Weekly Choice - February 23, 2012

8/3/2019 Weekly Choice - February 23, 2012

1/18

FREE

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

Weekly ChoiceA ChoiceChoicePublication

Curt A. Reppuhn,CPA, a familiaraccounting pro-fession name tomany northern Michigannon-profit and municipalentities, has merged withregional accounting firmEHTC. Photo by Jim Akans

HIDDEN TREASURES

When looking to

refurnish, redeco-

rate or simply revitalize

the furniture and accessory

items in your home or cot-

tage, dont miss the opportu-

nity to check out the amazing

selection of vintage and cus-tom furniture at Don Kelly

Antiques & Furniture Barn

located in Charlevoix.

Courtesy Photo

Curt ReppuhnCPA

Positive News,

Sports andEvents

20/20 PROJECT

Thursday, February 23, 2012

& More!

Covering 40 Towns in Northern Michigan including Gaylord, Petoskey,

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

The 4th Annual

Winter Blues

Festival in down-

town Petoskey

continues through

this Saturday,

February 25th

Don KellyAntiques &

FurnitureBarn

By Jim Akans

One of the final, community-wide cele-

brations of the winter season is underway

in downtown Petoskey, as the 4th Annual

Winter Blues Festival continues through

this Saturday, February 25th. Winter BluesFestival kicked off this past Monday, but

there are still plenty of events for the whole

family to enjoy, some great blues music

and many exciting downtown events.

The Chocoholic Frolic is taking place

Thursday, February 23rd from 10 am to 6

pm. There are a wide variety of chocolate

samples to enjoy at area shops, and dont

forget to pick up a Chocoholic Card at the

Petoskey Downtown offices (216 Park

Avenue), and fill out the card for a chance

to win a great chocolate prize. After the

Chocoholic Frolic, join the Brews for the

Blues pub crawl from 6 to 10 pm.

Sponsored by Shorts Brewing Company,

participants can go to six downtown pubs

and receive a Shorts beer in every pub,

plus a T-shirt, pint glass, and cab ridehome. Tickets are $40 per person. Call 231-

622-8501 to reserve your tickets.

On Friday, February 24, the Dress Blues

event offers in-store fashion shows and live

mannequins from 10 am to 6 pm.

Afterwards, support our furry friends at

The Fur Ball from 7-11 pm at Stafford's

Perry Hotel. The ticket price of $35 per per-

son goes to Little Traverse Bay Humane

Society. Everyone is invited for food, fun,

By Jim Akans

The Michigan Department of Education has

made some changes to the way MEAP (Michigan

Education Assessment Program) and Michigan

Merit Exam scores are reported, creating some

difficulty in comparing the recently released

MEAP scores from tests students took this past

fall, to scores released for previous test results.

The State Board of Education recently adopted

new cutoff scores for these semi-annual tests

that are utilized to assess student population

progress in the areas of math, reading, writing,

science and social studies. These cut scores areused to separate student results into four cate-

gories; advanced, proficient, partially proficient

and not proficient, and the new guidelines set by

the State Board of Education raise the base per-

formance level in each of the upper categories.

The new cut scores represent a significantly

higher standard for student achievement and are

intended to more accurately reflect a students

progress toward college and career readiness.

They will also give Michigan parents and stu-

dents a much better sense of whether students

are adequately prepared for the next step in their

education and a future career in a global econo-

my.

On some previous tests, students could have

answered as few as 40 p ercent of the questions

correctly to be considered proficient. Under the

new scoring system, students will have to cor-

rectly answer a much higher percentage of ques-

tions. Michigan is one of only three states in thenation (along with New York and Tennessee) to

move to this top tier level of test scoring.

The results of MEAP tests administered to stu-

dents this past fall were released on Wednesday,

February 8th, and some good news is that overall

SEE STATE MEAP PAGE 4A

Winter Blues

Festival in Petoskeyis underway

Craf

t&Flea

Market

atNorthlandSportsmen's

Club

Saturday,Feb.25

9amto4pm

FREEADMISSION

Lunchavailable.

Antiques,Crafts,GarageS

alesItems,

SportingGoodsandawho

lelotmore!

STORYPAGE 10

By Jim Akans

It began as a small gather-

ing of about 20 people back

in May of 2006, joining

together for a free warm

meal on a Friday evening at

the First Congregational

Church Fellowship Hall in

Gaylord. The event marked

the beginning of the weekly

Gaylord Area Community

Meal event that continues to

this day, originally sparked

by a suggestion by a repre-

sentative from the local

Inside...

SEE WINTER BLUES PAGE 4A

STORYPAGE 5

State MEAP scores

undergo reporting changes

GAYLORD

1390 Main St. West

989-732-8200

Friday evening

Community Mealin Gaylord

A weekly gathering of friends,families and fellowship

Each Friday evening at the First Congregational

Church, Gaylord Area Community Meal program

Board Members and Volunteers help prepare and

serve meals for those in need, those looking to

stretch their food dollar a bit, and for those simply

looking to share some fellowship while enjoying

dinner together. (back row, left to right) Jim

Quandt, Mark Brazelton Riley Brazelton. Jill

Brazelton. Lynde Richards, Shea Carson. (front

row left to right) Emily & James Brazelton.

SEE COMMUNITY PAGE 4A

FREE

Expires 2/29/12Expires 2/29/12

1OO4 W. Main St., GaylordLocated Inside Petoskey Meijer

1OO4 W. Main St., GaylordLocated Inside Petoskey Meijer

20/20 .....................10 - 11

Classifieds......................9B

Crossword.......................13

Health .....................15 - 17

Inspirational Page............14

OCCOA News.................... 2

Real Estate.................... 8B

Weather............................3

choiceweekly.com

index

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The State Board of Education recently adopted new cutoff scores for the semi-annual MEAP and MME

tests that are utilized to assess student population progress in the areas of math, reading, writing, science

and social studies. Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo


2/18

Page 2 Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! February 23, 2012

LOCAL NEWSOn-line at www.weeklychoice.com

Otsego County CommunityFoundation accepting

scholarship applicationsThe Otsego County Community Foundation Education

Committee is accepting scholarship applications for gradu-

ating seniors as well as current college students. A total of 18

scholarships will be awarded ranging from $300-1500.

General scholarships as well as areas of interest including

agriculture, athletics, community services, education, nurs-

ing, science and vocations are available.

The amount of scholarships available is a reflection of

our generous community and the dedication to education.

The majority of the scholarships are set u p in memory of a

loved one. This is a way to create a legacy as well as support

access to higher education. Dana Bensinger, Executive

Director.

The applications can be found at

www.otsegofoundation.org and in the counseling office at

the area high schools. The completed applications along

with transcripts and letters of recommendation are to be

postmarked by Friday, March 25th and mailed to the Otsego

County Community Foundation, PO Box 344, Gaylord MI

49734.

Need MoreBone Density?

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February 23, 2012 Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! Page 3

WEATHER:

Thursday

High 37 - Low 29

Friday

High 32 - Low 18

Saturday

High 25 - Low 18

Sunday

High 29 - Low 27

Monday

High 34 - Low 22

Tuesday

High 26 - Low 21

Emmet among four Michigan counties to

benefit from TransportationEnhancement grants

G A Y L O R D

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

recently awarded federal Transportation Enhancement ( TE)

grants for projects in four Michigan counties. Three of the

counties, Emmet, Leelanau and Livingston, are receiving

funds for projects that will support tourism by providing res-

idents and visitors with access to nearly 20 miles of pedestri-

an and bicycle paths. The fourth, Kent County, will receive

funding for a project that will enhance a Grand Rapids busi-

ness district by improving water quality f rom stormwater

runoff.

"This federal funding helps pay for improvements thatmake a real difference in economic development and quality

of life," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle.

"Transportation enhancements like these make Michigan

communities even more attractive to residents, visitors and

business investors."

Under federal law, 10 percent of federal surface transporta-

tion funds are set aside for TE projects. Administered by

MDOT, the grants enable communities to invest in projects

such as streetscapes and non-motorized trails. TE funds pro-

vide a maximum of 80 percent of the money required for

each project, with the remainder coming from state and

local government and the private sector.

In northern Michigan, the Emmet County Road

Commission, in cooperation with the Michigan Department

of Natural Resources (MDNR), will construct 7 miles of a 10-

foot-wide trail from M-119 in Petoskey to Powers Road in

Alanson. Approximately 5.5 trail miles will be constructed on

a former railroad corridor owned by MDNR, while 1.5 miles

will be constructed in MDOT right of way along US-31. The

project budget is $1,345,670, including $941,969 in federal TE

funds, $300,000 expected from the MDNR Natural Resources

Trust Fund and $103,701 expected from the MDNR

Recreational Trails Program.

The Leelanau County Road Commission will pave 6.5

miles of the Leelanau Trail, part of the Traverse Area

Recreation and Transportation ( TART) trail, from Lakeview

Hills Road to Revold Road. The trail surface will be asphaltfrom Lakeview Hills Road to Bingham Road and crushed

limestone from Bingham Road to Revold Road. The project

budget is $671,498, including $470,049 in federal TE funds

and $201,449 in matching from TART Trails, Inc.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) sponsors

two national programs each year that exemplify

the organizations goals of veterans helping veter-

ans, and efforts to encourage patriotism and loy-

alty in communities, especially for the youth.

These two programs are the Patriots Pen Essay

Contest for 6th, 7th and 8th grade public, private

and home-school students, and the Voice of

Democracy Essay Contest for 9th, 10th, 11th and

12th grade students. The theme for this years

Patriots Pen Contest was Are You Proud of Your

Country? and the Voice of Democracy EssayAudio Contest theme was Is There Pride in

Serving in Our Military?

Emma Philip, a 7th grade student at Gaylord

Middle School, was judged first place in VFW

District 13 Patriots Pen Essay Contests. Nicholas

White, a 7th grade student at Gaylord St. Mary

School, placed second in the VFW District 13 com-

petition, and Quinn Marquard, a 12th grade stu-

dent at St Mary School, captured the District 13

second place in the Voice of Democracy Audio

Essay Contest. Emma Philip was also named the

State of Michigans 2nd place Patriots Pen winner

at the VFW Mid-Winter Conference in Kalamazoo.

For her efforts, she and her family enjoyed a week-

end of fun at the Radisson Hotel as well as a $750

bond that was presented to here by the State VFW

at the prestigious awards banquet. Emma alsoreceived a $2000 bond from the local Ralph

Holewinski Post 1518 and Ladies Auxiliary.

Each of the national contests began with a stu-

dents essay submission to the local VFW. The

local VFW and co-sponsor Ladies Auxiliary judged

the essays. The winners advanced to their respec-

tive VFW districts and the winners in each of the

twelve Michigan districts advanced to the State

Competition. State winners then advance to the

national competition. In Michigan, there were

4,549 entries from 118 VFW Posts.

The VFW expresses that they are very proud of

all the students who participated in these patriotic

endeavors, and most especially of Emma Philip in

representing Gaylord and the Middle School so

well in the entire state of Michigan.

To learn more about these programs, contact

Bill Ahrenberg at (989) 732-5902.

Winners of this years VFW Essay Contests; (from left) Quinn Marquard, a 12th grade student at St

Mary School, captured the District 13 second place in the Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest.

Emma Philip, a 7th grade student at Gaylord Middle School, was judged first place in VFW District 13

Patriots Pen Essay Contest and also named the State of Michigans 2nd place Patriots Pen winner

at the VFW Mid-Winter Conference in Kalamazoo. Nicholas White, a 7th grade student at GaylordSt. Mary School, placed second in the VFW District 13 competition.

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

EMAIL [email protected] NEWS FROM NORTHERN MICHIGANLocal NewsThrsda, Febrar 23, 2012 Local News Line (989) 732-8160

Photo by Jim AkAns

Gaylord students excel inNational VFW essay contests

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]

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Barbara [email protected]

Sharon [email protected]

Cindy [email protected]

2010 Amount 2011 Amount 2011-12 Amount

Atlanta 2/22/2010 30.4 2/21/2011 36 2/20/2012 29.3

Charlevoix 2/22/2010 72.3 2/21/2011 65.6 2/20/2012 28

East Jordan 2/22/2010 77.2 2/21/2011 78.9 2/20/2012 49.4

Gaylord 2/22/2010 78.8 2/21/2011 87.8 2/20/2012 72.4

Mio 2/22/2010 25.8 2/21/2011 34.6 2/20/2012 28

Onaway 2/22/2010 61.8 2/21/2011 47.3 2/20/2012 39.2

Petoskey 2/22/2010 81.3 2/21/2011 73.6 2/20/2012 49.7

Snowfall

totals

Records andNormals Temps

Re cord N ormal R ecord N ormal Re cord Re cord

Month Day High High Low Low Precip. Snowvall

February 23 58 F 1984 30 F -11 F 1989 11 F 0.54 in. 1971 6 in. 1971February 24 56 F 1976 30 F -9 F 1974 11 F 0.71 in. 1977 6 in. 1994February 25 54 F 1976 30 F -18 F 1982 12 F 0.29 in. 1949 3.5 in. 1965February 26 57 F 2000 31 F -22 F 1963 12 F 0.63 in. 1975 9.5 in. 1975February 27 53 F 2000 31 F -11 F 1994 12 F 0.93 in. 1997 11 in. 1997February 28 54 F 1983 31 F -12 F 2008 12 F 0.81 in. 1981 5 in. 1999February 29 55 F 2000 31 F -27 F 1980 12 F 0.14 in. 1988 1.5 in. 1988March 1 53 F 1983 31 F -22 F 1962 13 F 0.53 in. 1972 5 in. 1999March 2 50 F 1964 32 F -24 F 1980 13 F 1.11 in. 1991 7.5 in. 1976March 3 56 F 1974 32 F -25 F 2003 13 F 0.58 in. 1976 5 in. 1989

March 4 58 F 1974 32 F -16 F 1978 13 F 0.97 in. 1989 6.5 in. 1989

Courtesy Photo

PATRICK

KWIATKOWSKI

& HESSELINK PLLC

AppealsCriminalFamily Law

Personal InjuryReal Estate LawEstate Planning

CorporateGovernment

1262 S. Otsego Ave. Gaylord 989-732-5952www.pklawfirm.com

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4/18



cash bar and to listen to the Jelly Roll Blues Band. To pur-

chase tickets, call 231-347-2396.

Saturday, February 25 the Winter Blues Festival wrap up

begins with a Chase the Blues 5K Fun Run/Walk. Starting

line up is at 8 am, with the run/walk takes off at 8:30 am.

Entry fee is a donation of warm outerwear for theCommunity Free Clinic. After the run, stay downtown for

Game Day from 10 am to 5 pm. Play Downtown Trivia

and enter to win Downtown Treasure Certificates.

Saturday evening, enjoy the 3rd annual Whine and Dine

progressive dinner at five downtown locations beginning

at 6 pm. Tickets is $45 per person. Call 231-622-8501 to

reserve tickets.

The Winter Blue Festival musical line-up this weekend

will include the Crooked Tree Arts Center Swirl on

Thursday from 5:30 to 7 pm, highlighted by vocalist

Michele Walker plus assorted wines and appetizers.

Friday, the Whitecaps Grill offers 50s and 60s music by

Hipps and Ricco from 6 to 9 pm, Mike Ridley at theStaffords Perry Hotel Noggin Room from 8 to 11 pm, and

the Jelly Roll Blues Band at the Rose Room from 7 to 11

pm. Saturdays musical line up features JUSDUIT at

Staffords Perry Hotels Noggin Room from 8 to 11 pm,

and the John Archambault Band at the City Park Grill.

Visit www.petoskeydowntown.com for details on all of

the activities.

Community continued...

Winter Blues continued...

Goodwill agency to provide a meal for those in need, those look-

ing to stretch their food dollar a bit, and for those simply looking

to share some fellowship while enjoying dinner together.

Vicky Rigney, who coordinates the non-sectarian, Gaylord Area

Community Meal along with Kim Brown, states, There is very

nice, family-oriented atmosphere at each gathering. About a year

after this Friday evening program began, the Salvation Armyjoined Goodwill in sponsoring the weekly meal, each donating

about $100 a month for food supplies. Today, we typically serve

between 75 and 100 people each week, and several area churches

and organizations in town help with funding for food and sup-

plies for preparing the meals. We also have about six volunteers

who help set-up, cook and clean-up each Friday evening.

Rigney adds that organizers are extremely grateful that the First

Congregational Church has offered the use of their Fellowship

Hall for the Community Meal program since it began nearly

seven years ago. The meals are offered from 5 to 6 pm every

Friday during the year with the exception of the Friday during

Alpenfest, when lack of parking becomes an issue.

The Gaylord Area Community Meal Program is a licensed

kitchen and is run by a steering committee with 10 members.

Rigney obseves, We divide things up so everyone has something

to do to help out. We all roll up our sleeves; we are definitely a

working board.

In addition to preparing their own Friday night meals, several

area restaurants, including Alpine Tavern and Eatery, Michaywe

Inn the Woods, Arlenes Diner, Mama Leones Italian Restaurant,

and several others cook meals for the program during the year.

Area service organizations and churches, including the Gaylord

Kiwanis, the Gaylord Experimental Aircraft Association, the

Friendship Housing Center, Otsego County Habitat for Humanity,

Peace Lutheran Church, Presbyterian Church, and many otherssponsor one or more Community Meals during the year as well.

Donna Quandt, Executive Director of Otsego County Habitat

for Humanity, states, I learned about this Community Meal

while attending the Otsego County Human Service Network

meetings for the past several years and we p ost the programs

monthly menu in our ReStore. I thought it would be a great

opportunity to help out with the meal once or twice a year.

Faith-Based groups, Service Clubs, Area Businesses and Human

Service Agencies are being asked by the volunteer Steering

Committee to help expand the number of organizations to assist

in this much needed effort which is called Adopt A Friday

Night. As Christians we are all one body and are called to serve

the needs of others.

Vicky Rigney states, We are very grateful so many in this com-

munity help with this much need program throughout the year.

We couldnt continue to do this without this support.

Additional information about the program can be found on

Facebook at Gaylord Area Community Meal Program.

State MEAP Continued...scores in math and reading for elementary and middle school

students across the state improved, ranging from high of a 40-

percent proficient and above rating in mathematics for stu-

dents in grades 4 and 5, to a peak of 69-percent proficient and

above in the reading category for 5th graders. With the imple-

mentation of the higher cut scores, however, comparing theselatest test results with previous periods can cause a bit of anxiety.

School districts will be examining curriculum to respond to

this more challenging level of test scoring. In addition, staff will

focus professional development efforts on enhancing their abili-

ties to rise to the challenge presented by these recent changes.

To view MEAP and MME test results for individual schools and

districts, visit www.michigan.gov/mde

National Weather Service offersspring Skywarn spotter

training classesBy Jim Akans

The National Weather Service will once again offer f ree

Skywarn spotter training classes during the coming weeksat several northern Michigan locations. While open to any-

one in the general public who would simply like to learn

more about weather indicators and phenomenon, these

classes are the first step someone needs to take in order to

become an official National Weather Service storm spotter,

providing attendees with basic weather observation training.

The information offered in the two hour class session

includes an interactive multimedia presentation given by a

meteorologist, including various images and video loops

from past storms in Michigan and the Great Lakes area.

Brochures are also available.

Middle and high school students are welcome to attend

the classes with a parent or other adult. Because of the com-

plexity of severe thunderstorms and the potential dangers

involved, spotting is recommended for ages 18 and older.

Following is a list of Skywarn spotter training that will be

held in the northern Michigan area in the coming weeks.Please note that pre-registration is not required to attend

these classes.

Atlanta - March 15th, 6:30 pm Montmorency County

Courthouse, West Entrance, 12265 M-32. Contact Dave Utt

(989) 785-4141

Gaylord March 22nd, 6:30 pm, University Center, 80

Livingston Blvd. Contact; Mike Thompson (989) 732-6670

Mio March 26th, 6:30 pm, MSE-e Conference Room, 101

Court Street. Contact; Buffy Galer (989) 826-1191

Prudenville April 9th, 7:00 pm, Denton Township Fire

Department, 2600 South Gladwin Rd. Contact; Eric Tiepel

(989) 275-8740

Rogers City April 16th, 6:30 pm, Rogers City Area Senior

Center, 131 East Superior Ave. Contact; Norm Smith (989)

733-8095

Bellaire April 17th, 6:30 pm, Antrim County Building,

Commissioners Room (2nd Floor). Contact Carl Goeman

(231) 533-6569

989-732-9501

Toll Free 877-407-4446

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FREEESTIMATES

Emily Brazelton and Vicky Rigney, Community

Meal co-coordinator, chat prior to the mealbeing served.

Courtesy Photo

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5/18



H I D D E N T R E A S U R E S

nrh ohiterrific kids

Front Row: AidenMurphy; Audra

WUrtsmith; WarrenStevens. Second Row:

Keara Ball; AlexisHoward; Addison

Letourneau; Collin

Kosinski; LinusBranigan; Cory Kurncz;

Zander Robinson;Jimmy Doyle. Back

Row: Victoria Talley;Erin Rigney; Chloe Lee;

Austin Harding; Ayden

Guess; BriennaBradstreet; Scout

Lappan; MakenzieRobinson; Kiwanian,

Mr. Chuck Bump andhis Terrific Dog, Roxi

All kids are terrific and here at North Ohio Elementary we are acknowledging kids for good character.The Kiwanis club of Otsego County is helping us with this endeavor. Students who exhibit good behaviorby following our school rules will be recognized by staff for doing so. One student per class will be selectedto receive a Terrific Kid award, button, and pencil. The student names will be announced on our morn-ing announcements. They will also have their picture taken to hang on our Terrific Kid bulletin board.This is an excellent opportunity for staff, students, parents and the community to connect on a social/emo-tional level because good character is just as important as good grades!

TERRIFIC KIDS

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989-748-4849www.greatroomsgaylord.com

Find us on facebook

Your MoneyYour MoneyThe Furthest Here!The Furthest Here!

By Jim Akans

When looking to refurnish, redecorate or simply revitalize

the furniture and accessory items in your home or cottage,

dont miss the opportunity to check out the amazing selec-

tion of vintage and custom furniture at Don Kelly Antiques &

Furniture Barn located in Charlevoix. The fascinating facility

encompasses over 7,000 square feet of ever changing vintage

furniture and accessories, plus another 1,500 square feet of

custom furniture items. From antique wicker to Early

American and European imports, the vast selection is sure to

tantalize the imagination of virtually every furniture shopper.

Don Kelly founded his business back in 1985, as he recalls,

it was in a small room off my garage. I loved working with

furniture, and while attending a furniture show I discovered

a new type of finish stripper that worked extremely well. I

went home, tried it out, and started my new business. It

kept expanding and I moved into my current location in

1990.

Kelly adds, Something we specialize in is wicker furniture

items. People love old wicker furniture, and we also sell lots

of old pine, oak and items made from other woods as well.

Vintage furniture is generally made with sold wood or very

good veneers. The workmanship & craftsmanship is excellent.

The services offered at Don Kelly Antiques & Furniture

Barn also include customizing the size of furniture to match

the customers needs, and they will paint, stain and refinish

items to match the customers dcor if they desire.

Don Kelly Antiques and Furniture Barn is located at 6176

Old US 31 South in Charlevoix. They are open Monday

through Friday from 8 am until 4 pm, and Saturday and

Sunday from 8 am until noon. For additional information,

please call (231) 547-0133 or visit www.dkellyantiques.com.

Courtesy Photo

The fascinating facility encompasses over 7,000square feet of ever changing vintage furniture and

accessories, plus another 1,500 square feet of cus-tom furniture items.

Courtesy Photo

Don Kelly Antiques and Furniture Barn is located at6176 Old US 31 South in Charlevoix.

Don Kelly Antiques &

Furniture BarnOffer quality vintage and custom furniture

In the Rough, Professionally Paintedor Completely Restored

Over 7,000 sq. ft. of Furnit ure, Antiques & Goodies

06176 Old U.S. 31 South, Charlevoix, MI 49720

E-Mail: [email protected]

FURNITURE BARN

(231) 547-0133 Cell (231) 881-0353

Web: dkellyantiques.com

CUSTOM & ANTIQUEFURNITURE

Local Senior Service Organizations

Oppose Exemption of Personal

Property Taxes without Replacement

Funds

Governor Snyder and some members of the Michigan

Legislature are proposing to eliminate business tax on

personal property (PPT). The PPT is paid only by

Michigan businesses and not by households or individual

taxpayers.

All PPT revenues go to Michigan local governments,

public schools and community organizations to pay for

essential services. Many communities have publicly raised

their concerns as this proposal will lower revenues for

local tax funded services.

However, little has been said on how this will affect sen-

ior citizens. 63 Michigan counties rely on local millage

dollars to fund critical services for older Michiganians.

The directors of local senior service organizations

endorsed a resolution opposing the exemption of personalproperty taxes without full replacement of the lost funds.

The Michigan Directors of Services to the Aging wants to

draw attention to the terrible consequences for our sen-

iors if these funds are eliminated, says Dona Wishart,

president of the statewide association. most of our organ-

izations are still struggling to meet basic needs as a result

of previous federal and state budget cuts. Over the last few

years funding has been reduced by nearly 28%. Decreases

in taxable values have also cut deeply into millage rev-

enue.

Our organizations would have to further reduce home

delivered meals, adding to waiting lists that are already

too long. There would be less money for home care servic-

es and less support f or caregivers. These are home and

community based programs that keep seniors out of more

costly institutional placements, noted Wishart.

We believe higher costs from additional nursing home

placements and reduced public safety will outweigh any

gain in revenues received by businesses.

Wishart adds, We also worry that a decrease in services

for senior citizens, other community resources and public

safety functions will result in Michigan communities

being less desirable destinations for retirement and busi-

ness relocation. The small gain for our business commu-

nity through the elimination of the business tax on per-

sonal property will be overshadowed by the poverty of our

communities public services.

As many opponents of the proposed PPT elimination

urge, there must be a proper balance between pro busi-

ness and quality of life. The proposal to eliminate the PPT

without a guaranteed source of replacement revenue does

not strike the proper balance.

The MSDA urges Governor Snyder and members of theMichigan Legislature to work with local communities to

find stable replacement revenue that is not subject to the

annual appropriation process before moving forward with

eliminating the PPT. After all, Wishart concludes,

Michigan voters approved these millages to provide for

local priorities. The legislature shouldnt undermine the

intent of local voters to fund these services.

Submitted by the Michigan Directors of Services to the

Aging

Opinion


6/18


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

CHEBOYGANHow is Your HeartDoing?February is American HeartMonth. How's your heartdoing? Cheboygan MemorialHospital is offering FreeHealth Screenings at threedifferent locations. Stop byfor free blood sugar testing,blood pressure checks andheart-health information.Thursday, February 23, Ken's

Village Market, Indian River,9am to 11am.Thursday, February 23,Glen's Market of Cheboygan,1pm to 3pm.For more information on

wellness programs, you cancontact the Cardiac RehabDepartment inside the CMH

Wellness Center, (231) 627-1458.

PETOSKEYWinter Blues FestivalThe 4th annual Winter BluesFestival will be held Mondaythrough Saturday, February20-25 in Downtown Petoskey.Celebrate winter with these

wild and wacky events everyday and evening throughoutthe week. There's somethingfor everyone, and lots of funfor visitors to make Petoskeytheir destination for thePresident's Day week.

PETOSKEYCooking classTuesdays through March 27,

Crooked Tree Arts Center willhost cooking classes withchefs from around the area.Toski Sands on February 28,Caf Sant on March 6, theTwisted Olive on March 13,Thai Orchid on March 20,and wrapping up the serieson March 27 with Lake StreetMarket. For more informa-tion on these classes or otherprograms offered at CrookedTree Art Center go online to

www.crookedtree.org or call

the arts center at 231-347-4337.

GRAYLINGRelay For Life Kick-off

Crawford County Relay ForLife Kick-off party, Feb. 23,6pm. at Michelson MethodistChurch. Food! Desserts, Fun& Information about what wedo. Questions? Contact MollyPaquin at 231-268-3344 [email protected]

PETOSKEYSwing Dance SeriesFeb 24, Swing Dance Series

with the Up North Big Band.The North Central MichiganCollege Cafeteria Room,7:30pm. Beginners are wel-come. Instruction starts at6:45pm. Dances are $10/adult, $5 / Under 18 and

under 5 free.

GAYLORDAwards banquetThe Gaylord Area Chamberof Commerce will hold its

Annual Awards BanquetFebruary 23, at Otsego Club& Resort. Over two hundredpeople are expected toattend this popular eventsponsored by Blue Cross BlueShield of Michigan. Localcommunity members, busi-nesses, and organizations arecelebrated for excellence inthe Gaylord area with the fol-lowing awards being present-ed:

* Gordon G. EverettMemorial Bell Tower Award* You Made It Happen Award* Chamber Volunteer of the

Year* Chamber Ambassador ofthe Year Award* Chairman's Award* Golden Pineapple Award* Daune Weiss Memorial -Businessperson of the Year

AwardTicket are $30 each and areavailable at the Chamber'sMain Street office in Gaylordor by calling (989) 732-6333now through February 16,2012. The event will feature ahospitality hour sponsoredby Paxton Resources, dinner,awards banquet sponsoredby Independent Bank andspeaker. For more informa-tion, please contact theGaylord Area Chamber at989-732-6333.

PETOSKEYSwing Dance Series

with the Up North Big Bandat the North CentralMichigan College CafeteriaRoom. Feb. 24, 7:30pm

ROSCOMMONEisenhower DanceEnsembleThis dance group electrifies

the stage in On the Move, a

brand new high-energydance extravaganza FridayFeb. 24 at 7pm. Advancereservations through theKCPA box office at 989-275-

6777. Tickets for EisenhowerDance are $10 generaladmission; students at halfprice.

GRAYLINGBlizzard Fest Ice Golf& EuchreTournamentsSaturday, February 25th atthe Camp Grayling NCOClub. The Grayling YouthBoosters Club will hold theirannual Blizzard Fest Ice GolfTournament at 11am ($40per 2-person team) andEuchre Tournament at 2pm($20 per 2-person team).Contact Karen Ayers at 989-

348-3196 to register for oneor both events. Please helpsupport the youth ofCrawford County by joiningin on the fun.

ROSCOMMONSinbad

Actor/comedian Sinbad willbring his uproarious brand ofcomedy to Kirtland all-agesaudiences Saturday Feb. 25 at7 p.m. Advance reservationsthrough the KCPA box officeat 989-275-6777. Tickets forSinbad are $36 and $32.Sinbad pre-show dinner is$12 per person and reserva-tions are required as seating

is limited.

GAYLORDCraft showFebruary 25, NorthlandSportsmens Club Craft Showand Flea Market from 9am-4pm.

GAYLORDSnowshoe FamilyAdventureFebruary 25, JoinHeadWaters LandConservancy for a SnowshoeFamily Adventure at noon atthe Pigeon River Forest StateHeadquarters

CHEBOYGANNorthern MichiganHas TalentOn Saturday, February 25th,The Opera House will be pre-senting its fifth AnnualNorthern Michigan HasTalent an amateur talentshow featuring people of allages, with talents rangingfrom vocals to Rap to danceand instrumentals. This con-cert will feature twelve (12)amateur performing artists

who reside in the NorthernMichigan area, and who wereselected from open auditionsheld Saturday, February 4th.

Tickets are now availablethrough The Opera HouseBox Office at 403 NorthHuron Street. Office hoursare 9:30am through 4:30pm,Tuesday through Friday.Seating is Non-Reserved andall Tickets are $10. Call 231-627-5841 or 231-627-5432 fortickets.

GRAYLINGSnowshoe LacingWorkshopsFebruary 25-26 9am-4pm at

Hartwick Pines State Park. A2-day workshop teaching

you how to lace your ownpair of wooden snowshoes

with nylon lacing (when var-

nished, the lacing looks liketraditional rawhide). Fee &registration required. Formore information, please call989-348-2537 or e-mail RobBurg at [email protected] receive a registrationpacket.

ROSCOMMONStamp club begins

We are starting a Stamp Clubfor Stamp Collectors in theRoscommon area. The firstmeeting will be held onFebruary, 27th at Fred'sRestaurant and BowlingCenter across from Glen'sand Rite Aid Pharmacy at

7pm. Experienced collectors,Beginners and Teens 16 orolder are welcome to join.

CHEBOYGANCounty RepublicanParty meetOur next regular monthlymeeting will be Monday,February 27th, 7pm atCheboygan County DistrictCourt, 870 S. Main. Those of

you who have not been withus for a while, we need yourpresence at our meetings.

GRAYLINGVOTE February 28thCrawford AuSable School

District 2012 Bus & FacilityBond. The Bond wouldinclude: Six new buses,Increase student safety byseparating areas where bothvehicular and bus drop offoccur, Add enclosed heatedparent waiting area, Studenttechnology in both MiddleSchool and High School, Tworeplacement boilers, Pavingat the Elementary School.

GAYLORDOCS Open houseOtsego Christian School willbe hosting an Open Houseon Tuesday, Feb. 28, from6:30 to 8 pm, for all of our

Preschool and Kindergartenclasses. Everyone is welcometo check out our awesometeachers and their class-rooms that day.Refreshments will be provid-ed along with importantenrollment information!Please call OCS at 989-732-8333 or look up our websiteat www.ocsgaylord.org formore information. Hope tosee you there!

GRAYLINGSenior KaraokeThe Crawford CountyCommission on Aging &Senior Center will be hosting

an evening of Karaoke. BobJorgenson will be our emceefor the evening. It is open toanyone who enjoys musicand having lots of fun. Thisfree event will be at 5:30pmon Feb. 29 at the Commissionon Aging & Senior Center,308 Lawndale Street inGrayling. Join us for a BakedHam Dinner at 5pm prior tothe event. People 60 and overdine for a suggested dona-tion of $2.50 and under 60dine for the cost of $4.75. For

additional information call989-348-7123

INDIAN RIVEREmbroiderer's Guild

The Northern MichiganChapter of the EmbroiderersGuild of America will meet

Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 11amin the TransfigurationEpiscopal Church located onM 68. The project will be acontinuation of our 2 mys-tery samplers. Remember tobring any finished projectsfor golden needle. We wel-come new members. For fur-ther information, call Sue at231-584-2091.

NORTHERN MICHIGANAdvertising funds theWeekly Choice

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 lessthan most other papers and

your message will reachreaders all across NorthernMichigan. The Weekly Choiceis distributed free of chargeon news stands to 40 townsincluding Gaylord, Petoskey,Cheboygan, Grayling, IndianRiver, Onaway, Mio,Lewiston, Mancelona and allsurrounding towns. Contactus at [email protected] call 989-732-8160.

CHEBOYGANCheboygan VITA

VITA is a Volunteer Income

Tax Assistance program thathas been active inCheboygan County since2002. They provide freeincome tax preparation andtax counseling to personsmaking less than $50,000annually. Call 231-420-5015to set up your appointment!Donations to fund this pro-gram can be sent to theCheboygan County United

Way Office (231.627.2288)

PETOSKEYNCMC Family funnightsThe North Central MichiganCollege gym and fitness cen-

ter is offering family funnights on Wednesdays,February 29 and March 21from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.Dinner and activities will bein the Student andCommunity Resource Centergymnasium on the Petoskeycampus. Activities willinclude soccer, basketball,volleyball and Eclipse Ball.There will be appropriatetoys and tumbling mats fortoddlers and an obstaclecourse for children ages 7 to11. The fitness staff will be

available to help parents andtheir children with all activi-ties. Participants should wearsuitable gym clothing andclean, dry shoes. Cost is $5

per family and includes allactivities and a light dinnerof chili or soup, crackers andbread, and applesauce. Forfamilies who wish to partici-pate in games and activitiesonly, the cost is $3 per family.Coffee and hot chocolate willalso be for sale. For moreinformation, call 231-439-6370.

EAST JORDANFiddlers JamboreeSaturday, March 3 theHarvest Barn Church willhost the Fiddlers Jamboree.There is no admission fee(donation box at the door)

Jamboree Noon - 5pm andDance from 7 - 10pm.Everyone is welcome!

GRAYLINGJewelry Making Classat AAVSaturday, March 3rd at 1pmat the AuSable Artisan Village

Art Center. Jewelry Making:Learn quick and easy earringstyles. Learn to make loveknots, hammered spirals and

your own ear wires. All toolsand materials will be provid-ed. Class fee including mate-rials is $45 with a $5 discountfor 2012 AAV members. Formore info visit www.art-

galleryaav.org and click onCalendar of Events.

CHEBOYGANCMH Medical StaffScholarshipsThe Medical Staff atCheboygan MemorialHospital (CMH) is takingscholarship applications forstudents entering a health-related field. This program isdesigned to help those inter-ested in pursuing a career inhealth care and promote theCheboygan area as a poten-tial workplace followingcompletion of their studies.The application deadline is

March 5. Scholarship appli-cations are available fromcounselors at all area highschools. Since some tran-scripts and other necessaryinformation may be neededto complete the applications,interested students shouldpick up an application assoon as possible. The num-ber of scholarships awarded

will be determined by thenumber of qualified appli-cants and the amount ofmoney available. For moreinformation on the program,contact Rita Chapman, CMHMedical Staff Coordinator at(231) 627-1438.

GAYLORDBoomers & Seniors

Are you caring for your par-ents while supporting yourchildren? Attend the paneldiscussion March 7, 5:30 -7:30pm at the Otsego CountySportsplex. There will beinformation on services andresources available to help

you and plenty of time to askquestions. For more info call989-731-3546 or e-mailB i l l @ o c s p o r t s p l e x . c o m .Sponsored by Community

Local.Service-Minded.

Call today for a FREEEstimate.

Arrow Sanitation

(989) 732-4243

Feeny Ford of Grayling welcomesDarrell Metzer

to their sales sta.

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

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7/18



Advocates for a Lifetime ofLiving.

ROSCOMMONRegional Business

after hoursThe objective of this crackerbarrel themed event is topromote ongoing economicsurvival and thriving forums

within our northern coun-ties. Dr. Thomas Quinn,President KirtlandCommunity College will hostthe event, encouraging theattendees to speak freely oneconomic concerns andhopes for the future of theirbusinesses. There will beplenty of time for network-ing. Thursday, March 8 from5:30pm 8pm at KirtlandCommunity College StudentCenter, 10775 N St. Helen Rd.Chamber members fromnortheastern Michigan, StateRepresentatives BruceRendon and Peter Pettalia,Senator Darwin Booher anda Legislative Representativefor John Moolenaar will bethere to listen to our localbusiness owners. Also inattendance, LegislativeRepresentatives from DaveCamps, Dr. Dan Benisheksand Debbie Stabenowsoffice. Kirtland CommunityCollege board members andKirtland Foundation boardmembers will be available tospeak with directly. This is aRegional event, so you mustRSVP by March 6. email/call:

[email protected] /(989) 275-5000 x 446. $5 perperson

GAYLORDNominees forVolunteerismOtsego County United Way

Volunteer Center is takingnominations for their 2012Spirit of Volunteerism

Awards. Go to www.otsegounitedway.org tofind the nomination formand more information aboutthe awards. Nominations aredue March 9.

GAYLORD

Build your marriageSteve & Annie Chapman will

be at the Evangelical Church,M-32 East on March 9 & 10 tobring a blend of personal sto-ries, music and humor to"Let the Carpenter Build Your

Marriage" Register atwww.gaylordefree.org or call888-930-2060.

ELMIRADonation sale & bakesaleHave gently used unwantedstuff? Please donate items tothe Elmira-WarnerFirefighters, all proceeds willgo to the firefighters to helpraise money for specialitems. (dress uniforms, IDCards, Badges, HalloweenCandy, food for CommunityChristmas party, and manyother things) March 10 atElmira Twp. Hall, 9am - 6pm.

Donated items can bedropped off at the Fire Hallon Tuesday, March 6thbetween 6 and 9pm.

Arrangements call be made ifnot able to make this time.Please contact Leigh-AnneMarsh at 989-370-2271

CHEBOYGANAcupuncture

Acupuncture as part of treat-ment for alcohol and drugabuse presentation:Saturday, March 10, Noon -1:30pm, Great Lakes Grill,817 E State St (US 23).Luncheon Speech by inter-nationally known. MichaelSmith, MD, DAC, founder ofthe National AcupunctureDetoxification Association(NADA) and member of theDrug Court Hall of Fame.Cost $15 includes soap andsandwich buffet lunchincluding beverage.

Attendees will have theopportunity to experience ademonstration of the tech-nique. The event is spon-sored by NADA-Michigan. Toregister email [email protected], call 231-268-3381 if you are interestedin the full training. Lunchcount must be in by March 1.

GAYLORD

Taste of GaylordTickets for the 2012 Taste of

Gaylord are now available!The 2012 Taste of Gaylord

will be held on March 14thfrom 5:30pm-8pm at OtsegoClub and Resort. The cost is

$25 and tickets must be pur-chased in advance. Comesample the flavors of many ofour local Chamber MemberRestaurants to find your newfavorite or to experience andold favorite. Stop by theChambers Main Street officeor call Karen at 989-732-6333for your ticket.

GAYLORDFree Divorce ClinicThe 46th Judicial Circuit Bar

Association, Legal Services ofNorthern Michigan and RiverHouse Womens Shelter willhold free monthly divorceclinics open to communitymembers who cannot afford

to 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,March 15, 5:30pm.

GAYLORDMen's conferenceGet your tickets now for theHigher Call Men'sConference at theEvangelical Free Church

April 21. The day long eventfeatures guests Fred Stoeker,the Stand Strength Team and

David Dean. To order ticketsgo to www.ahighercall.comor phone the church at 989-732-2647. Purchase ticketsbefore March 15 and save!$25 if purchased by 3/15; $30if purchased by 4/10. After

4/10 price is $35.

PETOSKEYBenefit concertCamp Daggett will present a

family friendly concert onFriday, March 16 at 7pm atthe Emmet CountryFairgrounds. This concert

will be a fundraiser for CampDaggett and will featureOrpheum Bell, a multi-tal-ented band from Ann Arbor,Michigan. Orpheum Bell'smusic is a unique mix ofEastern Folk and country

with a hint of gypsy thatpleases the senses of all ages.Celebrate St. Patrick's Dayearly, and support scholar-ships for children to attendCamp Daggett. Hors d'oeu-vres and non-alcoholicdrinks will be served as

refreshments between musi-cal sets. Call 231-347-9742extension 100 to make areservation and receive a dis-count! Reserved ticket pricesare $15 for adults and $7 forstudents (high school-agedor younger.) Admissionprices at the door will be $20for adults and $10 for stu-dents.

MIOGun ShowSaturday, March 17, 9am -3pm at the Mio CommunityCenter, 305 9th St. Admissionis $5, children under 12 free ifaccompanied by adult. CallBud Spowl now to reserve

your table, 989-335-3195.

GRAYLINGSt. Patrick's Day Music

You are cordially invited to join us for a special St.Patricks Day Concert

Saturday, Mar. 17, 7-9pm inthe AuSable Artisan Village

Art Gallery, 219 Michigan Ave. in downtown, 989-293-9305. Admission: $10 AAV

members and $12 non-mem-bers. Doors open at 6:30pm.Refreshments will be served.

An Evening of Celtic andCeltic Inspired Music by KellyShively, Pam Luce and DanHouse. Vocal harmonies andinstrumentation, includingguitars, harp, lap dulcimer,mandolin, banjola, fiddle,banjo and bodhran. Wearingof the green optional butencouraged!

GAYLORDBowl for Kids SakeBig Brothers Big Sisters ofNorth central Michigan haveannounced that Bowl ForKids Sake is scheduled for

March 17th at 7pm at theGaylord Bowling Center;team sign up is now takingplace, go to www.bbbsnc-mi.org or call 989-732-7780for more information.

CHARLEVOIX & EMMET COUNTYPlanning begins forProject Connect

Your help is needed. Localhuman service agencies areonce again joining forces.Planning for the fifth annual

Charlevoix-Emmet ProjectConnect has begun. This yearthe event will be held onMarch 21 from 10am to5:30pm at the Community

Building at the EmmetCounty Fairgrounds inPetoskey. Project Connectconnects people in need witha range of health and humanservices needed to improvetheir lives. The planningteam anticipates an eventboth bigger and better this

year. Last year the eventreached over 800 individuals.

All received a wide range ofsupportive services.

Assistance with housing,food, tax preparation, healthservices, and much more

were provided throughoutthe day. Free haircuts andchair massages were avail-able. Guests received a meal

and gifts of food, personalcare and household items.Individuals or businessesinterested in donating itemsmight consider conducting adrive at their business,school, or faith community.Lists of specific food, person-al care, household, or otheritems that are most neededare listed on the United Way

website www.charemunited- way.org, under Find aDonation Drive.

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As an investor, you may sometimesfeel frustrated. After all, your portfolioseems to be at the mercy of the financialmarkets, whose volatility is beyond any-

ones control. Yet you can control thequality of the investments you own andthe diversification of those investmentsto improve your chances of attaining

your long-term financial goals. One wayin which to do so is to put as much as

you can afford, year after year, into tax-deferred investments.

When you contribute to a tax-deferred account, your money has thepotential to grow faster than it would if

you placed it in a fully taxable invest-ment that is, an investment on which

you paid taxes every year. Over time,this accelerated growth can add up to abig difference in your accumulated sav-ings. For example, if you put $200 eachmonth into a taxable investment thatearned a hypothetical 7 percent a year,

youd end up with about $325,000 after40 years, assuming you were in the 25percent federal tax bracket. If you putthat same $200 per month into a tax-deferred investment that earned thesame hypothetical 7 percent a year,

youd accumulate about $515,000 ornearly $200,000 more than youd have

with the taxable investment.*Of course, you will eventually have to

pay taxes on the tax-deferred invest-ment, but by the time youre retired, youmight be in a lower tax bracket.Furthermore, depending on how much

you choose to withdraw each year fromyour tax-deferred account, you can havesome control over the amount of taxes

youll pay.Clearly, tax deferral can be a smart

choice, but what sort of tax-deferredvehicles are available?One of your most attractive choices

will be your employer-sponsored retire-ment plan, such as a 401(k). Your earn-ings have the potential to grow on a tax-deferred basis, and since you typicallyfund your plan with pre-tax dollars, themore you put in, the lower your annualtaxable income. If youre lucky, your

employer will even match some of yourcontributions. Consequently, its almostalways a good idea to put in as much as

you can afford into your 401(k), up to

the contribution limits, and to boost your contributions every time yoursalary increases. In 2012, you can con-tribute up to $17,000 to your 401(k), plusan additional $5,500 if youre 50 or older.

Even if you participate in a 401(k)plan, you can probably also contributeto a traditional IRA. Your earnings havethe potential to grow tax-deferred and

your contributions may be taxdeductible, depending on your incomelevel. In 2012, you can put in up to$5,000 to a traditional IRA, or $6,000 if

youre 50 or older. (If you meet certainincome guidelines, you might be eligi-ble to contribute to a Roth IRA, whichoffers tax-free earnings, provided youdont start taking

withdrawals until

youre 59-1/2 and youve had youraccount at leastfive years.)

Finally, if youvemaxed out onboth your 401(k)and your IRA, youmay want to con-sider a fixed annu-ity. Your earningsgrow tax-deferred,contribution limitsare high, and youcan structure yourannuity to provide

you with anincome stream youcant outlive.

The more years

in which you investin tax-deferredvehicles, the better.So start putting thepower of tax defer-ral to work soon.

*This hypotheti-cal example is forillustrative purpos-

es only and does not represent a specif-

ic investment or investment strategy.

This article was written by Edward

Jones for use by your local Edward JonesFinancial Advisor.

Philip Hofweber is a Financial

Advisor with Edward Jones Investments

located at 100 West Main Street in

Gaylord. He can be reached at (989)731-

1851, or email him at

[email protected]. Tune

in Friday Mornings 8:30 am to Eagle

101.5 for Phil Hofweber to hear his week-

ly Financial Focus Topic. Edward Jones,

its financial advisors and employees do

not provide tax or legal advice. You

should consult with a qualified tax or

legal 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

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8/18



Ballet Workshop

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Q: My husband seems to bemore interested in fixing thehouse and sitting down with aglass of wine each eveningthan interacting with our 8-year-old son. He's a goodprovider and a spiritual leader,but he doesn't initiate playingcatch or family activities ofany kind. I'm feeling resentfulabout this, because I grew up

in a family that did all kinds offun things together on theweekends. So what should wedo?

Jim: Fatherhood is a very personalissue for me. My parents divorced whenI was young, so I had very little contact

with my biological dad. And my stepfa-ther left when I was in fourth grade. Theabsence of a consistent father figure wasdevastating to me, as it is for so manykids.

I realize your own situation is differ-ent. It's encouraging that your husbandis a good provider and spiritual leader.Perhaps he just needs some motivationto help him engage with your son. I'd

recommend two books that might behelpful. The first is "The Seven Secrets ofEffective Fathers," by my friend, Dr.

Kenneth Canfield. It addresses practical

matters such as protecting and provid-ing for children (your husband seems to

have a good handle on this), and alsospending time with kids and getting toknow them emotionally (an area that

may be lacking in your household).The second book is Tim Sanford's

"Losing Control and Liking It." Sanford

suggests that a father's most importantrole is not to control his children, but to

(BEGIN ITALS)validate(END ITALS)them by spending time with them and

affirming them.If your husband wants more insights

after reading these books, have him

contact Focus on the Family for a widerange of great resources for dads.

** ** **

Q: When my boys, ages 5 and7 say, "That's not fair," Irespond with, "It may not beequal, but it's fair." We'vetalked before about how theywon't always get the same

thing at the same time, butthey will be treated fairly. Ihave no idea why it's worked,but the approach has beenvery successful for our family --

in fact, they now say it to eachother. What do you think?

Juli: As one of six kids, you can imag-ine how many times I said or heardthose words, "It's not fair!" Whether it'sa larger slice of pizza, more presentsunder the tree, or a later bedtime, kids

will sniff out any sign of inequity. Myparents usually responded with a simi-lar line: "We won't always treat youexactly the same, but we love each of

you equally." Although a key element of effective

child rearing is consistency, parentsmust be flexible in applying the sameprinciples to different kids at differenttimes and in different situations. Forexample, while dishonesty shouldalways be addressed as a seriousoffense, good parents must be sensitiveto personality, motivation and age whendeciding how to correct it.

Punishing two children exactly thesame for a similar offense would beequal, but not fair. One child may bemuch more sensitive to parental disap-proval and be devastated by a mildscolding while her strong-willed siblingneeds a dramatic consequence to getthe point across. Similarly, the exactsame curfew for all teenagers would notbe fair because some are capable ofhandling more freedom than others.

It takes a confident parent to stand upagainst the "It's not fair!" defense. Good

for you for not only holding the line, butteaching your kids that your love for

them can trump even theirperception of not beingtreated fairly.

** ** **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 2011

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

Valery Lantratov, GeneralDirector and Artistic Director,

Russian National BalletFoundation

On Thursday, March 1 at 7:30pm Valery Lantratov willpresent a Master Class for local dancers in the ballet studioof The Opera House. Students age 12 and up with at least

two years of ballet are invited to participate. This is Mr.Lantratovs third workshop in Cheboygan and we look for-

ward to his return. The program is sponsored by theCheboygan Area Arts Council.

A 1976 graduate of the Moscow Academic Ballet

College, Lantratov quickly progressed to solo roles and upongraduation he joined the Moscow Stanislavski Ballet wherehe portrayed some of the most memorable and challengingprincipal roles in ballet. Known as much for his winning

personality as his technical expression, he has been laudedin the Russian press in such publications as Soviet Culture,Pravda, Isvestia and the theatrical publications DanceMagazine, Soviet Ballet and Theatrical Life. Among his manyaccolades, Lantratov holds the highest title awarded toRussian artists: Peoples Artist of Russia.

His dance career has too many highlights to list,including being personally selected by Rudolf Nureyev toappear in the ballet stars 1991 Farewell Tour. Lantratov hasalso danced in the companies of Vladimir Vasiliev, MayaPlitsetskaya and Ekaterina Maximova. He has toured as asolo guest artist in Japan, Germany, Italy, Greece, France,Portugal, Spain, and the United States. Most recently he hasmade international headlines for his role as Czar Nicholas II

in a production of the new ballet Rasputin which premieredin St. Petersburg in 2005 with Farouk Ruzimatov as Rasputin.

With his National Ballet Foundation, Lantratov is able torealize his goal of introducing new audiences throughout the

world to some of the finest classical works of Russia.A 1976 graduate of the Moscow Academic Ballet College,

Lantratov quickly progressed to solo roles and upon gradua-tion he joined the Moscow Stanislavski Ballet where he por-trayed some of the most memorable and challenging princi-pal roles in ballet. Known as much for his winning personal-ity as his technical expression, he has been lauded in theRussian press in such publications as Soviet Culture, Pravda,Isvestia and the theatrical publications Dance Magazine,Soviet Ballet and Theatrical Life. Among his many accolades,Lantratov holds the highest title awarded to Russian artists:Peoples Artist of Russia.

Students are requested to register by calling The OperaHouse at 231-627-5432. Registration fee is $15 per student.

Bishop BaragaBattle of the Bands

Zonta hostsSecond WAR Party

Cheboygan - Recently, Jason Luttrell was principal for a day at Bishop

Baraga Catholic School. Assistant Principal for the day was Randy Fish.

During the day, Principal Luttrell and Assistant Principal Fish oversaw a

school-wide Battle of the Bands. That competition was won by the quartet

of: Adam Grisdale, Jacob Blaskowski, Zach Gildner, and Kyler Luttrell.

(l-r): Assistant Principal Randy Fish, Adam Grisdale, Jacob

Blaskowski, Zach Gildner, Principal Jason Luttrell, and Kyler

Luttrell.

Gaylord - On March 8th, International WomensDay, the Zonta Club of Gaylord Area will be hostingits second annual WAR Party. Women At Risk, Intl(WAR) is a Grand Rapids based non-profit organiza-tion that unites and educates women and children inareas of human trafficking and sexual slavery. WARpartners with safe houses to rescue, redeem, andprovide alternative means of income for these

women.The Zonta Club of Gaylord Area invites the public

to shop with a purpose for beautiful jewelry, scarves,handbags, and much more. Light refreshments willbe served while shoppers have the opportunity toview scenes of the safe houses and shop knowing

they are literally helping to lift women from horror todignity. All jewelry is made by rescued or at-risk

women, benefiting them directly. 90% of all proceedsgo directly to women and children who have beentrafficked into slavery. This party is integral to rescu-ing women, lifting them to a life of dignity.

In regards to last years WAR Party, Club PresidentCherie Nutter, said We had great attendance and

positive feedback. Everyone wanted to know whenwe were doing it again. Kimberly Oliver, the eventchairperson and club Vice President commented thatthe collection contains many beautiful and uniquepieces of jewelry and scarves very reasonablepriced.

The March 8th WAR Jewelry Party is open to thepublic and will take place 5:00 to 7:00 pm at theGuardian Gals, Inc. Headquarters located at 400 WestMain Street Suites 114 & 115 of the Alpine ExecutiveCenter behind Brothers Coffee & Tea. For more infor-mation about WAR visit www.WARinternational.org.Questions about the March 8th WAR Party in Gaylordcan be directed to Kimberly Oliver at 989-370-3335 or

[email protected] WAR Party celebrates International Womens

Day which is recognized world wide and promotedby the United Nations. The event also fulfills Zontasobjective to promote justice and universal respect forhuman rights and fundamental freedoms. ZontaInternational has begun plans for their centennialanniversary, honoring their efforts on both global

and local levels to shape womens lives inboth the 20th and 21st centuries. To learnmore about Zonta visit www.Zonta.org.

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

DAD'S LACK OF

ENGAGEMENT WITH SON

HAS MOM WORRIED

with Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery"

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9/18


By Jim Akans

The Cheboygan County Firefighters Association will be hosting a grand celebrationfundraiser at the K of C Hall in Cheboygan this coming Saturday, February 25th, offering arearesidents an opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled night dining, dancing, and bidding on someincredible auction deals, with proceeds being utilized to assist nine Fire Department inCheboygan County providing service excellence. The proceeds from this event are used forthe training of those firefighters, and to purchase and maintain equipment. The nine firedepartments belonging to the Cheboygan County Firefighters Association are Alverno, Cityof Cheboygan, Mackinaw City, Topinabee, Tuscarora, Wolverine, East Mullett Lake,Forest/Waverly and Inverness.

These local firefighters are truly unsung heroes; standing at the ready to p rotect the livesand property of area residents each and every day and night of the year. The value of thetireless service they provide to their communities is priceless. The annual dinner, dance and

auction provides a rare opportunity for the community to show their support for these bravevolunteers, plus enjoy an evening a great fun.

We will have hors doeuvers and cash bar starting at 5 pm, notes Keith Ginop, Presidentof the Cheboygan County Firefighters Association. Dinner, which will be provided this yearby Manzanas of Onaway will begin at 6 pm. There will be lots of door prizes, and a silent andlive auction with items donated by local businesses. We will also have several raffle items,including a television, eBook Reader, grill, recliner, gun and chain saw and much more.

Local band, Billy Jewell & His Bad Habits, will be playing a wide variety of Country andClassic Rock tunes starting at 8 pm, and attendees can dance the night away.

This is the largest fundraising event held each year by the Cheboygan County FirefightersAssociation, and the proceeds help to ensure area departments remain up to date on trainingand have the proper equipment to respond to emergencies. Ginop notes, Ongoing trainingis also essential in making sure we stay up to date on firefighting techniques and that every-one comes home safely after a fire.

Ginop points out that new firefighters must go through many hours of training, and exist-ing firefighters must also stay informed about how changes in vehicle and building technolo-gy affect their response to emergencies. By pooling resources, the Cheboygan CountyFirefighters Association is able to send a few representatives to training seminars and theyare able to share that information with their departments.

Billy Skowten, lieutenant on the City of Cheboygan fire department, notes, I teach theseclasses along with Don Dailey, and we typically meet two nights a week and every other

Saturday for five to six months. We also bring in other instruc-tors from around the state to teach existing firefighters andnew firefighters, honing their skills.

He adds that includes handling vehicle accidents and fires,forest fires, and building f ires.

Part of that is our RIT, or Rapid Intervention Team,Skowten explains. That is designed to teach us how to saveoccupants and ourselves in a burning building. Newer trussesand floor joist burn much faster, which must be considered

when entering the building. RIT teams specialize in gettinginto building quickly and safely to save lives.

Skowten is also the chairperson for this years annual Dinner,Dance and Auction event. He promises it will be one of thebest yet.

We will have great food, great rock n roll and lot of fantasticauction items, he affirms. This is the right time of year to getout and have some fun.

Doors open at the K of C Hall for The Cheboygan CountyFirefighters Association Dinner, Dance & Auction at 5 pm onFebruary 25th. If interested in attending, please call BillySkowten at (231) 420-1042 to see if tickets are still available.

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10/18


Curt A. Reppuhn, CPAmerges with regional accounting firm EHTC

By Jim Akans

Curt A. Reppuhn, CPA, a familiar accounting professionname to many northern Michigan non-profit and municipalentities, has merged with Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tammand Co, P.C. (EHTC), a regional accounting firm headquar-tered in West Michigan. Over the last fifteen years, Reppuhnhas earned a reputation as being the non-profit guy pro-viding specialize accounting expertise for exempt organiza-tions, primarily 501c3 and 501c4, cities and townships, in a

wide geographic area extending from Roscommon to theMackinac Bridge, and Alpena to Petoskey. The recent merger

with EHTC will expand the geographic area in whichReppuhns offers his expertise.

Nothing will change in regard to the services I currentlyoffer, Reppuhn states. The primary difference will be myassistance to EHTC in expanding the services the firm offersin the non-profit area. They will provide technical andadministrative support to enable me to better serve clientshere in northern Michigan.

Reppuhn is a 1988 graduate from Western MichiganUniversity. After graduation, he worked with southwestMichigan area accounting firms, including EHTC for five

years. During that time he received extensive training andexperience in non-profit accounting. In 1995, Reppuhn waspresented with an opportunity to join a Gaylord areaaccounting firm, and expand their non-profit services.Drawing from his years of experience and expertise,Reppuhn formed his own practice in the fall of 2009.

Like a Medical Specialist as compared to a GeneralPractitioner in the medical profession, accounting for non-profits is a specialty, Reppuhn points out. My services aretailored to the specific needs of the client. That can rangefrom full accounting services, to payroll administration serv-ices, or preparation of financial statements. I also specialize

in payroll services for small businesses, which is an area ofmy practice that is rapidly growing.

Established in 1977, EHTC is one of the most successfullocally owned accounting firms in Michigan. Dennis M.Echelbarger, CPA/CFF, founder of EHTC and Director of the

Accounting & Audit Department states, We are pleased thatCurt has decided to bring his expertise to EHTC. As a SeniorManager in our Audit practice, and backed by EHTCs teamof audit experts, he will now be able to provide the same out-standing service he gives customers in Northern Michigan tonot-for-profit and governmental organizations throughoutthe entire state.

Reppuhn states, Non-profits are a specialized segment inthe accounting field that has consistently been growing. In1984, Congress passed the Federal Single Audit require-

ment, which stated that if an organization receives Federaldollars that exceed a specified amount, the annual auditprocess must move beyond a financial statement and alsodemonstrate compliance in fourteen specific areas. In addi-tion to the Federal "Single Audit" requirements, the State ofMichigan has similar requirements (that are much smaller inscale) for an audit, review or compilation based up on thedollar amount of charitable contributions an organizationreceives. These are the areas of my expertise.

Reppuhn offers three primary options when preparingfinancial statements for his clients. While each results in areport that was performed in accordance with AICPA(American Institute of Certified Accountants) professionalstandards, they are markedly different in regards to thedepth and detail in the process.

A Compiled Financial Statement, creates a report basedon the entities financial statements, but does not offer anopinion of the accuracy of those statements or any assur-ance that the content in the statements conform to generallyaccepted accounting practices.

Reviewed Statements require more of an inquiry and ananalytical process by the CPA. The result is an expression oflimited assurance by the CPA that they are not aware ofany modifications that should be made to bring the state-ments into conformance with generally accepted accountingpractices.

The clients top level of assurance is achieved by havingthe CPA conduct a full audit. This is where the objective isfor the CPA to provide a reasonable opinion that the finan-cial statements fairly represent the clients financial positionand operations.

While a review is a step up from a compiled financialstatement, Reppuhn observes. It does not evaluate theclients internal controls. An audit does provide an analysisof those, looking at how financial information flows through

an organization, and making recommendations in areaswhere weaknesses are observed.

Curt Reppuhn not only provides accounting services fornon-profits; he is also actively involved in several communi-ty organizations. He has served as Treasurer for the GaylordRotarians for 12 years, and was the clubs President from2005 until 2006. Currently he is the President of the Gaylord

Alpenfest board and is a member of the Ancient Order ofHibernians.

Professionally, Reppuhn is a member of the AICPA, theMichigan Association of Certified Public Accountants(MACPA), and is the past Chairman of the MACPAs Not-for-Profit Task Force. He and wife, Molly, have four children andreside in Gaylord.

For additional information, please contact Curt A.Reppuhn, CPA at (989) 448-8828.


Mediating is an invaluable skill in any job. From salesnegotiations to workplace disputes to legal arbitration, pro-fessionals in a wide range of industries face potential con-flicts each day.

Community Resolution Center and Community MediationServices will be off ering a five-day, 40-hour mediation-train-ing course at the Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center inRoscommon starting on April 19th. Training during thiscourse will be lead by Barbara Johannessen, one ofMichigans most respected trainers in this field, and the high-ly interactive course will include hands-on demonstrations,multi-media presentations, mini-lectures and round tablediscussions.

This five-day mediation course helps individuals navigatethemselves or their colleagues through these challengingmoments. Using diverse role-play situations, mediationtrainers help individuals move from confrontation to collab-oration. Mediators provide the necessary tools for under-standing a variety of conflicts from multiple perspectives,

ensuring the quickest and most effective path to resolution.This training is excellent preparation for those who plan to

enter the field as a professional dispute mediator or volun-

teer mediator. The training will also benefit professionals insupervisory or managerial roles. Human resources profes-

sionals, corporate executives, and sales professionals from a

variety of industries are just some of the individuals who

have benefited from this training in the past.

Benefits of the training include;

- Enhance listening skills; learning to ask the right ques-

tions, how to deal with difficult behavior

- Acquire the

Documents

Weekly Choice - February 23, 2012