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Up North
Voice Strengthening the communities of Northeast Michigan
Vol. 12, Issue 3
March 2021
Theatre kicks off
IN THIS ISSUE: Out and About A-2 Snowmobile races A-7-8
By Nancy Lemmen
People at Work A-9
GRAYLING - AuSable Artisan Village’s new community theatre program will begin next month with open auditions for three productions. Director Jomarie Leone has announced that auditions for Love
Reader photos A-12 Eagle Voice B-1 Home Country B-3 Soduko B-3
♦ See THEATRE on page 5
Sports Sample B 4-5
Tracking streams
Comfy Chair B-7
For information on digital or print advertising in Northeast Michigan call AuSable Media at 989-275-1170!
Free
By Chris Engle
FAST TRACK – The Whittemore Chamber of Commerce held its second annual antique snowmobile races Feb. 20. Cindy Cowles volunteered to be announcer for the event. See more photos on page A-6-7. ~ Photos by Mark Constance
Thanksgiving break as a kid was spent with my grandparents, who lived on a block of identical brick houses in a suburb of Detroit. The highlight was a trip to Toys “R” Us — a mind-blowing metropolis ♦ See STREAMS on page 3
Neighbors: Gary Boushelle Started in 'Wildlife' management By Theresa Ekdom theresa@upnorthvoice.com ROSCOMMON – Gary Boushelle might not be a native of Roscommon, but since his arrival in 1976 he has made himself right at home. “I was on the board of directors of what is now Mid-Michigan Health,” Boushelle said. “It was a community health center at the time. I was on their board for 30 years.” And that is just one of the organizations he has become involved with. While not a founding member of the Roscommon Lion’s Club, Gary joined shortly after it was founded, and has been a member for over 40 years. He volunteered for the first Firemen’s Memorial Festival, helping to set up the 5K and 10K trail runs then and for many years afterwards. He is active with the DNR Retirees Association and many wildlife organizations including Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the National Turkey Organization. He is also a member of the Roscommon VFW Men’s Auxiliary. With a wall full of plaques honoring him for achievements, including a citation from Governor Millikin for saving a woman’s life, Gary is quick to share the credit. “All the organizations I was with, it wasn’t a one-person operation. It was a group that I worked with that has to be included in consideration of
any accomplishment,” he said. Born in Detroit, Boushelle ended up in Roscommon in a round-about way. He spent his summers in the Upper Peninsula (UP), attended Suomi College (now Finlandia University) and graduated from Wayne State. “After I got out of school, I had the desire to work for the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Conservation (DoC) at that time,” Boushelle said. But they weren’t hiring. “I did get a job with the U.S. Public Health Service. I worked in the V.D. branch (venereal disease) and syphilis eradication. I had worked in Detroit, I worked in Chicago, I worked at Minneapolis in syphilis eradication. It was an interesting job. “I got a call one day wondering if I still was interested in working for the DNR. I got called in for an interview and there were probably about ten Department of Conservation wildlife people there. One after another it seemed like they kept questioning me to the point where I can’t answer, to see how I don’t answer a question. Finally, the division chief asked the last question. He says ‘Hey, I have one more question for you. What does your job that you’re doing have to do with what you want to do now?’ “I didn’t have a prayer of a chance of getting this job with the DoC
Above: Sharon and Gary Boushelle; Below: A wall in Gary’s basement is covered with awards, certificates and photos he has received throughout the years.
so I said ‘What I’m doing now is really the original form of wildlife management.’ That got a laugh from the division chief, and the job for Boushelle. Gary started with the DoC in 1965 with what he called a 4-year program. “I worked four years in Plainwell, four years in Atlanta, four years in Lansing in the Regional field office.” Boushelle hired on as a wildlife biologist, and over the years promoted to the Regional Wildlife Biologist for northern lower Michigan, covering 34 counties. By the time he retired in 1998, he had become the statewide Field Biologist,
over the whole state of Michigan. “I got involved with all the interesting projects in Michigan. Worked with bears, deer, ducks. I trapped ducks in Canada, Saskatchewan, it was a cooperative effort there – I represented Michigan. ♦ See NEIGHBORS on page 5
Out & About - March 2021 Editor's Note: Out and About is a courtesy for the private groups and non-profits in the Up North Voice coverage area. To have an item considered for publication please email mconstance@UpNorthVoice. com. Out and About is correct to the best of our ability. however during this time of social distancing please call ahead to ensure the event is still going ahead and is not canceled or postponed.
Crawford County
CPL Class – Grayling will be held at the River Park Campground 4th,5th,6th,25th,26th &27th Starting At 8am- This is a comprehensive course for anyone considering owning or carrying a firearm Call 517-881-2816 for more information Hosted by Black Shield Defense Solutions 5- Friday Music By:Rachel Brooke at American Legion 106 S James St, Grayling,MI 7pm-10pm 13- Guided Snowshoe Hike from 10am-1pm at Hartwick Pines State
Park 4216 Ranger Rd, Grayling, MI For more info call 989-348-2537 19- Friday Music-Party of 2 at American Legion 106 S James St, Grayling,MI 7pm-10pm 24- Crawford Partnership for Substance Abuse Prevention Meetings (Via Zoom) @1pm If you wish to attend contact lrtkowski@ catholichumanservices.org
Roscommon County
Springbrook Inn Frog Tiki Bar for more information call989-366-6347 27-Make and Take- Macrame Rainbow Hanger Hosted By Made UP NORTH 704 Lake St, Roscommon Call 989-281-1250 to preregister
Otsego County
14 -Cornhole Tournament starting at The American Legion Post 245 at 3pm For more Information Call 989-366-5334 on Thursday or Friday or Email legionpost245@ outlook.com 3 – Mystery Craft Bags at the Houghton Lake Public Library At 10:00am-10:15am 8 – Take and Make Wine Charms or A Rock Photo Holder starting at 10am At the Houghton Lake Public Library 13- Rustic Wooden Shamrock Hosted By Made UP NORTH 704 Lake St, Roscommon Call 989-2811250 for more information 13- Logan and Seth St. Patrick's Party Starting 6pm at the
13- Snowshoe hike -10am at Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve 2043 Gingell Rd, Johannesburg MI Please call Headwaters Land Conservancy 989-731-0573 to reserve your free snowshoes 19th-21st Gaylord Ultimate Hunting Expo at The Ellison Place 150 Dale drive Gaylord,MI for more information contact Jim Liska email: jimliska1@gmail.com or call 231526-1270 Ogemaw County 7- Adult Children Of Alcoholics 6pm-8pm First United Methodist Church 2490 State Road West Branch 19- Healing Together Hospice Advantage-Grief Support located at Ogemaw County Commission on Aging/Senior Center For Questions Contact 989-343-2470 8- Coalition of H.O.P.E Meeting
9am-10am Virtual- Please email to get link info@coalitionofhope.net or call 989-345-5771 20- Customer Appreciation Class-Double Sided Wood Sign Starting at 10am Cottage Vision Designs 320 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI for more info call 989343-5185 31- Amazing Animal Kids Kamp Creating Class 10am-3pm at Cottage Vision Designs 320 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI for more info call 989-343-5185
Iosco County
6- Whittemore Speedway is Hosting the 1st Annual Slush Slinger 1pm at Whittemore Speedway M 65 Whittemore, MI 48770 13- Arts, Crafts And Vendors Show will be held at Plainfield Township Hall Halefor more information call Barbara Brewer 989728-2811 19-20- Hunting for Health Rooster Ranch 7480 Germania Rd, Ubly, MI Proceeds will support Prostate Cancer Research For more information Visit www.pcups.org
Up North Voice A Division of AuSable Media Group, LLC A veteran-owned business located at 709 Lake Street, PO Box 113, Roscommon MI 48653 “Friend, guide and companion of all good people”
NEW FREDERIC BAKERY – “A Better Place” recently opened in downtown Frederic. Owners Steve Rohloff and Lauren Burnam held a grand opening Feb. 19 at the bakery, located at 6464 Old 27 North. The business specializes in baked good and special coffees. Pictured are
assistant bakers (front, (l-r) Aubrey Jordan, Evelyn Jordan and Carter Jordan. Rohloff and Burnam are pictured in back. Current bakery hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday thru Friday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For information call 231-384-2403.
Up North Voice is published monthly and distributed in Roscommon, St. Helen, Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, Grayling, Lovells, Waters, Gaylord, Johannesburg, Lewiston, Comins, Atlanta, Mio, Fairview, McKinley, Rose City, Luzerne, Lupton, West Branch, Skidway Lake, Hale, Glennie, Curran, Tawas City, East Tawas, National City, Whittemore, Prescott, AuSable and Oscoda. It is available at newsstands or annually for $40. Stories, advertisements and photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the publisher. UpNorthVoice.com is updated daily with breaking news and photos. 989-275-1170
Page 2 March 2021
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Streams Continued from page 1
of playthings for a country kid — to pick out my own birthday present. I had an hour to scour the store and take inventory of what I could buy with the birthday cash crammed in my pocket. RC cars were too pricey. Board games were affordable but they weren’t toys. I usually landed in the Lego aisle because I could build the set then combine the pieces with my existing collection back home. On top of that, my grandpa — a retired pipe fitter for a steel mill — was liable to kick in a few extra bucks toward a practical choice like Legos. This is a bit like how our river restoration work is done at Huron Pines. With only so much money in our pocket in a given year, we need to know where those dollars can make the biggest impact. The new bridges and culverts we install on streams across Northern Michigan are the result of years of planning and prioritizing where our efforts will do the most good, all of which is built on the foundation of a road/stream crossing inventory. Josh Leisen is Senior Project Manager at Huron Pines whose job it is to find and fix crossings that are causing issues like erosion, flooding or preventing the movement of fish. Most problems come from culverts that are too small for the river to flow naturally through the crossing. “We’ve learned, since those
culverts were put in decades ago, that a majority of them were done without an awareness of how the stream would change,” he said. “Now we know the negative effects of undersized culverts and can install new ones that are better for the watershed.” A watershed is all the land and water that drains to a single outlet. For example, the Thunder Bay River
“This is done so we can compare apples to apples across the entire Great Lakes region,” Leisen said. “We can use the same process in Minnesota as in Michigan.” Armed with the tools of his trade, Leisen hikes up his waders and steps into the river to assess the structure and record river conditions upstream and downstream of the crossing. He also gauges the river velocity
Josh Leisen uses a probe to measure the flow rate at a crossing of a tributary of the Thunder Bay River. - Courtesy photo.
Watershed is everything that empties into Thunder Bay, and the Lake Huron Watershed includes all the parts of Michigan and Ontario that drain into Lake Huron. To restore a river, we first need to know where the issues lie. Our work starts by documenting each crossing within a watershed. We use a protocol Huron Pines developed alongside other natural-resource partners to gather data in a uniform way.
at a nearby location that he feels is representative of the stream’s natural state. A watershed inventory can take a year to finish. After that, crossings are prioritized based on the severity of problems, the potential for reconnecting river miles, proximity to other projects, and the availability of partners who see the value of our work and want to help — just like the way my grandpa chipped in for Legos.
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One of Leisen’s earliest projects was an inventory of the Rifle River Watershed near Saginaw Bay, which led to a dozen structures being replaced between 2013 and 2018. A big part of that effort involved partners like the Rifle River Restoration Committee, Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network, two Trout Unlimited chapters, area businesses, local governments and road commissions who helped fund those restorations. Leisen revisited the watershed in 2019 for a post-restoration survey using the same methods as before for an apples-to-apples comparison. “The data verified the river has improved quite a bit,” he said. “We didn’t find any significant issues which is what we expected but it’s always good to see that in the field.” This year, Huron Pines is undertaking an inventory on the grounds of Camp Grayling. At 147,000 acres, the nation’s largest National Guard training facility hosts exercises for all branches of the military and is also home to 312 miles of the Au Sable and Manistee rivers. Natural Resources Specialist Matt Kleitch is a civilian in the camp’s environmental office whose job is to ensure Camp Grayling complies with regulations related to natural resources management and permitting, among other environmental issues. ♦ Visit UpNorthVoice.com to continue reading
March 2021 Page 3
Voice Staff Mark Constance Publisher
mconstance@ UpNorthVoice.com
Tracy Constance Marketing
tracy@UpNorthVoice.com
Lindy Peterson Reporter
lindythemermaid@yahoo. com
Vaccine key to ending pandemic
To the editor: The COVID-19 vaccines are Michigan’s best hope for ending the pandemic. The Central Michigan District Health Department has vaccinated more than 7,970 residents, and the state of Michigan recently passed the 1 million vaccines distributed mark! Progress is being made, although often not as fast as we would like. Because there are limited supplies of vaccine available, we recognize the concerns about vaccines being distributed outside of the federal and state recommendations. While we expect phases to overlap slightly, we are confident that the vast majority of vaccine being distributed is following the guidance. It’s important to note that your local health partners are moving as quickly as possible to make vaccine available as capacity and allotment allows. We ask that you have patience with the process, and promise that anyone who wants the
Warren Stutesman Reporter warren@upnorthvoice.com
Rachel Johnson Digital Content Producer
Raychill.n.boys@gmail. com
William Broadnax Distribution Manager williambroadnax2015@ gmail.com
Axel Jacobs Roscommon Distribution
Find us on the web: UpNorthVoice.com and on Twitter: UpNorthVoice1
A.R.K. grateful for grant
To the editor: A.R.K. Association to Rescue Kritters wants to thank the Gladwin County Community Foundation for their generous grant to help replace our Raccoon Rehabilitation Housing Units! The Gladwin County Community Foundation strengthens our community by providing leadership, fostering collaboration on local needx, and encouraging a legacy of giving through grants, scholarships and events. We are very grateful for all the support we receive from our community! Ruth Corwin, A.R.K.
Send your photos, announcements and club events to: info@UpNorthVoice.com
BIG BUCK - Bobby Hader shot this 8-point buck in Iosco County during opening day of the 2020 firearm deer season. Hader also took a doe on New Year’s Eve.
Letter to the editor policy: AuSable Media Group encourages all readers with a connection to the community to submit letters to the editor for possible publication. Please limit letters to 300 words. Author must include a daytime contact number. Letters are the individual opinion of the author and do not
Page 4 March 2021
vaccine, will receive it! Remember, we all need to continue preventative measures such as wearing masks properly, social distancing, and hand washing to reduce the spread of COVID in our communities even as the vaccine is being administered. As vaccine becomes available, having patience with local health and each other, and continuing to practice masking up will be vital for moving Michigan forward safely, as quickly as possible. We’ve come so far since the start of this pandemic, and we finally have hope on the horizon. If you meet the current priority groups, visit www. cmdhd.org to register if you’d like to receive the vaccine. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and its safety from sources such as CDC.gov/Coronavirus or Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. Steve Hall, RS, MS Central Michigan District Health Department
reflect the opinions of the staff, advertisers or contributors to the Voice. The Voice reserves the right to accept or reject any letter. To submit a letter email it to: mconstance@upnorthvoice.com, mail to P.O. Box 113, Roscommon, MI 48653, or stop by the office at 709 Lake Street in Roscommon.
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Theatre Continued from page 1
Letters, Picasso at the Lapin Agile Lapin Agile, will run July 30-31 and and Rope will be held on Tuesday, August 1. Rope, by Patrick Hamilton, March 2; Thursday, March 4; will be presented October 22-24. Monday, March 8; and Wednesday, Leone, a native of the San March 10 – all at 7 p.m. – on the Francisco East Bay, has been a stage of the AAV gallery at 219 Crawford County resident since Michigan Avenue in downtown 2007. She served as director of the Grayling. Kirtland Center for the Performing Those auditioning should plan Arts from 2011 to 2020. She to participate in improvised and currently lives in Grayling, where she script-based scene demonstrations, is the production director for Blarney said Leone. Participants also can Stone Broadcasting and host of have monologues of up to three “Jomama’s Rock and Roll Joyride,” minutes prepared – though that is aired weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 not required. There p.m. on Q100. will be cold reads of She has extensive scenes from the scripts, experience in the so familiarity with the theatre. As director plays will be helpful. for the KCPA and the Leone will discuss theatre arts instructor at callbacks at the Kirtland, Leone revived conclusion of open and produced the auditions, and they Kirtland Community may be scheduled for Theatre, founded and specific productions produced the Rising closer to their Phoenix Student performance dates. Theatre Company and “Participants should presented ten seasons plan to have fun,” she of the Kirtland Youth Jomarie Leone has been added. Theatre and eight tapped to create and head The first play, Love AuSable Artisan Village’s seasons of the touring Letters by A.R. Gurney, new community theatre artist series at the program. will be presented on college. June 5-6. The play “This experience, centers on two close friends, a man combined with 10 years of previous and a woman, who exchange letters experience in producing, directing for 50 years. Originally written as a and performing in semi-professional short story, The New Yorker rejected and professional theatre and film Gurney’s submission of it on the projects, gave me the desire to basis that it was a play. He responded found a community theatre project by bringing the story to life on the for the AuSable Artisan Village and stage and was rewarded when Love undertake a touring artist series Letters became a finalist for the there,” said Leone. Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The two “The AAV’s aim in performance characters – Andrew Makepeace art is to further enrich the artistic and Ladd III and Melissa Gardner – have cultural offerings in our community been played by innumerable wellthrough music and theatrical known actors since its 1989 opening. productions,” she explained. Steve Martin’s Picasso at the “Community theatre especially gives a broad section of the public the chance to participate both on-stage and as an audience.” “People can count on dramatic literature specially chosen for our audience, our space and our actors, accompanied by information on authors, literature, production history and social relevance. Each production will invite the audience to participate in a post-performance discussion of all aspects of the show, curated by the production's dramaturg.“ Anyone interested in directing a 2021-2022 AAV community theatre production can contact Leone at 989915-0829.
Neighbors Continued from page 1
involved, setting up informal lunches for DNR retirees. We had people from other states and “Gary’s the whole inspiration Federal Fish & Wildlife service. behind that,” Sharon, his wife, said. “Worked on the moose and elk.” “He keeps the whole thing going. He And as he is quick to share started it (the lunches) and he’s the his community one that sets it up achievements, he is quick to “Working with people every six weeks.” That, along share his work in natural resources. with other achievements. volunteering The respect they gave “(There earned Gary a were) so many the department and us plaque for the things,” he said, for the things we do. Volunteer of the when asked Everything was beautiful, Year from the what his greatest DNR Retirees achievement was. very enjoyable.” Association. “Working with Gary and people in natural Sharon still live resources. The respect they gave the in Roscommon, on the banks of the department and us for the things we South Branch of the AuSable River. do. Everything was beautiful, very A fitting place to watch the wildlife enjoyable.” Even after retirement, Gary is still he spent so many years managing.
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March 2021 Page 5
Fast track!
Gary Litizio of Whittemore starts an old machine as John Dalton of Standish looks on.
The Whittemore Chamber was buzzing with people and snowmobiles at its second annual Antique Snowmobile Race Feb. 20. Chamber President Pauline Ferns said about 120 machines were registered, and 400 spectators came to the event, which was held on the most beautiful day of February: High of 30 degrees, sunny and no breeze.
~ Photos by Mark Constance Right: George, Alexis and Xander Miske of Harrison leave the track. Below: Some of the volunteers from the Whittemore Chamber of Commerce included (-l-r) Pauline Ferns, Chelsea Herbek, Rick Ferns, Willow Ralph, Camille Ferns, Carol Long, Gary Gillings, Ruth Locke and Kandi Steinle.
Chris Henson (eft) and Matthew Bersano of Pinconning were excited to be at the races.
Old Michigan Tobacco Open 6 Days a Week! Mon. 9-3 • Tues. - Fri. 9-5 Sat 9-4
989-389-1960 Page 6 March 2021
• Roll Your • Large Own (RYO) Selection of Flavored • Cigars E-Liquids • Pipes • Accessories • E-Cigs 1729 N. Saint Helen Rd. Saint Helen, MI UpNorthVoice.com
Cindy Cowles was announcer for the event.
Paul (left) and Tim Havercroft of Greenbush check out the machines.
Jenelle Bellville, Xander Ferns and Paul Birkenbach helped on the grounds and at gate. Katie, Evan, Jack and Jace Weide of Alpena stopped in for the youth event.
Above: Friends gathering for the event included (l-r) Robby Mitchell of Twining, Tex Lee of Hemlock, Jackson Dittenber of AuGres and Mike Luberda, Jr. of AuGres. Right: Some gauges were original to the machines, others added for racing.
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March 2021 Page 7
BLAIR ROBES – District 11 would like to thank a bingo players from VFW Post #5680 of St. Helen. Edna Blair crocheted 25 lap robes to help with the post Christmas party. This is not the first time Edna has helped the VFW (she is not a member of the auxiliary either). She has sent robes in the past to the Grand Rapids veterans home and others in the state. Edna was just willing to help in any way she could. A big “Thank you” goes out to Edna. - Photo and outline courtesy of Sandy Brock and Josephine Miller.
Say What?
You're Only as Old as You Feel
All the grandkids were swimming and 7-year-old Madison asked if I was going to wear my swimsuit, too. I teasingly told her that I was going to put on my bikini. Her eyes sparkled and she said, "Cool! People your age will think you're hot!" – mparry1 My 3-year-old granddaughter, Eva, came into the kitchen and said, "Old lady, would you help me wipe my hands?" I was taken aback and my daughter asked her why she called me that. Eva answered, "Well, she calls me 'young lady.'" – pinkshoes
Potty Jokes
When my granddaughter was 2, I watched her almost every day. That meant that I needed to follow through on the potty training she was getting at home. One day while she was on the potty, I went in to check on her and said, "Don't forget to wipe!" She said, "Oh, I did that first!" – nannyjo
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My newly potty-trained granddaughter was in a public restroom when she heard the person next to her start to tinkle. She clapped her hands and shouted in encouragement, "Yeah, lady!" – LynnM
In the Eye of the Beholder
One day I watched my two grandsons, ages 6 and 3, while my daughter had her hair done. When she arrived home the 6-year-old told her how beautiful she looked. Then he looked back at me and said, "And Gramma, you look almost beautiful." – Grammalovesherboys My 4-year-old grandson was looking at a photo album with his mom, when he saw a picture of her with a big tummy. He asked her why she was so big, and she answered that he was in her tummy. He looked from the picture to her tummy several times, then said, "Mommy, did you swallow me?" – arcoma
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I once asked my granddaughter if she knew what her whole name was. Proudly she stated, "Fallyn Reese Lorimer Come Here." – gma2many My 3-year-old grandson and I were talking on the phone, but I couldn't make out all that he was saying so I kept asking, "What?" until finally, exasperated, he said, "Grandma, you're not listening loud enough!" – GrandmaDretta While the kids were visiting one weekend, we all awoke before their grandpa and decided to make him some coffee. After he woke up and had a sip, he went on about how good it was. I told him that was because it was made with love, but our 3-year-old granddaughter exclaimed, "No, it wasn't! It was made with water!" – Michll200
Heritage Trail wants your story
NORTHERN MICHIGAN A new segment of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail currently under development will add about 20 miles to the trail’s planned 828-mile biking route, but project managers also plan to add layers of story to this stretch that connects Higgins Lake Nursery and the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum at North Higgins Lake State Park with Hartwick Pines State Park – and you can help. Led by the Michigan History Center, this heritage trail project in Crawford County – unofficially dubbed the Forest Heritage Trail – is welcoming local history stories. The Center is partnering with Central Michigan University and local stakeholders to identify the unique and critical history of the area and plan for a series of interpretive informational signs for people to enjoy while exploring the trail. Dan Spegel coordinates Michigan’s Heritage Trails program. He said the right stories can help trail visitors connect with an area’s history
and better understand a region’s development, character, and place in the state’s bigger history. He pointed to the Kal-Haven Trail, in southwest Michigan, as an example. “When we put the call out for the Kal-Haven, the community came forward with some great stories,” he said. “For example, in 1948 Joe Louis spent a month training at Great Bear Lake to get ready for a fight with Jersey Joe Walcott. We found out that in 1901, A.M. Todd started a mintoil operation that grew and revolutionized the global industry. We also learned about Julia Schelske, who in 1916 became one of the earliest female car dealers for Ford Motor Company in the town of Grand Junction,” Spegel said. “Bringing those stories into the trail makes for an experience that immerses visitors into the area’s natural and cultural history.” For more information, contact Dan Spegel at SpegelD@Michigan. gov or call 517-420-6029.
People at work: Prudenville By Lindy Peterson
PRUDENVILLE - Dawn Myas has been a licensed childcare provider for more than 25 years in the Prudenville and Houghton Lake area. She provides daycare for babies from about 5 weeks old to children up to age 12 for working parents. "I've always loved kids," Myas said. "I grew up in Saginaw where there were lots of kids in our neighborhood. Everyone knew each other and we all played together. My grandparents lived next door to us and there were cousins visiting all the time. “I started babysitting my little cousins and the younger neighborkids when I was 8 years old," she added. After moving "up north" and having two sons of her own, Myas wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. She trained and got licensed as a daycare provider. Her basic job description includes monitoring the safety of children, planning, preparing, and feeding meals, and assisting youth in routine hygiene
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Dawn Myas
throughout the day. She also provides age appropriate educational and fun activities for them. In her spare time Myas volunteers for the Houghton Lake Historical Society and several animal rescue groups. She also enjoys collecting vintage Pryrex dishes. "I have hundreds of pieces in my collection," Myas said.
March 2021 Page 9
Obituaries & Death Notices Robert James Lapinsky
Robert James Lapinsky, age 76, of Roscommon, died on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 in Grayling.
Thomas M. Duggan
Thomas M. Duggan, a.k.a. “Red”, of Roscommon, died Feb. 4, 2021.
Philip Clare Way
Philip Clare Way, 80, of Lewiston died Jan. 27, 2021 in Roscommon. Memorials to National Kidney Association.
'Patti' Box
Marilyn A. Peterson
Marilyn A. Peterson, 88, recently of Mio, formerly of Canton, Michigan, passed Jan. 30, 2021. Memorials may be directed to the Solanus Casey Center: Attn: Fr. David Preuss, Director, 1780 Mt. Elliot Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207 or solanuscenter.org.
James G. Hatley
'Def' Waterman
James M. Hammerle, Sr., 57 of Mio, passed Jan. 23, 2021.
Delbert Francis “Del” Waterman, age 79, of Roscommon, died Jan. 20, 2021. Memorials can be made to the Roscommon County Community Foundation’s Alexa A. Luck Memorial Fund at PO Box 824, Roscommon, MI 48653, or to the Program to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) at 110 North River Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198.
Randalyn Lee Deetz
Randalyn Lee Deetz, 77, of St. Helen, passed Feb. 4, 2021.
Christopher Leon Gilchrist
Christopher Leon Gilchrist, 50, of St. Helen, passed Feb. 3, 2021. Sharlene Rose Killinger, 72, of West Branch, passed Feb. 2, 2021.
Raymond P. Shattuck
Raymond P. Shattuck, Sr., 73 of Mio, passed Jan. 23, 2021.
Anthony John Jameson, 49, of West Branch, passed Feb. 4, 2021.
Sharlene Rose Killinger
James G. Hatley, Sr., 77 of Lewiston, passed Jan. 24, 2021.
Patricia Lynn “Patti” Box, age 73, of Roscommon, died Jan.22 , 2021, in Houghton Lake.
Anthony John Jameson
James M. Hammerle, Sr.
Daniel L. Peterson
Daniel L. Peterson, 77, recently of Mio, formerly of Canton, Michigan, passed Feb. 11, 2021. Memorial donations may be directed to The Henry Ford Museum; 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48124; or thehenryford.org.
Charlotte Ann Hart
Charlotte Ann Hart, 63 of Mio, passed away on Feb. 8, 2021.
Daniel Michael Durant
Daniel Michael Durant, 62, of Mio, passed Feb. 6, 2021.
'Marie' Scheenen
Dorothy "Marie" Scheenen, 56 of Mio, passed Feb. 3, 2021.
'Bob' Gusler
Robert Merle Gusler (Bob), 83, of Mio passed Jan. 30 2021.
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Sandra “Sandy” Lee Hufstedler, 84, passed Jan. 21, 2021 Memorial contributions can be made to Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church.
Dennis W. Wise
Dennis W. Wise, 73, of St. Helen, passed away Jan. 19, 2021. Memorial contributions can be made to Compassus Hospice.
Marilyn Lee Petrill
Karen Lee Farley
Marilyn Lee Petrill, 86, of Grayling, passed Feb. 18, 2021.
Eugene Seidl
Richard Harr Ebert, 90, of Roscommon, passed Feb. 7, 2021. Memorials to the Higgins Lake Foundation, PO Box 753, Roscommon, MI 48653.
Karen Lee Farley, 55, of Prescott, passed Feb. 1, 2021. Eugene Seidl, 91, of West Branch passed Jan. 29, 2021.
Richard Harr Ebert
Russell Edwin Shepard
Russell Edwin Shepard, 84, of Grayling, passed Feb. 7, 2021.
Joanne K. Moomey
Joanne K. Moomey, 76, 0f Grayling, passed Feb. 4, 2021.
Mavis Marsh
Mavis Marsh, age 90, of Mio passed Feb. 15, 2021. Donations in memory of Mavis can be made to Hunters Hope Foundation at huntershope.org/home/donate.
'Sandy' Lee Hufstedler
Lynn Vermillion Isenhauer
Lelan Clarence Eckstein
Lelan Clarence Eckstein Jr., 85, of St. Helen, passed Feb. 15, 2021.
Susan Diane Reasner
Susan Diane Reasner, 69,of Rose City, passed Feb. 14, 2021.
Janette Joan Allen
Janette Joan Allen, 66, of West Branch, passed Feb. 9, 2021. Memorial contributions can be made to the Ogemaw County Humane Society.
Alan David Gwaltney
Allen Artie Slade, 72, of West Branch, passed Feb. 6, 2021. Memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled Veterans of Ogemaw County.
Carrie Louise Castle
Carrie Louise Castle, 84, of Prescott, passed Feb. 5, 2021.
Gloria M. Maxwell, 92, of Hale, passed Jan. 28, 2021. Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Compassus Hospice.
Richard Hugh Segar
Richard Hugh Segar, 89, of West Branch,passed Jan. 28, 2021. Memorial contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice, 3217 W. M-55, Suite B, West Branch, MI 48661.
Lynn Vermillion Isenhauer, 79, of Grayling, passed Jan. 30, 2021.
Joyce Mae Kolka
Joyce Mae (Hoerl) Kolka, 89, of Grayling, passed Jan. 26, 2021. Memorials to Mt. Hope Lutheran Church and Grayling Lions Club.
Arthur William Sigsbee
Arthur William Sigsbee, 74, of Houghton Lake, passed Jan. 22, 2021.
New deer regs set for 2021
Alan David Gwaltney, 69, of St. Helen, passed Feb. 9, 2021.
Allen Artie Slade
Gloria M. Maxwell
NORTHERN MICHIGANDeer hunting regulations for the 2021 season were approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission at its regular meeting in February. The changes, aimed at further simplifying deer regulations and removing barriers to hunting participation, go into effect with the start of the 2021 deer hunting seasons in September. “Our goals with these regulations are twofold: to make hunting regulations easier to understand and follow in Michigan, and also to manage Michigan’s abundant deer herd,” said DNR deer program specialist Chad Stewart. “We feel that these changes move us in the right direction.” Some of the 2021 approved regulation changes are: • Deer Management Unit-specific antlerless deer licenses have been replaced with a universal antlerless license that can be used across multiple DMUs. - Antlerless licenses may now be purchased without an application in the Lower Peninsula
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and portions of the south-central Upper Peninsula that have DMUs open to antlerless deer hunting. Licenses may be used on public or private land. - In the mid-zone Upper Peninsula DMUs that are open to antlerless deer hunting, a deer hunting access permit must accompany the universal antlerless license. The deer hunting access permit, intended to limit participation where the population can be sensitive to harsh winter weather, will be available through a drawing. - The northernmost DMUs of the U.P. are closed to antlerless deer hunting in all seasons. - Archery hunters in portions of the Upper Peninsula may pursue antlerless deer on their deer or deer combo licenses. DMUs 127, 066, 131, 042, 031, 007 and 048 will be closed to antlerless harvest during the archery seasons. The 2021 deer hunting regulations will be printed in the 2021 Hunting Digest online at Michigan.gov/ DNRDigests around July 1.
NEW MCDONALD’S OWNERS - McDonald’s announced that Matt and Lori Schulz are the new owner/operators of the Prudenville and Houghton Lake McDonald’s restaurants, located at 1991 W. Houghton Lake Drive in Prudenville and 9307 W. Lake City Road in Houghton Lake. The Michigan natives plan to leverage their extensive McDonald’s experience to bring a broader, more diverse customer engagement to the restaurants. “Our guests … will see the difference we bring to our restaurants,” said Matt Schulz. Lori Schulz became highly skilled in the food service industry while working at a banquet hall as she was growing up. Matthew Schulz, who started working at McDonald’s when he was 14, is a third-generation “We are all about McDonald’s programs that benefit local programs,” Matt Schulz said. “We want those programs in
need in our communities to feel free to approach us and we will see what we can do to help. We embrace the opportunity to help in the communities we do business in; we don’t just talk about that, we deliver.”
BRIDGE PICS – This is a photo of the former bridge near D & B Marina in St. Helen. Pictured are Richard Murphy and his children, Val, Denise and Larry. Greg Murphy took the photo. ~ Photo submitted by Chris Murphy
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HMI SPOTLIGHT – The Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce announced that its February Spotlight member is HMI / Hal’s Masonry. Owned by Brent Reas, the company was started in 1993. It employs six people and specializes in concrete, masonry, stone, hearths and mantles, and chimney repair. HMI is located at 6811 M-93 South in Grayling. For information call Reas at 989348-8179 or visit HMICT. com.
Reader Photos!
TIP UP TOWN QUEEN - Maddie Hiller was named the 2021 Tip Up Town Queen. The honor came with a $1,000 donation which the Roscommon County Commission on aging split with the Roscommon County Food Pantry and Freezin’ for a Reason Bikini Radar Run. Proceeds from the run benefitted Brad Lenox.
For info on advertising in print or online call Tracy at 989-275-1170 Zane on Clear Lake
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Rebecca Groppe in Manistee, taken with a fellow photographer, Beverly Ann Wilkens
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SECOND BOOK PUBLISHED - Coming on the heels of his first book, “Echoes and Shadows,” Doug Wilson’s second collection of poetry, “Into The Black,” was published through I-Universe in September of 2020. Unlike Echoes and Shadows—a lifetime compilation—Into the Black is a current work with poetry being written daily over the last year. This collection of poetry tackles the many facets of romantic love and the book is filled with what Wilson calls “snapshots of life,” moments and situations that most of us are familiar with and can easily relate to. Wilson’s poetry is relaxed and down to earth. The poetry often touches the readers emotions and makes them think about their own experiences. There are 125 poems in this collection. Into the Black establishes Wilson as a developed poet, and he is especially proud of this book as it was a dedicated effort to build a collection of poetry that everyone can enjoy. Doug is a 1968 graduate of Grayling High School and a 1972 graduate of Central Michigan
University. He continues to live and work in Grayling. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local book signing events have been postponed until Spring of 2021. Copies of both Echoes and Shadows and Into The Black are available at Tip’n The Mitten in Downtown Grayling or on Amazon.com. Wilson has a third book, “The Well of Sorrows” in development.
March 2021 senior news Oscoda Senior News By Suzanne Barker Welcome March! When it gets to this time of year, we are all looking for a hint of spring to let us know it is coming soon. Hope it is very soon!! I know many of you are anxious to get your Covid-19 vaccines. Some have been successful at registering and getting an appointment, while others are still trying to get in. Here at the center, we’re doing what we can to help. We have helped many register for the health department appointments. In mid-February as Rite Aid started doing vaccines, we also helped to get people registered and secure appointments at the pharmacy. We have no control over vaccine quantities or appointment availability, but we will certainly continue to try to help everyone who needs help to get registered. The food drops happening this month are the CSFP (senior cheese box) on March 16 from 10 -11 a.m.; Together We Can Food Pantry drops are on March 11 and 25 from 11:30
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a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds. The council’s monthly board meeting is scheduled for March 8 at 9 a.m. All are welcome to attend. We received word from AASA (Aging & Adult Services Agency) on Feb. 10 that we are still not allowed to open. So, in the meantime we will still be relying on the to-go window to get those lunch meals out to you. Please remember to call ahead to order. Just a few other things happening this month to make note of. March 14 is once again time for daylight savings. It is time to spring ahead, so remember before going to bed on the 13th to set those clocks 1 hour ahead. St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17, so take a moment on that day to dance a little jig or sing a few words from your favorite Irish tunes! The first day of spring is March 20. YAY!! I am sure most of us are happy about that! The beautiful full moon is on the 28. This past year has been rough, especially on the seniors. The isolation and unknowing are so difficult to deal with. It seems like such a long time already, but please have patience and know that there are people who care, and we will get through this together. Barker is director of the Oscoda County Council on Aging. For more info call 989 826-3025
Fairview is blooming By Richard Rensberry
FAIRVIEW - I love the smell of Star Gazer Lilies in February. Even better is walking into a flower shop where you are accosted by roses, stock, and a multitude of other natural flowers in bloom. Asia Cactus in downtown Fairview has brought this wonderland of blossoms into reality. With Mother’s Day just around the corner the bells on the door of this new venture will be ringing. The proprietor, Merianne Tappan, will be busy, indeed. The need for flowers cannot be denied. There are even more blooms on the horizon. Fairview Berry and Flower Farm, also of Fairview, will open its garden of delights for visitors to Pick-TheirOwn Berries and Flowers come spring of this year. This adventure is the dream of Michael and Suzanne Peychich.
With the arrival of this spring’s opening will also come their second book about the farm, called If I Were A Blossom. This book written for and about the farm is a production of QuickTurtle Books®, a new business located on Schmid Road not too distant from the Farm on Mast Road. The Farms’s first book, also written and produced by QuickTurtle Books®, is called Berry Sweet and is about the Farm’s wonderful fresh berries. Besides flowers and berries you will also be able to purchase many home grown QuickTurtle books and/or cards at both locations. I hope everyone will take notice and shop these newest additions to our business community. Seeds must be planted before they grow, and the seeds are now in the ground. Watch them and our community bloom.
It’s the things you can’t see
Sudoku sponsored by:
Home Country By Slim Randles
Sudoku Printed using Brain Bashers Sudoku Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone
See answer on page 7
Correction: Photos from the Hale Antique Snowmobile Show in the February issue of Up North Voice were taken by Kristi Major.
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Doc had just finished bringing us up to date on the world’s fight against the covid-19 virus when ol’ Windy Wilson raised his eyes. “Now don’t ya find, Doc,” he said, “that the worse stuff in this old life is the junk ya can’t see?” Doc looked puzzled, so Windy continued. “Aw, you know. It’s them mitrascopic stuff that are really dangerous to us.” Doc nodded. “Now you jest take in there a braymer bull? He can stomp a guy inta furry, pink Jell-o. And then dance on them bullfighters whilst they’re a-tryin’ to git yer carcass outa the reenur. But see this here now. That there bull is purty dang big. Big enough to ride, right? So that means he’s big enough so’s you kin get outa his way if he comes a-stompin.” Windy, our favorite camp cook, cowboy, philosopher, and interpreter of the English language, sipped on
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his coffee and looked at us each in turn. “Now, can you see them coronary vibration bugs? No way! Too dang small. They’ll sneak up on a guy, get married and have pups and then kill ya deader’n a hammer! “Thass why, at the conjugal finish a-my thinkin’, I’m puttin’ them bugs in secondary place on my list of alltime tiny mean stuff.” “Only second place?” said Herb, “What’s worse’n dying, Windy?” “Cactus hairs,” he said. “A-course. Ya know, them miterscopic stickers that you can’t see when your eyes is nekkid. But ya know they’s there, doncha? Oh yes, Aunt Sarah, I’ll say ya do!” Windy nodded, agreeing with himself. No one else did, but that isn’t necessary with Windy. “Only way ya kin tell ya got ‘em is when ya brush up agin’ somethin’, like a shirt cuff or somethin’. Hurts like the Civilian War, it does, but ya can’t see it.” He leaned forward and whispered. “It’s flambastically insidulouss! “And you kin tell ‘em I said so.” ------------Brought to you by the folks who take the shiver out of ordering a quiver for you archers, Cedar Ridge Leather Works, in Nashville. Ask for art@archeryleather.com
March 2021
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Sports a
MOORE COMMITS - Katelyn Moore of Grayling High School committed to running cross country and track at Lake Superior State University. She plans to study Kinesiology. ~ Photo courtesy of Nate Maury
Roscommon's junior varsity team fell to Pine River Feb. 15.
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Emma Hoover of Fairview works past Hale Freshman Felicity Hicks.
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Fairview’s Sam Smith prepares to dr
are back!
Katelyn Bowers sets up for a pass in Fairview’s varsity game against Hale’s Claudia Cadwell.~ Photo by Bobbi Ross
rive toward the hoop.
~ Photo by Bobbi Ross
BOWLING KICKS OFF – Members of the Charlton Heston Academy bowling team include (l-r) Lexi Klienert, Carisa Ryan, Amber Lage, Samantha Lage, Haley Jarosz and Kayla Graham. ~ Photo by Sharon Graham
KANARY COMMITS - Drew Kanary of Grayling High School committed to playing football at Michigan Tech and plans to study Environmental Science. ~ Photo courtesy of Nate Maury
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Sample life’s simple pleasures
It is said that the two things that one cannot avoid are death and taxes. For discussion's sake, let us take the former, death. It takes life from us in various ways, such as suddenly, maybe by accidents; or longer, through intense suffering; or quietly, in our sleep. We never know when exactly it will occur, so all we have is today and sometimes not even that. What I have discovered is—no, not the fountain of youth—but how to enjoy the time I have on Earth. Many of us are close to or are entering the winter of our lives, but this advice is also applicable to the young as well. Sure, most of us have aches, pains, lost mobility, and tire easily. This has restricted certainly mobility, but one can still do something that you will find enriching and rewarding. Let's take winter, for example. I have retired from snowshoe racing, and cross-country skiing anymore because of physical limitations.
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However, those limitations haven't hindered me from other activities, and I have adjusted. For example, I've taken up walking for extended periods of time, approximately an hour or more. During that time, I have become acquainted with several new neighbors. In addition, I have also enjoyed time spent in prayer. Other times, after a recent snowfall, I enjoy tracking and identifying some of the animals by prints in the snow. I can also see where they traversed my land. Another piece of enjoyment comes from during the day making campfires outdoors. It not only warms me when outdoors for long periods of time; it also offers me respite where I can take a break and enjoy the moment by, for example, observing some of the animals, birds, and clouds. Above all, during these times, I enjoy moments when I can pray and praise God in His creation. The solitude affords me the opportunity to clear my mind and soul of concerns and reflect on positive events as the day unfolds. So, as I found my personal niche for winter enjoyment, I would encourage you to seek your own simple winter pleasure. It just may add a renewed revitalization to your life.
Are we hoarders? View From the Comfy Chair By Joel Vernier I was just waking up from a welldeserved nap. The television was on in the background, and I woke up to a reality show called; "Hoarders." It is a show I had never watched before. As I was not totally awake, I decided to watch the show and to give myself time to fully awake. I wasn't sure how to process this show. I found myself grossed out by some of the things that people saved, such as dead cats. There were boxes and boxes and bags and bags of stuff rising up to the ceiling and small footpaths to allow you to navigate thru the rooms full of stuff. Talk about high fire risk, and the people on the show also mentioned it did not smell like a lavender field! Then family and friends got together, and they performed an incredible clean-out that took several days. There was a lot of emotion from the "Hoarder" as things went out the door, but in the end, it seemed okay; they were happy to have their house back. I thought to myself, how could that happen? What is wrong with people? Then a thought struck me right in the stomach; "Was I A Hoarder?" My daughter would say yes! I went down into the basement, one side is finished, and the other side is not finished. I opened the door, and it somehow looked
different to me. Lots of boxes and storage containers, and yes, garbage bags full of stuff. No, it cannot be. I could not be a hoarder! I committed to clean out the things in the unfinished portion of the basement tomorrow. It's interesting that tomorrow, becomes today and today becomes yesterday. So when tomorrow came, it was today and not tomorrow. Basically, tomorrow never comes. A couple of weeks went by, and I forgot about cleaning out the stuff. I went to the basement to get ice cream out of the freezer, and I awakened my commitment to get rid of stuff! The goal I came up with is that if I had not used the item in one year, it either goes to the Mission or it gets pitched. That should clean things up. I found several boxes and bags of my daughters' stuff. It had been here for years. I called her up and told her to come over and get the stuff. She came over (I bribed her with carryout dinner.) She went through the stuff, fond memories all. Then she said, "Dad, I don't have room for this right now. Can you keep it, and I will make room for it and get it later? I said yes, after all, she is my only daughter! That was about a year ago. Well, I'm not a Big League "Hoarder" like on television, but I guess I'm a minor league one. Are you A "Hoarder?" A simple look around will answer that question. I guess it's time for a nap; I will decide what to do with this stuff later! "Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others. – © Joel M. Vernier 02/18/2021 Author of: "The Guinea Pig In The Freezer." joelmvernier@ aol.com
Sudoku Answer Puzzle can be found on page 3 Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone Brain Bashers
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NEW MI MOBILE DIGS – Mi Mobile of Grayling recently relocated to 2323 South I-75 Business Loop in Grayling. Owner Scott Longedyke said the move was prompted by an increase in business. “We needed the extra space,” he said. “To carry more product, make it easier to get around and be more comfortable for
our customers.” Mi Mobile carries cell phones, charges, Bluetooth speakers and cases. It also handles cell phone and pad repairs. Regular hours are M-F from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact Scott at 989-915-8170.
‘Baby closet’ sets new hours GRAYLING - During this COVID-19 pandemic, The Crawford Baby to Toddler Closet have new hours, only not dates. The ‘Closet’ is now open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Curb service only, but you can choose your items from the entrance of the red door at
the back of the church. Please call us at 989-889-4745 if possible, to give us your information, number of children and diaper size. They are still saving Spartan Family Fare Receipts and can use the check for non-recyclable items such as diapers, wipes, underwear, socks, and many times, shoes
Support our local businesses
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Pictured are Mi Mobile owner Scott Longedyke (right) and Technician Chris Jones.
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