Thumb Laborers 2021

Thumb Laborers September 4, 2021

A Look at Local Workers in the Thumb

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Thumb Laborers

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

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Polished salon becomes Blended Salon & Lash Bar Kinde resident fulfills dream of owning business Scott Nunn scott.nunn@hearstnp.com At only 24 years old, Harbor Beach graduate and Kinde resident Karagen Harwood fulfilled a longtime dream by purchasing the former Polished Nail Salon in Kinde.

Harwood previously owned and operated Blended Salon & Lash Bar in Port Austin, and although her Port Austin location was successful, she decided to approach Polished owner Jessica Dubs on purchasing her business.

“I wanted to come back this way, be more centrally located, and maximize the amount of people we can hit in Huron County,” Harwood said.

Harwood was very familiar with the Kinde salon and the staff, having worked there for several years before venturing out on her own. She said that she was happy at Polished, but she wanted to test the waters on owning and operating her own business.

“I wanted to take a year and see if I wanted to be a boss or an owner,” Harwood said. “I rented my last building and I decided instead of renting I would rather own.”

Since her time working at Polished, Harwood said she had always dreamed of owning the business.

“A couple months ago I thought it would be more beneficial to try and come together to be more successful,” Harwood said. “I thought maybe it would

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before.”

Harwood said the Kinde location should be more convenient for her previous clientele because of its proximity to Bad Axe, which is a primary shopping hub for the county.

“It is just a little more centrally located,” she said.

Harwood said she became a stylist after being inspired by a hairdresser who made her feel better about herself.

“My life changed dramatically after I got my hair done the first time,” she said. “I found a lot of inspiration from my hairdresser that did my hair, because of how much better I felt about myself and how I presented myself to the world.”

Customer interaction is one of the aspects that Harwood enjoys the most in her career.

“I really like making people feel beautiful and feel better about themselves,” Harwood said. “I want to give that to everybody and give everybody a nice, safe, comfortable environment to come in and get their hair done and not feel judged — just feel better when they leave.”

Another rewarding aspect for Harwood is the relationship that is formed between the stylist and her clientele.

“I like to lend a listening ear, I love that portion of it,” she said. “I feel there are a lot of women, or men, that don’t get the mental health care they need. Not necessarily in a bad way, but they might not be able to afford

Customer interaction is one of the aspects that Harwood enjoys the most in her career. “I really like making people feel beautiful and feel better about themselves,” Harwood said.

be great for me to try and take it over, and buy it from Jess. I approached her and asked if she would want to sell the salon.”

“I really wanted to absorb Polished and all the girls I used to do hair with,” she continued. “I wanted an awesome staff that was great at what they did, that we could learn together and have an awesome salon in the area that everybody wanted to come to. I felt that way when I worked here

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therapy. I am always a listener. I love hearing the highlights and low points in people’s lives and maybe lend some advice or provide a listening ear.”

Harwood said her career has formed many rewarding friendships through the years.

“It is really rewarding and you create a really good connection with that person,” she said. “I find that that’s why people come back a lot because it’s not just if you’re good

Blended Salon & Lash Bar originally opened in Port Austin in 2020 and has now been merged with the former Polished salon in Kinde. (Scott Nunn/Huron Daily Tribune) Karagen Harwood fulfilled a longtime dream by purchasing Polished Nail Salon in Kinde and merging it with her existing business Blended Salon & Lash Bar, formerly of Port Austin. (Scott Nunn/Huron Daily Tribune)

Blended carries a full line of Maria Nila products, which Harwood said are some of her favorites. (Scott Nunn/Huron Daily Tribune)

Blended carries a full line of Maria Nila products, which Harwood said are some of her favorites. (Scott Nunn/Huron Daily Tribune)

at your job doing hair, it’s really your service and what you provide for that person.”

Like most businesses in the region and state, the coronavirus pandemic forced a shutdown which potentially could have squashed Harwood’s dreams. However, she said she was blessed because the government opened up unemployment benefits so 1099 workers could also claim.

“Shutting down was rough,” she said. “It was a godsend that the government was giving out the (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) for everything, even the 1099 workers. If it wasn’t for that, I don’t know where I would be.”

“Once we opened back up, it hit and I made triple in my first week than what I would usually make,” she continued.

Harwood said buying the established salon in Kinde was important in today’s economic climate.

“It is extremely benefi-

time and energy couldn’t do both unfortunately.”

Dubs said she spent 10 years in the industry, five of which were while she owned and operated Polished. She felt the sale would be beneficial to the community and the employees.

“I felt as if the girls needed someone that could be there full time and give their attention to it,” Dubs said.

Dubs said the sale of the business presented some mixed emotions for her.

“It is bittersweet,” she said. “We put a lot of time and work into it, but I think she will do a good job.”

Harwood, a Huron County native, graduated from Harbor Beach High School in 2015 before attending Huron Area Technical Center for cosmetology. Harwood said there is an unfounded stigma surrounding the decision to learn a trade instead of attending college. However, she said she believes trades are

cial in general to be able to buy a turnkey business,” she said. “The day you open you can technically be making a profit, which is really important in today’s work, especially with COVID.” Harwood said her acquisition of the business also helps with other hurdles, such as an established and recognizable location.

The business, previously the location of a party store, was renovated by Dubs in 2015.

Harwood said Dubs had long dreamed of raising a family, and she has long dreamed of owning the salon, so the acquisition made sense.

“Jess gets to live her dream and I get to live mine,” Harwood said.

Dubs said she decided to sell the business when Harwood approached her with the idea.

“She reached out to us, wanting to own her own and we felt the time was right to sell it,” she said. “I have three little kids. My

undervalued, and said she was able to attend school for no money out of pocket, learn her trade, be left with no education debt and now is able to own her own business only six years after graduating high school.

Blended Salon in Kinde opened its doors for the first time April 26 and Harwood said the reception from the community and clientele has been excellent.

“Everyone has been really happy,” she said. “I have had more positive reactions than I did when I went off on my own.”

Harwood said she hopes to one day expand the salon and offer additional services to her customers.

In the meantime, she is still in awe that she has achieved her dream.

“It is absolutely insane that it is mine,” Harwood said.

Blended Salon & Lash Bar is located at 155 Main Street in Kinde. The salon is open can be reached at 989-738-0169.

Thank you to our employees for their dedication and loyalty.

Have a safe and well-deserved Labor Day!

Thumb Tool & engineering company

354 Liberty Street, Bad Axe • 989-269-9731

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Thumb Laborers

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

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Muffler Man is an auto repair shop on W Huron Ave. (Teresa Homsi/Huron Daily Tribune)

Five-year path leads Karg to repair shop ownership Teresa Homsi teresa.homsi@hearstnp.com Bob Karg, a Bad Axe resident, had been eyeing the local business for quite some time, but in January, the certified auto mechanic made it his own.

“The previous owner was there for 13 years, and he got in touch with me and wanted to sell it,” Karg said. “I thought it would be a good opportunity.”

Karg said the process to purchase the business had been a long, back-andforth procedure.

“I had asked the owner five years ago if he wanted to sell the business, and

he said no,” Karg said.

“Then, a few years ago, he got in contact with me and asked if I was interested.

I told him no, and we just kept going back and forth.

Finally, we ended up putting something together.”

Karg has had over 30 years of automotive experience. He studied at Motech Automotive Mechanic School in Livonia before moving between different auto shops as a service manager.

“I originally started out working at the dealership in town and started out doing bodywork,” Karg said. “At some point, I decided to get into mechan-

ical, but I guess I really don’t know (how I got into the auto industry).”

Since Karg took on ownership, the Muffler Man has been repainted and remodeled, updated its equipment, started advertising and digitized its systems.

Karg said business has been good, and he plans on sticking with the Muffler Man for the long-haul.

“I plan on obviously keeping it until I retire, which will likely be in 10 years,” Karg said. “My son works with me right now, and then I plan on passing it over to him, so it’s gonna be a long-term deal.”

The Muffler Man is an auto repair shop on W Huron Ave, June 18.

(Teresa Homsi/Huron Daily Tribune)

Living in Thumb doesn't have to limit dreams Mary Drier For the Tribune

Location and lack of opportunities doesn’t have to derail dreams and dampen aspirations.

That is the message Reuben Kubacki wants to get out. He is originally from the Thumb. He moved away for a while, and now lives in Greenleaf Township.

Despite being from the Thumb, Kubacki has done well for himself, and said others can also. He owns a recording company and has performed on stage with some of the biggest names in hard rock, punk rock, and heavy metal bands. He has been on the stage with Rob Zombie, Limp Bizkit, Five Finger Death Punch, and Megadeth.

He owns and operates his own recording company, Voodoo Electric Music. He performs in two bands, Detroit Voodoo, and The Whiskey Bottle Blues.

Kubacki plays guitar, harmonica, keyboard and percussion, and sings in both bands. He has never taken a music lesson or vocal lesson.

“I’ve always been passionate about music,” he said. “I’m totally selftaught and that was before the internet. I bought

Reuben Kubacki has performed on stage with hard rock, punk rock, and heavy metal bands. He has been on the stage with Rob Zombie, Limp Bizkit, Five Finger Death Punch, and Megadeth. Besides playing in two bands, he has his own record company, Voodoo Electric Music. (Courtesy Photo) books at thrift stores and garage sales, taught myself and watching some others. That was long before YouTube. If you put your mind to something — even if you live in a rural area like Huron County, Tuscola County, or Sanilac County — you can achieve it. I’m proof of that.

“If you have dreams and aspirations, keep your eye on the prize and you can accomplish them.”

He has multiple albums out on Spotify, iTunes, Pandora, and other venues.

Kubacki credits his success to motivation.

“When you have a passion for something, keep at it,” he said. “It might not happen right away but keep focused on it, and you can accomplish it. I grew up in Bad Axe and graduated from there in 1995. I left to pursue my dream and never looked back.”

He is back in the Thumb to raise his son in a rural area.

“I just want kids in the Thumb Area to know they can accomplish their

dream like I did,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter where you live.”

His band, Detroit Voodoo, is one of the bands that performed Saturday at the Meltdown in Marlette Bacchus Social Club in Marlette.

“We typically don’t do small concerts, especially up this way. We normally play in big cities and larger concerts,” Kubacki said.

When he performs with The Whisky Bottle Blues, they record at the Rust Belt Studio in Detroit, which is the same one used by Bob Seeger, Alice Cooper, Kid Rock, and Greta Van Fleet. They have also used the renowned recording studio Pearl Sound.

In looking back at his life, Kubacki thinks his love for music and maybe some of his talent is in his genes. His great-grandfather used to play accordion and was in polka bands.

He also learned from a genealogy search that he and Jimmy Trombly (aka Jimmy Bones), who plays keyboard for Kid Rock, are cousins.

“I guess we tie in with the original Polish settlers in Parisville, Ubly, Port Austin and Kinde,” he said.

Despite living in the Thumb, Reuben Kubacki has done well for himself in the music industry. One of the bands he plays in is called The Whiskey Bottle Blues. He is at the far left with other band members Mark Riley, Chris Larabell, and Tommy Kubiski at right. (Courtesy Photo)

Smoked Full Service counter Fish!

Perch • Walleye • Salmon Whitefish • Frozen Shrimp & Scallops Open 7 Days Sun-Thurs 9am-4pm & Fri-Sat 9am-5pm

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

Thumb Laborers

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Brad and Ann Buss have turned over the keys of their family hardware to Laura and Brad Polega, who now own and operate Ace Hardware-Bad Axe in addition to Sebewaing Ace Hardware.

(Courtesy Photo)

Employees and community enable Ace Hardware to expand Ace Hardware-Bad Axe legacy continues under new ownership Scott Nunn scott.nunn@hearstnp.com Since 2008, Brad Polega has been at the helm of Sebewaing Ace Hardware, identifying community needs and adjusting his store’s selection to best serve the community.

Polega’s journey into the hardware business began from a passing comment when the previous owner was talking about retirement. The actions that stemmed from that comment have now led to a further expansion of his hardware empire with the purchase of Ace Hardware-Bad Axe in early March.

Polega said in 2005 he was in the Sebewaing Ace Hardware and then-owner Ron Bolzman was talking about retirement.

“I said, ‘When you are serious about retirement give me a call,’” Polega said.

Bolzman did just that and about three years later Polega took over the business, which was located at a different place than it is today.

Polega said in 2013 he purchased the building that was the former location of Family Dollar, renovated it and added on.

“We have continued to grow since then,” Polega said.

In 2016, the Sebewaing location added lumber and building materials, and in 2020 it expanded offerings by bringing on Stihl and Cub Cadet power equipment lines.

“What we have tried to do is never duplicate a business that was in town,” Polega said.

He said the local lumber yard in Sebewaing went out of business in 2016, and he had already communicated to the owners that when they left the business, he would expand to serve their customers. He said he continued this approach with the power equipment as well.

“We have been able to pick up lines and products where a standalone business might not be able to,” Polega said.

The Stihl expansion prompted Polega to serve another void in the community as well. He said the community lacked a small engine repair shop, which was something Stihl wanted, so he opened a full-time small engine repair shop to serve that need.

Polega said for several

years he worked together with Brad and Ann Buss at the Ace Hardware-Bad Axe, often sharing inventory when one or the other store had a need. Polega said they built a good relationship over the years and he asked Buss to keep him in mind should they ever look to sell the store and retire.

“We were never business partners, but we worked together inventory-wise and we built that relationship over time,” Polega said.

Buss said he has known Polega since he purchased the Sebewaing store.

“We have been friends since he bought the store,” Buss “I have watched him grow that business.”

Buss said he admired the way Polega would expand only after identifying a need in the community.

The admiration went both ways, because Polega said he liked the way Buss handled his Bad Axe business.

“He has a very good customer service reputation there,” Polega said. “Great products, great customer service and great employees.”

Buss said the reason he sold the store was because it was “perfect timing.”

“The timing was right,” he said. “Brad was interested at the right time. 2020 was a great year for us, but it was also very challenging.”

Unlike some businesses, local hardware businesses weren’t shut down during the coronavirus pandemic because they were deemed essential. Remaining open was both a blessing and a curse, according to Polega and Buss.

Buss said the pandemic increased the amount of business at the store, while the store faced staffing challenges because of the coronavirus and concerns surrounding it.

Despite the challenges the pandemic posed, Buss shortened the store hours to fill the staffing gaps and adapted to meet the customer demands amid the restrictions.

“We adjusted the best we could to accommodate the situation,’ Buss said. “We did curbside, we adjusted our hours, we are doing everything we can to make the customers and staff comfortable.”

That kind of customer service was something that Polega also embraced at the Sebewaing Ace

Hardware. While his Sebewaing store didn’t face the staffing issues that Buss’s location had, the store was quick to purchase items the community needed, which he said the community responded to.

“We had the product and they supported us,” Polega said. “We were blessed that people shopped locally and it continues to this day.”

Polega said his approach has always been to bring in the customers, because he believed his staff’s service would win them over as a customer for life.

“I have always said if we get a chance at a customer, they will be pleasantly surprised at the service and the quality and quantity of the inventory we have,” he said. “That is all we can ask for is a chance and it’s up to us to make that chance successful.”

That service is one of the reasons Polega has provided his personal cell phone number at the store for customers with emergency needs outside business hours.

“Things don’t break from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” Polega said. “Our after-hours service doesn’t get used a lot but it does get used. People use it but don’t abuse it, but they are appreciative in an emergency. I don’t think you can find that in a big box store. That is a small town.”

Polega said despite the inventory challenges retailers faced across the country, Ace Hardware Corporation handled the situation.

“Last year was a challenge for any supplier but Ace did a good job,” he said.

According to Polega, Ace Hardware has approximately 5,000 independently owned stores and a network of warehouses throughout the United States.

“They have a big buying power,” Polega said. “We get trucks twice a week from our warehouse in Ohio and we have online ordering that people can have sent to their house or to the store. Ace’s size has allowed us to tap into the warehouses and pull products as needed.”

Polega said Ace Hardware also stepped up to the plate when the pandemic hit, fighting for the local Ace Hardwares and establishing them as essential businesses. While large

Brynn, Laken, Laura and Brad Polega will carry on the reputation of Ace Hardware-Bad Axe after purchasing the store in March. (Crooked Creek Photography/Courtesy Photo) retailers had state-imposed limitations on the products they could sell, local hardwares did not.

“There was a week or two that we were nervous if we could be open or maintain our business,” Polega said.

“Ace Hardware did a nice job fighting for us. We didn’t have any restrictions once we were deemed essential.”

According to Polega, because his business was fortunate to maintain operations during the pandemic, he made sure to do his part as well.

“Businesses like restaurants that were closed, we supported them heavily,” he said. “We didn’t have time for lunches, so we were buying lunches for our staff. We did our best to do our part. It didn’t solve their problem but it helps in a small way.”

Polega said they have learned from the pandemic.

“You can’t take it for granted,” Polega said. “We could have been on that side just as easy.”

Polega said the pandemic furthered the strength and importance of small towns, which is something he hopes the community learns from as he has as well.

“I hope the public realizes the local businesses are here for the local people and because of the local people,” Polega said. When things got tough we saw very few businesses close.

That is because of the support of the businesses and the determination of the business.”

“Sometimes we take for granted the businesses that are here, and without them you would have drive

an hour to get a gallon of milk.”

Buss had a similar sentiment.

“My hope is the community would continue to support small businesses,” Buss said. “Not just ours, but others that are locally owned. I hope the local support continues for the small businesses, and vise versa with the businesses supporting the community.”

Community is an important aspect of Buss’s business, which has been a constant presence in Bad Axe since 1903, when it was then known as Slack Brothers Hardware Store.

In the mid-1950s, the store was purchased by Ancel and Meryl Baker, relocated from near the elevator to its existing location on Van Dyke, started its affiliation with Ace Hardware and was known as Baker’s Ace Hardware. The business was later purchased by Buss’s parents in 1972 before he started the transition of purchasing it in 1983, which was finalized in 1993.”

For more than 38 years Brad Buss has had an active role in his hardware, so the decision to sell wouldn’t have been easy without his confidence in Polega.

“I knew he was the kind of person we would want to take over our store,” Buss said. “He kept everybody and is treating them well.”

Polega said the acquisition of the Ace Hardware-Bad Axe wouldn’t have been possible without the support from the local community and the dedication of the staff at both locations.

“None of this is possible

without great customer support and great staff,” he said.

The Busses have stayed on to support Polega through the transition.

According to Polega the transition should be seamless.

“You shouldn’t see anything different,” he said. “From the public’s perspective they shouldn’t see a whole lot of change.

It is pretty well staffed and stocked. They have a good business there and we want to keep it that way.”

Buss said he isn’t sure what his future holds, but he is ready to “change the speed of life and relax a little bit more.”

Buss said he will miss his customers, many of whom were or have become his friends.

“A lot of people I know, I see them the most at the store,” he said. “I will miss that.”

“We appreciate all of our customers,” Buss continued. “What we have been able to do and what they have done for us.”

Polega’s acquisition of the Ace Hardware-Bad Axe became official in March.

According to Polega and Buss, all employees in Bad Axe will continue under the new ownership. Polega said he is looking forward to carrying on the Ace Hardware-Bad Axe’s excellent reputation.

The Sebewaing Ace Hardware is located at 8840 Unionville Road in Sebewaing and can be reached at 989-883-2740.

Ace Hardware-Bad Axe is located at 735 N. Van Dyke Road in Bad Axe and can be reached at 989-2699131.

Thumb Laborers

michigansthumb.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

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Harold Maurer makes the most of his car wash Robert Creenan robert.creenan@hearst.com Harold Maurer may have taken the long route in running his own business, but he is happy with it even for the small need it provides.

For the past six years, and with the support of Thumb Industries, Maurer has run his own microbusiness, Harry’s Car Wash, which allows him to spruce up whatever vehicles need cleaning.

Like other clients who find employment through Thumb Industries, Maurer suffers from a mental disability, so other Thumb Industries staff have helped out in running the business, even after he was able to do most of the work on his own.

On a normal day, Maurer will clean between two and four cars, which aside from washing the outside includes interior cleaning, vacuuming, and wiping down dashboards, with a staff member checking to make sure he did not miss anything. The amount of time it takes for Harry to clean a car depends on how dirty it is.

“I do everything,” Maurer said. “I wash it, I deep clean it. Like if its super

Harold Maurer has run Harry's Car Wash for the past few years, providing cleanings to cars like this pickup truck. Maurer runs this car wash with the help of Thumb Industries. (Robert Creenan/Huron Daily Tribune) dirty with dog hair, I’ll do my best to get rid of the dog hair.”

The wash operates yearround, though Maurer did have to shut it down for an extended period of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and until he

could get fully vaccinated, which happened earlier this month.

Danielle McKimmy, the employment specialist for Thumb Industries, said that this was an idea Maurer came up with on his own and he was previously

involved with skill building activities in the manufacturing department.

“Prior to pre-pandemic, he was doing some manufacturing and car washing,” McKimmy said. “Now he has moved full force into his business. It’s thriving.”

Brian Krager, a Thumb Industries job coach who works with Maurer, said that in the span of a normal day, besides washing cars, time will also be spent picking the car up and driving it to Thumb Industries and gathering supplies he

needs.

So far, Maurer has been happy with how his small business has turned out so far, but he does want to expand into other areas of car detailing, like upholstery and waxing.

“He may have some interest in becoming a professional car detailer and working for himself,” Krager said.

“He’s been able to get a big client base over the years, which is based on the fact he does a good job,” McKimmy said.

Thumb Industries helps people with disabilities with job training or finding employment either through one of its operations, such as the Thumb Industries Thrift Store, lawn care, janitorial services, office support services, or manufacturing.

Harry’s Car Wash is operated out of the Thumb Industries office along Sand Beach Road just east of Bad Axe. It is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, which people can call Thumb Industries at 989-269-9229 for appointments.

Lakeland Outfitters open for business Caseville store sells camping and boating supplies, other outdoor goods Robert Creenan robert.creenan@hearst.com For those heading out to Huron County’s campgrounds, there is a store where you can stock up on any items you may have forgotten.

Kristen and Levi Zagorski, the owners of Beadle Bay Marina in the Sand Point area, have opened a new outdoor goods store in Caseville called Lakeland Outfitters. The store offers basic camping supplies like water filters, hoses, extension cords, and sanitation supplies, boat safety supplies like flares, flare guns, and life jackets, Michigan-themed clothes, and other outdoor goods.

“There really isn’t anywhere else in town that sells (the safety gear),” Zagorski said. “So we thought not just for our patrons out in Beadle Bay, but for other people coming into the area, it would be something that they wouldn’t be able to get elsewhere.”

Lakeland Outfitters is located on Main Street across from Lefty’s Drive-in in one of three brick buildings

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Lakeland Outfitters in Caseville. (Robert Creenan/Huron Daily Tribune) apparel and fun gift items, but it was small for the store. They were looking for an opportunity to expand, saw the building was available, and thought they should go for it.

“It’s really an extension of what we were trying to do out there,” Zagorski

Lakeland Outfitters tries to source as much of its products as it can from Michigan vendors, and stock products that are made in the United States.

that were formerly a rental cottage and the Caseville Chamber of Commerce’s Cheeseburger festival store about a decade ago.

Kristen said the marina has a small camp store where they offer similar

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said. “It was a really small store and our office area in the marina. We enjoy that piece of the business and decided to expand and open up this store.”

Lakeland Outfitters tries to source as much of its

products as it can from Michigan vendors, and stock products that are made in the United States.

These include Stanley thermoses, Grand Trunk hammocks, and nautical themed Cleatus cups.

The store is expected to be open year-round, with season appropriate outdoor apparel coming for the fall and winter. Zagorski said they would like to pique people’s interest in outdoor winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

“Not that we’ll necessarily sell that particular gear, but people are coming to the area for those,” Zagorski said. “I know that Port Crescent State Park has some groomed cross country skiing trails, or

people coming up to their cabin in the winter and playing in the snow.”

Since this is the first season Lakeland Outfitters is open, Zagorski will be taking note of what products the customers ask for that the store does not carry, so they can make sure to carry them in the future.

“This store came about because when people came to our facility in Beadle Bay, they forgot an extension cord or hose for their camper,” Zagorski said.

“They don’t have to drive a half-hour or hour away to find something. We’re hoping to supply those basics and the fun stuff too.”

The store is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Kristen Zagorski behind the counter at Lakeland Outfitters, a new outdoor goods store in Caseville. Zagorski said this store grew out of a similar store she runs at Beadle Bay Marina.

(Robert Creenan/Huron Daily Tribune)

Some of the various items for sale at Lakeland Outfitters in Caseville. (Robert Creenan/Huron Daily Tribune)

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Thumb Laborers

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

michigansthumb.com

From left, Chris Boyle, Terry Boyle, Angela Napolitano, and Nick DeyArmond stand in the space Here is the exterior of what will become Pak’s Garage, which had been abandoned and that will become Pak’s Garage. The four have been working on renovating a former scooter used as storage space over the past decade. (Robert Creenan/Huron Daily Tribune) and bike factory into the new mixed-use space. (Robert Creenan/Huron Daily Tribune)

Paks’ Garage comes to Port Austin Robert Creenan robert.creenan@hearst.com A long-abandoned building on East Spring Street in Port Austin returned to its roots with a new business this year.

Chris Boyle, the owner of Port Austin Kayak and Pak’s Backyard, opened Pak’s Garage, which houses a bicycle shop and space for vendors.

The building housing Pak’s Garage has a long history extending nearly 80 years. It started off as a Coaster Craft scooter factory in 1943 before being sold to Universal Cycle in 1948, manufacturing as many as 400 bicycles a day going across the country.

From 1950 to 2007, the building housed Salvo Tool & Engineering Co., which

manufactured screws. That company still runs a factory in Brown City, but the Port Austin factory lay abandoned, with its windows being broken and roof in desperate need of repair.

“It became a blight to the town,” Chris said. “Someone either had to fix it up or tear it down. I would rather see it used than torn down.”

Chris bought the building in 2018 for storage space and parking for his other businesses, but work on getting it refurbished has taken place over the past few months.

“I always loved old buildings and this is a fantastic space,” Chris said. “It just needs the right ideas. Since it’s right across the street from Port Austin Kayak, that’s convenient for us.”

The main business for Pak’s Garage is a new bike shop where people can get new bikes or have their bikes repaired. Nick DeyArmond, a Port Austin Kayak employee, runs the shop.

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home to space for vendors, which Chris said would not compete with other vendors who set up on the village green or during farmer’s markets. The vendors would set up their products here so that they

The main business for Pak’s Garage is a new bike shop where people can get new bikes or have their bikes repaired.

Nick DeyArmond, a Port Austin Kayak employee, runs the shop.

“It’s a huge passion of mine offering cycling in the area,” DeyArmond said, with not just bikes and scooters available, but electric bikes too. “It’s a service we want to offer with people biking in the main area of town in spring through fall.”

Pak’s Garage will also be

”

do not need to be present whenever Pak’s Garage is open.

“We need more retail in the area and this would take it to another level,” Chris said, adding that he hopes vendors will display boutiquey Michigan-made goods.

There will also be a

co-working space so tourists to Port Austin can get some of their work done.

Wi-Fi will be provided along with a printer and scanner.

“Hopefully tourists will stay here longer as they get away to do work,” Chris said.

The biggest task for this renovation has been cleaning the interior, with there being 70 to 80 years’ worth of dust having to be cleaned. The support beams had to be power washed to get rid of the dust so they could be painted. The roof had to be rebuilt and broken glass had to be replaced, with the frames sanded down to get their new paint jobs.

Terry Boyle, Chris’s father, has helped with the renovation work with

his experience of buying and renovating buildings in Port Austin like the Little Yellow Cottages on Union Street and a former convent that he turned into his home.

“This is the kind of stuff I like to do,” the older Chris said. “When Chris showed me his plans for the place, the first chance I got I wanted to jump in and do it.”

The back of the building has not been restored to the same level as the front and will still be used for storage of lumber and rentable bicycles and boards from Port Austin Kayak, with Chris planning on similar renovation work there for the summer. He hopes in the future the back will be home to event space or even a brewery.

Meet the couple behind the church-turned-art gallery Teresa Homsi teresa.homsi@hearstnp.com The old Episcopal church has been sitting on the intersection of Copeland and Rouse Road for nearly 140 years.

It was built in the 1880s, abandoned a hundred years later in the 90s and transformed by 2015.

Now it sits, with new life, as the White Church Gallery, which features a variety of works from over 30 Michigan artists including fine art, glass, jewelry, wood, wool and ceramics, among others.

Carrie and Michael Zaitz are the couple behind the renovated gallery, who put nearly four years of work into restoring and saving the abandoned church. For them, it was a dreamcome-true and a way to contribute to development in Grindstone.

The gallery opened in 2015, and according to Carrie, it was one of the first “brick and mortar,” permanent galleries in the area. Since its establishment, a number of art galleries have opened in the Upper Thumb as well, boasting the area’s local and regional artists.

“We try not to overlap too much with other galleries in Port Austin (with the artwork we feature), but Port Austin has a pretty rich art community,”

The old Episcopal church has been sitting on the intersection of Copeland and Rouse Road for nearly 140 years.

(Teresa Homsi/Huron Daily Tribune) Carrie said. “It’s awesome because everybody supports everyone else, and it’s just a fun place to be you.”

Despite the intensive work and investment in renovating the church, Carrie and Michael said the gallery as it stands today was worth the effort.

“We knew that if we (waited) to do something like this, we wouldn’t be able to ever do it,” Michael said. “Other than having kids and getting married and things like that, this is probably the single best thing we’ve ever done together.”

The couple had previously been living in Flint and found Port Austin as a summer vacation destination. Carrie said Michael was looking for a place where he could paint, and the serenity and slower

pace of the Thumb offered them the perfect getaway.

After visiting Port Austin for decades as vacationers, Carrie said they decided to officially relocate, and the Grindstone gallery turned into their shared project.

Though the building features hundreds of different artists, Michael’s paintings stand out at the front of the gallery and hang high on the walls.

Michael said he was the type of kid to draw pictures and always wanted to be an artist, but he had to prioritize paying the bills first and foremost.

“Sometimes I wouldn’t make anything for a year or two, and other times, I would be up all night making art and go to work the next morning on two hours of sleep,” Michael said. “What I’m doing now

Carrie and Michael Zaitz pose in front of Michael’s art at the forefront of the White Gallery Church. (Teresa Homsi/Huron Daily Tribune) is what I always wanted to do, but I wanted to (be able to) eat.”

Now that Michael is entering retirement, he said he’s excited to focus more on his art and build up the gallery. With more time and plenty of ideas, Michael said the potential of the space is limitless.

Carrie said Grindstone is a peaceful community, and though the gallery is somewhat out of the way, she enjoys the quiet — jokingly calling Grindstone a “thriving ghost town.” “(Coming from upstate New York), I never thought I’d end up here, but I adore it,” Carrie said. “I was in Flint

and Detroit, but once I traveled around Michigan and saw how beautiful it was, I realized that most of Michigan is actually quite gorgeous. Now that I’m here in Grindstone amongst the cornfields, the wheat fields and just the beauty, I just love it.”

Moving forward, the couple plans to expand the gallery, opening the church’s backroom for a vintage clothing shop.

Across the street, they recently put down a second building for storage, which may also become a home goods, guitar and bike repair shop.

Carrie said they’re in Grindstone for the longrun, and she hopes the

gallery can continue to contribute to the thriving art community in the region.

“We really enjoy having people come in and enjoy the art and space,” Carrie said. “I think people are very surprised when they come in and see how we’ve fixed up the place because on the outside, it looks like a little country church. Once you step inside, I think people are usually pretty surprised, and that makes us happy and all that work worthwhile.”

To learn more about the White Church Gallery, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/whitechurchgallery.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

7

Happy Daze Smoke-N-More owner wants customers to feel the vibe Mark Birdsall mark.birdsall@hearstnp.com Brian Herrick, a native of Lapeer, was working in the tobacco industry a few years ago when he felt it was time for a career change. A customer suggested going into the retail business, an idea that initially didn’t appeal to him.

That customer was one of the owners of Rick’s and Nick’s Party Store on Thompson Road in Bad Axe, and eventually Herrick had a change of heart.

Happy Daze Smoke-NMore was born.

Herrick would open his shop in 2018 in a storefront connected to Rick’s and Nick’s. Initially specializing in vaping products and cannabis-related paraphernalia, he has expanded his inventory to include a garden center and classic vinyl records and turntables. Herrick also opened up space for a tattoo and piercing parlor — Boondocks Ink — in the back and leased space to local artists, including Boondocks owner Jeremy Carpenter. Roddy-B’s BBQ also cooks up

smoked meats two days a week.

“I wanted to bring back the old-school head shop vibe, instead of a cookie-cutter tobacco shop,” Herrick said, adding the support from his customers and the community in general has been “huge.”

By offering a variety of wares and services, he said he’s achieving his goal of creating his take on the classic head shop-novelty shop from the glory days of the 1970s. He makes an effort to use local vendors for many of his items.

Herrick said he has no interest in going into the retail cannabis business, but anyone who might be curious about marijuana now that it’s legal to possess and consume in the state of Michigan can ask him or one of his employees if they want to learn more.

He said he’s also happy to help anyone looking to give up cigarettes and is considering a vaping product as tool to help them quit. Herrick said he steers those customers toward a low-cost,

Brian Herrick poses for a photo in his "old-school" head shop, Happy Daze Smoke-N-More, in Bad Axe. (Mark Birdsall/Huron Daily Tribune)

Happy Daze Smoke-N-More in Bad Axe carries a selection of new and vintage vinyl records and turntables.

(Mark Birdsall/Huron Daily Tribune)

entry-level option and away from higher-priced products. A former smoker, he knows how difficult quitting smoking can be, and he doesn’t want to make it more difficult by selling them a high-priced item they don’t need.

“Taking care of the customer is the most important,” he said. “I want them to come back.”

With the addition of items like records, turntables, tattoo chairs, adult

of the success. If he hadn’t stuck around, I’d still be struggling trying to find a good (tattoo artist)."

Happy Daze is located at 32 Thompson Road in Bad Axe. For store hours or more information, message Happy Daze, Boondocks Ink and Roddy-B’s BBQ on Facebook.

Contact Happy Daze by calling 989-269-7918, Boondocks Ink at 989912-9665 or Roddy-B’s at 989-912-0011.

novelties, jewelry, T-shirts and growing supplies over the past three years, Herrick said he’s pretty much run out of room in his store and plans to focus on attracting and retaining customers. Outside ventures like food trucks are a possibility, he added. A drummer with his country-rock band called High Moon, he’d love to sell musical instruments but simply does not have the floorspace.

“I’ve pretty much stretched out everything I can in here,” he said.

All of that growth wouldn’t have been possible without the work of Carpenter and Happy Daze general manager Bradley Farlow, Herrick said.

“If it wasn’t for Jeremy, my tattoos would have never taken off,” he said.

“He was the only one who was serious enough (to do it). He’s been a huge part

Brew Moon Coffee House house changes owners Paige Withey hdt_news@hearstnp.com When Evelyn and Ken Peterson opened up Brew Moon Coffee House and Gallery in Caseville, they had no idea that a decade later they would have created one of the town’s favorite summer businesses.

When they made the decision to retire in 2019, the hunt began for someone to take over their popular business. Evelyn and Ken were openminded to how this transition would happen, they just needed to find the right people for the job.

Michael and Cristina Klaiber were those people.

The couple, originally from downstate, had no experience running a coffee shop, but knew this business endeavor was meant for them.

With their two daughters helping out, they began their first summer season as the new owners of Brew Moon.

After vacationing in Caseville for almost 10 years, Cristina, a labor and

Michael and Cristina Klaiber are the proud new owners of Brew Moon Coffee House and Gallery in Caseville.

(Tribune File Photo) delivery nurse, and Michael, a real estate broker, watched the Brew Moon grow with every summer season. The couple now lives in the area full time in order to own and run their new business.

“We knew going into this how popular Brew Moon is, everyone has been extremely welcoming and supportive,” Michael said. “It’s a pleasure to be carrying on the legacy that Evelyn and

Ken started here.”

“Evelyn and Ken will continue to operate the gallery side of the business this year, while we get our bearings with the coffee shop,” Christina added. “The plan would

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be to take over the full gallery next year.”

As for the Petersons’, Evelyn and Ken plan on renting out the garage space from the Klaibers’ where they will open a small business called

Serendipity Finds. This new store will be “a mix of the unusual and whatnots, on-trend vintage home furnishings, and incidental antiques.” According to Ken and Evelyn, this new project is something that has been in the works for several years.

“We gave the Brew Moon our heart and soul for 10 years,” Ken said.

“It has been a wonderful journey with no regrets.”

“We are looking forward to staying involved by running the gallery this season to assist with that transition next year,” he added.

While their first summer might not have started in the ideal way, due to the pandemic, Cristina and Michael are rolling with it. They implemented curbside ordering and pickup and wear masks to keep themselves and their customers safe.

Caseville and the surrounding community welcomes Cristina and Michael and looks forward to what the future holds for everyone involved.

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Both Locations Open All Year Long!

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8

Thumb Laborers

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

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Check it out — Bad Axe library offers more than just books Late fees are a thing of the past, too Mark Birdsall mark.birdsall@hearstnp.com In the mood to read some Hemingway? The Bad Axe District Library has got you covered.

Looking for a movie or CD? Chances are good you’ll probably find it at the library.

Need a mobile hotspot?

How about a tennis racquet? Well, if you have a library card, you’re in luck. And just about everything is free.

Library director Briynne McCrea was happy to say the library has dropped all fines for overdue materials and that the Bad Axe Library has a lot more to offer than just books.

Take the mobile hotspots, for example.

Called Coolpad Surfs, the lightweight and portable devices provide highspeed 4G LTE WiFi. Up to 10 devices can be connected simultaneously, including phones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles and cameras. Password protection keeps connections secure, and the battery is good for up to 45 hours on standby or 6 1/2 hours of continuous use.

Checkout of a hot spot is for one week with the option to renew if other patrons are not waiting.

There is no charge for use of the hot spots.

“They’re very popular,”

McCrea said. “A lot of people take advantage of them.”

As for sports equipment, library patrons will find tennis racquets for “the whole family” as wells as tennis balls, soccer balls and basketballs.

Baseballs, mitts and bats are available for checkout, too.

The library has a large computer area where patrons can access the internet, play chess or make a cup of coffee with the library’s Keurig coffeemaker.

The library is the place to go if you’re looking into your family history. The Bad Axe Library has a person on staff who conducts genealogy research for anyone on request, using its large collection of donated family histories, a digitized obituary database and Huron Daily Tribune archives.

“There’s a great set of resources if people are interested in genealogy research,” McCrea said.

Of course, the library has the usual books, movies and CDs on its shelves, which can be checked out for free. If the Bad Axe Library doesn’t have the book you’re looking for, there’s a good chance the staff can find it for you by utilizing an interlibrary loan system.

The library has started a youth graphic novel

The Bad Axe District Library has lifted the restrictions on its toys and train set put in place due to the pandemic. (Mark Birdsall/Huron Daily Tribune) Bad Axe District Library Director Briynne McCrea wants her patrons to know about the wide variety of services and materials available. (Mark Birdsall/Huron Daily Tribune)

This ornate chess set sits in the computer room of the Bad Axe District Library. (Mark Birdsall/Huron Daily Tribune)

The Bad Axe District Library has sports equipment, like these tennis racquets, available for checkout. (Mark Birdsall/Huron Daily Tribune)

section for elementary and middle school-aged children, which was made possible by the donation of several books from the family of a late collector.

McCrea said the illustrated books have been very popular with her younger

and train set put in place due to the pandemic, and there is plenty of room in the children’s area for play or to find a comfy spot to curl up with a good book.

The library is also working with schools and

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patrons and are beneficial for those who may be strengthening their reading skills.

“We’re excited to grow this collection,” she said.

McCrea added the library has scaled back restrictions on its toys

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We now sell chilled wine!

Big and Small Bottles 6592 Main Street, Caseville

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Cass City Family Practice

6190 Hospital Dr. Suite 106 Cass City 989.872.5010

Eric Schoemaker, MD

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Cheryl Lang,

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Cass City General Surgery Clinic

130 Millwood St., Caro 989.672.1555

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teachers to bring its books into the classrooms and is currently planning for its fall programs involving things like Legos and STEM-related projects.

The library’s website is home to a variety of resources, as well. Patrons can find eBooks, audiobooks and eMagazines for all ages, video streaming, fairytale and storytime videos and links to online state and federal tax information, Social Security information, the Michigan eLibrary, a resume builder, election information and an online form to submit a research request.

6190 Hospital Dr. Suite 107 Cass City 989.872.5582

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989-269-8171