GATHER Veterans-Warriors-Heroes Magazine Sept/Oct 2021

Michigan

September/October 2021

Peck Wilcox

The Bombardier’s French Family

Coast Guard Station

Change of Command Behind The Brand

ReynoldsJonkhoff Funeral Home

Travis Snyder

Walking For Veterans Suicide Awareness Photo Credit: Mike Banno, Forward Exposure

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Packages Available: • Directory Package • Digital Package: Ad on gatherveterans.com.

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Support our Veterans - Warriors Heroes while gaining a loyal clientele and strong word of mouth amongst this demographic.

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We Will Never Forget

PUBLISHER

EDITOR Contributing Photographers

GATHER Media LLC Hannah Bouwmeester - Owner Traverse City, MI 49696, (231) 492-7870 PAMELA MCCORMICK Mike Banno John Russell Cover by Mike Banno Forward Exposure

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

20

th

Year

Anniversary

GRAPHIC DESIGNER ADVERTISING SUBSCRIPTIONS

Heather Adle Gordon Briley Tom Dalluge Mike Kent Kirsten Kubert Brandon Lohr Pete Lathrop Amanda Renkiewicz Karen Rieser Michael Roof G. Roy Jayden Designs hannah@gatherveterans.com Visit gatherveterans.com/ subscribe-today to subscribe.

Subscription Rates: One Year, 6 issues, $19.95.

Allow six weeks for first issue to be received.

Note: Veterans can pick up a free copy at various locations. Please email hannah@gatherveterans.com for details in your area.

Note: Not all areas serviced.

Copyright @2020 GATHER Media LLC. All rights reserved. Individual works also copyrighted by their originators. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without prior written permission. We do not assume any liability for errors or omissions. GATHER Media LLC does not necessarily endorse any of the attractions, products or services contained within.

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Gather Veterans Team “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller

Hannah Bouwmeester Owner/Publisher Gather Veterans

Karen Rieser Contributing Writer

Pamela McCormick Managing Editor Gather Veterans

Tom Dalluge Contributing Writer

Deb Dent Account Executive

Mike Kent Contributing Writer/ Photographer

Debra Ankerson Content Coordinator/ Contributor

IN HOME CARE

Kirsten Kubert Contributing Writer

Gordon Briley Contributing Writer

John Russell Photographer

Mike Banno Photographer

For more information or to apply today visit www.smilemichigan.com/dds or call 517-346-9455 (Southeast Michigan) or 517-346-9454 (Rest of Michigan)

Elevating the human spirit™

866-929-9044 comfortkeeperstc.com

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Amanda Renkiewicz Contributing Writer

Healthy vets start with a healthy smile.

Let us help!

A richer life starts with Comfort Keepers.

Spend more time doing the things that matter most.

Leave the rest to us.

Pete Lathrop Contributing Writer

Michigan Donated Dental Services (DDS)

08 14 20 34

TABLE OF CONTENTS September/October 2021

08

Publisher’s Note

10

Travis Snyder

14

Peck Wilcox

18

An Honor and a Privilege

20

ReynoldsJONKHOFF

23

3 Cheese Corn Chowder

24

Singapore: Ghost Town Extraordinaire

28

Becoming Human

30

WHO NEEDS A PLANE TICKET?

32

Tall Ship PERCEPTION

34

Changing of Command

38

Coffee Table Coach: As A Man Thinketh

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Publisher’s Note Perception is Reality “We must not allow other people’s perception define us.” ~ Virginia Satir

W

hen the Department of Veterans affairs approached me about doing this magazine, it was a no-brainer for me. My great-grandfather on both sides, grandfather on both sides, father, great-uncle, uncle on my mom’s side, and two nephews; that is the tradition of military service in my family. My family was full of Veterans, and I loved the idea of doing something for them. So when confronted with people’s perceptions of Veterans, I was shocked. It seemed that when I said the word Veterans, people immediately thought of something akin to Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump; disabled, suicidal, on drugs and alcohol, and homeless. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The reality is that every demographic includes some who are disabled, suicidal, on drugs and alcohol, or homeless. The Veterans community has some who fall into these groups, just like every other community of people. I discovered that this overarching perception was due to a few things.

First, when approaching businesses with Veterans issues, many are approached by non-profit organizations that seek to help the individuals who may struggle with some of the problems mentioned above. It’s a desperate picture painted to engender a feeling of compassion and motivate the listener to help. This approach has its place.

Second, Hollywood has painted a somewhat grim picture of the Veterans community as well with their films. Not all, but some reinforcing the inaccurate negative perception I am addressing. GATHER Veterans would like to help redefine the Veterans community and people’s perceptions. Not only for our advertisers to better understand

who they are reaching, but for you as Veterans to help turn the tide of public opinion and create a sense of pride and patriotism when people hear the word Veteran.

Here are some interesting statistics that make the case that Veterans are more likely to go on to secondary education, end up in leadership positions, volunteer within their communities, begin businesses and employ others, and have a higher earning potential than the general population. They are more disciplined, take instruction better, are more loyal, and have a greater chance of positively impacting their community.

Did you know?

• In 2018, over 650,000 veterans used military benefits to pursue higher education?

• In 2018, 75% of student veterans were enrolled as full-time students.

• In 2017, 52% of student veterans were enrolled in undergraduate programs compared to 24% enrolled in two-year programs.

In 2018, 75% of student veterans were enrolled as full-time students.

• In 2018, the majority of student veterans were between the ages of 24 and 40.

• In 2018, 47% of student veterans were parents, and 47% were married.

• In 2018, 62% of student veterans were first-generation college students.

• In 2019, student veterans had an average GPA of 3.39.

• In 2015, veteran students had a 54% completion rate, similar to the overall national average of 53% and higher than the 39% completion rate of other adult learners.

• In 2019, the average American income was just over $54,000 among people without military

service on their resumes. In contrast, veterans earned over $11,000 more, averaging nearly $65,700.

• Overall, the highest paying areas for veterans in 2019 included Washington, D.C. ($102,900), Connecticut ($101,000), New Jersey ($98,000), Massachusetts ($92,000), and Michigan ($82,900).

• Veterans are more likely to participate in volunteer work, donate to charity, and get involved in local politics.

And this is just a tiny sampling of the truth of this group of Americans.

Veterans, you must not allow people’s inaccurate perceptions to define you.

You bring value, integrity, perseverance, leadership, and influence to your communities. Rise and let this moment be the turning point.

To those local businesses considering being a part of GATHER Veterans-Warriors-Heroes, our team has sold advertising in the Northern Michigan market for a combined total of 28 years. I would challenge you to consider the value of being a supporter and advertising partner for this outstanding and loyal community of people. They are leaders, influencers, volunteers, business owners themselves, and a demographic worthy to invest your advertising dollars in.

For more information, contact Deb Dent at deb@gatherveterans.com or Hannah Bouwmeester at hannah@gatherveterans.com.

In The Trenches, Hannah Bouwmeester Publisher

–9

Featured Veteran

Travis Snyder

Walking For Veterans Suicide Awareness

By Heather Adle

10 –

How far would you go to bring attention to a cause? More to the point - how far would you walk? Travis Synder found that answer as he grieved the death of a fellow veteran. “In April of 2019, my Marine brothers and I lost a comrade that we served in Afghanistan with - to suicide.

After that point, I felt it in my heart to bring veterans and suicide to the forefront,” says Travis.

He chose Mission 22 as his supporting organization. Their objective is to provide help, resources, and funding for veterans who face mental health challenges. Travis strapped on a pack and trekked 810 miles around Lake Michigan with this goal as his trail guide. He describes it as “the adventure of a lifetime,” in part due to meeting many supportive people along the way. He finished in 42 days.

Himself no stranger to struggles, Travis recalls a time early on when “I encountered emotional and mental health challenges that hindered me from achieving my objective in graduation from Infantry school. It was my first time truly being tested and pushed beyond what I thought at the time were my boundaries.

I learned how to raise my ceiling and overcome what my body and my mind told me I could not do.”

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He worked through the initial setbacks, remembering the reasons he joined the Marines: “I wanted to serve a purpose, be an asset to society, and find an opportunity to better myself as a human being.” While serving, Travis enjoyed practicing field tactics and skills. His Infantry Company was “deployed to the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in October 2017, and returned April 2018. We served under Task Force Southwest, carrying out the mission to Advise, Assist, and Train the Afghan Army and Police in their efforts against Taliban forces.”

After serving six years (2012-2018), Travis is back home in Michigan, where he works as Education Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland. He currently attends Grand Rapids Community College and plans to pursue a B.A. in secondary education. When asked what he likes most about his career, he points to working with the kids. He especially enjoys his role in helping students achieve their academic and career planning goals. Travis chose his profession because he wanted to work with an organization that would serve a purpose and give back to his community.

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“The hardest part of the transition to civilian life was learning how to find a new purpose.

I knew I wanted to finish school and get an education. But I did not know which path to take. I wanted to find a career that was going to give me fulfillment. I have an undying need to serve, for my skills to be utilized and to be needed. When I got home, I felt like I had done an incredible thing, so what do I do next?”

He applies the skills he built in The Marines to his current leadership role. “I have learned how to keep a strong mindset in high stress situations. Even at work now, I tend to keep mild when a tense situation presents itself. The 14 Marine Leadership Traits are something I carry everywhere and do my best to share with young people, as they learn how to become leaders themselves.”

He offers solid advice for those considering the military: “I would encourage anyone with a desire to serve to at least ask questions, seek advice from Veterans, and don’t be afraid to take on the challenge. However, if you are going to pursue this path, ensure that you are doing it for the right reasons. Do not enlist as a ‘last resort’ because you do not know what else to do in life. Do not do it because you heard there were benefits involved. Do it because you have the desire. Otherwise, your experience will be less than pleasant and rewarding. Just like any other life path, it is not meant for everyone.”

Motivated by the pandemic’s additional hardships and concerned that veteran mental health will be even more affected by job loss, financial difficulty, and limited resources, Travis will continue walking. In August 2021, he completed a 220-mile hike in a continued effort to send his message to those who struggle, to those who know someone who is struggling, and to those who cannot relate personally but want to make a difference.

Featured Veteran: Do you know a Veteran, Active-Duty Military, First Responder, etc. who you would like to nominate to be featured in an upcoming issue? Or would you be willing to share your story? Email pam@gathermichigan.com.

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In Memory Of

Peck Wilcox The Bombardier’s French Family

By Tom Dalluge

Peck in retirement retracing his rural mail delivery route.

Mama, Peck, Papa Nadeau and granddaughter 1967

Peck and crew member Andy Anderson knocking one back

June and Peck in their yard in the 1990’s

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Peck’s favorite mission Grandfather

One last kiss til we meet again...

The clear blue sky had thickened with flak thick enough to walk on. Suddenly there was a sickening boom from the nose of the B17 followed by calm instructions from the pilot. They were too far from England to make it back and too far from Switzerland to run for a neutral zone.

Bombardier Robert Peck Wilcox grabbed his parachute and headed out the bomb bay at 13,000 feet.

The overwhelming quiet was what he would remember 54 years later. He saw nine other chutes deployed. Everybody had gotten out. He was coming down near a small stream somewhere between Bordeaux and Cognac in southwestern France.

He wasn’t going to make it to the New Year’s Eve party at Polebrook, England, that evening to ring in 1944.

told Peck to lay down as there was a German observation point 50 yards away. Wilcox was fed and clothed, and a teacher translated his English to French. That evening outfitted in civilian clothes, ill-fitting shoes, and a beret, he was pointed down a road.

A couple of miles down, a bicyclist startled him by asking him, “Americain?”.

When he replied ‘Oui,’ the bicyclist patted his shoulder and led him to the farmhouse of Edouard “Papa” and Leona “Mama” Nadeau.

The Nadeau’s and their son Frederic would forever change the arc of Peck Wilcox’s life.

Mama ushered Peck to a small bedroom that he would share with Frederic and returned shortly with a dinner of roast chicken, bread, and wine.

Peck recalled years later that he knew at this point that he was in pretty good hands.

In fact, nine of the 18 planes on the mission were lost that day. Wilcox settled to ground hard on his rear and rested in tall reeds of grass before moving out for several miles, avoiding roads. He found a haystack to hide until dark.

Wilcox’s short stature that had kept him from becoming a pilot enabled him to nestle into the hay without being seen.

Though not members of the resistance, the Nadeau’s had strong negative feelings about the Germans as Papa had been a prisoner during World War I. Their village had Vichy collaborators, and so Peck was forbidden to come out of his room. He was allowed to listen to the radio during the day but only at low levels.

At night, he found a barn and slept. In the morning was awakened by a farmer chopping wood. The farmer

In early 1944, southwestern France buzzed with anticipation for the Allied invasion. Peck had hoped

– 15

to walk out through Spain, but German control of the area was still tight. Papa and Mama impressed on their guest that waiting would be the best strategy. When D Day occurred, the Allies got hung up in northern France and then moved southeast toward Paris. The Mediterranean invasion swept north and hooked up with the Normandy invasion. Southwest France remained in Nazi hands.

Peck had obtained a French English dictionary and had begun learning the language with the help of the Nadeau’s.

From his room, he watched the townspeople and learned their habits. In September 1944, Frederic went to Cognac and returned with a French Resistance leader. Peck was able to come out from hiding. The townspeople were awestruck that an American aviator had been hiding among them for more than eight months. Peck moved easily among the townspeople talking to them as old friends and recounting stories he had heard.

The next day, Wilcox left for Bordeaux and from there to Marseille, Naples, and North Africa before returning to London. A war time protocol called Double Jeopardy precluded fliers who had been shot down from flying in the theater again, ended the war for Peck Wilcox.

The sacrifices made by the Nadeau’s never left Peck Wilcox.

He returned home and farmed the land that had been in his family. He coached Little League and was a prominent local sports booster attending high

school events long after his kids graduated. He worked as a rural mail carrier for 14 years. Though his job description did not call for it, he started raising the flag at the post office every morning.

It was the bond with the Nadeau’s that was always special. Holidays and birthdays never passed without a card or some sort of token gift to the Wilcox children, Trent and Roberta. Peck returned several times over the years, first in 1967 and again several times in the ’70s and ’80s. In 2015, Peck’s granddaughter, Kari Wilcos Foster, was invited to visit the unveiling of a memorial to his time in hiding. The plaque notes Peck Wilcox was the longest successfully concealed American aviator of World War II in France. In movies and literature, the French resistance is nearly always portrayed in heroic and glamorous terms. But it is even more glamorous and awe-inspiring when we can put names and human faces on those stories, and we are able to trace that lineage to future generations that would not be possible without the risks and sacrifices that these heroes made.

The Nadeau’s were those kinds of heroes, and so was Peck Wilcox. When I knew Peck, he was a man of an unquenchable optimism, a guy who cheered lustily for our basketball team and who passed you on country roads with a friendly farmer’s wave. Peck never forgot the debt owed to the Nadeau’s and insisted on ensuring his family developed those bonds as well.

He might not have been tall enough to be a pilot, but Peck Wilcox was a giant of a man.

The Wilcox headstone in Hall Cemetery, Pleasant View Township, Blue Mound IL

Wilcox granddaughter Kari Wilcox Foster ascending to Peck’s secluded sleeping quarters.

In Memory Of: If you would like to share the legacy of your Veteran family member or friend that has passed away, email at pam@gathermichigan.com.

16 –

HOMEOWNERSHIP  HOME REPAIR for

VETERANS Contact 231-941-4663 x326 erin@HabitatGTR.org

– 17

Reynolds-JONKHOFF

An Honor and a Privilege: Veterans Serving the Community

By Brandon Lohr

E

ven though their official call to service ended decades ago, the Military Funeral Honor Guard, composed of VFW Cherryland Post 2780 and American Legion Post 35 members, still answer the call to duty daily to honor their fallen comrades, no matter the circumstances. “It does not matter what service the veteran was in, combat or noncombat. If they are an honorably discharged veteran, they deserve military honors. And that is why we do it,” says Honor Guard Captain Bill Volkening. These dedicated men and women conduct funeral honors any time and any place, rain or shine. Not only does the Honor Guard conduct military funeral honors, which is practically a full-time job in and of itself, they also offer flag ceremonies, dedications, posting of colors, flag retirement ceremonies, visit veterans in assisted living and nursing homes, and offer educational visits to local schools to teach about what it means to serve.

The 27 members of the Honor Guard includes a chaplain, rifle squad, bugler, and flag presenter.

Often working in conjunction with active-duty service members from the deceased veteran’s respective branch of service, the Honor Guard conducts over 300 military funerals each year.

Their commitment to serving veterans and their families is so great that they even raised funds for a 15-passenger van to safely transport members to and from events. With donations from local businesses and individuals alike, the Honor Guard was able to procure the van in 2020, which allows them to expand their abilities

18 –

further to give back to the community. “When we asked our community for help, it poured in from all over,” says Larry Lelito, Honor Guard chaplain.

“We raised $52,000 to pay for this van in full. Plus, there’s still donations coming in so we can build a shelter for this beautiful van.” When the Honor Guard van pulls up to the funeral service, families can immediately see the Honor Guard’s commitment to their fallen comrades, and the closure their ceremony brings is truly significant to the veteran’s surviving loved ones. “Members of the family have contacted me afterward to tell me how much it helps bring closure to them,” says Thelma Paul, bugler for the Honor Guard.

raising funds and donating uniforms to local school marching bands, donating American flags to schools, sponsoring scholarships for students in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties, and working with Toys for Tots, among many other programs. VFW Post 2780 also has a strong military assistance program that has shipped thousands of boxes of supplies to our troops overseas, boosting morale and giving their thanks to those who protect our country.

On VFW Post 2780’s website, the top caption reads “Nobody does more for veterans,” and that certainly rings true in many respects. Further, the veterans of our community go above and beyond the call of duty to serve not only their fellow veterans, but their community as a whole. According to these generous veterans, it is not only their duty to serve their community, it is their privilege.

Please consider contacting VFW Cherryland Post 2780 and American Legion Post 35 to inquire about how you can help further their mission or simply thank them for all they do in the community.

On top of the already considerable time and energy dedicated by the Funeral Honor Guard, other members of VFW Post 2780 coordinate numerous communityoriented tasks. Some examples include the raising and lowering of over 500 flags on Memorial Day weekend,

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Behind the Brand

ReynoldsJONKHOFF

Celebrating Life

By Amanda Renkiewicz

F

amily business has never been more meaningful or significant than with Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. With six generations of their family running the company, they have the expertise and empathy to make difficult times as loving and respectful as possible. Their presence in the community

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is a comfort for countless people. Leading their mission of providing services as unique as life is the Jonkhoff family, with patriarch Dan Jonkhoff as the Fifth Generation Funeral Director. His wife Peg is a co-owner, and a face often seen around town, with her involvement in the Traverse City Country Club, Zonta, The Friendly Garden

Club, and many more charitable organizations.

Forming the sixth generation are daughters Christy Jonkhoff-Hater and Lindsey (Jonkhoff) Rogers.

GATHER was able to sit down with Lindsey to learn more about how their business provides award-winning services that are as unique as each individual’s memorable life.

Tell us about the family aspect of your business.

I work alongside my sister Christy as well as my mom Peg and my dad Dan. My dad is transitioning into retirement, although we still appreciate all the wisdom that he shares with us. We also like to think of our whole staff as our work family. It is truly our ministry and without each of my colleagues, we could not do what we do. I am very lucky!

What do your services entail?

We help families when they experience a death

in their family. We walk with them through this difficult time, help to answer questions that they have, and share with them all of their options. For example, a family can choose to have their loved one buried, cremated, or donated to a medical school to further science. We help plan special services, gatherings and celebrations. We help with unique cemetery monuments and many other special keepsakes. We like to think of ourselves as the go-to with anything related to death care.

What is your involvement with the Veteran community?

We support the local VFW honor guard, which consists of members of the American Legion post 35 and the VFW post 2780. Most recently we helped with the financing of a van so the gentleman and ladies could go to honors safely. We also sponsor many of their programs including Hometown Heroes, which is an annual event that honors local veterans.

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We also have a Veteran’s Benefits Coordinator who works to obtain all of the benefits that veterans are entitled to. He secures cemetery markers, military honors, finances available, lost medals, and certificates. He is an awesome part of our team and we are so thankful to have him to support us so we can honor veterans in the way they deserve.

Additionally, we recommend that Veterans look into a program that the National Funeral Directors are promoting. It specifically targets Veterans who are looking into employment in our industry, and is called “Journey to Serve”. You can learn more about it on the Funeral Service Foundation at www.funeralservicefoundation.org/ What are you looking forward to, as a company, in a post-COVID world?

Many families that we served decided to not have a funeral or memorial service, because they couldn’t and/ or didn’t want to. It is our hope that families will realize the importance of gathering together, whether it be at a funeral home or anywhere. Grieving is not something to be done alone, as the community support of family and friends really aids in the grieving process.

What sets Reynolds-Jonkhoff apart?

Reynolds-Jonkhoff is unique because we are a family organization built upon six generations of experience.

We help each family as if they are a member of our own family. We strive to not only meet their expectations, but exceed them. It is truly our honor to help celebrate and remember the lives of loved ones.

The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Family and Staff are poised to continue assisting the local population and Veteran community for generations to come. Their specialized and understanding approach to a challenging and inevitable time for every family has made them the recipients of hundreds of personalized thank you letters and positive reviews. To discuss compassionate and caring services, visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Behind the Brand: Do you offer discounts or specials for Veterans, Military, First Responders, Nurses, or Teachers, email deb@gatherveterans.com or hannah@gatherveterans.com for more information on investing your marketing dollars to support these community heroes.

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In the Kitchen

3 Cheese Corn Chowder

By Kirsten Kubert (comfortablydomestic.com – Mother of an Active-Duty Military Son)

Serves 6 to 8 Servings · 3 Cheese Corn Chowder 3 Cheese Corn Chowder is full of all the comforts of home with plenty of vegetables, crisp bacon, and three types of creamy cheeses in one flavorful soup.

30 min Prep Time

20 min Cook Time

50 min Total Time

Ingredients • 4 strips thick cut bacon, chopped • 1 C. (1 small) chopped yellow onion • 2 C. (2 medium) peeled and diced yellow potatoes • 2 C. (2 small) sliced carrots • 1 ½ C. (1 medium) diced sweet red pepper • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced • 4 C. frozen corn, thawed • 2 ½ C. (20 oz.) low sodium chicken broth

• 4 ½ C. 2% milk • ½ C. all purpose flour • ½ tsp. ground dry mustard • ½ tsp. kosher salt • ¼ tsp. black pepper • ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes • 1 C. freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese • 1 C. freshly shredded Monterrey Jack cheese • 1 C. freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions 1. Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel lined plate with a slotted spoon. Drain all but a tablespoon or two of the bacon drippings from the pot.

2. Reduce the heat to medium. Sauté the onion, potatoes, carrots, and sweet red pepper in the pot until the vegetables are just beginning to soften; about 5 minutes. Stir the minced garlic into the mix and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Pour the chicken broth into the pot.

3. Whisk the flour, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes into the milk until smooth.

Pour the milk mixture into the pot, stirring to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender and soup begins to thicken. Stir the corn into the soup and cook for a few additional minutes to heat through.

4. Remove the soup from the heat. Stir the shredded cheese into the soup until fully melted and smooth. Serve immediately.

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History

Singapore Ghost Town Extraordinaire

By Karen Rieser · Photos from Wikimedia Commons Singapore, Michigan’s very own ghost town has tales to tell.

As with most ghost towns its inhabitants had dreams of becoming rich using the resources from the land, but failing due to errors in human understanding.

S

ingapore, Michigan in Allegan County was founded in 1836 by Oshea Wilder.

It sat at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, in Saugatuck Township, adjacent to the present day towns of Saugatuck, then called ‘The Flats’, and Douglas. Surrounded by vast forests of white pine, it was often referred to as “an oasis in the woods’’. It was Wilder’s plan to develop the area into a port city, one that would challenge the cities of Chicago and Miliwaukee. Singapore was to be the answer to satisfying settlers’ hunger for lumber and

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prosperity. With that in mind Wilder named the town after another vibrant port city, Singapore.

It was Dug-Out Road that took Mr. Wilder, his wife and six children into Singapore. The family settled and developed the city until 1846. James Carter, a distant relative from New York, bought Wilder’s interest in the city and moved to Singapore, to continue its development. After two years Mr. Carter sold his interest to Artemas, his brother.

As Singapore grew, so did its population. It drew settlers from around the country as well as immigrants from Canada, Ireland, Holland, Norway and Germany. Engineers, sailors, tradesmen, brick layers, and many blue collar workers came to Singapore to make a life for themselves.

In1835 the first mill was constructed in the midst of virgin white pine forests surrounded by dunes measuring as high as 50ft. Soon after, streets were platted, paved and boardwalks built.

In its heyday, Singapore consisted of three or four lumber mills that produced 300,000 board feet of lumber per month, two hotels, several general stores, a bank, boarding houses, a cemetery, a school house and 25-40 homes. Although a city census was not taken it is said that upwards of 200 people lived there.

Singapore did not have a church, but was visited by Episcopal and Universalist itinerant ministers who would perform services, baptisms, funerals and weddings at various venues in town.

One of Singapore’s two boarding houses, the “Astor House” was remembered as the “place to be.” It served fifty residents, mostly families. In addition to living quarters the Astor House provided a barroom and large porch.

In 1852 the school located in the town hall was moved to an unused mill shed outside of town. It was said that the school bell was a circular saw blade. I am sure its ring was quite unique.

Singapore’s shipbuilding business was launched by Artemas, James Carter’s brother. Artemas built the “Octavia”, the ‘St. Louis” and the 127-ton three-masted schooner “O.R. Johnson”, named for a lumber baron.

The O. R. Johnson had a reputation for being the fastest and the most stylish schooner of its day. In 1838 one of the first steamships to travel the Great Lakes was built in Singapore. These ships delivered lumber to various ports along Lake Michigan’s coasts.

Singapore’s success was not only the result of its shipbuilding, but its fishing, lumber, and fruit growing industries. The original humble lumber milling camp grew by leaps and bounds and eventually rivaled the ports of Chicago and Milwaukee as a shipping and lumber port. For twenty years Singapore was Michigan’s center of commerce.

As with all boom towns, Singapore did not always follow the high road. One of its less admirable experiences involved a bank scandal. In 1837 the State of Michigan passed the General Banking Act which

evolved into what is now referred to as the ‘Free Banking Era’ 1837-1865. Under this act, banks were allowed to print their own notes and were not subject to federal oversight. Banks established during this ‘Free Banking Era’ were known as ‘Wild Cat’ banks as they were harder to find than the stealthy wild cat. Two ‘Wild Cat’ banks were established in Allegan County, The Allegan Bank, and the Singapore Bank.

On October 5th,1837, Oshea Wilder made an application to open such a bank.

Receiving permission, the bank began in a local boarding house and then moved to its own building. Mr. Wilder appointed his son Daniel president and a Rob Hill cashier. By 1838 the Singapore Bank had circulated $50,000 in Singapore banknotes.

The State of Michigan soon passed legislation requiring all state banks to have one-third of their total worth in hard currency available at all times. This was a problem for both the Allegan and Singapore banks. A shady plan was devised.

A warning from a nearby town would be sent to Allegan that the bank inspector was

– 25

on his way. Hard currency from the Singapore Bank would be sent to the Allegan Bank for counting. At the day’s end, the Allegan bank manager would get the inspector drunk, and while he slept it off, the money would be returned to Singapore for inspection.

The return trip to Singapore was time-sensitive.

A purse full of coins was given to a local Native American. It was thought that rather than sending the coins over land, it would be more expedient to send them over the water. The trip went smoothly until just outside of Saugatuck.

The canoe capsized, and the gold was lost in the deepest part of the river. The Indian ran to Singapore to report the incident. The local blacksmith made a drag hook to recover the coin purse, which was then taken to the bank to dry out. At one time, the drag hooks said to have saved the gold were on display in Saugatuck’s village hall.

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The Singapore Bank had a short life. On April 3, 1838, the State of Michigan suspended the General Banking Laws, and the ‘Wild Cat’ banks were out of business, including the Singapore Bank. The bank did try to reorganize, but operations were never re-started. Singapore Bank’s charter was annulled on February 16, 1842.

During the winter of 1841, Singapore had its first brush with extinction. A blizzard, forty days in duration, ravaged the city. Singapore and its inhabitants were doomed, but for a tragedy of others. At 2:00 a.m., gale winds and snow forced the Miliwakie ashore, a ship loaded with a cargo of flour and goods for its hands. The vessel came to rest in two pieces, four rods from the shore, two miles north of the Kalamazoo River. Among the fifteen persons aboard were six survivors who made their way to a house two miles from the wreck. During the blizzard, the townspeople and the surviving ship hands lived off the ship’s provisions.

It did not take long for Singapore’s dream to die. By 1883 all that remained of Singapore were ten to twelve houses, one mill, and a hotel. The final straw was the move of its main mill to St. Ignace in 1885. With the encroaching sands and diminished resources, most of the town’s structures were moved or dismantled. It is thought that ten or so structures, one of which was the bank, now a Butler St. bookstore and gallery, were rolled over logs on the icecovered Kalamazoo River to Saugatuck.

Many residents also moved to Saugatuck or ventured further west to find another fortune. Singapore was completely vacated by 1875, but It is said that one resident refused to leave. The resident used the second-story window to enter and exit the house until the sand reached the roof.

Now the vulnerable treeless oasis waited for nature’s next plan. It took four years for the winds and sands of Lake Michigan to create a dune between Singapore and Lake Michigan that covered all hints of the oncebustling city.

Incredibly, three great fires struck the midwest on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago fire, the Holland, MI fire, and the Peshtigo, WI fire. The Holland fire not only wiped out Holland but also burned parts of Singapore’s forests and structures.

This trio of tragedies began Singapore’s downward spiral.

The need for lumber to rebuild the cities was dramatic. The cities of Chicago and Holland received Singapore lumber, the majority going to Chicago. It was not long before the resources of the Allegan County forests were exhausted. The people of Singapore had consumed the total of its natural resources without understanding nature’s grand plan.

Without the trees, the sands were free to move at will, blanketing the city. The result was environmental suicide.

Dug Out Rd is now Dug Out trail and will still take you to the dune-covered Singapore.

Today, the majority of the property is privately owned. In 2018 a proposal for a marina and housing development was made.

The development’s proposed site, the North Shore of Saugatuck, would include land on the Singapore dune. Despite environmental objections, the development came to fruition.

The State of Michigan is acquiring as much of the property as it can when it becomes available to make it part of its park system.

To get close to Singapore today, take a boat ride on the river or, when visiting Saugatuck, stop by the bookstore and art gallery on Butler street, a.k.a. Singapore Bank or travel to 333 Lucy St. or 996 Holland St. to see two of the homes moved from Singapore.

Fact, myth, or legend: The sand dunes at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River hold the secrets of past pioneer life, of hopes and dreams of the future, and the history of Michigan and the Great Lakes. Because it is no longer visible does not mean it wasn’t there or a part of what we are today as Michiganders.

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Health & Wellness

Becoming Human

By Gordon Briley

Have you ever wondered why some people deal with chronic depression, anxiety, ADHD, or other neurological abnormalities, and others don’t?

Cancer, heart attacks, or susceptibility to Covid 19?

Is it because they were blessed with just the right genes, or in many cases, the wrong ones? This has long been the prevailing belief; however, I would challenge that this is a narrow view of how we function.

My goal is to give you a glimpse into an amazing scientific understanding that remains mostly unknown amongst those outside the medical or bio-medical field. It’s potentially a conversation that could change how you see everything, or maybe more fitting “everyone”.

It is the science of “Epigenetics”. It has long been thought that our genome (genes) was the master of our destiny. We are what we are, and that is because of what has been passed on to us via our mother and father. This, however, is limited thinking.

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You see, our DNA is more of the “hardware,” if you will. Epigenetics would be your “software”. Our DNA largely provides the recipe for a vast amount of proteins with the ability to create highly specific tissues (pretty much everything). If that’s the case, then we all know that the software is really what keeps things running smoothly. Interruptions (malware viruses) disrupt the operational ability of the software and essentially turn certain segments of that software on or off, or better said, it affects the operating speed (gene expression). This is a great way to see how epigenetics can potentially have a much greater influence on our destiny than our DNA. Now for some perspective! From the moment of inception, your life is being influenced in some fashion on an epigenetic level. Check that…. from long before your inception, your potential life was already being modified. The influences of your parents or even more surprising is your parent’s parents, and so on. Their choices change

truly a product of many variants, including your invitro life, environment, life experiences, and much more.

Hopefully, with this new perspective and a newfound interest in learning more about this amazing science, Epigenetics, your potential positive growth will be impacted. I can’t imagine a better way to share the possibilities than by sharing my own personal journey through mental health and the associated adversities. It isn’t an easy story to share, but nonetheless, its importance far outweighs the potential hit to my ego.

It’s a story of love, loss, and most importantly, a story about overcoming the seemingly insurmountable odds often stacked against us. the outcome of who you’ll become through epigenetic modifications (trans-generational epigenetics). We will delve deeper into that subject later. The important thing to know is that your exposures modify who your child or “self” will become. Chronic stressors come in a mixed bag, but they can individually make significant changes to health outcomes. Work stress, relationship stress, environmental assaults, nutritional deprivation, etc., all can have detrimental effects on your health. If we are this vulnerable prior to birth, then the same influences apply during the postpartum period and beyond. The simple truth is these influences never stop being relevant determinants of our health.

Epigenetics works both positively and negatively. Hugging your child or giving them your approval is actually driving positive epigenetic changes. The power of positivity isn’t just your Facebook friend’s favorite mantra. We’re on a giant see-saw and constantly balancing both negative and positive weight. Weigh down one side of the see-saw, and you’ll undoubtedly reap the outcome of your choices. A life bathed in positivity can change your health outcomes, and the inverse is also true. Trials and tribulations will yield a harvest of their own.

When considering why we are the way we are, it’s not just their life’s experiences shaping us.

The story goes much deeper. This ideology may help you understand yourself a little bit better and cut yourself some slack. You’re

Stay tuned to the next issue for the continuation of “Becoming Human”.

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– 29

Great Outdoors

WHO NEEDS A PLANE TICKET?

By Pete Lathrop

I’ve been to a lot of places in this world. I was born in Colombia, South America while on the mission field. I’ve been in every continent in the western hemisphere as well as the continent of Africa. I’ve traveled to every border within the continental United States. All of them several times. But I’ve spent most of my days in the friendly confines of Michigan.

There’s no mistaking that there’s beauty and adventure to be found in every corner of this world. But we who live in Michigan have a special measure of blessing.

I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir regarding the beauty of our “Great Lakes State”, but some of

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us Michiganders haven’t had the opportunity to compare the scenery and the possibilities with the rest of the outdoor world, but being that I’ve seen a quite a bit, I’d have to say I know what I’m talking about. One of the most obvious advantages Michigan has is water. Michigan ranks as the number one state with 41.5% of its total area occupied by water. Michigan has more than 64,980 inland lakes and ponds and is flanked by four of the five Great Lakes, as well as Lake St. Clair, and boasts the world’s longest freshwater shoreline of any governmental unit. Sources of water are so abundant in Michigan that no one is ever more than 6 miles from a body of water in Michigan or 85 miles from a Great Lake.

As for hiking, biking, skiing, and riding, it’s hard to beat Michigan. There are more than 13,000 miles of state-designated trails, including approximately 4,000 miles of hiking trails, 1,300 miles of rail trails connecting communities, 4,000 miles of designated ORV trails, 6,000 miles of designated snowmobile trails, 800 miles of equestrian trails, 2,000 miles of biking trails, and 1,200 miles of cross-country and snowshoeing trails. Compared to Wisconsin’s 1,700 miles and Minnesota’s 1,300 miles of trails, you can see there’s no comparison.

Michigan is a state rich in forest resources. Its 19.3 million acres of forest land cover 53 percent of the State, with 18.6 million considered timberland.

Timberland acreage is the fifth largest in the United States. Most of the prominently known forests are in the Upper Peninsula, otherwise known as Michigan’s Playground. Such forestland allows residents to discover their heart’s content, but don’t forget your GPS. And how about this. Michiganders don’t have to travel far to catch a fish. Michigan ranks #4 behind Florida, Texas, and New York in the number of anglers and fishing days within a year. Our state is second in the nation in fishing destinations by non-resident anglers and brings in the third largest income from fishing. Michigan beat all other Great Lake states 4 to 1 in its economic impact from fishing.

And most Michiganders would admit that there’s no place like home to hunt deer. The 2021 Deer Hunter’s Almanac researched average deer harvests from 2014 to 2018 and found Michigan to be third in the country with 345,000, only 8 thousand fewer registered harvests than Georgia, which owns second in the rankings. Of course, Texas ranks #1, considering it is about three times bigger than Michigan.I could go down the statistical road with camping, boating, snow/ water skiing, snowmobiling, and other outdoor activities, but the answer is obvious. There’s no other state in the U.S. like Michigan. Why buy a plane ticket to go somewhere else? I believe that if you’re an avid outdoorsman, you’d be content to stay right here…just a few miles from home. www.geographyrealm.com www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr www.asafising.org www.deeranddeerhunting.com

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Military Kids

Tall Ship PERCEPTION

BY AMANDA RENKIEWICZ PHOTOS BY MICHIGANCHALLENGE.ORG

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Ahoy! For those teens who are bright Stars, a rare and fabulous opportunity awaits aboard the tall ship Perception.

The young sailors who qualify for this maritime adventure are Gold Stars, meaning those who have lost someone in the military, or Blue Stars, children with a deployed family member. The non-profit Michigan Challenge leads the sailing-based community service organization.

Through donations and community funding, the organization provides tuition-free sailing trips for those in military families in need of support, camaraderie, and a new outlook during challenging times.

The schooner has a compelling history that began in New Zealand.

It was designed by the famous naval architect L. Francis Herreshoff in 1924 and is a 68-foot steel-hulled schooner.

Perception was built with steel, although it looks wooden. The builder, Mike Bentley, proved himself to be a perfectionist, as one of the steelworkers on the project had to reroll the steel an astonishing 28 times before it was approved. The rare design was originally named Joann, built-in 1924, and later renamed Brigadoon. Brigadoon still sails in San Francisco Bay. Currently, Perception is docked in a Northport marina.

Since its inception, the charity has gained volunteers and trained crew and continued upgrading and refurbishing their beloved Perception. The sailing programs aboard Perception started in 2018, and despite a strange and temporary halt in 2020, it continues strong. The organization hosts a number of free day sails for veterans.

about Perception and drove eight hours north to connect with the owner. He explained it was his 25th year of racing in “The Mac,” and he wanted to sail Perception. Captain Bryan Smith and Skipper Ron White eclipsed the competition to become first in their section and second in their division despite poor wind conditions.

While racing Perception is a thrilling pastime, Michigan Challenge’s mission is to help teens from military families weather their own storms in life. Their maritime journey is a 4-day, 3-night sailing adventure, complete with bonfires, dinners, togetherness, and simple teamwork. The hours onboard teach the teenagers sailing skills, coping mechanisms, and gives them a chance to become part of something larger than themselves.

It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The crew and friends of Perception encourage you to find her to see the beauty and history of the striking schooner. Although their home base is Northport, she often travels to other ports to run teen programs and attend boat shows or other events where the ship can be on display. Keep in touch with Perception and its mission by visiting michiganchallenge.or

AND UNTIL THEN, WE OFFER YOU A SAILOR’S GOODBYE: “MAY YOU HAVE FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS!”

Recently, Perception made waves by winning the Chicago/Mackinac race on lake Michigan, the longest fresh-water sailboat race in the world. A member of the Chicago Yacht Club, Ron White, had heard

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Coast Guard Station

Changing of Command

By Amanda Renkiewicz · Photos by John Russell

A

Change of Command ceremony has taken place for our local Coast Guard! The outgoing Commanding Officer was Captain Charles E. Webb, who had been the CO at the air station since July of 2019. Prior to being the CO at the air station, he was the Executive Officer and Operations Officer at Air Station Atlantic City. The Muskegon native began his military career in the Army in 1992 until he was selected for the Coast Guard in 1999. Traverse City was his first air station when he joined the Coast Guard.

He has flown over 7000 hours in 4 different military aircrafts, and is looking forward to his next assignment, which is with NORAD in Colorado.

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On Friday, July 16, incoming Commanding Officer CDR Christopher L. Wright took his place. Prior to his assignment at the CO of Air Station Traverse City, CDR Wright was the Response Chief and Air Operations Officer for Sector San Diego. He’s originally from Ocean City, NJ, and is married to the former Jamie Cronenberger from Los Gatos, CA. They are the proud parents of one daughter, Skye, and are eagerly awaiting the birth of their baby boy in August. He graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 2001 and currently has over 3,600 flight hours in the MH-60.

Commander Wright is a 2001 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a Bachelors in Marine and Environmental Science, and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Flight Training School in Pensacola, Florida,

– 35

where he earned his naval aviator “wings of gold” in 2005. He also holds a Master in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Science in Quality Systems Management from the National Graduate School. Commander Wright holds Federal Aviation Administration Airline Transport Pilot and Commercial Pilot licenses, and has obtained qualifications in Advanced Search and Rescue, Airborne Use of Force, Basic Fast Rope, and Shipboard Deck Landing operations. His

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vast experience and enthusiasm for the Coast Guard will be an asset for the local community.

Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City was commissioned in 1945 and was originally established as a one-plane detachment to provide search and rescue service to the Great Lakes area. Throughout its history, many updates have taken place to better respond to calls for help, including greater and faster airplanes. Upgraded Jayhawks

Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City was commissioned in 1945 and was originally established as a one-plane detachment to provide search and rescue service to the Great Lakes area.

replaced the four Dolphins in 2017, and they provide a longer range and a larger cabin for executing complex search and rescue cases over a massive, often remote, eight-state area. In addition, the Jayhawk also boasts anti-ice/de-ice capability to better assist the citizens of the Great Lakes during harsh northern winters.

Much has changed in Coast Guard aviation, and in the world, since Air Station Traverse City’s founding in 1945. But one thing will never change - their commitment to serve our nation and our communities as Guardians of the Great Lakes.

Their motto speaks to his pledge: Semper Paratus: Always Ready.

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– 37

Inspiration

Coffee Table Coach As A Man Thinketh

By Hannah Bouwmeester

“A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.”

Mahatma Gandhi

H

ave you ever played golf? I have, and time and time again, the truth of “where focus goes energy flows’ has been proven. There I am standing on the tee, and I look at the flag positioned on the green. Then my mind is overwhelmed with thoughts about where I don’t want to hit the ball. “Please don’t go in the trees. Stay out of the sandtrap.” My focus is on the wrong thing and when I put energy into my drive, guess where that ball goes. Yep, right into the place I was so focused on it NOT going. I had harnessed all of my energy, and it went directly to where I was focused.

There is a strip of highway in California populated with utility poles spaced around 300 ft from one another. Surprisingly, the accidents that occur on this strip almost always include one of the said poles.

Why? With 300 ft in between each pole, the space to miss

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is greater than the space the poles inhabit. The answer, focus. Researchers believe these drivers are so focused on NOT hitting the poles that they drive themselves right into them. Where focus goes, energy flows.

This idea that our thought life influences our physical life is not only compelling. It’s empowering. If our thoughts have that kind of power, how could we impact our lives emotionally, physically, and mentally? Gandhi had it right, what we think we become. So what are you thinking? Are you even conscious of the tape playing in your head? When is the last time you stopped and took inventory of the thoughts you are allowing to shape who you become? Here are some practical steps to take control of your thoughts and steer the ship of your life in the direction you want to go, rather than the direction you fear your life taking.

1. Practice Mindfulness. So many people go blindly about their day on autopilot and become victims of a lack of mindfulness. They flit from one task to another, with thoughts flying in and out of their minds. A negative thought comes, and they accept it as accurate, allow it to take root, and even nurse it until it grows into something much larger than it started. When individuals practice mindfulness, their internal alarm goes off the moment the negative thought enters. They run it through a battery of tests— questioning its truthfulness, helpfulness, and impact.

Don’t leave the gate of your mind unmanned. Be aware and filter out the negative, unhelpful thoughts.

is to figure out a method to measure your progress.

When you can congratulate yourself on steps you have taken in the right direction, it solidifies your positive mindset. Meditate on your successes and watch the mile markers keep passing as you make your way toward your destination. You are becoming the person you have thought about being.

Gandhi, Napoleon Hill, Jesus Himself have all pointed out

how integral our thoughts are in influencing the person we become. Whether this is a new concept to you or you have heard it many times, we must continue to be reminded to be mindful of what is going through our heads, take time to meditate on who we want to become, and be sure to measure our progress. Like those unfortunate drivers along the California highway, let’s focus all of our energy and drive toward the destination we desire with hopefully much more positive outcomes.

2. Make Time to Meditate.

Don’t let the word “meditate” freak you out.

The official definition is “to think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time; to think deeply and carefully about something.”

Spend some set apart time to meditate on who you want to become, what you want your life to look like, goals you need to achieve to get there, and the legacy you want to leave behind.

Spending time focused on where you want to end up will go a long way to getting you there. Think utility pole and drive yourself right to your desired destination.

3. Measure Your Progress.

The temptation to give up once you map out a goal and start toward it only to have obstacles arise or naysayers enter the scene and begin to fill your head with doubts and fears is all too real. One way to combat this phenomenon

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