Traditions - May 2024 - Portraits of Pentwater

For the Love of the Lake

Calendar: lots to do in Pentwater

Weekdays

There are lots of things to do at Park Place:

Mondays: Zumba Gold Fitness, 9:45 a.m. (through May 24)

Tuesdays: Mahjong, 10 a.m.

Wednesdays: Knitting, 1 p.m. & Line Dancing, 6 p.m.

Second & Fourth Wednesdays: Bunco, 10 a.m.

Thursdays: Zumba Gold Toning, 9:30 a.m. (Starts June 6)

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Pentwater Fitness Pump, 9 a.m. (starts May 24)

Full calendar can be found at: pentwatervillage.org/park-place-event-center.php

Trivia at the Antler Bar, Sundays at 5 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Mondays & Thursdays June-Sept.

• Pentwater Farmers Market, Village Green, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, May 13

• Village Council Meeting, Park Place Community Center, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, May 14

• Pentwater Arts Council Board Meeting, Park Place Community Center, 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 16

• Village Police Advisory Committee, Park Place Community Center, 7–7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 17

• Pentwater Historical Society Clean-up, 85 S. Rutledge, 8 a.m. to noon.

Sunday, May 19

• Pentwater Women’s Club Wine & Art fundraiser for scholarships, Park Place Community Center, 2-5 p.m.

Tuesdays, May 21 & June 18

• Monthly Mobile Food Pantry by the Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club, Pentwater Fire Department, 500 Park St., 11 a.m. Volunteers and donations are always welcome.

Wednesday, May 22

• Pentwater Historical Society Spring Dinner, “The Great American Loop, a 7,000 mile journey around the Eastern United States,” by Dan Girvan, West Michigan Research Station, 5:30 p.m.

Friday-Monday, May 24-27

• Pentwater Sportfishing Association’s Memorial Weekend Amateur Salmon & Trout Fishing Derby, visit www.pentwaterpsa.org for full details.

Sunday, May 26

• Pentwater VFW’s annual Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon.

Monday, May 27

• Pentwater Memorial Parade, downtown, 10 a.m. Line-up on First Street at 9:30 a.m. across the street from the Baptist Church. All Veterans, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are encouraged to participate. The Pentwater Band marches in the parade and plays at each Service. First Service will be at Municipal Marina, second at the Village Green and third at Pentwater Cemetery.

Tuesday, May 28

• Planning Commission Meeting, Park Place Community Center, 6 p.m.

Sunday, June 2

• Start of Summer Party hosted by the Pentwater Service Club, Village Green, 5-7 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday, June 8-9

• Free Fishing Weekend, all fishing license fees will be waived for two days. A Recreation Passport will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites during this weekend.

Saturday, June 9

• Pentwater Community Garage Sale, virtual map available online, sales 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, June 10

• Village Council Meeting, Park Place Community Center, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, June 11

• Pentwater Arts Council Board Meeting, Park Place Community Center, 4 p.m.

Traditions is published by The Oceana Echo © P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436 May 10, 2024 • All rights reserved. Writers: AnnaMae Bush & Caleb Jackson Advertising: Jan Thomas Traditions Editor & Designer: Amanda Dodge theoceanaecho@gmail.com Enjoy our free Pentwater magazine!

Fond Farewells

By AnnaMae Bush • Traditions Writers

May is that time in the school year for many fond farewells—to school, to students, to teachers, to homework and to school friends. Pentwater Public Schools has a particularly difficult farewell this year because their beloved principal and superintendent, Dr. Scott Karaptian, is retiring. He shares that it is equally difficult for him to say goodbye to the school. Hear what he says in leaving:

“Pentwater is the most amazing school district I have had the privilege to serve during my 37-year career in education. I know I am a better person for having served in this community, and I just hope some things are better here because of my work the past 8 years.” Karaptian recently reflected on his tenure as K-12 Principal/Superintendent at Pentwater Public Schools, and it was impossible to miss the enthusiasm in his face and in his voice.

When asked what his feelings were in 2016 about coming to Pentwater from Kalamazoo, he replied, “I was excited about coming to Pentwater. But I had spent the previous 24 years in secondary school positions. I had never worked with K-8 students, and I didn’t want to ‘miss’ anything important for younger students.” How did that play out for him? He found that he grew into that part of the job. “Oh, my goodness. It’s been great. Going into the lower elementary classrooms is the highlight of my day! The children surround me with hugs and want to know when I’m going to have lunch with them. Whenever my spirits need a boost, that’s where I go.”

Dr. K., as he is affectionately known, has a philosophy that made him accessible to faculty, staff, students, and community members alike. He believes that wherever he is placed, his role is that of a servant—to help those around him thrive. He has found great generosity in both the school and the community. Whenever a need has been shared, whether during the holiday season or other times, there has been overwhelming community support to meet the need.

The high caliber of the faculty and their willingness to go out of their way to help students are two reasons that Pentwater School outperforms many other schools and why students experience great academic success. Dr. K. reported, “Many of our graduating seniors are accepted at prestigious colleges and universities. And I’m happy to say that every senior can apply for and receive funds for furthering their education.” Special attention from faculty and coaches has also led to success in athletics. The track, basketball, and cross-country teams have done very well this year.

Were there any surprises for him? “The uniqueness of the school really can’t be appreciated by those outside of its walls. The supportive community is so encouraging. The school’s smaller size can partially account for fewer discipline issues than other schools but cannot completely explain it.” He said students have left bicycles unlocked in the bike rack for several days and found

them where they left them. Student lockers are most often unlocked. The trust level is very high. The small school size and the fact that K-12 classes are housed on the same campus enable teachers to develop relationships with families for up to 13 years. That value cannot be measured.

Karaptian extends a high level of trust to his staff. Toni Glover, his administrative assistant, has worked in the business office for many years. She appreciates the fact that “… he trusts that I am doing my job and trusts my abilities.” At the same time, she knows she can go to him if she is uncertain about a situation. “Scott has always made me feel that my opinions and perspectives are important and valuable to the district, that what I thought about an issue is important.”

Science teacher Erika Fatura had this to say, “I highly appreciate Dr. Karaptian’s commitment during his time here. His genuine dedication to the wellbeing of this school and the Pentwater community is truly remarkable. Dr. Karaptian excelled at seeking grants and creating opportunities to enhance our school environment. His efforts on both bond proposals further showcase his strong desire to enrich our school. Dr. Karaptian prioritized school safety, and his contributions in this area are evident in the effective security protocols implemented within our school. Thank you, Dr. Karaptian, for your time as a Falcon!“

hunt, fish, boat and spend more time with their grandchildren. All well-deserved rewards for faithful service! Our best wishes to you, Dr. K.!

It takes very little effort to find evidence that supports Dr. K’s high praise for Pentwater Public Schools. Here are just a couple examples from the faculty and the students. Donna Ferens has volunteered for many years at various schools and has spent the last two years in Pentwater’s 5th grade classroom, led by Donna Miller. Ferens says Miller is the best teacher she has ever worked with. “I have a ton of respect for her. She strives to connect with all of her students and tries to get to know them personally. Her classroom is well managed, and the kids are respectful. I love working with the kids because I can give them any type of assignment, and they will work well together as a pair or team as well as individually. In the past two years, I’ve only encountered three episodes where a child was asked to apologize or leave the room for misbehavior.“

In addition to the school’s academic and athletic success, what else is Dr. K. proud of? “The two electric buses that we were able to procure with a grant when so many other schools were vying for that award. And our strong school community—our many volunteers and all the residents who come to our events, cheer on our sports teams, and congratulate our students on their successes.” School safety was a huge concern for Dr. K., and he is grateful for the safety measures that have been installed during his tenure. How would he describe the school’s value to the village? “It is a hub for community growth and pride; it is a community center for activities. Its importance cannot be overstated.”

What are his feelings upon leaving? He said he is comfortable with the shape that the school is in for the next superintendent. He will miss being at school tremendously, especially his time with the youngest students. He is glad to have been here for eight years and would like to stay involved where possible. He serves on a county-wide school safety committee and will continue with that commitment. Working with the Pentwater Police Department to secure a grant and provide a full-time safety officer at the school is another achievement about which he feels good. After being employed in education for 37 years, Dr. K. wonders how he will find a new identity in retirement.

Will he and his wife, Chris, remain in Pentwater? “Oh, absolutely!” he immediately responded. “We have found our ‘forever home’ in Pentwater. My wife retired two months ago from the PNC Bank Resolution Center after 36 years. We are both involved with community organizations and plan to increase our involvement.” Dr. K. also serves on the board of the Oceana Community Foundation.

Any plans for fun and recreation? Yes, he hopes to golf,

In 2013, the State of Michigan High School Science Teacher of the Year was none other than Pentwater’s Erika Fatura. That award afforded Fatura the opportunity to accept offers from many other school districts. But Fatura says, “There is no other place that I would rather teach than at Pentwater. The students here are exceptional. I love them.” In addition to teaching, Fatura mentors The Green Schools Club and coaches both the track and field and cross country teams.

The school’s newsletter and Facebook page share examples of the exceptional students that Fatura references. A recent story congratulated senior Eliana Mandarano, who was selected to receive the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award, given annually to ONE student from each state. It is awarded to students who give evidence of leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity and perseverance. The honor includes a trip for Mandarano and her parents to the WWII Museum in New Orleans May 23–26, at which time the award ceremony will take place.

Another recent post congratulated four seniors for being recognized as 2024 “AAA” recipients. AAA refers to attitude, athletics, and academics. Their recognition took place at a dinner ceremony at West Shore Community College. The four seniors are Emily Schwarz, Samantha Schaefer, Mitchell Daniels and Abie Van Duinen. They are all 4.0 students who secured high SAT scores while being members of the National Honor Society and student council, and who also earned many hours of community service. In a K–12 school setting, they are great role models and mentors for the younger students.

Pentwater High School ranked in the top 12% of Michigan high schools. Pentwater Public Schools also outperformed roughly 90% of all the schools in the state in the area of reading in grades 3-7 combined. The Pentwater community has many reasons to take pride in their local school and to support the recently announced replacement for Dr. Scott Karaptian. Congratulations to Mr. Craig Barter, who served this past year as the K-12 Assistant Principal and the Title IX Coordinator. He will be taking over the superintendent’s responsibilities this summer.

Lighthouse Lutheran Church

Pentwater serviC e Club’s 2024 Citizen oF the Year nominations are oPen

The Pentwater Service Club (PSC) is now accepting nominations for the club’s 2024 Citizen of the Year. The winner will be recognized at an Oct. 10 community dinner and program held in their honor at the Pentwater Yacht Club.

“Each year the club recognizes a Pentwater area citizen who has performed outstanding service for the betterment of the community through civic, charitable, educational or other activities,” said Ken Konyha, incoming club president. Konyha will serve as master of ceremony at the event.

Nominations may be submitted by anyone, regardless of where they live. Submissions must be in writing and submitted no later than May 17, 2024. All nominations will be considered; the candidate does not have to be a member of the PSC.

Nomination forms are available online at www. pentwaterserviceclub.org under the “forms” heading. Persons previously nominated are kept on file, so it’s not necessary to nominate them again.

Tickets to the 2024 Citizen of the Year celebration will go on sale Sept. 10, 2024, at Port View Wine and Spirits, Up North Market or from any PSC member.

Pentwater lake assoC iation board meeting set For maY 20

Mitchel Daniels

Aubriana Foster

Mackenna Hasil

Hayden Hovey

Hennessy Hovey

Abigail Hughes

Alivia Kolenda

Eliana Mandarano

Jackson Pruitt Michael Quinteros Jack Roberts

Samantha Schaefer Emily Schwarz

VanDuinen

The Pentwater Lake Association board of directors will meet on Monday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. If Monroe Road at Longbridge is open, the meeting will take place at the Centenary Methodist Church at 82 N. Hancock St. in Pentwater, and if Monroe Road at Longbridge is closed, the meeting will be at Shared Space Studio at 4391 W. Monroe Rd. in Pentwater. The public is invited to attend.

Membership in the Pentwater Lake Association is open to all individuals interested in the lake, its natural resources and water quality. Members do not have to own lake property in order to join this nonprofit organization.

More details and past meeting minutes are available on the Pentwater Lake Association website at www.pentwaterlakeassociation.com.

historiC Pentwater rises From the ashes

By Caleb Jackson Traditions Writer

The irony of the lumber boom is that it resulted in a lot of wooden buildings during a time when heating with fire was still very common. Fires were a very real and persistent threat for most households in the 19th century, and Pentwater was no different. We’ve had our fair share of tragedies involving the unforgiving force of nature we call the flame, and yet each time Pentwater rebuilds and keeps on going. Let’s look back at the tenacity of our founders as they fought against this all-consuming force.

Probably the worst fire to hit Pentwater took place at 2:45 a.m. on Sept. 26, 1889. It was then, according to the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society’s history book, that “fire was discovered in the rear of George Warner’s Tobacco and Variety store, west side of main street between Fourth and Fifth streets (now named Third and Second), and soon spread to the roof of adjoining buildings.” This fire would then go on to destroy every building on the west side of Hancock Street for an entire block before jumping the street and destroying seven more stores on the northern end of the block. The total losses were estimated at $17,050. If you run those numbers through an inflation calculator, you get the modern equivalent as being $578,832. Luckily for us, Charles Mears had launched the Middlesex Brick and Tile Company not too long before. And so that’s how bricks made from the clay of Pentwater Lake itself helped to rebuild many of the buildings, make the town more fireproof,

as well as giving us some of the most iconic buildings on Hancock Street today.

Another tragic burning took place on July 9, 1898, when an estimated 7 million feet of the Sands and Maxwell Lumber Company’s lumber burned up, despite the aid of a “hose laid from the Huftile hydrant, a stream of water from the mill, help from the tugs Gayloard and Maxwell who were in port, and the Ludington fire tug….” If you run this through an inflation calculator, you are looking at a whopping $3,010,428 in lumber!

Another fire broke out in March 1900 in the finishing room of the Pentwater Bedstead Factory. “Within an hour, both the four-story building and the three-story one also were in ruins.” There were 175 people employed at the Bedstead Factory at this time, and the chief stockholders were C.T. Sands, H.F. Sands and Alfred W. Newark. According to the OCH&GS’s book, the economic loss to the village was “difficult to estimate.” The Bedstead Factory would never rebuild.

Another fire that was instrumental in developing the Pentwater we all know and love today was the burning of the

White Elephant in 1928. In 1891, a man named George A. Williams came to Pentwater from Chicago with visions of a bustling resort town. By 1892, he had begun construction on his grand hotel, the Valeria, which was to be named after his wife. But, by 1893, Williams had run out of money, and the hotel sat unfinished. It eventually garnered the name “The White Elephant.” Under this moniker, the incomplete building became host to several different functions. It held shops, theaters, restaurants, government buildings, a gym, etc. That is, until it burned down in 1928. However, the idea of a community space remained. Rather than rebuild, the space was left bare, and thus the Village Green was born.

Hopefully, through this little article, you get a sense of how two very powerful and natural forces worked together to shape our little town: the fire’s desire to consume unabated and man’s unstoppable desire to survive and adapt. I also hope you remember to keep an eye on your candles and make sure your stove is off before you leave the house. Pentwater has seen enough fires for its lifetime.

m emories m ade at the l ake l ast

By AnnaMae Bush

Traditions

Writer

The slam of a wooden screen door on the porch…the scent of campfire smoke…the sticky, sweet taste of a roasted marshmallow…the sensation of sand and water oozing between one’s toes… the sight of colorful swimsuits and towels on the clothesline. What else can easily trigger happy memories of a summer cottage or vacation days at a lake?

It’s no surprise that the gift shops in downtown Pentwater sell all manner of home décor and clothing that proclaim the value of time at the lake and on the beach. You’re familiar with the mantras: “Life is Better at the Lake.” “A Day at the Lake Restores the Soul.” “Some Lakes are Greater than Others.” “The lake: Life slows down. Friends stay longer.” “Memories made at the lake last forever.” “Better to wake at the lake.”

Who could deny the special beauty of watching the sunset over Lake Michigan in the evening? Or the comfort of a cool dip in a lake on a hot day? Or the joy of cooking fresh-caught fish from a local lake? Most of us in West Michigan have easy access to inland lakes and to Lake Michigan. That easy access can instill deep gratitude or cause one to take it for granted.

Growing up in a busy urban area in New Jersey, I had very limited time near a lake. My friends and I played at the shallow Molly Ann’s Brook or watched the ducks at a local pond. Once a summer, my parents took our family to the Jersey shore. On Labor Day, to start the school year, our school bussed all the students to a lake for swimming and games. But my best childhood memories of time at a lake were family vacations in Minnesota and New Hampshire. To spend a whole week at a lake was really special! Retiring to Oceana County and living on Pentwater Lake

has been an unexpected dream come true. At 430 acres, Pentwater Lake is not huge. But it reaches 50 feet in depth and is an all-sport lake that is home to three marinas. It accommodates safe swimming, a variety of water sports, and offers excellent fishing for over a dozen species of fish, both large and pan size. It is small enough to freeze over when the temperatures drop sufficiently low, providing opportunities for ice fishing and other winter sports. Several Lake Michigan fishing charters operate from the Village Marina, where a public fish cleaning station is available for folks who succeed in catching a fish or two (or more). Longbridge Road provides an accessible fishing platform and there are three public boat launches, one on the south branch of the Pentwater River and two on Pentwater Lake. The channel to Lake Michigan with its north and south piers enables fishing on the big lake.

The Pentwater River flows through the marshes south of the lake, travels into Pentwater Lake and out the channel into Lake Michigan. The marshes and river offer beautiful views of wildlife and aquatic life to those who choose to canoe or kayak the waterway. Sailing is also a popular sport on Pentwater Lake. The Jr. Sailing Club provides sailing lessons for youngsters on Sunfish boats throughout the summer and the Pentwater Yacht Club hosts Ensign sailboat races every Wednesday at 5 p.m. and every Saturday around noon, June through August. Watching all the colorful sails billow in the wind is a beautiful sight. The music made by sailboat rigging clanging against the masts

ast F orever

of moored boats is a pleasant summer sound, as common as the cry of the seagulls (see photo of Ensign sailboats from 2023 Regatta in bottom left corner).

A lake that supports safe swimming, a variety of water sports, and good fishing does not happen by accident. It requires a balance of nutrients in the water, control of invasive plant growth, limits on wave action to prevent erosion, regulations for safe operation of sport boats, and maintenance of protected areas to provide fish habitats. Pentwater Lake is very fortunate to have “keepers of the lake” in the Pentwater Lake Association (PLA) and the Pentwater Lake Improvement Board (PLIB). These organizations cooperate to test water quality several times a year and take the necessary steps to control invasive species growth. Their common goal has been to control unwanted growth with mechanical methods rather than with chemicals. A harvesting machine that cuts starry stonewort and frogbit, or other invasive plants and brings them up on deck has become a common sight in the summer. Lakefront owners volunteer to unload the cut plants and let the foliage dry out on land so it can be hauled away to farm fields where it serves as fertilizer (see photo above).

The PLA is dedicated to “preserving the environment, maintaining the health and welfare of the lake, and developing a greater sense of community.” Volunteers are crucial to accomplishing these goals. They collect and deliver water samples, they help with the removal of invasive species, and they help with an annual launch blitz by reminding boat owners about the im-

portance of cleaning their boats and emptying their ballast and bait containers every time they move from one lake to another. This avoids transferring invasive species from one location to another. Volunteers also help with the strawberry shortcake fundraiser during Homecoming every August and with a PLA float in the Homecoming Parade. Education is an important facet of PLA’s work. The annual member dinner meeting features a speaker, a table with informational materials, real examples of native and invasive species of plant life, and summaries of the past year’s committee accomplishments, plus a vision for the next year. The education of the PLA board keeps a strong connection with students in the Pentwater school by sponsoring speech and poster competitions, offering them a column space in the quarterly newsletters, providing a boater safety class to the sixth grade, and most recently by offering a scholarship to a graduating senior in Oceana County.

The PLIB hired a part-time

Pentwater Lake Shore Manager to help improve and protect the ecological function and integrity of Pentwater Lake and its watershed. Chris Pierce began his consultant position in January 2024. He will be working with lakefront owners to improve the shoreline by “softening” it or making it more natural so that erosion from wave action caused by storms or water sports is diminished and fish habitat is improved.

The PLA Board offers effective leadership through the experience of its members. Among current board members for instance are Patrick Hooyman, PhD in Physics, with a 40-year career in the energy industry; Ross Feltes, PhD in Zoology, whose research focused on fishes and who worked as the Chief of Natural Sources Management for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority; Rich Pugsley, M.S. in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Occupational Safety and Health; Joe Primozich, M.S. in Field Biology and Outdoor Recreation who taught high school science for

37 years and was a beekeeper for 10 years; and Tom Walter who has a B.S. in Forestry and worked as a Forester with the USDA Forest Service in timber, fisheries and wildlife and who was charged with protecting the habitats of endangered species. Without a doubt their knowledge and insights have proven invaluable to the organization’s mission and goals.

The PLA motto is “For the Love of the Lake”. It’s what motivates everything the PLA does. Anyone who loves the lake is invited to join – there is no need to own lakefront property.

For more information, please contact the Pentwater Lake Association at P.O. Box 825, Pentwater, MI 49449, or visit www.pentwaterlakeassociation.com. On Facebook: Pentwater Lake Association. Membership dues: $30 per family per year.

abigail hughes awarded as aCademiC all-star bY mea

Michigan Education Association (MEA) members from the 13-B Coordinating Council recently came together to recognize nine students from nine area high schools as Academic All-Stars. Criteria for selection of the MEA Academic All-Star Award included a student’s scholarship, leadership, character and service.

The winners of the 28th annual awards are: (pictured above, front row, from left) Taryn Bronson of Onekama High School, Paige Gutowski of Brethren High School, Abigail Hughes of Pentwater High School, Madison Vernier of Mason County Central High School and Cecilia Postma of Manistee High School; along with (back row, from left) Clay Shoup of Mason County Eastern High School, Cole Merrill of Bear Lake High School, Jack Jubar of Ludington High School and Tyler VanderZanden of Hart High School.

An awards banquet took place at West Shore Community College on Wednesday, April 17 at which all the award recipients were presented with Certificates of Achievement, a $50 gift card and a gift basket.

This year, the MEA 13-B Coordinating Council once again chose to honor an All-Star with an additional award of $500. The recipient of this year’s $500 award was Gutowski.

Thanks to generous sponsorships by Michigan Education Special Services Association Representatives Jacqueline Mast and Viola Collin and MEA Financial Services, an additional award of $150 was presented to Bronson.

Table decorations were made possible thanks to sponsorships, and each student and their representing MEA association member were presented with a bouquet of tulips from A Garden in the Woods Farm.

The event was co-hosted by Manistee Teachers Association President Stacey Andrews-Ramsey and MEA-retired leader Jim Cunningham.

Teachers from each district introduced their AllStar and spoke on their behalf. The entire event was sponsored by the Michigan Education Association under the leadership of Temporary UniServ Director Judy Bussey and Field Assistant Nicole Birkett.

joinus@stjamesepiscopalpentwater.org

wine & art – a winning Combination

By AnnaMae Bush Traditions Writer

Among the many seasonal traditions celebrated in the Village of Pentwater, one event stands out each spring – the Wine & Art event hosted by the Pentwater Women’s Club. This fundraiser for scholarships, aka Wine & Art at the Water when it was held at the Yacht Club, is particularly renowned for its fabulous banquet of hors d’oeuvres prepared and served by the club members. First time attendees are wowed by the artful display of food and the hundreds of quality items in the auction. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, May 19, from 2-5 p.m. at Park Place, 310 N. Rush St.

Marking its 17th iteration in 2024, the Wine & Art event grew out of a tradition begun in 1967 by a women’s club with an even much longer history. Now known as the Pentwater Women’s Club, the organization was originally founded in 1898 as The Ladies Literary Society to promote the welfare of the Village of Pentwater and its citizens. Thought to be the oldest club in the village, for the past 125 years, the club members have supported civic, local, county, state and federal projects and programs.

Although funds are currently focused primarily on scholarships for post-high school education, past projects had a broad range. In the early 1900s, when the village council voted not to provide a sidewalk to the cemetery, the club members not only raised the money needed for the project but also purchased the materials and

hired the laborers to complete the project. What an illustration of determination, especially in the face of not being able to vote!

In 1920, Pentwater’s local grocery store was destroyed by fire, damaging the corner building next to it. The store owner’s wife offered to sell the property to the village for a minimal price if the village would then use it to construct a community center. For the next decade, the Ladies Society members worked hard to fund the restoration of the corner building with a community center on the second floor. Some older residents may fondly recall the sporting events and social gatherings that took place in the community center space. This building, dedicated in 1930, housed the Village Offices until their recent move into the former Huntington Bank building next door to the post office. The old office building, made with famous brick from the Pentwater brick factory, still stands but is vacant.

In the late 1960s, when the organization changed its name to the Pentwater Women’s Club, it did so in concert with an international association of women’s clubs that was initiated in England. One long-standing tradition in the club is to begin each business meeting by reciting a Collect written by Mary Stewart. The Collect, utilized throughout the many chapters of the organization, has been used since the inception of the association. If the thoughtful words of the Collect were widely lived out, our culture would provide a kinder and more civil context. Listen to and reflect on a few excerpts: “Keep us, O God from pettiness. …Let us be done with fault-finding…and self-seeking….May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous….Teach

Above right, Pentwater Women’s Club members Kareen Monton and Janet Nelson serve wine to attendees.

Above left, PWC members Sharon Schwarze, Kay Freeman, Linda Sloughter, Rise Rasch and Charlene Daggett serve food.

For the Communit Y

us to put into action our better impulses…May we strive to touch and to know the…human heart of us all, and…let us not forget to be kind….” The thoughts remind members each month of goals best practiced daily.

Getting back to the roots of the Wine & Art event, in the fall of 1967, the club had its first “Harvest Dinner” in the basement of the Centenary Methodist Church. The proceeds were used to provide a scholarship for a graduating senior from Pentwater High School. Thus began a tradition that continues today, though as an auction rather than a dinner. From its humble beginning, which provided one scholarship, the event has grown to raise over $17,000 and provide as many as 10 scholarships to Pentwater seniors, in addition to two scholarships for women returning to school to further their education at West Shore College. Event attendance is consistently high: 300 tickets are printed for purchase. Tickets are sold by club members, by designated vendors, or at the door. Most folks come to view and bid on the variety of art, handcrafted items, locally donated products and services and Artisan Center gifts. Auction items include food, flowers, wall and garden art, outdoor furniture, clothing, toys, tools, and household items. Some may come to enjoy sampling the many brands and flavors of wines provided through Port View. Others are eager to taste the delicious spread of 17 different hors d’oeuvres contributed by the club members. Just to tickle your tastebuds, let me mention a few of the choices: shrimp, BBQ chicken wings, ham-wrapped asparagus, bacon-wrapped chestnuts, deviled eggs, fruit kabobs, petite sandwiches, stuffed mushrooms and a dozen forms of sweet treats.

And then there are those attendees who come with great hope that their raffle ticket will be

drawn to win the stunning king-size quilt made by quilting committee members of the club. This year’s colorful quilt, entitled “Catch a Wave,” is artfully crafted from 1,950 separate pieces and 36 different fabrics into an 80” x 96” blanket. Because last year’s 800 raffle tickets sold out, this year 1,000 tickets were printed. Some folks, captivated by the beauty of the quilt, are motivated to buy 50 or more tickets to increase their chances of winning the prize. Whatever one’s reasons for attending Wine & Art, the bonus is knowing that the event’s net proceeds provide scholarships to local students.

In addition to providing scholarships, over the years, women’s club funds have also been used to upgrade hospital facilities, enable class trips, support scout programs and Pentwater youth recreation needs and enhance the Village Green.

The Pentwater Women’s Club meets monthly, September through May, with various programs preceding short business agendas and a social time. This year’s programs included interesting speakers, a floral arranging class, and a fashion show. Board members this year have been Claudia Ressel-Hodan, President; Kathy O’Connor, Vice President; Linda Sloughter, Secretary; Beth Russel, Treasurer; and directors Judith DiMichele, Ann Krpichak, and Karen Way, and Juanita Pierman, Ex-Officio. The club currently has 66 active members. New members are welcome! Additional information can be found at the website, www.pentwaterwomensclub.org.

Historical data gleaned from records provided by Deb Leishman, club historian; photos contributed by the author and by Joann Murphy, publicity chair for the Wine & Art event.

Craig barter named next suPerintendent/PrinCiPal

oF Pentwater sChools

The Pentwater Public Schools Board is delighted to announce their decision to extend a contract to Craig Barter, who is poised to become the district’s next superintendent/principal pending contract negotiations. The decision was made after a thorough evaluation of an impressive candidate pool, with Barter emerging as the standout choice due to his exceptional qualifications and alignment with the community’s values.

Currently serving as the assistant principal at Pentwater Public Schools and having grown up in the community, he knows what the expectations are of this position and will honor the rich traditions that are established in the community. Having already established relationships with all stakeholders, the transition to the superintendency is expected to be seamless.

Barter brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has almost 20 years as an educator and has been a classroom teacher, special education teacher, and Dean of Students prior to coming back to Pentwater to serve as assistant principal.

During the interview process, Barter expressed his enthusiasm for leading Pentwater Public Schools, stating, “This is home for me and my family, and I plan on retiring from here. I will work hard to honor the traditions we have while also moving the district forward in meeting the needs of our students.” The board was particularly impressed with his work ethic and ability to connect with all stakeholders.

President Mark Shotwell expressed his confidence in the board’s decision, saying, “We are excited to have Craig stepping into the superintendent role. His positive energy and knowledge of the school and community will help lead us in a great direction.”

Barter added, “I am honored to be selected as the next superintendent/principal of Pentwater Public Schools. As a native of the community, I understand the importance of this role to continue the high standards of education and provide the best opportunities for student success beyond our building. My family and I are thrilled to continue working with the students, staff and community of Pentwater. Go Falcons!”

Pending successful contract negotiations, Barter is expected to assume the role of superintendent/principal and lead Pentwater Public Schools into a future marked by educational excellence, community engagement and student success. The role change will start officially on July 1.

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THE

Pentwater Historical society & MuseuM

MUSEUM, CHANNEL LANE PARK

The Sequoia, that legendary boat from times of war and lore. Yes, we possess her, we own her, our own 104” model of white, mahogany, brass, pomp and circumstance. That grand yacht which captured the hearts and imaginations of our villagers, who viewed her majestically entering our tiny harbor that summer day of 1984.

In Celebration of her completion, we need you to come witness her christening, enjoy a Channel Lane Party and tour the historic Breezewood and Greynook Cottages. The tours will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view these vintage properties in their unaltered state.

The party...it’s a 10-year Celebration of our museum relocation. So come to our party. See us spill champaign, break glass and proudly help us expand our museum. It’s history in the making.

At the close of this event, the Sequoia Model will be on permanent display in our museum.

Anchors Aweigh!

Begin

in

Get your Summer Season

on

1958 N. White Birch Drive,

Started in Style, this TurnKey home has everything you could ask for! Watch the Sunset over Upper Silver Lake from your wrap-around deck and enjoy warm summer evenings by the fire pit in the back. Parking for your Boat is right across the Street. You’ll love entertaining in this home with its cathedral ceiling and open floor plan with an abundance of natural light. The home has a lower-level Rec Room. The home also has a 26x40 Garage, a 16x24 Furnished Guest House and a firepit area. Upper Silver Lake is a Private All Sport Lake, Price reduced! Now $489,000 MLS# 24011539

MI

7190 W. Fox Rd, Mears, MI

Enjoy Amazing Sunsets overlooking the Silver Lake/Dunes/Lake Michigan in the expansive open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows. Custom built in 2000, all the trim came from trees on site. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The Primary Suite is massive with a HUGE private bath with a jet tub as well as a separate shower. On the lower level, you will find the laundry area and mechanical area, and it is framed in for a 3rd bath, possible bedroom or family room. With the 5 Wooded acres, there is room to divide or build a barn! $394,900 MLS# 24013994

Mears,