed to the outdoors.
I still am proud of those which do make it to print. However, I do not wait anxiously for the postman to arrive or an email from the editor. Sometimes priorities need to have a swift kick in their pants to become obvious. As Toni Morrison once said, “There’s a difference between writing for a living and writing for life. If you write for a living, you make enormous compromises, and you might not even be able to uncompromise yourself. If you write for life, you’ll work hard; you’ll do what’s honest, not what pays.” My life as a teacher has been fulfilling. My life as a husband and a father has been an abundance of joy, pride, love and satisfaction. My life as an author has been rewarded by my experiences in the woods, on the water and in the classroom. Thus, payment for being a storyteller (or is it author?) have been bountifully paid. GL
GOOD TASTE
Easy, healthy and delicious
Rachel Ray’s tomato, onion and cucumber salad
Story and photo by
Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell, GoodLife editor
S
o I’m not a Rachel Ray devotee, but the lady seems to have a way with food. I recently tried out her tomato, onion and cucumber salad recipe on my co-workers at the Petoskey News-Review, and several came back for seconds and maybe even more than that. Now, I didn’t stick to the recipe in its entirety. I don’t remove all the seeds from tomatoes, as Rachel Ray recommends. But I really don’t think it negatively impacted how lovely this fresh, summery salad turned out. It easily came together in 15 minutes spent chopping and drizzling in the employee lunch room. Then the delicious smells of pepper and red wine vinegar drew attention from one end of the newsroom to the other. One editor’s suggestion was to perhaps add some feta cheese or mozzarella balls to the blend, though the salad certainly stands up well enough as is. Another thought was maybe add some basil, whether fresh or dried. SHERI MCWHIRTER-O’DONNELL/GOODLIFE Another fellow editor said the This Rachel Ray recipe recently proved a winner in the Petoskey News-Review newsroom. salad had “good zing,” proved a nice, healthy meal, but wasn’t too filling. Try out this recipe for a sum- — 1/4 red onion, peeled, halved Directions: mertime dinner on the back deck, Dress the tomatoes, onions and lengthwise and sliced impress party guests with the fresh cucumber with olive oil, red wine salad dish, or even spring this as a — 1 cucumber, halved lengthvinegar, salt and pepper. Let stand new twist on your family’s otherwise wise and sliced while you prepare dinner, about 20 expected traditional dinner salad — minutes. Toss again and serve with — A generous drizzle of extra-virgin and forget the ranch dressing. crusty bread for mopping up juices olive oil, about 2 tablespoons and oil. GL — 2 splashes of red wine vinegar Ingredients: Recipe source: Rachel Ray — Coarse salt and fresh — 5 medium tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced
ground black pepper GOODlife 11
COVER STORY
Beachwalking: healthy choice and public right
Story by Nick Bodette, GoodLife contributor Photography by G. Randall Goss
M
ary Trout isn’t the first person to visit Northern Lower Michigan who decided to stay. All the natural surroundings provided a very noticeable contrast to her former South Side Chicago home when she arrived here in 1974. “How could anyone live in a city?” she asked. So, she moved here and now calls it home.
“It’s very, very soothing. It’s a wonderful way to pass the time.” — Mary Trout, avid beachwalker
And, like most people who come to this area, the lake and shoreline draw them in like a magnet. Most days, you can find Trout walking along the beach, thinking, looking for stones, bird watching, or voluntarily assisting the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s avian botulism monitoring program. She loves being outside and is a devoted beachwalker. “I’m an avid bird watcher and there are a lot of birds at the beach, common mergansers, bald eagles, 12 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Mary Trout is an avid beachwalker at Petoskey State Park, where she said you can take the time to think about things or simply revel in nature’s beauty.
RULES OF THE BEACH According to the Michigan Department of En- gan’s state parks is provided by Petoskey State vironmental Quality, Michigan has 3,288 miles Park supervisor Dennis McDermott. For starters, of shoreline, including islands and shoreline con- do not bring dogs to the state park. necting rivers, and the public has a right to walk “We’re monitored by the health department it and explore. In 2005, the Michigan Supreme and the health department doesn’t want dogs,” Court ruled in Glass v. Goeckel, that individu- McDermott said. als have the right to walk the shoreline of all the However, if you need to take your dog to the Great Lakes as long as walking occurs within the beach, there are dog friendly beaches in the area. “high water mark,” which was defined in the case “Zoll Street Beach in Harbor Springs is a dog as “the presence and action of the water is so friendly-beach,” McDermott said. continuous as to leave a distinct mark either by Let nature run its course. Do not touch or feed erosion, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, or wildlife you encounter on the beach. other easily recognized characteristics.” “Do not feed seagulls, because they will swarm Public dialogue continues on the definition of around food and it can be disconcerting for oththe high water mark, but a general consideration er people around,” McDermott said. “Don’t feed to follow if you are not sure whether you are tres- ducks because that causes swimmer’s itch.” passing is to stay as close to the water’s edge as Following these guidelines will make everypossible. one’s beach-going or beachwalking experience General beach walking etiquette for Michi- enjoyable.
song birds in the woods,” Trout areas like Fisherman’s Island State said. “It’s very, very soothing. It’s Park near Charlevoix is a good a wonderful way to pass the time. place for Petoskey stones, and the You can think if you have some- Upper Peninsula’s Whitefish Point thing to think about, or you can on Lake Superior near Paradise is simply glory in nature, the breez- a good place to look for agates. es, the fresh air. Now that I’m reThough summer is when most tired, I can go out at two o’clock in people get out to walk Michithe morning if I want to hear my gan’s beaches, Trout will walk the shoreline any time of year. whippoorwill calling.” Petoskey State Park is among “Up here we certainly have our Trout’s favorite areas to walk for choice of lakes and seeing the bird watching and to assist the lakes in all its moods. It has been Tip of the Mitt, but she says other blue skies and clear water, other
times it’s been fogged in and very eerie. I’ve walked in the snow,” she said. Beach walking is not only good for your spirit, but also your body. Usually, folks will walk barefoot in the sand on the shoreline. Christine O’Donnell, a registered physical therapist at Tim Bondy Physical Therapy in Petoskey, said sand is great for a work out. “Walking in sand with your feet sinking into the surface at a ➤ Continued on page 14 GOODlife 13
COVER STORY
Continued from page 13
slower pace requires a greater effort than walking or even jogging on a hard surface. Your muscles and tendons will work harder as your foot moves around,” she said. “Walking on a beach in the sand is enjoyable for most people. As a result of this, most people will walk farther distances than they would on treadmills or city streets.” O’Donnell said the energy required to walk on the beach is “2.1 to 2.7 times more energy than walking on hard surfaces,” and that “you will use 20 to 50 percent more calories walking on the beach than you would walking at the same pace on a hard surface.” She explained how sand is a natural cushion which forces your body to expend more energy and use more muscles to maneuver. The sand cushion protects the body from heavier impact like what happens when walking or jogging on a hard surface. GL
Mary Trout spends much of her time walking local beaches with bin-
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GOOD THOUGHTS
Summer shouldn’t mean stress Brooks Vanderbush GoodLife contributor
A
ll too often, this glorious, sunfilled season that so many flock to Northern Michigan to enjoy turns into one very large ball of stress. Whether that stress is stemming from a job that kicked into high gear, the ever-present children fresh out of school, higher gas prices, or any number of other maladies unique to summertime, one certainly should not have to work too hard to be stressfree during the warmer months. “For me personally, one challenge seems to be adjusting schedules to be with the kids home from school and trying to arrange an engaging and worthwhile summer for them, taking into consideration how that will affect the work schedule, and finances, of me and my wife,” said Chris Frasz, social worker and local guru on all things stress-related, as well as how to deal with them in a healthy way. “Additionally, being in the beautiful north, we are never lacking of potential visitors, both family and out-oftown friends, to spend time with us. Coordinating such visits and ensuring we also have some personal family time can be tricky. I would guess others have these challenges also,” he said. Summertime stress is quite high on Frasz’s radar these days, as it should be. He is the one who many folks turn to when they need help in dealing with the stress-inducers life often tosses our way. “Family events can be stressful for a number of reasons,” said Frasz when speaking of one of the most common stresses. “One reason is when we worry about how everything will go, just knowing what we can control and what we can’t can be helpful. For example, we can control what we take to a gathering and how we
choose to act and feel, but we cannot control a passing thunderstorm or if anyone acknowledges or enjoys the fruit salad that takes so much time to make. Simply asking ourselves if we can control the weather or how people acknowledge or respond to us or what we do, we will find that we can not. Accordingly, we can learn to enjoy and rejoice in the process and not base our happiness on such uncontrollable results.” Frasz underscores how these uncontrollable events should never be allowed to control one’s happiness. “Acknowledging that certain summer events can be busy and stressful is OK, and kindness to oneself in
“Group discussion incorporating mindfulness techniques can be a good foundation.” — Chris Frasz, MSW
dealing with the challenges is a good starting point,” Frasz said. “This kindness can consist of just making a little time for oneself. Each morning, one can consider setting a positive motivation and realize each new day brings a new opportunity to help oneself and others. Also, by incorporating a mindfulness or meditation practice using a stabilizing focal point such as the breath, one can slowly learn how to observe the mind and be aware of the fact that one should not be hijacked by its frequent negative or fearful chatter that often tries to slip in. “Group discussion incorporat-
Chris Frasz, MSW 109 Water St., Boyne City cfrasz@yahoo.com (231) 881-6711
ing mindfulness techniques can be a good foundation,” Frasz said. “When one becomes more aware of the habitual patterns that continue to cause undesired results for oneself or the family or business, mindfulness training can help one see the pattern more clearly, and engage in a new way. The goal is then to recognize the pattern, and then respond with thought and consideration to achieve a new and more beneficial result, versus habitually reacting without awareness or thinking, giving the same negative or unwanted result.” Despite the overwhelming feelings which can be conjured up by stress, Frasz points out how it is easily defeated given the proper mindset and coping techniques. “Check your mind, be present, and if things aren’t going well, don’t worry, it will change, as everything changes, moment to moment. With every moment, we have a new opportunity to adapt, adjust and appreciate. Being aware and present in each moment gives us opportunity for learning and joy. And conversely, being at a great summer gathering can easily be missed if our mind is completely somewhere else,” Franz said. Frasz often gives talks on stressrelated subjects. You can learn more about him, his techniques and his future schedule by sending emails to cfrasz@yahoo.com. GL GOODlife 15
GOOD ADVICE
Skin cancer:
Be smart and get tested Dr. Justin Klamerus, contributing writer
W
ith the onset of nicer weather and more outdoor activity, exposure to the sun’s harmful rays increases. And for some, it could mean the beginning of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation found online at www. skincancer.org, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting more than two million Americans annually. Within that group, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are found. In fact, the in-
cidence of skin cancer is greater than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. One in five Americans will develop the disease over the course of a lifetime. It’s serious; it’s on the rise; and, it can be a killer. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (often called UV) radiation accounts for about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers — basel and squamous cell carcinomas — and 86 percent of melanomas, the most serious form of skin
cancer. Survival rates are promising, but only with yearly screenings. It’s important to know the ABCDs of skin cancer. Patients need to be actively watching for these signs, on both themselves and their family members, including children. More information about this or other health care topics is available by calling (800) 248-6777 or visiting www.northernhealth.org online. GL
Consult your health care provider immediately if any of your moles or pigmented spots exhibit one of the ABCDs noted below:
A — Asymmetry — One half unlike the other half. B — Border — Irregular, scalloped or poorly circumscribed border. COURTESY PHOTO
Justin Klamerus, M.D. Board certification: Internal medicine and medical oncology President and Medical Director McLaren Cancer Institute Northern Michigan 560 West Mitchell St., Suite 185 · Petoskey · (231) 487-3390 16 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
C — Color — Varied from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black, and sometimes white, red or blue.
D — Diameter — Usually greater than the size of a pencil eraser
when diagnosed, but they can be smaller. If you notice a mole that differs from the others, or that changes, itches or bleeds, see your health care provider.
GOOD HEALTH
Smart sugar substitutes Metro Creative Services
M
onitoring glucose levels in the blood to ensure they are at an acceptable level is a vital task in a diabetic’s life. Unstable levels can mean the difference between living a healthy life or illness and even death. Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated with plenty of water and possibly using medication or insulin injections are a few of the ways to maintain one’s glucose levels. Sugar is normally used by cells for energy. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas and helps to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats while removing excess glucose from the blood, which could prove toxic. Although having diabetes means a lifelong regimen of watching what you eat, it does not mean you can’t enjoy your diet. Thanks to a wide variety of sugar substitutes, most diabetics can indulge in desserts and other foods in moderation. For those ready to satisfy their sweet tooth, here are some sweeteners that are approved by the American Diabetes Association.
Sucralose:
This sweetener, which often goes by the brand name Splenda(R), is one of the more popular supplements. The body does not recognize sucralose as a carbohydrate or a sugar, which means it will not be metabolized as such. Sucralose is heat-resistant, which means it can be used for cooking and baking.
Metro Creative Services Sugar substitutes mean that diabetics can occasionally indulge in sweet treats.
from a South American plant of the same name and has a strong track record of safety. The sweetener has zero calories and no glycemic index.
Acesulfame potassium:
A little goes a long way with this product because it is much sweeter than sugar. It is also usually comSaccharine: Saccharine is also bined with other sweeteners besafe, but diabetics must only con- cause it can have a bitter aftertaste. sume it in small amounts. It also can Not all sugar substitutes are be mixed with hot or cold food. good for diabetics, however. Before trying sugar substitutes, diabetics Aspartame: This sweetener should consult with their physialso has zero calories and is found in cians to see if it is safe and discuss Stevia: Relatively new to the many foods and beverages. However, potential side effects or usage recommercial market, stevia is an all- aspartame is best avoided when bak- strictions, as some artificial sweetnatural sweetener, unlike many of ing because it loses sweetness when eners can cause allergic reactions in the other sugar substitutes. It comes heated. some people. GOODlife 17
GOOD SPORT
River trips for the adventurous or novice
Story by JL Sumpter, GoodLife contributor Photography by G. Randall Goss
T
he tip of the mitt offers some of the most stunning scenic adventures in Michigan, and many consider traveling the inland rivers at the top of the list. With Northern Michigan’s abundance of beautifully diverse rivers it is guaranteed that a family adventure awaits.
Bear River Livery From Walloon Lake to Little Traverse Bay, the 12-mile winding Bear River has something to offer the whole family. Located just outside of Petoskey, The Bear River Canoe Livery offers some spectacular trips down the famous Bear River. The company has 2- and 4-hour canoe, kayak and paddle board trips running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. “The runoff of rain this year caused the river to rise, creating a slight delay, but we are now fully operationally and ready to go,” said owner Karen Fettig. This portion of the river is perfect for beginners as the river’s flow is slow and steady. “This is perfect for those seeking gorgeous scenery or a color tour in the fall,” Fettig said. “We are extremely excited to offer paddle board trips this year. This is new to us and assured to be a terrific addition to our offerings.” For information riders can call 18 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
FILE PHOTOS ABOVE: Kayakers on the Boyne River paddle through some whitewater areas. INSET: A kayaker navigates a whitewater area along the Bear River near Petoskey.
the Bear River Livery at (231) 347- work is a must as the family works normal for this time of the year 9038. together to steer them down the and certainly ready to take on the river. season,” said owner Kay Harper. Big Bear Adventures “Since 1980, we have grown and Jordan Valley Outfitters also ofDescending 14 feet per mile grown making Big Bear Adven- fers a moonlight paddle trip, durmakes the Sturgeon River the fast- tures one of the top family spots ing which riders enjoy a trip on the est flowing river in the Lower Pen- in Northern Michigan,” Anderson South Arm of Lake Charlevoix uninsula and Big Bear Adventures said. der the summer night sky. At the has the tools, knowledge and good For those seeking more informa- end, hot dogs and marshmallows quality equipment to tackle the tion contact Big Bear Adventures at are provided by a camp fire. challenge. (231) 238-8181 or go to its website In its 20th season, Jordan Valley “We have something for all ages at www.bigbearadventures.com. Outfitters’ staff continues its tradiand experience and although there tion by providing the best possible are some more challenging areas Jordan Valley Outfitters experience for any type of rider. we carefully screen to see what best The Jordan River is the first river “With the river’s diverse scenery suits our customers,” said owner in Michigan to be designated “wild and flow, the Jordan River is the Patti Anderson. and scenic” and for good cause. In prettiest river in Northern MichiBig Bear Adventures has all Jordan Valley Outfitters’ 3-hour gan.” types of offerings, such as canoes, tour, riders only pass 14 houses For more information regardkayaks and tubes, but the rafts are and experience some of the most ing what Jordan Valley Outfitters the most popular. These rafts are pristine areas in Northern Michi- offers call (231) 536-0006 or go the easiest to manage as the river gan. to its website at www.jvoutfitters. does most of the work, but team“The river levels and flow are com. GL
FILE PHOTO Professional kayakers sometimes can be found playing and practicing their maneuvering skills on the Bear River, which provides whitewater experiences. GOODlife 19
GOOD BUYS
Rescue beacons are offered in several types and price ranges and include (from left) personal PLB that is worn by the individual, to (right) a locator beacon that attaches to the boat. Most feature a rescue signal, GPS and a blinking strobe.
Tools to call for help Choose an emergency device to fit your needs Story by Emily White, GoodLife staff writer · Photography by G. Randall Goss
J
uly and August bring warm Models are always being upgradweather, and warm weather ed and improved. means boating season is here “Cell phones work well, unless in Northern Michigan. The days you find yourself in an area with are long; the water is warm, and little coverage, for example out lakes are choppy. Choppy waters in the middle of a body of water,” bring the potential to cause some said Steve Blossom at West Maproblems for area boaters. rine in Petoskey. Emergency location and trackThere are various types of locaing devices have been around tor beacons available, and choosfor nearly 20 years, but continue ing one can sometimes be a bit to grow in terms of technology. tricky. 20 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
“Having a unit that is designed to handle the elements is becoming more and more popular. There are so many to choose from,” Blossom said. An Emergency Position Indicator Radiobeacon (EPIRB) is a common safety device intended for boating. Buyers are required to register the product with a boat in order to use it. The information that is given during regis-
tration is stored in a global government-run database, and when the device is activated, search and rescue agencies are notified. The devices can be manually activated using a small button, or are activated once submerged in water. “For us, it limits the source down to a smaller area and takes the searching out of it all. We are able to locate emergencies much faster,” said U.S. Coast Guard 2nd Grade Boatswain’s Mate Jacob Vickers, from the Charlevoix Coast Guard Station. Since EPIRBs are intended strictly for marine use, a smaller cousin model can be carried just about anywhere. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) provides the same worldwide coverage as the larger model, but is more compact. Most PLBs are manually deployed. Personal AIS (Automatic Identification System) Beacons (PAB) are designed to attach to a life vest and send out emergency signals in the event that a crew member falls overboard. The signals are transmitted back to the vessel or any surrounding vessel that is equipped with an AIS receiver. PABs are manually operated with a range of approximately four miles. A portable locator called a Satellite Emergency Notification Device (SEND) uses commercial satellites, rather than the international government-based systems. SENDs have the ability to send out pre-configured messages such as “I’m OK” or “SOS” to friends, family or local authorities via text message or email. “Any device is better than none. They are reliable and provide peace of mind,” Blossom said. Emergency location and tracking devices are available at West Marine in Petoskey or online at www.westmarine.com. GL
ABOVE: A Personal Man Overboard rescue beacon, worn by individual crew members.
RIGHT: The SPOT II Satellite GPS messenger offers an “Alert 911” button, “Ask for Help”, which alerts your friends to your position, and a Track Progress” which plots your position on Google Maps for your contacts to watch your progress on outing.
GOODlife 21
GOOD TO
KNOW
Eric Frykberg at Boyne Avenue Greenhouse
Carolyn Sherk
GoodLife contributor
T
he Boyne Avenue Greenhouse is a treasured shop and has stood the test of time for the last 113 years. Eric Frykberg and his family are celebrating their seventh year since they acquired the business, and they keep very busy year-round as they provide flowers for every occasion. The Frykberg family managed to grow a menagerie of beauty from a mere seed. Frykberg joked not only is it hard work, but he and his parents, Randy and Diane, along with his brother, Andy, are “steadily busy eight days a week 25 hours a day.” The Boyne Avenue Greenhouse offers a vast variety of indoor and outdoor plants and flowers to beautify any event or landscape. The Frykbergs’ business provides flower arrangements and landscaping at several premiere resort locations. They also provide cemetery floral G. RANDALL GOSS/GOODLIFE services and maintenance, as well. Eric Fryberg is a well-known local plant person whose family owns Eric Frykberg was the founder Boyne Avenue Greenhouse and Florist in Boyne City. of the business. He started working at the greenhouse when he was just a senior in high school and was it provides warms your heart,” he by adding more greenhouses. employed by the previous owners said. “We hope to blossom into somewhile he attended classes at AquiBoyne Avenue Greenhouse has thing bigger,” Eric said. nas College. He fell in love with the a wide variety of silk flowers, lawn Boyne Avenue Greenhouse is at business, he said. ornaments, balloons and gifts on 921 Boyne Ave. in Boyne City. Fryk“It is really exciting to surround hand for every occasion and they berg can provide more information myself with the balance of nature provide daily deliveries in the sur- about annuals, perennials, fresh — labor intensive — but it is a joy rounding areas of the community. cut flowers and hanging baskets, as to watch a plant grow from a little The Frykbergs even look toward ex- well as floral services, at (231) 582seed and the customer satisfaction panding their business in the future 6621. GL 22 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Central Drug Store
Your Quality of Life, Our Passion Professional Hearing Healthcare Services • Physicians on-site • Licensed highly trained audiologists • Hearing evaluation and consultation • Hearing instrument dispensing • Custom hearing protection and ear molds • Hearing aid accessories and batteries • Cleans, checks and repairs for all models we sell
Lani & John Ochs, Pharmacists Serving & supporting Charlevoix since 1897 Ochs Family operated since 1914
Complete Prescription Services and Education Diabetic Supplies
Our PREMIUM CARE advantage:
PREMIUM CARE is a “while you wait” service - No appointment required during PREMIUM CARE hours, and covers free batteries, clean & checks for the life of your hearing aid. This service is included with most hearing aid purchases from us!
We Pack & Ship UPS
Premium Care Hours:* Monday 8:30–9:30am · Tuesday 10–11am Wednesday Noon–1pm · Thursday 1:30–2:30pm · Friday 3–4pm
After hours emergencies 231-547-4726
PREMIUM CARE standard hours available only at the Petoskey location. Gaylord location PREMIUM CARE subject to availability - please call our Gaylord offce at (989)731-6603
*
Petoskey Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists 560 W. Mitchell Street, Suite 250 • Petoskey, MI 49770 Main • 231-487-3277 | Audiology Dept. • 231-487-3050
Most trusted name in northern Michigan since 1952
Charlevoix downtown by the traffic light Open M-F 8-6, Sat 9-5 PN-00359786
(231) 547-2424
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