Up North Voice - October 2023

Rock out in the village

ROSCOMMON- You won’t want to miss “Rocktoberfest” Sat. Oct. 14 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Au Sable River Center. Celebrate the fall season with food trucks, beverages, kids bounce houses and live music. This is a community celebration of the end of summer and beginning of fall.

The event is expecting five bands. There will be a heated tent, however bringing your own chairs is recommended.

If music is not your thing but you still feel like getting into the spooky spirit, enter the 5th annual Scarecrow Contest in Prudenville! Poles will be placed at the M55/M18 corner by the Denton Township Offices. Winners will be announced on Sat., Oct. 28 at

▪ See ROCKTOBERFEST on page 2

Fireman's Memorial success

ROSCOMMON- The M.K. Goddard Charter for the Liberty Militia Riding Club participated in the Fireman’s Memorial Parade. They are a riding club filled with first

Take a step back in time Visit Wellington Farms

By Nicole Mygrants

The Great Depression brought daily living to a level of learning to thrive in survival for many families in the early 1900’s. Small rural farm communities learned to lean on each other and work together and it was a time of home innovation and invention out of necessity to get daily jobs done or to bring in income. Food was grown, processed, and preserved in summer kitchens and tools were made in barns with wood sourced from the land nearby cleared for fields and homesteads. During these challenging years in history, life was simpler, purposeful, and homemade.

A visit to Grayling’s Wellington Farm offers an authentic chance to experience life in 1932 during these times of challenge and triumph. Most days you will find Founders Howard and Gloria Taylor somewhere on the grounds. “We sometimes get Mondays and Tuesdays off, but there is always work to be done” Howard shares as he walks up the stairs to the 1883 Stittsville Church, where he begins each tour of the Farm Park Museum.

The church went through many different renovations before it was the first building to be moved to

▪ See WELLINGTON FARMS on page 9

responders, former first responders, and people who have served and are still serving in several branches of the military.

▪ See memorial pics on pages 14-15

Gloria and Howard Taylor, founders of Wellington Farm in Grayling.

Cornhole competition nearly cancelled

By Donna Thoma

ROSCOMMON- Attendees of the Michigan Firemen's Memorial Festival are greeted with a variety of events, booths, and displays throughout the weekend. One fun event the past few years was a Cornhole competition. Due to a seeming lack of interest, it was set to be cancelled for the festival. Friday evening, upon being made aware of the cancellation for the next day, three sisters came up with a plan to reinstate it. Yvonne Thoma-Patton of Oregon, Ohio; Elizabeth Brokaw of Monroe; and Vanessa Johnson of Elkton, Michigan developed a plan.

Saturday morning, they found two local businesses to sponsor the event, Navigator Wireline Service, and 5th Street Market. They and the 2022 Cornhole Tournament winners, cousins Kyle Bishop (Traverse

area) and Tyler Bishop (Saginaw), walked in the parade on Saturday to help draw attention to the event. In 2022 there were only four teams competing.

The advertisement helped get nine teams together, with more individuals stating they wanted to participate next year. The event lasted 2 hours, with the Bishop Cousins again taking first place. Second Place winners were John Sajewski and David Sell of Southfield. Winners were awarded certificates, cash prizes and a basket of goodies from 5th Street market.

The event raised $235 for the MFMFC COOR Christmas. Other individuals also donated, bringing the total to $405. The “Cornhole Committee” wishes to thank the sponsors, donors and competitors for their contributions and look forward to your presence next year.

Letter to the editor policy:

AuSable Media 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

'Love offering' during Hale Music Festival

IOSCO COUNTY- Hale will be hosting a Christian Music Festival and Women’s Expo at the Resource Center (by the fire station) on Sat. Oct 7.

The Women’s Expo will be inside the Resource Center from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The first 50 people that bring a non-perishable item get a gift bag.

The Music Festival will be behind the Resource Center 12 – 5 p.m. featuring three local Praise Bands. Please bring chairs!

Donations will be accepted during the festival to assist in the cost and care for Olivia Rehil, a local 13-yearold battling a rare form of cancer.

Rocktoberfest

Trestle Park.

Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

This is a free event and open to all! Any local resident, business, group, or organization is encouraged to participate. Applications MUST be filled out beforehand. Print and mail it to Denton Township 2565 South Gladwin Rd., Prudenville, MI 48651 or stop by the township office.

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: alicia@UpNorthVoice.com, mail to P.O. Box 113, Roscommon, MI 48653, or stop by the office at 709 Lake Street in Roscommon.

Tracy Constance Tracy@UpNorthVoice.com M: 419.236.0359

Alicia Noragon Copy Editor Alicia@UpNorthVoice.com

Nicole Mygrants Reporter thegiftwellnesscommunity @gmail.com

Axel Jacobs Roscommon Distribution

Matthew Barnes Grayling Distribution Cody Jackson Mio Distribution

Micheala Wade Distribution

Warren Stutesman Reporter wstutesman@gmail.com

Donna Thoma Writer donnathoma0@ gmail.com

Tyler and Kyle Bishop, winners of the MFMFC cornhole tournament with the three sisters who helped make it possible, Yvonne, Elizabeth, and Vanessa.

Olivia Rehil

Market- 220 Washington St, Prescott

Thurs: 2 – 6 p.m.- Grayling

Farmers Market- 213 N. James Street, Grayling

Fri: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.- Houghton

Lake Farmers Market- 1681 W.

Houghton Lake Dr, Prudenville

Fri: 2 – 6 p.m.- Standish

Farmers Market- 107 N Main St,

Standish

Sat: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.- West

Branch Farmers Market- S 3rd Street, West Branch

Sat: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.- Sunrise Side

Family Market- AuSable Township

Parking Lot

Sat: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.- Gladwin

Farmers Market- 200 N State St,

Gladwin

Sat: 10a.m.- 3 p.m.- Roscommon

Village Market- AuSable River

Center, 211 South Main, Roscommon

Sat: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.- Plainfield

Township Farmers Market- 220 West Washington, Hale

Sat: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. -Arenac

Conservation District Farmers Market-107 N Main Street, Standish

Sat: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.- Northeast

Michigan Regional Farm Market815 W. Lake Street, Tawas City

Out & About - October 2023

CRAWFORD COUNTY:

Grayling, Frederic, Lovells

Walk in the Park

-Mason Tract-10am -(989) 348-7123 Walk in the Park

- Gahagan Nature Preserve -10am -(989) 348-7123

18 – CCCOA- Walk in the Park

-Camp AuSable-10am -(989) 3487123

25 – CCCOA- Walk in the Park

-North Higgins Lake State Park10am -(989) 348-7123

Crawford County Extras

Mon-Fri- Council on Aging

Lunch- 11a.m.-12 p.m.

Mon-Fri- Council on Aging

Dinner- 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tues- Bible Study – 10 a.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues- Euchre – 1-4 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues- Diamond Dancers – 6 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Wed- Mahjong – 1-3 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Wed - Bike Night, at 7 p.m., Gallagher's Sports Bar & Grill, 3997

E. M-72

Thurs- Craft & Chat – 10 a.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Thurs- Penny Bingo – 1-3 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Fri- Pantry Bingo – 1-3 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Fri. - Trivia, at 7:30pm, MI Brew

Tues- Diamond Dancers – 6 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Mon & Wed- Pickleball 9-11 a.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Mon & Wed- SilverSneakers

– 10-11 a.m. Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior

Center

Tues & Thurs – Pickleball, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior

Center

Tues & Thurs- Zumba Gold

– 10-11 a.m., Crawford County

Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues & Thurs- Walk off the Winter Blues- Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Fri. - Trivia, at 7:30p.m., MI Brew

1st Sun. - American Legion Breakfast Buffet, at 9 a.m., American Legion Post 106

1st Tue.- Friends of a Feather- 9 a.m. Crawford County Commission on Aging

2nd Mon. - Post meeting, 7 p.m., American Legion Post 106

2nd Tues - Grayling American Legion Aux Post meeting, at 5:30 p.m., Grayling

2nd Thurs- Veterans Coffee hour, 10 a.m., Grayling American Legion

2nd Thurs - Families against Narcotics, 6:30 p.m., St. Francis Episcopal Church

2nd Sat. - Euchre Tournament, 6 p.m., American Legion

ROSCOMMON COUNTY: Roscommon, Higgins Lake, Prudenville, Houghton Lake, St. Helen

9 - Quilt & Colors Show - hosted by all three chambers of Roscommon County -The Barn at Evergreen Farms St. Helen

14- Heroes Off-Road Color Run - the trails in St. Helen

21- Spooky Walk & Fall Festival

- St. Helen Garden Pathways Park

6-9:30 p.m.

27- Trunk or Treat - The Horizon Senior Living/program of Baruch Senior Ministries 6 p.m.

28- Trunk or Treat - Richfield Township Park set up at 5 p.m. starts at 6 p.m.

Roscommon County Extras:

Mon - Reserve Tech HelpHoughton Lake Public Library

Mon- Zumba Class- 4:45- 5:45 p.m.

Mon, Thurs, Fri- St. Helen Baptist Church Food Closet, 12-3 p.m.

Mon, Thurs, Fri- AA Meeting, St Helen Baptist Church, 10-11a.m.

Tues – Ski Club 4H, Starting Jan 7, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Cross Country

275-5043 $15

Tues – AA Meeting, St Helen Baptist Church 7-8p.m.

Weds- Make Shop at Made Up North- Craft workshops during the day- call for more information 989281-1250

Thurs – Roscommon Ukes Strum and Sing, 1 p.m., Roscommon Area District Library

Thurs - Sit & Get Fit, 2:30 p.m., Roscommon Area District Library

Fri - Story-time Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Houghton Lake Public Library

Fri- C.A.I.R (Christians Associated in Recovery), 7 p.m. St Helen Baptist Church

Sat- Zumba Class- 10-11 a.m.

CRAF Center $20

1st Thurs- Veteran's Coffee Hour- 9 a.m., Blogett Airport

▪ See OUT & ABOUT on page 6

Up North Voice

A Division of AuSable Media, 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

Out & About

Continued from page 4

Houghton Lake

2nd Sun. – VFW Country

Breakfast, 8 a.m., VFW Post 4159

2nd Thurs. – B2B Breakfast, 8 a.m., Village of Roscommon

3rd Wed. – Michigan Fireman’s Memorial Festival Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Check the MSU Extension Webpage for their list of upcoming classes at http://bit.ly/MSUEevents or call 989-275-5043

IOSCO COUNTY: Hale, Whittemore, Tawas

Iosco County Extras: Mon - BINGO, 6:30 p.m.,

Whittemore Chamber of Commerce

3rd Tues. - Whittemore

Chamber Meeting, 7 p.m., 405 E. Sherman Street

3rd Thurs- Veteran's Coffee

Hour- 9 a.m. American Legion Post 211 900 E. Lincoln, East Tawas

2nd Sat. - Vintage Market, from 9 a.m.-2pm, Brugger Plaza, 324 W. Lake Street, Tawas City

OGEMAW COUNTY: West Branch, Rose City, Lupton West Branch Public Pool

Hours: Mon-Fri- AM Lap Swim, 6-7 a.m.; Mon, Weds, Fri- PM Lap Swim, 5:45- 6:45 p.m.; Sat- Open Swim, 5-9 p.m.

Cost $4 per person, passes are available. For more information or possible pool rental, please call 989343-2026

Ogemaw County Extras:

Tues. – Kiwanis Club of West Branch, at Noon, Buccilli’s of West Branch

Weds. – BINGO, Early Birds at 6:30 p.m., Regular 7:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus off M-30

Weds. – AL-ANON meeting, 8 p.m., 12 Step-Up Club, 236 First Street

Weds. – Culvers Cruise In, 6 – 8 p.m., Culvers West Branch

Thurs. – Optimist Club, 7 a.m., Loggers Depot, 314 Houghton Avenue

1st Sun. – Adult Children of Alcoholics, 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 2490 State Road

1st & 2nd Mon. – City Council meeting, 6 p.m., West Branch City Hall, 121 N. Fourth Street

1st & 3rd Tues. – Rose City Council meeting, 6 p.m., Council Chambers, 310 N. Williams Street

1st Tues. – West Branch Retail Merchants meeting, 6 p.m., City

Police Station, 130 Page Street

1st Wed.- Ogemaw County

Veterans Coffee Hour- 9-10 a.m.

1st & 3rd Thurs. - Newborn

Parent Support Group, 6 p.m., MyMichigan Health West Branch in the Executive Dining Room

1st Thurs. – Ogemaw County

Fair Board meeting, 7 p.m., meets in main building

2nd Mon. - Kiwanis Young

Professional Club, 6 p.m., Highway Brewing Company

2nd Tues – Parkinson's Disease Support Group, 2:00 p.m., MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch Executive Dining Room

2nd Wed. – Aktion Club, 9:30 a.m., United Methodist Church

2nd Wed. - Business Professional

Women’s group, 5 p.m.

2nd Wed. - Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Support Group, 2- 3:30 p.m. MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch

Executive Dining Room

2nd & 4th Thurs. - Healing Together – Compasus Hospice, 10 a.m., Ogemaw Commission on

▪ See OUT & ABOUT on page 8

1. Country Corners Bulk Food - Cheese, bulk food, baking supplies, candy, home remedies, discount items, burn and wound supplies, Now Foods supplements and essential oils.

• 1284 W Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-6063

2. Natures Beauty Rustic Furniture - Handcrafted custommade home furnishings, large and small. "True beauty in wood!"

• 860 E. Kneeland Rd. ~ 989-848-2806

3. Country Feed Supply - Full line of feeds, popular brands of pet food and supplies, assorted potting mixes, raised garden boxes, large selection of bird seed and feeders, food plot seeds and supplies. • 389 W. Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-2305

4. Highland Building Center - Full-service lumber yard with your favorite tools in stock. Order your Quality Millworks custom orders here. • 639 E. Kittle Rd. ~ 989-848-8000

5. The Farm Kitchen - Fresh baked goods, homemade deli sandwiches, home decor gift shop, grass-fed meats and ice cream! • 50 W. Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-8666

6. North Star Storage Barns - Custom buildings, many to choose from. • 398 N. Mount Tom Rd. ~ 989-826-1000

7. Echo Ridge Fabrics - Fabrics, notions, Amish clothing (infant to adult), toys and games, arts and crafts supplies, home decor. • 1734 N. Galbraith Rd. ~ 989-826-1913

8. Sweet Success Sugarbush - Maple syrup goods.

• 1442 N. Galbraith Rd. ~ 989-826-3160

9. Pioneer General Store - Not just your average hardware and home store. • 432 N. Mt Tom Rd. ~ 989-826-3580

10. Blue Jay Valley Greenhouse - Flowers, vegetables, plants, various garden fertilizers, conventional and no-till drill rentals, fresh fruit and produce in season. Open April 15-October 31 (Closed July 1-31) • 1300 N. Perry Creek Rd. ~ 989-848-7337

11. Shady Lane Footwear & Oak Hill Furniture - Footwear for the entire family, handcrafted solid wood furniture, with full line of weather resistant wood, and poly resin outdoor furniture. • 68 E. Kneeland Rd. ~ 989-848-8265

12. The Farmer's Creamery - Full line of quality dairy products including 100% grass-fed ice cream. Watch our production process through our observation window! Deli and sandwiches, baked goods, grass-fed meats and gift shop. • 50 W. Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-8368

13. HJB Saddlery & Leather - Specializing in leather belts and other custom leather crafting. Complete saddle repair, clean and oil. New and used tack and saddles. Harnesses and harness repair. • 711 W Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-2180

14. Gray Barn Wax Co. - Hand-poured soy candles. Opening for the season April 28. Hours: Mon., Fri., Sat. 10am-5pm • 1970 N. Galbraith Rd. ~ 248-762-2179

15. Maple Ridge Metal Supply - Specializing in pole barn supplies, residential metal roofing, siding, doors/windows. Commercial & Residential. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7am-4pm, Sat. 8am-11am • 748 N. Gerber Rd. ~ 989-826-5752

16. Pine Grove Woodworking - Custom flooring, kitchens, baths, cabinetry, doors. Pine and cedar tongue & groove paneling. Prefinished or unfinished. • 647 W. Kneeland Rd. ~ 989-826-6510

17. Quality Millworks - For your custom wainscoting, crown molding, window casing, baseboard, tongue & groove & more. We also work with contractors! • 962 W. Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-1050

Out & About

Continued from page 6

Aging, 1508 M-33

3rd Mon. - Disabled American Veterans & Auxiliary meeting, 5 p.m., VFW Post 3775

3rd Tues.- OCGHS General Membership Board meeting, 2:30 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 E. Houghton Avenue

3rd Thurs. – Vet2Vet Peer Support Group 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church corner of Fairview and State Road, For more info call 989-873-6088

3rd Thurs. - Ogemaw Area Swim Boosters 6 p.m., Ogemaw Heights High School Room 210

2nd Sat. - Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile club meeting, 9 a.m., Club House

OTHER REGIONS:

21- Bazaar by the Bay and Craft Sale - Tawas Methodist Church – 9 a.m. -2 p.m. - 20E. M55 Tawas City There will be homemade pies, apple, Cherry & Blueberry, Books, Grandma's attic, Bake Sale, Holiday Gifts and much more. Call 989-362-4288 for more information.

Weds-Patio Grilling and Horseshoe League-5-7 p.m. -Mio Moose Lodge 631 Ryno Road for more info call 989-826-5800

1st and 3rd Thurs- Alcona County Veteran's Coffee Hour- 9 a.m.- Westminster Presbyterian Church 201 M 2nd St. Harrisville

1st Fri- Fish Fry- 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.- Luzerne American Legion.- For info call 989-826-5950

2nd Mon- Mio Methodist

SHOP LOCAL!

Meeting

2nd and 4th Fri- Clothes Closet for Adults- 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.- Comins Community Church- 4263 W. First St. Comins

4th Weds- Cheboygan Co

Veteran's Coffee Hour- 9 a.m.

-Cheboygan VFW

3rd Thurs- Craft Day- 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.- TriPoint Church of God- 831 W. Miller, Mio

4th Thurs- Alpena Veteran's Coffee Hour- 9 a.m. Art in the Loft

Every Mon- Bible Study- 10 a.m. & 7 p. m. - Living Water Luthern Church behind Dollar General, Mio

Every Tues- Women's Group6:30 p.m.- TriPoint Church of God- 831 W. Miller, Mio- for more info call Deb 989-390-2708

Every Tues- Pickleball- 1 p.m.TriPoint Church of God for more info call Pastor Jody 989-390-9150

Every Tues 5/2- 5/30- Grief Share Support Group- 2-4 p.m.Mio UMC- for more info call Barb Butler 989-390-6617

Every Weds- Men's Fellowship10 a.m.- Living Water Lutheran Church

Every Weds- Women's Bible Study- 10 a.m. Living Water's Luthern Church

Every Weds- Burgers Grilled on the Patio- 4:30-7pm - Luzerne American Legion

Every Thurs- Men's Group- 7 p.m.-TriPoint Church of God- for more info call Gene 989-350-0638

Every Sun- Pickleball- 3 p.m.TriPoint Church of God for more info call Pastor Jody 989-390-9150

1st Fri- Fish Fry Dinner, Luzerne American Legion, 4:30-7 p.m. 2nd & 4th Sundays – Live Music Open Mic Productions, 2-4 p.m., Seymore Avenue at First Street, Comins . For more info call 989390-6977

Wellington Farms

Continued from page 1

Wellington in 2005, and now stands restored to original standards with a bell tower that can be heard a mile away when it is rung. A sign hangs from the bell rope saying, “don’t even think about it” and a glimpse of Howard’s insight gained as a long-time teacher and community education director shows as he smiles at youngsters tempted to try to ring the bell unnoticed.

Many tours are given by Howard himself, and there is perhaps no better person for the job. Being a self-proclaimed lifelong collector of all kinds of things, years ago his wife Gloria told him to stop filling up the yard with everything and to go put it somewhere where people can see it and appreciate it. And that is exactly what Howard and Gloria did, creating Wellington Farm Park, a living history complex and 501c nonprofit dedicated to teaching those willing to learn this important part of our country’s history.

There are now 26 buildings on site, quite the expansion from the humble start of equipment, a plot of land, and a dream. Many artifacts have been sought and pursued for decades and there is a one of a kind, first in the world 1888 belt sander with original blueprints to be found in a stroll down “crafters alley”.

Gloria herself manned the basket weaver shop for many years and her

work can still be seen in progress on the table of her namesake shop. Just down the alley in another unassuming roughhewn wood building is the broom maker shop. Howard demonstrates how he crafts genuine Shaker tradition brooms as he has for decades, one cannot help but sense the reverence and commitment to continuing what is becoming a lost art in today’s fast paced culture.

Wellington has added a 1927 Montgomery Ward House called the Anis House to showcase exactly what a home would look like during this time. Visitors will learn about why everything was ironed in the summer kitchen from socks to underwear to shirts. The working wood stove still has the capability to bake pies and cookies, should an interpreter be available.

Before covid affected the Farm Park, these interpreters might be found in many of the shops, dressed in period clothing and sharing what each implement found in the buildings would be used for. Wellington now has a desperate

call for volunteer interpreters, and the limited (mostly family) staff are willing to teach the period’s information and how to share with others.

Even as the Farm Park finds its way forward with less manpower, the experience of learning and stepping back into time isn’t lost.

The walk into the park is set back from the main road and entrance building by a field with human powered machines crafted for “punkin’ chuckin’”, an event held each fall where visitors get to experience the thrill of launching pumpkins across the field. The farm also curates seasonal adventures such as a local favorite large corn

maze and jack o’lantern hay rides. This October the farm will host a weekend long Civil War reenactment to accompany the festivities, a golden opportunity for locals and visitors to have a bonus experience while stepping back into time.

From the admission building offering hand crafted soaps, cold water, and other items made on site, to the friendly goats outside and museum steps away, guests will start to sense a shift to a time. They will experience the way days were used was intentional and contributed to a whole that gave space for many to create homes and community.

Families love that there is space for their children to wander and move. Howard and other tour guides welcome and invite conversations with young guests to translate how life today looked like in the 1930’s, some things the same, while others quite different. Most apparent to anyone who takes the time to visit the farm is reverence to learning from the past. Wellington tells the stories and showcases the evidence of inventions and innovations that are an important thread in the tapestry of our time.

Gloria Taylor, co-founder of Wellington Farms creating one of her infamous baskets.

VFW Roscommon Riders support Patriot Place

ROSCOMMON- The VFW Roscommon Riders Group recently traveled to Gaylord to present a check in support of Patriot Place. Members spent the summer hosting monthly dinners to raise funds to support a local nonprofit organization doing great work. They chose Patriot Place as this year’s beneficiary.

Patriot Place is a nonprofit organization with a transitional housing program for homeless veterans. Located in Gaylord, it is the only transitional living program for veterans experiencing homelessness in Northern Michigan. Much of the

funding received by the organization is designated for specific purposes, leaving areas of unmet needs. “It is people and organizations such as yours that make this program a success,” said Patriot Place Manager John Zangoulas. “On behalf of the veterans and staff of the Patriot Place, thank you.”

The VFW Roscommon Riders Group is an activity of VFW Post 4159. The group supports the post and its programs through community service and the promotion of responsible motorcycling.

Copyright © Kevin Stone

(l-r) Roscommon Riders members David Luck and Carl Behnke, Patriot Place Manager John Zangoulas, and Roscommon Riders member Dusty Yates.

Ego interrupts intuition

The following is a fictitious character and scenario. Lucinda is very creative with the ability to accomplish the tasks that her position demands. To complement this, she successfully ushered in new clients, and enabled her company to flourish. Her supervisor, Estelle, on the other hand, gave no credit to her abilities in accomplishing this feat. Instead, she took all the accolades and a new higher position.

Estelle continued the trek up the ladder of the company by habitually, through coercion and commandeering of others’ accomplishments, requesting that they make her look good in the eyes of others, and informing all that she was the smartest person in the room. The resulting impact of the supervisor’s actions was that Lucinda became frustrated, disenchanted with the company, and extremely distrustful. This affected her creative ideas and well-being. No longer was the positive, effervescent energy present.

The character of Estelle is a great example of ego and how its corrosive effects impact the lives of others. We cannot ascertain what was the cause, as there are a multitude of factors stemming from this situation, such as childhood experiences, exposure to negative values, or possibly lifetime experiences. Once ego has infected one’s personality, if left unchecked, it may fester and grow.

On the other hand, love gives

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without question or ulterior motives, and seeks no gain at the expense of others. Love is unconditional, and the only goal is to help others. As humans, we are imperfect; and there are occasions when one’s guard is down, thus opening the opportunity for ego to rear its ugly head. Periodically, it is important that selfawareness activities be conducted to hold the emergence of ego at bay.

The following are some helpful suggestions:

• Do something nice for a friend/co-worker/subordinate. For example, inform them of the positive accomplishments or impacts that you have observed them doing in their job.

• Instead of you dominating and leading the conversation, let someone else talk for a change.

• Take the time to listen rather than just hearing what others have to say.

• When trying to understand the point of view of others, try to place yourself in the other person’s shoes.

• There is no unification of others around a project when the word “I” is used. The word “team” does not contain “I”.

• Allow others to assume new duties and responsibilities (or ones that you once held), thus affording them the opportunity to learn and grow.

• Learn to remove the protective shell cloaking your true feelings and express them either individually or in a group.

For those who have veered occasionally from the loving course or others who wish to make a radical change, the choice is yours to make. It is either to have a personally enriching, fulfilling life in making this world a better place, or a life that emphasizes self-aggrandizement while vanquishing those around you in life’s journey. One way or another, you will be held accountable either in this world or the next.

“Ego judges and punishes. Love forgives and heals.” – Author Unknown

“Love and ego cannot coexist together.” – Banani Ray

'Carnegie's Maid' is Book of the Month

CRAWFORD COUNTY“Voices" for Youth Mental Health will run through Oct. 13 at the Devereaux Memorial Library. The art contest is in support of an annual program called "Voices" put on by Munson Healthcare, to raise awareness of important health topics through artwork. Submit art entries during hours of operation!

Come join us for Radiant Child Music and Movement on Tues., Oct 10 at 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a relaxing yoga session which includes music, stretching, stories, movement, and meditation. This program is great for

immediately, we have Stories with Sue out at our Frederic Branch Library, Mondays at 11 a.m.

Every Wednesday after school, you can join Flower Arrangements with Nancy! These programs run through the month of October.

Check out some of their longtime running programs including, Genealogy every Mon. from 9 a.m. to noon, Let's Get Fit every Tues. and Thurs. at 1 p.m., Coffee Klatch every Tues. at 11 a.m., and Sit-N-Knit every Thurs. at 10 a.m.

Need help with a device? Let one of the tech advisors help you one-

Lend a hand at the nature preserve

By Kalsa Parker Browning, Education DirectorMarguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve

ROSCOMMON- Come join us at the Gahagan Nature Preserve at our Fall Fire Wise event on Saturday, October 7, from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. This yearly volunteer workday helps us to clear brush and other materials from around the cabin area, a strategy to help prevent wildfire from spreading through the preserve. Volunteers with access to trailers to help haul brush to the local compost

Volunteers help with brush removal at last year’s Fall Fire Wise event.

site are much needed, but all others are also welcome! We will provide work gloves and basic tools, plus a lunch for all helpers. Please RSVP ahead of time on our website: www. gahagannature.org/calendar or leave a message for us at 989-275-3217, or info@gahagannature.org.

We also invite the public to attend the Annual Open House on Sunday, October 15 from 1 -3 p.m. We will start with a bread bake-off, so bring

Grayling businesses coming together

your best sweet or savory bread to share! Afterwards join us for a Forestry Scavenger Hunt and explore the Preserve’s trails. No RSVP necessary. Hope to see you there!

SHOP LOCAL!

GRAYLING- To help support the Christian Help Center Food Pantry, the Rialto movie theater has donated $1,000 to their cause and will also give $10 for every refillable popcorn bucket you purchase from now until the end of the year. This comes at a time when food banks in our area and around the country are seeing historic increases in the number of households turning to them for food. Customers are encouraged to step up and contribute while also getting one year of discounted popcorn refills at the Rialto Theater!

You can buy the buckets in person at the Rialto.

For more information about this fundraiser, you can write to jordan@ graylingmovies.com.

Let’s support the local theater and the Crawford County Christian Help Center!

HELPING ALICE

ALICE stands for Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed. This acronym describes people who are working and struggling to provide basic needs. Forty percent of Roscommon County households fall within the ALICE threshold or below. HELPING ALICE programs are designed to help struggling families.

HELPING ALICE Utility and Foreclosure Assistance Programs

Since January, 2023 Roscommon County United Way has helped 120 households with utility payments, such as electricity, natural gas, deliverable fuels, and water. During the same period RCUW helped keep 14 households from foreclosure. Our goal is to keep families safely in their homes. BUILDING

A THRIVING COMMUNITY

.

HELPING ALICE Dish of the Day a Mobile Soup Kitchen

Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. Now, while more people are struggling with hunger in every county, rural communities are being hit even harder. Dish of the Day began serving meals February 27, 2023, since then over 800 unduplicated households have registered to receive meals and over 9,000 individual meals have been served. Roscommon County United Way is helping to address food insecurity in our community.

BUILDING A THRIVING COMMUNITY

Festival brings communities

ROSCOMMON- The 44th Memorial Festival took place event kicked off Family Night interactive activities for the The weekend continued with music, raffle drawings, competitions, parade, and of course, the infamous dinner. The occasion concluded breakfast on Sunday hosted Township Fire Department.

Photos by Alicia Noragon, and Theresa

The Houghton Lake High School Band.

The Roscommon High School Band.

Levi and Tanya English from Grayling meeting the mascot.

Dave Laroche and Cobe Taylor from Northwest Michigan Peer Network at their booth during the festival.

Above: Ashley Reynolds and Jason Christensen (new owners of Jack's Tavern in Roscommon, with Calvin Witherspoon of Fireman’s Memorial Committee. Jack's sold the most memorial buttons.

Below: The Waterball competition is underway at the celebration.

communities together

44th annual Fireman’s place in mid-September. The Night with free hot dogs, kids, and demonstrations. with vendors, bouncy houses, competitions, the annual infamous Lions chicken concluded with the pancake by the Higgins Lake

Noragon, Mark Constance, Theresa Ekdom

Traci Smith and Amy Schade had a booth set up for the Higgins Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Jace from Roscommon Elementary, working on his rocket ship at Family Night.

The Fireman’s Memorial annual parade.

Maureen Ruddy, Lyanna Scott and Miles Abbe doing rock painting at family fun night.

Kathy and Michael Kersgard with Brandi Olin enjoying the food trucks at the Fireman’s festival.

Roscommon, memorial

'Shelter Hero' receives respected award

CRAWFORD COUNTY- The AuSable Valley Animal Shelter’s Executive Director, Katelyn Gibbons received The Shelter Hero Leadership Award from The Bissell Pet Foundation. This award acknowledges the strength, determination, and compassion of animal shelter leaders that go above and beyond the call of duty.

Katelyn Gibbons has been helping Bissell Pet Foundation (BPF) for a little over 3 years, Katelyn travels with BPF to assist with spay and neuter clinics, as well as helping shelters in need. Katelyn spent the month of January in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana assisting the animal

Support our local businesses

control facility with population management, intake, and improving standards of care.

Katelyn continues to advocate for animal welfare. “Injustice for animals anywhere, is injustice for animals everywhere,” said Katelyn. She is actively working on finding ways to provide affordable access to veterinary care in the Crawford County Area. According to Katelyn, “a person should not have to be wealthy to afford the companionship of a pet, the healthcare crisis is not only occurring in human medicine, but veterinary medicine as well.”

The board of directors for AuSable Valley Animal Shelter are thrilled with the progress that Katelyn is making at the shelter, and they are thankful for her leadership and knowledge. It is without question that the future of AuSable Valley Animal Shelter is bright with her passion and hard work.

Cathy Bissell and Katelyn Gibbons with Craig, a 9 year old Pitbull Terrier mix that was transferred into the shelter from Detroit Animal Care and Control. He is currently getting treatment for his skin issues and emaciation. Hisis sweet personality and endless tail wags have won over the hearts of everyone he's met.

Approximately 35,000 people participated in the annual Bridge Walk that took place Mon., Sept. 4. The Mackinac Bridge was closed to the public from 6:30 a.m. to noon so all could safely take part in this Michigan tradition.

Bridge walk tradition continues

REGION- For safety and security, the Mackinac bridge was closed from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Labor Day to all public vehicle traffic except emergency vehicles for the annual Bridge Walk.

The walk began at 7 a.m. in both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.

Mason Granger, Mariah Mattson, Marsha Whisman, Chris Ott and Brittany Henry participate in the Might Mac Bridge Walk.

Walkers had to be on the side of the bridge they wish to return to before 10 a.m. or walk the entire length of the bridge, starting from either end, crossing the midpoint by 10 a.m. Over 35,0000 individuals took part in this once-a-year event.

Below: Lifelong friends Jill Shork and Christine Constance walk the bridge as "double-crossers". The ladies walked from Mackinac City to St. Ignace and back!

Left: Bruce and Maria Bentley's 14th Bridge Walk

Below: Ruth Losey’s first time walking the bridge on Labor Day pictured with her Grandmother Sally.

Grayling athlete chosen to represent USA

GRAYLING – Tristan Demlow, a local basketball player from Grayling High School, has been selected by PhD Hoops to represent the United States of America in an international basketball competition on the United World Games Tour in Austria in June of 2024.

Out of a pool of applicants, Tristan was chosen for this tour based on his playing ability, character, and desire to be a part of this once-in-alifetime experience.

PhD Hoops Travel Tours believes in the development of young players both on and off the court, combining the thrill of international basketball competition with a cultural education that lasts a lifetime. The PhD Hoops staff has a long history of leading players and family members across different continents to enjoy this

unique experience abroad and takes great pride in selecting players who are the right fit to represent the USA in the highest regard.

Students enjoy truck parade

ROSCOMMON- The 4th annual Teddy Bear run took place on Sept. 13. Students from the COOR Intermediate School District and Roscommon Elementary got to

witness the noise and excitement while the trucks were on their way to St. Ignace for the Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show.

Tristan Demlow from Grayling, will be representing the USA for the United World Games Tour in Austria next summer.

Can Bees fly in the rain? Not without their yellow jackets.

I asked the kids in my nursery school class what they needed in order to grow up nice and strong. One little girl replied, “Birthdays.”

Where do witches go on vacation? Doesn't matter as long as there's a broom with a view.

How do ghosts predict the future? They check their horror-scope.

When a little boy returned home after that first day of class, his mother asked him if he liked it.

The boy answered, “I don’t see any reason to go back to that school, because the teacher had to ask me how to spell cat.”

Knock, knock! Who’s there? Creep. Creep who? Creep it down, you’ll wake the dead.

Buy a gallon of color

Home Country

By Slim Randles

I think there must be autumnal reasons for Halloween being hued in orange and black. It’s a fun time, a magic evening if you’re a kid, and if you’re a grandpa-type guy, like me, who gets to hand out the goodies.

But the colors of this sweet evening celebration are orange and black, and so is October. In another week or so, our deciduous trees will stand like skeletons against the gray skies of winter, but now we have the orange and black of fall.

day. The sky turns that eternal burntumber orange and the remaining leaves, and the baring branches of our trees fill the evening with a holy filigree of contrast.

Oh, it’s not something we need to do anything about. There’s no need for picture taking or anything. But it’s just something that we can step outside for … look toward the west through the lacy pattern of black branches and for a moment, just a short moment, say to ourselves, “Isn’t that pretty?”

If the paint store could sell me something that looked even close to that for the walls of the little cabin I have, I’d buy a gallon. Maybe two.

Why do witches drink beer? They enjoy a good brew. Shop Local!

It happens right about sunset each

Hale welcomes new auto repair

~ Photo By Krisi Major

Sumerix receives award for leadership

OSCODA COUNTY- The COOR ISD Lyle Spalding Award for Leadership in Educational Technology was presented at the Fairview Area Schools Board of Education meeting in August.

Lyle Spalding is a former Superintendent of COOR ISD who understood the importance of embracing technology to facilitate education. This namesake award has been recognized for over twenty years, and nominations are sought each year throughout all educational entities within the COOR ISD service

area.

The 23rd annual award was presented to Birte Sumerix of Fairview Area Schools. After the Board of Education reviewed all nominations gathered from across the four counties, Ms. Sumerix was chosen for her innovative use of technology to enhance science instruction and her willingness to assist others, students, and staff. She was nominated by Sarah Taylor, Fairview

Areas Schools Superintendent.

COOR ISD Board Trustee Jim Gendernalik, Birte Sumerix, and Board President James Mangutz.

Photo courtesy Bobbi Ross, Fairview Area Schools.

GRAYLING X/C WINS - The Grayling girls Cross Country Team won the Beal City Invitational. Picutred (l-r) Justin Andre, Allison Tressler, Nico Triebold,

Tierney Hartman, Jocelyn Millikin, Ali Helinski, Adrianna Soria, and Ashley Bennett.

Photo credit: Heather Bennett

Youth hunt takes off with a bang

By Alicia Noragon REGION-

The Michigan Deer Hunting Liberty Hunt

(youth

hunting or hunters with liabilities) took place Sept. 10-11. The Early Antlerless Firearm was Sept. 17-18 and is on private land only. Michigan residents and non-residents up to age 9 may hunt with the Mentored Youth License. They must hunt with a mentor who is at least 21 years old and who has a hunting license.

Michigan youth have participated in this tradition for decades. The minimum age of 12 was established in 1917 and was changed to age 14 in 1939. A hunter's safety permit, or prior hunting license, for individuals under 17 became required beginning in 1971.

The Independence Hunt will be Oct. 13-16 and is for hunters with disabilities.

▪ See YOUTH HUNT on page 23

Bentley Malone (left) 11 years old, hunted with his dad, Buck Malone. Dreden Smith (right) 8 years old, hunted with Stuart Malone. Both bucks were shot in West Branch. Congrats boys!

Aaliyah Millikin age 7 shot 6-point on state land.

Hunter Holzwarth shot bear opening weekend with his dad Tom Holzwarth in Comins.

Youth hunt

Continued from page 22

Send your photos, announcements and club events to: info@UpNorthVoice.com

Annabelle age 14 went on her first youth hunt with Father Charles Smith from Houghton Lake!

David Wuebben age 15, shot his very first deer Sept. 10 in West Branch.

Cole Shock of West Branch shoots his first buck!

Myles Mead shot this buck in Mancelona. He has a unique rack with 5-points on one side and 2 on the other.

Lauren age 16 old, dropped her first deer in its tracks!

Jack Partlo of Grayling shot this 7-point during the youth hunt.

Laura Witt

Laura Lynn Witt, age 67, of Roscommon, left to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Laura was born August 19, 1956, in Detroit, the daughter of Harold and Barbara (Hakalow) Mayer who preceded her in death.

She married her soul mate, James D. Witt on May 8, 1976, in Garden City. Jim truly was the love of her life. They loved being together and often embarrassed their boys when they would hold each other’s hands in public.

One of the big things they did together was to restore Laura’s first car, a 1969 Chevelle SS. They also worked together at their business in Roscommon, Jim’s Collision, for over 30 years with Laura as the office manager.

Their love was admired by all who met them. That love expanded as the boys married and the grandchildren, Abigale, and Travis, were born. She found a space in her heart filled that she didn’t know was empty and it was for loving them as only a grandmother can do.

Fast cars were a passion for Laura as evidenced by that Chevelle that she still had. She also relished slow sailing especially on the waters surrounding Culebra, on their sailboat, Perseverance, their second home, for over 15 years.

Laura will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Jim; sons, Stephen (Amanda) and Patrick (Kara); and grandchildren, Abigale, and Travis.

Those wishing to honor Laura’s memory may do so with a donation to the Roscommon Fireworks, 451 West Federal Highway, Roscommon, Michigan 48653.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Laura, please visit the Wagner and Walsh Tree Store.

Lillian Marie Fisher, 97, Oxford, passed Aug 16

Kenneth Russell Westphal, 81, Roscommon, passed Aug 17

Brian Christopher Denomie, 64, Higgins Lake, passed Aug 18

James L. Pelkey, 94, Prudenville, passed Aug 18

Burl 'Bud' Wesley Holcomb, 94, West Branch, passed Aug 21

Bruce A. Spitsen, 79, Prescott, passed Aug 17

Patricia Lee Rose (née Mather), 92, Hale, passed Aug 16

Thelma Kay Hall, 80, Oscoda, passed Aug 17

Glenn Wayne Dorcey, 64, Hale, passed Aug 14

Richard 'Dick' Bernard Linton, 80, Standish, passed Aug 19

Obituaries & Death Notices

Arthur Wilfred Fisette, Jr., 69, Grayling, passed Aug 19

James 'Jim' Bennett Noffsinger, 81, West Branch, passed Aug 22

Robert Fegan, Sr., 85, Prescott, passed Aug 21

Jeffrey A. Shue, 66, Oscoda, passed Aug 19

Albert Emris Williams, 82, Oscoda, formerly Bridgeport, passed Aug 20

Veronica 'Liz' Elizabeth Gracik, 86, East Tawas, passed Aug 21

Harry David Cotterman, 86, National City, passed Aug 22

Virgina R. Reynolds, 88, Tawas, passed Aug 22

Cindy Lou CameronThompson, 70, Hillman, passed Aug 27

Judith A. Telfor, 68, Beaverton, passed Aug 28

Doloris Ruth Hohman, 78, Roscommon, passed Aug 28

Steven 'Steve' Donald Distlerath, 62, Mt. Clemens, passed Aug 28

Hugh Carlton Webster, 80, Prescott, passed Aug 27

Betty Lou (Pennington) Kingsbury, 93, Tawas, formerly Clio, passed Aug 3

Joyce Ann Burgess, 87, Oscoda, formerly Muskegon, passed Aug 28

Carol Elizabeth Copp, 76, St. Helen, passed Sept 8

Nancy Ellen Boyle, 93, AuGres, passed Sept 6

Florence Jean (Burkett)

Bischoff, 87, Tawas City, passed Sept 7

Barbara Parente, 90, Gladwin, passed Sept 6

James 'Jim' Carl Wright Sr., 83, Gladwin, passed Sept 7

April Grace Holtzlander, 42, Houghton Lake, passed Sept 6

Mary Alice Adams, 89, St. Helen, passed Sept 10

Ronald James Kimball, 75, West Branch, passed Sept 11

Mary Jane Kelly, 77, National City, passed Sept 8

Anna Irene Toppa, 93, Oscoda, formerly Redford Township, passed Sept 8

Homer McMahan, 96, Beaverton, passed Sept 8

Gale Lee Whitford, 95, Gladwin, passed Sept 9

Thomas Charles Drake, 89, West Branch, passed Sept 12

John 'Jack' L. Voskuhl, 93, Gladwin, passed Sept 11

Diane P. Blossey, 68, Beaverton, passed Sept 13

Marguerite M. Mitchell, 68, Elgin, IL, formerly Gladwin, passed Sept 11

Carlene Simrau, 92, Gladwin, formerly Houghton Lake, passed September 10

Betty L. Murray, 86, Gladwin, passed Aug 23

Michael 'Mike' E. Willobee, 69, Mio, passed Aug 20

Marie Antoni, 97, Higgins Lake, passed Aug 19

William 'Bill' Howard Roe, 70, Houghton Lake passed Aug 21

Adam Ellsworth Kolodziejski, 84, Hale, passed Aug 24

James M. Peddy, 85, Grayling, formerly Mio, passed Aug 23

Gerald Dean Welch, 89, Grayling, passed Aug 24

Joseph P. McCulloch, 90, Beaverton, passed Aug 23

Patricia Louise Dear, 88, St. Helen, passed Aug 26

Suzanne Irene Zoli, 80, St. Helen, passed June 2

Walter 'Jack' John Riley, 86, Alger, passed Aug 27

Hugh Carlton Webster, 80, Prescott, passed Aug 27

Abigail Rose Dern, 3, Tawas, passed Aug. 25

Susan Marie (Ulman)

Anschuetz, 72, Tawas, passed, Aug 27

Mark Ronald Zuwala, 64, Hale, passed Aug 27

Jaymie Lynn (Millikin) Bailey, 50, Grayling, passed Aug 22

Tom C. Loomis, Jr., 79, Grayling, passed Aug 25

Ashdon Duane Micheal Frisbie, 23, Barryton, formerly Grayling, passed July 23

Raymond Joseph Seewald, 91, Hillman, passed Aug 22

Charles Walter Lemanski, 90, Lewiston, passed Aug 22

Violet Ruth Van Deusen, 84, Tawas City, passed Aug 31

Jan Huston, 85, Lewiston, passed Aug 29

Robert James Mills, 65, Lovells Twp., passed Aug 31

Nancy Klassen, 73, Gladwin, passed Aug 30

Richard Lee DuBois, 70, Hillman, passed Sept 1

Betty Jane Wendling, 82, Beaverton, passed Sept 2

Clifford J. Rosin, 76, Gladwin, passed Sept 12

Patrick Jay Stone, 67, Mio, passed Sept 13

Joseph Patrick Hollenbeck, 85, Twinning, passed Sept 13

Edwin 'Ed' Allen Brown, 88, Fairview, passed Sept 12

Bob Jack Paul, 83, Atlanta, passed Sept 12

Sue Ellen Elowsky, 77, Hillman, passed Sept 13

JUST MARRIED – Samantha and Jordan Stiles of Houghton Lake were married Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, surrounded by their families and son, Memphis, who turned one on Sept. 13. Photography was handled by Jessie Ann Photography and Design of Houghton Lake.

Positive thinking = positive results

View From the Comfy Chair

By Joel Vernier

By Joel Vernier

Negativity is infiltrating every aspect of our lives. Every product sold via ads focuses on creating or pointing out a negative situation that the product they are selling will turn positive. Political ads show the other candidate as a negative and is dressed up using negative dark lighting, negative expressions, and downbeat music. Then, the illumination of the ad brightens, the music changes to an upbeat style, and the pictures portray the politician it is promoting as the answer! The politician is a hero, a savior, a redeemer, liberator of the people. It needs to show a voting record, where they stand on critical issues, or what they will do to improve it. And no one holds them accountable for anything.

Think about it: we humans must be deplorable creatures! We are obviously very smelly! In fact, we must stink unbearably based on the products sold to us. The deodorant market in the US is 5.59 billion!!! This is a worldwide epidemic! The Global air freshener business is over 13 billion! And our "Morning mouth," or breath, is yucky. The market for mouthwash is 354 million in the US. Then, of course, there is the US bath soap market of $ 4.6 Billion. And our clothes, wow, the US market is 10.46 billion!

All Billions of dollars are being spent to offset a "Negative perception" that has been enhanced by the advertising industry, whose primary goal is to increase sales for their corporate giants! I'm not saying that there are no politicians

who do a lousy job or that brushing your teeth or taking a shower is not good for you, but baking soda and a toothbrush or an inexpensive bar soap can do the job quite nicely.

The major news media focus is negative! Has this affected our human experience? Do we fall into the trap of negative thinking? Do we talk about the negatives without talking about solutions?

Norman Vincent Peale's book has sold over 2.5 million books! When we are in a positive state of mind, we're more likely to attract positive experiences from other positive people and discover methods that may result in positive outcomes! The "Oz Principle" has sold over 600,000 books! In fact, over 10 million selfhelp books are being sold today! One key focus is that thinking above the line "Positive" has better outcomes than thinking below the line, resulting in "Negative" outcomes!

Optimists think above the line, practicing positive thinking and developing positive solutions! Consider thinking positive, acting positive, and finding positive solutions to life's dilemmas!

"Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others. – © Joel M. Vernier 09/22/2023 Author of: "The Guinea Pig In The Freezer." joelmvernier@ aol.com

Building a Thriving Community

ROSCOMMON COUNTY UNITED WAY

RCUW helps Roscommon County nonprofits meet their mission through the annual fundraising campaign and the Nonprofit Sustainability Fund. Collaboration among the organizations helps better meet the needs of the community. In 2023 the following nonprofits received funding.

Artesia Youth Park

Boy Scouts Troop 955

Friends of Trestle Park

Girl Scouts of Heart of Michigan

Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center

Oasis of Hope Shelter

Roscommon County Commission on Aging

Roscommon County 4-H Youth Club

Roscommon County Food Pantry

Roscommon County Literacy Council

Threads & More

We Care Shop

For more information about the HELPING ALICE programs go to RoscommonCountyUnitedWay.org

Help keep Roscommon County United Way programs active. Please GIVE.

Name:_______________________________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________________

Thank you ! Please mail your gift to:

Roscommon County United Way

P.O. Box 1003

Houghton Lake, MI 48629 Phone: 989.275.2067

For info on advertising in print or online call Tracy at 989-275-1170

Prepping for autumn

By Suzanne Barker, Director of the Oscoda County Council on Aging.

Hello October! Happy fall and happy Halloween! As we enter the new season, it’s time for everyone to start thinking about having the furnace checked to make sure it’s ready and safe to keep you warm.

You should also check the caulking and status of your windows, so they do a good job of keeping warmth in your home. It is easier for all of us if we are better prepared for the winter season.

This is the month that we should make sure our extra blankets are easily available, that we have batteries for flashlights, or safe candles for burning.

Try to keep some shelf meals available. Items that can be grabbed

Welcoming newborns to the world with 'Special Beginnings'

By Donna Thoma

The idea of a Midwife has been around in some form for thousands of years. The practice is traced back to the Paleolithic Era (40,000 B.C.) As one might imagine, pregnancy and birth during our early civilization was anything but safe and sterile. Rock carvings of that period have been found depicting a woman birthing a child. Comfort was not in that depiction.

Midwifery is the profession

in childbirth. It is also defined as “skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate care for childbearing women. This includes newborn infants, and families across the scale from pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, birth, post-partum, and the early weeks of life”, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

A local resident and nurse midwife, Betty Winford, worked as a nurse for twenty-two years in Florida. During that time, working with her nurse manager who was trained as both a nurse and midwife. Winford cited the other woman's manner of calm, care, and patience as being an instrument in Winford's decision to go to Texas to train in midwifery as well. One year after graduation from midwifery school, she opened and operated a birthing center in Texas and continued for sixteen years. She then retired and moved to Florida. She and her family came to Roscommon on vacation, and she stated, “here we are.”

In August, Betty Winford fulfilled a goal of opening a birth and wellness center in Roscommon. When asked “why” Roscommon, Winford stated it was “a feeling from the Holy Spirit that she should buy this building and build this space.”

The former eye doctor’s office at 503

Lake Street in Roscommon had been vacant for several years and needed a considerable amount of work. Winford and her husband David Popovich worked for nearly two years to bring her goal to fruition.

When a woman chooses midwifery as a method for birthing her infant, she is choosing an allinclusive process. The pregnancy and birth are “the way mom wants it.” Winford stated that there is no difference in fetal outcome over a hospital birth. Midwifery recognizes the importance of postpartum care for both mom and infant as well as prenatal.

Prenatal care visits are once per month until the thirty second and thirty fourth weeks, when it becomes weekly until the time of birth. Births are natural. No epidural is given by midwives. Those are only available in hospital situations. While no physician is onsite, Winford has a physician from Grayling who is willing to collaborate with her. Should a high-risk situation occur, patients would be transferred to a hospital.

Water births are offered at the facility. They are natural and produce less intense feelings for the mom and are less traumatic for the infant. The infant born of a water birth enters

off the shelf and eaten if we lose power or can’t leave the house for a few days. Remember to keep some bottled water on hand as well.

This is also the time of year our surroundings become beautiful with the changing colors or the leaves and the scent of fall flowers. Take the time to sit on the porch, take a short walk, or even enjoy a roasted marshmallow at a bonfire. Whatever outside activity you can do, take the time to enjoy it. It won’t be long before we find ourselves spending most of our time indoors in winter.

I would like to thank all of you who came to the “Cooking for One” class we had at the Senior Center. I hope you all had a great time and learned something to help with cooking at home.

The food drops happening this month are the Golden Grocery Giveaway Program (seniors cheese box) that will be happening on Tues., Oct. 17 from 10 – 11 a.m. The

▪ See AUTUMN on page 27

the world from a place of warmth into warmth, remaining attached to mom as they transition to their new surroundings. Comfort for mom and infant are essential. Winford and David are in the process of adding three bedrooms upstairs, for moms who may need additional recovery time prior to going home.

Winford is hoping to associate with the organization, Embrace Grace of Texas. Embrace Grace “has the curriculum, tools and team ready to help local churches lead support groups for single moms and dads.”

More states are recognizing the importance of midwifery. It has been gaining popularity and is now recognized in all 50 states. There

▪ See NEWBORNS on page 27

RIFLE RIVER ESTABLISHES LIFE JACKET STATION - Life Jacket Loaner Stations were installed at beaches in the Rifle River Rec Area. In Memory of Nathan Pearson, life jackets are available to beachgoers and returned when done.

Betty Winford, midwife, and owner of Special Beginnings in Roscommon.

Autumn

Continued from page 26

Together We Can Food Pantry will be having a veggies/produce box on Thurs., Oct. 5 and then the regular box on Thurs., Oct 19. Both drops are from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. They ask that you bring ID to show you live in the county and a banana box if you have one. If they run out of food, they will be gone before 2:30. All food drops happen at the fairgrounds.

The council’s monthly board meeting will be on Mon., Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. Members of the public are

welcome to attend.

The exercise class is still happening on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. It’s a great class with awesome music, come join in!

The Hunter’s Moon for October will be shinning on Oct. 28. I hope you get to see it.

There is always at least one thing to be grateful for daily. Have a terrific month and keep smiling! The world sure needs more smiles, positivity, and kindness. A small, kind gesture goes a long way. We are not alone; everyone is struggling with something.

HALE STUDENTS OF THE MONTH - Back row (l-r) Meadow

Phegley (3rd), Elaina McCadie (5th), Keigan Egresics (9th), Madeline Shick (7th), Bentley Dodridge (4th), (front, l-r) Gracyn Zabel (K), Trenton Hewitt (3rd), Augustus Owens (1st), George Watts (1st), Emma Brown (2nd), Cannon Brown (K), and Hayden Reilly (2nd).

Newborns

Continued from page 26

are two types of midwives, Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). CPM is gaining more recognition in states, Michigan being one of them. Winford is a CNM.

Cost is another big factor in considering whether to go with a physician/hospital birth process or midwife. On average, a hospital birth may range from $10,000$15,000, whereas at a birthing center the average is $3,500. Special Beginnings Birth and Wellness Center will help parents file for insurance however, many insurance carriers have cut back on what is allowed for childbirth.

Additionally, many hospitals, especially in northern Michigan, have closed their obstetrics units. A Detroit Free Press article of May 2019, stated that according to the Michigan health and Hospital Association, there were more than 220 Michigan hospitals in the 1980's. There are now 133 with only 81 offering obstetrics units.

Winford is setting up a website as well as Facebook page, but for now, is counting on word of mouth. Approximately 100 people attended the Open House in August.

To make an appointment at Special Beginnings Birth and Wellness Center, or for more information, call 989-808-1622.

“The beginning is the most important part of your path” –Unknown