Caughtcha being Good!
Beth Guntzviller & Molly Plum

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Courtesy photo
Plant beach grass to prevent sand erosion? “You bet” was the quick reply from Beth Guntzviller. She also was quick to say she could most likely recruit more help if needed. Beth’s grand daughter, Molly Plum, also jumped in to assist with the project. The goal is to build up the dune along the roadway to preserve the beach and to also stop the sand from coming across the road making it unsafe for the many bikers and walkers who use North Bayshore Drive. “Beth has been a great role model for her children and now grandchildren with her natural desire to help people and do what she can to support various needs and projects throughout the community. I am anxious to see the benefits of the planting over the next year or two,” said Sherry Steffen, who is also working on the project. Thank you, Beth and Molly, Caughtcha being GOOD!

​CORRECTION: 

Due to a technological glitch a 2016 letter to the editor “Thanks for service to ERDL” was inadvertently printed again in last week’s paper. We apologize for any confusion. – Editor

A climate refuge future for our region?

Please join the village Planning Commission for a thought-provoking presentation on climate impacts affecting our future.

Demographers say climate disruption will force some Americans to move. Some 123 million people in the U.S. – 39 percent of the population – live in coastal communities. One study concluded that by the end of this century, sea level rise alone could displace 13 million people, 6 million just in Florida. 

Will Michigan and the Great Lakes be a destination for any of the displaced people? Maybe.

Circle of Blue, the Traverse City-based news organization, is closely following the potential that Michigan could attract climate migrants. Available evidence indicates that as an end-of-century destination, the Great Lakes will be among the most ecologically attractive North American destinations. 
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Join Keith Schneider, Circle of Blue’s senior editor and chief correspondent, at the next meeting of the Elk Rapids Planning Commission for a lively discussion on climate migration and its consequences for the Grand Traverse region and all of Michigan. The meeting on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 starts at 7 p.m. The community is invited to join us via zoom link included in the Planning Commission agenda.

Walk of Art sculpture sales benefit Art Rapids programs

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The late Bart Ingraham’s “Keeping It Together” flanked (L-R) by Walk of Art co-founder Sherri DeCamp and buyers Robin Hemphill and Sally Santen. Courtesy photo
Art Rapids is pleased to announce the sale of three works in the last six months from its “Walk of Art” sculpture gallery in Antrim County’s Elk Rapids Day Park. The most recent sale, completed October 9, was the purchase by two Cincinnati physicians of the late Bart Ingraham’s marble sculpture, “Keeping It Together.”

The Walk of Art is a collaboration between Art Rapids and Antrim County, which owns the 15-acre wooded waterfront park on S. Bayshore Drive in Elk Rapids. Art Rapids’ programs of arts events, education, and scholarships is supported by a small commission it receives on any such sales. Private donations remain the mainstay for the nonprofit’s annual budget. 

Since the Walk of Art’s founding in 2013, six works have been sold. Shortly before his death last year, Ingraham generously bequeathed all sculptures he had in the park to Art Rapids.  Earlier this year, the Cadillac Arts Council purchased Sam Soet’s “Hardwood III,” who also recently sold “Hardwood IV” to an Elk Rapids family. To date, three pieces have been purchased by Elk Rapids residents, and one by an Old Mission businessman.
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Although the park will have a few vacant spaces this fall, Art Rapids is delighted to see participating artist’s work appreciated, purchased, and adopted to a new home. Congrats to all!

Rotary Observes World Polio Day October 24 

The number of wild polio cases for 2021 as of October 6 was two; one in Pakistan and one in Afghanistan, the only countries where the wild poliovirus is still endemic. This is hopeful data because for comparison, the total number of wild polio cases in 2020 was 140; 84 in Pakistan and 56 in Afghanistan. 

Since 1985, Rotary has contributed more than $2 billion to fight polio, including matching funds from the Gates Foundation, and countless volunteer hours. The objective is to eradicate the debilitating and often fatal childhood disease from the entire world, for it may be carried from place to place by people who show no symptoms. 

To maintain awareness of the polio-eradication campaign, Rotary International chose October 24 as World Polio Day to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk. Salk was the medical researcher who developed the inactivated polio vaccine that came into use in 1955.

​ In 1961, the oral polio vaccine, on a cube of sugar that old-timers remember, developed by Dr. Albert Sabin came into use. Submitted by Norm Veliquette

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

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“Pink is a fall color” 

I don’t need to remind you October is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” The pink ribbons, pink uniforms, the advertisements all tell us we haven’t reached our goals in eradicating the most common cancer in women in the United States. Last year I presented several facts about breast cancer. Let’s review: One in eight women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis and that ratio is even more staggering in northern Michigan. According to the National Cancer Institute, Grand Traverse County ranks number one in Michigan and is 20% higher than the state average for age adjusted incidence of breast cancer! Men also get breast cancer! It is estimated that since I wrote a year ago 268,000 have been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer 48,500 non-invasive breast cancer, as well as an estimated 2650 men. 

Early detection and treatment resulted in a 40% decline in death from breast cancer in the US between 1989-2017. That being said, you can understand why many of us in health care were uncomfortable with the long pause of “preventative care services” during the initial stages of the pandemic and the continued slow return of patients to routine screening. The CDC reported an 87% decline for breast cancer screening during April of 2020 compared with previous five-year averages. Although that is improving, delayed care and more advanced cancers can also be considered casualties of the pandemic. 

TAKE-AWAYS 
This year especially we need to transition from “awareness” to “action”!! If you are late on your mammogram or exam, call today! You can have this done safely even with the ongoing concerns of covid. Further delay may result in a worse outcome. If you have a friend you know is in need of a check-up or mammogram encourage her to get it done! I often have ladies travel together for their appointments. This helps to keep them on track, and they make it an annual outing! Remember, we now have 3D mammograms that get a clearer image of breast tissue, especially dense tissue. They are available at most of our local hospitals and usually are covered under your yearly screening benefits. 
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In closing, there are over 3.8 million treating or surviving breast cancer in the United States and 6 million worldwide. For those of us who have never received this diagnosis, October is a month to wear pink and receive a message to take care of ourselves. But for the 3.8 million with a breast cancer diagnosis it can be a constant reminder of battles fought. I encourage you to use the pink ribbon as a reminder to check on those you know. See how they are doing this month, as this yearly campaign is inspiring, motivational and therapeutic, but it can also be painful. For all of us it should be a reminder of what breast cancer really is, a painful, emotional, life altering diagnosis that takes the lives of far too many each year. Terri Glenn, FNP-BC is a Nurse Practitioner at the Elk Rapids Medical Clinic with Dr. Ann Kuenker, DO. 

Elk Rapids District
Library Corner

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Employee of the Week – Karen Bradley. Karen joined the Library team in November of 2016. Having recently retired she didn’t want a lot of hours, but she worked a few hours a week and was available to fill in for absences. After a hiatus during the Covid shut down and the worst of the pandemic, that still works for her, and us, today. Because of her training as a social worker she is an exceptionally valuable person to have on staff during times of stress or tension. Her clear insight and calm assessment of a situation, along with well thought out approaches to handling it, are much appreciated. I am very glad Karen decided to come back, because a little time with her is much better than no time with her. Thank you Karen, for sticking with us and helping us have the excellent team we do!

Halloween Costume Parade, Saturday, October 30 at 3:00 pm on the Library grounds. Meet on the island side of the River St. foot bridge for a parade around the island, followed by cider and doughnuts and a goody bag. All ages are welcome.

Plan Ahead! The Library will be closed on Friday, November 19 for staff in-service.

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Village Council Update

The Elk Rapids Village Council met Monday, October 18, 2021. There were four citizens who addressed the council offering suggestions regarding the proposed bike trail along South Bayshore, with alternate routes suggested.

The council opened a public hearing on Resolution 21-46 referring to Vacating Alley Space. The resolution passed. The Consent Calendar also passed, which included closing off River Street between Cedar and Pine on October 30, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for a tailgate party, and again on October 31, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. for a Zombie Flash Mob.

On the Strategic Plan the council discussed Goal 7 – protecting the natural environment. Under New Business the council heard an audit presentation from Richard Neihardt from the firm Gabridge & Company for the fiscal year 2020 to 2021. Those citizens wishing details of the report should go to the Village Office and request a copy, all 55 pages of it. 

The council appointed Jim Bryant to the Harbor Commission, to a term ending 2024. They also passed Resolution 21-47 to authorize Municode Amendment No.1 to include the zoning code in the recodification project, not to exceed $7,260. Resolution 21-48 was also passed to adopt a fee schedule for FY 21-48 as amended.

There was a lengthy discussion concerning a Traverse Street sewer backup that happened in 2020. The residents have made a claim against the village and/or their liability insurance. No decision was made. 

There was a discussion concerning updating the employee manual. The issue will return at the next meeting. There was also a discussion about communicating in an emergency. Ideas will be accepted from the council and the public. 

Following were commission and committee reports, when council members report on the groups they work with and when they meet. Bryan Gruesbeck, village manager, reported that the village is testing the water and sewer systems for asbestos. It can be mixed with the concrete surrounding the pipes, which then shows measurable amounts as it starts degrading. 
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The meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting will be Monday, November 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the Government Center. Submitted by Dolores Hibbard, Contributing Writer

ER Downtown Development Association
Board approves ad buy supporting winter events

By Steve Yencich, Contributing Writer

Chairman Jim Witte opened the October 13 meeting of the Downtown Development Association by announcing the topic of the TART Trail through the village was not on the agenda and would not be discussed.  Nonetheless, several residents spoke against and for the proposed route coming down S. Bayshore Drive.  
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Most complaints revolved around traffic and biker safety issues and appeared mostly from residents on S Bayshore. Residents also made supportive comments regarding the safety of the proposed S Bayshore route as compared to alternatives. Some complained they’d never received the letter announcing the proposed S. Bayshore route, while others said when they’d contacted the village, they were told it was already a “done deal.” Several supporters said they’d ridden the route many times and found it both pleasant and safe. Others pointed out that all other area bike trails went through residential areas with no problems. It was reported that with Paddle Antrim’s Water Trail already in village waters, the lack of a bicycle trail was the only obstacle preventing the village from winning the long sought after “Trails Town” designation. 

Discover Elk Rapids was reported to be up and running with kudos given to Chamber staff Maryl Kohl and others involved. Staff will promote the website via a half-page ad in area newspapers and social media support provided by the Record-Eagle, which will provide 100K digital impressions boosting the site. A status report was also provided on the “13 Ways Strategic Plan,” with Jim Janisse announcing that the coalition had met last week to affirm the plan’s recommendations and will begin raising funds to address those objectives. The next 13 Ways meeting will take place in mid-November, with a date and time to be announced. DDA members also reviewed their “engagement plan,” designed to increase stakeholder understanding of DDA objectives and establish better rapport in the future.

A request for funding for $3,700 was presented to support the start-up of the new Elk Rapids Downtown Business Association (ERDBA). Jim Janisse raised concerns about the appropriateness of funding such a fledgling organization and the lack of accountability with previous donations. Discussion ensued, with several board members pointing out that the DDA had supported events in the past. DDA members eventually landed on a compromise summarized by Chairman Witte, which would enable the DDA to support upcoming events sponsored by ERDBA through purchasing $1,600 worth of ads marketing holiday events in Elk Rapids. The motion passed unanimously.   The meeting ended with Chairman Witte placing “2012 guidelines for funds distribution” on the agenda for the next meeting, which will take place at 6:30 p.m., on November 10.

Around Town
with Rob Ford

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I got a new pair of slippers last week. 
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The old pair, while comfortable and broken in just right, had blown a seam, which allowed cold air, moisture and every other natural element to make trouble with the overly exposed sole of my right foot as I trekked out to get the morning paper. I had owned them for at least five years; the decorative laces were frayed, and the soles were also slick, so yeah, it was time for a new set.

And did I ever get a nice new pair. 

Lined with polyester lamb’s wool, encased in imitation leather with a Velcro strap to keep them snug on my feet, this new pair of slippers have me relaxing in style these days. Best of all, they’re securely stitched all around and their soles have the grip of a fresh set of Firestones. The traction I’m getting as I carry cups of coffee from the kitchen to the dining room table is matched only by the weatherproof and toasty walks I’m making outside to get the paper. 

Maybe you laugh at my adventure in slippers. 

Maybe you even call them “house shoes.” 

Maybe you understand their importance. 

No matter what you call them and how you rate them, understand the significance that they play in the daily life of yours truly. 

I could say it simply; my day begins when I kick the slippers (house shoes) off and ends when I put them back on. 

Or I could elaborate. 

Every day, weekends included, the Ford household universe shifts perceptively in the morning when I decide that lounge time is over. News has been watched, paper has been read, coffee has been drank and now it’s time to get dressed and get on with the day. Some days involve taking showers, putting on clean clothes, starting the car and heading out into the world. Other days, that perceptible shift involves just getting dressed and sitting back down to more “lounging.” No matter how the day unfolds, it commences with the extrication of feet from slippers (house shoes).

At the end of each day, weekends included, another household universal shift happens in the evening as whatever shoes I chose to wear to do whatever usually meaningless task I did that day come off and those faux fleece lined and fake leather clad slippers (house shoes) once again swaddle my feet. More importantly, with the donning of them comes the drawing of an imaginary curtain on the day. From this moment on, the day shall be entirely relaxed. 

Some people only wear them seasonally. The catalog that I purchase mine from routinely displays them poking out from underneath some fashion of warm robe, propped properly upon an ottoman in front of a roaring fire; ostensibly depicting them as winter only wear. Any pairs that make their ways into our house learn in short order that year-round wear is expected from day one until that seam bursting, slick soled final trip to the trash bin. 

So you see, slippers, or house shoes, are more than simple footwear around my house. It’s a personal habit that nothing important shall be attempted before they come off and nothing important shall be attempted after they are put on. Call them slippers, house shoes or whatever, in my life they’re crucial. They’re my plastic soled, fleece lined daily trigger mechanisms. 

And this week, I have a brand-new pair.

ERGC Friday Fun Scramble Golf Group golfs for a cause

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John Matthews, Barb Matthews, John (JB) Matthews, Phil Anderson, Brenda Corner, Charlene Hansen, Dennis Priebe, Ken Kohlman, Pam Coleman, Brian Perrault, Kristi Newer, Rich Newer, Dawn Steele, John Steele. At the October 15 event but not pictured: Kimiya Matthews, Jodie Perrault
The COVID pandemic during the summer of 2020 greatly limited activities and our ability to socialize. As a way of getting together in a safe manner over the summer, golfers from Elk Rapids Golf Club (ERGC) began gathering on Friday afternoons to play a friendly scramble that allowed them to do something outside and remain socially distant. Each week, one couple volunteered to organize the game and provide a scrumptious meal. In 2021, 24 couples participated in the festivities over the course of the season. It was decided not only to have fellowship with the group but to also pitch in a dollar per person every week and at the end of the season donate the proceeds to a worthy cause. The Elk Rapids Community Cupboard, a local food pantry, was chosen as the recipient. On October 15, $1,023, which included $400 from the Elk Rapids Golf Club, was presented to Pam Coleman, the Community Cupboard Coordinator.

The Community Cupboard serves people in the towns of Elk Rapids, Williamsburg, Kewadin and Rapid City.  Eligibility includes at least one of the following: be in need of emergency food; be a participant in a food assistance program such as SNAP, WIC, FAP; or have a household income at or below the established poverty level. The pantry provides groceries every two weeks on Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.  Items provided include chicken or beef, tuna, hot dogs, fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, pasta, canned tomatoes and sauces, cereal, margarine, eggs, juice and other items. Food donations or toiletries may be delivered to the Elk Rapids News or placed in the brown donation box outside the First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Chippewa and Spruce Streets. Monetary donations are made to Elk Rapids Community Cupboard, Box 572, Elk Rapids, MI 49629. If you or someone you know, is struggling to make ends meet, please call Pam Coleman at 847-445-8239 or email her at pcolecomm@icloud.com. Text and photo provided by Rich Newer