Elk Rapids News and Features | Elk Rapids, Michigan

Caughtcha being Good!
Kristy & Steven McDonald

Courtesy photo

Water is everything and should never be taken for granted! Amy Hendrickson, a floral art designer, found this out during the very hot July 4th weekend when her water pump failed. With no irrigation for three days, four weddings scheduled and a farm market trailer full of products for Wednesday Evenings on River Street Amy was frantic because she knew that her delicate flowers were in jeopardy. In the nick of time Kristy and Steven McDonald came to her rescue, dragging hoses from their property to revive those thirsty plants, and keeping the hoses there until the well company could come and replace the water pump. “I am beyond grateful,” said Amy. “We could have lost all our cut flowers.” Caughtcha being GOOD, Kristy and Steven, you saved the day!

CORRECTION:

In last week’s article “Where Are They Now? Elk Rapids Beautique’s phone number was incorrect. The correct phone number is 231-409-4148. We apologize for the error. – Editor

Summer Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup

The Elk Rapids Lions Club wrapped up its Summer Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup this Monday, collecting about eight bags of trash along US-31 north of the village. Participating members included (from left) Shirley Hill, John Grossa, Rosemary Grossa (guest), Pam Lein, Donna Paradis, Committee Chair Jim Ribby, and (back) Dave Lein. The club also holds clean-up events in May and September. To find out more about the ER Lions, call Dave at 231-620-5707. Courtesy photo

What’s in the box?

Equipment to demonstrate how effective the rain garden is at filtering pollutants from stormwater before it runs into the harbor. Educational signage to be added soon. Courtesy photo

Miss Elk Rapids Scholarship Program

The Miss Elk Rapids Scholarship Program is excited to announce that the 2022 Miss Elk Rapids and Young Miss Elk Rapids Pageant will be held on November 6, 2021, in Peterman Auditorium. Due to Covid, last year’s pageant was canceled, but the 2020 Miss Elk Rapids Court, consisting of Emma McGuire, Tessa Nico, Kathryn Wonacott, Autumn Snyder, and Myla O’Kane, graciously agreed to serve on the court for an additional year. “We’ve been fortunate to have an outstanding group of young ladies who voluntarily committed to represent our area long after their contracts had expired,” explained Marcia Price, co-director of the scholarship program. Like everyone else, they’ve experienced disappointment associated with postponed and canceled events. Providing girls with positive growth opportunities can be challenging in a normal year, but 2020 was unparalleled. Many festivals are hosting modified events this year so we are hopeful that the summer of 2022 will provide a more complete return to normal summer activities.

Applicants for the 2022 Miss Elk Rapids Scholarship Pageant must be 17-21 years of age and either have a permanent address in the Elk Rapids School District, attend Elk Rapids Schools as a student of choice, or be a graduate of Elk Rapids High School. Miss Elk Rapids 2022 will receive a $4,000 scholarship.

Young Miss Elk Rapids contestants must be between 5-16 year of age and have the same residency requirements. Traditionally, both pageants have been held in late winter. To ease scheduling conflicts with the event space, the decision was made to move the 2022 pageant to November. Applications for both Miss and Young Miss programs will be available beginning September 1.

DO I QUALIFY? IRS ONLINE TOOLS FOR THE NEW CHILD TAX CREDIT

Recently, there were changes made to the child tax credit that were described in a previous article. IRS encourages families to use a special online tool, available only on IRS.GOV, to assist them to determine whether individuals qualify for the new child tax credit and the special monthly advance payments that began July 15. The Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant is interactive and easy to use. By answering a series of questions about yourself and your family members, you or another family member can quickly determine whether you qualify for the credit.

This tool may be particularly useful to families who do not normally file a federal income tax return and who have not yet filed a 2019 or 2020 federal income tax return. Often, these are individuals who receive little or no income, including those experiencing homelessness, low-income households and other underserved groups. This tool can help them decide whether they should take the next step and register for the advance child tax credit payments.

The Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant does not request any personally-identifiable information for any family member. IRS will not retain your information or the results predicted by this special online tool. Because of this, its results are not an official IRS determination. The results are reliable based on the information you provide. However, even if all the information you provide is accurate, you should still consider the results preliminary. The final determination regarding eligibility will be made when your 2021 federal individual income tax return is filed next year.

To help you understand and receive this benefit, IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 site on IRS.GOV. This site provides the most current information about the credit and the advance payments. Among other things, this site already features a link to both the Non-Filer Sign-Up Tool and the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant, along with the Child Tax Credit Update Portal.

The online Non-Filer Sign-Up Tool helps eligible families who do not normally file federal income tax returns to register for the monthly advance child tax credit payments. This tool offers a free and easy way for eligible individuals who do not normally have to file federal income tax returns to provide IRS with the basic information needed, such as name, address, and Social Security numbers to calculate and issue advance child tax credit payments. This tool also helps eligible individuals who do not normally file federal income tax returns to register for the $1,400 third payment of Economic Impact Payments, also known as the stimulus checks, and claim the recovery rebate credit for any amount of the first two payments of Economic Impact Payments they may have not yet received.

Eligible families who already have filed or plan to file their 2019 or 2020 federal income tax returns, or who used the Non-Filer Tool during 2020 to sign up for the Economic Impact Payments, should not use the Non-Filer Sign-Up Tool. Once IRS processes your 2019 or 2020 federal income tax return, the information will be used to determine eligibility and issue advance payments. These families do not need to do anything further to receive their payments, unless your filing status has changed or there is an increase or decrease in the number of children eligible for a child tax credit. In this situation, go to WWW.IRS.GOV, scroll down to Child Tax Credit, then click on Manage Payments.

Families who want to claim other federal tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit should not use the Non-Filer Sign-up Tool. They should instead file a regular federal income tax return. The easiest way to file a federal income tax return is the Free File option, available only on IRS.GOV.

For more information, go to HTTPS://WWW.IRS.GOV and in the search box type Child Tax Credit Assistant. Scroll down to Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant, gather the information requested, and click on Check Your Eligibility in the blue box and follow the prompts. To access the Non-Filer Tool, search Non-Filer Sign-Up Tool and click on Publication 5538, A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Non-Filer Sign-Up Tool for the Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payments. Read the information presented and follow the instructions.

Submitted by Char Kirchner, CPA, MSA and Rex Rudolph, CPA

Successful Christmas in July Campaign

Christmas in Central Lake with the Central Lake Lions. Courtesy photo

The Salvation Army of Petoskey raised $7,590.64 during the 2021 Christmas in July Campaign that took place on Friday, July 2 thanks to many community partners, generous neighbors and amazing volunteers like the Rotary Club of Little Traverse Bay Sunset, Little Traverse Bay Kiwanis, Petoskey Masonic Lodge, Elk Rapids Rotary Club, and Central Lake Lions Club. We are very blessed to have the support of local service clubs and individuals who we could not be successful without.

The Elk Rapids Rotary Club went above and beyond by ringing the bell for two days this year to demonstrate the increased need for support for those who are suffering from set-backs due to Covid and to show how our local communities can come together to help our neighbors in need. Thank you, Elk Rapids Rotary for taking the bell and running with it!

The Salvation Army serves all of Antrim County including residents of Elk Rapids. Because our main office is in Petoskey, we have a satellite office located on the border of Antrim and Charlevoix Counties to make our services accessible to those with transportation barriers who live farther away. During Covid we implemented a system that allows appointments via phone, so we have become even more accessible to those living farther from our office and at a very necessary time as more and more are recovering from loss due to the pandemic.

In Antrim County, most of the assistance for struggling families is given through our Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which helps with rent, heat, electricity, emergency auto repair, food, clothing and more. In a typical year we spend $90-$100,000 to help Antrim County residents, last year it was up around $130,000.

In addition to financial assistance, we visit assisted living facilities such as Cherry Suite Assisted Living Facility and Meadowbrook to provide fellowship and worship services as well as Easter and Christmas gifts. We also provide children of incarcerated parents gifts through our Toy Lift program, so they receive a gift directly addressed from their mom or dad who isn’t able to be with them at Christmas.

The Elk Rapids Rotary has been a huge blessing to us over the years – we cherish their continued support, friendship and trust in the care of our community.

Local businesses who really care about our community also deserve a huge thank you as they are the foundation the campaign stands on. They are: IGA in Harbor Springs, Chamber of Commerce and Katydid in Petoskey. Oleson’s Food Stores in Petoskey and Charlevoix, Louie’s Fresh Markets in Petoskey and Boyne City, Village Markets in Elk Rapids and Central Lake, and newcomer Eastport Market in Eastport. Thank you everyone who participated and donated to raise money to help struggling families in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet Counties!

If you missed the Red Kettles on July 2, it’s still not too late to give. While the kettles at Christmas time and Christmas in July are an essential part of our annual fundraising, they cover only 25% of the services we provide local folks each year. You can visit SAPetoskey.org online and click on “Donate Now”, drop-off or mail a check or money order made out to The Salvation Army to their local office located at 712 Pleasant Street, or you can donate items and shop at The Salvation Army Thrift Store located at 1615 Clarion Ave in Petoskey. – Submitted by Amy Evans, Director of Community Resource Development, The Salvation Army.

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Village Council Update

The Elk Rapids Village Council met Monday, July 19 at the Government Center. Jim Janisse being excused, the meeting was chaired by President Pro Tem, Barbara Mullaly. The agenda was passed. The Consent Calendar was passed after a discussion of how outside auditing firms are hired or changed.

There was a public hearing on proposed Ordinance #504, which would be an amendment to the zoning code concerning the storage of recreational vehicles and/or recreational units being stored within the village limits. The ordinance stated the limits of people living in such units to seven or 14 days within a 30-day period. It also stated such vehicles should not be forward of the front of the house. There was a lengthy discussion among the council members, and the issue was removed until more information could be gathered.

Larry Knight from PowerHome Solar presented the most recent proposal for installation of solar power panels at the Waste Water Treatment plant. The council decided to address the issue at the next meeting and encouraged public input.

The council will review the status of one goal at each meeting. Goal #1 discussed the creation of housing choices for village residents. The council thought that a map indicating open property in the village would be beneficial.

Marcus Evans of the DPW reported that a hand railing had been installed at 215 River Street. Resolution 21-33 authorized the DPW to “do all” maintenance to replace the driveway at 506 Chippewa Street. Evans explained that the DPW had been ordered to shut off the water and could not find the shut off value, which appeared to be under the concrete driveway. Therefore, damage was done while putting in a shut off value. The council gave permission to repair the driveway, not to exceed $9,000.00. The remainder of the meeting consisted of the Commission and Committee reports and the Village Manager’s report. Due to computer failure, the Zoom connection dropped at 8:23 p.m. and this reporter was unable to continue coverage. For further information, the public is encouraged to visit the Elk Rapids Village Council website at https://elkrapids.org

The next regular council meeting will be Monday, August 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. – Submitted by Dolores Hibbard, Contributing Writer

ELK RAPIDS SCHOOLS
Board briefed on projects, concerns

By Steve Yencich, Contributing Writer

Monday evening’s special meeting of the ER School Board was a potpourri of updates on projects and priorities, with COVID, high school principal search, and final preparations for the school year all included. In communications with leaders of nearby districts, Superintendent Julie Brown reported that most area schools would likely make wearing masks optional for all students, except during bus transportation.

Districts have been warned that should COVID cases increase; students could again be forced to wear face masks during the school day. District and community efforts continue to make vaccinations easily accessible to all students. COVID mitigation strategies with the continuation of less stringent separation strategies and close contact are still being disallowed. Health Department representatives have informed ERS that mandatory student vaccination policies are in discussion, but adopting such policies is unlikely anytime soon. State officials have told districts that districts cannot offer remote instruction this coming school year. Parents and community members are encouraged to contact Superintendent Brown with additional questions.

The search for the next principal of Elk Rapids High School continues with the first posting closing last week. Six candidates expressed interest in the position, two provided incomplete applications, two had no experience, and two had administrative experience at the high school level. As a result, a second posting will go out. Similar efforts will be made in area newspapers, Facebook, other social media platforms, and Michigan associations representing public school and high school administrators. Interviews for the position will begin on August 9, with second and final round interviews to follow. Brown indicated that finding the right person was vital as the District had lost much administrative and staff leadership in recent years. Acknowledging the immediacy of the need, Brown said after meeting with administrators, staff, and board members, “We have to let this process play out.”

Board President Holly Spencer announced the pending departure of board member and former Chair Carol Pressman. Pressman, who guided the board following the release of former Superintendent Steve Prissel and several board members, leaves to join her family outside the ER area. Additionally, the board accepted the resignation of ER’s high school football coach for reasons unrelated to the District during its approval of the Consent Agenda. Also discussed was completing the final summer school cleaning and sanitation strategies for the 2020-21 school year. The lack of qualified applicants for custodial work has been an ongoing problem for ER Schools and employers throughout the area. The next meeting of the ERS Board of Education will take place on August 2 at 6 p.m.

ER DISTRICT LIBRARY REPORT – Conclusion Fundraising engaged without first assessing costs

By Steve Yencich, Contributing Writer

The July 8 Library Trustee meeting continued with a series of routine reports and monthly decisions with little debate. However, Elk Rapids Township’s decision to engage a land survey of Island House properties did generate criticism. Trustee Chuck Schuler suggested the expenditure was a waste of taxpayer funds. The complaint was deemed non-germane by Chairman Tom Stephenson and others. What drew more debate was a unanimous recommendation by the Building Committee to “move forward with a secondary plan for building a library at a different location with feasibility and acquisition of land costs to be included.”

Typically, boards are composed of an odd number of members to diminish the likelihood of tie votes. When comprised of an even number of members, bylaw provisions are typically available to break such ties, but not in the case of the ER District Library. With three members of the Building Committee, Trustee Atkinson, and Chairman Stephenson’s support, the proposal was expected to pass. All that changed when Building Committee members Chuck Shuler reversed his position. Shuler said that such a vote would generate controversy, that the motion was ill-defined, and asked whether the building committee could “make a down payment on real estate somewhere.” At the end of the lengthy debate, and with all members present, the resulting vote was a four-four tie. The failed motion combined with cessation of all fundraising efforts means the District Library will remain as the sole tenant of property now jointly owned by the Village of Elk Rapids and Elk Rapids Township for the foreseeable future.

However, the debate extended into the following week’s Milton Township board meeting, when former Library Board Chair Barb Johnson spoke out during public comments. Johnson was uncertain when asked if the Library Board had ever conducted a study to compare the costs of renovation/expansion of the Island House vs. building an expanded library elsewhere. Days later, Johnson reached out to ER News and, in a wide-ranging interview, confirmed that no professional study of options and costs had ever been conducted before the start of fundraising for renovations to the Island House. This was confirmed by Library Director Nanette Miller earlier that same day. The Elk Rapids District Library Board of Trustees will draft a summary letter explaining these events to all existing donors. The next regularly scheduled Library Trustees meeting is set for Thursday, August 12, at 5 p.m.

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

“Life is like a bowl of cherries”

It’s July, it’s Elk Rapids, the roads are wet with spillage, so what else could I talk about but cherries? For many of you, cherries are your life. For me it was a lifetime of hearing about cherries. My mother grew up in Traverse City and went to school with the Pulciphers, Morrisons and several others in cherry farming. My husband worked 43 years in the cherry business, so we lived cherries as well. My mother would playfully tease my husband every spring, “What is it this year, Jim? Is it frost, bees, drought, rain?” Just living in northern Michigan makes cherries all of our business. We have watched and shared the ups and downs of this amazing industry and product. I think it is only right to remind ourselves once a year what a “big deal” it is to be the Cherry Capital of the world.

Over my lifetime, I have been proud to watch the growth of the cherry industry from being a roadside treat, maraschinos to top dessert or drinks, great pies and jams, to now competing with raisins and present in every great salad! It’s concentrated, dried, frozen, candy coated, bottled, made into salsa, sauces and alcoholic beverages. Let’s not forget the health benefits of this delicious fruit.

What do we know about cherries? They are low in calories, full of Vit A, C and K. They contain Magnesium, calcium and are a source of fiber. They contain choline and beta carotene, which are antioxidants (chemicals that help our bodies deal with inflammation and cell damage). In addition, there are anthocyanins, a type of polyphenol that are responsible for the red color but also act as antioxidants. Melatonin is also found in cherries, which helps with sleep. According to the NIH there is “reasonably strong” evidence to support the health benefits associated with cherries. Those being better sleep, reduced inflammation, decreased exercise-induced muscle soreness and loss of strength, help with brain health, memory and thinking. There are other benefits associated with the listed healthy ingredients in cherries, but additional studies would be helpful for us to have a clearer understanding of all the ways cherries benefit our health.

Most studies looked at a daily dose of 45-270 cherries and to get that quantity you are looking at concentrate, juice or supplements.

Take-aways: The demand and use of cherries will continue to grow but don’t forget the old favorites. Stop by that roadside market and enjoy a few of those delicious sweet cherries. Indulge as able with a famous local pie (cherry-raspberry is my personal favorite) or jam. If you have some health issues where you may benefit from cherry concentrate, juice or cherry supplements give them a look. Most importantly be proud and recognize the hard work our cherry industry puts forth on our behalf. Remember July, the month most of us enjoy playing in our beautiful area, is the busiest for them. Thank and support those working hard to harvest and make cherries available to us all year long. Gratitude is also good for your health! Thank goodness those delicious cherries are too!

Elk Rapids District
Library Corner

Summer Reading Schedule.
Tuesday, July 27, 10:30 am & 1:00 pm: Storytelling and crafts with Don Gorsky at Lakeland Elementary School in the cafeteria.

Wednesday, July 28, 10:30 am: Pre-K Storytime with Miss Sue and Jacquie on the Library Hill. If it is raining, this program will be held at Lakeland Elementary School.

Friday, August 6, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Kids Craft Day on the Library grounds. Kids can register for 2 free books throughout July and pick them up at the Library or Kids’ Club when available. The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Elk Rapids District Library.

Glamour, Glitter & Glitz. The Friends of the Library are accepting donations of jewelry and upscale purses for this major event until August 1. It will be held September 10 and 11 at the HERTH. Tickets for the Friday night event will be available soon.

The Book Cellar is open and overflowing with great books in all genres, fiction and non-fiction, plus videos, books on CD, music, and more. Be sure to stop in and find some great reads. If you have books to donate, PLEASE bring only newer books in good condition. Musty, dusty, or smelly books will not be accepted.

Other options. Beach Reads are back at the Library. These are paperback books you can just take, no check out required. Bring it back if you like, put it in The Little Free Library in the park, or pass it on.

Caughtcha being Good!Kristy & Steven McDonald

CORRECTION: ​