Caughtcha being Good!

Girl Scout Troop 8745

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Courtesy photo
The girls from Girl Scout Troop 8745 in Elk Rapids chose to use some of their cookie proceeds to donate Wish List items to the Antrim County Animal Shelter. The troop of 23 girls took a field trip to the shelter in Bellaire on Thursday, May 18, and spent time snuggling the animals and dropping off their donations. Great job, girls

Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Chamber welcomes new business

The Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on May 27 to celebrate the re-opening of Elk Rapids Cinema.
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Guardians of the Elk Rapids Cinema: Lena Slater, Antonio Vasquez, Fidel Vasquez, Aaron Vasquez, Aurora Vasquez, Ellen Vasquez, Catherine Allegrina, Mary Bowe Vasquez, Dominic Vasquez, Michael Bowe, Lisa Bowe, Heather Allegrina, Jeanne Boyd and Brian Bowe. Showtimes are 3:30 and 7:00 p.m. daily. 205 River St., Elk Rapids. Courtesy photo

Lon Bargy honored at ESLA’s “Shore Thing”

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Acting Rotary Club of Elk Rapids President Steve Francis presents Lon Bargy with the Paul Harris Fellow award. Courtesy photo
Lon Bargy was honored last week at an event at the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor Pavilion, in Elk Rapids, by nonprofits – Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and the Rotary of Elk Rapids – “For his accomplishments on behalf of water quality in the lower lakes of the Elk River Chain, recreational and land protection advocacy, modernization of facilities and overall improvement of services for his constituents and others, which have made him the very model of public service for nearly four decades.” 

Bargy, former Milton Township Supervisor, is the recipient of Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association’s first President’s Award for his leadership that led to the Milton Township’s adoption of critical water quality regulations for septic inspections and shoreline greenbelt protection. The citation reads, in part, “His personal initiative led to effective partnerships with other organizations that benefited residents and riparians in Milton Township, as well as riparians and visitors to the entire ESLA watershed.”

Bargy was also named a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Elk Rapids. The award recognizes those who best represent the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self.” The award highlights Mr. Bargy’s leadership as supervisor, 33 years as a township firefighter, projects including development of a multi-sport 49-acre park, partnership with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy to acquire and develop the 450-acre Maplehurst Natural Area and purchase and development of 480 feet of waterfront on Elk Lake for a township park.

Featured speaker, Glen Chown, executive director of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, commended Bargy’s partnership with GTRLC on various acquisitions protecting critical properties and delivering new recreational opportunities in Antrim County. 
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Lon Bargy was born into the more than century old Bargy family farm in Kewadin. He graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 1968 and Michigan State University in 1972. He was Milton Township’s elected supervisor 1985-2022. His leadership facilitated construction of a new township office in 1993; purchase and development of the 49-acre Sports Park; construction of a fire barn on the south end of the township in 2002; construction of a cell tower in Kewadin to improve Internet service; and recycling bins and special item recycling days.

Torch Lake Fireworks

The decades-old Independence Day celebration of a fireworks display over the south end of Torch Lake continues. The South Torch Area Association (STAA) is excited to announce that this year’s display will be presented by Grand Finale Fireworks. 

At dusk on Monday, July 3 (inclement weather date July 4), the skies will be lit up in glory due to the efforts of area residents, businesses, service organizations and volunteers. John Feola, owner of Johnny’s Torch Riviera and president of STAA, said, “The fireworks are back, hopefully to stay! Our new board, organized in 2022, made the display a reality last year, and we’re well on our way to our fundraising goal for this year’s show. We hope that we can get the financial backing from community members as well as attendees to make the fireworks an annual event.” 

To support the fireworks, simply visit www.torchlakefireworks.org and click on the “Donate Now” button or drop off your donation at Johnny’s restaurant (where you can also check out fireworks t-shirts for sale with proceeds going to the fund) or mail to 8868 Chapman Rd, Alden, MI 49612. Make checks payable to South Torch Area Association (STAA). STAA is a 501c(3) organization, making donations tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

STAA expects the total cost for the fireworks and involved expenses to put on the show to be around $35,000 this year. Sponsorships and donations received thus far amount to about $22,000, including a new major sponsor, High Noon. “It’s our goal to meet and exceed the expected outlays,” Feola added. “Ideally, the group would like to create an endowment for future years.” 

Terri's Take-aways
with Terri Glenn, FNP-BC

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“Ticked off” 

I am hearing that ticks are terrible this spring! Worse ever! I thought it might be helpful to run a previous article on those unwelcome critters! 
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The thought of a critter burrowing into my skin is enough to upset me. The fact they can cause disease gets my attention. Tick season begins when temperatures rise above freezing and dormant ticks begin looking for food. As we start to venture happily out of doors there are a few things to remember. First, prevention is the best way to protect yourself from ticks and tick-borne diseases. Ticks prefer grassy, woody, brushy environments. Therefore, keep grass trimmed and manicured. When headed into high tick areas wear repellents such as those with DEET, or oil of eucalyptus. Caution with use in children. If possible, treat clothing with products that contain 0.5% permethrin. Treat boots, clothing, camping gear and it will remain for several washings. Cover skin. Tuck pants into socks. After your outing check yourself, kids and pets! Showering is recommended. It may wash off unattached ticks and is a good time for inspection. Remember ticks like warm, moist areas of the body; so, check underarms, in and around ears, inside bellybutton, waist area, between legs, in and around hair. Amount of time the tick is on you can be critical in decreasing your odds of contracting a disease, so being conscientious and making this a part of your post outdoor routine is key. Don’t rush, as ticks in the lymph stage may be just a pinpoint dark speck! Don’t forget to inspect gear and clothing so those pesky ticks don’t hitch a ride in and attach later. 

If you discover a tick, stop, take a breath and remove it properly. Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the surface of skin as you can. Pull upward with even pressure. Do not jerk or twist the tick. After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Do not throw away the tick until you have a complete set of pictures or you can place it in a sealed container or bag. The CDC advises you to not burn off or paint them with nail polish or petroleum jelly or other techniques you may have heard. If you identify the tick as one that carries disease and are in an area with a high incidence of Lyme disease (health department can help with that) seek care. “Prophylactic antibiotics” can be helpful and prescribed if criteria is met. Including: right type of tick, the amount of time attached, incidence of Lyme disease in the area and if medication can be taken within 72 hours of the bite. In most cases for disease to occur the tick has to be attached for approximately 36 hours. Symptoms to watch for include rash 3-30 days after bite (typically before fever), fever/chills, aches/pains. 

Take-aways: Ticks don’t jump or fly so try to avoid contact with them. Most tick bites are harmless and go away in a couple days without signs of disease. Length of time attached and type of tick matter, so pay attention. Be sure to take pictures or keep a tick if you need to seek professional care. Arm yourself with the plethora of information readily available. Don’t let ticks discourage you from that healthy walk or adventure outside! But do take the time to get ticks off! Terri Glenn, FNP-BC is a Nurse Practitioner at the Elk Rapids Medical Clinic with Dr. Ann Kuenker, DO. 

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Interim treasurer will become permanent village manager

By Douglas P. Marsh, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids Village Council held a special meeting on the evening of May 24 to interview two final candidates for the position of village manager. Following the interviews, John Matthews, the village’s interim treasurer, was selected by unanimous decision of the council.

Each candidate interviewed with the council for an hour. Afterward, the council reflected and discussed their opinions. Matthews, they said, won them over with his connection to the village as a resident and with his wealth of leadership experience.
“I feel that having a community resident is a benefit, especially in this community,” said council member Melissa West. “John really knows what he’s getting into. And I think that shows in his passion for the community.”

Tracy Fosdick, council president pro-tem, said requirements from the job description had factored heavily into her decision.

“Three years’ experience in a senior position – we said that,” she said. “We have someone who’s had 20 years in a senior-type position.”

Council members submitted anonymous votes for their choices, which went five to two in Matthews’ favor. The council then agreed to offer Matthews a contract, pending clearance of background checks. Both his and the interim village manager’s contracts expire at the end of June, after which Matthews is set to assume the manager position and treasurer duties are to be contracted to a third party.
The next regular meeting of the Elk Rapids Village Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 6 at the Government Center, 315 Bridge Street.

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Planning Commission Update

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids Planning Commission met for their May meeting on Tuesday, May 30. All commissioners were present at the meeting. Sara Kopriva, Interim Planning/Zoning Administrator attended the meeting.

As part of the unfinished business meeting segment, the commission was provided updates on the Bridge Street Housing Project and Capital Improvement Plan. Two Bridge Street proposals are under consideration by the Village Council. The council has requested additional interviews with the developers. Those interviews will be in a public forum. Barb Mullaly reported that the review committee could not make a recommendation. Both proposals are interesting but vary a great deal in size, funding, and deal structure. According to Kopriva, both proposals are on the village website.

The capital improvement plan (CPI) is being finalized and will be part of the Planning Commission responsibility. According to Kopriva, the Planning Commission is required by state regulations to be involved in the approval of the CIP due to their oversight responsibilities for village infrastructure. Village departments are finalizing their individual CIP. The planning commission will begin their review of the overall village CIP at the June meeting.

The second draft of the proposed zoning permit ordinance 2023-03 was discussed. Changes would include zoning requirements for grade levels and storm water runoff requirements. Structure and language for the ordinance changes were discussed. Two ongoing construction projects were reviewed relative to compliance with the new proposed ordinance. Kopriva will revise the ordinance draft and present it to the commission at the June meeting.

In the new business segment, the commission reviewed the master plan review event schedule. Survey results have been completed and were distributed. An open house was tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. The commission will have an information tent on Wednesday Evening on River Street events to gather public comments and answer questions. The commission expressed their hope to conclude the review process by the end of calendar 2023.

A change to existing bylaws was discussed to change the requirement for commission members to complete zoning training by the end of the first year of their term. The current bylaws require that training is completed by the end of their term. It was recommended that requiring early training will provide more value throughout the various terms for commissioners. Kopriva will prepare draft changes for the proposed change and present those changes for review at the June meeting.
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In the staff/commission reports Barb Mullaly confirmed that the council has chosen a candidate for the open Village Manager position and is in contract negotiations with John Matthews, the Interim Village Treasurer, for that position. The next regular meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 27 at 7 p.m. at the Government Center.

All Things Clearwater 

A special Banking and Finance meeting has been scheduled by the Clearwater Township Board for Saturday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss options for the expected transfer of funds to multiple sources, rather than a single bank. “We have to move some money,” stated Supervisor Tom Backers, referring to the township’s risk of having funds over the FDIC limit in one institution, later adding “Let’s get this done.” Members of the board will be reporting on findings of various banking institutions in the area, and the possibility of creating a single investment fund, which are all items expected to be on the agenda for the meeting.

Pricing is being sought for the installation of crosswalk signs and road painting at several pedestrian crossing areas on Crystal Beach Road, several of Clearwater’s Torch Lake access sites, including Lake Street, Birch Street and Cedar Street, and in areas where parking is available across the road. In addition, Rapid City School crosswalks at Rapid City and Valley Roads will be repainted as well.  
Rapid City’s Heritage Festival Committee is expressing gratitude to the many people who not only donated items for what looks to become an annual yard sale, but also to those who came out and looked through the many treasures that were out on display by the group. The committee raised nearly $1300 at the two-day sale, with all proceeds going to planned events this summer, beginning June 22 in Freedom Park where “Doc Probes” will kick off the first “Evenings on the River” lineup (aka Muscle Car Night). For more information on this or other events scheduled, go to RapidCityHeritageFestival.org.

A sincere thanks to the men and women who wear the uniforms of our armed forces in these turbulent times, and also to those who have done so before. For those who have served and given their full measure of devotion to this country, we pray that your sacrifice is not forgotten, but rather held in quiet reverence and gratitude. Get involved in Clearwater Township at clearwatertwp.com. – Submitted by Jim Leffew

Around Town
with Rob Ford

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It’s no secret that I’m approaching that magic age of 65. Now, it may come as news to you, personally, but given the amount of correspondence that I get every day regarding the ramifications of Rob Ford turning 65, I have to assume that everyone on the planet knows. And, they have all kinds of ways to help me into my old age. If you’re my age (or older) then you know what I’m talking about. 
It comes in the regular mail – about a piece a day that casually gets tossed into the trash as whoever checks it walks back to the house from the box. Maybe I should consider doing something useful with it like saving it up and burning it in our weekly fire pit lighting opening ceremony.
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It comes by email, too. What my spam filter doesn’t catch gets sent to the junk folder. The prospect of doing anything productive with it doesn’t exist so I can’t even think of a joke about email refuse.
Some of it must have value though, right? I mean mail isn’t cheap and they can’t all be scams, can they? Maybe it’s a case of the 98% scammers making things hard on the other 2%?

See that’s my problem today. I’m a trusting sort of soul and typically err on the side of trust. 

I have always wanted to trust and believe people and for the most part I do. Of course, we all have friends and relatives that stretch things a bit, but that’s typically conversational and that’s what salt is for. But the daily deluge of often times obvious but more and more not so obvious scam and spam materials shakes my confidence in people. 

On what might seem like a completely different tangent, last week, my wife asked me if I could “skip.” Not “skip” as in pass over something or toss a flat rock across calm water, but “skip” as in that dainty little hop thing that you might associate with small children. My answer was yes, and I proceeded to stand up and gracefully “skip” across the living room floor and down the hall to the bathroom to prove it. (I encourage you to lay down your paper and give it a try.)
I can’t remember the last time I had skipped. Heck, I can’t remember the last time I broke from a walk into a trot even. For some reason, the desire, urge, or simple thought to run has seemingly left my soul. Sitting here writing this, I just can’t imagine getting up and running someplace. Like skipping, I know I could run if I had to, but …
One more about junk/spam mail; I hear that it never stops.

In a recent conversation, I was told that a friend’s 90-plus-year-old mother still gets the stuff on the regular. I was shocked. What or who has the poor judgment and rotten energy to spend their time scamming us all, no matter how old we are? Like more and more things in my world, I’m forced to just make the observation and offer up nary a solution. 

My palms are aimed skyward, but not totally. 

I vow to stay sharp; as sharp as possible, that is. I’m no different from the rest of you 65 and older readers out there, gradually moving less, doing less, and probably learning less.

If that means not giving humanity the benefit of the doubt a little less and asking for proof and verification a little more, that’s just a smart thing to do. 

If that means being ever wary regarding the contents of mailboxes, physical and electric, then more wary I’ll try to be. 

And, if that means breaking into a trot every now and then, I’ll probably just give that some thought. ​

Elk Rapids District
​Library Happenings

Tech Help with Aaron on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Attention Storytime Friends! There will be no Storytime on Thursday, June 1, Friday, June 2, Thursday, June 8, or Friday, June 9. Starting June 16, there will only be Friday Storytime offered at 10:30 a.m.; Thursday Storytimes will no longer be offered throughout the summer. Friday Storytimes will be outdoors when weather permits, indoors when necessary! Bring a blanket and we’ll practice early literacy skills, make friends, have a snack, work on a craft, and play in the sensory bin! Older siblings are welcome to attend.

June 16 is the first day of our Summer Reading program. Join our kick-off Bubble Party from 10:30 a.m.-noon Exciting reading challenges and a fun-packed calendar can be picked up at this time for the whole family! Stay tuned for more information coming soon about our Summer Reading Program, “All Together, Now!”

Stay tuned for our June Newsletter via email for more information on Summer Programs. Not subscribed? Head to our website today to sign up and to check our up-to-date Events Calendar!