Caughtcha being Good!

Mill Creek Elementary Volunteers

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Shelley, Sienna, Garrett and Skyler Wald; Corrine Prabhaker; Cherie Cooke; Jim and Shelly Rybarsyk; Paul, Ila, and Dazy Boyle. Inset: Todd Alexander and Jennifer Haggerty. Not pictured: Andrew and Ethan Cooke, Christina Engman and Tyler Morris. Courtesy photos
According to Principal Brett Graham, Mill Creek Elementary has many wonderful volunteers that help make Mill Creek such a special place. He wanted to share what they have done at the school this summer, as they all have made a tremendous difference there. “We are very appreciative of not only these volunteers, but all the parents and volunteers that help make Mill Creek such a wonderful place for students to grow and learn,” Graham said.

Shelly Wald and her kids Sienna, Skyler, and Garret worked long hours to restore the garden area at the front of the school. Although their work is ongoing, the transformation has been incredible, and it will create an appealing presence as students, staff, and visitors enter the school area. 

Paul, Dazy, and Ila Boyle worked many hours pulling weeds and making the front of the school look wonderful for the open house.

In addition to her role as librarian, Jennifer Haggerty has volunteered many hours of her time to create the Mill Creek Garden Club. Not only has this club improved the appearance of the school, but they are also growing fruits and vegetables with the students taking an active role in the process. Her family, Katie, Luke, and Tom have helped her with the gardening tasks. The club will benefit students for years to come.

Todd Alexander donated his time and materials to create a new sign above the main entrance of Mill Creek. It is remarkable and truly creates an amazing look as one enters the building.

Tyler Morris has begun the process of dredging and updating the pond area. This will allow students more hands-on lessons for many years to come.

Corrine Prabhaker serves as PTO president. This year she organized a truly incredible open house experience for students. In addition to being able to see their classrooms and meet their teachers, students were treated to hot dogs, hamburgers, root beer floats, and fun activities as part of the first annual back-to-school barbeque.

Jim and Shelly Rybarsyk have volunteered for many years at Mill Creek. They help with individual or small group instruction, prepping classrooms, recess supervision, classroom repairs, and much more.
  
Cherie, Andrew, and Ethan Cooke worked hard weeding the garden area to make it look great for the beginning of school.
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Christina Engman volunteered her time to weed and beautify the front of the school.

ELK RAPIDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Great Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty

Great Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty celebrated the grand opening of its new real estate office with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, September 15. The new office is located at 215 River Street, #A-1 in downtown Elk Rapids. 

Elk Rapids District Library hires new library director

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After more than a decade of service, the Elk Rapids District Library’s director retired this year, leaving the library in need of new leadership. After an extensive search and interview process, the library is excited to announce the hiring of Pamela Williams as the new library director.

For the past several months, the Library Director Selection Committee has worked with a consultant and selection committee to locate and interview qualified candidates for the position. Board President Tom Stephenson said, “Early in the process they developed the objective criteria to be used in the selection process. In the end, they voted unanimously for the final two candidates. They presented the library board of trustees with two excellent candidates to interview, which made the selection of the new director almost seamless.”

That new director is Pamela Williams from Frankenmuth, Michigan. An experienced library director and passionate community member, she’s looking forward to moving her family to Elk Rapids later this year.

“Initially, my attraction to Elk Rapids was similar to what most visitors see: the beautiful water, quaint town, and friendly people,” Williams said. “Through the interview process, I became more familiar with what makes Elk Rapids so special: the investment and dedication by individuals and organizations to make the community a wonderful place to work, play, and live.”

Stephenson said of Williams, “Pam is an experienced and accomplished librarian who focuses on providing services that best meet the needs of the community. In Frankenmuth, she was fully engaged in the community, collaborating with other organizations and working as part of the core group of leaders that helped the community deal with the COVID pandemic. I think she’s going to bring a lot of positive energy and creativity to the library and the community.”

Williams is excited about the opportunity to settle in as not only the library director but also a northern Michigan resident. “I hope to use my experiences in literacy, programming, collaboration, and strategic planning to move the library in a positive direction to meet the needs of Elk Rapids,” she said. “I’m honored to make Elk Rapids my new home and look forward to introducing my family to the community.”

The Elk Rapids District Library is housed in the former residence of one of the town’s founding families. It services residents and guests of Elk Rapids and the surrounding areas. Contact the library at 231-264-9979 or erdlhelp@gmail.com. 

Over 200 paddlers participate in 7th Paddle Antrim Festival 

Over 280 paddlers and volunteers came out September 15 -17 to celebrate the 7th annual Paddle Antrim Festival. This event was highlighted by over 200 paddlers taking to the Chain of Lakes Water Trail over two days – some completing as many as 42 miles. 
The Paddle Antrim Festival is a three-day event with two days of paddling. Paddlers start in Ellsworth and go anywhere from seven to 42 miles over the two days. Community Events are hosted during all three days of the Festival, including the Final Bash which is hosted by top sponsor Short’s Brewing Company at their Pull Barn in Elk Rapids.  

“This year we had 204 paddlers registered for the Paddle Antrim Festival from all over Michigan, the Midwest and beyond.” said Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim Executive Director. “We were excited to have a record number of paddlers this year and also excited to see the diversity in paddle crafts – we had our first stand up paddle boarder completing the entire 42-mile route over two days.” Day 1 was an impressive sight as 165 boats launched from Ellsworth River Park. The second day 137 boats launched from Bellaire, with 45 paddlers making it the entire 42-mile route. 

Critical to the success of the event are the more than 30 sponsors and 80 volunteers who keep the event running smoothly and help keep the paddlers safe out on the water. “We are grateful for our sponsors and donors who make this event a success,” said Deana Jerdee.  
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The 2023 Paddle Antrim Festival dates are September 14 -16. To learn more about Paddle Antrim go to www.paddleantrim.com. Text courtesy of Paddle Antrim

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

“The Call” Brennan’s Story, Part II

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Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45 in the United States, surpassing suicide, gun violence, car accidents and Covid, according to statistics posted by the CDC. 

Last month, you were introduced to 28-year-old Brennan and his mother, Heather. We discussed the heartaches and trials he and his family endured as they battled to get control of his addiction, which began in his early teens. We left Brennan convalescing at his mother’s home on Clam Lake, recovering from a hospitalization for significant complications of Covid. He seemed to be doing well. He had relinquished his pain medication, dispensed to him upon discharge, and was handling his pain with alternative measures such as massage, ice packs and over the counter medication. Heather was optimistic that he had successfully handled a huge hurdle. He never led on to her that his pain was not manageable, or his desire for pain medication was overpowering. 

One evening after a quiet dinner and walk with Brennan, Heather retreated to her den leaving him to rest. Shortly after, she heard a strange noise and entered the family room to find Brennan unresponsive. A call to 911 connected her to a dispatcher that walked Heather through CPR, which included doing heart compressions only. She realizes now that was partly to protect herself from potential fentanyl exposure. EMS arrived and after a brief description of events and medical history Brennan was given Narcan, a medication used to reverse overdoses from opioids. He reacted and slowly became responsive. 

Words will not do justice to the emotions felt by Heather in that moment. Relief that he was alive, her trust once again shattered and anger that Brennan would do this after they had been through so much. He seemed to be doing so well. Anger won out, and once the EMS assured Heather that Brennan would be okay, she chose not to accompany him to the hospital. Instead, with urgency, she contacted his counselor, father and brother. They looked into rehab facilities, but also knew from past experience that support would not be successful if Brennan wasn’t ready. The “ball was in his court” and he needed to admit that he wanted help. “Powerless” is the word Heather uses often to describe the feeling when a loved one battles an addiction. 

Brennan returned to his own apartment after being released from the hospital. Despite his resistance to rehab, Brennan did meet with his family doctor to discuss other options and met multiple times with his counselor. He checked in with Heather several times a day, was concerned about her and apologetic for what he had put her through. He had secured a second interview for a promising new career, had a dental cleaning, hair buzzed and was looking forward to springtime in northern Michigan with friends, his cousin and the outdoor activities he loved.

Heather was once again cautiously optimistic. Could such a “near death experience” help Brennan fight his addiction and beat it once and for all? If so, would Heather and his family ever be able to reach a place of peace and live without the constant worry of receiving (or not receiving) “the call?”

Take-away: Many live in a constant state of stress and worry over a loved one battling addiction. Heather and Brennan’s family were no exception. On a cold day in April, Heather knew something was wrong. She had not heard from Brennan, nor would he answer her calls or texts. Accompanied by a friend, Heather reached Brennan’s apartment. His car was there, the door was locked, and he did not respond. A breakdown of the door confirmed her deepest fear. Tragically, this time she couldn’t save Brennan. He had lost his battle, and Heather had lost her youngest son. 

Yet, with his mother’s courage and love, Brennan’s story lives on. It is not an easy topic to discuss or one we are comfortable hearing, but it needs to be told. Next month we’ll help Heather with her goals in Antrim County to identify, educate and provide helpful resources to those who are battling addiction, and their families. 

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”– MLK 

Terri Glenn, FNP-BC is a Nurse Practitioner at the Elk Rapids Medical Clinic with Dr. Ann Kuenker, DO 

Alden Hot and Classic Car Show

Alden could hear the rumble of great engines as historic cars lined the streets for the Alden Hot and Classic Car show held on Saturday, September 10. Sponsored by Downtown Alden Business Association, more than 60 fabulous classic and contemporary cars participated representing a century of great auto designs.
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Diverse body styles from model A’s to rare sports cars, flames or original paint and interiors all competed for cash prizes. People’s choice awards allowed visitors to vote for winners. Hoppin’ music, great cars, fun shopping and delicious food – a good time was had by all in Downtown Alden!  

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
DDA approves funds for Rotary Park, new food truck ordinance

By Douglas P. Marsh, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority met for a regular meeting on the evening of Wednesday, September 14. The group discussed the state of their guiding strategic plan, finalized their recommendations for local food truck ordinances and approved funding for a local nonprofit.

After some discussion the board unanimously approved two contributions of $10,000 to be paid this year and next year to Paddle Antrim. The funds are to be used for improvements to Rotary Park on US 31. The food truck ordinance was passed with little discussion in this meeting after having been discussed fairly thoroughly in preceding sessions

“You have done a really good job of really diving in and looking at it. Unless there are any further suggestions,” said zoning administrator Kerri Janisse, “I will go ahead and add this to the Planning Commission agenda.”

The group unanimously approved the food truck ordinance. The next meeting of the Elk Rapids DDA is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at the Government Center, 315 Bridge Street.

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Meguzee and Rivershore residents want traffic calmer, action now

By Douglas P. Marsh, Contributing Writer

The Elk Rapids Village Council met at the Government Center on Bridge Street in Elk Rapids for a regular meeting on Monday. The council continued discussions on community outreach and engagement and adopted new processes for appointing people to boards and commissions. These had been in the works for some time and passed swiftly, without discussion. Much of the night’s talk was instead devoted to traffic-calming.

Citizens from Elk Rapids’ east residential blocks, from streets such as Rivershore and Brand, made public comments asking the council to take action. One emphasized that he was afraid for his and his neighbors’ families, not merely inconvenienced. Their suggestions ranged from more signage to bumps and dips. But all had one suggestion in common.

“We have speeds that reach 60 miles an hour. 60 in a 25,” said Cathy Brubaker, speaking about Meguzee Point Road. “So I ask that you take action – no studies.”

Police Chief David Centala agreed, predicting that studies would result in recommendations for higher speed limits and fewer stop signs, and not the remedies that the residents at the meeting were seeking. Village manager Bryan Gruesbeck said that expert data would be valuable to inform any given plan to install traffic calming measures.

“Without having a little bit of science behind how much and where, it’s a little bit hard to really gauge the effectiveness of cost,” he said.

One specific calming measure discussed by the council included chicanes, which create curving paths on roads instead of straightaways. The council directed village staff to prepare cost options for a few calming measures given whatever information is currently available.

The next regular meeting of the Elk Rapids Village Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, October 3, 2022, at the Government Center, 315 Bridge Street.

ELK RAPIDS SCHOOLS
Three Lakes and North Ed present summer projects

By Douglas P. Marsh, Contributing Writer

The board of education for Elk Rapids School District convened at Lakeland Elementary for their regular meeting on Monday due to ongoing renovations at the high school where they typically meet. The meeting opened with several presentations.

Students Morgan Standfest and Nils Stoldt showed the board work they did over the summer with the Three Lakes Association. Standfest, Stoldt and a handful of other young people studied aquatic life in Lake Bellaire and Torch Lake over the summer.

Deb Neddo presented on a summer migrant program by North Ed conducted at several locations in northern Michigan, including Mill Creek Elementary School. The program is designed to provide continuity and educational support for families on the move.

“We work with students zero until the age of 22,” said Neddo. “Some of our students migrate three times a year.”

Presentations were also given by North Ed representatives Carol Greilick and Linda Bielecki on a special education millage proposal, and by Lakeland Elementary Principal Bryan McKenna on the schoolyear so far at Lakeland. Superintendent Julie Brown provided updates on construction projects and this year’s enrollment numbers. The board also approved posting a position for an instructional technology & audio/sound/lighting technician.

The next regular meeting of the school board for Elk Rapids School District will take place at 6 p.m. on October 3, 2022 at Cherryland Middle School.

CROP Walk

Several local churches in Bellaire, Alden, Mancelona and Rapid City are joining together to walk for hunger on Sunday, September 25 – 25% of funds raised goes directly to food pantries in our local communities. Please join us Sunday at 1:45 p.m. at the Forest Area Township Hall in Bellaire. Our walk is gentle! Donations are appreciated through participating churches, the day of the CROP Walk, and in canisters at the Rapid City and Elk Rapids Village Market locations.

Please walk with us and/or support us in our walk. If you wish to support us but cannot join us, donations may also be mailed to the Alden United Methodist Church, PO Box 130 Alden, Michigan 49612. Please make checks out to Church World Service/CROP. Thank you for your support!

Coming soon…after school club for middle school girls

For the past 11 years, Right Tree, a local charity committed to helping grow capable, confident, compassionate teens, has been primarily a summer program.  Taking a step to address the powerfully negative effects of social media in girls’ lives, Right Tree is working to launch MAD Club, an after school drop-in program for 6-8th grade girls. Make A Difference Club will operate Mon-Thurs, 2:45-5:30 p.m. in space donated by Elk Rapids Bible Church, and include snacks, games, homework/tutoring, discussion time and ongoing community service projects. Right Tree is looking for adult female volunteers with a passion for encouraging and supporting teens, to volunteer at least one day a week. The positive effects of phone-free time and the value of faith-based programming is well documented. The need for positive after-school programming has been shared by ER teens and school administrators alike. For more details, or if you are interested in volunteering, visit www.righttree.org and click the MAD Club tab.

Around Town
with Rob Ford

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From time to time, I contemplate just what exactly the readership of the Elk Rapids News, and more specifically this column, looks like. Not individually, of course, but as a collection. If I paused to think of the looks on people’s faces as they worked their ways through one of my columns… Trust me, I’m sure you’re all good looking and healthy looking and in the way of Lake Wobegon – above average. But no, I’m just saying that every now and then I just pause to think just who it is that might be reading this stuff. Just as importantly, I wonder where they are when they’re reading it.
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Seriously. I write a column for a newspaper that gets spread across parts of two counties, Antrim and Grand Traverse. Both of whom have tremendous variances economically, politically and geographically. Red, blue, on the water, off the water, wealthy, poor, young, old and strata in between. To target any one of these “strata” would be a fool’s errand and I’ve honestly never tried. 

My suspicion is that all sorts of folks read this. Some may look forward to my columns with anticipation, some may stumble into one of my deep dives into a shallow subject, and some may skip past my column completely just looking to see how the Ladies Golf League turned out before coming back. (I always look for the Ladies Golf League results.) 

But there is a specific person who I hope is reading my column and that’s college students and really, anyone else that’s just graduated from high school or has grown up, flew the coop and is living somewhere other than here.

I focus on the college kids because once upon a time, 40 years or so in reality, I was that college student. In an era that well predated the cell phone, the social media platforms, and the availability of sending or receiving text messages, a kid like me hoped and prayed that maybe, just maybe, the United States Postal Service had delivered something from home. The vast majority of time the look into the box was fruitless and provided what was called “air mail.” But I’ll never forget the year that my mom provided my brother and me with a subscription to our then small hometown newspaper. Much like the Elk Rapids News it was a once-a-week edition, and it was just enough words from close enough to home to help a kid get through a grinding week of college. Even our mail-deprived roommates came to anticipate the thing, passing it around the room, and adopting the names and events we would read the latest dirt on, as their own. 

Every September I think of all the local kids that pack their cars to the roof with stuff and haul it off to whatever college dormitory or new apartment. Once there, they immerse themselves into each of their new lifestyles, making new friends and establishing their new routines. In the midst of all that, I hope that somebody has made the arrangements for the Elk Rapids News to be forwarded to this child. They may not ask for it or they may act like they couldn’t care less about what’s happening at home, but we know that isn’t true. 

Every time I think about it, I wish I had gotten the local paper more than just that one year. 

I’m not saying they’ll look forward to it as I used to, like I said, it’s an easier world to communicate in today. But wherever they’ve gone to and whatever their new routine is, any kid could use another word from home.

​All Things Clearwater 

The Clearwater Township Board met Thursday, September 15 to discuss a number of issues including the need for upgrading the township’s outdated technology resources, a topic that has been high on a list of priorities to be addressed for some time. The board went on to approve a $10,000 down payment beginning the process and scheduled another special meeting to further discuss the plan, and to allow for public participation and input, all actions required to use funds from the township’s Capital Improvement Fund.

Other topics discussed at the meeting included the increased disregard for traffic laws, speed zones and recent damage to township property, all having been mentioned as points of frustration for local Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Deputy Ray Farrier during his monthly report to the board. The deputy stated that he has written tickets for speeds exceeding 60 mph through the 35-mph speed zone in the downtown area recently, a threat to the community; Supervisor Tom Backers concurred that this was unacceptable. Turning the discussion to what can be done to solve the problem, several recommendations followed, including the reduction of lanes through the area, creating a turn lane and even the installation of a stop light at the Aarwood Road intersection. Several of the board members agree that change is needed to reduce vehicular speed through town, and more discussion is needed.
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Car show enthusiasts, 5K runners and walkers are asked to use caution this Saturday, September 24 during the 1st Annual Torch Lake Cruisers car, truck and motorcycle show taking place in Freedom Park from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The Heritage Festival Committee has arranged shuttle transportation from several auxiliary parking areas, including the township’s community center, commonly referred to as the Little Red School House; the township hall parking area; and the grass area where the tennis court was previously located, if needed. The committee encourages all ages to come out and take part in the day’s activities. Get involved in Clearwater Township at clearwatertwp.com. Submitted by Jim Leffew

Elk Rapids Golf Club 
Couples Championship

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​2022 Elk Rapids Couples Champions Kimiya Shippey and John Matthews. Courtesy photo
The Elk Rapids Golf Club Couples Championship was held on Sunday, September 18, 2022.  The afternoon was mixed with sun and clouds. Ten couples vied for the coveted title. A shotgun start began the competition, and at the end of 9 holes, everyone enjoyed tasty potluck contributions and pizza. When the scores were tallied, the team of John Matthews and Kimiya Shippey was tied with Rich and Kristi Newer. A one-hole playoff followed and the Matthews /Shippey team earned bragging rights as the 2022 ERGC Couples Champions. Congratulations John and Kimiya!