Weekly Choice - April 26, 2012

8/2/2019 Weekly Choice - April 26, 2012

1/20

FREE

112 E. Sixth St., PO Box 382, Gaylord, MI 49734 www.WeeklyChoice.com (989) 732-8160

Weekly ChoiceA ChoiceChoicePublication

The NehemiahProject, a spiritu-ally based commu-nity homeless facility inPetoskey that has been inexistence since 1988.Courtesy Photo

HIDDEN TREASURES

A-2-Z Resale is

located at 1829

Old 27 South (S.Otsego Avenue) in Gaylord.

The store is open from 9 amto 6 pm, seven days a week

all year long with the excep-

tion of holidays. Photo byJim Akans

NehemiahProject

Positive News,

Sports andEvents

20/20 PROJECT

Thursday, April 26, 2012

& More!

Covering 40 Towns in Northern Michigan including Gaylord, Petoskey,

Cheboygan, Grayling, Lewiston, Mancelona, Mio, Indian River and surrounding area.

A2Z Resale

By Jim Akans

It has been just over five years since

the tragic day in early January of 2007

when Tom Babb shot and killed his wife

of seven years, Mary Babb, in the park-

ing lot in front of her workplace at the

By Jeff Baragrey

With over 2,000 people

chanting Save Our

Hospital, Reezie Devet,

CEO of McLaren Northern

Michigan got on stage and

announced the organiza-

tion and CMS have come to

an agreement with plans to

re-open the emergency and

ambulatory services as soon

as possible. The final stepswill be completed by the

end of this week.

The massive gathering

event that took place on

Monday, April 23rd, was

sponsored by a group of

community members and

was held in the front of the

Cheboygan Memorial

Hospital. The community

has been devastated since

SEE HOSPITAL PAGE 4A

Coping with loss;

a crime victimspersonal journey

Paula Andersen shares thoughts on livingthrough the heartache five years after the

murder of her niece; Mary Babb

DontmisstheNorthernMichigan

WeddingEXPO at

BoyneMountainMay20.Visit withNorth

ernMichiganstop

placesforWeddingGowns, Venues,Cat

erers,Music,Enter-

tainment,Photographers,Wedding Ca

kes,Honeymoons,

Jewelers,Florists,HairStylistsandmor

e. Plus...HaveA

ChancetoWinThousandsofdollarsi

nDoorPrizesand

Giveaways.

Admissionisfreebut

registrationisrequired

BRIDESTOBE CAN PREREGIST

ERONLINE AT

WWW.WEEKLYCHO

ICE.COM

SPONSOREDBY THEWEE

KLY CHOICE &BOYNE RESORTS

STORY

PAGE 10

By Jim Akans

Yard clean up is a sure signthat spring has arrived. One ofthe most expansive public yardsin Otsego County, encompass-

ing approximately 27 acres with

80 campsites, is the beautifulOtsego Lake County Park, locat-ed on West Otsego Lake Drive.

In return for a little help get-ting this gorgeous park ready for

the upcoming summer, theOtsego County Parks andRecreation department is

offering a Free CampingWeekend at the park fromFriday, May 4th through

Inside...

SEE COPING WITH LOSS PAGE 4A

STORY

PAGE 12

Over 2,000 attend Save Our Hospitalgathering in Cheboygan on Monday

GAYLORD

1390 Main St. West

989-732-8200

In return for a little help getting the park ready for the

upcoming summer, Otsego County Parks and

Recreation is offering a Free Camping Weekend at

Otsego Lake County Park from Friday, May 4th through

Sunday afternoon, May 6th.

The week of April

22nd through the

28th is designat-

ed as National

Crime Victims

Rights Week.Paula Andersen,

whos niece,

Mary Babb, was

shot and killed by

her husband Tom

in January of

2007, spoke at a

conference in

Gaylord earlier

this year about coping with life as a co-victim of an act of homicide.

SEE CAMP FOR FREE PAGE 4A

A massive gathering of over 2000 people took place in front of the Cheboygan Memorial Hospital on Monday, April

23rd. The event, which was sponsored by a group of community members, was in response to the closing of the

hospital on April 3rd.

Photo by Jim akans

989-705-7005

Store Hours

Mon. - Sat. 12 p.m. - 8 p.mSunday Race Day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Performance Raceway & Hobbies

Boats, Planes, Cars, Trucks & Helicopters Under NewOwnership!

180 Fairview, Gaylord, MI 49735Across from Fairgrounds Entranceemail: [email protected]

Camp for free next

Weekend at OtsegoLake County Park

Its All About People!

Photo by Jeff baragrey

!

"

"

If your business would like to have a

display contact Dave Baragrey,

[email protected]

or call 989-732-8160.Sponsoredby the Weekly Choice andBOYNE


2/20


3/20

CALL (989) 732-8160 FAX (888) 854-7441

EMAIL [email protected] NEWS FROM NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Local NewsThursday, April 26, 2012 Lcal News Line (989) 732-8160

April 26, 2012 Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! Page 3

WEATHER:

ThursdayHigh 52 Low 36

FridayHigh 51 Low 31

SaturdayHigh 51 Low 34

SundayHigh 49 Low 32

MondayHigh 52 Low 38

TuesdayHigh 60 Low 43

RECORD TEMPERATURESApril Sunrise Sunset Avg. High Avg. Low Mean Record High Record Low

25 6:38 AM 8:36 PM 58F 33F 46F 85F (1990) 18F (1967)

26 6:36 AM 8:38 PM 59F 34F 46F 85F (1962) 22F (1958)

27 6:34 AM 8:39 PM 59F 34F 47F 84F (1986) 20F (1982)

28 6:33 AM 8:40 PM 60F 34F 47F 83F (1986) 20F (1998)

29 6:31 AM 8:41 PM 60F 35F 48F 86F (1970) 21F (1979)

30 6:30 AM 8:43 PM 61F 35F 48F 85F (1970) 22F (1958)

May

1 6:28 AM 8:44 PM 61F 36F 48F 82F (1952) 22F (1961)

2 6:27 AM 8:45 PM 62F 36F 49F 85F (1959) 20F (1966)

3 6:25 AM 8:46 PM 62F 36F 49F 87F (1955) 23F (1967)

4 6:24 AM 8:48 PM 63F 37F 50F 85F (1955) 19F (2005)

5 6:22 AM 8:49 PM 63F 37F 50F 85F (1959) 22F (1979)

6 6:21 AM 8:50 PM 64F 37F 51F 87F (1959) 23F (1954)

G A Y L O R D

2010 Amount 2011 Amount 2011-12 Amount

Atlanta 4/30/2010 33.1 4/25/2011 65.1 4/23/2012 59.5

Charlevoix 4/30/2010 75.8 4/25/2011 86.2 4/23/2012 47.4

East Jordan 4/30/2010 80.1 4/25/2011 104.4 4/23/2012 72.2

Gaylord 4/30/2010 81.1 4/25/2011 123.6 4/23/2012 103.1

Mio 4/30/2010 25.6 4/25/2011 63.8 4/23/2012 50.2

Onaway 4/30/2010 67.3 4/25/2011 72.8 4/23/2012 68.6

Petoskey 4/30/2010 84 4/25/2011 95.7 4/23/2012 73.8

Snowfall

totals

Photos by Jim Akans

The annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards washeld this past Saturday evening, April 21st, at theKnights of Columbus Hall in Gaylord. Well over100 attendees celebrated the recognition of localvolunteers in six categories, enjoyed a wonderfulmeal, and provided donations through a deliciousdesert auction and a silent auction to help contin-ue the community-oriented mission of the

Volunteer Center of Otsego County. Rosie Warner

emceed the event, which took place on a gorgeousspring evening perfectly reflecting the bright andcelebratory spirit inside the hall.

This years award winners were;

- Senior Category; Bev Robinson.- Adult Category; Anita Wadsworth.- Youth Category; Taylor Rabineau.- Family Category; Rudi and Sandi Edel.- Service Club/Organization Category; American

Association of University Women (AAUW).- Business Category; Gaylord Eye Care.

Congratulations to all of this years award win-ners and nominees. Your dedication and contri-butions toward making the Otsego County area abetter place to live, work and play are greatlyappreciated!

This spring, most Otsego County and surrounding countyresidents will likely see less of the those bothersome leaf-eat-ing forest insects as compared to the previous years butsome small, scattered areas may still be effected. In an effortto better prepare residents for gypsy moth caterpillars andother developing pest problems, MSU Extension will beoffering free educational programs on Forest Health over thenext few months.

The first program will be held on Wednesday, May 16th

from 6:30 8:30 p.m. at the Otsego Lake Township Hall,10499 Old 27 South, Waters. Russell Kidd, ExtensionForestry Educator for MSU Extension will be the primaryprogram presenter. A second program covering the sameinformation will be held on Thursday, June 14th in the AlpineCenters Multi-Purpose Room; 800 Livingston Blvd., startingat 6:30 p.m.

At these programs, information on the current status onthe populations of the Tent Caterpillars and Gypsy Moth willbe presented. Options for both chemical pesticide and non-pesticide methods of insect management will be discussedalong with the life cycle and insect identification characteris-tics of each of these insects. In addition, updates on othercurrent forest pest problems that are becoming more notice-able such as Emerald Ash Borer and Beech Bark Disease willalso be presented.

Many people are confused by which of these forest pests

they have on their property and whether they really need to

do anything to control them, states Kidd. Native insects

such as Eastern and Forest Tent Caterpillars have natural

controls that eventually cause populations to crash. In most

areas of the Northern Lower Peninsula in 2011, we saw that

those pesky tent caterpillar populations were finally crash-

ing. Populations should now remain at lower levels for sev-

eral years before rebounding again. But as these populations

subside, there is still some concern for gypsy moth and

newer pest problems such as Emerald Ash Borer, Oak Wilt

and Beech Bark Disease are becoming more noticeable.

Information on these newer pests will be presented at these

upcoming programs as well, says Kidd.

While there is no registration fee for these programs, MSU

Extension is asking people to pre-register by calling the

Otsego County office at 989-731-0272 or via email at

[email protected]. This will help in arranging for handout

materials. If you have any other questions about these pro-

grams, contact the Otsego County MSUE office Monday

through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Fridays

between 8:00 a.m. - noon.

Community Volunteers Honored at2012 Spirit Awards Event

Forest Health Program to bepresented

Well over 100 attendees celebrated the recognition of local volunteers at the annual Spiritof Volunteerism Awards, held this past Saturday evening, April 21st, at the Knights of

Columbus Hall in Gaylord.

Published Weekly on Thursday.Afton, Alanson, Alba, Atlanta, Black Lake, Bliss, Brutus, Burt Lake, Carp Lake,

Cheboygan, Comins, Conway, Cross Village, Elmira, Fairview, Frederic, Gaylord,

Good Hart, Grayling, Harbor Point, Indian River, Johannesburg, Lakes of the

North, Levering, Lewiston, Lovells, Luzerne, Mackinaw City, Mancelona, Mio,

Oden, Onaway, Pellston, Petoskey, Topinabee, Tower, Vanderbilt, Vienna Corners,

Waters, Wolverine

Deadline Monday Noon.

Place Classified ads on-line at

www.WeeklyChoice.com20 cents/word, $2 minimum.

Notice to Readers: Typically, most advertising is honest and clear about special offers, however, pleasebe sure to read the contents thoroughly to avoid misrepresentation. Choice Publications does not war-ranty the accuracy or reliability of content and does not accept any liability for injuries or damagescaused to the reader or advertiser that may result from content contained in this publication. Errors in

advertising should be reported immediately. Damage fromerrors will not exceed the cost of the advertisement for oneissue. Choice Publication employees and family membersand listed advertisers employees and family members arenot eligible to win. Choice Publications reserves the right topublish or refuse ads at their discretion.

IFPA AWARDWINNING PAPER!

Associationof Free CommunityPapers

Published by:

Choice Publications, Inc.112 East Sixth Street, PO Box 382, Gaylord, MI 49734-0382

Phone: 989-732-8160 Fax: 888-854-7441

Publisher:

Dave Baragrey [email protected]

General Manager:

Dave Baragrey [email protected] Phone: 989-350-9233

Web Master:

Chad [email protected]

Sports Editor:

Mike [email protected]:

Jeff [email protected]

News Editor:

Jim [email protected]

SALES:

Phone: 989-732-8160

Terry [email protected]

Charles [email protected]

Joan [email protected]

Sharon [email protected]

Cindy [email protected]

Trees Down in Your Yard? Call Shawn Thomas Today

Award winners, Back row (l to r); AAUW; Denise Fernandes,Margo Noss, Jessica Kane, Ashley Hinton, Gaylord Eye Care;

Cammie Knopp and MeLissa Olson. Front Row; Bev Robinson,Anita Wadsworth, Taylor Rabineau, Sandi Edel, and Stephanie

Warner and Tammie Warren of Gaylord Eye Care.

Honorable Mentions for this years awards were; l to r: CindyFiser, Vickey Rigney, Kylynn Siminske, Gabby Stuart, Harrison

Quall, Garry Freeland, Diana Weier, Tim Weier, MasonBuckingham and Robby Heska.


4/20

Page 4 Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! April 26, 2012

LOCAL NEWSOn-line at www.weeklychoice.com

Hospital Continued...the closing of the hospital on April 3rd. Many

people have already left town due to illness,

pregnancy, precautionary reasons, and lack

of jobs; not only at the hospital, but down-

town businesses have been closing as well.

In just twenty days, the domino effect has

been crippling to the city of Cheboygan.

People such as Dick Cartmill moved up

here from the Waterford area for retirement

just six months ago, the Hospital was one of

the main reasons he chose this area. He put

the finishing touches on his brand new

house just last month, only to find that the

only health care facility located within 45

minutes had closed.

He was ready to move again until this

recent news came to light. If he feels that he

is in good hands here, he may stay, if not, he

wont hesitate to relocate. Its likely most of

us do the same thing if we were in his shoes.

Dale Weirsum and Jack Kosnick are retired

vets living in Cheboygan. They were per-

turbed by the fact that McLaren denied a V.A.

clinic in Cheboygan last year. Though the

clinic was built in Mackinac City, they are

convinced this closing never would have

happened if the clinic were built in

Cheboygan instead of Mackinac.

Ron Fish of Cheboygan, who attended the

rally along with his wife Brenda and friend

Clarence Aubert, was supposed to get a CT

scan the day the hospital closed, but has

since had to travel to Gaylord multiple times

per week. As one could imagine, the extra

travel has taken his comfort away.

These are just a few examples of how the

Cheboygan community has been affected by

the hospital closing. The community as a

whole feels they have been betrayed, but

there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Though it may be dim, just a little light can

save many lives.

Camp for Free continued...

Coping with Loss continued...

Sunday afternoon, May 6th. This is a great

opportunity for area residents and northern

travelers to spend a spring weekend airing

out their gear, enjoying the spectacular

lakeside park setting, and get a little exer-

cise cleaning up their camp site of debris

accumulated during the long winter.

Campers may actually arrive at the park

starting on Wednesday, May 2nd, and stay

until the afternoon of the 6th at no charge,

notes Mike Tarbutton, Otsego County Parks

& Recreation Director. If they stay Sunday

night, they will be charged regular camping

rates, which are $25 per night for a non resi-

dent, and $23 for an Otsego County resi-

dent.

Park Rangers will be at the campground

to assist, and while reservations are not

accepted for this particular weekend,

campers must still register their sites at the

Ranger Station upon arrival. The Parks

Department will even provide a hot dog

cookout lunch for campers on Saturday. All

they ask is that campers bring a rake and

clean up the site they are spending an oth-

erwise relaxing weekend on. All camping

facilities will be open except the boat

launch.

Mike Tarbutton observes, Its a great

chance for people in the area to take the

camper and equipment out of hibernation

and make sure everything is working with-

out going too far from home. Just bring

along a rake and camp for free. We get a lot

of help over the weekend cleaning up park

and we really appreciate it.

Otsego Lake County Park is located off W.

Otsego Lake Drive just a few miles south

and west of Dickerson Road. Highlights

during the regular camping season include

several picnic areas, shower facilities, play-

ground, volleyball and basketball courts,

horseshoe pits fire pits on all sites, 120/220

volt electricity, flush and fill station, a boat

launch and wireless internet service.

For additional information, visit

www.otsegocountyparksrec.com

Morning Sun newspaper in Mt. Pleasant. It

was a single, horrible and senseless act of

domestic violence that in seconds left the

couples young son, Sam, without loving par-

ents to raise him, family and friends without

the beautiful, witty, and gifted young woman

of just 30 years of age to love and grow with,

and a sometimes personable, though trou-

bled alcoholic father and estranged husband

incarcerated for perhaps the rest of his days.

Paula Andersen, Mary Babbs aunt, visited

the Gaylord area, where Mary and Tom lived,

for a conference earlier this year to speak

about coping with life as a co-victim of an

act of homicide, and we sat down prior to

her address to talk about dealing with lifeafter the murder of her niece a half decade

later.

Mary and I were so close, Paula immedi-

ately revealed, and she was a joy from the

day she was born. She was both the daugh-

ter I never had, and my friend. Violence had

never been a part of my life before this hap-

pened. Marys murder broke me; my spirit,

beliefsshattering everything I thought I

knew into a zillion pieces. Sam, who was

just three years old at that time, kept us all

going; family and friends, and that gave us

all a purpose to see this horrible, unthink-

able tragedy through.

Mary and Tom Babbs story, unfortunately,

follows an all too common scenario in

extreme domestic violence cases. Paulaspent countless hours after Marys murder

channeling her grief into research, and

among her early discoveries was a statistic

that an average of three women in the U.S.

are killed each day by an intimate partner,

and that Mary was one of approximately 50

women in Michigan who died in 2007 at the

hands of men who claimed to love them.

Paula notes that the year following Marys

passing was a Year of firsts, beginning with

family members exposure to the legal

process.

She recalls, Some family members were

there for all of it, from the beginning, start-

ing with the arraignment. I did not want to

face any of it, couldn't, and especially Tom

and having his lawyer try to somehow excuse

his actions. Mary's murder took place in

broad daylight and in front of witnesses so

there was never any doubt that Tom had

murdered her. I did not plan on attending

any of it, until Larry Burdick (Isabella County

Prosecutor) said he needed the family pres-

ence there. If they needed me then I guess

somehow I was going to do it. And I did.

Tom Babb, who never demonstrated a

sense of remorse over the murder of his wife,

was eventually sentenced to serve 52 to 77

years in prison for his crime, over a process

that lasted nearly two years. In the mean-

time, friends and family members facedwhat was perhaps the most dreaded event in

their year of firsts.

After making it through the Year of Firsts,

Paula relates, it was now time to face the

first anniversary of her death. Life still stops

for me as the anniversary approaches and

when the day arrives, no matter what you do,

you can't stop reliving the day. Hopefully

that will get better one day. It's been over

five years so I don't know...

Her advice for others who are trying to

manage life after becoming the co-victim of

a crime against someone they know and

love:

- No matter how horrible and negative

everything is, there is still some good to find

to hold on to help you though this night-

mare. You can and will get through this eventhough it feels impossible.

- Take each day one day at a time dont

look at everything on the horizon that has to

be faced. Each step you take accomplishes

just a little more strength to face the next. It

is amazing what you are able to accomplish

when you make up your mind you are going

to do it.

- Allow yourself to grieve and dont think

there is something wrong with you because

your pain is so excruciating and that others

think you should be able to get over it. When

your heart is filled with pain and sorrow,embrace it, and then walk through it.

- Find some purpose for your grief and so

some good for the greater good. The project

for Sammy (a three-part book/project that

began shortly after Mary died) kept me going

through the hardest times in the beginning.

Editors note; Legislative efforts also resulted

in the enactment of House Bill No. 4453,

known as Marys Law, which provides for the

use of GPS devices for abusers in domestic

violence cases, alerting the victims pager

when the abuser enters any established

safety zone.

- Remember to b-r-e-a-t-h-e (Paula credits

yoga and meditation for helping her through

the process). Stay focused on the positive to

help you through the hard times.

Another factor that needs to be addressedis stress, Paula observes, and the effects it

can have on your health even when you real-

ly believe you are working at it and handling

it. At times, the stress level was over the top.

I made a conscious effort to work at han-

dling my stress, and doing all the things they

recommend, from yoga and meditation to

writing and the Sammy Project. (Andersens

well written and heart touching account of

her experience, Remembering Mary, was

published in an essay collection entitled

When One Door Closes Reflections from

Women on Lifes Turning Points).

Mary Babbs life deeply touched and

enriched the lives of her family and count-

less friends, and has raised the awareness of

domestic violence issues across the nation

over the five-plus years since her tragic mur-

der in January of 2007. During this weekwhich is being recognized National Crime

Victims Rights Week, may Paulas thoughts

and Marys memory inspire, comfort and

perhaps even prevent the occurrence of

domestic violence homicide in years to

come.

In regards to coping with her grief, Paula

Andersen reflects upon a timeless verse

known as the Serenity Prayer:

God, give us grace to accept with serenity

the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things

which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish

the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the

next.

Amen.

A website, Marys Dream; Living without

fear can be visited at www.marys-

dream2008.org. For additional informationabout National Crime Victims Rights Week

and the Victims of Crime Act, visit

http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw.

Among the attendees at Mondays rally were Dale Weirsum and Jack Kosnick, retired

vets living in Cheboygan whose lives have been affected by the closing.

Mary Babb with her son Sammy, shortly before her tragic and untimely murder at the

age of 30.

Photo by Jeff baragrey

Courtesy Photo

Ace HardwareOld 27 South

Gaylord

Johnson Tire Center502 S. Otsego Ave.Gaylord 732-2451

Vanderbilt BP8371 Mill St.Vanderbilt

LetTom Kuch

(formerly from Norandex)

help you find thebest siding, windows, & doors

for your home.

Simonton VinylReplacement Windows

Certainteed RoofingNorandex Vinyl SidingCall Tom at J-N-J Construction to getyour free estimate for professionalinstallation of quality products for

your home or business.

989-370-5738

FREEESTIMATES


5/20

LOCAL NEWSOn-line at www.weeklychoice.com


The Otsego Housing and HomelessCoalition would like to announce its sixth

annual COMMUNITY CONNECT event to be

held Thursday, May 10, 2012, from 9:30 am-

1:00 pm at the Evangelical Free Church, 1649

M-32 E., Gaylord, MI. This is a one-day

event to provide the public with information,

resources, and support services during these

difficult economic times.

The following services will be offered at

the COMMUNITY CONNECT: housing

voucher programs, employment services,

Veterans assistance, health/medical screen-ings, childrens programs, elder care,

debt/credit/foreclosure information, food

assistance resources, and clothing vouchers.

Agencies will be on-site to help with deter-

mining eligibility for area human ser vice

programs. Optical and dental screenings will

be held at the event. The Otsego County Bus

System will transport to/from the event at no

charge, with a reservation (989-732-6224, ext

1). Gaylord Community Schools Culinary

Club will be serving a complimentary meal

at the event. Personal care items are beingcollected for distribution at the event.

The event in sponsored in

partnership with the member-

ships of the Otsego Housing and

Homeless Coalition, the Otsego

Human Services Network, and

the Otsego County Poverty

Reduction Initiative. For more

information or to donate goods,

services, or host a vendor table

at the event, please contact

Laurie Andrews, event coordinator, at 989-

390-3902 or [email protected].

6th Annual Community Connect event tobe held in Gaylord on May 10th

For Vendor information

call 989-732-8160or email [email protected]

Sunday, May 201p.m. to 5p.m.

Fashion Show,Food and Fun!

Admission is free butregistration is required

Brides-to-be can Pre-Register on-line at

www.WeeklyChoice.com or

www.CharlevoixCountyNews.com.

Visit with Northern Michigans top places for Wedding Gowns,Venues, Caterers, Music, Entertainment, Photographers, Wedding

Cakes, Honeymoons, Jewelers, Florists, Hair Stylists and more.

WIN THOUSANDS

OF DOLLARS IN

DOOR PRIZES AND

GIVEAWAYS.

2012WEDDING

EXPO

atBoyne Mountain Resort

1 Boyne Mountain Road, Boyne Falls, MichiganConveniently located just 15 miles from Petoskey, 20 miles from Gaylord,

40 miles from Cheboygan, 25 miles from Charlevoix, 45 miles from Grayling.


6/20


LOCAL NEWSNew stories updated daily on-line at www.weeklychoice.com

NORTHERN MICHIGANCall f exibi -Wdding eXPoExhibitors will visit withbrides-to-be from all overNorthern Michigan at theNorthern Michigan WeddingEXPO on Sunday, May 20 atBoyne Mountain Resort.Interested in having a boothat this show? Currentexhibitors include Bridalshops, Florists, Gift Shops,Photographers, Caterers, HallRental, Decorators, WeddingPlanners, DJs. Entertainers,Limo Services, TravelPlanners, Reception Venuesand more. Contact Cindy

Akans [email protected] phone 989-732-8160.Registration includes exhibitspace plus display ad in the

Wedding Planning Guide.EXPO begins at 1pm. Doorprizes drawn throughout theday. Fashion show at 3pm.Grand Prize drawing at4:45pm. Sponsored byBOYNE and the WeeklyChoice. Registration dead-line is May 3.

GRAYLINGB BaingPgamBeginning in April, MercyHospital Grayling will hold asecond free eight week BetterBreathing series aimed atimproving the quality of lifefor adults suffering from

emphysema, chronic bron-chitis, asthma and otherbreathing problems. Classesare free to everyone and willbe held every Monday from

April 30 through June 25 from1:30 to 3pm (there will be noclass on May 28). Classes willbe held at Mercy HospitalGrayling in the Huron PinesRoom, which is located nearthe cafeteria. Registration isrequired by calling 989-348-0325.

NORTHERN MICHIGANAdviing fnd Wkl Cic

We love to run community

announcements and newsreleases about all the thingshappening in NorthernMichigan in the WeeklyChoice. We help publicizehundreds of events andactivities all across our area.Readers love the fact that the

Weekly Choice is distributedfree to hundreds of locations.However, it is expensive topublish this newspaper each

week filled with positivenews and sports. Our onlysource of revenue comesfrom advertising. If yourbusiness or organization hasan advertising budget, besure to include the Weekly

Choice in your plans. Ouradvertising rates are far less

than most other papers andyour message will reachreaders all across NorthernMichigan. The Weekly Choiceis distributed free of charge

on news stands to 40 townsincluding Gaylord, Petoskey,Cheboygan, Grayling, IndianRiver, Onaway, Mio,Lewiston, Mancelona and allsurrounding towns. Contactus at [email protected] or call 989-732-8160.

WOLVERINELmbjack Fival'Bnfi AcinIt's Spring Cleaning time! The

Wolverine LumberjackFestival in committee isholding a benefit auction onMay 5th at the LumberjackPark just west of I-75, exit301. Do you have any resale

type items you would be will-ing to donate or consign?Pick up of items is no chargeand can be arranged by call-ing Lynn at 231-525-8389 orby emailing [email protected].

GAYLORDFinancial PacuniviDave Ramsey's FinancialPeace University at GaylordE-Free Church, 6:30-8:30pmfor 10 weeks. If you miss thefirst class, this can be madeup online easily.Membership kit for the classis $100/couple. Call the

church office to register. 989-732-2647.

GAYLORDh laggiainThere will be a meeting ofinterested horseshoe pitch-ers Tuesday, May 1, 7pm atthe Otsego CountyCommunity Center, 315 S.Center St. Plan on attendingto reserve a spot in one of theleagues. For info contactFrank Jasinski, 989-732-4377.

GRAYLINGP Wkp

April 26th from 6-8pm at theAuSable Artisan Village -Poetry Workshop with AaronRaymond will focus closelyon poems-in-progressbrought to the workshop, we

will explore together whatelements are working, and

what can be strengthened, tohelp realize each poemspotential. Well talk aboutline, image, metaphor,sound, structure, voice andsurprise, with the aim ofopening up possibilities forthe work at hand. The work-shop fee: AAV Members: $40/ Non-Members: $45.

CHEBOYGAN

rivwn FlliThe Rivertown Follies 2012

Annual Charity Show is April26, 27 and 28, 2012 at 8pm atthe Cheboygan Opera House.Ticket prices are $10 onThursday night, $11.00 in

advance and $12 at the doorfor Friday and Saturday. Callthe Opera House 627-5841for tickets. This years show isall about television from itsearly beginnings to now.Singing, dancing and a lot ofcomedy skits are involved.

PELLSTONAip af h

Win Round trip tickets! TheAir Service Task Force hasannounced the date of the2012 Airport After Hours. Theevent will be Thu. April 26,5:30 to 7:30 at the PellstonRegional Airport in the soon-to-open restaurant Hoppies

Landing. This will be aregional networking eventpromoted through the

Visitors Bureaus andChambers in St. Ignace,Mackinac Island, MackinawCity, Cheboygan, IndianRiver, Harbor Springs andPetoskey. One lucky winnerat the event will win RoundTrip Air Fare for two fromPellston to Chicago providedby Lakeshore Express. Youmust be present to win. Toreserve sponsorship space,call Carlin Smith at thePetoskey Regional Chamberof Commerce, 231-347-4150.

CHEBOYGANMdical cdla

A phone line has been estab-lished to help handlerequests for medical recordsat Cheboygan MemorialHospital. For more infopatients can call 231-627-1463.

GRAYLINGAiiv tcnlgThe Crawford CountyCommission on Aging &Senior Center will present a

workshop on Assisti veTechnology on Thursday,

April 26 at 6pm. Aimee Sterk

from Michigan DisabilityRights Coalition will demon-strate how many items seenaround the home, as well asother devices, can be used tomake it easier for people withdisabilities and older adultsto perform daily activities.This free presentation will beat the Crawford CountyCommission on Aging &Senior Center, 308 LawndaleStreet in Grayling. Join us fora meat loaf dinner at 5pmbefore the presentation.People 60 and over eat for asuggested donation of $2.50.Those under 60 can eat for acost of $4.75. For additionalinformation call 989-348-

7123.

INDIAN RIVERCmmni Clan-pDaCommunity Pride Clean-UpDay is Thursday, April 26th

GRAYLINGBin af hSponsored by GraylingCountry Club. Thursday,

April 26th from 5:30 7:30pmat Grayling Country ClubEntry Fee -$5 cost forMembers and the $10 cost forNot-Yet-Members.

GAYLORDoCs opn Otsego Christian School willbe hosting an all-school"Open House" on Thursday,

April 26 from 6:30 to 8 pm.This would be a great oppor-tunity to come check out ourschool, our teachers and our

classrooms for next year, aswe are a three-year-old pre-school through 12th gradeschool. We will also be hold-ing our 2012 OCS "Author's

Night" at the same time, soplease be sure to come outand see the children's writingmasterpieces that night. Formore information, please callthe school at (989) 732-8333or visit our website at

www.ocsgaylord.org. Theschool is located at 1377 E.M-32.

GAYLORDAdp-A-radFor details contact TimJohnson at the OtsegoCounty Road Commission,989-733-5202. Routes will beassigned on a first come, firstserved basis.

GRAYLINGAi rcpinFriday, April 27th at 7pm atthe AuSable Artisan Village

Art Center. Art Reception fea-turing artist LindaChamberlain. Its a great wayto celebrate the opening ofTrout Season.

GAYLORDMical dladThe CeeBeeSquared TheaterProduction Company regret-fully announces it must delayits Gaylord production ofSteel Magnolias scheduledfor May 2012. They plan todevelop a list of prospectiveactors for Steel Magnoliasand other plays planned forthe future. Any area residentinterested in being involvedin any aspect of local theatershould contact him at 989-732-3617 or by email [email protected].

GRAYLINGt opn GalaFriday, April 27th at 6pm atDevereaux Memorial Library.Fly tying, fish tales, fun andfood at this annual event cel-ebrating fly fishing and allour friends from TroutUnlimited. Music, key noteaddress and local fly tying

experts will be on hand.

GAYLORDLadip claJoin a transformational jour-ney to personal, professional,or organizational growth.Generate influence and buildtrust with predictable results

with the collaborati on ofyour peers for one hour oneight consecutive Fridaymornings. Call 231-222-2146or register online at

ww w.a hi ev e3 60 i nc . co m.April 27 - June 15, 7:30 -8:30pm at University Center,Livingston Blvd, Rm U-105

ROSCOMMONF Diab evnDo you know your diabetesnumbers? Do you know whatthey mean? Were here tohelp. On Friday, April 27 from1:30 to 3pm Mercy HospitalGrayling is hosting a freeevent to help you understand

your diabetes numbers atGood Shepherd UnitedMethodist Church of theNorth located at 149 W.Robison Lake Rd. There willbe diabetes supply represen-tatives, door prizes andMercy Hospital GraylingCertified Diabetes EducatorRhonda Haske will be avail-

able to answer any questionsyou may have about dia-betes. Please call 989-275-5577 to register.

VANDERBILTsping Bak DancSaturday, April 28 6:30-10:30at the Elkland Senior Center,

7910 Arthur St. Vanderbilt.Music by "The Lucky Stars".Cost: $4, bring a dish to pass.C o u n t r y - P o l k a - S q u a r eDance. Call 989-983-2004 for

more info.

GRAYLINGM aiFeaturing Master Fish CarverFred Kinne April 28th from10am -4pm at the MainBranch Gallery. Celebratingthe opening of trout season

we are featuring Fred Kinnewho will be displaying howhe crafts his remarkably life-like trout and game fish carv-ings. Stop by and meet Fredas well as several other artists

who will be working that day.

GAYLORDBanq

The 45th Parallel Gobblerschapter of the NationalTurkey Federation hosts the10th annual fundraising ban-quet April 28 at TreetopsResort. For info contact Julieat Johnson Oil, 989-732-3710,ext. 17

GAYLORDBnfi dinnHelp the Modrzynski familyfight cancer April 28 at the

Wisconsin St. Hall. 4-8pm.Suggested donation $10.Under 5 free. Tickets avail-able at the door. Silent auc-tion and pig roast dinner.

CHEBOYGANsping Fain sw& LncnSunday April 29th, 1PM atCheboygan Knights ofColumbus Hall, US Hwy 27South. $12 per person.

Advance Ticket Sales Only.Chicken Salad, Croissants.Sweet Breads, Relishes,Dessert, Beverages. Fashionby Billie, Peebles,Black/White & More. All pro-ceeds to be used for churchimprovements. Door prizesand 50/50. Tickets availableat: Task Force Members,Parish Office, Billies, ModernPharmacy, Flower Station,

Peebles, Black/White &More.

INDIAN RIVERria McIn andFindGreat Lakes ChamberOrchestra features RitaMcIntyre and Friends in itsSunday Series Recital at 4pm

April 29, at the Cross in theWoods in Indian River. TheSunday Series is free andopen to the public throughsupport from a grant provid-ed by the Roger and PeggyDickens Schwer Fundadministered by thePetoskey/Harbor Springs

Area CommunityFoundation.

NORTHERN MICHIGANy Can hlp Win a$1 Millin GanThe Food Bank of EasternMichigan is in the running toreceive a Walmart Grant

worth $1,000,000!! We needyour help to push us to thetop by voting via Facebook.This contest ends 4/30/2012.

You can vote once daily. Hereis the link: http://apps.face-book.com/walmartfight-hunger/. The Food Bank thatservices our area is listedunder Flint, Michigan. Clickthere to vote for the FoodBank. Thanks for your help!Please help us support ourlocal organizations whichuse this Food Bank.

HARBOR SPRINGSCiian sclopn hHarbor Light ChristianSchool is opening its doorsand inviting everyone to anopen house on Monday, April30 from 8:30am to 2:30pm at

8333 Clayton Road in HarborSprings. Enrollment andschool information will beprovided in addition to classflyers and brochures.

GAYLORDMa Gadning siTuesday Evenings from 6-7:30pm at the Otsego CountyLibrary; 700 S. Otsego Ave.Join the Alpine MasterGardener Volunteers, OtsegoCounty MSU Extension, andthe Otsego ConservationDistrict for FOUR classes onthe gardening topics youhave been waiting to learnabout. Free Admission. FreeRefreshments. Open to thePublic.May 1st - Fruit Trees: Learnhow to make your orchardachieve peak performance

with local fruit tree expertKevin Stubenvoll. May 8th -Hoop Houses/DripIrrigation: Jack Middleton

will clear up any confusionyou have about extendingyour season with hoop hous-es and drip irrigation. May15th - Rain Gardens:Ecologist Jennifer Muladoreof Huron Pines will show youhow a rain garden can solveissues of erosion and stand-ing water. May 22nd -Hydroponics: Dive into the

water as Justin Burchett talksabout the art of growingplants without soil.

OTSEGO COUNTYQali f lifThe Quality of LifeCommunity Conversations

will be taking place through-out the county the first weekin May. We are hoping for adiverse group of voices to beheard. Quality of Life

Assessmen t CommunityConversations. May 2,Elmira, at the Township Hall,9:30 11am. May 2,Johannesburg, at theCharlton Township Hall, 1 -2:30pm. May 3, Vanderbilt, atthe Public School, 9:30 11am. May 3, Waters, at theOtsego Lake Township Hall, 1 2:30pm. May 3, Gaylord, at

City Hall, 5:30 - 7pm

GRAYLINGBld DivGrayling American Legion,106 James Street. Wednesday,May, 2. Noon 5:45pm

GAYLORDGadn clbThe Edelweiss Garden Club islooking for new members.

Attend lunch May 2, 11:30amat Michaywe. Call Denise,989-705-7909 or Cynthia,989-705-7757.

GRAYLING

Nainal Da f PaThursday May 3rd at 12 Noon-The 61st annual observanceof the National Day of Prayer

will be held at the CrawfordCounty Court House. This

year's theme is "One Nationunder God". Contact PastorJoe Jean at Resurrection LifeCenter 348-1000 or [email protected]

GAYLORDNal. Da f PaThe National Day of Prayer isfast approaching, and we willbe having a special county-

wide assembly at OtsegoChristian School once again

this year. We will have ourspecial service from noon to1 pm on Thursday, May 3 inthe Matz Center, and every-one is invited to join us. OurOCS students will be partici-pating in the program, but

we want to invite everyone inthe community to come and

join us in prayer for our city,our schools, our families, ourchurches, our state and ourcountry. Please call OtsegoChristian School at (989) 732-8333 for more information orvisit the National Day of

-&',%$)&')'-(&$)&-"%"

()&--%%$#("#(

!$)(-!$&

#%%$#("#(+(&-!'#

&*-$)&&)($& $#-"!'&*(989) 731-3541

936 N Otsego Lake Dr, Gaylord, MI 49735

10YEARSPECIALS

Mix Any or Do All Fluid Services

Choose from any of these fluid servicesCoolant Flush, Fluid Inspection, Power Steering Flush, Brake Flush, Transmission

Flush, Front Differential, Rear Differential, Transfer Case.

Mu

s

t pre

s

ent c

o

up

o

n

, s

e

rvi

c

e m

u

s

t be pe

rf

o

rm

ed du

r

in

g s

a

m

e a

ppo

int

m

e

n

t

$10 off2 fluids service



AFFORDABLEUTOA

COUPON

NEMCSA - TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)

USDA is an equal opportunity provider

Distribution: May 16th, 2012

10:30 - 1pm at The United Way Building

Must Have - Michigan Drivers license or State ID cardwith current address

USDA Quarterly Surplus Food DistributionFor Low-Income Families and Seniors

Clients and proxys onlyneed to sign day of pick up.

NEMSCA 989-358-4700

No Need to pre-apply:

O

nl

y ONE appli

c

ati

on p

er hous

eh

old!

I

f y

o

u h

av

e q

u

e

s

ti

o

n

s, o

r n

e

e

d mo

r

e i

nf

o

r

ma

ti

o

n, p

l

ea

s

e c

o

n

ta

c

t

:

Website: dowkermech.com

Home: 989.732.6122

Cell: 989.390.1404

Free Estimates

StateLicensed and Fully

Insured for your Protection

Residential and Lt. Commercial

Heating and CoolingInstallation and Service

Forced Air Furnaces, AC, Heat Pumps, Boilers,

Geothermal Heat Pumps, Air Treatment,

Water Heaters and Softeners


7/20



Prayer website atwww.nationaldayofprayer.org .

MACKINAW CITYCmmni Bakfa

Mackinaw City Chamber ofCommerce AnnualCommunity Breakfast atMackinaw Reception Center(St. Anthony's) May 3,8:30am- 11am $10 pp. TheBus Stops Here with BillMarvin.

GAYLORDCmmni taThe Otsego CountyCommission on Aging hostsa breakfast May 3 at theUniversity Center, 80Livingston Blvd. Guestspeakers are Al & SandyGlasby from GaylordCommunity Productions.

Suggested donation forbreakfast is $5. RSVP by call-ing 989-732-1122.

BOYNE FALLS2012' BiggecnmicDvlpmn evn!Join 500 business and com-munity leaders all interestedin the economic vitality ofour region at the 2012 NLEA

Annual Luncheon, Friday,May 4th, at Boyne MountainResort. This year's event isgearing up to be the biggestin our history with knowl-edgeable guest speakers,inspiring awards and recog-nition of outstanding proj-ects and people throughoutthe NLEA region. Call 231-582-6482 for more info

GAYLORDPinc and PincBallIt is almost time for theFourth annual Prince andPrincess Ball at GaylordEvangelical Free Church,1649 E. M-32. It is on Friday,May 4 from 6-8pm. Advancedticket purchase is available atGlens Market of Gaylord.

Advance ticket purchase issuggested as seating is limit-

ed. Pre-purchased: $7 perticket age 2-99 (only 1 andunder is free). At door: $10per ticket age 2-99. Comedressed as your favoriteprince or princess for a nightof family fun including din-ner, dancing, crafts, and acastle maze. Benefit for NewLife Pregnancy ResourceCenter. For more informa-tion contact Rachel at 989-350-0431.

PETOSKEYAArP Div safPgamThe Retired & Senior

Volunteer Program (RSVP) of

Charlevoix & EmmetCounties (a program ofFriendship Centers of EmmetCounty) will again sponsorthe AARP Driver SafetyProgram, to be held onThursday and Friday, May 3and 4 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.in the library of the PetoskeyFriendship Center, 1322

Anderson Road. The cost forthe two sessions is $12 for

AARP members, and $14 fornon-members. Class size islimited, and pre-registrationis required. Call the PetoskeyFriendship Center at (231)347-3211 or (888) 347-0369,ext. 29 to register.

GAYLORDAnimal slDdicainMay 4 the Otsego County

Animal Control BuildingDedication is at noon at theirnew location on Fairview St.

BAY HARBORKnck Db paBay Harbor EquestrianCenter is hosting a Kentuckyderby party May 5, 4-7pm.Entry is by donation. Watchthe race on big screen TV's in

the outdoor arena. Enjoyfood & drinks including mint

juleps. Award for most cre-ative derby hat. Proceedsbenefit the exceptional riders

program.

GAYLORDrccl lcnicThe city of Gaylord is accept-ing TV's, computers, print-ers, fax machines, hand-helds, monitors, game con-soles, cell phones,microwaves, stereos andother electronics for recy-cling at the Dept. of Public

Works building, 102 East 7thSt. on May 5, 9am - 1pm. Nomajor appliances or air con-ditioners.

GRAYLINGP'n F P Glf

oingSaturday, May 19th at FoxRun Country Club -3rd

Annual Putt'n Fore Pets GolfOuting with all proceedsbenefiting the AuSable Valley

Animal Shelter. 18 hole 4 per-son scramble, 11 am shotgunstart. Contact Terry Green at989.745.8072, Peggy Green at989.614.6519, Fox Run at989.348.4343 or visit

www.aus able vall eyan imal -shelter.org for further infor-mation. RegistrationDeadline May 5th.

NORTHERN MICHIGANVan - Nd a jb?If you know a Veteran in needof a job please contactDouglas W. Robinson of the

Veteran's EmploymentRepresentative WorkforceDevelopment Agency.Douglas will work with local

Veteran in the job search.Petoskey Office (Mon-Tue)231-439-5219, GraylingOffice (Wed) 989-348-8709 -ext. 4234, or Gaylord Office(Thur-Fri) 989-732-3886 Ext.4234. Feel free to contactDouglas at any of these loca-tions or by email at [email protected]

CHEBOYGAN

Lincln da dinnCheboygan county republi-cans are hosting the LincolnDay dinner May 5.

GRAYLINGPlw DaSaturday, May 5th at

Wellington Farm Park -Thereis nothing more thrilling norsatisfying for a farmer thanthe turning of the first furrowin the Spring. Join us as webegin plowing in preparationfor the Spring planting. Thisis a day long event so, comeas early as you like and stayas long as you enjoy. This is afree event, no admission will

be charged.

ROSCOMMONJ Diffi pfmSaturday, May 5th at 7pm atKirtland Center for thePerforming Arts. If youhavent seen Joes live show,do yourself a favor and makesure youre at the KirtlandCenter on May 5. TicketPrices: $36 (A/B) & $32 (C/D).Purchase tickets online at

www.kirtlandcenter.com orby calling the Ticket Office at989-275-6777.

CHEBOYGANBin exp &ta f saiThe Cheboygan AreaChamber of Commerce isproud to sponsor the newCheboygan Area BusinessExpo and Taste of the Straits.This event will showcaselocal businesses while atten-dees can sample food fromvarious local restaurants; acash bar will also be avail-able. The event will takeplace at the Cheboygan IcePavilion and will also have abounce house for kids and

fun for the whole family! May5, Noon - 6:pm at CheboyganIce Pavilion, 480 Cleveland

Ave

GAYLORDCmmni MalThe Gaylord AreaCommunity Meal Program

will be holding a benefit con-cert on May 6th at 4pm at thePeace Lutheran Church. Wehave lined up a wide varietyof area musicians to take partin this freewill offering con-cert. This benefit will collectfunds to defray the cost of thenew dishwasher recentlyneeded at theCongregational FellowshipHall where the free meal isheld each Friday. 3703 Old 27South.

GAYLORDF hm NddLutheran Child and FamilyService of Michigan (LCFS)

works together with familiesfrom all over NorthernMichigan to provide loving,stable homes for children

who have been removed fortheir homes due to abuseand neglect. LCFS offers a noobligation orientation once amonth. The next orientation

will be held May 8th from 6-9pm at the LCFS office whichis located at 2066 S. Otsego

Ave. If you are interested inbecoming a foster parent or

would like more informationcall Lutheran Child andFamily Service at 989-732-1040.

MACKINAW CITYBin af Business after Hours May 8,5-7pm at Depot RestaurantMackinaw Crossings Mall

GAYLORDAllgi & amaLearn how you can live better

with allergies & asthma onMay 8, 6:30pm at Saks

Wellness Center, Old 27South

GRAYLING

o t Lnc tipOn Tuesday, May 8th, theCommission on Aging &Senior Center will take a tripto Gaylord. The trip will start

with shopping at Walmart,and then lunch at Culversfollowed by a matinee at theCinema. The cost of the tripis $15 per person whichincludes transportation only.The Matinee will be $4 persenior. Lunch is on your own.The bus is scheduled to leavefrom the Senior Center locat-ed at 308 Lawndale St. at9:30am and return by4:30pm. Please call 989-348-7123 for reservations.

GAYLORDstat f t cmmunityJoin the Gaylord AreaChamber of Commerce andthe Otsego County Economic

Alliance May 15 at OtsegoClub for the 1st Annual Stateof the CommunityLuncheon. Speakers repre-senting different sectorsfrom the community willpresent statistical informa-tion on their area of expertiseas well as give you a look intothe future. Cost is $20.Reserved ticket only thruMay 8. Call 989-732-6333.

CHEBOYGANrdc ai pllin

Air Pollution from vehicleswill be discuss ed onWednesday, May 9 at 6:30pmat the Cheboygan Area PublicLibrary. Straits Area AudubonSociety offers this free pres-entation by Tom Grahame,Senior Policy Analyst of theOffice of Fossil Energy, U.S.Department of Energy in

Washington, D.C.

CHEBOYGAN

Cagiv sminaWednesday, May 9th from8:30am to 3pm at theCheboygan Memorial HealthCenter (3rd Floor Conference

Room). $10 fee includesbreakfast and lunch. Checksmade out to CASA(Cheboygan Adult Service

Advocates) can be sent toCheboygan County United

Way, PO Box 488, Cheboygan,MI 49721. For more informa-tion call Burnie Myers at 231-627-2288

PETOSKEYhabia f hmaniAcinThere will be a Silent andLive Auction featuring liveentertainment by Just Do It,Heavy Appetizer's and CashBar. Tickets are $30 per per-

son. May 10, 5:30pm atEmmet County Building,Emmet County Fairgrounds

CHEBOYGANsailing in smmCome join us for Sailing IntoSummer May 10th from 5 8pm at the CheboyganCounty Senior CentersSpring Gala! Tickets will beavailable at the door. Formore information, please call(231) 627-7234.

MACKINAW CITYMn ckMonster Truck Show May 11-12 at Mackinaw CrossingsMall

GRAYLINGsping In FainFashion show sponsored byGrayling Promotional Assoc.May 12. St. Mary's ChurchHall, noon - 3pm, lunch,door prizes, 50/50. Fashionsby J. Dap, Riverland Gear,North Country Corners,Parrott's Perch, The IceHouse, The Bicycle Shop.Ticket price $18 tickets avail-able from any GPA memberor at any of the stores in thefashion show.

CHEBOYGANsck hpDig out your poodle skirts,saddle shoes & T-Bird jacketstoo. Dress like a 50's guy orgal & join our party crew!May 12, 7-11:45pm at theEagles Reception hall.Entertainment by TheCheboygan Brew HouseBand 8pm - midnight.Fundraiser for the NorthernCare Center. Sponsored bythe Cheboygan Eagles

LEWISTONMl Mm &taing FivalLewiston Chamber of

Commerce is proud to pres-ent the Annual MorelMushroom and TastingFestival Saturday, May 12.

Arts & Crafts at LewistonSchool 9am - 4pm ($1 entryat the door). Come visit over50 crafters and artist visitingthroughout Michigan andthe Midwest!Mushroom TastingOnly 100 tickets are availablefor the Mushroom Tasting. Besure to get your ticket at theLewiston Chamber officeevery Friday and Saturday.Tickets are $7 per person thatalso includes entry into thecraft show. You will not leavehungry! Enjoy the many dish-es that are presented with anarray of mushrooms.Guided and Pro MushroomHuntPeople interested in the guid-ed mushroom hunt can reg-ister at the school at 8am or11am for $15 per person.Registration the pro hunt

will take place at the sametime at a cost of $30. Thehunt, a bag and a mushroomtasting are included in thecost of both. Games andprizes, a minimum of $50 in

the pro hunt, are also avail-able.Spring Fling Shopping TourLocator maps will be avail-able at Lewiston School and

the Lewiston Area Chamberof Commerce for a SpringFling tour of local business-es where raffles and specials

will be available for all whoparticipate. For more infor-mation call 989-786-9730.

ROSCOMMONsping FlingThe Roscommon Knights ofColumbus Prince of PeaceCouncil will sponsor a SpringFling May 12. The evening

will begin at 6pm with aSocial Hour and Hors doeu-vres. The Cost of the eveningis $35 per couple, all inclu-sive of Beer, Wine, and Soft

Drinks Provided. Advancereservations required. Formore info and Tickets call989-275-2005. Located at 165

West Federal Hwy.

GAYLORD5K rnThe Gaylord CommunitySchool District invites you toparticipate in the HealthyCommunities 5K on May 19.

Whether you are a seasonedrunner or a newbie, join usfor a community race tobuild awareness about thebenefits of living in a healthycommunity. Registration is

just $5 for adults, free foryouth. Register by May 16 atwww.gaylord5k.com orphone 989-705-3009. 1 milefun run begins at 10am. 5Kbegins at 10:30am.Sponsored by GaylordCommunity Schools andBlue Cross, Blue Shield, BlueCare Network of Michigan.

GAYLORDF Divc ClinicThe 46th Judicial Circuit Bar

Association, Legal Services ofNorthern Michigan and RiverHouse Womens Shelter willhold free monthly divorceclinics open to communitymembers who cannot affordto hire an attorney and arerepresenting themselves.Clinic locations will alternatebetween Otsego andCrawford Counties. The clin-ics in Otsego County are heldat the United Way Building,116 East Fifth Street on, May17, 5:30pm.

BOYNE CITYMm Fivalincld mic, fdand ml ningThe Boyne City MushroomFestival includes great food,morel hunting and an excit-ing lineup of live music. Themusic starts at 8:30pm

Friday, May 18, when theThornetta Davis Band per-forms under the heated tentin Veterans Park. Rock n rollband Audio Circus performsat 8 p.m. Saturday, May 19.Tickets for both concerts are$8 in advance and $10 at thedoor. On Sunday from 1 to5pm, TNT & Northern Nitesperform, presented by theNorthern Michigan CancerCrusaders. Admission is bydonation on Sunday. The fes-tival is packed with fun: car-nival rides all four days, and acraft show and outdoorrecreation show Fridaythrough Sunday. Friday high-lights include a morel semi-

nar, guided hunt and the

Chambers Wine & Dinegourmet event at 5:30 at theBeach House restaurant.Saturday starts with a morelbreakfast, the Lions Club

National Mushroom Hunt,the Taste of Morels fromnoon to 3pm, the GreatMorel Giveaway at down-town stores at 4pm and aPrivate Property Morel Huntat 4:30.

HARBOR SPRINGS to MACKINACISLANDZ-D-MacMay 18-20. Zoo-De-MacBike Race. Harbor Springs toMackinac Island

BOYNE FALLSMl F Win &Din

Tickets are now on sale forthe 7th Annual MorelfestWine & Dine at the BeachHouse Restaurant at BoyneMountain (439 E. Deer LakeRoad) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Friday, May 18. Admission is$40 per person, including taxand gratuity. Sponsors of thisgourmet event are the Boyne

Area Chamber of Commerce,Boyne Mountain and BaysideBeverage. Reservations arerequired. This event sells outevery year, so don't delay.Call the chamber to purchasetickets, 231-582-6222.

GRAYLINGMn W CkThe 12th annual Men WhoCook event takes place this

year on Saturday, May 19 andthe Grayling Chamber ofCommerce is looking for afew local men to step up tothe culinary challenge. This

years event will once againtake place at the CampGrayling Officers Club andChamber officials are hopingthis year is just as memorableas last year. To sign up as achef please contact theChamber office at 989-348-2921. 200 tickets will go onsale April 2nd at the followinglocations: Grayling Chamber,Fox Run Country Club,

Citizens Bank, Xpress CopyCenter, Flowers by Josie &Riverland Clothing & Gifts.

CHEBOYGANsping i in AiCheboygan area Arts Councilsponsors a dance recital,Spring is in the Air, at theOpera House. May 19,7:30pm, May 20, 3pm.Tickets: Adults $7; Students $5

%)(!%"(!%#%%'#&''%''#"%&

"'*''#%#'%+#%

"&$

Spring into Wellnessat IHT Wellness Shop

Carrying a variety of products to Cleanse, Renew & RejuvenateFeaturing 'So-Easy Bio-Cleanse',

Wheatgrass-based internal cleanser

Complimentary Infrared Sauna Session with Paid Wellness Consultation

Local.Service-Minded.

Call today for a FREEEstimate.

Arrow Sanitation

(989) 732-4243

"#!

"""

North Star Gardens, Inc.GARDEN CENTER...High quality trees and shrubs Annuals, perennials, herbs, and vegetables

Grass seed, mulch, soil,& fertilizer Pond supplies, fish & pond plantsPatio furniture Bird feeders & birdbaths Garden decor Giftshop

LANDSCAPING...Full landscape design & construction Ponds

Quality plant material Patios & walkways

New lawns Bulk mulch Trees up to 30' tallServin

gNorthern

Michiganfor

over

70years!

"

!

"

Liz HardingSales

We offer...Residential Commercial

Carpet Vinyl Rugs Hardwood

Ceramic Laminate Window Fashions

QUALITY EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE

(989) 731-2003 FX (989) 731-9949

[email protected]

www.hickersonfloor.com

2234 M-32 West,Gaylord, MI 49735


8/20



Johannesburg/Lewiston robotics teamcompetes in State Championship

Q: My siblings and I want to

give our mom a nice Mother's

Day. But we want to do some-

thing more creative than just

taking her to lunch. Do you

have any suggestions?

Jim: I'd take the opportunity to just

talk to her. Tell her why you love her and

what you appreciate about her. For

some reason, that's hard to do, even

with those closest to us. We often takethe people we love for granted.

One day, when I was 7, I felt especial-

ly lonely. My dad was out of the picture,

and my mom was at work. My older sib-

lings were home, but busy with their

own activities. So I moped around the

house, loudly exclaiming, "Nobody

loves me!" Much to my dismay, no one

wanted to join in my pity party.

So I packed a sweater and a snack and

eventually ended up at the restaurant

where Mom was working. I walked up to

her and said, "Mom, nobody loves me!"

She was stuck with a customer, so she

told me to go sit in her car. I ate my

snack in the front seat and fell asleep.

The next thing I knew, Mom was gen-

tly tucking me into my bed at home.

Despite my whining earlier in the day, I

felt very loved, and very safe, in that

moment.

I wish I could share this story with

Mom today. But she passed away many

years ago. There's nothing wrong with

dinner or flowers on Mother's Day. But if

you can recall stories from childhood

that convey how much you felt loved by

your mom, that will likely be the best

gift she could possibly receive. Give it a

try!

** ** **

Q: My adolescent daughterfrequently hits her siblings. She

is the oldest child. I am at a loss

as to what the best conse-

quence is for this type of behav-

ior. Where do I begin?

Juli: This is obviously behavior that

you don't want to tolerate in your home.

When an older child hits younger sib-

lings, it's called bullying and should be

treated that way.

Often parents treat all bad behavior

with the same response. They punish

their kids identically whether they spill

the milk, forget to make their bed or tell

a lie. The problem with this approach is

that children are not able to distinguish

between behaviors that are merely

annoying and those that are completely

unacceptable.

Hitting her younger siblings should

be treated as a very serious violation of

family rules. I recommend that you and

your spouse sit down with your daugh-

ter, state clearly that you will not allow

her to hit her younger siblings and spell

out the way you expect her to behave as

the oldest child. Let her know what con-

sequence she can expect if she does it

again. Make the consequences painful,

like, "You will be grounded from every-

thing but school for a week."As firm as you should be in setting

your expectations and enforcing conse-

quences, also give your daughter the

opportunity to share with you why she

is hitting her siblings. Younger children

can very skillfully needle their older sib-

lings and act like innocent victims in the

process. For example, they may be read-

ing her journal or teasing her about her

acne. Perhaps you need to respect your

daughter's growing independence by

making her room off-limits to siblings,

or giving her unique privileges that she

can earn through responsible behavior.

One final note ... until things settle

down, don't give in to the convenience

of letting your adolescent daughter

baby-sit her siblings, even for 10 min-

utes. Free baby-sitting isn't worth

adding fuel to the fire.

** ** **Jim Daly is president of Focus on

the Family, host of the Focus on the

Family radio program, and a hus-

band and father of two.

Dr. Juli Slattery is a licensed psy-

chologist, co-host of Focus on the

Family, author of several books,

and a wife and mother of three.

Submit your questions to:

[email protected]

Copyright 2012

Focus on the Family,

Colorado Springs, CO 80995

International Copyright

Secured. All Rights reserved.

Distributed by Universal Uclick1130 Walnut St.

Kansas City, MO 64106;

(816) 581-7500

This feature may not by repro-

duced or distributed electronically,

in print or otherwise without writ-

ten permission of Focus on the

Family.

This good news for Your family brought to

you by Family Comfort Systems

989-732-8099

Ask about ourSenior Discount

The Army of Sum competed at the 2021

Michigan FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)State Championship in Ypsilanti at EasternMichigan University. With the financialstrains the team had the championships

were out of the question, but with a grantfrom FIRST in Michigan (FIM) the team wasable to where they strived to be. Gail Alpert,

Vice President and Secretary, of FIRST inMichigan stated The Army of Sum is one ofthe best of the best in the State and deservedthe right to join the other top 63 rankedteams at the State Championships.

Ranked 48th overall, out of 193 teamsStatewide, at the end of competition theteam still had an overwhelming victory.Coach and Lead Mentor Rich

VanDeKerchove said The Army of Sum maynot have finished at the top in the State but

we achieved the goals that we set out to

accomplish. The competition consists ofteams made up fifty to one hundred stu-dents with corporate sponsorship, endlessfunds, dozens of mentors and engineers. Wehave ten great students, a mechanic, ahousewife, and a Baptist Pastor. With leftoverparts from past seasons and scrap metal webuilt a great machine. It was a tremendous

victory for the team.

The team received two FIRST awards, #1pit safety and the Imagery Award for attrac-tiveness in engineering and outstandingvisual aesthetic integration from themachine to the team appearance. Along withthese awards the team took five peer awards:best pits, most awesome mascot, and waydowntown (longest shot of the champi-onships), barrier breaker durability, andcoolest uniforms.

The State Championships were taped byDetroit Public T.V. and will be televised inMay on several networks throughout thestate.

Just because the competition season isover doesnt mean The Army of Sum isdone being seen. There are many plans forthis team still this year. Demonstrations,community service, fundraisers, and maybe

even a Rebound Rumble game with severalother FIRST Robotics teams from around theState.

The JLHS Robotics team has become verypopular with other teams around the Stateand the recognition will hopefully aid withsponsorship. "We are striving to keep thisself funded team going strong for many

years and it can never be possible withoutlocal and corporate support." said

VanDeKerchove.

Remember this Varsity sport of the mind isthe only sport where the whole team can gopro!

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

SENTIMENTS ARE MORE

VALUED THAN GIFTS ONMOTHER'S DAY

with Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery

left to right: Jessica Carpenter (mentor), Co Captain Morgan Fisher, Logan Hipsher,

Kyle Leverton, Co Captain Jon Mardyla, Safety Captain Luke VanDeKerchove,Hunter VanDeKerchove, mascot Joshua Fisher, Kevin Finkenbinder (mentor), Steven

Geary, Carla VanDekerchove (mentor). Missing from picture: Coach, Lead mentor

Rich VanDeKerchove, Travis rider, and Caleb Dandy.

&'$**&

$"&"#&&""'!&*

!&$

&%'&%$!'!$

%

'$%*"'$&&%&&

&$)$$*&&"$"$

&&%)($

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

By Jim Akans

The Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerceand the Otsego County Economic

Alliance will be holding the 1st Annual Stateof the Community Luncheon on Tuesday, May15th, at the Otsego Club & Resort. The event

will begin with a soup, sandwich and salad buf-fet style lunch from 11:30 am until 12:15 pm,followed by presentations from six speakersrepresenting different sectors in the communityprior to concluding around 1:30 pm.

Event speakers will include Joe Duff, Gaylordcity manager, Jeff Ratcliffe, executive director of

the Otsego County Economic Alliance, CherylWojtas, superintendent of Gaylord CommunitySchools, Tom Lemon, CEO of Otsego MemorialHospital, John Burt, Otsego County administra-tor and Paul Beachnau, executive director ofthe Gaylord Area Convention & TourismBureau. Each will present statistical informa-

tion regarding their area of expertise, and offera look at future directions in the county.

Tickets are $20 and must be purchased byMay 8, 2012 at the Gaylord Area Chamber ofCommerce's Main Street Office or at www.gay-lordchamber.com. Gaylord Area Chamber ofCommerce Members may call and/or email to

invoice their tickets. This event isbeing sponsored by ConsumersEnergy and ITC Holdings, Inc.

Gaylord to hold 1st annual State of the Community LuncheonThe Gaylord

Area Chamber of

Commerce and

the Otsego

County

Economic

Alliance will beholding the 1st

Annual State of

the Community

Luncheon on

May 15th, at the

Otsego Club &

Resort.


9/20


Char-Em United Way marked the comple-tion of its 2011/2012 campaign with recogni-tion of the donors who took the campaignover the goal. Drs. Louis and Sally Cannon

made a first-time donation to United Waywhich made the difference.

Nearly $390,000 has been donated and/orpledged from local businesses, employees,and individuals to Char-Em United Way dur-ing its 2011-2012 Campaign. This amount

will be augmented by a $20,000 challengegrant pledged by the Frey Foundation. Thetotal pledged is 2.5% over the Campaigngoal.

United Way focuses on two areas that aredear to our hearts, Education and Health,says Sally Cannon. We were long-time con-tributors to United Way through the work-force campaign at Lous cardiology practicein our former hometown. But we hadntgiven to Char-Em United Way until encour-

aged to do so by a neighbor. We are happy tojoin the contributors to this local cause.

We are thrilled with the success of thecampaign and grateful for the generosity of

the community, says Steve Andreae, UnitedWay President. This will enable Char-EmUnited Way to support effective programsthat meet health and human service needsin our community. With the effects of therecession continuing to hit northernMichigan families, the need for a wide rangeof education, income and health services isstill very high.

Executive Director Martha Lancasteradded, We are especially pleased that it wasa gift from a residential donor which put usover the top this year. Last year, the cappinggift was from one of our workforce cam-paigns. This shows the diversity of supportfor United Way.

Char-Em United Ways 35-member volun-

teer Citizen Review Panels have just com-

pleted review of requests for community

investment allocations for the coming year.

The Board will make final funding decisions

on May 10. United Way is continuing toaccept new pledges and donations toward

the 2011/2012 campaign through that date.

In addition to supporting the traditional

community investment allocations, cam-

paign proceeds will support United Ways

initiatives including Volunteer Connections,

2-1-1, Benefit Access, and a new Early

Childhood Literacy project.

A Campaign Celebration Breakfast is

scheduled for Thursday June 14 at the Ozone

in the Odawa Casino Resort.

To make a donation, or for more informa-

tion, contact United Way at 231-487-1006 or

[email protected] or visit the web-

site www.charemunitedway.org


Not long ago, the Federal Reserve(Fed) announced that it plans to keepshort-term interest rates near zero until

late 2014. The Fed initially pushed ratesto that level in 2008, in an effort to stim-ulate economic growth. Clearly, lowinterest rates have a wide-rangingimpact but what effect will they haveon you, as an individual investor?

If you need income from your invest-ments, then the continuation of ultra-low interest rates may be a matter ofsome concern, particularly if you owncertain types of fixed-income invest-ments, such as certificates of deposit.

While CDs are insured, offer return ofprincipal at maturity and provide regu-lar interest payments, they are not risk-free. With low interest rates, you risk los-ing purchasing power.

Still, fixed-rate vehicles may well havea place in your portfolio. If youre even

somewhat dependent on your invest-ments for income, you may need tobroaden your search. Here are a fewideas to consider:

* Build a bond ladder. Long-termbonds, by their nature, are more subjectto interest rate risk than shorter-termvehicles. In other words, interest ratesare more likely to rise during the lifespan of a longer-term bond and whenrates go up, the prices of existing bonds

will fall. To help lower this risk, you maywant to build a ladder of bonds ofvarying maturities. Then, if marketinterest rates are low, youll still have

your long-term bonds earning higherrates, but if rates rise, you can takeadvantage of them by reinvesting theproceeds of your maturing short-term

bonds. But remember to work with yourfinancial advisor to evaluate whether abond ladder and the securities held

within it are consistent with your invest-ment objectives, risk tolerance andfinancial circumstances.

* Dividend-paying stocks. You canfind companies that have paid divi-dends for many consecutive years and in some cases, increased their divi-

dend payout each year. In 2012, compa-nies listed in the S&P 500 are on track topay out more than $252 billion in divi-

dends, a record amount, according todata compiled from Standard & Poors.(Keep in mind that the S&P 500 is anunmanaged index and is not availablefor direct investment.) Of course, stockprices will fluctuate in value, and youmay receive more or less than your orig-inal investment when you sell.Historically, dividend-paying stockshave been less volatile than non-divi-dend-paying stocks. Be aware, though,that companies can lower or discontin-ue dividend payments at any time with-out notice. Past performance is not aguarantee of future results.

* Refinance your mortgage. Todayslow rates are good news for borrowers.

With tougher standards in place, it maynot be as easy torefinance a mort-gage as it once was,but if you qualify,

you may want tothink about refi-nancing. You maybe able to savequite a bit ofmoney on yourmonthly payments and lower pay-ments can trans-late into a greatercash flow. Plus, if

you dont need allthe savings, youcan put some ofthe money into anI n d i v i d u a lR e t i r e m e n t

Account (IRA) oranother retirementsavings vehicles.

Ultimately, anextended period oflow interest rates is

just one more fac-tor to consider increating and

adjusting your investment strategy.Work with your financial advisor to helpensure low rates wont affect your

income needs.This article was written by Edward

Jones for use by your local Edward JonesFinancial Advisor.

Philip Hofweber is a FinancialAdvisor with Edward Jones Investmentslocated at 100 West Main Street inGaylord. He can be reached at (989)731-1851, or email him [email protected]. Tunein Friday Mornings 8:30 am to Eagle101.5 for Phil Hofweber to hear his week-ly Financial Focus Topic. Edward Jones,its financial advisors and employees donot provide tax or legal advice. Youshould consult with a qualified tax orlegal professional for advice on your spe-cific situation.

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Leaving a 401(k) with a previous employer could mean

leaving it alone with no one to watch over it.

At Edward Jones, we can explain options for your 401(k)

and help you select the one thats best for you. If youd

like to roll it over to an Edward Jones Individual Retire-

ment Account (IRA), we can help you do it without

paying taxes or penalties. And you can feel confident

that someone is looking out for you and your 401(k).

To find out why it makes sense to talk with EdwardJones about your 401(k) options, call or visit yourlocal financial advisor today.

If You Arent at Your Last Job,Why Is Your 401(k)?

!"#$#%&'&()*+,-,.!"#$#%"$&'()*"+,-./00'1'2$"#'345$6&,-)7'28'9:;:?;=/

FINANCIAL FOCUS

EVEN WITH LOW RATES, YOU CAN

INVEST FOR INCOME

Philip Hofweber, Financial Advisor with Edward JonesGAYLORD, (989) 731-1851

1928 S. Otsego Ave.Gaylord

www.gaylordfordlincoln.com

(989) 732-67371-800-732-6710

1979 BUICK ELECTRA 225350 V8 Auto Bronze Red cloth 63,800 original miles - Stk# P5092 ..............

$3,9002004 FORD TAURUS SE SEDAN3.0L V6 auto White Stone cloth 122,600 miles - Stk# R5090A .....................

$5,4002000 FORD TAURUS WAGON SE3.0L V6 auto Red Tan cloth 76,400 miles - Stk# 6087A ...................................

$5,9952005 BUICK LACROSSE CXL3.8L V6 Auto Red Stone Leather 132 ,900 miles - Stk# P5089 ........................

$8,995

2005 FORD FOCUS WAGON ZXW SES2.0L 4cyl Auto White Flint Cloth 61,100 miles - Stk# 6084A ..........................

$8,9952006 FORD FOCUS SE ZX42.0L 4cyl auto Lt Green Grey cloth 43 ,500 miles - Stk# R4992A ....................

$8,9952007 FORD FUSION SE FWD2.3L 4cyl Auto Dk Blue Stone Cloth 63,20 0 miles - Stk# 6077A ................

$12,9002009 FORD FUSION SE FWD3.0L V6 Auto Red Stone Cloth 47,400 miles - Stk# 6042A ..........................

$15,4952011 FORD FIESTA SE 5DR1.6L 4cyl Auto - Black Black Cloth 2 8,200 miles - Stk# R5067 ......................

$15,999

1995 LINCOLNCONTINENTAL

FWD4.6L V8 auto Crme Sand

Leather 167,400 miles

Stk# R5077A

$3,600

United Way Reaches Campaign Goal

Why settle for normal when youcan have an Original Style?

NAILS&"#

&

&

!

&%

"!

&"!

&$%!

&

"!$%&

Kathleen Solomon, Oscoda CountyProsecutor, to run for re-election

Incumbent Kathleen Solomon will be

running for another term as Oscoda

County Prosecutor, having filed her

intent with the Oscoda County Clerk

last Wednesday. She was first elect-

ed to the office in 2008.

Courtesy Photo

Incumbent Kathleen Solomon willbe running for another term asOscoda County Prosecutor, havingfiled her intent with the OscodaCounty Clerk last Wednesday. She

was first elected to the office in 2008.Solomon holds a Bachelor of

Science degree from EasternMichigan University and a Juris doc-torate Degree from Thomas M.Cooley Law School in Lansing, whereshe graduated Cum Laude. She has26 years of criminal and family lawexperience in State and Federalcourts, conduction hundreds of trialsand bench trials since 1986.

Ive been honored to representthe people of Oscoda County, andfell my many years of tough, compe-tent service in the legal system allowme to work effectively to help keepour homes and our community safe,Solomon says. Im looking forwardto another four years of putting mytraining, experience and judgment to

work for the County.Some of the duties of the Oscoda

County Prosecutor are to:

- Review, authorize and prosecuteviolations of felony and misde-

meanor criminal laws of the State of

Michigan (and County ordinances)

committed inside the County

- Authorize and prosecute felony,

misdemeanor and juvenile delin-

quency offenses

- Represent the County in criminal

matters before the District & CircuitCourts; juvenile delinquency,

parental neglect, miscellaneous mat-

ters in the Circuit Court/Family

Division, Probate Court, appeals in

the Court of Appeals and Michigan

Supreme Court

- Advise the Michigan Department

of Human Services on child abuse

and neglect petitions, and actions to

terminate parental rights

To learn more about the prosecu-

tors office, or to find useful informa-

tion for residents of Oscoda County,

including crime victims, witnesses

and concerned parents, visit the

prosecutors website at http://osco-dacountyprosecutor.org/

"$'&

"&0$("&$/0.$')

")+.$"&'.-"&

!

#

"$'&',+'&

'

'#')

')

+

)

)

&*

')

%+"'&*&*("$'

)*

Drs. Sally and Louis Cannon mark

completion of Char-Em United Ways

2011/12 Campaign


10/20


Nehemiah Project assistingthe homeless of northwestlower MichiganBy Jim Akans

In 1993, Mike Walker felt his world was crumbling

around him. His wife of five years had left him as

Mikes struggle with substance abuse was not appro-

priate for his two young children to witness. He was

now homeless, unemployed, and had resorted to

sleeping in East Jordans community gazebo.

Somehow, amid this incredible desperation, Mike

Walker discovered the Nehemiah Project in Petoskey.

I began staying there in August, Mike recalls, and

by November my life had completely turned around. I

accepted Jesus Christ into my life, triumphed over my

substance abuse, and on November 14th, my wife,

Gale, and I were remarried.

Today, Mike Walker is the director of the Nehemiah

Project, a spiritually based, nonprofit, non-denomina-

tional homeless facility that has been in existence

since 1988. The project derives its name from the

Book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament of the Bible.

It tells the tale of Nehemiah, who was an important

servant to the king of Persia, who when he heard of the

Jewish exile to Babylon and the destruction of the

walls of Jerusalem, asked the king to send him to the

city to rebuild those walls.

At the Nehemiah Project, notes Mike Walker, we

are here to help people rebuild their lives that have

been broken. We provide food and housing for a peri-

od of time so that they can get their lives back in order

and find work and guidance. We are a Christian-based

shelter, with values that are shared among the approxi-

mately thirty-five volunteers who help to run the

Nehemiah Project.

In 2011, the Nehemiah Project housed individuals

for 6,936 bed nights, an total of how many beds were

utilized each night over the year. That translates into

approximately 152 people whose lives were assisted

through the shelter. To provide this service, over 7,500

volunteer hours were utilized, and the Nehemiah

Project obtains food from community donations from

individuals, businesses and schools, community

organization and the Manna Food Project in Petoskey.

There are actually two separate shelters under the

Nehemiah Project umbrella. The mens facility is

called the Hospitality House, and the womens housing

is called the Mary Margaret House, and is run by

Mikes wife, Gale. Occupants are allowed to stay up to

ninety days as long as they are actively seeking

employment and trying to remedy their situation.

Mike notes that when the economy is in better shape,

the length of the average stay is about thirty to forty

days.

The Nehemiah Project made the difference in my

life, Mike Walker states, Unless something changes

on the inside for the chronically homeless, it is unlike-

ly their situation will ever change. I gave my heart to

Christ when I came here and from that moment on

everything changed. After I left here I continued to

serve as a volunteer and I was a house painter until

2003, when I was asked to become the director.

When asked if he felt the decision to accept his cur-

rent position at the Nehemiah Project was the right

one, Mike Walker replies with a smile in his voice;

When the Lord calls you to do somethingits always

the right choice.

For additional information about the Nehemiah

Project, please visit

www.nehemiahhomelessshelter.org.


There are actually two separate shelters under the

Nehemiah Project umbrella. Gale Walker oversees the

womens housing, called Mary Margaret House, and

Mike Walker directs the mens facility, called the

Hospitality House.

The Nehemiah Project, a spiritually based community homeless facility in Petoskey that has been in existence

since 1988.

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

A motorist is making his morning trip to

the office. As he turns east, the sun glare

temporarily blinds him. Struggling to see, he

reaches for his sunglasses and notices what

appear to be brake lights on the vehicle in

front of him. Hitting the brakes, it takes a

couple nerve-wracking moments for him to

realize nothing tragic happened, and he

safely makes his way to work.

Because the sun rises and sets closer to

the horizon and almost exactly east and west

in the spring, driving can be difficult and, in

some cases, dangerous. The Michigan

Department of Transportation (MDOT)

offers these tips for safe spring driving:

Adjust the time that you travel to and from

your destination;

-Wear a good pair of sunglasses and drive

slower than you usually do; and

-Keep the windshield clean as the sun's

glare can make dirt more obvious.

"Using any or all of these tips, especially in

early spring, can make our roads safer," said

State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle.

"Another good way to deal with the bright

sunlight is to allow more space between you

and the vehicle in front of you."

Intense glare from the sun on the horizon

has the potential to blind drivers, causing

unexpected slow downs. Other potential

safety hazards exist every year as well, like

wet, fallen leaves and frost.

Don't Barrel Through Work Zones! - Drive

Smart to Stay Alive.

www.michigan.gov/drive |

www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT www.face-

book.com/MichiganDOT

MDOT says: Be aware of glare

Neemia Prjectoffering selter t Petkey

Area hmeleUnderwritten by

B Jeremy Will D.D.s.

God gave you your teeth...we help you

Documents

Weekly Choice - April 26, 2012