Elk Rapids News and Features | Elk Rapids, Michigan

CAUGHTCHA BEING GOOD!

Courtesy photo

The Starr Family

When Donna and Don Bedtelyon count their blessings during these challenging days, living next door to the Terry Starr family tops their list. Don’s newly diagnosed Dementia has changed the couple’s pattern of living, but according to Donna, the unequalled kindness and concern of Terry and his family takes away a lot of stress regarding jobs she and Don can no longer do, raking, mowing, snow plowing to name a few. Recently, a windstorm took a piece of roofing off the Bedtelyon’s house and Terry climbed the ladder and fixed it after he put in a full day of work. “Our heartful thanks to Terry and all the other good people who care about and help our seniors,” Donna said

ER Schools program receives 3D printer

Barb Termaat of Newton’s Road, Monica Willis and Mike Pelofske from ER Schools, Rotarian Robin Vanderkaay. Sitting from left, ER Native American program students Jamie Peters, Ariel Hendershot, and Merrick Peters. Courtesy photo

Students and teachers in the Elk Rapids Schools’ Native American program were thrilled to receive their new 3D printer last week from Newton’s Road Northwest and the Elk Rapids Rotary Youth Services team. “Having the printer will enhance students’ creativity and imagination.” said teacher Monica Willis. “They will gain skills which can be applied in the real world and careers they choose in the future.”

The students and teachers will become experts in the operation and design of 3D printed objects in their program classroom at the high school and then share their new skills and services across the schools. Tom Vranich of Rotary had a project idea already in mind: “Could you make miniature houses for our model of Elk Rapids at the Historical Society?” The students noticed that some parts of the 3D printer itself were 3D printed! Indeed, design of custom and replacement parts are a common usage of this technology.

Also known as additive manufacturing, real-world skills such as problem-solving, design thinking, CAD (computer-aided design), prototyping, and operating procedures can be learned and reinforced doing project-based learning using 3D printers – and practice teamwork and communication as well. These are high demand skills in industry and can lead youth to interest in many other satisfying, well-paid careers such as manufacturing technicians, programmers and engineering.

Which is why Newton’s Road Executive Director, Barb Termaat, wrote an ER Rotary Good Works grant. “Newton’s Road has supported learning integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills using 3D printers for years. We found that too often they sat idle the majority of the time. Hence we’re experimenting with a new approach by having a group of teachers and youth become an ongoing center of shared expertise for the district and community.”

Robin Vanderkaay of the ER Rotary Youth Services program, states that “The students are super excited to get going on the project and it was fun to listen to all their ideas and share in their enthusiasm. The possibilities are endless!”

Termaat, a resident of Elk Rapids, is a former STEM teacher and curriculum development leader. “Piloting programs in our community has been a very satisfying aspect of my work with Newton’s Road. Our STEM Kits in Regional Libraries program with the Traverse Area District Library will be active in 10 smaller libraries by the end of December. Working with leaders at the Elk Rapids Rotary, Library, Schools, and Chamber of Commerce among others organically developed into a Community Liaison model. Newton’s Road was recently awarded an Impact100 TC grant for $105,000 to expand this model to communities across our 5-county region. “I want to thank everyone for the Good Works accomplished together thus far and for future possibilities!”

The Newton’s Road Northwest (newtonsroad.org) regional STEM hub includes the STEM Finder, STEM Calendar, STEM at Home activities and most recently, the Career Investigator. Don’t forget to check out STEM Kits for free at our ER Library –These great activities supplement classroom, virtual and home school learning.

Around Town
with Rob Ford

Normally around this time of the year, I would find myself deep into development of whatever the Elk Rapids Players Community Theater group was planning for fall production. The last several years of which have been ambitious musical shows.

You remember live entertainment, don’t you? The Players did theatrical things like musicals and comedic plays but there is other live entertainment. Things like local musicians in local venues, packed movie theaters showing the latest movies, big rock stars playing to thousands of fans in big arenas. Stuff like that used to be huge.

At least it used to be.

Last year we proudly produced Guys and Dolls, the year before that we rocked the world with our production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and we capably produced South Pacific the year before that. Just writing that short list I have to say that, for a small-town volunteer community theater outfit, that’s pretty good.

This fall’s production would have marked the beginning of the tenth year of the Players local theater existence, which is also nice to say considering our humble beginnings.

You may recall that back in 2009, an organization called HERTHA (the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall Association) came into existence to provide management of the old Town Hall since the township offices had been moved to its new facility. Upon hearing of this new entity and thinking that a community theater program could find a home there and provide some income to help run things, the Elk Rapids Players sprang to life.

To date, we’ve produced 17 shows and have helped pass the last couple of winters with monthly community trivia contests. Better yet, beginning with Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple and running to the previously mentioned Guys and Dolls, each show has raised a few thousand dollars for HERTHA as well as quenching our town’s thirst for quality live theater.

Unfortunately, we now find ourselves in the same straits as the big theater organizations, the bar musicians, the big movie theaters, and the concert arenas, on hiatus.

Ironically, our last event, a middle of March Friday night trivia contest, practically ushered in the ensuing era of endless “dark nights” for the theater world. No one knew then what drama would accompany the act of publicly gathering for the foreseeable future.

But nothing is forever.

This pandemic will pass, and our stage will come back to life.

I swear that my own lifestyle will rebound from being entertained by little things. Pathetically, I find myself being entertained recently by watching smaller and smaller things. Standing around bonfires, of course. But when you find yourself being entertained by ten televisions at the same time while standing in Costco because it was showing something from an old Tina Turner Concert…

That’s the kind of junk food for the brain that has crept into my routines.

Until that happens though, the Historic Elk Rapids Hall will have to stand tough. Like the theater, concert and entire entertainment world, its schedule was also interrupted. Weddings, meetings, and other scheduled revenue producing public events vaporized last spring or were put on indefinite hold into next year. If only operating costs could also be handled that way… (insert subtle plea for funds and access to our 501(c)3 number here.)

The hanging void that has enveloped the world since March has affected us all a little differently. From reading this you can tell that the absence of an artistic outlet has been a personal drag.

But rest assured, when we can do real entertainment again, we will.

Paddle Antrim urges caution as water temperatures drop

As temperatures in northern Michigan are cooling down, Paddle Antrim warns paddlers to take precautions to protect themselves from heightened dangers of sudden, unexpected cold-water immersion while on late season paddling outings.

“The trees are changing color and taking fall paddles provides some of the most beautiful scenery in Michigan, but the water is getting cold. Paddlers need to take extra steps to protect themselves from the dangers of being suddenly swamped or stranded in cold water,” warns Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim Executive Director.

Water temperatures are currently about 60 degrees and dropping; therefore, a wetsuit or a full immersion dry suit with insulating layers is necessary. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause gasping and inhalation of water and hypothermia, resulting in unconsciousness or swimming failure as muscles become numb. Wearing a life jacket may keep your head above water and support your body should your swimming ability fail, or you become unconscious.

Should you ever find yourself in the water it is recommended that you stay with – and preferably on top of – your boat. Never overestimate your swimming ability. All too often people underestimate the distance to shore or the effects of cold water and unfortunately drown while attempting to make it to safety.

Paddle Antrim makes the following recommendations to paddlers heading out on the water: always wear a properly fitted life jacket. Simply stated, life jackets save lives; dress for the water temperature; avoid boating alone and always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Have a cell phone or VHF radio accessible, in a watertight bag, should you need to call for help; carry essential safety gear, signaling devices and whistles; and refrain from using alcohol.

Elk Rapids Almanac

A young enthusiast enjoys the fall colors. Courtesy photo

October –Autumn season was at its peak when our family hiked recently at Maplehurst Preserve. The fall color seemed almost magical. – Julie Farrell.

October 24-31 – Bat Week. Halloween month is an appropriate time to observe Bat Week, an annual celebration of the role of bats in nature. Although Halloween often conjures up images of bats as scary creatures, they are essential to a healthy world, and do have their virtues. As far as affecting the ecosystem, most species of bats eat insects. Fruit-eating bats pollinate over 500 species of plants, including bananas, mangoes, and even cocoa. So, when you eat that Halloween candy at the end of the month, remember to thank a bat for the chocolate! Bats are the only mammals that have the true capability of flying, and they can do so at rates up to 60 mph. The lifespan of a bat can reach 30 years, and bats typically reproduce only once per year. A baby bat is called a “pup,” and mothers have the ability to find their pups among millions of others based on their voices and scents. Bats are nocturnal creatures, and will often sleep in trees, caves, or other dark corridors during the day.
While there are negative connotations and endless myths about the infamous vampire bat, only three species of blood-sucking bats exist, none of which inhabit the United States.

Caution: Like many wild animals, bats can carry rabies, although the chance of being bitten and infected by a bat with rabies is extremely low. Bats are scared of humans and will not try to attack people. That being said, just like raccoons and possums, people should not approach bats.

More Info: Batweek.org; Smithsonian.com; Bat Conservation International.

Note: Many Elk Rapids locals related firsthand experiences with bats in their homes, attics, and churches. Some of us have seen them at twilight while walking down our street and watching them flying above our heads, inspiring us to step up the pace back to our houses.

A few of us have sought help and advice from local pest control experts and the county health department if we actually had physical contact with a bat, just to make sure we are not at risk.

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Village Council Update

The Elk Rapids Village Council met on Monday, October 19, 2020. It was an electronic meeting via ZOOM. All of the members were in attendance. The village manager reported legislation had been passed by the state that ZOOM meetings can be used until December 31, 2020. After the Consent Calendar and the Approval of Bills were passed, the council went to Unfinished Business. There was some discussion on the need for proposed Ordinance #496, Amendment Chapter 2 Administration (Ethical Conduct). No decision was made.

The next item concerned the Bed and Breakfast at 106 Oak Street. There were numerous citizens waiting to express their concerns about the issue. These included knowing the identity of the new ICC members, vacating the ADU of human occupancy and providing a parking plan according to village ordinances.

New Business started with the appointment of Trisha Moore to the ZBA (Zoning Board of Appeals) for a term ending 2023. This passed 7-0. The next item concerned the Power Home Solar presentation by a representative from the company. After some discussion, it was tabled so that the representative could meet with Village Manager Bill Cooper and develop a more easily understood presentation to be presented at the next council meeting. The final item was the recruitment profile for the village manager’s position. As a result, the council members were asked to turn in written suggestions by noon on Wednesday, to be discussed at the next meeting.

The remainder of the meeting included commission and committee reports. Doug Bronkema reporting on the Harbor meeting said there is consideration about having an offshore boat race to be held next August to increase tourism.

Following the council went into closed session to discuss Attorney Client privilege correspondence.

The next meeting will be November 2, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., also conducted by ZOOM. – Submitted by Dolores Hibbard, Contributing Writer

P.E.O. educational grant offering

Elk Rapids P.E.O. Chapter EB has a grant opportunity upward of $3000 for women who have had their education interrupted for at least 24 consecutive months. Grants can be awarded for academic and technical courses, including online programs offered by educational institutions.

P.E.O. is an international women’s organization celebrating the advancement of women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College.

For grant information, go to website: peointernational.org, click Projects, click Program for Continuing Education to check eligibility requirements. For more details, contact Linda Gruss at 231-409-2019 or email llgruss@msn.com

World Polio Day

October 24 has been designated as World Polio Day. In 1988, the Rotary Club of Elk Rapids joined 35,000 other clubs of Rotary International in a polio eradication partnership with the U. S. Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF. More recently, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has joined in this partnership.

Rotary has contributed over $2 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have influenced governments and other non-profits to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort. Locally, Elk Rapids Rotarian Don Watkins organized a “Jump for Polio” sky diving event that raised over $120,000 for the cause.

For more information on the Rotary Club of Elk Rapids visit errotary.org. Text submitted by Norman Veliquette

ELK RAPIDS SCHOOLS
November 3, 2020 Bond Proposal

In April 2018, business owners, community members, school leadership, and others gathered to review the 890 responses from a community survey and multiple community forums. Identified topics were used to outline the Elk Rapids Schools’ mission and goals for the next five years. These opportunities included increased support for the at-risk population, increased focus on career/college prep, increased support for arts, curriculum alignment, communication and an improved website, build community trust, building infrastructure and a new gymnasium. From this, the district developed the strategic plan found on our new website.

Over the last 2.5 years, the district has been working toward these goals. A half-time at-risk counselor position was added at the high school and a new full-time position is shared by the Elementaries. Cherryland Middle School implemented the Positivity Project. The high school counselor has increased college fairs, career planning sessions and student engagement. The district dedicated funds to make some immediate improvements in Peterman Auditorium and the 2018 district auction showcased and raised funds for the performing arts. The district invested in a new website that was designed for families and the community to have an easy interface both on the computer and mobile devices. Recently, every postal address in the district received the inaugural school newsletter.

The school board heard the committee’s request for facility updates and gymnasium. In order to get a comprehensive understanding of district facilities the board requested a facility assessment. To complete this assessment, the board worked with Owen, Ames, Kimball (OAK), a professional construction management firm that specializes in schools. Josh Szymanski, project manager and professional structural engineer, and his team came to the district in January 2019 and produced the assessment found on the district’s website. There were six community forums held to gather input from stakeholders and establish the direction the district should take to address facility needs. Through these forums, it became clear that a bond initiative would be necessary, and much time was spent setting the scope of the bond proposal to be put before voters in May 2020. In order for the state’s treasury department to approve the bond proposal application, the district was required to show the improvements made with bond proceeds would outlive the term of the bond and that a study of enrollment trends justified the additional space.

On March 13, 2020, Governor Whitmer closed school buildings for what ended up being the remainder of the 2019/2020 school year. Looking forward to a May election, the board felt there was too much economic and health risk uncertainty to ask the community to consider a bond proposal at that time. In May, the district retired 1.15 mills of debt. This leaves taxpayers paying 0.05 mills levied by the district, which will be retired in May 2022. As staff worked all summer to prepare to welcome students back into the buildings, the facility needs became even more apparent and so the board decided to place the bond proposal back on November’s ballot. With this background, hopefully it is evident to our communities that a thorough and open process was used by the board in putting forth this bond proposal.

Find more information at https://www.erschools.com/bond-information/

Terri's Take-Aways
with Terri Glenn FNP-BC

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A common call for me as a nurse practitioner in Women’s Health is reassuring and encouraging women to be patient when they have been “called back” following their mammogram or are scheduled for a biopsy. For those of us who deal with this daily it can be easy to forget just how frightening even a “call back” can be. Three years ago, I was standing next to my medical assistant as she received the familiar message that a breast biopsy was indicated. Suddenly the journey we had shared with so many clients was about to become up close and personal. The robust life of wife, mother of two very active children, daughter, medical assistant and friend came to a sudden halt and her world turned up-side down when that biopsy resulted in a pathology report of invasive breast cancer. This is a path all too familiar to many in northern Michigan. I am happy to report that Medical Assistant Connie Gorno, wife of Jim, mother of James and Katie, and known to many of you as the Elk Rapids girls varsity volleyball coach is cancer free after her brave three-year fight with breast cancer. Each October we are reminded of the emotional, painful journey of diagnosis, decision making, treatment, complications, life-changes, and literally loss of all normalcy when a member of the family receives this diagnosis. I would like to dedicate this article to Connie and all the brave men and women, who have battled, continue to battle, or will battle breast cancer.

Since one of eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, I am confident that all of you know someone who has breast cancer. “But are you aware” that according to the National Cancer Institute Grand Traverse County ranks number one in the state, 20% higher than the state average for age adjusted incidence of breast cancer? Kelly Hirko, PhD, MPH Assistant Professor, Dept. of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at Michigan State University, has been working to find answers as to why. She is looking at environmental factors and agriculture but also other factors like family size and socioeconomic indicators. Hopefully we will get answers in near future but until then early detection and treatment are key.

Take-Aways: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. Men also get breast cancer. There are more than 6 million breast cancer survivors. Early detection and treatment are key to good outcomes. In fact, improvements in early detection and treatment has resulted in a 40% decline in death from breast cancer in the United States between 1989-2017. Call backs for additional views are scary but as hard as it can be, try not to panic and remember the majority of the time they do not result in a cancer diagnosis. Do not delay in seeking medical care if you experience any breast change. If you have had a bad experience getting a mammogram do not let that keep you from your regular screening. Talk to your provider about this and any other anxieties and concerns that may be holding you back. 3D mammograms are available now in most northern Michigan hospitals. They offer more accurate detection of breast abnormalities, especially in dense breast tissue. Ask your provider if a 3D mammogram is appropriate for you. Do not be afraid of getting too much radiation. Thermography does not replace a mammogram and is unproven technology. If you have a family history of cancer talk to your provider about Genetic Counseling (also available in northern Michigan). Genetic counselors will help you decide if genetic testing is indicated, which can provide information needed for additional screening, such as screening MRIs, more frequent clinical breast exams, prophylactic preventative measures for you and family. When you complete counseling you will be provided a comprehensive report that is as important as a will or trust for your family. If you receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, I encourage you to contact a breast cancer survivor. The earlier in the process you do the better. The “Navigator Program” at Munson Medical Center can help team you up with someone. Don’t go it alone!

In closing, if you call our office and try to give Connie a reason for not scheduling your mammogram or putting off a recommended follow-up you will get a strong message. Her experience has helped many as she counsels on the importance of regular checkups and yearly screening. I am proud to listen to her speak to ladies who feel that a mammogram is not necessary, are worried that a mammogram may be dangerous for them, or offer any other excuse for not getting tested. She, like so many, speaks powerfully from experience. Listen

“Be aware” but don’t live in fear. Use this information to motivate you to access all that is available right here in northern Michigan.

Terri Glenn is a nurse practitioner with Dr. Ann Kuenker at the Elk Rapids Medical Clinic.

Chain of Lakes CROPWALK

Walkers display the Chain of Lakes CROPWALK’s motto “Ending Hunger, One Step at a Time.” Courtesy photo

On Sunday, September 27 the Chain of Lakes CROPWALK took place. Due to the pandemic, the WALK that usually includes several congregations and communities had to be done in small groups or privately. This walk is held annually to raise money for world and local hunger. 25% of what is raised locally comes back to the food pantries in Bellaire, Mancelona, and Rapid City. The congregations of the Alden United Methodist Church, Bellaire UMC, Mancelona UMC, and the Rapid City Assembly of God and pantries worked together and raised nearly $2400! Thank you to these congregations!! Thanks also to the Village Markets in Rapid City and Elk Rapids that allowed organizers to place cans by the registers and to the community shoppers who dropped over $520 in those cans!! Thank you, northern Michigan!

Elk Rapids District
Library Corner

Take and Make Craft. We have a few Halloween themed Take and Make crafts left. Come to the Library and pick up a bag with materials for your child, and watch the how to video on YouTube.

Book Donations. We are once again accepting book donations for The Book Cellar. All items must be packed in sealable boxes, plastic bags, or totes to facilitate quarantining. Please call the library to set up a time to drop off donations.

Virtual Story Time Returns! Miss Sue and Jacquie are back with stories and songs at the Library. New episodes are filmed every other week. Check it out on Facebook, Instagram or our YouTube channel.

Community Cash. Remember to bring us your Village Market receipts for community cash. We received over $2,700 from the Village Market for the 2019-2020 program. Thank you to the VM for supporting the community in so many ways!

WiFi Hotspots. Thanks to a generous grant from Northland Library Cooperative we have added 9 new hotspots for patrons to check out. You can take one for a week and have internet at home, on the go, or anywhere you have cell signal. You must have a valid Elk Rapids Library card in good standing.

Overdue Items. Many people still have library materials that were due back in March or April. We are making every effort to contact these people, and right now we are not charging for replacement of these seriously overdue items. Please scour your house to see if you have books or DVDs sitting around that need to come back to the Library.

Thank you!