Up North Voice - April 2024

Become a Lake Huron shoreline monitor

NORTHERN MICHIGAN—

Residents who want to gather useful data along the Lake Huron shoreline or protect endangered piping plovers are invited to sign up for a two-part information and volunteer training session happening in April.

Conservation nonprofit Huron Pines will host the first session online April 10 to share information about Coast Watchers and Piping Plover Monitoring, two major community science opportunities being offered this year. During this session, staff will provide details to help attendees decide if these programs suit

▪ See LAKE HURON MONITOR on page 2

Changing hearts and changing lives

By Donna Thoma

According to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, “substance use disorder is caused by multiple factors, including genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems.” The biggest influence of these factors in any one person, cannot be determined in all cases. The commonality of people with addiction is that they lose control over their actions. Friendships and families may be damaged or destroyed, and jobs lost.

National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) found that 50% of people twelve years and older have used illicit drugs at least once. Among Americans aged twelve years and older, 61.2 million people (or 21.9 percent of the population)

used illicit drugs in 2021. Of those addicted that year, 94% did not receive treatment of any kind.

Addicts and their families may cite financial cost (lack of insurance), geographic location (distance to treatment centers), and stigma (family, friends, and employers finding out).

In addition to familiar recovery programs such as local AA Chapters, there are varied residential treatment centers across the country. Most come at a financial cost to the individual or families and are short term.

In 2015, Doctor Michael Ritchie learned at Grayling Hospital, 61% of infants born there were fetal drug or alcohol addicted at birth. Also at that time, Roscommon County ranked number one in child abuse per capita. Roscommon county still ranks sixth

per capita in child abuse cases today. Dr. Ritchie, a pro-life advocate, was appalled and knew something had to be done to help the parents and change the trajectory to save the children. While he wasn't sure how to bring this about, he knew he “didn't want to reinvent the wheel.”

As a volunteer with the Roscommon Baptist Church, Dr. Ritchie learned of an organization called Mission Teens Discipleship Program. Mission Teens, Inc was founded in 1969, in New Jersey by Reverend James Bracken, in response to the heroin epidemic he witnessed in the young people of his community.

Dr. Ritchie felt a strong calling by God to bring that program to Roscommon. Finding housing for the endeavor was another issue. However, the village manager at the

time informed him of the former Social Services building being for sale. It was the right size and location, but the cost of the building seemed insurmountable. After several communications with the owner who lived out of state, the seller agreed

▪ See CHANGING LIVES on page 9

James & Brittany DeArmond family, Assistant Executive Directors of the Lion’s Den.

COOKIES FOR SALE! Mio Girl Scouts Jaelyn Stagg, Nova Chevalier, and Isabella Laurence at the Family Fare in Mio. Photo courtesy of Mio Girl Scout Troop 8845 Volunteer. See more Girl Scout photos on pg. 2.

MIO GIRL SCOUT TROOP

CELEBRATES WORLD

THINKING DAY- Mio Troop leader

Elizabeth Boright helping Scouts Everly Stoner, Nova Chevalier, and Marley Poff glue together their Mexico Taco pin swaps for World Thinking Day.

Scout Dad Mathew Lewis (below) helps his Daughter Hazel Lewis advertise their Girl Scout Cookie sale at Fairview Hardware.

Time to relax

By Donna Thoma

HIGGINS TOWNSHIP- Citing a desire to relax, travel and spend more time with his spouse, William “Bill” Curnalia, Higgins Township Supervisor, has decided not to run for another term in the upcoming election. Curnalia's term will be up at the end of December. He has served as Township Supervisor for ten years.

Chuckling, he said he'd gotten into local politics, first as a township

trustee, for something to do after his retirement. Curnalia previously served as Vice President of JP Morgan Chase bank, where he'd been employed for thirty-two years.

Curnalia stated “township meetings are short, mostly due to lack of public attendance.” “It's a pretty laid-back township, and the village has most of the activity within the township.” He encourages anyone interested in running for the position to come in and speak with him.

Township meetings are held the first Monday of the month, except for holidays. Anyone interested in the position must be a US citizen, at least

Voice Staff

Lake Huron monitor

Continued from page 1

their interests and understand the commitments involved.

Following the first session, an in-person volunteer training will be held April 20 at Tawas Point State Park. A link to register can be found at huronpines.org/events.

Anyone needing more information can contact Maddie Khuri, Community Education Project Manager, by calling 989- 4482293 ext. 17 or emailing maddie@ huronpines.org.

eighteen (18) years of age, registered to vote, and a resident of Higgins Township.

The duties of a township supervisor include moderating regular and annual meetings; serve as secretary to the Board of Review; maintain records of the supervisor’s office; developing the township budget; and appointing commission members.

Office hours are Mon. – Thurs. from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information Curnalia may be reached at 989-275-8112 ext. 3, or contact Clerk, Maggie Borgula 989-275-8112 ext. 2.

Tracy

Nicole Mygrants Reporter thegiftwellnesscommunity

Warren Stutesman Reporter

Donna Thoma Writer donnathoma0@ gmail.com

Matthew Barnes Grayling Distribution

Axel Jacobs Roscommon Distribution Cody Jackson Mio Distribution

Jeremy Short Houghton Lake Distribution

Out & About - April 2024

CRAWFORD COUNTY:

Grayling, Frederic, Lovells

25- “Eat it Fresh!” Cooking

Class, 12- 1:30 p.m., free, send an email to register: cas@misda,org, 2590 Camp Au Sable Rd, Grayling

Crawford County Extras

Mon-Fri- Council on Aging

Lunch- 11a.m.-12 p.m.

Mon-Fri- Council on Aging

Dinner- 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tues- Bible Study – 10 a.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues- Euchre – 1-4 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues- Diamond Dancers – 6 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Wed- Mahjong – 1-3 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Wed - Bike Night, at 7 p.m., Gallagher's Sports Bar & Grill, 3997 E. M-72

Thurs- Craft & Chat – 10 a.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Thurs- Penny Bingo – 1-3 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Fri- Pantry Bingo – 1-3 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues- Diamond Dancers – 6 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Mon & Wed- Pickleball 9-11 a.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Mon & Wed- SilverSneakers – 10-11 a.m. Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues & Thurs – Pickleball, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues & Thurs- Zumba Gold – 10-11 a.m., Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

1st Sun. - American Legion Breakfast Buffet, at 9 a.m., American Legion Post 106

1st Tue.- Friends of a Feather- 9 a.m. Crawford County Commission on Aging

2nd Mon. - Post meeting, 7 p.m., American Legion Post 106

2nd Tues - Grayling American Legion Aux Post meeting, at 5:30 p.m., Grayling

2nd Thurs- Veterans Coffee hour, 10 a.m., Grayling American Legion

2nd Thurs - Families against Narcotics, 6:30 p.m., St. Francis Episcopal Church

2nd Sat. - Euchre Tournament, 6 p.m., American Legion

ROSCOMMON COUNTY: Roscommon, Higgins Lake,

Prudenville, Houghton Lake, St. Helen

13- Zonta of Roscommon Stamp & Scrap, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., registration $40 includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, make and takes, to register call Michelle 989-745-3624, CRAF Center 606 Lake St.

20- 1st Annual Richfield Township DDA Bluegill Races, 5-9 p.m., American Legion 10062 Ford Dr., Saint Helen, any questions call Jeff Furgeson: 989-251-9725

21-24- Parish Mission, 6:30 p.m., everyone welcome, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 1037 W Houghton Lake Dr., Prudenville

25- Good Shepherd's Free Community Dinner, 5-6:30 p.m., everyone welcome, any questions call 989-275-5577, 149 W Robinson Lake Road, Roscommon

Roscommon County Extras

Mon - Reserve Tech Help-

▪ See OUT & ABOUT on page 6

Up North Voice is

and

in Roscommon, St. Helen, Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, Grayling, Lovells, Waters, Gaylord, Johannesburg, Lewiston, Comins, Atlanta, Mio, Fairview, McKinley, Rose City, Luzerne, Lupton, West Branch, Skidway Lake, Hale, Glennie, Curran, Tawas City, East Tawas, National City, Whittemore, Prescott, AuSable and Oscoda.

It is available at newsstands or annually for $40. Stories, advertisements and photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the publisher.

UpNorthVoice.com

989-275-1170

GRAND OPENING AT COA - The Crawford County Commission on Aging held an open house March 25 to celebrate its new building. Pictured are Kathy Meisner, Tasha C. (home maker), Danette (home maker), Kathy (home make), Kathy (home make), Laurie Jamison, Denise Conte, Sherry Haag, unknown, Patty Lemons, Tammy Findlay, Helen Nolan, Alice Snyder, Carlie Wilson, Judy Marchlewicz, Todd Lako, Karl Schreiner, Sandy Woods, Lorelei King, Shannon Sorenson, Jason Thompson and Sarah Pollock.

- Photo by Tracy Constance

Out & About

Continued from page 4

Houghton Lake Public Library

Mon- Zumba Class- 4:45- 5:45 p.m.

Mon, Thurs, Fri- St. Helen Baptist Church Food Closet, 12-3 p.m.

Mon, Thurs, Fri- AA Meeting, St Helen Baptist Church, 10-11a.m.

Tues – AA Meeting, St Helen Baptist Church 7-8p.m.

Weds- Make Shop at Made Up North- Craft workshops during the day- call for more information 989281-1250.

Thurs – Roscommon Ukes Strum and Sing, 1 p.m., Roscommon Area District Library

Thurs - Sit & Get Fit, 2:30 p.m., Roscommon Area District Library

Fri - Story-time Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Houghton Lake Public Library

Fri- C.A.I.R (Christians Associated in Recovery), 7 p.m. St Helen Baptist Church

Sat- Zumba Class- 10-11 a.m.

CRAF Center $20

1st Thurs- Veteran's Coffee Hour- 9 a.m., Blogett Airport Houghton Lake

2nd Sun. – VFW Country Breakfast, 8 a.m., VFW Post 4159

2nd Thurs. – B2B Breakfast, 8 a.m., Village of Roscommon

3rd Wed. – Michigan Fireman’s Memorial Festival Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Check the MSU Extension Webpage for their list of upcoming

classes at http://bit.ly/MSUEevents or call 989-275-5043.

IOSCO COUNTY: Hale, Whittemore, Tawas

13- Apple Tree Grafting, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., $30, Eagle Point Plaza in Hale, hands-on grafting of three apple trees onto semi-dwarfing rootstock, to reserve a spot call or text Russell 989-310-6408

21- Tawas Rotary Club Roadside Cleanup, meeting at East Tawas City Park day use area, for more information call Brenda 989984-5300

Iosco County Extras

Mon - BINGO, 6:30 p.m., Whittemore Chamber of Commerce

3rd Tues. - Whittemore Chamber Meeting, 7 p.m., 405 E. Sherman Street

3rd Thurs- Veteran's Coffee Hour- 9 a.m. American Legion Post 211 900 E. Lincoln, East Tawas

OGEMAW COUNTY:

West Branch, Rose City, Lupton

14- Dart Tournament, registration 12 p.m., darts fly at 1 p.m., Clear Lake Bar, $5 entry, steel tip only, call 989-345-1155 for more info

20- Spaghetti Dinner

Fundraiser, 12 p.m.-6 p.m., spaghetti dinner: $11.99, spaghetti & meatballs: $15.99, proceeds fund the Ogemaw Nature Park Deer Refuge, Clear Lake Bar

Ogemaw County Extra

Tues. – Kiwanis Club of West Branch, at Noon, Buccilli’s of West Branch

Weds. – BINGO, Early Birds at 6:30 p.m., Regular 7:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus off M-30

Weds. – AL-ANON meeting, 8 p.m., 12 Step-Up Club, 236 First Street

Weds. – Culvers Cruise In, 6 – 8 p.m., Culvers West Branch

Thurs. – Optimist Club, 7 a.m., Loggers Depot, 314 Houghton Avenue

1st Sun. – Adult Children of Alcoholics, 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 2490 State Road

1st & 2nd Mon. – City Council meeting, 6 p.m., West Branch City Hall, 121 N. Fourth Street

1st & 3rd Tues. – Rose City Council meeting, 6 p.m., Council Chambers, 310 N. Williams Street

1st Tues. – West Branch Retail Merchants meeting, 6 p.m., City Police Station, 130 Page Street

1st Wed.- Ogemaw County Veterans Coffee Hour- 9-10 a.m.

1st & 3rd Thurs. - Newborn Parent Support Group, 6 p.m., MyMichigan Health West Branch in the Executive Dining Room

1st Thurs. – Ogemaw County Fair Board meeting, 7 p.m., meets in main building

2nd Mon. - Kiwanis Young Professional Club, 6 p.m., Highway Brewing Company

2nd Tues – Parkinson's Disease Support Group, 2:00 p.m., MyMichigan Medical Center West

Branch Executive Dining Room

2nd Wed. – Aktion Club, 9:30 a.m., United Methodist Church

2nd Wed. - Business Professional Women’s group, 5 p.m.

2nd Wed. - Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Support Group, 2- 3:30 p.m. MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch Executive Dining Room

2nd & 4th Thurs. - Healing Together – Compass Hospice, 10 a.m., Ogemaw Commission on Aging, 1508 M-33

3rd Mon. - Disabled American Veterans & Auxiliary meeting, 5 p.m., VFW Post 3775

3rd Tues.- OCGHS General Membership Board meeting, 2:30

▪ See OUT & ABOUT on page 7

Men’s basketball champs

HOUGHTON LAKE- On Sunday, March 17, Team ReCor of McBain did not need the luck of the Irish to complete their season dominance of the Winter Men's Basketball League at The Northern Center in Houghton Lake. With a convincing performance, ReCor defended their undefeated (10-0) regular season championship by knocking off #2 seeded New Leaf with a barrage of 3's and a final score of 89-60.

Recor advanced with a 63-44 defeat of #4 seed Team Jake, who knocked off Boondock Boys in first round action. On the other side, #3 seed Boals/Fender Bender defeated The Northern Center 64-48 in the first round before falling to New Leaf

in the Semi-finals 53-45.

With current and former league players hailing from all over Northern Michigan, including Cadillac, Grayling, Saginaw, Mt. Pleasant, Gladwin, West Branch, Houghton Lake and Roscommon, teams from all over are invited to join in on the action for our next league.

Spring Men's Basketball League is planned and will begin on April 7. The cost is $275 per team and each team will play 6 games in 4 weeks, with the tournament week planned for May 5. Teams must register and pay a $50 deposit by April 1 to be added to the schedule.

Visit: www.coachvick.net/adultbasketball for more information.

Pictured with their Regular Season and Tournament Championship Plaques is ReCor-McBain. Front row (L-R): Jimmy Schneider, Spence Demull, and Logan Eling. Back row (L-R): Gavin Bisballe, Brock Broderick, Kaiden McGillis, Asher Vissman, and Jordan Eisenga.

Children’s Assessment Center welcomes new staff

REGION - The Northern Michigan Children’s Center welcomes Addie Imfeld as a new Family Advocate. Addie graduated from CMU and has now lived in Northern Michigan for two years. She has found her enthusiasm in helping others, especially children.

Theresa Van De Ven is the new Medical Coordinator. Theresa brings 11 years of nursing experience and is

passionate about the organization.

Donations are always appreciated to assist in the work that the Children’s Assessment Center provides. With your donation, the center can continue to work towards their mission: "To foster the healing and reduce the trauma of child abuse and neglect by providing prevention, intervention, and advocacy to children and their family members."

Theresa Van De Ven, Medical Coordinator

Addie Imfeld, Family Advocate

GRAYLING GALA AWARDSThe Chamber of Commerce hosted the Awards Gala in early March. Pictured (l-r) Kylie Tuck, Madalynn Elliott, and Brittlynn Elliott were the Miss AuSable River Festival queen, 1st runner up, and 2nd runner up from 2023’s program.

Pictured below (l-r) Jeremie Mead (Award Recipient), Mike Gammicchia, and Randy Herman were the Kirk Wakefield Service Person of the Year Award Nominees.

Changing lives

Continued from page 1

to donate it to the group for $1.00 November of 2017. Other repair and upgrade expenses too seemed to get covered by God's intervention. With the help of James DeArmond, current Director and other volunteers, the Lion's Den became a reality, opening July 13, 2018.

The Lion's Den of Roscommon is an eight to ten month residential program. Unlike many secular programs that may be a few days or month long. Director, DeArmond, relayed that those in the program generally are desperate for change in their lives. The program is long term to fulfill that objective. It is a nondenominational Christian Ministry, and those seeking help should also “have a willingness to seek God.”

Most residents are eighteen years or older, however, minors may be accepted into the program if parents sign off. Currently, there are twentyseven residents in the program. There is room for up to thirty-five individuals. This is a co-ed society, 90% of whom have been drug/ alcohol addicted, plus others who have experienced trauma in their lives. Of those who are mandated by the courts or come on their own, the ratio is about fifty-fifty.

The facility boasts a garden in the summer where staff and residents grow a variety of vegetables. Produce is used for meals as well as residents learning how to can and preserve what they've grown. Residents are required to do housekeeping chores such as changing lightbulbs, sweeping floors, cooking, and other tasks. DeArmond stated, “the program helps residents bring order, direction and structure to their lives” that they may have been lacking, plus learning life skills.

All who serve there are nonprofessionals, but instead are people who have experienced these issues themselves and are “dedicated

Out & About

Continued from page 6

p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 E. Houghton Avenue

3rd Thurs. – Vet2Vet Peer Support Group 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church corner of Fairview and State Road, for more info call 989-873-6088.

3rd Thurs. - Ogemaw Area Swim Boosters 6 p.m., Ogemaw Heights High School Room 210

OTHER REGIONS:

15- Deadline to Register for the AuSable Valley Triathlon, kayakbike-run, from Mio Pond to Fairview

to helping people who have life controlling problems.” Mission Teens boasts at least an 80% success rate. Mission Teens Inc has nearly twenty such homes nationwide. Locally, eleven staff assist residents in the process of redirecting their lives.

The Lion's Den serves three meals plus snacks daily and all food is donated, beyond what they grow themselves in the summer.

DeArmond and Jordan Parke, another director, expressed their deep gratitude to the community for its support. To provide free services, they look to the community to provide donations of not only food, but paper goods, laundry aids, and other staples. Cash donations are also needed to cover expenses.

DeArmond and Parker, expressed a need for outside volunteers to teach other skills, including financial (checking/saving); insurance; and other daily tasks. DeArmond and Parker iterated the need for volunteers to help with bible studies. Currently, that effort is provided by several local pastors from churches in Roscommon and Houghton Lake.

To make a donation or for more information, visit their website: thelionsdenmbtc.com

on June 8th, register at www. runsignup.com, $35, fundraiser for Love INC.

19- Caregiver Empowerment and Wellness Conference, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., caregivers of all types welcome, to register call 989-3584616, Mio Baptist Church 357 South Mt. Tom Rd.

20- Apple Tree Grafting Workshop- 10 a.m.-1 p.m., $30, Harrisville Library, hands-on grafting of three apple trees onto semidwarfing rootstock, to reserve a spot call or text Russell 989-310-6408

Matthew & Rebecca Baldauf family, Resident Directors of the Lion’s Den.

Iosco County resident receives Stewardship Forester award

TAWAS CITY - This year’s Stewardship Forester is Jenilee Dean of Northeast Michigan Forestry LLC in Tawas City. She was honored in February to recognize her exceptional customer service to family forest landowners.

The Stewardship Forester Award, given at the annual Michigan Association of Consulting Foresters meeting, recognizes the important role of the 155 private sector foresters who serve Michigan’s 400,000 family forest landowners.

Dean studied biology at the University of Michigan and gained forestry experience on the job. She traveled around Michigan and the eastern United States doing surveys of seedling survival and other forest measurements for large government and corporate landowners. After having children, Dean wanted to work closer to home and focused her efforts on small landowners in northeast Michigan. A few years ago, she started her own company, Northeast Michigan Forestry LLC.

Dean has written more than 100 forest management plans over the last 15 years, covering thousands of

acres in Alcona, Alpena, and Iosco counties.

“I really enjoy chatting with landowners and hearing about the history of their property and educating them about forestry," Dean said. "I am beyond blessed to call the forest my office.”

The 2024 Stewardship Forester award recipient is Jenilee Dean.

Kennady Longstreet

Front row (l-r) Keith Mikuski, Faith Koslakiewicz, Maveric Durbin, Lillian Hurd, and Harley Thayer.

ST. PATTY’S LASSIES- The American Legion Post 422 in Hale celebrated St. Patrick’s day March 16. (l to r) Bonnie Quackenbush, Tawana Lee, Tammy Hill, Jean Memo, and Jen Lopez.

2024 Mio's Kittle Road Area Shopping

1. Country Corners Bulk Food - Cheese, bulk food, baking supplies, candy, home remedies, discount items, burn and wound supplies, Now Foods supplements and essential oils.

• 1284 W Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-6063

2. Nature's Beauty Rustic Furniture - Handcrafted custommade home furnishings, large and small. "True beauty in wood!"

• 860 E. Kneeland Rd. ~ 989-848-2806

3. Country Feed Supply - Full line of feeds, popular brands of pet food and supplies, Dairy Doo potting mixes, raised garden boxes, large selection of bird seed and feeders, food plot seeds and supplies. • 389 W. Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-2305

4. North Country Realty - We are available to assist you with your sale or purchase of property. Hours: M-W-F 9-5 & Sat 10-2. Stop in or call our sales agents anytime. We have investors to assist you. Email: NCR@NorthCountryMio.com.

• 60 S. Mount Tom Rd. ~ 989-826-3505

5. The Egg Man - Sale of fresh eggs. Look for the sign in the front yard. Like us on Facebook: John Saudon!

Email:JSauden488@gmail.com • 72 N. Galbraith Rd. ~ 734-652-3204

6. North Star Storage Barns - Custom buildings, many to choose from. • 398 N. Mount Tom Rd. ~ 989-826-1000

7. Echo Ridge Fabrics - Fabrics, notions, Amish clothing (infant to adult), toys and games, arts and crafts supplies, home decor. • 1734 N. Galbraith Rd. ~ 989-826-1913

8. Sweet Success Sugarbush - Maple syrup goods.

• 1442 N. Galbraith Rd. ~ 989-826-3160

9. Pioneer General Store - Not just your average hardware and home store. • 432 N. Mt Tom Rd. ~ 989-826-3580

10. Blue Jay Valley Greenhouse - Flowers, vegetables, plants, various garden fertilizers, conventional and no-till drill rentals, fresh fruit and produce in season. Open April 15-October 31 (Closed July 1-31) • 1300 N. Perry Creek Rd. ~ 989-848-7337

11. Shady Lane Footwear & Oak Hill Furniture - Footwear for the entire family, handcrafted solid wood furniture, with full line of weather resistant wood, and poly resin outdoor furniture. • 68 E. Kneeland Rd. ~ 989-848-8265

12. The Farmer's Creamery - Full-line of quality fresh dairy products including ice cream, baked goods, deli, Sandwiches, 100% grass-fed meat and you can even watch our production process through our observation • 50 W. Kittle Rd. ~ 989-826-8368

13. Sensenig's Repair - We are an authorized service center dealer for your: Jonsered, Dolmar, Echo, Poulan-Pro, Honda, Briggs & Stratton, Arborists Supplies, MTD. We have a wide selection of all parts for all makes and models. Come see us for your lawn moving needs too. • 432 E. Kittle Rd. ~ 989-848-8346

14. Gascho's Produce - Hours are seasonal, stop in and check out our fresh local produce. • 590 W. Cherry Circle Rd. ~ 989-346-0077

15. Maple Ridge Metal Supply - Specializing in pole barn supplies, residential metal roofing, siding, doors/windows. Commercial & Residential. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7am-4pm, Sat. 8am-11am • 748 N. Gerber Rd. ~ 989-826-5752

16. Crosscut Meats - Come check out our meat selection, steak and more. You can can bring us your animal for process or we can cannect you with farmers to help fill your freezer.

• 134 N. Mount Tom Rd. ~ 989-889-5769

17. Loopie Lu Sweets - Full service dessert bakery with speciality espresso coffees of Michigan. Come enjoy our famous '49' different cheesecakes! Like us on Facebook.

• 463 S. Mount Tom Rd. ~ 989-826-1956

Easter egg hunts kick off

REGION- The Grayling Baptist Church hosted their annual Easter Egg Hunt Sat., March 23. Community members and kids of all ages enjoyed finding candy and prize filled eggs. The Grayling Baptist

Church will host their Easter Service on Sun., March 31 at 11 a.m.

The West Branch Moose Lodge also hosted the Easter Bunny on March 23. Dozens of kids turned out for a super event.

Annemarie doesn’t let the snow keep her from wearing her adorable Easter dress at the Egg Hunt at the Grayling Baptist Church.

Madison is bundled up while searching for her eggs.

Above: Abbie Sergeant of Beaverton posed with Easter Bunny

Right: Tim and Maverick Donaldson of Clear Lake stop for a snack at the food table at the Clear Lake Fire Department.

Maggie is on a mission to find candy filled eggs at the Grayling Baptist Church.

Don’t miss April’s book club! Crawford County Library News

GRAYLING- April's Book Club selection will be: “The Measure”, by Nikki Erlick. This book will be available on e-readers. Ask a circulation clerk for more details. This meeting will take place on Wed., April 24 at 1 p.m. If you have any questions, call 989-348-9214.

The Board Meeting for this month is Thurs., April 11 at 8:30 a.m.

The next Friends of the Library (FOL) meeting will be Tues., May 19 at 10 a.m.

The library we will be CLOSED Mon., April 1, in observance of Easter.

D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) Sessions are held on Thursdays at 4 p.m. Visit the Facebook page for more information. Space is limited, sign up at the Devereaux Memorial Library today!

Bring your littles to our

Storytime! Every Wed. at 11 a.m. come enjoy stories, themed crafts, and snacks.

Flower Arrangements with Nancy is fun for all ages! Nancy coaches patrons as they put together their own arrangements two days a week. The Adult group meets Saturdays at 10 a.m., the Kids’ Group is every Wednesday after school.

Check out some of the long-time running programs; Genealogy every Monday from 9 a.m. to noon, Let's Get Fit every Tues., and Thurs. at 1 p.m., and Sit-N-Knit every Thurs. at 10 a.m.

Need help with a device? Let one of the tech advisors help you oneon-one with your laptop, e-reader, or phone! Call 989-348-9214 to make an appointment. Requests for 3D printing now available.

Zander, Jaxson, Selina (mom), Rob (dad), Kenna (baby), Natalie, Myles and Skyla Goulette of West Branch stopped in for breakfast and a visit to the Easter Bunny.

Hanging out in the truck bay of the Clear Lake Fire Department were friends (l-r) Peytan Montey, Skylar Davis, and Ainsley Engel.

Save the date!

Kirtland’s Warbler Weekend

ROSCOMMON- Kirtland’s Warbler Weekend will be May 31–June 1, in beautiful downtown Roscommon!

The event will have a bird banding demonstration, a scavenger hunt, keynote speakers, wine tasting, a kid’s tent, nature presentations, and so much more!

For more schedule information and updates about these events, visit Kirtland’s Warbler Festival Facebook https://www.facebook. com/kirtlandwarblerfestival, or email at kirtlandsfestival@gmail.com.

The Kirtland’s Warbler Festival is part of SummerFest. SummerFest includes a downtown classic car show, the Village Cornhole Tournament, food trucks, and many events for the whole family.

Support our local businesses

Meet

Mr. Walleye'!

HALE- Professional Walleye

Fisherman Mark Martin is one of the top walleye competitors in the world and will be visiting Hale on Sat., April 13 from 2-5 p.m. at the Plainfield Township Resource Center. Listen to Mark share his secrets, tips, and stories at this FREE event. Questions from the audience are welcomed and refreshments will be served. Call 989-728-4086 for more information.

Hamming it up for Easter

By Donna Thoma

ROSCOMMON

COUNTY- Fifty-five Easter hams were delivered March 19 to county residents by several law enforcement offices. Ham recipients had been nominated to the Roscommon Sheriff's Office by neighbors or friends.

Providing a generous donation, First

Congregational Church of Roscommon, along with Walmart of Houghton Lake helped in funding the purchase of hams. Michigan State Police, Gerrish Township Police, Roscommon County Sheriff's Department along with the Sheriff's Auxiliary and Victim Service assisted in the deliveries.

Houghton Lake- vibrant, unique, and friendly

By Rick Fowler HOUGHTON LAKE-

Read through any brochure about Houghton Lake and most likely the following passage will be found.

“Houghton Lake is one of the largest resort areas in the state and home of the largest inland lake in the lower peninsula and offers a wide variety of opportunities for families and sport enthusiasts year-round.”

However, sometimes mother nature does not cooperate with all plans, wishes and vacation time. Therefore, travelers need to adapt to their destination point in order to still enjoy their time away from home. However, local businesses have experienced this uncooperative weather and have needed to adapt when and if cancellations started to come in.

Case in point, for the past six years I have been part of the media staff which covers Mark Martin’s

Ice Fishing Schools. The first of the three schools begins with Houghton Lake in early January of each year. In 2023 the school was cancelled due to unsafe ice conditions. Unfortunately, 2024 brought with it the same weather pattern. The lakes were once again unsafe (at this writing) to venture out on during this time frame.

I visited the Lakes area on January 4-5 of this year to see how businesses and residents were coping with yet another hit to the local economy. Many of these establishments, and a few local individuals responded to my questions with the following reasoning. “Indeed, the businesses that cater to the school attendees and staff will feel the brunt of this cancellation. Yet it isn’t just the lack of ice. With so little snow many of the resorts, motels, vacation rentals will also feel the crunch due to no snowmobiling as yet. BUT we have no control over Mother Nature.

Fishing on the Ausable. When there is no ice fishing available, try area streams or rivers.

However, we can’t just sit here and die.”

Even though there wasn’t any hint of snow on my visit. It will forthcoming and the ice will be solid soon with forecasted low temperatures at night. But keep in

▪ See HOUGHTON LAKE on page 18

Officer Emily Pelleram supplying an Easter Ham for Rosco County resident.

What do you get when you cross a rabbit with shellfish?

An oyster bunny!

Knock, knock!

Who's there?

Wendy.

Wendy who?

Wendy Easter egg hunt gonna start?

When our students began raising donations for Child Abuse Prevention Week, the school administration did its part by setting up a collection box outside the principal's office and displaying a banner by the front door of the lobby. It read "Please give $1 to help stop child abuse in the front office."

Why couldn’t the little flower ride a bike?

It didn’t have any petals.

Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with a slow Internet connection to see who they really are.

Support our local businesses!

I’m a dog trainer. Before I met with a new client, I had her fill out a questionnaire. One question asked, “Why did you choose this breed?” My client responded, “I often ask myself this very same question.”

Joe plants a tree

Home Country

By Slim Randles

When old Joe Gilliam began digging that hold in his front yard, out there close to the street, neighbors watched and wondered. When he got his grandson to help him carry the shade tree sapling from his pickup to the hole, people nodded.

Mystery solved. Old Joe’s planting a tree.

After removing the root mass

from the five-gallon pot, the grandson disappeared, and Old Joe was left to care for the baby tree. He carefully spread the tiny feeder roots out and tucked them in with soil. Then he packed more dirt around the tree’s base and soaked it well with the hose.

No one else saw anything odd in Joe planting that tree, either, but Joe’s been retired now going on 20 years. He’s old and getting more frail each year. By the time that sapling gets large enough to give homes to squirrels and birds and shade to neighbors and a resting place for dogs, Joe will have been long gone.

Planting a tree is an affirmation of faith in the future. It is a gift to those yet unborn. It is a legacy of goodness, an old man’s prayer.

ST. PATTY’S CRAFT SHOW

– The Houghton Lake Historical Playhouse held a St. Patrick’s Day

Craft Show on May 16. Turnout for the event was solid, with multiple vendors participating in the event.

Wicked Jeeps spring cleanup

ST. HELEN- This year, Earth Day falls on Monday, April 22. There will be a spring cleanup in St Helen on April 19-20. Come out for one day or both if you can!

During this annual event, you will have the chance to go into the trail systems and forest roads and remove trash that has been left behind or dumped in our beautiful woods. This has always been a fun event and a good way to get out an into the trails if you are not familiar with the area, while cleaning up the forest

This event is open to all 4x4 clubs/groups. It takes all of us to come together to make an event like

this a success spread the word and invite others to join!

Friday and Saturday's drivers meeting will be held at the Iron Mustang’s Motorcycle Club. Please arrive by 9 a.m. so you can get checked in. The driver’s meeting will be at 10 a.m. to go over the details.

Iron Mustangs is located at 8045 E West Branch Rd, St Helen.

The Michigan DNR and AdoptA-Forest are in support of the event again this year and well at the St. Helen Snow Packers. They will have the dumpster drop off location on their property at 520 N St Helen Rd, St Helen.

Above: Mark Schmidt of St. Helen operates Wood Crafts.

Below: Jackie Moore of Roscommon shows off a bird feeder she purchased from Mark Schmidt of St. Helen.

Jessica Harfield of Roscommon operate “Essential elements.”

Roger Apps, 53, Roscommon, passed Feb 19

Florence J. Keeler, 84, Roscommon, passed Feb 20

Peggy Ann Flynn, 84, West Branch, passed Feb 19

John LaFountain, 64, West Branch, passed Feb 20

Roxanne Benjamin, 77, West Branch, passed Feb 20

Kurt Mullas, 63, West Branch, passed Feb 22

Karle Boddy, 83, West Branch, passed Feb 21

William H. Ross, 82, Oscoda, passed Feb 19

Diane G. Brill, 76, East Tawas, passed Feb 21

Robert J. Sikorski, 91, Grayling, passed Feb 20

Marilyn Dennis, 88, Fairview, passed Feb 20

Priscilla Boyd-Thompson, 83, Roscommon, passed Feb 24

Kathy (Mier) Clark, 69, West Branch, passed Feb 22

Catherine O. Crawford, 84, East Tawas formerly Livonia, passed Feb 21

Daniel D. Rousseau, 63, Oscoda, passed Feb 22

Ruth N. Updike, 95, Oscoda, passed Feb 23

Gerry C. Wheaton, 82, Sand Lake, passed Feb 24

Gregory G. Nelson, 69, Grayling, passed Feb 23

Patricia Moyer, 88, West Branch, passed Feb 26

John Castle Jr., 66, West Branch, passed Feb 27

Richard "Dick" Hoemke, 80, Oscoda, passed Feb 28

Elanor Johnson, 69, Omer, passed Feb 26

Doreen Anne Baxmann, 71, Fairview, passed Feb 24

Sally Haven Weaver, 85, Frederic, passed Feb 26

William "Bill" Tompkins, 93, Grayling, passed Feb 27

Angela Burrill, 61, St. Helen formerly West Branch, passed Feb 29

Shirley E. Savercool, 87, Roscommon, passed Feb 27

Betty Jean (Kangas) Erickson, 89, Whittemore, passed Feb 28

Joan Elida Kaiser, 94, Frederic, passed Feb 27

Geneva Hodges, 83, Roscommon, passed Feb 29

Cordell “Corky” Carpenter, 29, Roscommon, passed Feb 19

Michael Jameson, 36, West Branch, passed Mar 1

Alta McPherson, 98, West Branch, passed Mar 2

Connie Sue Oliver, 68, West Branch, passed Mar 2

Kris Alan Hofacer, 65, Oscoda, passed Mar 1

Velma Anderson, 89, Tawas City, passed Mar 4

Karen Ervin, 81, Standish, passed Mar 3

Helen Jarrell, 89, Mio, passed Mar 2

Mandy Olse (Jonas), 42, West Branch, passed Mar 1

May Elizabeth Hobart, 100, Tawas City, passed Mar 4

Owen “Obie” Teel, 95, Oscoda, passed Mar 5

Paul A. Rochon, 57, Roscommon, passed Mar 9

Gary McDonald, 72, Tawas City, passed Mar 9

Shirley “Cheech” Light, 77, Oscoda, passed Mar 9

Judith A. Utpadel, 73, Whittemore, passed Mar 9

Holly A. Cabay, 45, Standish, passed Mar 6

David L. Kurtz, 74, Grayling formerly Fenton, passed Mar 9

Norma J. LaMoria, 72, Rose City, passed Mar 8

Marsha C. DeAugustine, 76, West Branch, passed Mar 11

Sandra L. Lange, 87, Hale, passed Mar 12

James H. Popejoy, 87, Hale, passed Mar 14

Corrina (Anderson) VanBeest, 54, Mio, passed Mar 14

Gale E. Minard, 84, Lovells, passed Mar 11

Mark R. Potvin, 64, Grayling, passed Mar 12

Joel T. Hogan, 37, Grayling, passed Mar 11

Douglas A. Zimmerman, 55, St. Helen, passed Mar 15

Donald J. Burrill, 63, St. Helen, passed Mar 18

Floyd A. Menzies, 82, Prudenville passed Mar 14

Leonard “Al” Forro, 82, Twining, passed Mar 5

Carolyn Cunningham, 84, Standish, passed Mar 4

John R Ockerman, 64, Grayling, passed Mar 2

Madron “May” L. Evans, 91, West Branch, passed Mar 5

Doris M. Hyde, 91, West Branch, passed Mar 6

Michael "Mickey" Hess, 77, Houghton Lake, passed Mar 5

Richard A. Winship, 85, Houghton Lake, passed Mar 15

Jesse R. Diaz, 84, West Branch, passed Mar 16

James H. Popejoy, 87, Hale, passed Mar 14

Wayne “Butch” Miller, 70, Hale, passed Mar 14

Geraldine M. Rashotte, 84, AuGres, passed Mar 16

Grabstanowicz of South Branch and Mark Radisovich to its team.

Paul will be working with customers in the Hale, Rose City and West Branch communities.

He has been involved with numerous community activities over the years including the South Branch Fire Department, Captain of the Iosco County Sheriff’ Posse, Alcona County Park Board and pastor at Chappel in the Pines Church in South Branch.

Mio. Mark can be reached at mark@ upnorthvoice.com.

Up North Voice Publisher Mark Constance said the duo will make a great addition to the Voice.

“Paul and Mark are good fits for us,” Constance said. “They’re involved in their communities, and that fits into our mantra of creating a positive news experience that focuses on local people and businesses of Northeast Michigan.

UpNorthVoice com

We’re pleased they decided to join us.”

“I love this area. It is so down to earth, and people are so personable. It has a big-town atmosphere but small-town attitude,” Paul said.

Paul can be reached at paul@ upnorthvoice.com.

Mark will primarily be covering the Mio, Fairview, Atlanta and Luzerne communities. He and his wife, Kim, own Radisovich Farms in

Up North Voice and UpNorthVoice.com are divisions of AuSable Media Group. AuSable Media is also the area’s premier design company, and focuses on high end commercial printing projects such as magazines, brochures and rack cards. The company also handles production of clothing, hats, buttons and other promotional items.

For information on printing email mconstance@upnorthvoice.com.

Moms vs. Sons dodgeball fundraiser

ROSCOMMON- The Roscommon High School Project Graduation hosted a “Mom vs. Son” Dodgeball event with a ‘beach party’ theme on Friday, March 15.

Kindergarten through fourth grade boys from Roscommon Elementary had a chance to take on their moms with a friendly, yet competitive dodgeball game. The boys started out strong against their moms, but

the moms ended up pulling out a few more wins than their sons.

The kids were also able to play some extra competitive games that ended in minimal injuries and a whole lot of laughs!

All proceeds of this memorable and unique family event went to help fund the Roscommon High School Senior Class.

Need a hand caring for your family?

MIO - Region 9 Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is hosting a free Caregiver Empowerment and Wellness Conference on Friday, April 19 at the Mio Baptist Church, located at 357 South Mt. Tom Road in Mio from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The conference is a day-long

event designed to give caregivers helpful information and rest from the stress of caregiving. Whether you are a family caregiver, professional caregiver, or volunteer working with older adults, Region 9 AAA encourages you, your friends, and family to attend this free conference.

Reasons to attend this year’s Caregiver Empowerment and Wellness Conference:

Useful tips and information you can take home.

Learn new ways to engage individuals with dementia.

Connect with other caregivers.

To be better prepared to provide care and handle challenging situations.

Gain new perspectives on your caregiving journey.

Learn techniques that will help reduce your stress levels.

There will be an array of vendors who offer supportive services.

Useful giveaway items.

For information call 989-358-460 or visit www.nemcsa.org/seniorservices.

Right: RES Second Graders (l-r) Cash Noragon, Lynkin Darsow, Bentley Krause, and Leland Elkins.

Below: Roscommon Elementary students preparing for the Wheelbarrow Race at the Moms vs. Sons Dodgeball Fundraiser.

Mushroom season is here!

Toad's Stool

By Warren "Toad" Stutesman

REGION- Mushroom season is once again upon us and here in northern Michigan that means Morchella. Morchella is commonly known as Morel and there are four true morels listed on the Michigan DNR web site. The cap is attached to the stalk at the base of the cap.

White Morel (Morchella Americana) known as white or gray morels fruits later in May and is found in hardwoods, old orchards, burned over meadows and sometimes around White Pines.

Black Morel (Morchella Angusticeps) Its color varies from gray to black and is found from early to mid-May around ash, aspen, cherry and under pines. They usually peak when the Service Berry is in bloom. The cap is attached to the stalk at the base of the cap.

This mushroom has been known to cause stomach upset when not properly cooked or when eaten with alcoholic drinks.

Half Free Morel (Morchella Punctipes) known as the half free morel because the cap is detached from the stalk about halfway down making a skirt. Likes to grow in rich humus oak, hickory, beech, and maple woods.

Care needs to be taken not to confuse this mushroom with “Verpa bohemica” which has a free hanging cap and has been known to cause poisoning. Symptoms may include

Houghton Lake

Continued from page 13

mind there are literally miles and miles of trails to hike, snowshoe, snowmobile and trail ride. Even though one source of recreation might not be available at the time there are so many other options to explore in the Houghton Lake area.

Houghton Lake, indeed all of Roscommon County has a rich and storied past from a lumberjack town to a resort community who welcomes visitors with a wide array of outside activities.

This community has shown their resiliency, adaptability and their willingness to embrace those who come to visit.

Theresa Ekdom, Executive Director of the Houghton

gastrointestinal upset and lack of muscular coordination.

Burn Site Morel (Morchella Exuberans) Sometimes appears in coniferous forests the year after a fire. The hollow caps are cone shaped to round and the ridges are dark brown to black.

There are literally hundreds of fungi to be found in Michigan and many are very easy to identify. There are many more edible than not but the ones that are non-edible can kill you at the worst and others that will make you wish you were dead. I know that sounds a bit dark and scary, but I want you to remember that foraging while having great fun, can have serious complications. There are no mushrooms worth your life.

Good mushrooming can be had year around but the best time is May through November. Following is a list of some of my favorites. Morels, Pheasant Back, Chicken of the Woods, Hen of the Woods, Black Trumpets, Chanterelles, Oysters, and Shaggy Manes.

A word of caution here is that you should only eat what you have completely identified as safe. Use at least two different sources of identification and I recommend using four. Never eat it just because that's what my grandpa did. Learn your mushroom anatomy and try not to use local names as they can become confused with the wrong species.

Remember that foraging mushrooms on public land is for personal use only and they are not to be sold. Also please only take what you will use.

So, pack a lunch and load the kids and wife in the car and have a wonderful day afield looking for a sustainable and tasty treat.

Lake Area Tourism Bureau stated, “The weather doesn’t always cooperate when you have a trip planned, so you need to be able to adapt. For instance, if you’ve planned an ice fishing trip a while ago, but there’s no ice on the lake, try fishing from shore. You may have to change the bait you planned on using, and or the species you are trying to catch, but it still gives you a chance to be outdoors. To me, that’s all a part of fishing-enjoying the outdoors and the people I’m fishing with.’

In other words, Plans B and C are sometimes as useful and fun as Plan A.

For more information call 800676-5330 or www.visithoughtonlake. com

Spring is here! Or is it?

By Suzanne Barker, Director of the Oscoda County Council on Aging.

Hello April! I want to say hooray for spring. However, just as some of the winter felt like spring and even a summer like day here and there, the beginning of spring is feeling more like winter. There is just no predicting Michigan or Mother Nature.

Whatever the weather brings, we need to remember that April and spring can also bring some strong wind and rain, which can also bring power outages. Remember to check your supplies to make sure you have batteries for flashlights or some candles that can be carefully used if needed.

Even though temperatures are usually a little warmer than in winter, you still need to keep easy access to extra blankets, bottled water, and some shelf foods available just in case. Being prepared does help to make the storms a little easier on us.

The food pickups happening

this month are the GGGP (cheese box) which will be on Tues., April 16, from 10- 11 a.m. The Together We Can food pantry box will be the following week on Thurs., April 25, from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. They ask that you bring ID to show you live in the county and a banana box if you have one. If the food runs out, they will be gone before 2:30. Both boxes can be picked up at the Fairgrounds.

The Council’s Board meeting will be on Mon., April 8, at 1 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. There will be no congregate meal (dine-in) on April 9. The kitchen staff will be at a food show all day. Meals on Wheels will go out that morning.

There is a Caregiver Empowerment and Wellness Conference on April 19 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Mio Baptist Church. This is for caregivers of all types including guardians, professionals, and direct care staff, whether caring for someone with dementia or a chronic illness to attend.

To register contact 989-358-4616.

April’s Pink Moon will be beautifully shining on April 23. Hope you get to see it!

There is always at least one thing to be grateful for daily. Have a terrific month and keep smiling!

ROBOTICS FINALISTS – The Grayling High School Robotics team finished second at the state finals March 23 at Grand Valley State University. Pictured (front, l-r) are the drive team of Joseph Mikalko, Tanner Potts, Patrick Hayden, Del Patterson; (second row standing) Evann Brado, Quinn Brado, Abigail Dowland, Taylor Roberts, Mentor Samantha Brado; (third row) Mentor Mr. Ray, Julianna Market, Gavin Daniel-Bergman, Mr. MILLER, Nolan Daniel -Bergman, Annie Stabinski (Mentor) Janet McBride (Mentor), Rick McBride (Mentor). - Photo courtesy of Chad Patterson

surprises.

Supervisor Dave Udy formally announced his resignation as township supervisor after seven years in office. The board voted to appoint Brian Hill to fill out his term. The transition is effective March 30.

Due to Hill’s retirement, there has been a change in the hierarchy in the department: Eric Muszynski was named chief; Norm LaBonte was appointed lieutenant; and John Wybraniec was appointed as sergeant of the road patrol.

Hill was honored at the meeting by several representatives of the Northern Michigan Chief’s Association. Attending the event were Harbor Springs Police Chief Kyle Knight, Newaygo Police Chief Georgia Andres, and Mackinaw City Police Chief Todd Woods.

Higgins Lake Sunrise Run

HIGGINS LAKE- Lace up your running shoes and get ready for the breathtaking views at the 14th Annual Higgins Lake Sunrise Run on June 15! Join the memorable morning as participants race towards a brighter future. Register now at nmcac4kids.org and be a part of something special. Every step counts in supporting the incredible work of the NMCAC. See you at the starting line!

Calling All Writers!

The Up North Voice is looking for freelance writers. If you have interest in local events, interviews with community members, and have a passion for writing, we want to talk to you! Please email alicia@upnorthvoice.com for more information.

PREDATOR ROUND-UP IN

LUZERNE- The Luzerne Predator Round-Up event took place Feb. 26 and was a huge success. Over 100 hunters participated in the event with a record harvest of 65. Pictured (l-r) Tyler, Elizabeth, and Brian Layman from Fairview. They took 4 coyotes that day.

Melissa Lutz (right) from West Branch was the only woman that participated in the event and got herself a fox during the hunt!

- Photos by Sarah Novak

MIO BANK - The building that used to be the Union State Bank in Mio was built around 1908. This building served as a bank until the Great Depression hit the country and had closed like so many other banking institutions. Later the building was used as a restaurant many times over. Occupants included Iron's Restaurant, Brown's

Restaurant, Killian's Kitchen, The Bell Ringer, The Homestead Restaurant, Parkway II and K C Corner. For the last 15 or so years the building has served as the Oscoda County Chamber of Commerce building. This building is one of the oldest still standing in Mio.

- Photo courtesy of Cody Rossen

The legacy impact

Senior presence in our communities

By Nicole Mygrants

NORTHEAST MICHIGAN

- It would be difficult to find a community in Northern Michigan that isn’t impacted by the work of its senior population.

nd one of the organizations spearheading the coordination of those efforts is the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA).

NEMCSA Volunteer Coordinator Amy Cook Otto leads the charge of managing the group of over 300 volunteers aged 55 and over.

In the last six months of seniors volunteering in roles with elementary schools, at food pantries, senior centers and hospitals, animal shelters, as well as serving at any of the 85 stations Amy coordinates for, there has been over 40,000 hours of service clocked in.

Otto oversees the communication between community service agencies such as DHHS and the Area Agency on Aging, along with a score of organizations that serve those from the very young to the very old.

One of those organizations is RSVP, started by the government in

the 1970’s to encourage seniors 55+ to stay involved in their communities and to give back with the skills that they have learned in a lifetime.

“If a volunteer has a skill of any kind, we can find a way to use it. Some seniors teach fitness classes like Tai chi or yoga, some work on office tasks for organizations with that kind of need. Some are outside with 4H or environmental groups or may work with veterans.”

Otto said volunteering keeps people from feeling isolated, improves mental health for both those giving and receiving.

Amy matches skills, time availability, and organizational needs with volunteers and only asks each month that a volunteer turns in a timesheet for their hours given, which helps Cook Otto apply for future funding for the program.

For those under 55, Amy coordinates for a program called Shine Bright open to any age; that helps with special events, community clean ups, and homeless programs as well as other opportunities to serve.

“It fosters wellbeing, and allows seniors to meet new people and learn new skills themselves. So many great friendships are formed, and the way we structure volunteering is so flexible that it can work for anyone who is willing,” she added.

“We have some seniors who serve at multiple stations, some come one day a week or month, some serve more often. We work with seniors who may need a medical leave from volunteering, or who go south for winter, honoring the needs of those who give their time. The flexibility keeps things fun, and it never gets boring” says Cook Otto.

The mission of NEMCSA is to work to enhance the quality of life for people by empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

There is a quiet and strong group of people that give their time and skills to make that mission a reality. They add depth and richness to the places where they share their skills, those around them are directly and immediately impacted.

You might consider this an invitation to join them and enjoy the benefits of the community they create and being part of the life-giving services, they provide for so many around us each day.

For info email Otto at ottoa@ nemcsa.org.

NEMSCA volunteer Mary Staffeld helping with food distribution.

Spring into fun at the Gahagan Nature Preserve

By Kalsa Parker

Browning, Education DirectorMarguerite Gahagan

Nature Preserve

Fairy houses will be decorated with a spring-theme in mind, and then will be placed on the trails for the public to enjoy.

ROSCOMMON- Join us at the Gahagan Nature Preserve for one of our many events this spring!

Check out our website at www. gahagannature.org/calendar for a full list.

We are excited to host another seasonal “fairy” themed event on May 2. Spring Fairy Houses will

Please RSVP ahead of time on our website: www.gahagannature. org/calendar or leave a message for us at 989-275-3217, or info@ gahagannature.org.

This event is free of charge, but donations are welcomed to help us cover the cost of supplies.

Sam, Auggie, and Shay Jobson work on decorating fall-themed Fairy Houses.

Karen Leslie and Sarah Sly pose with their Fairy House at last fall’s event.