Up North Voice August 2021 issue

Page 1

Read us online at UpNorthVoice.com!

Up North

Voice Vol. 12, Issue 8

Heritage Days on tap

Strengthening the communities of Northeast Michigan

Free

.com August 2021

MIO – Oscoda County will take a step back in time for its annual Heritage Days event. Scheduled for the weekend of August Aug. 13-14 at the Oscoda County Fairgrounds the festival is free to attend. ▪ See HERITAGE DAYS on page 10

Harrison receives award

GRAYLING - For nearly 20 years, Grayling resident Karen Harrison has devoted her life toward the protection and betterment of the Au Sable and Upper Manistee rivers, all without making a cent. For her quiet leadership, her passion and her jack-of-all-trades expertise, Harrison will be awarded the 2021 Petoskey Prize for ▪ See AWARD on page 4

IN THIS ISSUE:

Megan Money gets a good start in the Paddle with a Professional Special Olympics event. ▪ See pages 8 & 9 for more photos!

Helping Hands A - 12 AuSable Festival A 8-9 Duck races A-10 Rosco art fair B-3 Grayling grant B-6 Fairview Eagle Voice B-1 Parade pics B-8 Faith and the Toad B-14

Neighbors

Somer Quinlan: Music aficionado, mom and director of ROOC By Donna Thoma

NORTHEAST MICHIGAN - July 2020, midway through a worldwide pandemic, may not have been the most ideal time to take on a new job, especially that of executive director of ROOC, Inc. For Somer Quinlan, it was an opportunity to continue helping people, as she's done her entire career. Prior to joining the staff at ROOC five years ago as program manager, Quinlan worked with the courts as a juvenile probation officer, and was a Friend of the Court as a liaison in abuse and neglect cases. ROOC (Roscommon, Oscoda, Ogemaw and Crawford) is a local non-profit committed to helping individuals with disabilities receive integrated community services through employment training. Born in Pontiac, Michigan to Bonnie and Dave O'Dell, she and her family lived in Florida for a time, until her mom decided they should return to Michigan to raise their family. Somer grew up in the area, graduating from Roscommon High School before continuing her education at Central Michigan University where she earned a psychology degree. Since her graduation from college, Somer has worked in a variety of venues, including a resort and Keiser College, both in the Florida Keys. Working for a consignment store, accountant, title company and even as a former co-owner of a local canoe Livery added to her life experiences.

“They were all stops along the way that have provided me a well rounded background.” Somer said.” Somer, as you may discern from her name, said the Summer season is her favorite time of year. Or, as she says, “I think mom did a good job with my name.” Living near Lake Margarethe in Grayling allows Somer the opportunity to get out with her family on her pontoon or paddle board, as well as biking trails. Somer said she also loves live Folk and Bluegrass music, attending festivals across the state. She is excited to attend the Farm Fest in Johannesburg. A part of her appreciation for music, she also plans to have a music-related fundraiser at ROOC, similar to Art in the Park. Somer had hoped that her two sons, Finnley 13, and Fletcher 15, would be interested in following her passion and taking up a musical instrument. While both boys have taken piano and guitar lessons, their focus has been on sports. Somer said Fletcher is looking forward to playing basketball this season. He spent time this summer at basketball camp and is currently working at the Northbound Food Truck. Finnley, on the other hand, is enjoying SCUBA diving. When Somer speaks of her sons, she gets a twinkle in her eye and a special lilt in her voice. Equally so, her passion and dedication for her work with ROOC shines through in her

Somer Quinlan

conversation. During her interview for the position of executive director, interviewer Cherie Johnson asked Somer why she was interested in the position. “I always wanted to have a job that felt worthwhile and fulfilling at the end of the day.” “Then this is the job for you,” Johnson answered. Based in Roscommon County, ROOC serves people with disabilities in Ogemaw, Oscoda and Crawford counties. The goal of ROOC is to help ▪ See NEIGHBORS on page 5


Out & About - August 2021 Editor’s Note: Email your non-profit calendar items to mconstance@upnorthvoice.com. Do not include any prices.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY AUGUST 2 – Donate blood 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MidMichigan Community Health Park – Annex Building, 9249 West Lake City Rd., Houghton Lake. Info: donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/ schedules/drive_schedule/130091 4 – Summer Gazebo “Best of” Series, Alan Turner and His Steel Horse Band; free, donations accepted; 7 p.m. on CRAF lawn, moved indoors for inclement weather. For more information, contact the CRAF Center at 989-2754975, check out CRAF Center on Facebook, or view at roscorec.org. 5 – Friends of Trestle Park Summer Concert Series: StoneHengz. 7-9 p.m. at Trestle Park, 2038 S. Gladwin Rd., Prudenville. 7 – Higgins Lake Awareness Day from 4-6 p.m. at the RAM Center on the North Shore of Beautiful Higgins Lake. 7 – St. Helen Lake Association Boat Wash at the St. Helen Boat Launch. Info: 989-302-3195. 13-15 - St. Helen ORV Jam at the Richfield Township Park. Info: 989-915-2682.

14 – Amazing Mike (Magician) at Markey Memorial Park, 3354 School Rd., Roscommon, at 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. 14 – 5th Annual “Meals on Wheels” Car Show at the Roscommon Fire Training Grounds, 290 Ballenger Rd., Roscommon. Registration, 8-11 a.m. Info: 989366-0205, ext. 1103. Meat Loaf dinner available noon-1 p.m. by donation. 14 – Golf Outing Fundraiser benefiting ACT NOW and Gerrish Police Department. For more information, contact Julie Hill, (989) 821-5207, ext. 291. Register at Gerrish Twp. Police Department or at www.gerrishpolice.org. 14 – DK5K Tough Run is an obstacle run to raise awareness concerning veteran suicide. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Twisted Trails Offroad Park, 19405 Read Rd., Copemish, MI 49625. 14-15 – Village Days, Houghton Lake Area Historical Society, 1701 W. Houghton Lake Dr., Prudenville, 10 a.m. on Saturday to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Costumed characters depict life in an 1800 Northern Michigan logging town. 18 – Steak Nite at Grayling Sportsmen’s Club. Feel free to bring a dish to pass. Steaks from Ebels, salad, baked potato, rolls, dessert, beverage, and lots of other good

things to eat. Sign up at the Club.

Thursdays:

19 -- Friends of Trestle Park Summer Concert Series: Slick Jimmy Band. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Trestle Park, 2038 S. Gladwin Rd., Prudenville.

• RADL Story time for the little ones – Story time with Miss Julie is fun! We have a story, crafts, and a healthy snack. Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

20-21 – Free ORV weekend: No ORV license or trail permit required.

Fridays:

20 – Houghton Lake Country Music Fest, Billy Gunther & the Midwest Riders, 6-10 p.m., 1625 W. Houghton Lake Dr., Prudenville. Ticketleap.com or Houghton Lake Chamber. 21 -- Houghton Lake Country Music Fest, Cody Boggs Band, noon-4 p.m. and Big Riggs Band, 4-8 p.m., 1625 W. Houghton Lake Dr., Prudenville. Ticketleap.com or Houghton Lake Chamber. 21 – Up North Vintage Market, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 4974 E. Houghton Lake Dr., Houghton Lake (rain date next day Sundays). Call 989-3902072 for more information. 27 - Family Outdoor Movie at Good Shepherd of the North, located at 149 West Robinson Lake Road. Show starts at 7 p.m. Info: 989-2755577. Roscommon extra • Buy your tickets for Firemen’s 2021 Raffle (989) 390-8337; drawing Sept. 18, 2021, 8 p.m., at the Roscommon County Fire Training Grounds

• RADL Open tech hour – if you have questions regarding your computer, tablet, phone, or library services come to the library at 2pm and we will sit down with you one on one to answer any questions. 1st Thursday of each month: • Veterans Coffee Hour: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Honoring the service of our military veterans. We invite you to enjoy coffee and donuts with us. The Roscommon County Airport. 5218 E. Houghton Lake Drive. Details Here. ▪ See OUT & ABOUT on page 3

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”

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 August 2021

UpNorthVoice.com


Out & about 2nd Sunday of each month:

of M-65 and Esmond Road. Bring an instrument and join in, or bring a chair and enjoy the music, starting around 6 p.m.

• VFW Country Breakfast 8 a.m. - 12 noon. VFW Post 4159, located across from the Roscommon Post Office.

CRAWFORD COUNTY Grayling, Frederic, Lovells

Continued from page 2

IOSCO COUNTY 7 – Fine Arts Festival at Shoreline Park in Tawas City, across from Iosco County Building. Info: Judy at 810-730-1449. 7 – National Lighthouse Day at Tawas Point. Noon-4 p.m. 12 – Community Garage Sale sponsored by the Whittemore Chamber of Commerce. Info: 989928-1267. 27-29 – Blues by the Bay at Harbor Park, located at the corner of US-23 and Newman Street. Wednesdays – Bingo, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at Whittemore Chamber of Commerce. Thursdays – Music at the Gazebo in Hale, at the intersection

AUGUST 4 – Grayling Sportsmen’s Club meeting at 3 p.m. 6-8 – Wellington Antique Tractor and Engine Show, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Sunday, Wellington Farm USA, 6940 S. Military Rd., Grayling, 12 and under, free, $5 13+. 12 – 31st Annual Grayling Hospital Golf Classic at the Grayling Country Club and will support services at Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital. 14 – Grayling Sportsmen’s Club Championship Shoot 27-29 – Civil War Reenactment,

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Sunday, Wellington Farm USA, 6940 S. Military Rd., Grayling, Adults $10, Senior Citizens $7.50, Students $6.50 (ages 5-17) or (grades K-12), and children under 5 are free. 28-9/11 – Great Northern Art Explosion, Grayling. For more details, visit www.artexplosion.org. 28-29 – Black Iron Days, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Hartwick Pines State Park, 4216 Ranger Rd., Grayling Suns & Weds: Open Skeet & Trap, 11 a.m. (excluding holidays) at the Grayling Sportsman's Club, located at 6990 Old Lake Road in Grayling . Mons: Tai Chi, 12-1pm at The Gift-A Wellness Community, 4304 W M 72 Hwy, Grayling. Thursdays & Saturdays: Farmers Market, Grayling City Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays through the end of September.

UpNorthVoice.com

Area Bike Trails: • Grayling Area Paved Pathway / Grayling Bike Turnpike – over 11 miles long. 6 miles of the trail is an extended shoulder that runs to Hanson Hills Recreation Area. From town to Hartwick Pines State Park, the trail is a separate pathway (Grayling Bicycle Turnpike) which is a family friendly paved hiking & biking trail (7+ miles). Once at Hartwick Pines State Park, the only fee to enter the state park is a Michigan Recreation Passport (State Park Permit). People on foot or bike entering park do not pay a fee. • Hanson Hills Recreation Area — 989-348-9266. Offers some of the best terrain in Northern Michigan for hiking & biking with over 15 miles of the state’s best single track for the mountain biker. • Hartwick Pines Biking Trails – 989-348-7068 – Hikers and bikers will find 5 trails from 7.8k to 20.8k. Hiking trails range from dirt to paved, through Old Growth Trail. The Park is located just 7 1/2 miles northeast of Grayling off M-93 North ▪ See OUT & ABOUT on page 5

August 2021 Page 3


Voice Staff Mark Constance Publisher

mconstance@ UpNorthVoice.com

Tracy Constance Marketing

tracy@UpNorthVoice.com

Warren Stutesman Reporter warren@upnorthvoice.com

William Broadnax Distribution Manager williambroadnax2015@ gmail.com

Axel Jacobs Roscommon Distribution

Matthew Barnes Grayling Distribution

Letter to the Editor To the editor: In the March 13, 2019, commissioners meeting Chairman Schneider said, “Other counties have done this” and. Then Controller Jodi Valentino stated: “Lots of other counties have done this and I actually have a couple of variations that they have done” in regard to a resolution they passed March 27, 2019. Valentino never produced any variations from other counties when I filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request because they don’t exist. In the June 9, 2021, commissioners meeting I commented about those false statements. In most cases, when a public official lies to the public they resign, or they are terminated. Schneider

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 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.

Page 4 August 2021

the legal level. The county paid the Spicer Group $30,000 back in 2010 for recommendations and the commissioners did nothing. They have the discretion to maintain the legal levels any way they want. They do not have the discretion to do nothing. The commissioners conflated what they needed to do with establishing and maintaining the legal level. They turned the process on its head. Their resolution is willful neglect and a dereliction of duty. Join the Citizens for Higgins Lake Legal Levels Facebook page. Compel the Commissioners to do their job. Eric Ostergren Higgins Lake

Harrison Continued from page 1

Letter to the editor policy:

either intentionally lied or it is a coverup to protect Valentino. This coverup is a big problem. The commissioners need to respond. The resolution was passed under false pretenses. That is called willful neglect and dereliction of duty. The statutes describe exactly what the commissioners are supposed to do. Once a legal level is established the statutes say, “The County Board must acquire the necessary permits … from the DEQ … Maintain the lake at the level, or levels, established by order of the circuit court.” The commissioners have done neither. The commissioners are compelled to ask EGLE for a dam modification as it is undisputed that Higgins is not maintained at

Environmental Leadership by the Michigan Environmental Council, a coalition of nearly 80 organizations that drives the state's environmental agenda. Harrison will accept the Petoskey Prize at the Environmental Council’s 23rd Annual Environmental Awards Celebration, hosted from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19 at Gordon Hall in Dexter. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at environmentalcouncil.org. The Petoskey Prize is the state’s premiere recognition of an environmental, grassroots volunteer. It comes with a $5,000 gift to the Environmental Council member organization that nominates the winner. Harrison was nominated by Grayling’s Mason-Griffith Chapter of Michigan Trout Unlimited, the founding chapter of the national Trout Unlimited organization, composed of 387 local groups. She'll join Bob Andrus and Rusty Gates, past regional recipients. Bryan Burroughs, executive director of Michigan Trout Unlimited, noted the Mason-Griffith Chapter is among the organization’s most active and impactful groups, and that is largely due to Harrison’s eight years (and counting) as

president. In this role, she revitalized the chapter; led and took part in river restoration projects; raised $1 million in support of conservation; and helped people of all ages fall in love with the Au Sable and Upper Manistee rivers by teaching them fly fishing. Harrison’s success in preserving her hometown rivers is also seen through her partnership with other local organizations. She served in leadership positions on Anglers of the Au Sable, Fly Fishers International’s Great Lakes Council and the Frederic Township Planning Commission. "Karen doesn’t draw attention to herself, avoids and never places herself in the limelight, and never even allows her team to fully understand just how much she does to make things work," said Burroughs. "She just keeps all focus

Karen Harrison, nominated by Mason-Griffith chapter of Trout Unlimited.

on the work at hand and how our natural resources will be better if we keep doing more and more. It’s all about the work, the benefits to our watersheds, our fish and the people who take part in it."

AuSable Printing and Publishing ‘Your concept, our expertise’ Whether its business cards, brochures, clothing, or dozens of other unique marketing items, we are Northern Michigan’s source for quality commercial printing and marketing services.

For a quote please call 989-275-1170 or email mconstance@UpNorthVoice.com

UpNorthVoice.com


Neighbors Continued from page 1

each client reach their full potential. Clients volunteer in the community at A.R.K. (Association to Rescue Kritters), Habitat for Humanity, various churches, and River House Baby Pantry. They learn skills through employment training, such as in the packaging, selling and delivering Spencer's Candy. “To have those individuals attain a sense of self worth, self esteem and the knowledge that they belong,

Out & about Continued from page 3

(Exit 259 off I-75). Trails: Aspen Trail, Deer Run Trail, and Weary Legs Trail. • Rayburn Estate Trail – family friendly paved 2-mile hike & bike pathway which crosses the AuSable River with a wooden foot bridge. Parking area is located a few miles east of town off N. Down River Rd. across from M.A.T.E.S.

and are part of something (special) is priceless,” Somer said. Always looking toward the future, Somer hopes to one day offer an in-county employment opportunity such as the After 26 Depot Cafe in Cadillac, which is dedicated to employing adults with developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments in Wexford, Missaukee, and Osceola counties. One thing she is particularly proud of is how ROOC has earned and maintained its Commission

OGEMAW COUNTY 7 – Sasquatch Gravel Chase. Info: bikereg.com/50308 14-15 – Victorian Art Fair at Irons Park in West Branch. Info: victorianartfair.com/. 17-22 – Ogemaw County Fair at fairgrounds on Rifle River Trail. Info: ogemawcountyfair.org. 24 – “Cruising the Classes from

on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. CARF is a world wide and recognizes health and human service providers as having met specific standards for quality of service to clients. Whether in their 20s, 80s and in between, the clients at ROOC hold a special place in her heart. “It's a great organization and I'm fortunate to be a part of it.” For information on ROOC visit rooc.org.

6-8 p.m. at the Dairy Queen parking lot in West Branch.

OSCODA COUNTY 13-14 – Heritage Days at Oscoda County Fairgrounds. Info: Sandy at 734-788-3254. (See schedule on page A-1.)

SHOP LOCAL

UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021 Page 5


Page 6 August 2021

UpNorthVoice.com


UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021 Page 7


Yvonne (left) and Olivia Schreiber of Grayling were responsible for entering data from the time trials on the web page. The trials were held at Penrod’s Canoe Livery in Grayling. Sean Backus celebrates his successful race. Medals, shirts and hats were sponsored by Sylvester’s and Up North Voice.

Paddlers from across Issendorf of Texas an

Mara prim

The annual Au Canoe Marathon weekend of July from Grayling to first place record when Jorden Wak Meersman finishe 13 hours, 54 minu seconds, breaking record set back in Corbin and Solom Preceding the rac AuSable River Fe of competitions a includes sprint ra With a Profession craft shows, and m

Multiple volunteers helped keep racers at the Special Olympics event safe.

Page 8 August 2021

Traci Cook helps secure the beer tent, which was located in downtown Grayling.

UpNorthVoice.com

~ Pho Mark Co


s the nation attend the event. Pictured (l-r) are John Filler of Maryland, Chris nd Bill Torango of Roscommon, and Jerry (seated).

The Grayling Knights of Columbus sponsored lunch and the awards ceremony at the Paddle With a Professional event. Grilling burgers were (l-r) Bob Breaugh, Mike Branch and Frank Senski.

athon mer

uSable River was held the 24-25, running Oscoda. A new was established keley and Matt ed the course in utes, and nine g the previous n 1994 by Serge mon Carrière. ce itself is the estival, a series and events that aces, Paddle nal, arts and much more.

otos by onstance

Special Olympians participated in "Paddle With a Professional"

It takes lots of volunteers to run the AuSable River Festival, including these ladies who helped at the AuSable River Festival beer tent (l-r) Rae, unk., Alayne, Linda, Hayley and Jeannie.

UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021 Page 9


ROSCOMMON COUNTY GYPSY MOTH PROGRAM

Accepting applications for Gypsy Moth Surveyors through August 13 Interested in the environment, biology and your community? This is a great opportunity for seasonal work in an outdoor environment that offers a chance to learn more about the life cycle of the gypsy moth. Surveyors will travel throughout Roscommon County inspecting for gypsy moth egg masses. As members of this community forestry management program, you will learn hands-on environmental science and your work will impact the future of Roscommon County forests. You will work with a team, talking with landowners and gathering data in an outdoor environment. Assignments last a minimum of eight weeks and may possibly run into December. Positions start at $11.05 per hour. Interviews will begin on July 26 2021. More specific information and an application can be obtained by visiting: www.roscommoncounty.net/jobs. Applications due Friday, August 27 by 4:00 p.m. Applications may be submitted online, or mailed to: Roscommon County Gypsy Moth Program • 500 Lake Street, Roscommon, MI 48653 Roscommon County is an equal opportunity employer.

Heritage Days Continued from page 1 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Friday • Noon – Opening • 2 p.m. - Horse Rides • 4 p.m. - Spinning demo • 5 p.m. - Corn Hole registration. $10 per team. • 6 p.m. - Corn Hole Tournament • 7-9 p.m. Music with “The Relics” • 8 p.m. - Bonfire and Smores Saturday • 9 a.m. - Opening and Cowboy Church • 10 a.m. - Horse rides • 11 a.m. - Sheriff’s bike rodeo; two bike giveaways • Noon to 4 p.m. - Lumberjack competition (Call Kurt Hiser at 989-430-0817 for more info) • 4 p.m. - Spinning demo • 5-8 p.m. – Imperial Wrestling on the main stage Other ongoing events include: Blacksmith, horse chiropractor, U.S. Forest Service Buffalo Spear Throwing, Kid's Craft Zone, “People Mover” (wagon rides) around fairgrounds, “Frustration Buster” (beat up a car) as fundraiser for the Oscoda County Fairboard, yard sale, bake sale, multiple vendors, animals in the barns, bouncy house, plenty of food and much more. For info call Sandy at 734-788-3254.

SHOP LOCAL

Page 10 August 2021

Above: Troy Daniels helped pick up wayward ducks that never made it to the finish line. Below: Troy Fairbanks (left) and Jim Fisher helped set up the barrier at the finish line to keep the small plastic ducks from “escaping” downriver.

This amazing group of ladies kept track of and cut checks for the winning ducks. Pictured (front, l-r) are Barb Castillo, Nancy Williams, (back) Kelly McCarthy and Mattie Barton.

Great AuSable River duck race!

The Roscommon Rotary Club held its annual Great AuSable River Duck race July 18. The event is a regular fundraiser for the club. Proceeds benefit community projects around the Roscommon and Higgins Lake areas. The initial part of the race

was three heats long, before a final that included the top 20 ducks from the previous heats. The top two finishers in each heat, and the top 10 overall won cash prizes. Winner of the event (and $3,000) was Pam Long.

~ Photos by Mark Constance

Find us on the web: UpNorthVoice.com and on Twitter: UpNorthVoice1

UpNorthVoice.com


ROSCOMMON RESTAURANT – Matt Cassell and Lisa Ballard plan to launch, “Beechwood Cafe,” in Roscommon on Aug. 3 at 8 a.m. Located at 406 North Fifth Street, the cafe is open for breakfast Monday through Sunday from 8-11:30 a.m; and lunch from noon-3 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sunday). They will switch to a brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday. Beechwood will also offer

“Heat and Eat,” where customers can pick up custom, prepared meals they can take home and toss in the oven. The facility will be open for private parties in the evening such as birthdays, anniversary or bachelor or bachelorette parties. Guests will have use of the entire restaurant and a custom menu is available. For information call 989-281-1484 or visit beechwoodcafe.org.

UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021 Page 11


FREE COLLEGE Whhe in High Schoo

READY AT MARKEY - Owner of Little Cottage Ice Cream and Bear North Creamery, Brian Trupp, sponsored live music by “Ready to Play” at the Markey Township Park July 17. He is pictured with Lori Akins.

Page 12 August 2021

HELPING HANDS ON THE BEACH – St. Helen’s Helping Hands held one of its annual fundraisers on Lake St. Helen earlier this month. The event featured a live auction, food and kid’s activities. Event organizers included: (front, l-r) Jennifer Kary, Pam Scott, (back) Harry Mead, Roberta Kary and John Sutter. ~ Photo by Mark Constance

UpNorthVoice.com


Obituaries & Death Notices ROSCOMMON

Ruth DeWitt

Ruth Yvonne DeWitt, 89, of Roscommon, passed July 16, 2021.

‘Bud’ Martin

Lyndle “Bud” Ray Martin, 87, of Roscommon, passed July 23, 2021.

Donald Tanner

Donald Leroy Tanner, 87, of Roscommon, died July 19, 2021. Memorials: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or to the Wounded Warriors Project, or to the Brave Hearts Estate. Whittemore

Teresa Duvernois

WEST BRANCH

Ailene Hansen

Ailene Marie Hansen, 99, of West Branch, passed July 4, 2021. Memorial contributions to Ogemaw Commission on Aging and St. Joseph Catholic School.

Edward DeHaan

Edward Gerald DeHaan, 82, of West Branch, passed July 19, 2021. Memorial contributions to Compassus Hospice.

Joey Collins,

Joey Lee Collins, 78, of West Branch, passed July 18, 2021.

Teresa Louise Duvernois, 58, of Hale, MI, passed July 11, 2021. Memorial contributions to the American Lung Association. GRAYLING

Robert Brinker, Jr.

Robert George Brinker, Jr., 60, of Grayling, passed away on July 19, 2021.

‘Chum’ Lovely

Roy "Chum" Wayne Lovely, 79, of Grayling, MI passed July 11, 2021.

Roland Smith

Albert Detmer

Albert Frank Detmer, 90, of Houghton Lake, passed July 3, 2021. St. Helen

Johanna Fuerst

John Kowalski

‘Bob’ Laughton

Robert (Bob) Arthur Laughton, 74, of West Branch passed July 14, 2021.

Patricia Clayton

Patricia Ann Clayton, 76, of West Branch and Rose City, passed July 5, 2021.

Richard Mularz, Jr.

Richard James Mularz Jr., 51, of West Branch, passed June 28, 2021. Memorial contributions to Gift of Life, Ogemaw Outlaws Softball or A.R.K. (Association to Rescue Kritters).

Johanna F. Fuerst, 103, of St. Helen, passed July 16, 2021.

ROSE CITY

LUPTON

Sylvia Marianne (Gorczanny) Bleeda, 90, of Rose City, passed June 30, 2021.  Memorial contributions to Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit.

Tammy Branum

Tammy Bernice Branum, 55, of Lupton, passed July 23, 2021. Memorial contributions to American Cancer Society.

Barbara Osborne

Barbara Jean Osborne, 83, of Lupton,passed July 22, 2021. Memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice.

Joseph Bontrager

Joseph M. Bontrager, 95, of Mio, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021.

John “Uncle John, U.J., Preacher, Uduge” Charles Kowalski, 69, of Fairview, passed July 7, 2021.

Linda Brown

Roland L. Smith, 74, of Houghton Lake, passed July 10, 2021.

MIO

James Charles Rollison, 78, of Fairview passed July 17, 2021.

HOUGHTON LAKE

Evelyn Hanneman-Marsh

Todd Harwood

Todd Earl Harwood, 59, of Lovells Township, passed July 20, 2021.

James Rollison

Donna Lee Roby, 63, of Whittemore, passed June 28, 2021. Memorials: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Evelyn M. Hanneman-Marsh, 95, of Houghton Lake, passed July 10, 2021. Memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice.

LOVELLS

FAIRVIEW

Donna Roby

Linda Lou Brown, 74, of Houghton Lake, passed July 19, 2021. Memorial contributions to National Leukemia Foundation.

Valerie Wise

Valerie Jean Wise, 65, of Grayling passed July 16, 2021.

Sylvia Bleeda

‘Ed’ Franklin, Jr.

Edward Lee "Ed" Franklin, Jr., 79, of Grayling, passed July 16, 2021.

Phyllis Kesseler

Phyllis Joan (Ziebell) Kesseler, 87, of Elk Rapids but originally from Grayling, passed July 13, 2021. Memorial contributions to “Roger and Phyllis Kesseler Family Endowed Scholarship” at Crawford AuSable Excellence in Education Foundation (CAEEF).

LUZERNE

Margaret Ida Gross

Margaret Ida Gross, 84, of Luzerne, passed July 2, 2021.

Dale Bronson

Dale Dwayne Bronson, 62, of Luzerne, passed June 28. 2021.

Vernon LaDuke, Jr.

Vernon Leon LaDuke, Jr., 82, of Grayling, passed July 18, 2021. Memorial contributions to Grayling Viking Food Pantry.

‘Fred’ Moore

Wayne "Fred" Fredrick Moore, 82 of Grayling Mi passed July 2, 2021. Memorial contributions to Grayling Food Pantry.

Andrew Pepsin

HALE

‘Bob the Pizza Man’ Monasterski

Robert “Bob the Pizza Man” Raymond Monasterski, 77, of Hale, MI, passed July 18, 2021.

Andrew Stephen Pepsin, 38, of Grayling, passed April 24, 2021. Robert Stephan Robert Eugene Stephan, 83, of Grayling passed July 5, 2021.

UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021 Page 13


▪ See RECREATION on page 15

Page 14 August 2021

UpNorthVoice.com


Lilly (left) helps Madison and Noell with a painting project.

MUSIC IN THE PARK - Volunteers with the Frederic Township Parks and Recreation Commission held “Music in the Park” July 17. The event featured multiple kid’s games with grilled hotdogs and drinks. Live music started at 7 p.m.

~ Photos by Mark Constance

Above: Jonnie Malone (left) and Lori Johnson coordinated the event through the Frederic Township Parks and Recreation Commission. The dynamic duo said the commission is planning additional events in the future. Watch CrawfordVoice.com for details. Right: Gunner and Hayden Busch talk while resting on the playground dome.

SHOP LOCAL

UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021 Page 15


Page 16 August 2021

UpNorthVoice.com


Appetizers

Gourmet Pizza

Bread Stix

8-10 Freshly Baked Bread Stix. $4.50 75 cal/piece Stuffed with Pepperoni add $1.75 18 cal/piece Stuffed with Ham add $1.75 5 cal/piece Mozzarella on Top or Inside add $2.50 34 cal/piece Classic Red Pizza Sauce on Side add $1.00 40 cal/serving Aged Cheddar Cheese Sauce add $1.50 35 cal/serving

Spi-Rolls

(Chicken or Pepperoni)

Chicken: Tender all white Chicken, smoky Bacon, melted Cheddar & Mozzarella, spi-rolled up into our own homemade pizza crust. Served with creamy Ranch for dipping. $7.99 89 cal/piece

Cheesy Bread

Pizza Crust Smothered in Garlic, Special Herbs & Mozzarella Cheese. Small 10” $6.49 109 cal/piece Large 14” $11.49 113 cal/piece With Bacon: add $1.00 /Small 13 cal/piece $2.00 /Large 9 cal/piece

Pepperoni: Spicy Pepperoni & melted Mozzarella spi-rolled up into our own homemade pizza crust. Served with our homemade, award winning Classic Red Pizza Sauce for dipping. $7.99 84 cal/piece

GF Chicken Wings 109-132 cal/piece

Garden Salad

Corn Chips, Seasoned Ground Beef, Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Black Olives & Taco Sauce. Reg 840 cal / Sm 427 cal (includes Taco Sauce)

Greek Salad

Fresh Lettuce, Spinach, Tomato, Salami, Green Peppers, Onions, Kalamata Olives, Feta & Dressing. Reg 635 cal / Sm 381 cal

Tossed Salad

Fresh Lettuce, Spinach, Tomato & your choice of Dressing. Reg 139 cal / Sm 87 cal

Patrolman’s Deluxe

Pepperoni, Ham, Mushrooms, Green Pepper, Onions, Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Bacon & Black Olives. S 10.99 M 13.99 L 18.75 XL 21.99 237 / 253 / 290 / 300 cal

Sliced Top Round complimented with sliced Portabella Mushrooms, accented with Sweet Red and Green Bell Peppers, Red Onion and Cheddar atop 100% pure Wisconsin Mozzarella & our special Southwest Sauce. S 10.99 M 13.99 L 18.75 XL 21.99 247 / 271 / 302 / 314 cal

All Meat: Pepperoni, Ham, Ground Beef, Italian Sausage & Bacon. S 10.99 M 13.99 L 18.75 XL 21.99 234 / 248 / 287 / 296 cal

Taco Pizza

Seasoned Ground Beef, Taco Sauce, Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheeses, Lettuce, Tomato & Black Olives. S 10.99 M 13.99 L 18.75 XL 21.99 243 / 252 / 286 / 299 cal

PICK THE SIZE

2

BUILD THE CRUST

Lettuce, Spinach, Your Choice of Tasty Chunks of Chicken Breast or Crispy Chicken, Tomato, Mushroom, Green Pepper, Onions, Mozzarella Cheese & Dressing. Reg 466 cal / Sm 248 cal

The "SARGE" 20” 8 Huge Slices X-Large 16” 12 Slices Large 14” 10 Slices Medium 12” 8 Slices Small 10” 6 Slices Personal 6” 4 Slices Square Deep Dish 12" 12 Slices Classic Crust 71-355 cal Gluten-Free GF Crust 67 cal 10” Only, Additional charge Cauliflower GF Crust 98 cal 12” Only, Additional charge Filled Crust: Cheese 43-57 cal or Pepperoni 23-31 cal

YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA HOME

& BAKE IT IN YOUR OWN OVEN

We build it. You bake it.

Your family loves it. Simple. Available for M 12” & L 14”

Garlic 3-4 cal or Parmesan 9-12 cal Keystone Pizza: Crust on Top & Bottom 71-355 cal

3

Fresh Spinach leaves, premium Hard Salami, fresh sliced vine-ripened Tomatoes, tasty Greek Kalamata Olives, zesty sliced Pepperoncini on an Olive Oil base with Wisconsin's best Mozzarella, fresh shredded Parmesan, Romano, Asiago and chunks of fresh Feta. S 10.99 M 13.99 L 18.75 XL 21.99 227 / 249 / 282 / 292 cal

Pizza Margherita

Fresh sliced red ripe Roma Tomatoes and fresh leaf Basil atop a bed of melted Mozzarella- on our famous Classic pizza crust and Red Sauce. Add Feta for additional charge. S 10.99 M 13.99 L 18.75 XL 21.99 188 / 206 / 234 / 242 cal

Bacon Double Cheeseburger Ground Beef, Bacon, Onions, Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheeses. S 9.99 M 12.49 L 16.95 XL 20.49 233 / 241 / 268 / 278 cal

4

Flavored Crust:

TAKE

SELECT THE SAUCE

Pizza Margherita

Greek-'Za Mediterranean

Calories listed are per slice

1

Chicken Salad

Extra Dressings $1.00

Southwest Steak & Portabella

Pepperoni, Ham, Mushrooms, Green Pepper & Onions. S 9.99 M 12.49 L 16.95 XL 20.49 200 / 216 / 256 / 260 cal

Patrolman’s Deluxe

Lettuce, Spinach, Tomato, Pepperoni, Black Olives, Banana Peppers, Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese & Italian Dressing. Reg 414 cal / Sm 231 cal

OTHER SALADS $7.49 $5.49

Greek-’Za Mediterranean

Carnivore’s Feast

Italian Salad

Ranch 223 cal French 210 cal Bleu Cheese 200 cal Italian 111 cal Greek 220 cal Caesar 230cal Southwest 141 cal Thousand Island 210 cal Low Fat Ranch 70 cal Raspberry Vinaigrette 90 cal TOSSED $5.49 $4.49

The Classics

Spinach, Portabellas, Sun Dried Cherries, Sweet Red & Green Bell Peppers, Red Onion, Basil & Grape Tomatoes topped with Feta, Asiago, Romano, Parmesan Cheeses & Dressing. Reg 356 cal / Sm 185 cal

all are

Southwest Steak & Portabella

Patrolman’s Special

Portabella Salad

OUR DRESSINGS Reg: 2 pkts Sm: 1 pkt Calories listed are for each packet. GF

Regular: Small:

Our new “Blue Ribbon” creation! Creamy White Sauce smothered with a blend of five Cheeses, topped with crispy breaded Chicken Breast and succulent Ham. S 10.99 M 13.99 L 18.75 XL 21.99 240 / 260 / 282 / 296 cal

Build Your Own

Lettuce, Spinach, Tomato, Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Onions, Broccoli, Cheddar Cheese & Dressing. Reg 391 cal / Sm 209 cal

Taco Salad

Chicken Cordon Bleu

86-97 cal/piece

Salads Lettuce, Spinach, Tomato, Pepperoni, Ham, Mushroom, Hard-Boiled Egg, Green Pepper, Onions, Mozzarella Cheese & Dressing. Reg 431 cal / Sm 235 cal

Chicken Cordon Bleu

& Boneless Wings

GF Oven-Roasted GF Sweet Heat Bourbon GF Hot Spicy Garlic GF Sweet Chili GF BBQ Zesty Orange Large $13.49 Small $8.49 Dipping Sauces $1.00: Bleu Cheese 200 cal/1.5oz Ranch 547 cal/4oz

Chef’s Super Salad

NEW!

Calories listed are per slice.

all are

GF

Classic Red 5-7 cal Creamy White 48-80 cal Southwest 47-63 cal Zesty BBQ 32-43 cal Spicy Taco 10-13 cal

Chicken Parmazeti

Chicken Parmazeti

Tasty Chunks of Chicken, Tender Broccoli, Tomato & 3 Cheeses: Mozzarella, Cheddar & Parmesan. Made with our Special White Sauce. S 10.99 M 13.99 L 18.75 XL 21.99 247 / 263 / 291 / 300 cal

Chicken Bacon Ranch

Chunks of Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Sauce & Mozzarella Cheese. S 10.99 M 13.99 L 18.75 XL 21.99 244 / 265 / 293 / 307 cal

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Tasty Chunks of BBQ Chicken & Mozzarella Cheese. Made with our Zesty BBQ Sauce. S 8.99 M 11.49 L 15.75 XL 18.75 206 / 221 / 249 / 259 cal

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Chunks of Spicy Chicken, Mozzarella & Feta. Made with our Southwest Sauce. S 10.99 M 13.99 L 18.75 XL 21.99 226 / 247 / 278 / 286 cal

CHOOSE THE TOPPINGS

Pepperoni 25-75 Ham 5-30 Mushrooms 0 Green Peppers 0-5 Red Onions 0-5 Ground Beef 15-50 Italian Sausage 30-85 Black Olives 5-30 Green Olives 10-35

ADDED CAL PER SLICE

Pineapple 4-15 Tomatoes 0-5 Broccoli 0-5 Jalapenos 0-5 Banana Peppers 0-5 *Bacon 15-45 *Anchovies 5-15 *Chicken 5-25 *Fresh Basil 0-5

all are

GF

*Portabellas 0-5 *Feta 20-50 *Red Bell Peppers 0-5 *Spinach 0-5 *Turkey 5-20 *Artichoke Hearts 0-10 *Kalamata Olives 5-30 *Sliced Top Round 10-45 *Swiss Cheese 19-56

SMALL MEDIUM LARGE X-LARGE THE “SARGE" CHEESE ........................................ 6.75 8.80 11.60 14.15 20.25 1.25 1.75 2.00 3.00 EXTRA ITEMS .............................. 1.00 SELECT ITEMS (ADDITIONAL CHARGE) 2.00 2.50 3.50 4.00 6.00 EXTRA CHEESE ........................... 1.50 1.75 2.50 3.00 4.50 CHEESE OR PEPPERONI FILLED CRUST ............................. 2.50 2.75 3.50 4.25 6.00

*

Ask about special pricing for large orders of 10 or more pizzas.

6” Personal Pizza with up to 3 Toppings: 4.49 / Keystone Pizza: Additional 2.00 per pizza Any side order 1.50 / Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce: 1.00

2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs vary. Additional nutrition information available on request.

greatest effort is made to provide these products to be free of wheat/gluten ingredients. However, we are not a Gluten Ourgluten-free facility and the possibility of cross-contamination does exist. Therefore, we are unable to guarantee these items to be free of all allergens. Certain products may vary from our suppliers from time to time, and therefore ingredients may vary. Free If you are highly sensitive, we recommend discussing your situation with an owner / manager prior to placing your order.


*Wheat roll availability varies per location. **Excludes Crispy Chicken, Taco Meat & Meatballs

Subs and Grinders are served hot; Wraps are served cold- unless requested otherwise. Calories listed are for a Sub. Subtract 178 cal for a Wrap. Add 253 cal for a Grinder.

Super Italian Sub

Salami, Pepperoni, Ham, Mozzarella, topped with Lettuce, Tomato & Italian Dressing $7.99 1141 cal

The Club

Sliced Top Round, Turkey, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato & Mayo $7.99 1038 cal

Barbeque Sub

Your choice of Italian Meatballs, Sliced Top Round or Chicken with BBQ Sauce & Mozzarella $7.99 1056-1553 cal

Crispy Chicken Club

Crispy White Meat Chicken, Ham, Lettuce, Tomato & Cheddar Cheese-served with Ranch $7.99 1174 cal

Veggie Sub

Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Onions, Black Olives, Mozzarella, Lettuce, Tomato & Italian Dressing $7.99 989 cal

Chicken Sub

Tasty chunks of Chicken & Broccoli covered with Mozzarella, Oven-baked, then topped with Lettuce & Tomato- served with Ranch $7.99 1112 cal

Steak & Portabella

Sliced Top Round & Portabellas with Sweet Red & Green Bell Peppers, Red Onion, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Lettuce, Tomato & Southwest Sauce $7.99 1220 cal

Pizza Sub

Up to 5 items, Pizza Sauce & Mozzarella $7.99 950-1200 cal

Meatball Sub

Italian Meatballs, Pizza Sauce & Mozzarella $7.99 1402 cal

The B.L.T.

Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato & Cheddar Cheese $7.99 1236 cal

Taco Sub

Seasoned Ground Beef, Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato & Taco Sauce $7.99 1118 cal

Cheese Steak Hoagie

Sliced Top Round, Cheddar Cheese, Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Onions, Tomato, Lettuce & Mayo $7.99 1134 cal

Turkey Sub

98% Fat-Free Sliced Turkey Breast, Mozzarella, Lettuce, Tomato & Mayo $7.99 1011 cal

Pasta

1

Build-Your-Own Oven-Baked Pasta or Lasagna

2 Red Sauce or Alfredo 3 Choose Any Combination of Pizza Toppings Pasta Noodles or Lasagna Served with Garlic Bread $8.99 plus 75¢ per topping. 687 cal+

Chicken Parmazeti Alfredo Pasta

Mac & Cheese

Cheesy Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese $8.99 750 cal Delicious Pasta Noodles, Seasoned Chicken, Classic Lasagna $8.99 725 cal Fresh Tomatoes, Broccoli and Cheddar- with Garlic Roll $2.49 493 cal our Creamy Alfredo Sauce. $8.99 829 cal With Cheese add $1.00 172 cal

NEW! Pizza Bowls

Tasty Specialties Pizza Pocket (Calzone)

Keto Bowl: Pepperoni, Ham, Mushrooms, Pizza Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese and your

NEW! Cinnamon Crisp Pizza

Choose Apple, Cherry, S’More, or Plain Cinnamon. Large: $10.35 / Small: $7.49 115-142 cal/slice

Cinnamon Spi-Rolls

with Pecans $5.99 110 cal/piece

Cannoli

Six Mini-Pastries with Creamy Filling. Raspberry or Chocolate Drizzle. $6.99 71 cal/piece

Cinnamon Stix with Icing

Bread Stix with Cinnamon & Icing. $4.50 91 cal/piece

Cookies!We got ‘em- ask for details!

2949

2 LARGE PIZZAS

21

$

49

1

Save $8.7

23% OFF

WITH UP TO 3 ITEMS EACH

1 ORDER OF BREAD STIX

PIZZARELLI PLEASER

26% OFF

1 LARGE PIZZA

Save $3.

36

14% OFF

WITH UP TO 5 ITEMS

1 ORDER OF BREAD STIX

LUNCH SPECIAL: TWO 10” PIZZAS ONLY$

13 49

MON-FRI 11AM-2PM WITH 2 ITEMS ON EACH Stuff Bread Stix for additional cost. Add Sauce to Bread Visit www.bc.pizza Stix for $1 each. Extra Cheese and Toppings available ● Order Online (participating locations) at additional cost. Additional cost for Select items on Specials. Not valid on holidays. Excludes Square Deep ● Contact Us Dish Pizzas. Seasonal rates may apply. Prices on this ● Franchise Opportunities menu do not include taxes and are subject to change. Specials and service may vary per location. This restaurant uses tree nuts in some products. Most Locations Feature RELAX and enjoy Ask your guests as Manager WE CATER your For Details next special event.

Pizza & Salad Lunch Buffet

34

Locally-owned and operated franchise locations ready to provide you with quality products and outstanding service at affordable prices. ALANSON 7568 US-31 SOUTH 231-548-3636 BELDING 1133 W. STATE ST 616-794-0000 BELMONT 2350 BELMONT CTR DR 616-988-6868 BOYNE CITY 1191 M-75 SOUTH 231-582-2288 BOYNE CITY-NORTH 472 N. LAKE ST. 231-582-6050 CADILLAC 6184 E. M-55 UNIT 110 231-779-1337 CHARLEVOIX M-66 CAPTAIN'S CORNER PLAZA 231-547-9999 CHEBOYGAN 523 MACKINAW AVE. 231-627-4254 DORR 1628 142ND AVE 616-681-6000 EAST JORDAN 101 N. LAKE ST. 231-536-5555 EVART 401 WEST 7TH ST 231-734-3922 GAYLORD 1525 W MAIN ST. 989-731-1555 GRAND RAPIDS 2034 LAKE MICHIGAN DR 616-301-8061 GRAYLING 307 SOUTH JAMES ST 989-344-2222 GREENVILLE 703 SOUTH GREENVILLE WEST DR 616-754-1122 HARBOR SPRINGS 930 STATE ST 231-526-2424 HART 2327 N. COMFORT DR 231-873-5555 HOWARD CITY 841 W. SHAW RD 231-937-9000 INDIAN RIVER 3695 S. STRAITS HWY 231-238-0055 st & Frien KALAMAZOO 1710 W. MAIN ST. 269-532-1688 KALKASKA 104 N. CEDAR ST 231-258-8100 KAWKAWLIN 2338 S. HURON RD 989-671-2288 LAKE CITY 45 N. MOREY RD 231-839-1177 LAKEVIEW 9710 N. GREENVILLE RD 989-352-4002 E LOWELL 1335 W. MAIN ST 616-897-9776 LIVER MACKINAW CITY 209 E. CENTRAL AVE 231-436-5500 PETOSKEY 910 SPRING ST (BAY MALL) 231-347-1212 PLAINWELL-OTSEGO 396 OAKS CROSSING 269-204-6612 ROSCOMMON 800 LAKE ST 989-275-1500 SPARTA 466 EAST DIVISION 616-887-1144 STANTON 620 N. STATE ST 989-831-7111 ST. IGNACE 277 N. STATE ST 906-643-0300 TRAVERSE CITY 3186 LAFRANIER RD/AIRPORT RD 231-995-9900 McDONOUGH,GA 140 W. CAMPGROUND RD 678-583-1550

V200310

BC

BC

R

What’s NEW! At B.C.?

CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST Rich in authentic Italian flavor, this gluten-free masterpiece blends real cauliflower with quality ingredients for a premium crust experience.

Also consider these other selections that can help you stay on-track with your dietary preferences... Our own original GLUTEN FREE PIZZA CRUST paired with GF sauce & toppings

GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA BOWLS including a KETO-FRIENDLY option

GLUTEN FREE GRINDER

GLUTEN-FREE SALADS & DRESSINGS

CE 19 N

32

88

Desserts

2 ORDERS OF BREAD STIX

FAMILY PLEASER

$

.81

Save $12

WITH UP TO 3 ITEMS EACH

dly

choice of up to 5 Items. $8.49 803-1363 cal Wet Burrito $7.99 Beef: 1078 cal or Chicken: 993 cal Nachos Supreme $7.99 Beef: 1247 cal or Chicken: 1162 cal Quesadilla $7.49 Steak: 675 cal or Chicken: 687 cal

3649

$

2 X-LARGE PIZZAS

D

Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Bacon, Classic Red Sauce & Mozzarella. $7.99 744 cal Chicken Bowl: Chicken, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, White Sauce and Mozzarella. $7.99 719 cal Build-Your-Own Bowl: Your choice of Pizza Sauce, Mozzarella, & up to 5 items. $7.99 297 cal+

Pick your perfect Pleaser... Additional cost for “Select” items. PARTY PLEASER

SI

Enjoy your Sub on a White or Wheat* Italian Roll, or as a Wrap, Oven-Baked Grinder, or Gluten-Free Grinder** GF (Additional Charge).

PAID

EDDM Retail

Y

Oven-Baked Grinder

Local Postal Customer

Fa

Subs, Grinders & Wraps

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S.POSTAGE

YEARS

No matter which delicious product you choose, you can be assured you’re getting the freshest, highest quality meats, cheeses and vegetables possible.

www.bc.pizza



ANTIQUE FUNDRAISER – Roscommon County Habitat for Humanity held a large yard sale-type fundraiser in the Family Fare parking lot in Houghton Lake July 17 to raise money and gather donations for Restore. The Habitat for Humanity Restore is located at 1861 West Houghton Lake Drive in Prudenville. For information call 989-366-6993 or email roscommonhabitat@yahoo. com. According to Habitat, ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell

new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Restores are owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Proceeds are used to help the economically disadvantaged obtain permanent shelter. Pictured (l-r) are volunteers Matt Laubach, Teresa Sullivan, Helene Mowery, Lori Roberts, Simon Paiva and Candice Paiva. ~ Photo by Mark Constance

Sudoku sponsored by:

Sudoku Printed using Brain Bashers Sudoku Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone

See answer on page 6

Page 2 B

August 2021

UpNorthVoice.com


Lillian Paul-Rice of Dansville (right) celebrated her birthday with her mom, Julianne, by checking out some of the vendors at the festival.

ART IN THE SUNSHINE – Roscommon held its Above: Sherry Nelsen of Fenton won ‘Best of Show.” annual art festival on the lawn of the CRAF center in Below: Mila Sampson of Wixom gets painted by Annabelle Nelsen of Linden. ~ Photos by Mark Constance July 17. Coordinator Tracy Smith of the Higgins LakeRoscommon Chamber of Commerce said she was please with the community turnout for the event, as well as the number of vendors, who spilled out onto the street. Sherry Nelson of Fenton won the best of show award. Nancy Farley worked on a painting of Higgins Lake during the festival.

UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021

Page 3 B


August 2021 senior news Oscoda Senior News By Suzanne Barker Welcome August! July remained hot and wet, not even going to try to guess what August will bring. Whatever it is, just remember to be careful and make sure you stay hydrated with water when it is hot and humid. Do your outside activities in the early morning or evening hours to avoid the hottest part of the day and sunshine. The center is open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you need a place to cool down, come on in and relax here for a while. You can read a book, do a puzzle, use the computers, or just sit on the couch and stay cool. There are several food drops happening this month. The Together We Can Pantry drops are on Aug.12 and again on Aug. 19 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. For the next couple of months, they will also be having a drop for

produce. The produce box will be on Aug. 26 also from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Please note though that if they run out of food to give out, they may be gone early. The monthly CSFP (senior cheese box) will be on Aug. 17 from 10-11 a.m. All these take place at the fairgrounds. TEFAP (every 3-month box) will also be happening this month it is on Aug. 11from 8-11 a.m. TEFAP happens here at the senior center. The council’s monthly Board meeting will be on Aug. 9 at 1 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Just a reminder, the center will pay for a 1-hour ride with OCATS if you are age 60 to 64 and have some local errands to get taken care of. Just give us a call and we will set it up for you. A beautiful full moon will be shining down on Aug. 22. I hope you get to see it. Have a terrific month and do not forget to smile at least once a day. Pass those smiles on to others also, it might make someone’s day. Barker is the Director of the Oscoda County Council on Aging. To contact her please call 989 826-3025.

BACK TO THE BLUES – The Houghton Lake Area Chamber of Commerce recently sponsored its annual Blues Festival behind the Houghton Lake Historical Playhouse. Pictured helping at the front gate were (front, l-r) Agnes Feldman, Pat Dummer, and Cindy Miller, (back Tracy Constance and Fran McDonald. Lynn Callihan was the featured entertainer in the early afternoon session. ~ Photos by Mark Constance

SHOP LOCAL! Page 4 B

August 2021

UpNorthVoice.com


Teaching the musher how to ‘mush’ Home Country By Slim Randles When the distinguished-looking elderly gentleman walked into the Iditarod Race headquarters (a room at the Roosevelt Hotel in Anchorage), I had no way of knowing this smiling man was going to lead me to my most embarrassing moment. It was during the 1974 race, and my wife, Pam, ran race headquarters. I'd run the race in 1973, without managing to impress anyone. But hey, I was a dog musher, and here was a guy with a Boston accent, asking about the race. His name, he said, was Norman Vaughan and he had just moved to

Anchorage. Well, I taught Norman Vaughan for the next hour how to drive a dog team. He smiled and nodded and listened patiently. Before he left, he told me we were probably going to see a lot of each other in the future and thanked me for the information. Not 20 minutes later, the radio announcer let everyone know that the guest speaker at the mushers' banquet that evening would be Colonel Norman Vaughan,who drove a dog team to the South Pole as part of the safety planforthe Byrd Expedition. Byrd named a mountain in Antarctica for Norman, and Col. Vaughan took some young people down there and climbed it on his 100th birthday. Embarrassing? I suppose, but at least he learned thecorrectway to handle a dog team, right? Brought to you byDogsled: A True Tale of the North, Slim’s first book. Available at Amazon.com.

UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021

Page 5 B


Grayling, Frederic get 75k grant

CRAWFORD COUNTY – The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) recently awarded the Crawford County Housing Commission a grant totaling $ 75,000 to help develop projects to enhance the City of Grayling & Frederic Township through its Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP). The NEP helps communities throughout Michigan by providing funding assistance to complete highimpact development projects directly tied to stabilizing and improving the local area. The Crawford County Housing

Neighborhood Enhancement Commission will use these funds to rehabilitate the exterior of two rental Program” said Hannelore Dysinger, housing director of the Crawford units & to refurbish the City Park Pavilion in the City of Grayling and County Housing Commission. to rehabilitate the “These funds will exterior of 2 owner- “These improvements will be used to improve occupied units along definitely have a positive several housing units with the construction impact in each community occupied by the of a Splash Pad most impoverished for years to come..." for Eagle Park in residents within the –Hannelore Dysinger, City of Grayling and Frederic Township. Housing Director of the Crawford The projects are Frederic Township, County Housing Commission anticipated to be along with making completed by Dec. 31. improvements to Grayling’s City “Crawford County is grateful Park Pavilion and building a Splash to MSHDA for the opportunity Pad for Frederic Township’s Eagle Park. to participate in MSHDA’s “These improvements will definitely have a positive impact in each community for years to come and I’m delighted that Crawford County was chosen to receive financial assistance through MSHDA for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life to the residents in our most impoverished neighborhoods.”

Sudoku Answer Puzzle can be found on page 2 Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone, Brain Bashers

Page 6 B

August 2021

UpNorthVoice.com

NEP grants require that the projects and activities align with one or more of three core components including: housing enhancements; neighborhood beautification; and/ or neighborhood public amenity enhancements. The Crawford County Housing Commission received these funds as part of a greater $2 million award by MSHDA for projects that impact communities across the state. “We’re pleased to offer our support to the Crawford County Housing Commission as it works to improve and beautify the City of Grayling and Frederic Township communities,” said Gary Heidel, acting executive director of MSHDA. “The NEP’s purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents through impactful development projects. We look forward to witnessing the positive changes that will result from this partnership.”


Mio’s Kittle Road Area Shopping A Sample of Oscoda County Amish Businesses 7

9

11

2

14

5

1 3

10 12

1. Country Corners Bulk Food - Cheese, Cooking, Food, Baking Supplies, Candy, Home Remedies. 1284 W. Kittle Rd. (989) 826-6063. 2. Natures Beauty Rustic Furniture - Handcrafted custom made home furnishings, large and small. True beauty in wood. 860 E. Kneeland Rd. (989) 848-2806. 3. Country Feed Supply - Animal feed for large and small animals, enclosures. Pet supplies, etc. 389 W. Kittle Rd. (989) 826-2305. 4. Highland Building Center - Full-service lumber yard with your favorite tools to in stock. 693 E. Kittle Road. (989) 848-8000. 5. The Farm Kitchen - Fresh baked goods, goodies with a deli that can make your favorite sandwich. Also, sell dairy products, grass feed meats, home décor and ice cream! 50 W. Kittle Rd. (989) 826-8666. 6. North Star Storage Barns - Custom buildings, many to choose from. 98 N. Mt. Tom Rd. (989) 826-1000. 7. Echo Ridge Fabrics - Fabrics, notions, Amish clothing (infant to adult), toys games, art/craft supplies and home décor. 1734 N. Galbraith Rd. (989) 826-1913.

13

4 8

6

8. Sensenig’s Repair - Lawn, garden equipment sales and service. 432 E. Kittle Rd. (989) 848-8346. 9 Sweet Success Sugarbush - Maple syrup goods. 1442 N. Galbraith Rd. (989) 826-3160. 10. The Pioneer Store - Not just your average hardware and home store. 432 N. Mt. Tom Rd. (989) 826-3580. 11 Blue Jay Valley Greenhouse & Nursery - Full service greenhouse and nursery with all the extras including custom planters. 1300 N. Perry Creek Rd. (989) 848-7337. 12 J & B Enterprise Leather Goods & Harness Supplies - Custom leather goods (purses, wallets, belts and speciality items) along with pet & farrier supplies. 331 N. Mount Tom Rd. (989) 826-8024. 13 Greasy Steve's Repair & Fabrications - Metal and fabrication repairs, custom work. 203 E. Kittle Rd. (989) 848-8278. 14 Shady Lake Footwear & Oak Hill Furniture Footwear for the entire family and Handcrafted solid wood furniture, with full line of weather resistant wood and poly outdoor furniture. 68 E. Kneeland Rd. (989) 848-8265.

UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021

Page 7 B


#5 Pictured at the Grayling parade were (front, l-r) Dixson Longstaff, Evan Geyer, and Louie Geyer, (middle) David Longstaff, Lizzy Geyer, Hannah Geyer, Tiffany Geyer, Ben Geyer, Daisy Longstaff, NinaMae Pringle, Aiken Longstaff, Caleb, (back) Pastor David Longstaff, Bonnie Brewer, Mike Hoag and Tracey Hoag.

Representing the Grayling Promotional Association was Mary Thornsbery, Gail Swope, Judy Marchlewicz and Lorelei Lillis (granddaughter of Marianne Brosky).

INDEPENDENCE DAY – Communities across the region celebrated Independence Day with parades and fireworks. ~ Photos by Mark Constance

This family came together to watch the parade in Luzerne on July 3. Families of all sizes came out for the Roscommon parade.

In the Roscommon parade, Higgins LakeRoscommon Lions Club Treasurer Bill Curnilia towed the “Lion.”

For info on advertising in Up North Voice call 989-275-1170 Page 8 B

August 2021

UpNorthVoice.com


UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021

Page 9 B


Take on invasives’ with Huron Pines: Purple loosestrife SCHOLARSHIP WINNER – The Nor-east’r Bud and Sandra Miles Memorial College & Apprentice scholarship has been awarded to Mio-AuSable High School graduate Reagan McGregor! According to the Nor-east’r website, the scholarship is for existing college students, apprentices, or those entering college or apprenticeship for the first time that reside in a county that touches or is between I-75 and M-55 & Lake Huron. Preference may be given to those with a major or minor in music or art, and/or to those that have volunteered at or attended Nor-east’r Music & Art Festival. To apply for our scholarship, please visit noreastrfest.org.

Page 10 B

August 2021

The Nature of Things By Chris Engle

Reagan McGregor

This is the fourth in a monthly series on invasive plant species in Northern Michigan, their impact on natural landscapes and what can be done to help control and prevent their spread. The pink and purple spikes sprouting from roadside ditches right now might look pretty, but behind their floral facade lurks the potential for millions of seeds that can ride the wind and spread this highly invasive plant across Northern Michigan. Like other nonnative plants, purple loosestrife was introduced to the United States through ballast water of ships and commercial sale as ornamental shrubs. The perennial is a restricted species in Michigan — one that’s already established but prohibited from being sold — and poses a high risk of spreading and impacting native ecosystems. In its preferred habitat of ditches,

UpNorthVoice.com

shorelines, riverbanks and shallow wetlands, purple loosestrife easily beats out native vegetation. Plants like joe-pye weed and cardinal flower, which support a number of native pollinator insects and hummingbirds, are quickly displaced by purple loosestrife infestations. “It’s sad when these showy plants get outcompeted but its impact really goes beyond just a couple species,” said Rachel Leggett, Heartland Restoration Crew Lead for Huron Pines. “I’ve seen it where an entire marsh or riverbank is covered in purple loosestrife. With some infestations, it’s the only thing left growing.” Huron Pines conducts its own treatments on public and private land across Northeast Michigan and partners with volunteer organizations to raise awareness of this invasive plant and remove it from the landscape. Among them is the Au Sable North Branch Area Foundation, a nonprofit group of landowners and river users who host an annual loosestrife pull near Lovells to keep the plant’s population in check. That effort, which has been going for more than a decade, is happening ▪ See PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE on page 11


Food puns My neighbor texted me, "I just made synonym buns!" I texted back, "You mean like grammar use to make?" I haven't heard from her since. Did you hear how they caught the great produce bandit? He stopped to take a leek. Q: Who's a dessert's favorite actor? A: Robert Brownie, Jr. Q: What did the hot dog say when his friend passed him in the race? A. Wow, I relish the fact that you've mustard the strength to ketchup to me.

A summary of life

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED: 1. No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats. 2. When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair. 3. If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person. 4. Never ask your 3-year-old brother to hold a tomato. 5. You can't trust dogs to watch your food. GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED: 1. Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree. 2. Wrinkles don't hurt. 3. Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts

Angels explained by children It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to Heaven, and then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. --Matthew, age 9 Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. --Mitchell, age 7 My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science. --Henry, age 8 Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows!!! --Jack, age 6

4. Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground... 5. Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside. GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD: 1. Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional... 2. Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get. 3. When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there. 4. You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster. 5. It's frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions...

Purple loosestrife Continued from page 10 again Aug 16-17 in coordination with herbicide treatments by Huron Pines’ restoration crew. “Our charter is to preserve and improve the watershed of the North Branch for the benefit of fish and wildlife,” said Bob Weed, the group’s treasurer. “We’ve been involved in an educational effort to make property owners along the river aware of purple loosestrife and have been undertaking an effort once a year to remove it by hand with the help of volunteers.” Pulling purple loosestrife in August keeps the plants from going to seed. It’s essential that treatments are done before seeds mature since each plant can produce hundreds of thousands — even millions — of tiny seeds which can be easily carried across the landscape by wind and water. Disturbing the plants after they have gone to seed only enables this spread. Hand-pulled plants and roots should be bagged and disposed of in

a landfill. For plants that can’t easily be pulled whole, flower heads can be cut and bagged. This won’t kill the perennial but will at least keep it from going to seed for the season. Those who wish to volunteer with the Au Sable North Branch Area Foundation’s loosestrife pull in August can email vice chairman Bill Anderson, waanderson49@gmail.com.

UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021

Page 11 B


Outdoor space meant to be shared Toad's Stool

By Warren Stutesman Hello my friends, is it August already? The saying is that time flies when your having fun, so I must be living at party central as fast as time goes by. In July there was a group of runners that came through our area. From what I could find out it was part of the “Run Across Michigan group” that does runs to raise money for charities. I personally saw a large group on Galloway Road and then on Mapes Road by the power lines. They were on the side of the road and busy attending to the runners needs but not stopping my travel. I say this because I saw on Facebook several comments by ATV and UTV users about the runners being on “Our Roads.” Its always been my understanding that the roads belong to all of us. One argument was that because they pay a fee for the use of ATV trails then no one else can use them. I called the forest service and the DNR and the understanding is that you may walk on the ATV trails but you should be careful because motorized travel is there also. It bothers me to see a group set itself apart, any group. It is by setting ourselves apart that makes us easy to control. An example of this is deer season. Personally I would prefer deer season to be just that, a season to hunt deer however you wish be it bow, rifle, black powder, etc. We are all “hunters.” I think you can understand

Page 12 B

August 2021

UpNorthVoice.com

the analogies here. By breaking ourselves up into ATV, UTV or pedestrian groups we lesson the power of each group. If we could all learn to get along and share the resources then we would be much stronger. It used to be that all were welcome on the roads and at that time I trapped coyote and fox using a 1973 Buick LeSabre. I traveled the dirt trails with no trouble and then the trail closures started and the groups decided to make trails exclusive. Until this exclusivity I had not noticed any conflict between users. Afterward when a fee had been added that seems to be brought up a lot. My point with all of the aforementioned is that it is my wish that we all try to understand what the other person is trying to do and give them the respect that you wish to receive in return. When mushroom picking, if I happen across a Turkey hunter I will then try to quietly exit the area leaving them to their chosen hobby. Now on to a lighter subject: My birds. The swallows have abandoned me once again in pursuit of their long flight south. The blue birds have been eating as many gypsy moths as possible but there are just so many moths. The starlings have been helping with the moths on the ground and the chickadees and nuthatches have been grooming the trees for egg masses but again there are just so many. At least my trees are recovering well from the deforestation brought about by those voracious leaf eating machines. That's all for this month may we all enjoy the wonderful “winter water wonderland” that we all call Michigan. Please help to keep our woods and waters clean.


Coffee a necessary evil View From the Comfy Chair By Joel Vernier Every night, I wake up around 3 a.m. and my mind begins to spin with current events, things I need to do today. Most of the time, I can wrestle with the issues, and then when my mind when satisfied, I can fall back asleep. On occasion, I just cannot fall back asleep. So, I get up, head to my "Comfy Chair," sit down, and eventually fall asleep. The last time that this happened, I began to wake up to the incredibly amazing smell of fresh coffee. Why does fresh coffee smell so incredibly delicious? It smells better than it tastes, and it tastes great! If coffee smells and tastes so good. Simply adding cream & sugar to a cup of coffee is still a very popular mix for many people. I am guilty, I use stevia and cream in my coffee, but in relation to the coffee aficionados, I and many others are pikers. The coffee flavors today are basically unlimited. First, there are over 120 different species of coffee and 40 plus coffee

flavors, and many different types of coffee drinks. Many popular flavors are peppermint, vanilla, toffee, pumpkin, caramel, cherry, hazelnut, birthday cake, chocolate, mocha, and many more. Types of Coffee include Cold brew, French, Drip, Percolate, Expresso, Latte, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Vienna Coffee, Egg Coffee, Irish Coffee, Turkish Coffee, Bullet Proof Coffee, Coffee Liquor, Iced Coffee, and it goes on and on. I have tried several types of Coffee; Turkish coffee served in a small ceramic cup, not a lot of volume of liquid, very bitter, pungent, almost sinewy drink. I drank one and did not sleep for a few days. I have enjoyed an occasional expresso; it does have a moderate jolt to it. I like the Latté version of coffee; I plan to try Bulletproof Coffee; it has butter in it, and everything's better with butter! I do make up a concoction of cocoa, sugar-free peanut butter powder, and vanilla protein mix. I start my day now with this drink as it seems to curb my appetite. My second cup of coffee is always cream and sugar. Coffee is served at many places, dinners, foodwagons, gas stations, every type of eating establishment. Any place there is a crowd of people, you will find coffee. On a cold day when you are outside, nothing warms you up like a good cup of Joe! Not everyone loves coffee or can drink coffee. Some people get jittery or even have heart palpitations if they drink coffee with caffeine. Some people are teetotalers, and some just do not like the taste of coffee. Caffeine is a defense mechanism that plants have adapted to ward off insects; if the bugs eat caffeine, they don't like it, so they leave the plant alone. If I have work to do in the evening, I may have a coffee at lunch, but my cutoff is 3:00pm. After that time, I have a hard time falling asleep, and at nap time, I cannot have that happening.

Support our local businesses UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021

Page 13 B


Faith and the toad Across County Lines By Mark Constance We went to Higgins Lake recently and got ice cream at Beary North Creamery, a.k.a. The Little Cottage. We then took our cups of "summertime" and pulled up to the Marl Lake boat launch to catch the evening breeze. A young lady, about 11-12 years old, caught a small toad near the dock. She and her family crouched around it, taking photos. When they decided to pack up and go, I could hear her say “We can’t just leave him by the road. He might get run over by a car!”

Page 14 B

August 2021

UpNorthVoice.com

As her family started to walk away, she gently picked the toad up. She carried it about 20 feet and set it down at the base on an old Oak, with the tree between the toad and the road. When she started to walk away, I yelled, “Thank you.” She smiled and flipped her hand up to wave … like kids sometimes do. Then headed back to her family. The cynic would say the little toad could die in any of a thousand ways. That in the battle between life and death, this was an action without value. But all I saw was this kid trying to protect a bumpy and ugly little toad. And never considered whether anyone was watching. Given the opportunity, she did the right thing. It's stuff like this that gives me faith in the next generations.


A day 'Up North' By Larry Harmon The Northern Part of the lower peninsula of Michigan is a unique place of sights, smells and experiences. Sandy beaches and clear lake water abound. Pristine trout streams traverse the woods and plains. Fishing is the main sport in the summer for outdoorsmen. The bluegills and bass are plentiful in the area lakes and can make a special meal when fried up in an iron skillet, like we did last night. Yesterday, while helping my wife, Debbie, get ready to go kayaking on Lake St. Helen, we were overwhelmed by the pungent smells of fir trees overhead. It just made me want to bottle up that pine fragrance and take it home with me, as it smelled so good! As she got into the kayak and cut the paddle into the cool water, I could hear a loon crying out across the lake. She sped off on the flat surface and was the only boat on the water at that time The majestic white pine trees were standing tall and wide in the woods as we later drove down the Sandy road into the forest, which is mostly state land all around us. Also present were giant red pines, birch, oak, hickory nut and many varieties of trees that are all helping pump oxygen into our clean air environment of the Northland. Covering the ground and growing everywhere are prehistoric ferns that have been growing in these Sandy soils for centuries. As we traveled back into the woods for an afternoon drive, we spotted several doe, their bright

reddish-tan fur standing out in the brilliant green forest of grass, leaves and plants. The deer froze, their big eyes and ears watching and listening. Yet, they stayed and stood their ground like a garden statue. Finally, they had enough of us, they walked quietly away. The only negative thing I can mention are the biting black flies! A few did bite me when I was on the long dock fishing in the lake, and when walking the beach while watching Debby kayak into the lagoon. They were an irritant at that point. But, when we were driving in the woods, I rolled my window down to get a clearer picture of the deer. That was a bad mistake. The electric window motor must have been the “black fly dinner bell!” The black flies began flying into the vehicle open window. They were literally swarming around the vehicle and some came into our van before I could get it quickly rolled up tight. Once the glass was secure, we could see probably over 100 aggressive flies bouncing off the glass trying to get at us! I told Debby, I hope our van does not break down as I would hate to have to walk back to the cabin. We might have been eaten alive. We had a nice drive through the woods last night, despite the crazy fly incident. We ended up back on the pavement, where a left turn went to Roscommon and a right turn into St. Helen. We went on to our Artesia Beach cabin, where my family has been coming here since the 1940’s, to enjoy the Michigan outdoors. Safe and sound back at the knotty pine cabin made by my dad, we rested comfortably, listening to the backdrop of the rain as it touched the roof and dripped over the eaves. Dropping back to land into the sandy soil of the land we call, “Up North!”

UpNorthVoice.com

August 2021

Page 15 B


Page 16 B

August 2021

UpNorthVoice.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.