ChalkTalk
…from the Hessel School House, home of The Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center
Rich legacies of the past…
Ten years ago, the acquisition and restoration of the Hessel School House was still a dream unfolding, but several dedicated souls, including descendants of Sewell Avery, one of Les Cheneaux’s earliest summer residents in the late 1890s, knew it would happen in time if they stayed true to what it represented…a remarkable reflection of this area’s historical importance and its unique and diverse heritage.
With the celebration of our 10th anniversary less than a year away, this issue of Chalk Talk is focused on the legacies that have enriched the mission* of the Hessel School House and Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center to sustain the values of the Les Cheneaux Islands area and its people through the ages. *Note: The mission was written by Sewell
Avery’s granddaughter, Lenore Follansbee Broughton.
In keeping, E. J. Mertaugh Boat Works is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of its founding in Hessel in 1925 by Eugene J. (Gene) Mertaugh, and the vital role Gene played in the world of wooden boat building through acquiring Chris-Craft’s first franchise. Including Gene, all eight children of early Hessel settler Patrick J. Mertaugh attended the first Hessel School, which was located in what is now the Hessel School House’s parking lot. The latter was built in 1938, with three of Gene’s children and two grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews attending until it closed 20 years later to merge with Cedarville Schools.
As fate would have it in a wonderful way, the following email from Michael Mertaugh was received on March 4th, to evolve into one of our treasured legacies.
Dear Friends at Hessel School House,
My Father was born in Hessel in 1911 and attended the former Hessel School. I was not born in Hessel, but I have been coming to Hessel for 80 years (since the summer before I was born). Later, when I married and had a family, Hessel became a cherished part of the lives of my wife and me and of our children and grandchildren.
For most of that time, we have had at least one wooden boat in Hessel. We now have a wooden boat stored in Hessel that we would like to offer as a gift to the Hessel Schoolhouse to use in your educational programs, or possibly to help in your fundraising efforts through an auction or raffle.
The boat is a fine cedar-on-oak rowing skiff, with copper clinch-nailed laps, and mahogany transom, sheer strake, inwales, and thwart (photos attached). She was built in 1993 by North River Boats in Albany, New York, and has lived in Hessel since we took delivery of her in July 1993. She is equipped with two spruce oars and silicon
Michael rowing his skiff on Hessel Bay last summer.
Mertaugh Boat Works 1930-31, courtesy of ChrisCraft archives. Adrian Mertaugh is on the right.
bronze oarlocks that were custom-cast by Lie-Nielsen Toolworks in Warren, Maine. Best regards, Michael Mertaugh
Michael Mertaugh’s father was John Adrian (known as Adrian) Mertaugh (19112005), whose seven older siblings were William (Dr. Bill), Martin (Mart), Eugene J. (Gene), James (Jim), Lawrence (Larry), Margaret (married Lyle Mcleod), and Mary (married Jack McKee). In his obituary, published in Muskegon Chronicle on April 12, 2005:
Adrian was born to Patrick and Marie St. Louis Mertaugh on October 6, 1911, in Hessel, Michigan. He enjoyed what life had to offer and spent much time with his siblings. The children attended a small schoolhouse that allowed them to bring their guns for hunting and their rods for fishing and stilts for falling into the lake during recess (it really did happen!). The lake was full of perch, and they fished during the winter in ice shanties. (excerpted from Adrian’s obituary)
In college, he spent his summers piloting the waters of the Straits of Mackinac as the captain of the Florence K., which was a 48-ft. Chris-Craft water taxi that could accommodate up to 60 passengers.*
*Note: The Florence K. was built in 1934. Its large open forward cockpit, enclosed central cabin, and open aft easily handled 60 passengers. Its enclosed flying bridge cockpit was a relatively new development for Chris-Craft. The boat was eventually bought by Captain Jim Bishop of St. Ignace and renamed The Fairy Isle.
The timing of Michael Mertaugh’s gift couldn’t be better, not only due to the anniversary celebrations but the dire need to fund repairing areas of the School House that were damaged by extreme weather this past year. Per Michael’s proposal, the Board voted to initiate the raffling of his beautiful skiff during the Aldo Leopold Festival from May 28th to June 1st, with a goal of raising at least $15,000 toward funding the repairs.
The raffle will continue through the Antique Wooden Boat Show on August 9th, concluding with the drawing over Labor Day weekend. The 15-ft. rowing skiff, appraised at $5,500, will be on prominent display at the School House the entire time, with tickets priced at $20 and a special bonus of six tickets for $100.
In keeping with this legacy, Patrick Mahon, who retired after 10 years as Director of The Great Lakes Boat Building School and head instructor to become a Marine Surveyor and Consultant, donated his fee to appraise the skiff. Boat School graduate Jonas Johnson, now with E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works, contributed his time to refinish an interior section of the skiff that had minor water damage from a storage mishap. To facilitate displaying and transporting the boat, an aluminum trailer, which is included in the raffle prize, was donated by a board member, along with a special discount by Mike Freel of Tassier Boat Works.
Captain Adrian standing on bridge of the Florence K. at Mackinac Island.
Interior aft of skiff
Michael Mertaugh’s 15-ft. rowing skiff is now on display at the Hessel School House, with raffle tickets available for $20, six for $100, until drawing on Labor Day weekend. Two spruce oars included.
Hessel School bussing in the late 1930s though late 1940s
In 1964, President Johnson signed into law a bussing plan for students across America. It went unnoticed by those of us who attended Hessel School in the late 1930s and 1940s. About 80% of us had been being bussed for years.
Hessel town students all walked to school, no matter what the weather. Like Gerald and Sally Smith, Mike McLeod and family, Stanley and Bernice Brenick, Punk Carr, Sally Sturdevant, Carol Rye, Sally and Mary Sue Lindberg, George and Glen Andrews, as well as Kathleen Andrews and Ann Causley, Brian and Tim DeWick, and others I am sure I missed.
Two buses served Hessel School for those years. These were a big REO* driven by Mort (Spike) Nye, and a smaller Chevrolet bus driven by Ralph Hansen. Hansen covered Chard Road, Poglese Road, and part of St. Ignace Road. Nye covered Nye Road, Cedar Road, and north to the hardwoods and the far reaches of Simmons Settlement.
It was 15 miles to the north edge of Simmons Settlement. The Harrisons, Gills, Knoys, Lamoreauxs, and many others had to deal with this. In the winter, the early pick-ups were in the dark. The afterschool take-homes were let off in the dark of the coming night. They did not see daylight until Saturday.
During grouse season, Spike Nye would keep his shotgun by his side on his route, and would stop when he saw a grouse in the road (grouse are extremely dumb and would pose for a good shot). All the passenger kids were thrilled to see the harvest. Grouse are a very good eating game bird. Can you imagine that being allowed in this day and age?
of Hessel School Memories
by Charles “Charlie” Nye (1943-1949)
Editor’s note: Charlie initiated this column in the first issue of Chalk Talk in January of 2017. He and his cousin Bud Mathews have taken turns through the last eight years contributing some priceless stories. Charlie claims this will be his last one, but we hope that will not be so. To view past columns, visit the home page of www.hesselschoolhouse.net.
It seemed like winter was much more harsh back then. Blizzards were common place, with much snow and drifting. Since hardly anyone had telephones it was difficult to call off school on a snow day, so school just went on. Bus drivers were assigned snow chains and just plowed on through the best they could. Only one or two snowplows were assigned to the Hessel Cedarville area back then, and many times the school buses were out before the plows.
School buses were a big part of school attendance in the 1940s and even into the fifties. In the spring, they took us to picnics, movies, ball games, and other events. Things we all could look forward to and we were glad to have them. On the last days of
a school year, the drivers would allow us to ride around the entire route, which was enjoyable since back then we seldom got to go anywhere from home.
*Note: The REO bus was red, white and blue. In those days, many areas chose those colors to symbolize patriotism. Based in Lansing, Michigan, REO Motor Car Company produced a variety of trucks and buses, and even some automobiles.
An interesting note is that the REO company was founded by Ransom E. Olds, becoming the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors in 1908.
Charles “Charlie” Nye
This photo was taken in front of Cedarville School, where the Hessel School students were transferred following their school’s closing in 1958. The Chevie bus is front left. Standing between it and the REO bus, from left to right, are the drivers Ralph Hansen, Morton (Spike) Nye, and Olaf Nordquist; at right, Wallace Smith, Cedarville School custodian.
Aiding the legacy…
Editor’s note: Without question, it is the staff of the Hessel School House and Avery Learning Center that deserves much credit for not losing sight nor appreciation of the special legacy created by the families who first settled the Les Cheneaux area in the late 1800s. Early on, it was dedicated to this and to recognizing the huge value of community involvement, despite some very challenging times. Former Director of Administration Kerri Smith, now retired, deserves much of the credit for this and for setting the standards.
Kristy Beyer, who joined the staff in July 2023 as Director of The Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, has worked wonders in program development and community outreach. Her following report says it all!
Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center:
A Year of Growth, Creativity, and Community Support
The 2024-2025 season has been one of remarkable momentum for the Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, marked by record-setting events, new creative endeavors, and an unwavering commitment to connecting people with the arts and the natural world.
Following the overwhelming success of our inaugural Snowy Owl Festival in February 2024, this year’s second annual event nearly sold out—and exceeded revenue expectations. Thanks to generous sponsorships from four local businesses, the 2025 festival generated almost the same revenue as our long-standing Aldo Leopold Festival, making it one of our most impactful fundraisers to date.
Speaking of the Aldo Leopold Festival, last year’s event set a new benchmark for success with record-breaking attendance. By restructuring the festival’s fee schedule, we achieved a 17% increase in participation. Post-event surveys revealed that attendees deeply appreciated the small-group tours, diverse programming, and the opportunity to celebrate Aldo Leopold’s personal ties to the Les Cheneaux area—alongside his lasting influence on conservation nationwide.
Building on our literary momentum, we are thrilled to announce the return of the Upper Peninsula Writers Symposium on June 21st. Last year’s debut was a sold-out success, featuring a carefully curated lineup headlined by internationally acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Angeline Boulley. Supported by a grant from the Les Cheneaux Community Foundation, this event elevated our region as a place where stories, ideas, and voices flourish.
While these milestones reflect the power of strategic planning and local support, they also underscore a growing challenge: grant funding is becoming increasingly uncertain.
For 2025, we did not receive our typical $15,000 in general operating funds from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and National Endowment for the Arts that help cover essential administrative staffing. Although we brought in a total of $37,700 in grant funding for 2024, we have been fortunate enough to secure $15,050 for youth arts programming and building maintenance for 2025. This is a shining example that proves the current funding climate is volatile and more competitive than ever.
As we continue to provide high-quality programming for all ages, we are reminded that local donors and supporters are more important than ever. Your generosity allows us to keep programs accessible, sustain year-round operations, and invest in the people who bring our mission to life.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. With your continued support, we look forward to another year of inspiring experiences at the intersection of art, nature, and community.
Kristy at Quiet Adventures Symposium in Lansing in March
The Live Owl Presentation at the 3-day event included this tiny northern saw-whet.
Fern Tour – photo by Irene Marcussen
New York Times Best Selling Author Angeline Boulley
Hessel School House Administration
The Board of Directors is delighted to introduce Abigail Skoglund, who has joined the staff as Office Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator, bringing notable people and organization skills to facilitate Avery Learning Center Director Kristy Beyer’s impressive programing and marketing achievements the past two years.
In reviewing Abigail’s resume, the board’s Ad Hoc Hiring Committee quickly noted that her background of experience is a great fit with the uniqueness of the Hessel School House and its ideals. She has an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in the Interpreter Training Program from Baker College in Muskegon and a Bachelor of Science in Theology & Specialized Ministry from Baptist Bible College. She is certified in Equine Assisted Learning and as CRLA Master Tutor, tutoring math, English composition, and study skills; she is fluent in American Sign Language.
Abigail has extensive experience working with non-profits, notably in recruiting, training, staffing, scheduling, and supervising up to 70 volunteers through positions at the former Cedar Campus in Cedarville and H.U.G.S. Ranch in Byron Center. Her life-long love for horses has involved teaching all ages in riding and horse safety, leading trail rides, grooming, and horse care. Another love of hers is music and singing (often as lead vocalist).
We are looking forward to not only Abigail’s unique qualifications, but her genuine caring for others, to strengthen the legacy.
A legacy’s purpose is making a lasting and meaningful difference…
…which is well-demonstrated through the Hessel School House and Avery Learning Center’s early commitment to program development and community outreach. The Blastomycosis Seminar exemplifies this.
Blastomycosis (blasto) is a fungal disease in the lungs that primarily affects dogs, sometimes cats, and what was once thought to be very rare, humans. Infections can be fatal if neglected. Here in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, soil conditions in the prevalent cedar swamps and bogs are particularly conducive to the fungus.
A leading authority on Blasto in the veterinarian world is Dr. Clinton Groover, who owned the Pickford Veterinary Clinic for many years. Recently retiring, he sold his practice to his protégé, Dr. Taylor Miller of Pickford, a 2023 graduate of MSU Veterinary School.
The first seminar on Blasto, cosponsored by the Les Cheneaux Watershed Council, was to be held in May 2020. It is probably safe to state that this was the first of its kind in the country and may still be. Watershed Council founder, Robert A. (Lakeside Bob) Smith, a microbiologist with extensive research experience, was the lead organizer. Dr. Groover and two experts on the disease, Dr. Carol Kauffman of U of M Medical School and Dr. Daniel Langlois of MSU Veterinary School were to be the key participants.
The COVID crisis prompted postponement until July 2022, with Drs. Groover, Kauffman, and Langlois still able to participate. It was hugely successful, and the timing was ideal. It had a particularly far-reaching effect on summer residents with pets, who return to their winter homes where veterinarians and physicians have little or no knowledge of blastomycosis, and
thus proper diagnosis is almost impossible. This is even so in many areas of Michigan that do not share a similar environment. Since the seminar, Doc Groover has continuously been contacted by peers for guidance.
The sudden awakening that humans are equally vulnerable came with the shocking outbreak of blasto in a paper mill in Escanaba from November 2022 to July 2023, affecting at least 162 workers and causing one death.
To continue our commitment to community outreach and beyond, the next Blastomycosis Seminar will be held Saturday afternoon, July 26th at 2:00 p.m. Bob Smith, again overseeing the program, will make the introductory remarks, with Dr. Kauffmann and Dr. Langlois as key participants, joined by Dr. Taylor Miller of Pickford Animal Clinic. Our community’s beloved Doc Groover will be Chief Guest. The program’s focus will be on the signs, symptoms, and treatment of blasto
Special invitations will be sent to veterinarians, near and far, but anyone with concerns about the disease is encouraged to attend. Please contact Hessel School House office or visit the web site for more information. 906-484-1333 / www.hesselschoolhouse.org
An important note: Blasto is an endemic and reportable disease in Michigan
Abigail and her beloved horse, Sugar.
As always, it’s all because of You ...
DONATIONS
(May 2024 to May 2025)
INDIVIDUAL:
Maureen Adgar #
David Altmeier
Steve & Nancy Anderson
George and Gail Andrews (a)
Mark & Barbara Augenblick
Nancy Ayres***
Susan Ball
Nancy Barron#
Geana Beattie
Helene Bentley#
Steve & Avis Birkmeier
Linda & Charles Borgsdorf*
Sue Bowlby
James & Barb Brewer
Sandy & Carol Bryson
Ceci Cain & Laura Fernelius
Richard & Susan Causley
Jim & Susan Cheever
Bob & Cynthia Chevalley
Jesse M. Clark (a)
E. Selden Collins
Tom & Marilyn Collins
Rosemary Conroy
Larry Daniels (a)
Jeff & Kathy Day**
Brian & Elizabeth DeWick (a)
Missy DeWick
Tim DeWick (a)
Amy Donohue
Carol Rye Duncan (a)
Patricia Duncan
Charles Dupre
Sylvia Dupre
Don & Bonnie Eseltine (a)
Dianie Feldman
Joseph Goldfarb
Dr. Clint & Barb Groover
Sheridan & Bob Haack
John & Susan Hallums
Martha Harding**
John & Stella Hassan
Grant Hesser
Doug & Marilyn Heuck#
Chrissy & Christopher Horsburgh**
Carol & Lee Hubbard*
William Hunt
Luke & Lynelle Jaroche**
Christopher Jones*
Jim & Diane Keighley***
Sheelagh Knapp
Tod Krino
William & Elizabeth Kurtz
Jane & Bruce Laing
Nancy Mathews Lamoreaux(a)
Everett & Barbara Landen
Ernest (Bud) & Betty Lindberg
Giles & Lana Nye Litzner (a)
Margy Long
Larry & Cynthia Lyons
Jim Martin
Deborah Mast**
Henry & Connie Mast*
Dr. Robert & Margaret McCullough
David & Jane McDaniel
Jim & Janie McDonald
Roger & Mary Ann Meyer**
Mark & Laurie Baldwin Mickelson
Gary& Elaine Mielke (a)*#
Bonnie Mikkelsen***
Jonathan & Marianne Miller #
Stephen Morton
Paula Welmers & Fred Mulhauser
Maureen T. Neal
Robert and Virginia Oldt
Paul & Robin Pendery*
Josephine Andrews Pierce (a)
Sarah Puterbaugh
Dr. Joseph & Deborah Pysh #
Dan & Jan Reelitz*
Tarji Mickelson Rodriquez
Bernice Brenek Rutecki (a)
Susie Rutledge (a)
Lewis Sage
David & Jo Ann Nye Schopp (a)
Fred & Kerri Smith
Kevin & Kelly Smith
Chris & Janice Soderman
Gary St. Onge
Kay Stremler
Gary & Ann Nye Tassier (a)
Rick & Terri Tavenner
Barbara Taylor**
Jane & Edward Terrill
Patricia Thiel
Walter & Betty Thompson
Diane Thompson #
John & Dana Torsky (a) #
Duane Utech*
Gerry & Lynda VandeVusse
Michael & Mary Ann Van Lokeren
Bradley Venman
Patricia Walker
Bruce Wallace
Donald Windsor (a)
Robin & Ruth Wright
Gary & Debra Zwolinski
LES CHENEAUX
BOOK CLUB:
Barbara Augenblick
Linda Borgsdorf
Cynthia Chevalley
Anita Cote
Martha Harding
Carol Hubbard
Sheelagh Knapp
Kristen Knox
Marilyn Kraft
Joan Krempel
Margy Long
Mary Ann Meyer
Marianne Miller
Jan Reelitz
Jane Terrill
ALUMNUS (a)
GIFT of $500 up*
GIFT of $1,000 up**
GIFT of $5,000 up ***
GIFT of $10,000 up**** MULTIPLE GIFTS #
IN MEMORIAM
In memory of Brian DeWick (a)
Marcie & David Altmaier
Bridget Cadreau (a)
Valerie & Evans Cayce
Missy DeWick
Bonnie Mikkelsen & Tim DeWick (a)
Judy Donkers
Merle & Bob Edwards
Mary & Patrick Fitzgerald
Kristin & Bernard Grunwald
Maria Flores, Sarah & Liisa
Marilyn McLeod
Roberta (a) & John Mills
Claudia Polzin
Kathy Schacht
FOUNDATIONS / FUNDS
Lenore Follansbee Broughton Fund - $15,000
The Broughton Family Fund$5,000
Chauncey & Marion McCormick
Family Foundation - $5,000
Les Cheneaux Community Foundation - $20,175
Pay Pal GIVING FUND - $500
Paul and Virginia MacDonald Charitable Fund - $5,000
LES CHENEAUX COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ASK 2024
($8,990 in 2024 donations; released March 2025)
Steve & Tami Autore*
Jim & Madge Berryhill*
Nora Cardinal
Brian & Kim Cary
Evans & Valerie Cayce
John & Barbara Collins
Diane Feldman
Kayne Ferrier
Audrey Fisher
Dave & Jen Gough
James & Martha S. Haines
Judy Hamel
Grant Hesser
Kenneth P. & Jean Horsburgh
Christopher Jones
Jim & Diane Keighley
Bill Kilroy
Bruce & Marty Kirchner
Jim & Mary Krzeminski
Franklin F. Labelle
Bruce & Jane Lang
Stephen Lauer
Matthew Lepzinski, Sr.
David Letts
Beth Malcho
Michael Malcho
Jake Markey
Bonnie Mikkelsen
Scott & Paula Myers
David Pendery
Joseph & Deborah Pysh
Wil & Sarah Reding
Dan & Jan Reelitz
Susie Rutledge @
Loren & Linda Sattler*
Randy Schaedig
Janet Englund & Ridgeway Scott
Michelle Seward
Norm & Sally Lindberg Smale @
Kevin & Kelly S. Smith
Kathleen Quinn & Scott Speidel
Pete & Sandi Spieles
Karen A. Stearns
Lawrence Stoddard
Cheryl Tenbrink
Diane E. Thompson
Paul Tobias
Marilyn K. Twining
Shelly Van Huis
Charles & Korey Wagner
Donald R. Williams*
Neil & Lynn Williams
MATCHING GIFTS
Morgan Stanley (Maureen Adgar)
BUSINESSES
Autore Oil & Propane
Carmeuse Quarry
Central Savings Bank#
Islands Insurance
John Griffin Real Estate
Les Cheneaux Coffee Roasters
Les Cheneaux Distillers
Maple Hardwoods, Inc.** Children’s Halloween Carnival sponsor
Ostlund Pest Control EUP (Hal Burton)
Patrick’s Landing
Pilates in the Snows
Pine Cone Gift Shop
Smith & Company Real Estate
Snows Bar & Grill
Soo Coop Credit Union
The Cottage
The Ice Cream Shoppe
NON-PROFITS
Islands Wildlife - $875
Les Cheneaux Arts Council$1,875
Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce - $475
Les Cheneaux Islands Association
Les Cheneaux Lions Club
Les Cheneaux Watershed Council
Little Traverse Conservancy Snowy Owl Festival
Pickford Area Historical Museum
GIFTS IN KIND
Angeline Boulley Writers Program
Sue Harrison
Writers Program
Joe Haske Writers Program
John Hessel (a) Landscaping
Kate Windsor Otstot
Hessel School House outdoor signs
GRANTS:
May 2024 - May 2025
Arts Midwest GIG Fund – 2024
$3,100 - funding for Writers Symposium
Chippewa Luce Mackinac
Conservation District
$1,600 - funding for nature program & Native Exhibit
Les Cheneaux Community Foundation – 2024
$3,200 - Snowy Owl Month Programs (February)
Family Nature Programs (February to May)
$3,500 - furniture replacement
Michigan Arts & Culture Council (MACC) – 2025
$15,050 - funding for education & facility improvements
ONGOING BRICK NAMING CAMPAIGN
4X8 BRICKS
Steve & Nancy Anderson
Nancy & Steve Anderson
Geana Beattie
In loving memory of our parents
Norm and Dee Nye
Helene Bentley
John Alden Bentley 1940 - 2023
Nature & Art Are One
Sylvia Dupre
Goat Island
John & Stella Hassan
John & Stella Hassan Family
Douglas Heuck
The Heuck Family
Nancy Lamoreaux
In memory of Connie Mathews Stevenson
Larry & Cynthia Lyons
The Lyons Family
Coryell Island
Jim Martin
Judi Martin 9/13/2023
David & Jane McDaniel
David & Jane (Wagner)
McDaniel
Dennis, Scott, Amy
Jim & Janie McDonald
In memory of John & Peg Old
Sun Dial Cottage
Elaine Mielke
In memory of
Debra Kay Ackley
Gary & Elaine Mielke
Gary & Elaine Mielke
Our Great Grandkids
William-Ava-Elliana
Susie Rutledge
Tom Nye
Former Student
8X8 BRICKS
Elizabeth DeWick
Caroline & Kristopher Franz, In loving memory of Brian Mertaugh DeWick 1949-2025
Mary Krzeminski: For the love of Hessel
Jim & Mary Krzeminski Family
Dr. Robert & Margaret McCullough
In memory of
Bruce & Jeanne McCullough
Elaine Mielke
Gary & Elaine Mielke
In honor of our kids
John & Susan Ackley
Melissa & Don Meadows
Otto & Danielle Mielke
Mary & Vance Barber
Gary & Elaine Mielke
For our Grand Kids
Ashley, Courtney, Johnny Shelbi, Sydney Ashlee, Harper, Jeffery Morgan, Billy
Kevin & Kelly Smith
Kevin & Kelly Smith
Paula Welmers
Fred Mulhauser
Paula Welmers at Dragonfly Roost
OUR GREAT VOLUNTEERS
Joanne Baker, Debbie Beukema, Kristy Beyer, Connie Baldwin, Suzie Ball, Nancy Barron, Amy Boik, Monica Cady, Laura Campbell, John Goellasch Jr., Nora Cardinal, Selden Collins, Tammy Cruickshank, Missy DeWick, Tim DeWick, Tom Doerr, Matt Dost, Sue Drenth, Carol Duncan, Dave Dunn, Garrett Dunn, Jane Dunn, Lisa Dunn, David Dutcher, Ian Dutcher, Selma Edsinga, Barb and Jack Favret, Anne Fisher, Jane French, Cheryl and Dan Gordon, Brenda Hamel, John Hessel, Jim Harrison, Daniele Haske, Shelley Hennig, John Hessel, Katie Eberts Hoffmann, Carol and Lee Hubbard, Kris Jurecki, Jim and Diane Keighley, June Maurer, Pauline Mitchell, Fawn Moeller, Chris Negrin, Betty Nye, Bernard Odenheimer, Kate & Jack Otstot, Paul & Robin Pendery, Deborah Baker Phillips, Ozzie Portice, Deb Pysh, Dan and Jan Reelitz, Susie Rutledge, Linda Sattler, Marty Sherlund, Joan Smith, Kerri Smith, Wendy Smith, Linda Sudol, Carl TerHaar, Kathy Thomas, Keven Turk, Noel Weaver, Kara Windsor
ALDO LEOPOLD FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Sue Bakkila, Kristy Beyer, Chris Cantway, Ken Drenth, Anne Fleming, Bob & Sheridan Haack, Carol Hubbard, Sydney Meadows, Mike McCarthy, Dave Murray, Elliot Nelson, Amy Polk, Sarah Reding, Abigail Skoglund, Savanah Trottier, Mary Whitmore
VOLUNTEER ALF PROGRAM/WORKSHOP PRESENTERS
Susan Affholter, Russell Aiken, Tony Alderman, Steve Baker, Sue Bakkila, Ken Drenth, Dave Fielder, Dave Ewert, Jason Garvon, Bob Haack, Rachel Hackett, Matthew Hebert, Loren Holbrook, Carol Hubbard, Libby Ives, Jason Kronenmeyer, Sherry Kruch, Lillian LaCross, Amy Lipson, Marquita Mullen, Elliot Nelson, Robin Pendery, Wayne Pope, Sarah & Wil Reding, Rob Routledge, Talus Rutgers, Chace Scholten, Derek Shiels, Jill Sklenar, Linda Smith, Kevin St. Onge, Duane & Cliff Utech, Stephen Veatch, Brad Von Blon, Tom Walker
2025 OPERATIONS SUPPORT
Your continued support is vital toward maintaining this exceptional historic landmark. We continually seek grants through all appropriate resources, but many foundations choose not to support operations and maintenance. This is challenging because how can we maintain the programs without proper administration? Thus, we must continually reach out to you to fund the basic costs of managing the facility and developing our programs to benefit the community at large.
THE ONGOING ENGRAVED BRICK
CAMPAIGN is something fun but very meaningful and timeless! The proceeds are used toward upgrading the landscaping and Memorial Garden. The bricks will be featured in areas such as the north entry patio, a small picnic patio nearby, and brick walkways. The bricks are available in two sizes at $100 (4x8) and $250 (8x8). You can note in the enclosed envelope if you wish to purchase a brick or call the office at 906-484-1333 for more information.
HESSEL SCHOOL HOUSE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Susie Nye Rutledge*
President
Linda Sudol
Vice President
Jack Favret
Treasurer
Bonnie Mikkelsen
Secretary
Melissa DeWick
John Hessel*
Carol Hubbard
Diane Keighley
Mary Ann Meyer
Robin Pendery
Dan Reelitz
Kara Windsor
STAFF
Abigail Skoglund
Office Administration
Kristy Beyer
Director of Avery Learning Center
ADVISORY BOARD
Angeline Boulley
John Causley*
Selden Collins
Lisa Dunn
Kieran Fleming
Anne Fleming
Jane French
Clyde Hart
Joe Haske
Wesley Maurer
Molly Paquin
Zach Schroeder
Carl TerHaar
Pasqua Warstler
*former students
Mission Statement
The Hessel School House Corporation supports the Avery Arts and Nature Learning Center as the centerpiece of the Les Cheneaux Islands community for the purpose of ensuring the continued vitality and prosperity of the area and its residents.
HESSEL SCHOOL HOUSE
P.O. Box 25
Hessel, MI 49745 www.hesselschoolhouse.org
Electronic Service Requested
USPS Mktg. Mail
U.S. Postage Paid
Petoskey, MI
Permit No. 110
The Story Book Trail
Summer / Fall Schedule
As space is limited, here are just a few teasers as to what fun awaits visitors of ALL ages to our magical Storybook Trail this summer and fall.
Featured the last two weeks of June is the now classic book, The Legend of the Lady’s Slipper, by Kathy-jo Wargin, about the young Indian maiden, Running Flower, as a testament of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice.
In July, An Extraordinary Ordinary Moth reminds all of us that no one is ordinary. This is followed by local author Julie Buccholtz’s Who Am I, which gives an indigenous perspective of how we are ALL connected with our ancestors.
Mushroom Rain in mid-August, through lyrical text and colorful art, explores the wonderful, mysterious world of mushrooms. To welcome fall, the true story, Adopted by An Owl, about a baby Great Horned Owl, Jackson, and his rescue, ties in with our Avery Learning Center’s programs and the annual Snowy Owl Festival.
Open daily, dawn to dusk, mid-spring to late fall, lots of happy experiences and surprises are to be had along Les Cheneaux’s Story Book Trail, featuring 12 children’s books, all geared to nature and the remarkable history of the Great Lakes region.
Wooden sign crafted by alumnus Richard “Dick” Morton Carr, 1933-2024