Strengthening the communities of Northeast Michigan
~ Photos by Denise Fletcher and Mark Constance
Inset: Donna Fritz demonstrates how to use a spinning wheel at the Rose City Music Festival.
U.S. Air Force Band tuba player Matt Kuebler explains to prospective Maestro Tyler Cook of Roscommon, how to direct the band and bow at the completion of the performance.
Across County Lines A-15
ORV Jam A-11
Steiner Museum B-5
Lewiston Timberfest C-5
Comfy Chair B-2
Eagle Voice- C-1
What's in this issue:
Vol. 11, Issue 15
Free
September 2019
Voice
Up North
Out & About ALCONA COUNTY August 30-31 Brownlee Lake annual garage sale, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Barlow Road between south and north Sleeper Drives. Contact Michele Weber (989) 737-4220, Mary Gillies (989) 335-1683 or Connie Buelow (248) 321-7431. 31-Chalk Art Contest on the Harrisville Tennis Courts from10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Theme this year is “Pets.” All ages welcome, chalk provided, prize money. Sponsored by Harrisville Arts Council. Contact Kathy Baird (989) 724-9921. 31-Harmony Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival. Hundreds of vendors, unique handcrafted items, music on the hill, concert, and food. Fun for the entire family. Sponsored by the Harrisville Arts Council. Contact Carolyn Merkel (989) 724-7197 or harrisvilleartcouncil@gmail.com. 31-Art in the Yard at Dragonfly Art Gallery, 116 E. Main St., Harrisville, from 1 to 3 p.m. Contact Lynne Freitag (989) 4647306. September 1- Harmony Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival. Hundreds of vendors, unique handcrafted items, music on the hill, concert, and food. Fun for the entire family. Sponsored by the Harrisville Arts Council. Contact Carolyn Merkel (989) 724-7197 or harrisvilleartcouncil@gmail.com. 1- Come join us for the annual Labor Day Weekend Parade in Harrisville at 1 p.m. Line-up at noon. Everyone welcome. All horses need to wear manure bag, please. Contact Ryan Mendyka (989) 724-5577. 5-8- Alcona Arts Retreat. Threeday classes in one of four disciplines: Sculpture, plein air painting, digital photography or experimental watercolor, $225 tuition; lodging and meal packages are available. Contact Will St. John (989) 736-3000. 6-Join local musicians in a casual jam session at the Harrisville United Methodist Church (fellowship hall), 217 N. State St. Light refreshments will be served during this free event. This friendly get-together is co-sponsored by the church and Inspiration Alcona. 14-15 Harrisville State Park Hunters Education Weekend.
Join us for the 13th annual Hunters and entertaining talks, hikes, and Education Weekend, which is an other outdoor learning experiences. opportunity for individuals to earn Programs vary from hiking out trails, their Hunters Education and Interlistening for certain birds, or looknational Bow Education Program ing for rare plants. Events are free, certificates. This course offers both but a current Recreation Passport is classroom and hands-on safety on required to enter the park. Contact various hunting techniques with Eric Ostrander – 989-724-5126 several knowledgeable instructors. Recycle Alcona, Inc. - 2nd SatStudents aged 10 or under require urday of each month 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. a parent or adult guardian to be in Lincoln ARA Site. Household type attendance with them. Call the park recycling paper, tin, glass, cardboard, prior to the event as pre-registration plastic (1-7). Contact Bill Thompson is required. Registration will be 989-724-5077 accepted until noon on Sept. 13. CRAWFORD COUNTY Contact Colleen August Higgins (989) 30 JulyUp North Voice 724-5126. August 01-Youth A Division of AuSable Media 20 Swiss EntrepreneurGroup, LLC steak dinner A veteran-owned business located at ship- Be your from 4 to 6:30 709 Lake Street, own boss. 9a.mp.m. at Alcona PO Box 113, Roscommon MI 48653 3pm each day at Masonic Lodge the Roscommon “Friend, guide and companion of all 292, 316 E. County Library, good people” Traverse Bay, 106 Lake St. Lincoln. Contact Up North Voice is published Roscommon. Eric Wagner monthly and distributed in September (989) 739-8172. Roscommon, St. Helen, Houghton 2 – Labor 20 - Tax Day Lake, Higgins Lake, Grayling, Day Scramble, Boogie-Woogie Lovells, Waters, Gaylord, 10am Shotgun Blues. Matthew Johannesburg, Lewiston, Comins, Start at Grayling Ball, the BoogieAtlanta, Mio, Fairview, McKinley, Country Club woogie Kid plays Rose City, Luzerne, Lupton, West 2 – Labor for taxpayers to Branch, Skidway Lake, Hale, Day Manitou lift their spirits at Glennie, Curran, Tawas City, East Trail 5K, 10am5:30 p.m. at the Tawas, National City, Whittemore, 1pm (Registration Harrisville branch Prescott, AuSable and Oscoda. 9am) at Cross of the Alcona Country Ski County Library, Headquarters It is available at newsstands or 312 W. Main St. 3,10,17 – The annually for $40. Contact Will St. Creative SeriesJohn (989) 736Stories, advertisements and photos Unleash Your 3000. are copyrighted and may not be Creative Side, 20-21 Alcona reproduced without the express 5:00-6:30pm at Humane Society written permission of the publisher. Crawford County annual garage Commission on UpNorthVoice.com is updated sale at the ARA Aging & Senior daily with breaking news and site in Lincoln Center photos. from 9 a.m. to 4 & Oct 989-275-1170 3 p.m. Contact 2 – Grayling Jenna Richardson Sportsman’s at AHS (989) 736-7387. Club Meetings, 3:30 pm at Grayling RecurringSportsman’s Club ARA Farm Market - Every Weds & Thurs, Sept 4-26 – MatSaturday (May-Oct) 9 a.m.-12:30 ter of Balance, 1-3pm at Michigan p.m. ARA Site on Barlow Road in Works, Grayling. Sign up with COA Lincoln. Shop for local produce, 348-7123 meats and products. Contact Billie Fridays, Sept 6-Oct 25 – Walk in Thompson 989-724-5077 the Woods, 10am at different locaState Park Programs - The tion each week. Sign up with Kaitlyn Explorer Guide Program offers fun Grieb at COA 348-7123
7 – Tour Kirtland’s Brand New Building-Michigan Forest Products Institute, 9:30-11:30m at Kirtland Community College, Grayling 7, Oct 5, Nov 2 – Volunteer Day at Hartwick Pines State Park, Meet at 9am at the Park Office on Ranger Road off Bobcat Trail 11 – Northern Pines 2nd Annual End of Summer BBQ Fundraiser, 4-6pm at Northern Pines Assisted Living 12 – Grandparent’s Dinner, 4-6pm at Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center 14-15 – Car Show at Wellington Farm USA. 14 – 3-8 P.M. Grayling High School Project Graduation 2020 presents: Bubble Soccer. Grayling High School Football Field. $5 Individual, $20 Family (4+), Children 5 and under FREE! Human Hamster Ball, 50/50 raffle, Concessions. Currently accepting team sign ups, contact: JulieBluemlein@yahoo.com or at (989) 745-5356. September 10- October 22 Conservation Stewards Program Conservation Stewards are volunteers who help protect and restore our state’s natural areas and ecosystems. They help remove invasive species, build trails, collect data, and work with naturalists, biologists, and land managers to preserve public land. The Conservation Stewards Program will help you gain the skills to lead or contribute to land stewardship efforts in your area. 7 weeknight sessions held on Tuesdays (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.) at Kirtland College Grayling Campus and 2 Saturday field sessions (September 24 and October 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Registration fee: $250/person. Limited partial scholarships are available. For more information, contact Julie Crick (crickjul@msu.edu or 989-275-7179). Recurring Tea and Tech Time- Every Monday through Friday Make yourself a hot beverage and let the library help you one-on-one with your laptop, tablet, e Reader, or phone questions! Call 989-348-9214 to make an appointment with staff available every Monday through Friday. Appointments are also available for 3D printer demonstrations. Genealogy Group- Monday from 9:00 am-12:00 pm Bring your ancestry research and collaborate with others sharing similar goals. Let’s Get Fit- Every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 pm Join our adult exercise program designed with seniors in mind. Easy chair exercises, stretching, and simple yoga moves improve mind and body. Wear com♦ See OUT & ABOUT on page 3
For advertising information call: 989-275-1170
Page 2 September 2019
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Out & About Continued from page 2
fortable clothing. Story Hour- Every Wednesday at 11:15 am Birth to preschool children can come to enjoy stories, songs, crafts, snacks and activities. No sign up required. Sit and Knit- First Thursday and Third Tuesday of the Month Join area fiber fanatics to share ideas in the techniques of knitting, crochet, felting, embroidery, etc. Bring your projects. Every first Thursday @ 10:00am and third Tuesday @ 5:00pm.
IOSCO COUNTY Recurring- Tuesdays June August Free Tours at the Tawas Point Lighthouse September 20- at 12:00 am - 22 at 11:59 pm Furtaw Field Paul Bunyan Days Annual Festival 2019 22- 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Owls Spirit 5K Run/Walk Help support the students and staff at Oscoda Area Schools while participating in our Spirit Run/Walk. Spirit Run marks the beginning of Spirit Week at Oscoda Area Schools. 26- Veterans Coffee Hour, Wurtsmith Air Force Base 9am-10am at the Wurtsmith Air Museum. OGEMAW COUNTY Recurring Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's - Meditation at Living Well Nutrition 6:30 AM www.getherbal. net. Join for a Free Meditation Class offered by Living Well Nutrition Mondays- Charity Bike Nights 6pm-8pm Iron Bandogs Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club presents Ogemaw County Charity Bike Nights All generated proceeds go to Ogemaw County Charity Foundations. Door prizes and 50/50 raffles. Saturday's - 8AM-2PM in downtown West Branch, MI on S. 3rd St. Discover locally grown fresh produce & a wide variety of other treasures. September 7- Big Foot Discovery Days Conference 9am-1pm at the United Methodist Church $5 admission 14- Legends of Las Vegas by Jerry Armstrong at the Forward Conference Center. 14- Rob & Big's Truck Pull-
Move for Hunger 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Rob and Big's Moving Company host the first ever Truck Pull to benefit Move for Hunger. A truck pull is an exciting community building event. Teams of 10 will compete to see who can pull a moving truck 100 feet the fastest. The day will include a fun day of prizes, vendors, awards and drink specials. All proceeds go to Move for Hunger. Minimum of 5 people no more than 10. Register by visiting www.robandbigstruckpull. com 21 - West Branch Road Rally & Obstacle Challenge 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. This was such fun time last year the West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce decided to bring back the loads of fun. This is a fun filled event you don't want to miss out on. Each team (minimum of 3 maximum of 6) will complete as many obstacles, clues and challenges in a time frame. The more you complete the more points you receive. 28-29 Northern MI Lamb & Wool Festival at the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds 2300 Rifle River Trail in West Branch. Friendliest Little Fiber Festival Around with Over 80 booths. Shopping, classes, shearing, school, sheep & pasture seminar. Vendors of: Fiber, Yarn, Books, Tools, Supplies, Unique Garments, Home Decor. Daily door prizes (Must be present to win)
OSCODA COUNTY September 7- 1st Annual Luzerne Fire Department Fireman's Bash. 6pm12am at the Luzerne Express RV and Campground. 14- Made in Michigan Market 3309 n. Abbe Rd. Comins, MI 11am5pm. Join them for a chance to shop products made by Michigan artists and crafters. There is a $1 donation or canned good donation. All donations benefit the Oscoda County Council on Aging. Raffle drawings throughout the day. Concessions available on site with concession sales going to the Mio Athletic Boosters Club.
7:30-8:30. 7 – Tour Kirtland’s Forest Products Institute, 9:30-11:30m at Kirtland Community College, Grayling 7 – Household hazardous waste collection at the Roscommon County Road Commission, located at 820 E. West Branch Road from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 7 - The Saint Helen Snowpackers will be having a day of brushing and clearing trails. Lunch will be provided by the Saint Helen Snowpackers. Meet at the clubhouse on M-76 in St. Helen at 9 a.m. 12-15 – Roscommon Fireman’s Memorial Festival at the former Roscommon County Fairgrounds. Kids Night on Thurs-day, Sept. 12. Vendors and firefighter competitions and demonstrations. Be sure to get your World-Famous Roscom-monHiggins Lake Lions Club Chicken Dinner, including grilled corn on the cobb. 17 - Gloria Kershaw, Master Gardner of the Sunrise Side Master Gardener Association (SSMGA), will present 'Rain Gardens' during the Kirtland Garden Club meeting at noon at the Houghton Lake Public Library. Rain gardens help protect our nearby bodies of water by filtering and soaking water back into the ground. Learn how you can mimic nature's effects and grow a beautiful garden at the same time. The Kirtland Garden Club meets monthly throughout the year on third Mondays to hear speakers on gardening topics, work on community beautification projects and take planned trips. Please RSVP to Nancy at 989-422-6017. Members, their guests and the public are invited to this event. A business meeting will follow the presenta-tion. 21- Roscommon County Genealogical Society Anniversary Party
from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. We are celebrating 20 years of genealogy research as a society. Please join us September 21, 2019 from 2pm-6pm. You can find us under a canopy on the lawn between Denton Twp. offices and the Old Stone Hall. Bring us a name that you are interested in researching and we will escort you to our office close by to see what we can find. Recurring Tech Hour: Every Friday at 2:00pm: Come in if you have any computer questions, or need assistance with technology, we can sit with you and help. Story Time: Every Thursday at 10:30am: Join Miss Julie in a wonderful morning program. Children learn how to socialize, explore their creative side, and grow their love of reading. It is a great way to start the day! Sit and Get Fit: Every Thursday at 2:30pm: Come and do light exercises. It is a great way to stay mobile and keep those joints moving. Adult Trivia: The third Wednesday of every month at 4:30pm: Answer questions, meet new people, and see if you are smarter than a librarian. Genealogy Interest Group: The last Wednesday of every month at 1:00pm: Come and join the discussion. Joining in on the discussion gives patrons the opportunity to ask questions and get answers. The Roscommon Area Historical Society (RAHS) meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Gallimore Boarding House, 404 Lake St., Roscommon. Visitors always welcome. Dues are $20 a year. The RAHS house and museum is open Memorial Day through Sept. from noon until 4. Admission is free. Questions call Sharon Boushelle 989387-2489.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY September 5 – Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce Breakfast meeting at the Houghton Lakes Elks Club from
UpNorthVoice.com
September 2019 Page 3
Voice Staff Mark Constance Publisher
mconstance@ UpNorthVoice.com
Joyce Clark Marketing
joyce@upnorthvoice.com
HOT AND SHINY – The Roscommon County Commission on Aging held its annual car show at the Fireman’s Memorial Grounds during a scorching hot Aug. 10 day. About 50 vehicles and several hundred spectators attended the event. Best of show was awarded to Dale Smith of Houghton Lake. Right: Dale Smith of Houghton Lake won best of show for his 1931 Oldsmobile sedan. Below: Tom Petite (right) awards a trophy to one of the drivers.
~ Photos by Tracy Constance Tracy Constance Marketing
tracy@UpNorthVoice.com
Send your photos, announcements and club events to: info@UpNorthVoice.com
Lindy Peterson Reporter
lindythemermaid@yahoo. com
Jim Smith Reporter
jackpinetech@i2k.net
Warren Stutesman Reporter warren@upnorthvoice.com
Theresa Ekdom Copy Editor
theresa@UpNorthVoice. com
William Broadnax Distribution Manager williambroadnax2015@ gmail.com
Letter to the editor policy: AuSable Media Group encourages all readers with a connection to the community to submit letters to the editor for possible publication. Please limit letters to 300 words. Author must include a daytime contact number. Letters are the individual opinion of the author and do not necessarily 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 : info@UpNorthVoice.com
COOKIE SALES - Rosalie and Jocelynn Harder of Fairview Troop #4680 were selling cookies outside of Fairview Hardware recently. -Photo courtesy of Emily Harder
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September 2019 Page 5
St. Helen streetscape lights up community
Benches and lighting have been added to St. Helen as part of a strategic plan to improve the appearance of the community.
Girls weekend at Blues on the Bay: (standing) Sherry Leipprandt and Brenda Beachy Kosenko (sitting) Pat Anderson, Rhonda Quinn and Tamie Cook from Caseville, Michigan.
BLUES BY THE BAY – East Tawas held its annual Blues by The Bay festival the weekend of Aug. 23-25. The event featured food, ven-
dors and live music in the area near the municipal dock at the end of Neuman Street. ~ Photos by Susan Ruckle
Martha and Dan Webster of AuSable Township and John and Jeannette Schwab of East Tawas.
ST. HELEN - The Richfield Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA), supported by donations from local businesses and private citizens, is adding solar lamp posts next to its benches along St. Helen Road in downtown Saint Helen. The DDA and its partner donors installed the new benches last year in Saint Helen to encourage and promote pedestrian activity in the downtown area. The new lamp posts are being added this year, and one is already in place at the corner of Airport Road and N. St. Helen Road, on the corner at Mercantile Bank. Addi-
tional lamp posts have been ordered and should be in place by Labor Day. Richfield Township’s Downtown Development Authority was formed in 2011 with a mission to undertake public improvements that have the greatest impact in strengthening and attracting new private investments in downtown Saint Helen. DDA Board meetings are open to the public and are held monthly on the second Tuesday at 8 a.m. at Richfield Township Hall in Saint Helen. For more information visit the DDA’s website at richfieldtownshipdda.com.
Send your photos, announcements and club events to: info@UpNorthVoice.com Page 6 September 2019
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Up North Voice
Clear Lake
A Special Section in the Up North Voice
September 2019
Where everybody knows your name … Downtown Clear Lake icon has new owners
By Mark Constance CLEAR LAKE – The only constant in life is change. And the sale of the iconic Clear Lake Bar (CLB) is no exception. As ownership of the CLB passed from the hands of Shawn and John (Big Scoob) Szkubiel, to Roscommon native Joe Murphy and Bob Theys of Pinckney, visitors can assume that one thing won’t change: The great pizza. “We’re adding a new oven, but the pizza itself, which has always been a draw, will stay the same. Homemade dough and all,” Murphy said. Theys and Murphy purchased the bar/restaurant earlier this summer. But the duo are not strangers to Clear Lake or Ogemaw County. Murphy said he initially talked with “Big Scoob” about purchasing the bar in 2009. “I asked, but I’m sure they got asked by a lot of people. Kicking tires,” he said. “But we got serious about it 3-4 years ago, then started the purchase process in 2017.” Murphy graduated from Roscommon in 1982 and went on to attend Ferris State University. After a bit of travel, he landed in Midland with his wife, Michelle. They plan to make a permanent move
The Clear Lake Tavern had its own delivery and parade vehicle, a 1953 Willy’s Jeepster.
Tom and Ruth Fitzgerald owned the Clear Lake Bar some years back. It’s unknown when this photo was taken, but even back in the day, the CLB was a hub of Ogemaw County.
to their home in Clear Lake over the next couple of years. The couple has two children, a daughter, Paige and son, Riley. “Michelle and her family members have owned cottages all along Clear Lake, so we’ve been coming up here for around 30 years,” he said. “We bought our place in the early 2000’s. To us it meant something extra special because it was sold outside the family and we were able to bring it back into the family.” Theys is a 1978 graduate of Pinckney High School. He has owned Pettysville Junction in Pinckney for many years and is currently in the process of relocating to his residence on Clear Lake. Theys has two children as well: His daughter, Shayna, is a teacher at the Charlton Heston Academy in St. Helen, and his son, Evan, lives downstate. “I’ve had a place on the lake for 24 years,” he said. “When the kids were young, we would spend our entire summers here when they got out of school. And in the winter, we were here most weekends for snowmobiling.” After looking at several business opportunities across Northern Michigan, Theys and Murphy decided that Clear Lake Bar was the place they wanted. Family connections to the area played a role in the decision.
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“It’s a special place,” Murphy said. “We’ve been fortunate to have traveled throughout the country and world, and there’s nothing like the Clear Lake Bar. It’s come as you are. You feel like family. The food is superb. We did look at other places, but this just made sense for us. “It was a better fit.” Having grown up in the area doesn’t hurt. “Yesterday some people from Roscommon came that I hadn’t seen in years,” Murphy said. “I had a list of things I needed to get done, but to me it was a priority to sit down and talk for a while. This is all about people and the friends and rela♦ See CLEAR LAKE BAR on page 8
The building holds a small, hidden stage behind the bar.
September 2019 Page 7
Clear Lake Bar Continued from page 7
tionships we build. “I can always finish my list later.” Murphy said the transition has been easier due to the people who call Clear Lake Bar home. “Much of staff here has been here many, many years,” Murphy said. “And they know exactly what to do. It’s nice to have a seasoned team. They’ve been teaching us what to do, rather than the other way around. As with any business purchase, there will be some improvements. The first was the addition of recreational fuel. “The ORV industry has saved a lot of communities in Northern Michigan. I can’t imagine what St. Helen would be like without it. It just brings so many people into the area,” Theys said, noting he added the fuel to his Pinckney station several years ago. Theys said they hope to expand on the “Chicken Fest” and “Quake on the Lake” events to help promote the area. Other potential additions could be a new Fall softball tournament, hockey tournament on the ice in the winter, and perhaps a side-by-side / ORV poker run through the ORV trails. Ongoing improvements include an outdoor seating area. New this week are more draft beer
The Clear Lake Bar was formerly known as Uncle Ed’s Tavern.
History of the Clear Lake Bar
This story and several accompanying photos are courtesy of Ogemaw County Historical Society.
The original Clear Lake Bar deed.
options, and a “quick and delicious,” menu of items that can made quickly, even during the busiest of times. “This is the Clear Lake Bar,” Theys added. “There’s no other bar around where it’s like family. I always refer to it like the Cheer’s family on TV, where ‘everybody knows your name.’ “Where you’re greeted with a smile. Great food. Great traditions. And we’re happy to be part of this.” A grand opening is scheduled for Sept. 21. The Clear Lake Bar is located at 2212 N Clear Lake Road, just outside of West Branch. For information call 989-345-1155.
The new owners of the Clear Lake Bar stopped in at the museum on April 25, 2019 to see what information we had on the history of the Clear Lake Bar. His name was Joe Murphy. The previous owners of the bar Shane Szkubiel had stopped by the museum with a lot of pictures, abstract, and others items of interest. She donated all of these artifacts to our museum. I told Joe that I was working on a story to share with the public. and I would gladly love to work with him on information and pictures. I have been working with Richard Sirmeyer of St. Helens Michigan whose father built the first bar in the location of where the Clear Lake Bar now stands. His name was Edward Sirmeyer. Richard has a brother names Tom and he lives in Nashville Tenn. My folks were good friends of the Sirmeyers. Ed/ purchased the land from Delon Fleming and his wife Hattie. The Warranty Deed
NEW OWNERS - The Clear Lake Bar in Clear Lake is under new ownership. Purchasing the establishment, originally built in 1936, is Joe Murphy (left) and Bob Theys (second from right). They are pictured with General Manager Young Scoob (John Szkubiel) and Brent Church (far right), Theys life partner. The families of both Murphy and Theys have a long history in the Clear Lake area, and plan several major improvements including a new pizza oven and outdoor seating, but nothing that will change the family atmosphere customers have grown accustomed to. Clear Lake Bar is located at 2212 N. Clear Lake Road in downtown Clear Lake. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sundays from Noon till 2 a.m. For information on the menu call 989-345-1155 or visit clearlakebar.com. ~ Photo by Mark Constance
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shows that on April 6, 1935 the Sirmeyers purchased the land for $480.00. According to Richard they built the bar in 1936 and they called it "Uncle Ed's Bar. Richard told me that when he was 8 years old he went and stayed with his grandparents Phronie and ? Mier while worked at the bar who live on Wright Street right across from the old jail. They had a pump to sell gas to the people in that area. This picture that Shane gave the museum has a great picture of Ed with his wife. Marie standing outside the bar and at this time the bar was called "Uncle Ed's Bar". Ed and Marie sold the bar to Stanley Carpenter and his wife Helen October 22, 1942 but not recorded until November 4, 1942. They in turn sold the bar to Alfred Matthews of West Branch and to Kelsey W. Hamlin and his wife Ruby of Bay City, Mich. Date sold was July 10.1944 but not recorded until September 19, 1944.
Clear Lake Party Store and the Ice Shavery Right: Tim and Chelsea Donaldson, daughter and son-in-law of Clear Lake Party Store owners Brian and Lisa Walsh.
at e r G One ! r e p a P
Otsego
Montmorency
Crawford
Oscoda
Roscommon Ogemaw
Below: The front of the Clear Lake Party Store.
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Covering 8+ Counties in the Heart of Michigan! MONTHLY
By Denise Fletcher Brian and Lisa Walsh bought Clear Lake Party Store in 1983. A quiet community, they chose to raise their two daughters in Clear Lake The Walsh’s, like many other business owners in northern Michigan, have multiple jobs to sustain their life together. Along with the store they sell real estate, have a side-door restaurant, and a shaved-ice wagon in front of the store. With the help of their daughter Chelsea and her husband Tim, they keep everything running smoothly. On any given day you can find Brian cooking and serving food at the restaurant or taking care of a salesperson. Lisa never misses a beat, taking care of their walk-in customers. Her pride in the area is evident and she is willing to tell everyone about the community she calls home. Despite the low-key neighborhood, she said there is an occasional bit of excitement with the area’s “non-human residents.” “There was a black bear running down Wildwood Road with a pack of dogs chasing it the other day,” Lisa said. “That was exciting to me, but that’s about as exciting it gets.” Lisa said that over the years, families in the area have changed
and so have their clientele. It has transitioned from a hunting, fishing and snowmobiling mecca, to a more family-oriented community with all-terrain vehicles. They come to the area to take advantage of the St. Helen ORV trails in neighboring Roscommon County,” she added. Chelsea is happy to be back in the area. She and Tim operate a shaved ice wagon on site at the store. They recently expanded their menu to include popcorn, hot dogs, snacks and coffee. “Our family is growing, and we decided the business should move and grow with us,” Chelsea said. “We will be located mainly in the Clear Lake area parked in front of the store close to the lake. However, we can also use the Ice Shavery for special events such as birthdays, graduations, weddings or community events.” Although Lisa said the store and restaurant keep her and Brian busy, she can’t imagine being anywhere else. “We haven’t even thought of retiring,” she said. The Clear Lake Party Store is located at 2224 N. Clear Lake Road. The family can be reached at the store by calling 989-345-5193.
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YMCA Camp Timbers
By Denise Fletcher YMCA Camp Timbers situated on 300 acres situated near Clear Lake. The camp has specialized in summer overnight camps for more than 50 years. The wide variety of camp activities; campers enjoy swimming in their private, spring-fed Piper Lake; experience adventure on zip lines, climbing tower, and high ropes course; connect with nature while exploring cedar bog, enjoying a horse ride, or hiking through a variety of forest. The facility is staffed full time by Sean Carr and, Emily Ramsdell assisted this year as a summer intern. Timbers was renovated this year. For a tour email Timbers@Sagi-
Above: Bicycles are available for everyone who comes to visit Right: Sean Carr runs Camp Timbers year ‘round. Emily Ramsdell was a summer intern.
nawYMCA.org. Before the YMCA acquired this location there was a sawmill on Piper Lake shores. ### Ogemaw Hills Pathway is located at the corner of Clear Lake Road and Fairview Road, approximately five miles north of West Branch in Ogemaw County. The trails wind through approximately 15 miles of the AuSable State Forest providing groomed crosscountry trails for all skill levels. The trails were originally established for X-country skiing and hiking but are also used for mountain biking. Go to visitwestbranch.com for a trail map.
Clear Lake Resort a jewel of the lake
Smokestack Cabin on Clear Lake built by Peter Hartley in 1935. It’s currently owned by Gary and Mickey Collier.
Clear Lake’s Smokestack Cabin Sally A. Rea From the West Branch Historical Society graciously shared the information from her own story about The Smokestack Cabin in Clear Lake community. Photos are courtesy of the Historical Society Museum of West Branch. By Denise Fletcher Although coal was never mined in the Clear Lake area, there is a connection to coal via Peter Hartley and the “cottage” he built here. Hartley was born in December of 1883 in Burlington, England, and moved to America with his parents in 1887. They settled in Pennsylvania, then moved to Sebawaing in 1891. Eight years later they moved to St. Charles, Michigan where he worked in coal mines. He married Anna Marie Schweizer in 1906, and later worked in Peter Schweizer’s general store. In 1913 he started a garage and machine shop, then added he sawmill business in connection with the garage. 1920 he added a large dairy farm located in Fergus. He became vice president of the St. Charles Bank in 1933. Coal Mining began in Michigan in the 1800s, but the last active mines closed in the 1950s. There has been no economic interest in Michigan
Page 10 September 2019
coal for many decades; however, the Oil, Gas and Mineral Division (OGMD) provides available information related to old coal mines when legacy issues arise, typically construction projects near old mine shafts. Hartley later purchased the Saginaw property where the #8 coal mine stood. Then he donated 200 acres for the Hartley Outdoor Education Center. Hartley Outdoor Education Center sits on 300 acres of natural habitat, including hardwood forest, wetlands, meadow, ponds and a creek. The Hartley site is also home to the Coal Mine No. 8 Historic Site & Museum, Schroeder Log Cabin, Fowler Oneroom School, Murphy Farmhouse & Henige Log Cabin, and Farm Learning Center. (Hartley Outdoor Education Center) The smokestack was built with 42,500 bricks and the opening at the top was 25 feet across. It is believed that in 1935 it was torn down and that Hartley had the bricks shipped on a coal train to West Branch, then trucked to his property at Clear Lake. Hartley built his Clear Lake cabin out of old bricks from that smokestack. He gave much to his new country before passing away Feb. 14, 1956.
By Denise Fletcher Clear Lake is an all-sports, springfed, crystal clear lake that covers over 171 acres in the community outside of West Branch. Up to 50 feet deep in places, it contains three islands and is surrounded by beautiful, sandy shoreline. The Clear Lake Resort is in a prime location to take advantage of this amazing Ogemaw County vista. The lakefront property has 10 rental units of various sizes ranging from a one-bedroom bungalow up to a 2,100 square foot private home. The resort also features outdoor seating, fire pit, beach, horseshoe pits. boat rental and much more. Greg Schwartz said he has owned the resort for about 25 years. “I love my life at Clear Lake,” he said. “I gave up the hectic life of city living to be in a place just like this.” Clear Lake Resort is located at 3802 Grass Lake Road. For information call 800-589-1156.
Sunsets are gorgeous on the water.
Send your photos, announcements and club events to: info@UpNorthVoice.com
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Riverhouse Resale opens in Grayling By Marty Miller GRAYLING – Riverhouse Shelter has opened a new resale shop in Grayling called River House Resale. The concept for Chasing Dreams: River House Resale, was initiated several years ago by a former Executive Director Aimee Sandul. It was this concept that has led to the store's current location and has been years in the making since coming to fruition. The store was originally going to be housed in the former laundromat next to McDonald’s. Instead, the former Sears building was purchased in November of 2018 and is ideal due to the building's size and layout. The building is separated into three sections. The first two sections are used as a sales floor, and the rear section of the building is being used to drop off any store donations until they can be processed. The east side
Pictured (l-r) are Lynn Trudeau-Laurin (River House), Kimberly Scott (River House executive director), Carla Ott (River House development director), Jean Tornga (River House board of directors president), Jean Umlor (Sister Jean: Helped start River House), Kari Raum (River House), Marty Miller (River House Resale manager) and Aimee Sandula (Previous River House executive director)
of the building is being utilized as a sorting and pricing area at this time. The store currently employs one full time employee who manages the store's operations. River House Resale relies heavily on contributed hours from volunteers in order to exist. With the addition of a volunteer coordinator, the store will function with four volunteers per shift.
Current inventory includes furniture, appliances, housewares, linens, hardware, electronics and many, many clothes for women, children and men. Proceeds from sales at the store go directly to River House to benefit the clients. River House Resale also has a voucher system in place. Clients can use these vouchers to get
needed items, as are those with needs within the community. Clients also have first choice of items from the store when their time at the shelter has ended. Riverhouse Resale is located at 6375 W-M72. Hours are 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. T-TH and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For information call 989-745-6677.
ORVS AS FAR AS YOU CAN SEE – The St. Helen ORV Jam held its fourth annual event on Aug. 9-11. The event included a mud bog, sand drags, show and shine, charity raffles and much more, including a variety of vendors. There were both youth and adult classes for both motorcycles, quads and side by sides. Several hundred spectators turned out for the event, which was free and open to the public. ~Photos by Mark Constance This young man is listening and preparing for his race.
Racers wait their turn prior to the start of the drags.
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September 2019 Page 11
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AND THE BAND PLAYED ON – More than 200 people turned out at the CRAF Center in Roscommon for a performance by a contingent of the U.S. Air Force Military Band on Aug. 20. The event was coordinated by Roscommon-Higgins Lake Chamber of Commerce Director Tracy Smith. The band performed a variety of older and contemporary pieces, wrapping up with the Armed Forces Medley. Above: More than 200 people attended the event, including these four ladies who set up their chairs on the CRAF Center lawn. Below: The Roscommon V.F.W. Post provided the honor guard for the event.
Right: The performance by the French horn player stood out, including a spectacular solo.
Shop Local!
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September 2019 Page 13
Obituaries & Death Notices Christine Ann Sayad (Christensen)
Christine Ann Sayad, 54, of Higgins Lake, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 18, 2019. Christine (Chris) was born at Grayling Mercy Hospital on April 16, 1965 to Elizabeth (Becky) Christensen and the late Ronald C.A. Christensen. She was a 1983 graduate of Roscommon High School and went on to attend Michigan State University. Christine’s rock was her husband, Jeff. The stars of her life were their sons: Jacob, Logan and Jaren, to whom she dedicated every spare moment of her time. She loved many things, but the community of Higgins Lake held a special place in her heart. On any given day you could find Christine quietly paddling her kayak on its waters, and her “whistling” smile could easily cut through the thickest early morning fog. She had a strong faith, which enabled her to love, without hesitation, everyone and everything. After meeting her, no one could walk away without feeling like the Lord had smiled on them through her. Christine is survived by her husband, Jeff Sayad of Higgins Lake; Three sons: Jacob, Logan and Jaren; Mother, Elizabeth (Becky) Christensen of Higgins Lake; Sisters: Michelle (Bob) Nimke of Higgins Lake and Tonja (Denny) Christensen of Higgins Lake; Niece: Peyton Nimke of Higgins Lake; Nephew: Collin (Jazmyn) Nimke of Roscommon, and their daughter Mia; “Mom & Dad,” Pat and Dick Sayad of Saginaw; Brothers: Mark (Nina) Sayad
of Orlando, Florida, Matt Sayad of Northport, Randy Teeter of New York, New York, and Dale Teeter of Germany; and Papa Wayne (Jill) Teeter of Higgins Lake; As well as many loving cousins, aunts, uncles and countless friends. Christine’s family wants to thank the friends and family who have helped in many ways over the past several months: The amazing nurses and staff at Covenant Cooper NeuroTrama ICU in Saginaw; Kris Walker-Smith, for her guidance and support; and everyone who supported and donated to the “Christine Sayad Benefit.” The family held services on Aug. 23 at Saginaw Valley Community Church and Aug. 24 at Grayling Free Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Crawford County Commission on Aging, located at 308 Lawndale Street, Grayling, MI 49738.
Jennifer Joe Myer
Jennifer Joe Myer, age 46, of Roscommon, died on Friday, July 26, 2019, in Traverse City, in the presence and comfort of her family.
Michael Machleit
Michael Machleit, age 26, of Roscommon, died on Sunday, August 18, 2019. The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Michael’s family. Any donations made, please reference Michael’s mother, Andrea Machleit. Please share a memory or a message online at wagnerfunerals.com
Stephen J. Staples
Stephen J. Staples, father, friend
and inveterate traveler, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the age of 75 at Higgins Lake, Michigan. The family would prefer memorial contributions be made in Steve’s name to The Lakeside Memorial Fund, c/o Cindy Torrence, 457 Old Stage Road, Roscommon, MI 48653.
David Charles Doughtery
David Charles Dougherty, age 82, of Roscommon, died on Sunday, August 18, 2019, in Grayling, Michigan. The family prefers memorial contributions be made in David’s name to First Congregational Church of Roscommon and/or Roscommon Area Historical Society.
Bette Jean McCaulley
Bette Jean McCaulley, age 72, of West Branch, Michigan passed away Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 at The Villa West Branch.
Sharon E. Blasch
Sharon E. Blasch, age 79, of Mio, MI, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 7
Sandra Elena Lawrence
Sandra Elena Lawrence, age 56, of Mio, MI, passed away Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019.
Colleen Lavonne (Bolin) Cox
Colleen Lavonne (Bolin) Cox, 49, of Grayling passed away at home Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019.
James Earl Lawless
James Earl Lawless, 77, of Grayling passed away peacefully August 11, 2019.
Michael Malbin
Michael Malbin of Grayling passed away on Aug. 11, 2019. Memorials may be made to: Houston Grand Opera, 510 Preston St., Houston, TX 77002; Mercury-The Orchestra Redefined, 3100 Timmons Lane, Suite 201, Houston, TX 770275966; Anglers of The Au Sable, PO Box 200, Grayling, MI 49738.
Virgil Partin
Virgil Partin of Grayling passed away peacefully on Aug. 7.
Donald David Dentor Jr.
Donald David Denton Jr., of Grayling, MI, peacefully passed away on Aug. 5, 2019.
Carole Joan Weaver
Carole Joan Weaver, 79, of Grayling, passed away on July 29, 2019.
Richard H. Nadolny
Richard H. Nadolny, age 75, of Fairview, MI, passed away Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019.
Sandra Kay Rollison
Sandra Kay Rollison, age 70, of Fairview, passed away Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, at her home.
Marilyn Joyce Townley
Marilyn Joyce Townley, 81, of Grayling went to be with the Lord, surrounded by her family at home, Aug. 20, 2019.
Arthur H. Taylor, Jr.
Arthur H. Taylor, Jr. of Grayling went home to be with his Lord on Aug. 12, 2019 at the age of 67. Art's requested that donations be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital and the Disabled Veterans.
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SHOP LOCAL!
Sometimes you end up where you’re supposed to be Across County Lines
By Mark Constance It was a gorgeous August day. It was a casual ride down a local two-track in my old Willy’s Jeep. Bumping and rattling along the way, I plan to take as many of these little trips as possible, at least until the snow flies. I say that because it’s a fair-weather vehicle … No doors or top. Other than a few puddles, which were easily navigated after shifting into 4WD, it was an uneventful trip. This ride was much slower and safer than then one I took on Aug. 15, 1988. I was at my boss’ house in Shelby Township and should have driven home well before the start of, “Good morning Vietnam.” I was driving an OD green, 1980 Chevy pickup that didn’t have any taillights. It was a good 50 miles or so to my house in Avoca, which is located Northwest of Port Huron. There was one last stop that I shouldn’t have, at the Dorsey House, leaving about midnight. Since I was cruising about 85, I didn't quite make the sharp turn to the right at the bottom of the hill. Realizing what was about to happen, I laid down on the
bench seat. When I opened my eyes, I was upside down and hanging from my belt, which was pinned between the steering wheel and the back of the cab. I can still remember the smell of the oil from the 350 engine that had nudged its way into the cab. Yes, alcohol was involved. Lots of pain, two busted legs, a year in a wheelchair, three surgeries, therapy and two bone grafts later, I was able to walk again. Although, if you’ve seen me walk it’s not a very smooth motion. It was awful for a while. And I’m reminded of it every time the weather changes. But you push your way through, and life goes on. And after a few years you gain a little different perspective. The accident was the best and worst thing that ever happened to me. I taught my son, Sean, how to whistle from my hospital bed. My daughter, Autumn, was born. And much water passed “under the bridge.” Because of that accident and various other decisions along the way, (some large and some small) my travels brought me to Northeast Michigan. I had been coming to the Tawas and Standish areas since I was a child, so I was somewhat familiar with culture and people. Like thousands of others who have relocated to Northeast Michigan, I am a transplant: One of the
people who made a conscious decision to make this my home. Strange how things work out, isn’t it? Through all of life’s ups and downs, our journey usually takes us to the place we were meant to be from the beginning. Regardless, I can’t say how much I appreciate each of you for the opportunity to be part of “Up North.”
Community Kudos
A few events to highlight from across the region: • Congratulations to the community of Rose City, which built and launched a new community market on M-33. They did it in a big way, launching the market with a music festival. • Stacey Jo Schiller outdid herself with Farmfest 2019 again, pulling together a committed group of volunteers that gave Northern Michigan another positive community event. • Higgins Lake-Roscommon Chamber Director Tracy Smith was able to draw a contingent of the U.S. Air Force band from Missouri to per-
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form to a crowd of about 200 people on a Tuesday evening. Great job! • East Tawas did a bang-up job on Blues by the Bay again this year. It just keeps getting better. • Carla Ott and the staff and volunteers of Riverhouse Shelter launched Riverhouse Resale in Grayling to help raise money to promote awareness of domestic violence. • Lewiston did a tremendous job on its streetscaping project in time for their annual Timberfest. Be sure to mark the event on your calendar for next year. • Congratulations to Roscommon Teacher Ryan Sherman for earning the Lyle Spalding Award for Leadership in Educational Technology • Annual Fireman’s Memorial Festival in Roscommon Sept. 14-17; Best BBQ chicken dinner in Michigan is put on by the Higgins Lake-Roscommon Lions Club Chicken Dinner. Info: firemensmemorial.com. To contact Mark, email mconstance@upnorthvoice.com or call 989-275-1170.
September 2019 Page 15
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Up North
Voice ATLANTA
Roy & Sons Gun and Ammo The Baklava Shop and More Freddie’s IGA
COMINS
The Woodworkers Shoppe Comins Market Skyline Event Center Frontier Fun Park Cedar Valley Golf
EAST TAWAS
Big Boy Tawas Bay Beach Resort Village Chocolatier Brew Krew Klenow’s Market Razor’s Edge Nordic Sports
FAIRVIEW
Mio Church of God Fairview IGA Fairview Family Rest. Fairview Apartments Habitat for Humanity Fairview Hardware Fairview Eagles The Family Bookshelf Fairview Area Schools BP/Deli Mr. Bill’s Market
FREDERIC
Beacon & Bridge Frederic Inn
GAYLORD
Gobblers of Gaylord Salvation Army Ash Tobacco Shop Comp Subway Otsego Co. Building/City Bigby Coffee Bob Evans Hampton Inn Family Fare B J’S Restaurant Otsego Co. Sports Complex Ace Hardware
GLENNIE
Gordon’s Bait/Tackle-Loud Dam Chat N Chew Restaurant Glennie Party Store Ace Hardware Roger’s Food Pride Alcona Park
GRAYLING
Where to Find Us!
989-980-9781 UpNorthVoice.com
Joe’s Coney Island AuSable River Restaurant Roscommon Hum. Society Bob’s Butcher Shop Old Michigan Tobacco Houghton Lake Library Family Fare Michigan Works Senior Center Stephanies Studio Admiral Gas Station Houghton Lake H.S. Mio Rental & Retail Copper Kettle The Brook Retirement Cent. Suds Laundry Fick & Sons Collins Elementary School Pioneer Family Pharmacy Javacology Lighthouse Nursing Chucks Tire Family Fare Pop-A-Top Shell M-55 Music Competion Auto Fultz Insurance Feeney Ford Cashaway Supply Marathon Serenity Day Lodge W & W Auto Chamber of Commerce QTA KilKare Rest Mio Pizza Ankle & Foot Library (Richfiled Twsp.) Walgreens ROSCOMMON Hackers Century 21 Dewey’s Auto Charleton Heston Grayling Eagles Higgins Chiro Academy Midge & Co. Realtors Oscoda County Courthouse Higgins Lake Greenhouse Roscommon Sheriff Dept Mich. Works Sheffield’s Automotive Nails Two Oscoda Co. Chamber Com Dave Smith Barber Shop Grayling Chamb. of Comm. Woodland Dental Louie’s Fresh Market Book Worm AuSable River Tobacco Dan Decker Acct The Brook Coldwell Bank Realty Fire House R.C. Coun. On Aging Ace Hardware Brabant & Coltrane Atty. Crawford Co. Library Markey Tire & Auto Sarahs Family Hair Care Lyman’s Store Mio AuSable Schools Northern Family Dental Grayling High School State Park Store Dougs Auto Wilds True Value Maplewood / Stone Manor Country Corner Party Store Mid Mich Medical Grayling Elementary St. Helen Family Dentistry Back Door Saloon Moose Lodge 7-Eleven West Higgins Hardware Wagner-Walsh Fun. Home Houghton Lake Insurance Deez Pizza Roscommon Vet Clinic Blarney Castle-EZ-Mart TAWAS CITY Landmark Restaurant Citgo Sensenig Motors Hart Ford Forward Shell Nieman’s Family Market Salon Cut & Ms. Gage Nesters of Houghton Lake Mio Flea Market Roscommon Library Medicine Shop Sav Mor Drugs Evergreen Party Store Great Lakes Accounting HMR Munson Med Building AuSable Dance Center Augies on the Bay Century 21 Tourism Bureau American Collision Lear Corp. Goodale’s Bakery Iosco Co. Cham. of Comm. E. Higgins Lake Hardware M. Mich. Med. Health Park Wood Haven Old Pointe Marina Arauco Shell Town & Country Best Choice Oscoda County Library Northern Bear Ice Cream North Country Clothing Supermarket VIENNA CROSSING H.L. Lakeside Resort Up North Coffee Shop AuSable Gifts Mel’s Pine Pantry Big Bear Trading Post OSCODA Northshore Hardware White Pine and Pearl Grayling Visitors Bureau The Bird & the Bear Robert J Parks Library WATERS Country Peddler Northern Family Dentistry Old Dam Party Store Sports Barn Top 5 Pizza Gobblers Northshore Lounge Grayling Greenhouse Cornerstone Construction Up North Voice / AuSable Wiltse’s Restaurant Media Salvation Army Mystical Awakenings Camp Grayling Pioneer Hills Marina Family Fare Tawas Greenhouse Northern Fun Wheels Munson Medical Center Dinges ROSE CITY Louie’s Fresh Market Hilltop Restaurant Crawford Co. Comm. on Aging Best Choice / Javacology Ogemaw Vet Clinic COOR Marathon Two State Savings Bank Family Fare ROOC WEST BRANCH Roger’s Family Food Angelo’s Josies Flowers Ace Hardware Roscommon Elem.School MidMichigan Medical AuSable Inn Grayling Rest Rose City Cafe’ Roscommon Mid. School LEWISTON Hart Buick Mama’s Kitchen The Hair Station Family Fare Rose City Greenhouse Roscommon H.S. Dean Arbour Wellman’s Party & Bait Skip’s Sporting Good Marathon (S&K Foods) Faull Inn Valero Original Computer Genie Rest All Inn Sylvesters Trophies Sunrise Convenience Store Rose City Library Jim’s Collision Compassionate Care Vet PRUDENVILLE Clinic Tip’n the Mitten Iron Kettle Rose Valley Winery Roofs of the North St. Vincent DePaul Mac’s Place LaFontaine Dealership Lewiston Ace Hardware Neubecker State Farm Roscommon Auto Recy. West Branch Collision Charlie’s Corners Midlakes Market-- Sunoco North. Floor & Blind Design Rose City RV Nester of Roscommon Duke’s Ink & Thread Fox Run Country Club Marathon (Parmalee Trad.) Berg’s Trading Post St. Helen - Roscommon Korbinski Marina Monument Steuernol/McLaren Fun. Kirtland C.C. Bookstore LUPTON SAND LAKE Home Bart’s N. Mich. Metal Roofing Xpress Copy Parkview Acres Sunoco Marathon Team Hodges Auto George’s Barber Shop Fred’s of Roscommon Sunrise Cafe’ Lake Breeze HALE Brian’s Fruit & Meat Comfort Center Rite Aid Market J & M County Fair Store Lowell’s Corner Store Indian Lake Trading Post Kronner Pharmacy Family Fare Family Fare Forward’s (Shell) Kiss Me Coffee Pioneer Pharmacy LUZERNE SOUTH BRANCH Sears Store Forward’s (Marathon) Lady of the Lakes School MidMichigan Transmission Jose Lake Store & Resort Luzerne Hardware Timmy Tire Big Bob’s Rest. & Pizzeria Basil & Mike Auto Shell Luzerne Express Java Junction ST. HELEN Kocher’s Food Pride Gold Rush Jewlery Ken’s Tire Ma Deters Restaurant Mr. B’s West Branch Outlet Shops Bear Store Marathon Big Creek Bump & Paint L.M./ Edward Jones Office St. Helen Hardware Wise Heating & Cooling Corky’s Party Store Dr. Boggs Optomitrist AuSable Bakery Pioneer Pharmacy MIO Snider’s Car Care Plainfield Twsp. Library Dollar Daze BP Station Highland Lumber Yard Senior Center Ace Green Hardware Plainfield Twsp. Hall Macon Marine Hull Building Center Pioneer General Store Horizon Senior Living Checkered Flag Express Rental Tim’s Collision Plus HOUGHTON LAKE Oscoda Co Council on Aging Mercantile Bank Willard’s Equipment H.L. Chamb. Of Commerce County Car Wash EZ-Mart Ray’s Mug and Jug Shell Station WHITTEMORE Walmart B C Pizza Javacology Blair’s Sonoco St. Helen Power Sports M-65 Bait Shop Top Tire Fifth Street Market Berkshire Hathaway Paddle Inn Hen House Restaurant Salvation Army Store Gardiner’s Jewelry Family Fare AuSable Valley Motel/Inn Marathon
A storm is brewing
Rosco Mini Mart
View From the Comfy Chair By Joel Vernier
200 N. Fifth St., Roscommon
It was another summer day, I was up at the crack of dawn, around 8, consumed my usual summertime breakfast of eggs, toast, hash browns, strawberry preserves, orange juice, coffee and water to swallow down various pharmaceutical, vitamin and nutritional supplements. To look at me, you would think I am just chockfull of nutrition. One cannot be too healthy. In addition to the Rx’s I take vegetable pills, fruit pills, vitamin D, C, B and E, Folic acid, baby aspirin, Turkey Tail mushroom powder, cinnamon, C.Q. 10, Hemp oil, and blueberry pills. After consuming all of this, I am exhausted and full.I settled into my “Comfy Chair” and began to drift off into slumberland. R.E.M. started to take over my eye movement, as they began darting around faster than dice at a Vegas gambling table. I was abruptly shocked back into the land of the living by the dreaded sound of my weather radio’s alarm and Nixie alarm on my cell phone! It said that “My County” was under a severe thunderstorm warning with dangerous winds, hail, mayhem, and a tornado watch, yikes! Ok, time to review my checklist of storm safety precautions. I have installed a whole house surge protector, each outlet has its own surge protector plugged in, and in turn, all electronics have their own surge protector plugged into the outlet protector, protected by the whole house surge protectors, check! We have a basement that has a pre-selected safety zone complete
(989) 275-5661
Hometown, Good Food, Fast!
Lunch Menu
New menu items added daily!
BURGERS & SEAFOOD
Price
1/4# Double Stacker
$2.00 EA.
1/4# Double Meal
$3.50 EA.
1/2# Quad Stacker
$3.50 EA.
1/2# Quad Meal
$5.00 EA.
1/4# Rodeo Double
$3.25 EA.
1/2# Rodeo Quad
$4.25 EA.
Fish Sandwich
$3.00 EA.
Clam Strips
$3.00 EA.
Clam Strip Meal
$4.75 EA.
Add Cheese for
$0.25 EA.
CHICKEN & PIZZA
Price
Chicken Sandwich
$2.75 EA.
Chicken Rodeo
$3.25 EA.
Chicken Strips
$1.00 EA.
Wing Dings
$0.50 EA.
Puff Pepperoni
$2.00 EA.
Puff Ham & Cheese
$2.00 EA.
Puff Gyro
$2.00 EA.
Shrimp Basket
$8.50 EA.
Cheese Curds
$1.75 EA. Add a Milksha to Your ke Lun for Only ch $1
Chicken Strip Meal 3 Strips and a Side
SIDES
$4.75 EA.
$1.25 Tray
Curly Fries
$1.75 Tray
Onion Rings
$1.25 Tray
Tatter Tots
$1.50 Tray
Cheese Sticks
$3.00 Tray
Mushrooms
$1.75 Tray
Cauliflower
$1.75 Tray
Poppers
$2.25 Tray
Mac & Cheese Bits
$1.75 Tray
Broccoli Cheese Bites with Bacon
$1.75 Tray
16 Flavors of Hudsonville Ice Cream
$2.00 $1.25 50¢
and Soft Serve!
Waffle or Regular Cone Available Page 2 B September 2019
Grayling Chamber Ambassador’s Club:
Price
French Fries
with chairs, a 30-day supply of water and a 90-day supply of food; just in case, because if I get nervous, a 90-day supply could turn into a 10-day supply of food, check. I have a box of flashlights, blankets, matches and several adult beverages just in case the storm gets bad. At one time I had several cases, but with the holidays and other celebrations, I’m down to one case with a few almost empty bottles in it, just for medicinal purposes, of course, check. The chairs consist of two of my old retired “Comfy Chairs” that my wife said they could no longer stay in the family room, check. I turned on the television so that I can watch the weather maps of the approaching storms. It was so scary looking, the meteorologists put up a multi-color computer-generated screen that shows lightning strikes, different colors for the amount of rainfall, circulating clouds that might be a tornado, various sizes of hail, pea-size, baseball and bowling ball size hail! The real storm approached, the winds began to howl, the trees started to bend, and the rain came like a Biblical deluge! Horizontal rain, vertical rain, inverted rain, huge droplets, pounding rain! Next, it began to hail pea-size thank goodness; the lightning was everywhere, I felt like a million flashbulbs were going off again and again. The thunder sounded like a reverberating bowling alley or a space shuttle launch! We headed to the basement for cover. Then suddenly, it was done, gone, over. The sun came out, the birds began to sing, and better yet, it was lunchtime. I’m starving. I am an emotional eater, and if I don’t eat regularly, I get emotional! Time for a sandwich, dessert, and a well-deserved afternoon nap!
Jeff Halstead State Farm
We WA Sell L Sm SH'S o Bac ked on!
Like us on Facebook! @RoscoMiniMartBP
GRAYLING – Nominated for the monthly Grayling Ambassador Club is Jeff Halstead State Farm. Located at 5728 W. M-72 in Grayling, Halstead can be reached at 989-344-2424 or jeff.halstead.mvzt@ statefarm.com. Halstead took over the Grayling office in 2008. He employs three people: Cindy Eigenbrod, Nora Clark, Sydney Denno History State Farm has provided Insurance and Financial services to the Grayling area for over 60 years. I am only the third State Farm agent to service the Grayling area. We provide service not only to Grayling but also Lewiston, Roscommon, Frederic and surrounding areas. We pride ourselves on providing the very best in customer service and protecting individual’s property, assets and income. We make sure that all our clients are completely covered and properly protected.
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What product or service does your business provide? We provide Auto, Home, Life, Health and Business Insurance as well as Banking. Banking services including Loans and Investment products. State Farm has over 100 different products it offers to help meet its customer’s needs. What is a product/service that you provide that people may not know? Most people don’t know that State Farm has a Bank. We offer competitive rates for a loan refinance and with our deposit products. Additional information you wish to share: I love being a State Farm agent in Grayling. The best part of my job is the relationships I have built with our clients over the years and watching families grow and change. Our office has over 60 years of insurance experience and we work to make things as easy as possible for our clients.
Communities impacted by foundation grants
NORTHEAST MICHIGAN - The North Central Michigan Community Foundation (NCMCF) recently awarded 13 new grants totaling $27,555 to local nonprofits for programs and projects benefiting residents of Crawford, Ogemaw and Oscoda Counties. The NCMCF Board of Trustees approved the 2019 Community Impact Grants on August 20. • $5,000 to Crawford Roscommon Child Protection Council for their “Safe Journey Substance Abuse Prevention” initiative for residents of the entire NCMCF service area; • $3,300 to Ana’s Treasures to support the foster programs in Ogemaw and Oscoda Counties; • $2,402 to the COOR-ISD to purchase books and supplies for its Preschool Social-Emotional Literacy Library through Crawford, Ogemaw and Oscoda Counties; • $2,500 to Ogemaw Kids Club for their Ninja Warrior Junior program; • $2,500 to Ogemaw Hills Community of Caring to support the Ogemaw Hills Free Clinic; • $2,500 to St. Joseph Catholic Church to purchase food for the Kids Coalition Against Hunger food packaging project; • $2,500 to West Branch First United Methodist Church to support the Summer 2020 GAP Kids Camp; • $2,000 to the City of West Branch to support their “Music in the Park” program; • $1,250 to District Health Depart-
ment No. 2 for the “Harm Reduction Syringe Services Program”; • $1,100 to the Grayling Cooperative Preschool for the Imagination Library of Crawford County, which will provide free books each month to children ages 0-5 who participate; • $1,000 to Michigan Works for support services aimed at helping individuals obtain and retain employment; • $1,000 to the Human Trafficking Community Group for the “A21 Walk for Freedom”; and • $500 to D&R Acres Hobby and Rescue Farm to improve access to the facility. NCMCF Community Impact Grants come from the Crawford County Community Needs Endowment Fund, Ogemaw County Community Needs Endowment Fund, Oscoda County Community Needs Endowment Fund and Monnie Orr Memorial Fund. Funding for some health-related grants also comes from the Crawford, Ogemaw and Oscoda Tobacco Settlement Funds, as well as the Ogemaw County Health Care Initiative Fund and Oscoda County Health Care Initiative Fund. The North Central Michigan Community Foundation is a charitable organization that serves as a catalyst and resource to inspire private giving for the betterment of Crawford, Ogemaw and Oscoda Counties. To make a donation or learn more about how community foundations work, visit www.ncmcf.org.
Why plant in the Fall?
NORTHEAST MICHIGAN - In Fall, the soil still holds summer’s warmth, which encourages root growth. Fall planting gets shrubs and trees off to a faster start the following Spring. The warm soil allows the plant to develop strong, healthy roots. Photosynthesis slows down due to shorter days, and cooler air temperatures allow less foliage growth and more root growth. This means you will need to water your new plants less often. With fall-planted plants, once Spring arrives, the established root system allows the plant to be much more able to cope with varying weather conditions. Spring-planted shrubs and trees will likely do worse in the same conditions because they do not have a strong, healthy root system yet. In addition to the weather, fall planting is easier on plants because weeds have mostly gone dormant, so the new plants do not need to compete with weeds until Spring. Pests are also less of an issue in fall, although rodents can still cause problems. In addition, Fall planting is easier on your schedule. Since Fall weather is more predictable, Fall gives you more time to plant. You can take each step as you have time, rather than trying to work between the heat waves, cold snaps, rain and even unexpected late snows of spring. The conservation district is currently accepting orders for a Sept. 28 pick up at our Annual Conservation Expo to be held in the AuSable River Center in Roscommon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Species available are White Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pines & Spruce. Order form is available on our website: crawfordroscommoncd.weebly.com and may be ordered with a credit card. For further information, please contact the Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District at 989-275-3163 or barb.stauffer@macd.org.
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September 2019
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Grayling Chamber chatter By Traci Cook Northern Michigan Entrepreneurial Business Conference (NO MI BIZ CON) to be held in Grayling on September 25-26, 2019 at Kirtland Community College-Grayling Campus The Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce, Grayling Main Street, Michigan Works Northeast Consortium, Sawmill Rural Business Center, and Kirtland Community College are hosting the 1st Annual Northern Michigan Entrepreneurial Business Conference (aka: No Mi Biz Con) on September 25-26, 2019 at Kirtland Community College (4800 W. 4 Mile Rd. in Grayling). This event will host keynote speakers/breakfast each morning, multiple workshops throughout the day with lunch provided, and panel discussions at the end of each day. Registration – Attendees will be able to choose to attend one or both days: 1 Day $50 (includes breakfast & lunch one day) 2 Days $80 (includes breakfast and lunch both days) Lodging – Rooms have been blocked in Grayling at Super 8 Hotel and Ramada Inn for your convenience, and we have many other lodging opportunities in the area to choose from as well. The event will conclude with a Business After Hours networking event on Thursday, September 26th from 5:30-7:30pm at Kirtland Health Sciences Center (Business After Hours entry fee will be waived for
conference attendees). Register Online at https:// graylingchamber.com/event/ northern-michigan-entrepreneurialbusiness-conference - Registration Deadline is September 16th or until full (whichever comes first). Upcoming 2019 Grayling Chamber Events • September 25-26 - Northern Michigan Entrepreneurial Business Conference at Kirtland Health Sciences Center • September 26 - Business After Hours – Co-Sponsored by Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce, Grayling Main Street, Michigan Works Northeast Consortium, Sawmill Rural Business Center & Kirtland Community College, 5:307:30pm at Kirtland Health Sciences Center. • October 17 – Multi Chamber Business After Hours (Grayling, Higgins Lake/Roscommon & Houghton Lake) celebrate National Credit Union Day with North Central Area Credit Union & Northland Area Federal Credit, 5:30-7:30pm at Forest Dunes Golf Club • December 5 - Holiday After Hours – Hosted by Grayling Chamber, 5:30-7:30pm at Artisan Village Gallery & Paddle Hard Brewing. Visit www.graylingchamber.com or call 989-348-2921 at any time for Crawford County and Chamber Member information and a list of upcoming chamber, chamber member, and community events.
Senior news: September 2019 By Merrianne Tappan MIO - It’s that time of year again when I get all crazy and tell you to start preparing for winter! I know, I know, summer is not over yet – but come on… we live in Michigan. It very well could snow tomorrow, then be summer again for about five days then snow again. Ahhhhh… weather. Here’s what’s going on in September: • Monday Sept. 2 is Labor Day. The official end of summer. The Center will be closed that day so the employees can all go garage sale-ing. • The Council on Aging is hosting a picnic at the Center Friday Sept. 6 from 5-6 p.m. (God willing the road construction is done by then) come join us for hamburgers, hot dogs and some music. We will be selling the food to help raise funds to feed the seniors in our county. Everyone is welcome! For more information please contact Rich at 826-3025. • Monday Sept. 9 at 9 a.m. the Center is having its monthly Board meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend. • Saturday Sept. 14 there will be a craft/artisan show at the Comin’s Skyline Event Center. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proceeds and canned food donated will benefit the Council on Aging so I will be there. Stop by and say “Hi”! You can throw a can of
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food at me! • Tuesday Sept. 17 is the monthly senior cheese box food drop at the Center from 10-11 a.m. • Thursday Sept. 19 is the Together We Can Food Pantry food drop at the fairgrounds. • Saturday Sept. 21 is the U.N International day of peace. • Tuesday Sept. 24 the Center will host a flu shot clinic in our Board room from 11 a.m. to noon. Rite Aid is putting it on, and they will bill Medicare for your shot. No appointment needed. • Also, finally Saturday Sept. 28 the Together we Can Food Pantry will be handing out produce from 1-4 p.m. Whew! Busy month. I barely have time to winterize my house! When we go out to eat it is easy to get carried away or blow a diet plan. It’s thought of as a reward – going out for dinner, going on a date, just plain not having to cook. Go all out! Besides, whatever you don’t eat can be lunch tomorrow. But at home is where you can truly control your diet. YOU control what is brought in and how is it cooked and how much is served. We should really take a good hard look at our home eating habits. Most of us cannot afford to go out to eat or order in our dinners
♦ See SENIOR NEWS on page 7 B
Steiner Museum to showcase local authors By Richard Rensberry COMINS - On Aug. 17, Michigan musician Joshua Davis arrived to perform to a sold-out crowd at the Skyline Event Center in Comins. If you missed it, you truly missed a special evening of entertaining and soulful music in an aesthetic and intimate setting. Joshua is a masterful songwriter, vocalist and guitar player. His powerful performance at the Skyline was punctuated by a relaxed and humorous penchant for storytelling. It was clear by the rapt and enthusiastic audience that everyone thoroughly enjoyed his engaging personality and performance. Joshua gained national notoriety and valuable experience from his television stint as a finalist on "The Voice" in 2015 when he placed third in the hit TV show. You can find out all about Joshua Davis at www.joshuadavismusic.com The headliner event was graciously conceived and hosted by
the newly remodeled Skyline Event Center for the purpose of helping raise funds in support of its neighbor, the Steiner Museum. You can check out all of the Skyline Event Center's updated information at facebook. com/skylineeventcenter/. They are hosts to many other local celebrations and music events throughout the year. The beneficiary of the event, the Steiner Museum (instead of its usual focus on the past) is looking well into the future to fund plans for building a much-needed addition onto their main building. Once completed, the new addition will house a variety of new historical displays. Some of the new attractions include a longawaited home for books (past and present) written by local authors, a new art and photo display, items recovered from the Mio courthouse, local inventions and veterinary artifacts as well as equipment from the long-retired Oscoda County News. If you like history, you'll love the Steiner Museum located just north of Fairview at the corner of M33 and Reber Road. You can support the Steiner and its expansion endeavors by contacting the Steiner Museum at https://www.facebook.com/SteinerMuseum-230882130284097/ - Contact Rensberry at richardrensberry@yahoo.com
Above: Joshua Davis entertained the crowd. Below: The Skyline Event Center was sold out for the fundraiser.
Below: A number of families with young children turned out for the event.
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Need directions from Prescott to Rose City?
Editor’s note: This is a column written several years ago by Rose City Area Historical Society President Cathy Snider. OGEMAW COUNTY - In the past the roads of Ogemaw County and all other places too were not so simple as to jumping on I-75 or for that matter even M-55 or M-76. I found an interesting book that contains many routes from all over Michigan and so want to share this with you today. Get out your maps and plat books and try to follow along. … From the King’s Official Route Guide: Automobile Routes of Michigan and Northern Indiana… Anonymous about 1919. Prescott to Rose City, Mich., 24.9 miles Via Logan Town Hall and Selkirk. Stretches of gravel, clay, dirt and sand. Route 86—Reverse Route 87 .0 leave 4 corners edge of Prescott, go west through town, to 4 corners. 1.turn right 1.5 Through crossroads 2.0 Pass road on right 3.0 Through crossroads 5.0 Through crossroads 6.0 Through crossroads 6.5 pass road on right, continue to 4 corners, Logan Township Hall on far right. 7.0 turn left 8.0 Through crossroads 8.9 Through crossroads, Dunkard
Church, on left continue to 4 corners, frame schoolhouse on far left. 9.4 turn right 11.1 cross bridge to 4 corners frame school house on the right 12.3 turn left 13.3 pass road on right 14.3 Through cross roads, brick school house on left 15.3 pass cemetery on right and church on left, through cross roads, go down grade, cross iron bridge over Rifle River, through 15.5 Selkirk (post office on left) 15.6 Pass A.O.O.G. building on left 16.2 pass road on left 16.6 cross small bridge to 4 corners, church on near right and schoolhouse on far left. 17.2 turn right 17.7 cross small bridge, through cross roads 17.8 cross small bridge 18.2 cross small bridge 18.7 slight jog left through cross roads 19.4 Through cross roads 19.5 Through cross roads 20.1 pass brick school house on left, to 4 corners 20.5 turn left to 3 corners 21.0 turn right 22.0 Through the cross roads 23.0 Through cross roads 23.9 cross small bridge 24.0 pass church on left, through cross roads 24.5 pass road on right, go down grade to 4 corners 24.9 Rose City, Michigan Hotel accommodations very limited; no garage accommodations.
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What color of rabbit?
I was in a pet store picking up some pet food for my dog when I overheard the following conversation. A cute girl peaks over the counter and politely asks the sales representative. “I’m interested in buying a rabbit.” “Oh, sure we’ve got lots of rabbits” gushed the motherly sales representative. “Do you have any specific color in mind? We’ve got some adorable white Bunnies down this isle.” The lady exclaimed. “Oh” said the cute girl with a wave of her hand, “I really don’t think my boa constrictor would care about what color it is!”
For fans of puns:
I tried to catch some Fog. I mist. I know a guy who’s addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me. I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I can’t put it down. Men? Romance? After I waited patiently while my husband played a round of golf on our 18th wedding anniversary he and I went out to dinner at a lovely restaurant. We discussed many happy memories we’ve
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shared during the years. Then I said, “Want to go for another 18?” “no” he replied, “I think it’s too dark now.” -Mary Leach
Suduko
Printed using Brain Bashers Sudoku
Memory Test
Three elderly men, Eddie, Jenkin and Martin go to the doctors for their memory test. It’s a miracle they remembered the appointment! Anyway, the doctor begins by asking Eddie, “What is five times five?” “191,” is his reply. The doctor rolls his eyes and looks up at the ceiling, and says to Jenkin, “It’s your turn. What is five times five?” “Wednesday,” replies Jenkin man. The doctor shakes his head sadly, then asks the third man, “Okay Martin it’s your turn. What’s five times five?” “Twenty-five,” says Martin. “That’s great!” says the doctor. “How did you get your answer?” “Easy,” says Martin, “just subtract 191 from Wednesday.”
Funny one liners
Gravity always gets me down This statement is false Eschew obfuscation They told me I was gullible, and I believed them It's bad luck to be superstitious It's bad luck to be superstitious
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Wrapping up Summer, Seasonal waterfront heading into Fall Home GPA News By Betty Bennett I’ve really been enjoying the summer weather. Somehow around my area of the Manistee River the bugs and mosquitoes haven’t been bad. Its been great to walk down to my little dock and sit and watch the river and the occasional canoer. Add to that a book - a cup of coffee or a glass of wine (depending on the time of day) and it just doesn’t get much better than that!! We’re at a little lull in the activities around town. The Chamber and other organizations worked very hard and it was a wonderful week of activities for “Race Week”. Every time I went in to get my mail our town was busy. Beginning with the Car Show – that seems to get bigger and better every year - and finishing up on Saturday for THE RACE! Town was busy from morning to night – and that’s the way we want it. Its wonderful to drive thru town after dark and see the streets still full of parked cars and business still brisk. I hope every visitor went away feeling good about the time they spent in Grayling and spreading the word that Grayling is a great place to visit and stay a while. I’d like to say a big thank you to all the businesspeople along Michi-
gan Avenue who worked very hard to make Race Week a success. So here it is: “THANK YOU!”. It wouldn’t work without you! GPA members have been busy helping other groups for the past month, but now we’re getting ready for our busy time. The “Junque in the Trunk” committee has been working hard getting everything organized for their big weekend. The report to GPA last week was that they already had a lot of spots sold – so if you are interested in selling some of your “Junque” out of your “Trunk” – and want a spot at the Mini-Mall its time to make the phone call and get it reserved. It’s the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend. And then – as soon as we catch our breath --- we start on Festival of Trees. The Festival involves almost every member of GPA. There is our wonderful Chairperson Gail Swope without whom we couldn’t do it at all. But it really involves all of us. Whether its putting up the trees and decorations at the Mini-Mall or sitting and selling tickets for a 4 hour shift - or for several shifts on different days – or making the calls to the winners who aren’t there on the final Sunday – the Festival of Trees is a project that involves everyone. The income from our ticket sales is a big part of what we earn to do things like the flowers around town that everyone enjoys. But before that, I’m looking forward to some continued good weather and more hours to spend down by the Manistee River.
Country
By Slim Randalls
Delbert McLain dropped in at the Mule Barn yesterday for a quick cup. He was wearing his usual suit and tie, despite the heat. Usually Delbert does his coffee drinking and socializing out at the country club where the business guys go. We’ve been there, and the chairs don’t fit as well. For the past 10 years now, Delbert has run the local Chamber of Commerce. The capital letters are on purpose, because that’s how important it is to Delbert. We all have to admit he was a good choice. His job is to promote our town and the surrounding area, which he does by prowling through the town - his ample belly flying under a full spinnaker -looking for out-of-state plates on the cars during tourist season, and then convincing the visitors they should 1. live here forever, 2. hire locals to build them a huge house, and 3. start a business that will hire as many of us as they can stand.
According to Delbert, several things are certain about our area here: it is the only place in the world that will grow, our water is so good we don’t need dentists except during our tourist season, the deer in the surrounding hills are easy to hunt and are the size of horses, the fish in Lewis Creek are so big children are afraid to swim there and our average life expectancy is right around 104. “Boys,” Delbert said with his constant grin, “it’s looking like a good season. I can’t tell all the details now, but it looks like we may be getting three factories and you know how many houses they’ll have to build out on the flats to hold all the employees.” “Delbert,” said Doc, “you know they shouldn’t build out on the flats. That thing floods out about every six years.” Delbert saddened there for just a minute as he stirred his coffee, then the sales gleam relit the surface of his face. “That’s it!” he yelled. “We can call it ‘seasonal waterfront!’” Brought to you by https://www. merrickpetcare.com/ in Hereford, Texas. “We know it’s not just food in that bowl, it’s love. And that’s why it has to be the best.”
Senior news Continued from page 4 B
all the time, so most of your diet is controlled by YOU at home. This is a good place to start if you are concerned about your health and weight. We all know diet and exercise is the way to a better life – but DIET is truly the key. You can exercise all day long (but who would want to???) but if you eat junk you are undoing all that hard work plus some. Fresh fruits and vegetables should ALWAYS be a main part of every meal. From what I have watched in my beloved food documentaries, eating locally grown meat, chicken and eggs
would be the best option for your health and immune system and the local economy. Try to limit dairy products as they cause mucus and clogged arteries and as always, drinking 6-8 glasses of water will make a world of difference for your health, skin, hair and sleep. If you would like more information on this topic, please contact me at 989-826Have a great month! See you in October!!! - Tappan is the Director/Medicare Counselor of the Oscoda County Council on Aging. She can be reached at 989-826-3025.
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Check that epi-pen; School is underway
Birds change with the seasons Toad's Stool
By Warren Stutesman Hello friends. What a wonderful month this September will be. If it is anything close to the weather of this past summer, then September should be just spectacular. At least in my opinion and hey that's the one I value the most. I would say that the Juncos are back, but they never really left me this year. I have also had Purple Finches right along regular. Maybe not so many as in the winter but still visitors every so often. The Bluebirds that I look for each year have come to visit lately; they left my yard this year in favor of my sisters. I do plan on luring them back though by moving the nesting boxes to a better, sunnier, position in the yard. To many trees close by makes them not inclined to nest there. Between the gophers and chipmunks, I have been live trapping and relocating the little beggars all summer. They can sure move a lot of sunflower seed in a hurry. If I could find where they have it stored, I probably would not need to buy any this coming winter. We have lost three more Oak trees this summer to the Oak wilt. I guess that I am going to have to let even more Poplars grow up to fill in the space that they have left. I have found a tree that I would like to plant but cannot find out what kind it is, the one I have seen is at the YMCA in Saginaw. It has small leaves that are oak like and berries. I was searching on the internet but then it went down and the local provider is ever so slow. I am looking at a month before they even get here to start. Maybe I should ask to talk to the grounds keeper at the “Y” maybe they have a name. Some of you know that my wife, Kim, is the director of the Seventh-
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Day Adventist Community Center in Mio. Well we have been sincerely blessed this year with so many kind donations. This week alone we have received thirty big trash bags of clothing. A lot of it is new with the tags still attached. Our sincere thanks to you all for those kind donations. On top of the clothing we have also been blessed with household items as well. All of this is being passed on at no charge to some very grateful people. I may have finally got the better of some of the Spotted Knapweed. At least it is not flowering right now, and the other flowers are getting a chance to show off their beauty. Mowing, mowing and more mowing has been my method. I may have to resort to an herbicide but really do not wish to. Besides it’s obvious that it will kill non target species; then there are the birds and animals to think of. If anyone has a good method (other than digging) of control for this noxious weed I am very willing to listen. A friend has asked me to write a bit about one of our favorite pests: Gnats or in this case we are specifically talking about the Black Fly, also known as Sand Gnat, Buffalo Gnat and Flying Teeth. These flies hatch and filter feed in water but being away from a source of water does not mean you are safe. The female, which is the one that bites, will fly a long distance to get a meal. Bug spray works well as a repellent but if you miss even a small spot, they will take full advantage of your lapse in protection and swarm to the feast. Fortunately, gnats have a short life span and as they are not great fliers even a light breeze will sweep them out of the air I know that we all want to know a way to just be rid of gnats but the only sure cure I know of is winter. Well that's all I have for this month. Please take care in the woods and waters and please help keep them clean for the rest of us to use as well.
By KEN ELMORE Don’t blink! If you do, you’ll miss the start of the new school year. Amidst the groans of kids and the sighs of relief and silent cheers from moms and dads, it always seems to be upon us before you know it. Of course, with all the last-minute preparations to be made for junior to head out the door, something always gets forgotten at the last minute. One thing we’re hoping you don’t forget is a little at home education about food safety before the kids get on the bus. Food safety is a pretty broad subject so lets just focus on food allergies. Food allergies can present themselves in kids (or any age person for that matter) from minor irritation to life threatening medical emergencies. There are some children that are so sensitive to certain foods or food products that even being in the vicinity can have an adverse reaction. This is why it’s important that the kids know that sharing certain things is not a good idea. True, it’s tough to want to teach your kids to be kind and considerate and at the same time tell them not to share certain things. Oh, the joys of parenthood. Chances are that your child may not be allergic to anything, since according to the Centers for Disease Control, (the CDC), only about 4-6 percent of children are, but that still leaves a few of their classmates vulnerable. That’s why sharing food items, while good intentioned, is a no-no Another concern is the number of affected children has grown by nearly 20% since the year 2000. Why
the numbers are on the increase is subject to speculation, but those same numbers tell an alarming story. To further complicate things, a child may be allergic to nearly anything edible. The medical community has identified eight foods or food groups that account for approximately 90 percent of all serious allergic reactions: Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and crustacean shellfish. I don’t know about you, but such a list does not overwhelm me with confidence that we’ve narrowed things down. More reason to be cautious and vigilant about teaching our kids. There is some good news, however. We’ve had conversations with representatives of several school districts about this topic and received encouraging news. An additional thought to those parents out there that may have a child so sensitive that they may require an EPI pen. The beginning of the school year may be the ideal time to check the date on the pen to make sure that it is not expired. It would also be a good time to go over and review the use of it with your child. Rest assured that emergency personnel are well trained in their use, but if needed, time can be critical. So, folks, as you wave at the departing school bus with an uncontrollable smile on your face, remember, safe food habits on your part will make for a safer school day for all the kids. - Elmore is a Markey Township firefighter. He can be reached at stelmoresfire@charter.net.
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Need a hand with digital promotions?
GAYLORD - Social media, email, video, crowdsourcing, content marketing. On Sept 23, 9 a.m. to noon at the University Center-Gaylord, a workshop will explore these digital marketing tools and how they can be used by nonprofits for fundraising, event promotion or telling their stories. Digital Marketing Specialist Joey DiFranco will lead this 3-hour workshop featuring hands on learning with takeaways for every experience level. This workshop is designed for nonprofits who want to make a greater impact with their marketing. There will be an exercise on Social Media, Email, Video, Crowdsourcing and Content Marketing. Participants will be encouraged to share real world goals and scenarios they may have in order to bring context to the exercises and, upon completion, will be able to reframe marketing campaigns around
an emotional goal, understand the “tools in the toolkit,” look at their marketing from a fresh perspective and understand they are not alone in their efforts. This is an interactive workshop and real world/participant examples will be used as often as possible. Participants will be encouraged to share organizational goals and scenarios to help bring context to the exercises. By the time the course is complete, participants will be able to re-frame marketing campaigns around an emotional goal, understand the “tools in the toolkit,” look at their marketing from a fresh perspective, understand they are not alone in their efforts, and craft an email, make a post and/or shoot a video. Register for this workshop by Sept. 19 at huronpines.org/events. Cost is $25 per person.
District to host 14th expo and auction ROSCOMMON - This annual environmental event is open to the public and admission is FREE. The Expo will be held at the AuSable River Center, downtown Roscommon on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be something for the entire family—Farm Market, train rides by the Historical Model Train Club, AuSable River Center Museum, MI books for sale, native plan sale, along with environmental displays by local units of government, organizations and groups. Fall trees will be distributed for those who pre-ordered. The highlight during the day is a
raffle for your chance to win one or more of many types of nature items. Items to be awarded will be a pickup load of firewood, books, framed prints, handmade crafts and homegrown produce. These drawings will be held at noon 2 p.m.; you need not be present to win. All visitors will be provided with a ballot to vote on the Amateur Photo Contest entries. Amateur photos, taken in Crawford and Roscommon counties, will be on display for the public to vote on. Come and see the beautiful Crawford/Roscommon area on display! A tree seedling will be given to all who attend!
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‘Catch me if you can’ fish adding up HOUGHTON LAKE—Prudenville angler Robert Barney caught a tagged, 17” walleye in Houghton Lake as a part of the 2019-20 Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau’s Catch Us If You Can fishing contest. His catch was verified at contest sponsor Lyman’s on the Lake where he received a $50 gas card for bringing the tag in. Robert had been fishing with his son July 4. They were only fishing for walleye, releasing the rest of the fish caught. “I didn’t notice it (the tag) until
we went to clean the fish,” Robert said. Williamston angler Phil Goetz caught a tagged bass while fishing Houghton Lake, a part of the 201920 Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau’s Catch Us If You Can fishing contest. Goetz was fishing for walleye and bluegill July 5 when he caught the bass. Luckily, he noticed the tag and removed it before releasing the fish. Grand Rapids angler Gerry Pettersch has been fishing Higgins Lake for over 10 years. On Aug. 2 he caught a chance to win $100,000 and a new boat in the 2019-20 Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau’s Catch Us If You Can fishing contest. “I had heard about the contest for years,” Pettersch said. “I never really thought ‘I’m going out to catch a tagged fish.’ I call it my bonus fish!” His 23 ½”, 4-pound 2-ounce lake trout was verified at contest sponsor Lyman’s on the Lake where he received a $50 gas card for bringing the fish in. The fishermen are now contestants in an April 2020 grand prize drawing at Spicer’s Boat City. The grand prize for adult anglers is $100,000 and Lund boat from Spicer’s. There is a guaranteed major prize of $1000 cash. The second place prize is a Mark
Gerry Pettersch with his tagged Lake Trout caught out of Higgins Lake, Roscommon County. His catch has entered him in the Catch Us If You Can fishing contest sponsored by the Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau. Below: Robert Barney is pictured Martin Ice Fishing School valued at with his 17” walleye he caught in the $500. Catch Us If You Can fishing contest. Youth anglers (17 and under) catching a tagged fish are eligible to win a $250 cash prize and a new kayak. More than 100 tagged fish are swimming in Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, and Lake St. Helen. Anglers can bring their tagged fish in for verification at Lyman’s on the Lake in Houghton Lake, Korbinski’s Marine in Prudenville; or Trail’s End Motel in St. Helen. The contest is year-around, ending on March 15 each year, and beginning again March 16. For more information on the contest, please contact the HLATB office at 1-989-422-2002, 1-800-676-5330 or email info@visithoughtonlake.com. Contest rules are found on www.visithoughtonlake.com.
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September 2019
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Kirtlands warbler population healthy MIO — One of America’s greatest conservation success stories continued this summer with the Huron-Manistee National Forests’ 2019 Kirtland’s warbler census. Earlier this summer, Forest Service staff, partners and volunteers counted 1,023 singing male warblers in Michigan’s Huron National Forest, marking the third consecutive census in which more than 1,000 singing males were identified. The tally represents more than 40 percent of the total population of male Kirtland’s warblers. “The count was down slightly from 2017, but that may have been because of the rain,” said HuronManistee National Forests Biologist Phil Huber. “Overall, the figure indicates a healthy population.” Thirty years ago, the Kirtland’s warbler was on the brink of extinction. Human efforts to suppress
wildfires resulted in substantial habitat loss; the warbler nests exclusively in young jack pine forests that require fire to regenerate. Meanwhile, warbler nests were ravaged by the brown-headed cowbird, a brood parasite that manipulates other species into rearing its young at the expense of their own. In response, the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other partners formed the Kirtland’s Warbler Recovery Team. Since rebranded as a “conservation team,” the group has been so successful that the Kirtland’s warbler is under consideration for removal from the federal endangered species list. “Every species is important,” said Mio District Wildlife Biologist Kim Piccolo. “The conservation team is setting up a model for other conser-
vation-reliant species.” The Kirtland’s warbler census is an integral part of the conservation team’s efforts. Initiated in 1951, the census was conducted annually each June between 1971 and 2017, when it was moved to a biennial schedule. At the beginning of each census, the Forest Service draws parallel lines called transects at quarter-mile intervals throughout Kirtland’s warbler nesting habitat. Each census taker walks at least two miles of transects per day. This year’s census takers covered more than 23,000 acres over an eight-day period. Weighing just half an ounce, the steel blue and yellow Kirtland’s warbler can be difficult to spot, even for experienced birders. Census takers therefore stop for five minutes every two hundred meters to listen for the warbler’s distinct song. Upon hearing a warbler, census takers use a compass bearing to plot
the bird’s probable location on a map. Census takers compare their results at the end of each day to eliminate duplicates. Huber and Piccolo encourage new volunteers, particularly those with birding or orienteering experience. Prospective volunteers should be capable of walking several miles over rough terrain and must be prepared to contribute to census efforts for a minimum of five years. Guided tours of Kirtland’s warbler habitat are a less intensive way to get involved. The Mio Ranger District offers such tours annually between May 15 and 31. More information can be obtained at www.fs.usda.gov/ hmnf or by e-mailing SM.FS.MioKWTours@usda.gov. “Just spreading the word and teaching others about the Kirtland’s warbler is really important,” said Piccolo. “There is value in not losing parts of our forest.”
CANADIAN FALLS – Mike Shearer of Grayling hosts several foreign exchange students each year. Shearer (center) is pictured with Ivan Pejovic of Montenegro (left) and Leo Gomes of Brazil, on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
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Kneeland Street was filled with inflatables, facepainting, vendors and more for the 2019 Timberfest held in Lewiston.
Lewiston Timberfest a splitting good time
By Theresa Ekdom LEWISTON –Timberfest was held Aug. 9 and 10 in downtown Lewiston. Kneeland Street was closed, allowing inflatables and vendors to be set up. Live music, arts and crafts, face painting, and other activities kept kids and adults entertained the two days. Timberfest is held annually on the second weekend in August. For more information, contact the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce. Below: Inflatable bumper cars were a big hit at Timberfest.
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Pictured (l-r) are Kimberly Stutesman, Joann Bolda, Nora Lynden and John Ledl.
Churches donate to local pantry OSCODA COUNTY - The “Together We Can” food pantry in Oscoda County has received a sizable donation from the Mio Seventh-Day Adventist Church recently. This money will make sure that 200 plus households will receive a food box in the upcoming month. The “Together We Can” food pantry started around 2001 and has been an important part of the community’s monthly food supply. The Pantry is located on the Oscoda County Fairgrounds where they keep and maintain their own building. With an average of 20-25 volunteers each month, there is still a need for more help. Especially needed are those with strong backs that can help by carrying the boxes out to the cars. This is a monthly food pantry and in June this year 403 individuals from 192 households were helped. With a truckload costing $1200, June’s truck had 16,555 pounds of food which brings the cost of that food down to about seven cents per pound. While the food trucks cost about $1,200, there are also some other expenses that need covered such as cleaning supplies, office supplies and gas for the heat. A lot of these expenses are met out of pocket by the
board of directors. The only criteria needed to receive a food box is that you live in Oscoda County and have a need for help. As Norma Lyden said “We are not here to judge if you need help that's the decision for you to make. We are here to help”. Upcoming dates for food deliveries are Sept. 19, Oct. 24, Nov. 21, Dec. 19 and Jan. 23, 2020. Times for pick up are from noon to 3 p.m. There is also some fresh produce available Sept. 28 and Oct. 19. Pick up times for the fresh vegetables are from 9 a.m. to noon. If you can help physically or monetarily, call Norma Lyden at 989889-4512. Donations are always needed for the Pantry to keep it moving forward. Family Fare sales slips are a great way to show support so bring them in to the fairgrounds or call Norma to drop them elsewhere. Norma Lyden and Joann Bolda on behalf of the whole board wish to thank all the volunteers for their selfless work and a thank you to everyone for the donations of money. They wish to say, “God Bless You.”
Credit union offers scholarship NORTHEAST MICHIGAN - Scholarship Applications are available beginning Sept0 1 for members of North Central Area Credit Union who are working on their college degree or vocational-technical school certificate. NCACU will award up to $3,000 in scholarship(s) to member(s) in good standing who have completed at least 24 credit hours in their college program and are actively involved in community service through volunteer opportunities. Part of the mission of NCACU
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is to provide affordable, high quality, complete financial services to our members and the scholarship is a great way to do that. “As an organization, we value education and community service, so this scholarship is a great way to reward those values in our membership, and when you are paying for college every dollar counts,” said Jacci Pothoof, NCACU President and CEO. Applications are available in the branches or online at www.NCACU. org. Applications must be received no later than Oct. 31.
SKIDWAY CLEANUP – A group of volunteers stepped up recently to clean up the boardwalk and Skidway Beach in Mills Township recently. Pictured (l-r) are Juston Rhoten, Oliver Combo, Rebekah Combo, Ron Comby and, April Mason. ~ Photo courtesy of Dave Ryan
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Farmfest 201
Most of the musicians were able to play multiple instruments, including this guitarist who also played harmonica. Farmfest is also a place for old friends to catch up after time apart.
Groups of people sat in front of the main stage,
Farmfest appeals to a wide variety of music af
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19 a success!
, located at the bottom of a steep hill.
ficionados.
Farmfest 2019 was held the second week of August in Johannesburg at the working farm of Stacey Jo Schiller. The weekend event featured vendors, kids’ games and multiple musicians across three stages in a casual, upbeat and family focused atmosphere.
~ Photos by Mark Constance
This musician put on an outstanding performance, playing solo as listeners sat on straw bales. Lighted pathways around the grounds were decorated with cairns and flowers.
People used their cameras to record the weekend’s events.
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Pictured (l-r) are Roscommon High School Principal M.J. Ewald, Ryan Sherman and COOR Board President Robert Balsley.
Spaulding award winner announced
NORTHEAST MICHIGAN – Roscommon High School (RHS) Teacher Ryan Sherman the 2019 Lyle Spalding Award for Leadership in Educational Technology on Aug. 14. He was nominated by Principal M.J. Ewald. Lyle Spalding is a previous Superintendent of COOR ISD. This annual award recognizes a COOR-area educator for their contributions to student learning through their innovative use of educational technology. Local district administrators were asked to submit recommendations from throughout our four counties. “In his two years with us, Ryan has taught Algebra I, Algebra I 8, Math 8, SAT Prep, Accounting, and Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles. When I broached the
Weird but true
• There is enough DNA in the average person’s body to stretch from the sun to Pluto and back – 17 times. • The average human body carries ten times more bacterial cells than human cells. • In an entire lifetime, the average person walks the equivalent of five times around the world. • The ears of a cricket are located on the front legs, just below the knee.
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subject of teaching AP Comp Sci, Ryan did not hesitate to take on this challenge. He attended the CODE. ORG training last summer and brought back a wealth of information that he's employed in his classes. Ryan is attentive to student needs and pushes them to excel.” Ewald went on to add, “Sherman has, quite simply, jumped in with both feet. He has a fantastic work ethic and continues to grow in his craft. “
Lean Cuisine
5 Tips for a Tasty Tailgate (Family Features) Casual and diehard sports fans alike can all agree one of the best parts of game day is the tailgate. Whether you’re heading to the game to take part in the action or tuning in on the big screen, you can light up the scoreboard this season with these tips for a fun, easy and downright tasty tailgate (or homegate). Start early. There’s likely no easier way to send a tailgate spiraling out of control than to get a late start, which puts the party in a rush ahead of game time. Prepare early, and if you’re heading to the stadium, leave yourself plenty of time to find the ultimate parking spot, light the grill and enjoy the atmosphere. Keep it simple. A true tailgate experience starts with flavorful foods fit for a crowd, which calls for ready-to-go ingredients like Eckrich Smoked Sausage, crafted with just the right blend of spices for a rich,
savory and smoky taste. Because it’s pre-cooked, just heat it up and pair with other simple ingredients, such as a hoagie bun and some peppers for an easy Grilled Smoked Sausage and Pepper Hoagies. Share the responsibility. Preparing shouldn’t fall on one person’s shoulders. Instead, ask each attendee to bring something useful for the entire group, such as plasticware, trash bags, napkins, cups, drinks and games. Make it customizable. Especially if you’re bringing a large group, creating a spread that allows for personalization can help ensure everyone leaves happy. Ensure an easy cleanup. When the tailgate is winding down and the game is about to start, it’s almost inevitable there’ll be a rush to pack up and head to the stadium (or the couch). Make things simpler and quicker by using disposable
plasticware, plates and cups, and strategically placing trash bags in easily visible areas for everyone to clean up as the party continues, rather than scrambling to pick everything up at once. For more recipe ideas and tailgating inspiration, visit eckrich.com. Grilled Smoked Sausage and Pepper Hoagies Cook time: 22 minutes Servings: 4 • 1 package Eckrich Smoked Sausage • 1 red or green bell pepper, halved and seeded • 4 slices (1/2-inch thick) large red onion • 1/4 cup bottled hickory or spicy barbecue sauce
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• 4 hoagie rolls or 8-inch French bread rolls, split Heat grill to medium-high heat and oil cooking grates. Cut each sausage link in half crosswise. Grill sausage, peppers and onions, covered, 5 minutes. Turn; continue grilling, covered, 5 minutes, or until sausage is heated through and vegetables are crisp-tender. Brush barbecue sauce over both sides of sausage and vegetables. Arrange rolls, cut-sides down, around edges of grill. Continue grilling, covered, 2 minutes, or until rolls are lightly toasted. Cut bell peppers into strips; separate onion slices into rings. Serve sausage and vegetables in rolls. #14819; Source: Eckrich
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A team of grill masters flip over the chickens.
MARKEY CHICKEN DINNER – The Markey Township Fire Department held its annual chicken dinner Aug. 17. The event is a fundraiser to help with the purchase of new equipment, as well as the overall operation of the department. ~ Photos by Tracy Constance
There were several demonstrations and tours directed by Markey Fire Department personnel.
Volunteers are lined up to serve dinners.
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HELPING OUT – Dale Malinowski of Roscommon recently helped pull weeds in the village. ~Courtesy photo
Grayling Sportsman’s Club news GRAYLING – The Fall calendar is filling up at the Grayling Sportsman’s Club. New members include: Jason Hall Larry Katzur, Tony Bondie, David Stevens, Gary Feeney, James Reed, Greg Brake, Jim Birgy, Uriah & Christian Presser, Stephen Saylor, Mickey McDonnell, Ed Baudoux, Leo Goodyear, Thomas & Fay
Blastic, Joe Marion, Karl & Kate DeVries, Joe Prosser, Lisa Coleman, Grant Thomas, Ernest McMillan, John Slagle, Charlene Mathews and Ray Basile. Upcoming events: • Hunter Safety Class will take place on Wednesday September 25 at 6 P.M. and on Saturday Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. Wednesday night will be classroom work with discussion of hunter ethics, and hunting skills. Saturday will be a field day where students will be using firearms and archery equipment and simulating hunting scenarios. The classes will be led by experienced hunters and conservation officers. Students will be shooting .22 rifles, crossbows, black powder rifles and shotguns. The class will be free to all those interested in hunting. For more information or registration contact Jim Smith at 989-348-1202. Dues Status: Dues are $55 a year. Membership is $55, If a new member joins after Oct. 1 their new membership includes three months free, plus the next year. A member paying dues in June for the current year. pays the same as the member that payed in January.
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New commander at Houghton Lake MSP
HOUGHTON LAKE - The Michigan State Police are proud to announce the promotion of Spl/ Lt. Travis House to the rank of First Lieutenant, and his assignment to the Houghton Lake Post to fill the post commander position recently vacated by F/Lt. Joshua Lator. As a post commander, House will be responsible for the operation of the Houghton Lake Post and the Kalkaska Detachment, and will manage the delivery of Michigan State Police services to the people of Crawford, Kalkaska, Missaukee, and Roscommon counties. House enlisted with the department in 1998 and graduated as a member of the 116th Trooper Recruit School. In his 21-year career, House has previously served at the former Reed City Post, the Cadillac Post and the Seventh District Headquarters, and has held the ranks of trooper, sergeant, detective sergeant, and specialist lieutenant. House graduated from Mesick High School and holds an associate degree from Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. He is currently the seventh district public information officer. When asked about his assignment to the Houghton Lake Post, House said, “I’m honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve northern Michigan
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alongside the dedicated men and women who work at the Houghton Lake Post. It will be our mission to continue delivering top-shelf public law-enforcement through our commitment to service and collaboration with the many other dedicated law-enforcement and public service agencies in the area.” The promotion is effective immediately.
Send your photos, announcements and club events to: info@UpNorthVoice.com
Concerned about our environment? GRAYLING - If you are interested in Michigan's natural communities, current conservation issues, outdoor recreation, nature study, natural area management, natural waterway monitoring and habitat restoration, and other topics related to natural resources, the Michigan State University Extension Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) might be of interest to you.
FARM VISITS – MSU Extension recently held its First Friday Farm & Ag Product Tour. The Roscommon group visited Brindley Dairy and Blueberry Hill in Ogemaw County. The next free tour is Sept. 6 and will visit Levi's Training & Boarding Center and Zettle Farms & Orchard, both located near West Branch. ~ Photo courtesy of Ian Sawyer
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Spl/Lt. Travis House
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The MSU Extension CSP is a volunteer leader training program for those who are enthusiastic about learning science-based ecosystem management principles and sharing this knowledge with others to help improve Michigan communities. Through participation in this program, you will learn essential strategies to help restore and conserve ecosystems in throughout Northern Michigan. Becoming a Conservation Steward involves classroom and field-based training led by experts in various fields of conservation and natural resources, including lectures, interactive learning and field experiences. Self-paced online learning modules and volunteer service in the form of an in-class capstone project and community service related to restoring and conserving Michigan’s ecosystems are also part of the program. Throughout the course participants will visit ecologically diverse locations that highlight the natural ecosystems of northern Michigan. Tuesday evening class sessions will be held at Kirtland Community College’s Grayling campus. Program Registration Fee is $250. Register online at https://www. canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/ or call Julie Crick, MSU Extension Natural Resources Educator, at 989-275-7179.
One of the instructors shows a student how to handle a crossbow.
HUNTER’S SAFETY – Volunteers from Roscommon Baptist Church recently held a hunter’s safety course, which included both class and live fire training.
A group of young men wait their turn for the crossbow certification.
~ Photos by Mark Constance
Mackenzie Helsel, left, fired a .22 caliber, bolt action rifle as part her live fire certification.
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