Caughtcha being Good!

Kim Banwell

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Photo by KLW
Local resident Kim Banwell did her part in helping the Elk Rapids High School soccer team get ready for their championship game. She devoted her entire day (and studio space) to giving the varsity soccer team new hairdos, which was a “super adorable bonding experience,” remarked one of her admirers. Later she hosted a candle lit team dinner for the boys. Although the team fell short of winning the title game, they came away with many memories made both on and off the field. Thank you, Kim

ER Lions honor Spincich

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Cherryland Middle School art teacher Mr. Roman, Lion Jim Ribby, Chad and Tracy Spincich, Violet Spincich, Lions President Shirley Hill and Lion Dave Lein. Courtesy photo
Cherryland Middle School seventh-grader Violet Spincich was recently honored by the Elk Rapids Lions Club for her entry into the organization’s annual Peace Poster Contest. Violet’s poster was chosen by the local club after receiving about 50 submissions from art classes taught by Rich Roman. Her entry was also recently chosen as the top Lions District 11 E-2 submission and will compete this month against other winners at the International Level.

For over three decades, Lions clubs around the globe have been sponsoring the art and essay contests in schools and youth groups. This year’s theme was “Peace Without Limits.”

According to Lions Club International, “Creating peace posters gives children everywhere the chance to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity.” Violet offered her own quote regarding her entry: “Love and kindness bloom into peace.” Violet is the daughter of Chad and Tracy Spincich of Williamsburg. 
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To find out more about the contest or local Lions club, contact President Shirley Hill at 734-497-7921 or Dave Lein at 231-620-5707.

Miss Elk Rapids Scholarship applications

The Miss Elk Rapids Scholarship program committee is excited to announce that applications are available for the 2025 pageant, scheduled for March 15, 2025 at Peterman auditorium. Young women 5-21 years of age, living in the Elk Rapids school district or attending Elk Rapids schools are eligible to participate. Over $8000 in scholarships will be awarded and the opportunity to earn a spot on the Miss Elk Rapids Queen’s court for the year. Additionally, the Marjory Veliquette Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a Miss Elk Rapids candidate. “We are very proud of the amount of money that we are able to award to the young women in our community and the awesome opportunity for personal growth, development, and community service” said Sara McQuire, program co-director. We are offering a discounted application fee if turned in by December 20, otherwise applications are due January 10, 2025. Email [email protected] for an application or with questions. 

Business After Hours event at NorthShore Dock & Marine

The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with NorthShore Dock & Marine and Good Samaritan Family Services to host a special holiday Business After Hours event on December 19 at 5:00 p.m. at NorthShore Dock & Marine. Business After Hours is a networking event for local businesses and community members to make connections in a relaxed and fun environment.

This month, to support local families in need, we are asking business and community members to bring an item to donate to the Food Pantry or the Moms and Tots program at Good Samaritan Family Services. 

The Food Pantry is in need of canned vegetables and fruit, pasta, soups, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts and dried fruit, condiments, flour, sugar, pancake or jiffy mix and maple syrup.

The Moms and Tots program provides support and services to pregnant women and mothers of children from infants to age five. The program is currently in need of children’s clothing, diapers and pull-ups, baby shampoo, body wash, toothpaste and toothbrushes, baby bottles and brushes, toddler plates, bowls, silverware, pacifiers, toddler meals and snacks, PediaSure and Pedialyte and AA batteries.  
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Anyone wishing to donate items may drop off items at the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at 305 US 31 North by December 19. Please call the chamber with any questions 231-264-8202 or visit www.thegoodsam.org for more information on their programs and donations.

Around Town
with Rob Ford

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Welcome to my “penultimate” column of the year 2024. 
“Penultimate,” Rob? Do you even know what that word means?

Oh, you know I do. 

From Latin, there’s paene, which means “almost,” and ultimus, which means “last.” Put them together and what you get is a column that can be described as the … almost last … words of the year, for me.
 
I could have just as easily written that this is my “next to last” column of the year, which combines a couple of my favorite words: “next” and “last.” I love, love, love being next in line at the bank, next on the tee, next to see the doctor. And “last,” particularly in the context of wrapping something up, well, sure, I’ll take that last piece of pizza, take that last slice of cake, appear in the last production of the Elk Rapids Players’ tour de force of a Christmas show, “A Candle in the Window” on Sunday afternoon. To most, the grammatical amalgam that is “next to last” probably means next to nothing but to anyone in the midst of enjoying themselves it smacks differently. 

Knowing that something delicious, enjoyable, or satisfying is about to be finished offers that one last chance to savor it. 

Ooh, there’s another favorite word of mine, savor. 

Slow down, put your phone down, and lose yourself in the moment. If knowing that something great is about to end and become little more than a fond memory doesn’t inspire you to do all that you can to simply savor it, I’m sorry. Those particularly savory moments don’t happen often enough for me, so when I get one, I try not to miss. 

But life isn’t just a game of Uno. 

There will be times when you might not even be aware that you’re down to the next to last card. The end often comes as a shock, as a surprise, as an unexpected event. How often does that happen and you’re left wishing that you had just one more card to play, just one more bite, or just one more opportunity to tell someone how much you loved them? Expect the unexpected and don’t rush your way through life.

Google maps and the like have made the fine art of giving someone directions more of a lost art. An address is all you need nowadays. Just plug that into your GPS and let your device steer you right to the front door. Never again will I have the chance to misguide someone by telling them to drive down a certain road and then take a right turn at the next to last stop sign. 

Depending upon your politics 2024 was either great or a disaster, but I hope we are all above and beyond that. For me, 2024 was a year that I watched a couple of grandchildren become avid swimmers, I watched the Detroit Lions become more than just relevant, and I made it through another year healthy. (Don’t ever lose sight of the importance or fragility of good health.) 

Time is both endless and precious. 

I alluded to the Elk Rapids Players and their production of A Candle in the Window earlier, which reminded me of the quote “Every ending is just the beginning of a new story,” which is pertinent in so many ways considering the time of year, age of the cast and the subject matter of that show. To the cast, crew and all that support us, I congratulate and thank you and assure you all that this play is nowhere near our “next to last” one. 

So, call it what you’d like; penultimate, almost over, or whatever, this is the next to last column I’ll write this year and I hope you’ll savor it – the column and the year.

ELK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP
Elk Rapids Township Update 

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer 

The Elk Rapids Township Board met for their regular monthly meeting on Monday, December 9 at the Government Center. All board members including newly elected Clerk Debbie Husband and Treasurer Kelly Jensen were present. Attorneys Bill Derman and Thad Morgan were present and participated in the meeting.

Carol and Pat Brady spoke in public comment with concerns about the recently approved zoning changes involving properties in the north part of the township east of US31. The rezoned areas switched properties previously zoned environmental into either residential or agricultural. Salvatore Castronovo spoke with a request to check a possible mistake in the construction of a culvert at a public access location. 

A motion was passed to accept the agenda as presented. A separate motion was made and approved to accept the consent agenda as submitted. The consent agenda included the November 12 meeting minutes, zoning report, treasurer’s report, and a list of bills for payment. Undersheriff George Lasater provided the Sheriff report. 

Bill Hefferan presented his county commissioner report. Hefferan announced that the current assistant prosecutor has resigned. The county has hired a chief assistant prosecutor. The circuit court justices will decide on an interim prosecutor over the next several weeks. The county has hired a new parks director. Hefferan indicated that the county commissioners are still reviewing their options regarding the proposed new public safety center. Voters turned down a bond proposal in the recent general election, but the county may still have an interest to complete the project using long-term loans and current revenue. Hefferan hopes the commissioners will review their options and make a decision at their January board meeting.

Fire Chief Williamson provided the fire department report. In his report, he noted a concern regarding several false alarms from the new Dexter Hotel. According to Williamson, the hotel is not staffed at night and current occupants had to let them in to inspect for the alarms. Williamson formally requested a payment of $14,000 into the 2024 Elk Rapid Fire Department retirement fund to cover the 17 qualified department personnel. A motion was made and passed to authorize that payment.

Several commission appointments were approved at the meeting. Jim Lundy and Garry Peppler were approved for new three-year terms through August 2027. Matt Soper was approved as the township representative to the Planning Commission. Dick Hults was approved as the township representative to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Treasurer Kelly Jensen led the board and lawyers on a discussion of delinquent personal property tax collection. The township is responsible for collecting and distributing a list of past due residential and business personal property taxes administered by the township. The township has collected $4,281 from 11 property owners in back taxes and will distribute those funds. Others on the list go back many years and may be uncollectable. Jensen asked for a legal and board review with recommendations for an action plan to clean up the past due list and create procedures for the future.

The board voted to recess to closed session with attorneys to discuss a lawyer client privileged matter related to the DDA covered under the open meetings act. Following their return to the regular meeting, the board approved a motion to authorize Kelly Jensen to prepare a letter to the DDA related to the closed-door session. Township attorney Thad Morgan provided the attorney report and review of proposed state legislation. John Matthews provided an update on recent village activity. 

The next township board meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025.      

Elk Rapids District
​Library Happenings

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The snow has finally arrived, and the library is dressed up in Polar Express magic! Stop by to see the train on the porch, write a letter to Santa, and join our Polar Express scavenger hunt to earn a prize.

Last month, we bid farewell to our Library Assistant, Jessica, as she embarks on the next chapter of her career. We will miss her warm personality and friendly customer service that brightened the library every day. We wish her all the best in her exciting new journey!

A friendly reminder: gifts for the Do A Little Good holiday gift drive are due under the tree this weekend. 

As winter settles in, please use extra caution when visiting the library, as high winds around the Island House can make surfaces slick.
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Finally, as you plan your end-of-year giving, consider supporting the A Library of Everybody campaign. We’re thrilled to share that we’ve reached one-third of our $3.5 million private fundraising goal. Every contribution brings us closer to creating a library that serves everyone—thank you for your support!

Upcoming Events:
Puzzle Wednesdays: Come cozy up on the porch and help complete the community puzzle!
ER Knitters: Thursday, December 12, at 2 p.m.
Storytime: Storytime Friday, December 13 at 10:30 a.m.
Tech Time: Tuesday, December 10, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., and Thursday, December 12, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Foodie Book Club: December 18, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Art and Connection. Cookie Exchange!
Pokemon: rescheduled for Sunday, December 22 at 1:00 p.m.

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS 
The New Village Council gets to work 

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Newly elected trustees meet for the first time last Tuesday. Photo by Mark McAlpine
By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids Village Council met on December 3 for a regularly scheduled meeting. It was the first meeting for new Village President Tom Stephenson and newly elected trustees. All council members were present for what turned out to be a five-hour meeting. Village Manager John Matthews, Village Clerk Leah Moskovitz, Zoning Administrator Sara Kopriva and Scott Howard, attorney representing the village, attended and participated in the meeting. 

An amended agenda was approved. The consent agenda was approved with minutes from the November 19 regular council meeting, a November 25 special council meeting and October 17 Beautification meeting. An approval for payment of payroll and the acceptance of Tom Stephenson’s letter of resignation from the library board following his election to village president was included in the consent agenda.

In citizen comment, Sheriff Kevin Hoch provided an overview of village police activity and spoke to alert the community to the importance of “Take It Down” program (https://takeitdown.ncmec.org). This free service can help to remove or stop online sharing of graphic or sexually explicit photos posted of individuals. Hoch noted a case in Michigan that drove a high school student to suicide following repeated internet postings. 

Also, in citizen comment, a large group of individuals spoke in support of Village Manager John Matthews who was on the agenda under new business for a performance evaluation. At previous meetings, the council had referred to, without definition, “serious and urgent” village staff issues that needed to be addressed. The council had included the performance evaluation as an item at the end of new business for this meeting. 

Matthews submitted his staff report and answered council questions about the report and other areas of concern. A motion was made and approved to accept the report as submitted. Harbormaster Mike Singleton provided his harbor staff report. Singleton confirmed that an RFP had been issued for the annual dredging needs. Police Chief David Centala followed with his staff report and confirmed that previously approved license plate reader cameras will be installed along the US31 corridor. Centala indicated that signs will be required on US31 to alert drivers to those cameras and a council resolution would be required for those signs.

Jon Stimson, Executive Director of Homestretch Nonprofit Housing Corporation (Homestretch), joined the meeting via Zoom to provide an update on the 24-unit Bridge Street housing project now known as “The Flats on Bridge Street.” The update was originally scheduled as an open workshop item on the agenda but was moved up before new business to accommodate Stimson’s schedule. Stimson confirmed that the final cost for the project is estimated at $8,560,574. He indicated that two financial components will be key to completing the funding for the project. The first, a $6,562,320 / $790,720 per year low-income state tax credit grant, had an October 21 due date and is expected to be awarded in December. The second is an $800,000 federal home loan Bank of Indiana grant. Stimpson announced that the project was recently awarded the $800,000 grant from the federal home loan funds through Mercantile Bank. An additional brownfield project grant in the amount of $700,000 is needed through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).  Simpson formally requested that the council authorize the village manager to submit an application for the grant with EGLE. Following questions from trustees, a motion was made and passed to authorize the village manager to execute the brownfield application for the Flats at Bridge Street project.  

In new business, the council took actions to name a President Pro Tempore and make trustee appointments to boards and commissions. Tracy Fosdick was nominated and elected to serve as President Pro Tempore. Ellen Vasquez was appointed to the Beautification Commission. Stephenson will serve as a voting member on the DDA. Kellie Sergent will serve as a voting member on the Harbor Commission. Liz DeLaRossa will serve as a non-voting member of Housing Commission. Beth Guntzviller will be a voting member for Parks & Rec. Barbara Mullaly will continue to serve as a voting member on the Planning Commission. Tracy Fosdick will be a non-voting member on the shoreline committee and liaison with Green ER. Tom Stephenson will act as board liaison with Elk Rapids Township. A motion was made and approved to accept the appointments as submitted.

As part of new business under resolution 2024-69, the council passed a motion to approve a contract with Edgewater Resources for preliminary engineering studies and reports for the upper harbor as part of the harbor revitalization project. The contract is not to exceed $82,710. Harbormaster Singleton participated in the discussions to answer questions from council members.

Zoning Administrator Sara Kopriva led the council in a discussion of resolution 2024-70 related to short-term rental licensing. Kopriva summarized the current cap limits for residential licensing and the Planning Commission recommendation that no cap be initiated for the recently approved business B2 District short-term rentals. Following questions and comments from all trustees and residents, the council passed a motion to approve a revised licensing policy with a 61-unit cap for residential and no-cap for the B2 District.

Jean Derenzy, Executive Director of the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce, presented the results of a recent survey conducted by the chamber related to the temporary move of the Farmer’s Market to the Cedar Street parking lot this past summer due to construction at Rotary Park. Derenzy reviewed recommendations from vendors, residents, and local business owners and submitted a formal request to the council to allow the market to move to the Cedar Street location on a permanent basis. Derenzy indicated that vendors and business owners thought that Cedar Street location provided a more connected and safer location for the market. A motion was made and passed to allow the move.    

The last item of new business was a performance evaluation of Village Manager John Matthews. Village Attorney Scott Howard opened the review with the clarification that Matthews had the right to have the review conducted in closed session but requested to have it done in open session. Howard indicated that the review was being conducted following concerns from five village employees who had expressed concerns related to Matthews’ management style. He confirmed that an investigation was conducted by Ms. Raymond, a Traverse City-based attorney that specializes in employment law. The investigation was completed on November 1 and a summary report was provided to council. According to Howard, quoting from the summary report, “The investigation identified six common themes related to Mathews’ management style and behaviors that allegedly affected the work environment.” Those themes were reported by Howard to include fear of speaking up, micromanagement, culture of uncertainty, prioritizing residents over staff, tension with the council, and inconsistent work. Howard recommended to council that following their discussions with Matthews, there was a range of actions available to them, including termination of the village manager contract. 

Matthews indicated that he did not have a copy of the report and asked for an opportunity to see it and have it released to the public. He asked for an opportunity to formally respond to the report. “I want each of you to know that I look forward to working with each of you to move the village forward. I am hopeful that you can approve my request to have that report public so that everyone can share it, and I can respond to the allegations,” Matthews stated. Trustee Fosdick strongly objected to the release of the report to protect the privileged nature of the report information. She further expressed frustration with multiple items of performance-related concerns. 

While council members acknowledged that Matthews has done many good things for the village, they expressed their frustrations in having to deal with the investigation, and their concern that certain objectives, previously outlined by the council in performance reviews, had not been met. Following the long communication with Matthews, the council tabled an action plan to a special meeting, which was tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 11. 

The next scheduled regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

MILTON TOWNSHIP
Milton Township Meeting Update 

By Mark McAlpine, Contributing Writer    

The Milton Township board met for their regular meeting on Monday, December 9. All trustees and board members were in attendance. Supervisor Chris Weinzapfel welcomed Bruce Veliquette to his first meeting following his recent election to a full term. Zoning Administer Sara Kopriva and Township Attorney Thad Morgan attended and participated in the meeting. Weinzapfel requested to add a new agenda item to the supervisor meeting agenda section. The consent agenda that included the amended meeting agenda, minutes from the November 14 meeting, minutes from a Special Board Meeting on November 20, treasurer’s report, and bills for payment were approved as submitted.

Undersheriff George Lasater presented the November sheriff’s report. Fire Chief Jeremy Ball submitted his fire department report. The EMS report was included in the board meeting packet. Bill Hefferan presented the county commissioner report. The Library and Parks & Rec reports were included in the board meeting packet. Thad Morgan provided the attorney report.

Kopriva led the board in a review and discussion of the revised zoning housing amendment #ZO 2024-01. The amendment adds duplexes to the zoning districts except to the R1 districts. According to Kopriva, that change would allow individuals to add living spaces to existing homes. The amendment also redefines planned residential development. Kopriva indicated that the Planning Commission was approached to review the possibility of allowing for smaller homes on smaller lots in the ag district and has been working on the ordinance changes for several months. The changes were submitted to the board following a public hearing. Flexibility was provided for lot and building size with tradeoffs for open space inclusions. It was noted that there are no planned developments in the township. Following discussion, a motion was made and passed to adopt the amendment. 

As part of the supervisor’s report Weinzapfel requested approval to replace the side security door with an accepted bid cost of $5,391. A motion was made and approved to authorize that expense. Weinzapfel also recommended a number of board and commission appointments. He recommended Bru Haller, Sara Bogard, and Dave Kopkau for two-year terms on the Board of Review and Darci Springborn as an alternate. Jim Standerfer, Bill Hefferan, and Robert Ford were appointed to the Planning Commission for three-year terms ending January 31, 2028. Appointments for the ZBA included Don Anderson and Adam Jankowski for a three-year term ending 2028. Bill Hefferan and Bob Kingon were approved for two-year terms to the ZBA ending 2027. Richard Burdo will move off the board to alternate. Motions were made and approved for each recommendation. 

In new business, Weinzapfel led the board on a discussion for the proposed development of a fence ordinance for Milton Township. The need for an ordinance, enforcement responsibilities and other issues were discussed. Following discussion, a motion was passed to submit to the zoning administrator for a review of similar ordinances in the state and guidance before moving forward. Also, in new business, Resolutions 2024-015 and 2024-016 were passed authorizing per parcel administrative costs for school tax collection.
 
Janet Beebe submitted a new policy under new business covering campaigning on township property policy for review and discussion. Beebe explained that some problems arose in the recent general election and there was a need to establish stricter guidelines to safeguard the elections and still provide adequate freedom of speech areas. Following discussion, a motion was passed to submit the new policy to the township attorney for review and recommendations. 

A new Special Assessment District (SAD) for private road construction policy was also presented to the board for review and adoption. Milton Township has allowed only one private road SAD in the past. A recent discussion from Brentwood Shores brought up questions and a legal review that initiated the need for a policy. Farnum Law drafted the new policy. Township attorney Thad Morgan indicated that he had reviewed the policy and had no issues with it. Following discussion, a motion was made and passed to adopt the new policy.      

The next board meeting has been scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

ELK RAPIDS SCHOOLS
Elk Rapids Schools Update 

Elk Rapids Schools has had a busy, productive, and positive fall! Students, staff, and our facility improvements continue to progress daily. Your continued support of our District is key to our continued success. Please see the updates listed below for further information.
 
Elk Rapids Board of Education recently approved a new Strategic Plan to assist with planning for continuous improvement through 2029. A new Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and District-Wide Goals focused on: Academics/Programs, Learning Environment and Culture, Community/Community Engagement, Personnel/Leadership, and Operations were created with input from approximately 350 stakeholders from Elk Rapids and surrounding communities. This process was initiated in February of 2024 and was facilitated by the Michigan Association of School Boards. To view details of our new plan, please visit erschools.com under the “District” tab. 

Mill Creek Academy continues to function as a new Public School Academy authorized by Elk Rapids Schools. Over the last few months, Mill Creek has continued its “Tradition of Excellence” with a dedicated staff, stable enrollment, and academic data that shows growth for all students! Mill Creek Academy will have open enrollment for the second semester in grades kindergarten, first, second, and third from January 6 through January 17. Parents seeking enrollment can call Mill Creek Academy at 231-267-9955 or can request an enrollment link by emailing [email protected]. 

Earlier this fall, Elk Rapids School opened access to the new walking track within the new Elk Rapids Schools Athletics Complex for all community members. The walking track has been accessible Monday-Friday, from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., to the general public for personal use when athletic contests are not scheduled. Starting on January 6, 2025, the walking track will also be available for community members each morning from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. There is a one-time user agreement, and other information related to this community resource can be found on our website at erschools.com under the “Athletics” tab. 
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All of Elk Rapids Schools wish you and your family a Happy Holiday season! We ARE-ER!! – Bryan F. McKenna, Superintendent

Candle in the Window

A Candle in the Window is a unique Christmas story taking place in the 1980s somewhere in the Midwest. Travelers on a train get stranded overnight in a railroad station on Christmas Eve. As we learn about the travelers’ lives, they are visited by a group of beautiful children who inspire the adults. Act Two brings revelations and theater goers will witness an unexpected twist.
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Mabel (Anna Misico, arms upstretched), Kathryn (Halle Misico, seated), Francis (Arthur Misico) play Wise Men rejoicing over the birth of Jesus. Photo by Diane Drogowski, By the Bay Photography