September 10, 2024

Inside this issue:

• Humane Society making a long-held dream a reality
• Library prepares for demolition of "Red Building"
• Interlochen Public Radio interviews Boyne Citizen
• County political parties gear up for election 
• Concord Academy offers its first free preschool
• Everyone pitches in on Concord's free lunch program
• Boyne River history program is Wednesday
• Thanks to MORE donors who helped get us started!
• Music and entertainment listings

harborbrenn.com | 231-347-8113

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Greetings!

Welcome to our second issue! I’m pleased to say that the reception to our first issue was encouraging. (Read it here if you missed it.) We thought people would be happy we were starting a new nonprofit local news source, but the response has been overwhelming. We’ve gone from zero to nearly 700 subscribers in two weeks. We have our first two ads in this issue and another already reserved for next week. We were interviewed by Interlochen Public Radio (story and link below). Our subscriptions are free, but the most amazing thing is that we received more than 30 donations before we even published. And then we received 45 more after our first issue came out a week ago. 

One more time, we will ask for your help:

• Subscribe for free  and ask your friends to do it too.
• Consider making a donation. Any amount helps.
• If you’re a business, run an ad - details here.
• Follow us on Facebook and make a comment.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to email me at jim@boynecitizen.com with story suggestions and your thoughts about the new Boyne Citizen. We’d also like to hear from writers and editors who would like to become involved.

Jim Baumann, Editor

CAHS Director Scott MacKenzie shows off some surgical tools and oxygen apparatus in the surgical suite.

Humane Society is on the cusp of making a long-held dream a reality

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

A surgical suite staffed by two volunteer veterinarians and a new HVAC and air filtration system have been goals of the Charlevoix Area Humane Society (CAHS) boards for more than a decade. Finally, in Executive Director Scott MacKenzie's 11th year, these dreams are almost ready to come to fruition.

The new HVAC system will cut down on respiratory illnesses for both animals and humans, according to MacKenzie. It will separate the air in five different areas of the building, so that airborne germs don't migrate from one section to another. There will be two different dog areas and two different cat areas, as well as a human area. For example, this will allow the staff to isolate sick animals without having to close down the entire cat room from adoptions. The new HVAC system will also bring a significant heating upgrade to the “lean-tos,” an outer row of kennels. 

"Before, the lean-tos had some heat, but it was from the ceiling, so it wasn't efficient or adequate," MacKenzie said. 



Most of the duct work is in, and the system is waiting for final hookups to be operational. 

The new HVAC & air filtration system.

The building has two different medical areas. Through an agreement with IDEXX Laboratories, CAHS has the ability to do their own blood testing and urinalyses on site while working directly with the IDEXX lab. This can save up to $100 per blood test.

Staff members are certified to administer all their own vaccines and euthanasia meds, except for rabies, which must be done by a veterinarian.

By doing the work themselves, CAHS has been able to save on medical costs. New cabinetry was installed in both areas.

The cabinetry was done with help from Wright Building and Design of Boyne City and Preston Feather Building and Design Centers of Petoskey. The HVAC system was installed by Top Notch Heating and Cooling of Mancelona.

Once the surgical suite opens up, MacKenzie envisions even more savings to the organization for spay and neuter services. One of the veterinarians interested in helping wants to focus on the cat catch and release program, where feral cat colonies are trapped, spayed or neutered and then released back to their colonies. The other veterinarian would help doing spaying and neutering of shelter animals. Right now, there are no plans to open the spaying and neutering to the public, until they see what volunteer time will allow.

MacKenzie did not want to share the names of the veterinarians at this time, but both are retirees who have recently moved to the area from large downstate practices. They are both focused on surgery. "So now we have the surgery piece in place, but we need the veterinary technician who will do pre and post care of the animals," MacKenzie said. We are trying to figure out how to attract the right fit for the job, as there is a shortage of vet techs and the going salary rates are higher than we can afford."

"We could hire someone starting out full-time, who might want to take on kennel management duties in addition to part-time vet tech duties," but the salary even then wouldn't be competitive," he mused. "After the program was in place for a while, we could see the savings we garnered from in-house spay and neuter and put that toward a salary raise, but we don't have the money upfront to guarantee a candidate. The combination of kennel manager and vet tech would be a good resume-builder for someone starting out."

The other possibility would be similar to the volunteer veterinarians, someone who retired and moved up here and only wanted to work a few days, feeling philanthropic and civic-minded enough to work for a low salary. For now, area vet techs have been helping out by training the current staff.

"So, we kind of have the cart before the horse," MacKenzie said. "We have surgeons willing to volunteer and a place to do the surgery, but we don't have adequate support staff to start the program."

It has been a long fund-raising journey for the organization to put together the $220,000 necessary to fund the HVAC and air filtration system, plus another $50,000 for the surgical room design and equipment. 

"We have been saving money for a long time. When I started, we were really pleased if we made two or three thousand dollars on a fundraiser, " MacKenzie said. "But we have gotten smarter and joined partnerships with other groups and qualified for grants, so each year we have been able to raise more money, little by little. For example, some private groups raise funds on our behalf and give us the proceeds to support our mission. One of our main fundraisers, Dining for Paws, brought in $42,000 last year." 

The Humane Society has been able to put together four or five foundation grants toward the projects. This was made possible because CAHS now owns their building. When MacKenzie took over as executive director, the building was owned by Charlevoix County. A requirement to apply for significant building infrastructure improvement grants was that the organization had to own its building. 

"After a great deal of negotiation to create a win/win for the shelter and the county, an agreement was made to pay off the debt owed to the county and transfer ownership of the building. This transfer allowed the shelter board to make decisions to improve the facility to become a more effective, efficient and professional organization," MacKenzie said. Among other grants, CAHS received a U.S. Department of Agriculture Infrastructure grant and a grant from the Bissell Foundation to make the improvements possible.

The board has started the Home Again Upscale Retail store at 118 Water Street in downtown Boyne City. "We try to sell things that don't compete with area thrift stores or other downtown merchants. We sell designer clothes, furniture, art, antiques, collectibles, home accessories, jewelry, vinyl records, books, and sometimes brand new stuff, still in the boxes. Because everything is donated, items are priced half to two-thirds of their market value, so everyone gets a great deal while supporting a great cause," MacKenzie said. The store is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and staffed by one paid person, and the rest are volunteers. 

Another major fundraiser is the Annual Big Ticket Raffle. A $50 raffle ticket buys a chance to win six nights in Hawaii, including round-trip airfare for two and luxurious accommodations. The winner can also choose $10,000 cash. Second and third places win $1,000 and $500, respectively. Ticket sales are limited to 1,000 total for the drawing, which will be Dec. 27th.

MacKenzie calls Bingo at Lake Street Pub in Boyne City on Mondays and monthly at Town House Bar in Charlevoix. Both donate $150 to the CAHS for each Bingo session. Spare Key Winery in Bayshore hosted a 5K run to support the Humane Society. 

There are many individuals who make annual donations as well as those who support the mission by including the CAHS in their estate planning and wills. 

The CAHS mission is "to practice and promote the principle that every life is precious. As such, we are committed to the highest principles of humane care and professional treatment of injured, ill, neglected or abused animals."

"We are always on the lookout for partnerships and new ways to earn money," MacKenzie said, "We are very grateful for not only the financial support but also the 75-plus volunteers who help us socialize animals, walk the dogs, foster animals, etc. It is so heart-warming to see even small children come in who decided that for their birthdays, they want presents for the animals at CAHS. They come in with their monetary donations, food and treats for the animals."

> To learn more about the Charlevoix Area Humane Society or make a donation, visit their website.

CAHS Medical liaison Megan Stowe is checking the IDEXX, a machine used for running blood samples and urinalyses.

prestonfeather.com | 231-347-2501

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Century old Red Building is no longer safe; Demolition begins Monday.

Library prepares for demolition of "Red Building"

The Boyne District Library is set to demolish the "Red Building," located at 214 Ray Street, bringing an end to an era for the historic structure that has served various community purposes for more than a century. The demolition is scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 16, and will be carried out by Harbor Springs Excavating. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

The library has owned the property since 2011, and over the years, the building has been used for numerous community events, including hosting the indoor Farmers Market, the Fire Department’s haunted house, and, most recently, serving as the home for the bookmobile. However, following an accident in the fall of 2023 that rendered the building largely unusable, the library board reevaluated its future.

After careful deliberation and consideration of the building's condition, the Boyne District Library Board has decided, in the interest of public safety, to move forward with its demolition. While the space will no longer include the Red Building, the library has exciting plans for the vacant lot. Rather than selling the property, the library plans to seed the area and transform it into an attractive green space, with the long-term goal of potentially trading it to the city for a future library expansion.

Library Director Monica Peck commented, “This space has been a part of our community for years, but with its current condition, we felt this was the best course of action. We’re excited to turn it into a green space for the time being and look forward to what the future holds.”

During the demolition period, patrons are advised to exercise caution when parking in the library's lot. The book drop will remain open throughout the process, but parking may be temporarily affected.

For more information or updates on the project, contact the Boyne District Library at 231-582-7861 or visit www.boynelibrary.org.

As local media disappears, 'Boyne Citizen' returns under nonprofit model

Interlochen Public Radio reporter Michael Livingstone, center, interviews Boyne Citizen Editor Jim Baumann and board member Michelle Cortright on the sidewalk in front of Lake Charlevoix Coffee. Click here for IPR’s story about the new online news source.

County political parties gear up for election 

The Charlevoix County Republican and Democratic parties are starting to rev up their activities with the Presidential and General Election less than two months away. 

The Charlevoix County Republicans are planning their Fall Picnic with “food, candidates and family fun” from 12 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22nd at the Veterans Park Pavilion in Boyne City. Admission is $25, and you can make a reservation by emailing CharlevoixCountyGOP@gmail.com. County GOP Headquarters is located at 2500 US-131 Boyne Falls. Look for Oscar the Elephant. Picnic flier.

For the first time in history, the Charlevoix County Democratic Party is opening two campaign offices. The Boyne City office is located at 5 W. Main St., Suite 7, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-6 p.m. and Saturday from 1-4 p.m. The Charlevoix office is located at 06777 US 31, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, email democrats.charlevoix@gmail.com or call 231-753-8411. News release.

Wyatt and Beauen Cutshell play with the trucks and wooden treehouse at the Boyne City Early Learners Program Open House.

Concord Academy offers its first free preschool; Boyne City and Boyne Falls programs are growing

For the first time, Concord Academy Boyne joins Boyne City Public Schools and Boyne Falls Public Schools in offering free 4-year-old preschool programs. Concord's program will start "in the next couple of weeks with a maximum of 10 students," said Principal Rebekah Leist.

"There is a need in our community for preschool programs. Daycare is very expensive, so we want to be of service to our community. We also want to stay competitive with other area schools," Leist said. 

There are still three openings in the Concord Boyne preschool program. For more information, call Principal Rebekah Leist at (231) 582-0194 or email rleist@concordboyne.org.

Boyne City Public Schools Early Learners Program started this school year in a newly remodeled facility. For the first time this year, full-time special education teacher Tess Wangeman teaches in a special education/sensory room designed for students with sensory, attention or other special education needs, as well as for students who "just need a break from the regular classroom activities," Program Director Laurel Jewitt said. For example, the room is equipped with a tent for a quiet space, a blow-up canoe that hugs students as they sit in it, as well as an exercise bike, a treadmill and a plastic weights set to accommodate those who need to burn off excess energy with some large motor activity.

"We know that early childhood is such a critical stage of development to set children up for success in school and life. This remodel with the additional space welcomes young children and their families to learn and grow in a space built for their unique needs. We are fortunate to belong to a community and school district that wanted to invest in the youngest of the Rambler family," Jewitt said.

Since 2017, Boyne City's program has grown from about 30 to 134 students. Boyne City's program has the capacity to serve 144 students with five classrooms for the 80 four-year-olds and three classrooms for the 54 three-year-olds currently enrolled. With 24 employees, the Early Learners Program is the largest preschool program in the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District.

"For us, Early Learners is more than just a school. We believe in empowering the entire family. . . Our staff is proud of the culture we have created. It’s a place for children to learn through play and feel safe to explore," Jewitt said.

The program runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday with no charge for four-year-olds and for three-year-olds enrolled in the Strong Beginnings Program. Other three-year-olds pay tuition that depends on the amount of time they spend in the program. On Fridays, limited space is available for tuition-based preschool for both three- and four-year-olds from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program offers options for parents to pay for students who need to be picked up any time from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information visit their website, call Program Director Laurel Jewitt at (231) 439-8178 or email ljewitt@boyne.k12.mi.us.

Boyne Falls Public Schools offers preschool for 36 four-year-old students and has "just a few" openings left, Principal Amanda Loper said. The program also accepts a limited number of three-year-olds. Boyne Falls also offers special education services for preschool children. For more information, visit their website, call Program Director Mitchell Klooster (231) 549-2211, ext. 30058 or email mklooster@boynefalls.org.

Lunchroom supervisor Dan Marr dishes up fresh vegetables for student lunches.

Everyone pitches in to help in Concord Academy Boyne's free lunch program

When lunchtime rolls around at Concord Academy Boyne "everyone pitches in," said Principal Rebekah Leist. Concord Academy Boyne serves both breakfast and lunch daily for their students. Lunchroom supervisor Dan Marr does most of the food preparation. Leist and other staff help with both preparing and serving the food. Gordon Foods in Petoskey sources the food.

The food program, a new preschool program, a third bus route, and an enhanced technology program represent improvements that Concord Academy Boyne has made this year and last year, in order to attract more students and be of more service to the community. 

About four years ago, the school's enrollment dropped as low as 80 students, so the board decided to enhance services. They added two bus routes that serve about 40 students. Now, three routes provide transportation for 80 of Concord's 125 students. The school serves students from as far away as Gaylord, Vanderbilt, Kalkaska and Cheboygan.

The preschool program is new this year and is intended to help students "play, socialize and adapt to school," Leist said. (See related story.)

The technology program has been revamped with new equipment in their Information Gaming and Technology lab. The school's Career and Technical Education Program teaches students the legal aspects of technology use, coding and basic programming. "It is a good basic program that focuses on showing students what future technical careers they might pursue," Leist said.

Concord's enhanced computer lab where students explore future technology careers.

Early pioneers rerouted the river’s original path to better suit their needs.

McCleary to present Boyne River history program

Long-time local historian, genealogist and archivist Patrick McCleary will present “Healing Waters - A History Of The Boyne River,” sponsored by the Friends of the Boyne River in the Commission Chambers of Boyne City Hall at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11th. McCleary, board president of the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society, will draw references from his own studies as well as original photographs from his and others’ collections that might otherwise not be seen by the general public. This presentation is free to anyone with an interest in our “remarkable Boyne River,” and all are encouraged to attend.

The Boyne River was named for Ireland’s River Boyne. Today it is known for its beauty, its wildlife, and the fantastic fishing opportunities it offers anglers of all ages. There are, however, other notable details about the river that some may not be aware of. Through the use of early photographs and historic detail, we will take a look back at how early pioneers put the river to practical use, harnessed the energy that the falls provided, and even rerouted the river’s original path to better suit their needs.

> Note: Patrick McCleary will be a regular contributor to future issues of the Boyne Citizen with historic photos and a column called “Through the Historian’s Lens.” Anyone with additional information or inquiries about other local history topics can contact Patrick by email - throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com.

Boyne Area News Briefs

BOUYED BOYNE - Lakeland Boating magazine is out with a major feature story on Boyne City: “The waterfront community of Boyne City boasts the best of all worlds as a tourism destination, a quaint award-winning business district complete with preserved historic structures, along with miles of shoreline along Lake Charlevoix, one of Michigan’s top-rated inland lakes.” Full story and pictures.

PROUD GRANDPARENTS Doug and Sharyn Bean were excited to see Chloe Bean, 25, interviewed on Good Morning America’s third hour on Tuesday. She discussed Alopecia Awareness Month and her journey with alopecia. “She’s super honored to be speaking on her journey,” Doug said. “She was first diagnosed with Alopecia at the age of 8 and is completely bald. Being that young and going through her life with this condition has made her very strong and determined. She has been a big supporter of others with Alopecia since she was diagnosed - building her own wig and eyebrow company, BaldieBean.com. Watch the episode. 

FOX’S PIZZA DEN has announced they are coming to Boyne City in October in the 104 Water Street location formerly occupied by Boppi’s Pizza. Website.

YOGA IN THE SKY EXPANDS - Due to popular demand, Boyne Mountain Resort has expanded its Yoga in the Sky experience, now available through October 6. This elevated wellness offering takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., inviting guests to enjoy breathtaking views and a serene yoga session on SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge.

BRINGING BACK LAKE STURGEON - The Grand Traverse Band Is working to bring lake sturgeon back to the Boardman-Ottaway River. Story from the Traverse City Ticker.

ECON DEVELOPMENT - The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance is offering two-hour economic development training sessions, including one in Boyne City from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, September 27th. Info and registration.

DIVORCE CARE - Group leader Daryl Michael invites anyone who would like to participate in the next 13-week DivorceCare group to share this invitation. The fall group meets on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Participants are welcome to begin participating at any time during the group's cycle. Click here for details and registration for this hybrid group that meets in person and online.

CITY RUBBISH PICKUP - Collection day is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st. Pick-up will begin at 7a.m. Details and list of permitted items.

Thank you to donors who helped start the Boyne Citizen

The Claudettes ("Roots music meets indie pop and rock.") from Chicago will kick off the fall/winter concert series at Freshwater Art Gallery and Concert Venue on October 11th. Details below.

MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Please email your special events and music information to jamie@boynecitizen.com.

BARREL BACK. 4069 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6000.

> Starting Sept. 16th: a new menu and live music Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with trivia on Thursdays.

BC LANES/THE VENUE BAR & GRILL. 1199 M-75 S, Boyne City,(231) 582-6353

> Open bowling 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 3-10 p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays.

>Live music resumes Saturday, Oct. 26.

BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET. Veterans Park, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City. (231) 582-9009.

> Open Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

> Harvest Festival, Sat., Sept. 28, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., four blocks in downtown Boyne City are closed for the annual event.

> LIVE MUSIC

Wed., Sept 11 - Katherine Ryan 

Sat., Sept 14 - LeJet 

Sat., September 21 - Sydni K

BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM. 220 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4487

> LIVE MUSIC 7-10 p.m.

Thurs., Sept. 12 - Adam and the Cabana Boys

Fri., Sept. 13 - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber

Thurs., Sept.19 - Adam and the Cabana Boys

Fri., Sept. 20 - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber

Thurs., Sept. 26 - Adam and the Cabana Boys

Fri., Sept. 27 - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber

BOYNE MOUNTAIN. 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, 

(855) 688-7024

> Weekly schedule of events and entertainment at all the Boyne Mountain venues.

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARD. 05325 US 131 S, Petoskey (231) 373-2090.

> LIVE MUSIC - Fridays 4-7:30 p.m.; Saturdays 2-6 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 13 - Nelson Olstrom

Sat., Sept. 14 - Chase & Allie

Fri., Sept. 20 - Two Track Mind

Sat. Sept. 21 - TBD

Fri., Sept. 27 - Chris Calleja

Sat., Sept. 28 - Chris Calleja

CAFE SANTE. 1 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-8800

> LIVE MUSIC - 7-10 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Fri., Sept. 13 - Sean Bielby

Sat., Sept. 14 - Blake Elliot

Fri., Sept. 20 - The Fridays

Sat., Sept. 21 - Chris Calleja

Fri., Sept 27 - Brett Mitchell

Sat., Sept 28 - Michelle Chenard

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER. 461 E. Mitchell Street. Petoskey, (231) 347-4337

> LIVE MUSIC

Sun., Sept. 22 - Downtown Sound: Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents the Nancy Stagnitta Jazz Trio, 4-5:30 p.m.

FRESHWATEr Art Gallery and Concert Venue , 217 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2588.

Friday Oct. 11 - The Claudettes from Chicago kick off Freshwater's Fall/Winter concert series.

GREAT LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS. 800 Bay Harbor Dr., Petoskey, (231) 439 -2600

Sun., Sept. 15 - Comedy & Magic. Carbonaro: Lies On Stage

Sun., Sept. 22 - Las Vegas Legend Clint Holmes, Between the Moon and NY City

Sun., Sept. 29 - Award-winning pianist Kasey Shao, 2024 Gilmore Young Artist

Sat., Oct. 5 - Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents: Beethoven's Night. Details and tickets.

JUNCTION BAR AND GRILL. 4472 M-75, Walloon Lake, 

(231) 535-6006.

> Sat., Oct. 5. The Rogue Showman - Juggling with Clark Lewis, 7 p.m. 

LAKE STREET PUB. 202 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6031

> TRIVIA NIGHTS - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

LAVENDER HILL FARM. 7354 Horton Bay Rd. North, Boyne City, (231) 582-3784

> LIVE MUSIC - The Series at 6 p.m.:

Sat., Sept. 14 - Play it Forward with Nathan and Jesse

MUSKRAT DISTILLING.121 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 268-0178.

> KARAOKE - 9 - 11:55 p.m. every Wednesday

> LIVE MUSIC 8-11 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 13 - The Shifties

Fri., Sept. 20 - Kevin Johnson

Fri., Sept. 27 - Blake Elliot

PROVISIONS LOUNGE. 123 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2151.

LIVE MUSIC on Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.:

Sept. 10 - Sean Bielby

Sept. 17 - tbd

Sept. 24 - Sean Bielby

RED MESA GRILL,117 Water St, Boyne City, (231) 582-0049.

LIVE MUSIC on Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.:

Tuesday, Sept. 10 - Evan Archambo

Monday, Sept. 16 - Dave Cisco for 27-year anniversary party

Tuesday, Sept. 17 - Sean Bielby

Tuesday, Sept. 24 - Erik VanHorn

STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN,112 S. Park St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6100

> LIVE MUSIC at 6 p.m.

Thurs., Sept. 12 - Stiggs Food Truck (Trailer) Grand Opening at Elder Piper Beer and Cider in Petoskey 

Fri., Sept. 13 - Sydni K

Sat., Sept. 14 - Crosscut Kings

Fri., Sept. 20 - DJ Blossom

Sat., Sept 21 - Peter Allen Jensen

Fri., Sept. 27 - Grayson Barton

Sat., Sept. 28 - Sept. 28 STIGG-TOBER FEST - Beer Truck, Brewing Competition, Bouncy House / Kids activities, Sydni K Live Music

Wed. Oct. 2 - Open Mic Night Starts, hosted by Nelson Olstrom, 6-9PM

The Boyne Citizen

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-459-4166

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