July 26, 2007
Change your mind on Global Warming?
By James Coleman
Sun contributor
A “mind set” is a short circuit of a powerful human capacity. When I hear someone talk about “tree huggers,” I don’t expect to have a meaningful conversation about whether there is global warming or not. My information is useless to this person whose mind is, as we say, “made up,” or finished thinking and considering.
I run into this “made-upness” when I talk to my children about credit card debt. The discussion is over before it starts, even though, in the end, the rules of compound interest will enforce themselves on these people about whom I care. The mindset that they must participate in America’s binge of debt is too strong for reason, or so it seems. My thesis is that our state of denial about the science of global warming is similar; we are accumulating debt in the form of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The interest is compounding, yet denial is the easiest and most acceptable response for the same reasons that people are reluctant to face up to credit card debt. There’s a whiff of Puritanism and an encouragement of responsibility attached, which, the argument goes, life right now is too stressful to permit.
Let’s try another example of a “mind set.” Everyone experiences or practices the highway problem of following too closely. At a mile a minute or more, the two-tenths of a second reaction time when someone’s brake lights come on in front of you ensures that you will cover 20 feet before you apply your brakes. If you are driving a large heavy vehicle, and the one in front of you is smaller and lighter, there can be a further difference in stopping distance of 40 feet. The result is that the vehicle in front of you can stop 60 feet before you can, with obvious results. Two-tenths of a second is an optimum reaction time. Often, it takes a full second to react, or 88 feet. The math is certain, yet drivers characteristically defy the laws of momentum and physics to save four-tenths of a second.
Only a “mind-set” of NASCAR proportions — “I am Dale Earnhardt reincarnated” — can explain the denial of reality in evidence on our roads, even without factoring in eating, applying make-up, and/or cell phoning. Why risk massive personal injury and property damage to save tenths of a second? A desire to test air bags? Defiance of a “police state?”
In this era of mind-sets and quick dismissal of scientific consensus, as long as someone is willing to tell us what we want to hear, a problem such as a threat to the planet which requires attention to scientific fact and a commitment to policies without an immediate tangible result seems unlikely to be addressed. We won’t do what we need to do, anymore than we will back off on the highway, or stop spending on our cards.
The fate of the planet may seem remote as one enjoys the summer ambience of Leelanau County. Tailgaters and plastic problems have been left behind, and all seems forgiven as one samples a cold one at Art’s, or just plants hot feet into the wet sand. “Look into the pewter pot/ to see the world as the world’s not,” the poet A.E. Housman tells us, “and faith, ‘tis pleasant till ‘tis past:/ the mischief is that ‘twill not last.” I’m not going to close with facts and figures. That won’t change your mind anyway. One fellow said to me, “I’m not going to let Al Gore tell me when to flip the light switch,“ and I believe him. Read Elizabeth Kolbert’s Field Notes from a Catastrophe, and if you don’t feel that we live in threatened beauty, then I’ll expect you in the rearview mirror, defying the laws of physics, which is your right.
Posted by editor at 01:49 AM | Comments (0)
June 28, 2007
Remembering Dick Owen
To the Editor:
Summer is here, but someone is missing. Our dear friend — owner of Tiffany’s ice cream parlor, baker of hot cakes and cookies, leader of Empire Days and whatever else needed to be done, resident curmudgeon, and most generous of spirits underneath that tough shell — Dick (aka Rich) Owen is gone. Dick died last fall after a long struggle with illness, and we miss him.
Dick was the guy who made sure that the [Anchor Day] parade was up-to-snuf and that it went the town around twice. One year he even tried to surprise everyone with a high school marching band, but they’re hard to find in the summer. It was often Dick who made sure that the dance on the beach was well-chaperoned so everyone could enjoy it, and that there was plenty of ice cream at Tiffany’s to last the weekend.
One cold, gray winter, he and his friends founded the Green Flash Society. Dick had the National Geographic Society photo to prove that there was such a thing. Plus the t-shirts for anyone who wanted to believe it, even though they might not have seen it.
He was the one who found an upright piano and offered Tiffany’s as a hang out for the high school crowd in the winter when the nights were long and the weather was too cold for the beach.
And he was the one with the sense of humor that was way ahead of most of us. Remember some of the signs in Tiffany's — “if we’re closed, just shove your money under the door” was among my favorites. Or the one about unaccompanied kids will be sold as slaves.
Dick was very special to our family. My mom and dad started renting at Glen Lake in 1975 (my mom, now in her 80s, still goes to Dunn’s Farm every summer where she plays tennis and finds a golf partner several days a week). Empire was one of my parents’ favorite haunts ¬— the library, the Secret Garden, the Friendly, the town beach and Tiffany’s. Every now and then, my dad would have a milkshake and mom a sugar cone, but mostly they loved Dick’s fresh hot cakes. They got to be such good customers that they would call in the morning, let the phone ring three times and then hang up. Dick then knew to save “two powder, one sugar” until they arrived.
One fall when I was up north from Ann Arbor visiting, I went in to see Dick and mentioned that my dad’s birthday was coming up. He decided that we should Fed-Ex the standing doughnut order to him as a birthday present, and we did! We were so proud of ourselves, and my dad loved the package almost as much as when the Fed-Ex truck pulled up in front of his cottage with an order of See’s candies from San Francisco.
Dick was a character with few equals. Remember the town coffee klatch at Tiffany’s that decided each morning when to turn the CLOSED sign to OPEN? One story goes that the restaurant inspector came one day and asked who owned the coffee cups hanging on the rack behind the counter. Dick said, “Heck if I know.” The cups stayed.
My favorite story about Dick also involves coffee — but not the coffee-pot kind. When my husband and I decided to buy land in Empire and build a house, I told Dick that I couldn’t live there without being able to walk over to Tiffany’s for my latte in the morning. I also told him I thought it would be a great idea for him to offer coffee drinks as part of his menu. He vehemently protested that it would ruin his reputation, and I left it at that. But one fall a note from Dick arrived saying, “Coke machine gone; ball is in your court.” He was ready. It took a while to find a tiffany blue cappucino machine, but a year later in the fall I sent him a note saying, “It’s on its way.” I ordered ground espresso beans from Leelanau Coffee Company, even though the woman asked “What would that old grouch want with espresso beans?”
When I got to Tiffany’s the next summer, there “IT” was with a name plaque of the same. When I asked if I could have a latte, he said, “Sure, if you know how to make one. We had a contest here over the winter to see who could make the best cappucino and Phil (Deering) won, but I’m afraid he’s not here to make one for you since he has a grocery store to run.” So off to Deering’s, my daughter and I went to buy milk, took out the espresso package sitting under the counter, and we spent the afternoon making drinks for ourselves and anyone who happened in. Dick sat at the counter drinking his normal coffee, smoking a cigarette, and smiling more than I ever saw him do before or after. We tried to train his employees, but they never quite got the hang of it, and that was the end of lattes at Tiffany’s, though the machine remained.
We would have done it again, but he died too soon. Too soon for the town, too soon for his friends, too soon for all of us.
I loved that guy, and I hope that someday they’ll bring back the one-pin bowling tournament that he and his friends invented to go down Front Street in the gray of spring after the snow melted. Dick got the idea when he looked out one sodden spring day and said, “This place is so quiet you could roll a bowling bowl all the way down Front Street and no one would notice.” Bringing back the event and naming it for Dick is the least we could do for the guy whose spirit helped make Empire the place we love — and still does.
Kathleen Crispell, via email
Posted by editor at 09:05 AM | Comments (0)
September 15, 2006
Letters to the editor
Last edition's story on the Glen Arbor Boat Ramp issue and whether it should move to Glen Haven in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore prompted quite a few responses among our readers:
Opposes moving boat ramp
We are opposed to the Glen Arbor Township Board's push for their boat ramp relocation to Glen Haven.
Every year the waters of Lake Michigan off the shore of Glen Haven are host to thousands of migrating loons and other waterfowl. Along the shoreline at Glen Haven is an established nesting site of the piping plover, a species identified as endangered on federal and state lists of endangered species. Great blue herons come into the shore area at Glen Haven as well as bald eagles, and there have been sightings of Bonaparte's gulls.
The impact of toxic and noise pollution generated by the increase in traffic on an area of wilderness and aquatic habitat would make the Glen Arbor Township suggested solution to their own problem fundamentally unsound and irresponsible by standards of common sense alone.
To promote a modern-day playground by locating a boat ramp there would in no way emulate the historical importance of Glen Haven. The boat ramp in Glen Arbor is used to launch a myriad of noisy pleasure craft, speedboats, jet skis and private fishing vessels. While the boats are launched, the large towing vehicles with their attached boat trailers are left scattered about at the launch area. To move all of this to Glen Haven would devastate the Park's intent for the area's preservation efforts and the area's scenic beauty.
Glen Haven is a serene place. The Park Service has done much work to restore the historic buildings along the street leading to the shoreline. Many visitors go there to enjoy this quiet and beautiful setting. Let us not disturb the peace.
Sincerely,
Bill Dickinson
Mary Sharry
Empire
Opposes boat launch move
In the Sun's recent article on the Glen Arbor Boat Launch, an advocate for a new launch facility in Glen Haven made the point that Glen Haven would be a good location for launching boats.
It has been noted elsewhere that the National Gallery of Art would be a great place to roller skate. Of course that's not allowed, because the National Gallery is established as a place to look at art — and the two activities are just not compatible.
Glen Haven is a restored historic village; it's on the National Historic Register; it harbors two endangered species; and it contains the remains of the historic Glen Haven Dock, which is a navigational hazard. Unfortunately, a modern boat launch, with jet skis, muscle boats, truck/trailer rigs, and a parking lot, would be a little like a roller derby in a museum.
This is a tough issue with no clear answer. But a Glen Haven Boat Launch just won't work.
Tom Van Zoeren,
Empire
Confused
I always enjoy the stories on your pages, from afar. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. My visits one or two times a year carry me over for the rest of the year. Now, I burn a lot of gas driving up a few times a year, but I also have hiked more trails within 10 miles of Glen Arbor than I ever thought possible. Thank you folks for keeping it free and clear. Don't ever, ever, give this unique place up to commercial interests. Lake Street access has always been our “hike” to see sundowns. Seems like a lot of dedicated boaters and fishermen use it — I've never seen a backup. Tourists might complain once in a while. But, I suspect most of the pressure on the Township comes from folks being influenced by the strange projects y’all have allowed (Le Bear, The Homestead extension on Lake St) — at what cost, and at what benefit to the residents of the area? Years ago there were two gas stations in Glen Arbor, now there are none. The Homestead has more than 300 units for rent, and they are quite full during peak season. The (Sleepy Bear) campground on M-72 has 300 sites and, according to them, they are full during peak travel/vacation days. Whew, that's a lot of people (cars). And, we can't even keep a gas station open in Glen Arbor? So, build a new marina, kill the pristine beaches, get a few more bucks. I don't get it!
Sincerely, George
Letter submitted online
Township board didn’t need Le Bear Resort
Using the boat ramp on Lake Street was tough even before the Le Bear Resort was built. I speak from personal experience. So, instead of allowing the resort to be built, why didn’t the Glen Arbor Township Board seize the opportunity to resolve the problem? Couldn’t they have rezoned the property, condemned it, bought it or done whatever it took, so that the property could have been used for additional parking and maneuvering room?
Moving the boat ramp to Glen Haven would endanger the environment, wildlife and peace and quiet that the National Lakeshore was established to protect.
The Township Board’s choice was another resort, which it didn’t need, so why should they be allowed to dump their problem on someone else’s doorstep?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Gary Wallazy and Karen Winter
Farmington Hills, MI
Posted by editor at 05:13 PM | Comments (0)
August 24, 2006
Props to Interlochen literary symposium
Editor’s note: teacher and writer Jeremiah Chamberlin and his wife Natalie Bakopoulos were artists in residence at the Glen Arbor Art Association in early June. Look for an excerpt from Chamberlin’s historical novel set in the cherry orchards of northern Michigan in a future issue.
To the Glen Arbor Sun,
The last weekend of April I spent three days at Interlochen, my first visit to the academy. I attended the inaugural session of the "Between the Lakes" Literary Symposium, which I certainly hope will become an annual event, because I had a great time. It was organized primarily by Pete Colson and Anne-Marie Oomen, although I suspect a lot of other folks were involved in the arrangements too, including a faithful cadre of local volunteers. The symposium was geared towards "writers, readers and educators."
I'm a lifelong reader, and also a writer, or at least I'm trying to be one, after a career with the Defense Department. I went mostly to meet folks and to hear some good writing, and the weekend delivered on both counts. Judith Minty, a former poet-in-residence at IAA, gave the opening keynote address, an insider's history of the creative writing program there. Later she talked poetry and read some of her own, which brought both tears and laughter, often in quick succession. Robert Hass, a former U.S. Poet Laureate, gave a couple of wonderful talks and read some poems too. Nick Delbanco, a U of M-based novelist, read from his works and also talked quite movingly of his late friend, John Gardner, a favorite author of mine who lived large and died young. Doug Stanton read a just-written unpublished essay on "Fishing and Terrorism." Unlikely prose partners, I know, but wow! Watch for this piece, folks. It is a small masterpiece about fishing, family, friendship, and -- well, terrorism. He also talked about and read from his forthcoming book, “The Horse Soldiers.” Again, wow! I can't wait for this book, post 9-11 history that reads like a novel. Traverse City, be proud. Liesel Litzenburger gave a wonderful talk about writing, publishing and favorite books, and read from her new novel, “The Widower,” which I've added to my "to read" list. Academy faculty members, Jack Driscoll and Mike Delp, affectionately kidded and praised each other and both read from their recent works. I've since read Driscoll's newest novel, “How Like an Angel,” and enjoyed it immensely.
There were a raft of other writers on hand for the weekend, all of them talented, but one who stood out among the "emerging voices" was Jeremiah Chamberlin, who read a story and gave a seminar on "The Responsibility of Writing about History and Place," which was SRO both sessions and even ran over its allotted times. This young man is a dynamic and exciting speaker, and he can write too. Remember that name. You'll be hearing from him, I'm sure.
I loved Interlochen. I wonder if the students there realize how fortunate they are to have a place like that where their special talents can flourish and bloom. I got a personal guided tour of the campus by Barb Sandys from the president's office and I couldn't have found a more enthusiastic booster. Thanks for the whole weekend, Interlochen. I hope you do it again. I'll try to be there.
Sincerely,
Tim Bazzett (author of ReedCityBoy and SoldierBoy)
Reed City, MI
Posted by editor at 01:08 PM | Comments (0)
October 16, 2004
No more politics, please
We always pick up a copy of the Glen Arbor Sun. It has been a wholesome paper with informative human interest articles. Truly a pleasure to read. Not so with the August 26, 2004 issue. I was surprised and disappointed to see it go political. It apearrs the article regarding President Bush was intentionally mean spirited. Some information was not factual. The President was at the Grand Traverse Resort, but did not play golf as [the editor] states. (I called the pro shop) [The editor] refers to President Bush as the "ACTING" commander in chief. In truth, he is the "ACTUAL", not the acting commander. Was it intentionally degrading or an error? I hope the Sun does not become a place for political debate, or political support for any political party. If such were to happen, I fear the Sun may be frequently used as a garbage wrapper.
Continue the good old times please.
Regards, Jim Dorsey
“We all live downstream”
To the editor,
My husband and I enjoy the Glen Arbor Sun. It is an excellent newspaper and a great addition to the area. We wish you many years of continued success. Two of our children have worked as professional journalists. We know it is a challenging profession!
The article titled, “’Not in my backyard’ — Homestead sewage issue seeps to the surface” is of particular interest to us (great headline).
We live at 5014 S. Wood Ridge Road in the Skippers Woods section of The Homestead.
We have been visiting the area since about 1970 and built a home in The Homestead about 1980.
We share the concerns mentioned in your article as expressed by representatives of AFSDWAL. We have not met the members of that group, however.
I left a message on the voice mail of AFSDWAL president, Pamela Murphy, to let her know that contrary to her statement quoted on page 1 of your 8/26 article, there is at least one Homestead house that is on a private well. It is ours.
It is our belief that other Homestead properties were on private wells at one time. We do not know if all have converted to The Homestead water system. We have not.
We own several wooded lots adjacent to the one on which our house is located. Our eastern boundary is the SBDNL (National Lakeshore). We have been deeply concerned for some time about the wastewater treatment facility of The Homestead and the spray fields they are using that are within SBDNL. Those spray fields are north and a little east of our property.
Our concerns are not limited to our personal interests. We believe that a high quality natural environment should be maintained throughout the area because it is in the best interests of us all. "We all live downstream", as they say.
Sincerely,
Ann T. Hackett (John)
Keene, NH / Glen Arbor, MI
Posted by editor at 07:59 PM | Comments (0)
July 03, 2003
In America, the flag is multi-faceted
By Jacob R. Wheeler
Sun editor
The following column was written by this newspaper’s founding editor. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the entire Glen Arbor Sun staff.
Gracing the front page of this paper, as well as publications all over the United States this weekend, is the American flag –no-nonsense primary colors on a white background that invites citizens to gush with pride, or foreigners to blink with envy, the talk-show pundits would have us believe. Thirteen stripes represent the ultimate rebellion against colonial England, and 50 stars equal the number of states that sacrificed their independence to build an empire that bridges two oceans.
Recently, the flag has been used as the symbol of patriotism by an administration that feels threatened enough to promote a state of panic and invade a foreign country. To many, this war was based on premises that hold as much water as a leaky boat, as the government wrapped itself safely in the good old red, white and blue. And as we Americans gather at parades, flag-raisings and summer cookouts on this Fourth of July to gaze at our most visible symbol, people all over the world – some friends, some relatives, some random faces on television – will curse the Star Spangled Banner as the symbol of an arrogant and naïve empire that seeks to redraw regional maps and usher in a new era of unilateral global dominance with its bombs, economic persuasions and blind faith in its crusade.
Many of us direct our grievances at those who have made this country’s most recent foreign policy decisions – but not at the brave soldiers and the patriots before them who were willing to sacrifice everything for what they held to be true. The men and women of America’s armed forces must be supported, from Iraq to Afghanistan to Kosovo to Vietnam to Normandy. For they act on survival instincts in the harsh deserts and jungles, not like we who cling to theoretical moral principles while sitting on soft couches back in the heartland.
So support the troops, and hold dear the ideals and truths for which they fight. But think of what else the stars and stripes flapping in the wind mean to you, for a flag, first and foremost, represents the government that hoists it high atop its whitewashed capitol domes. In America, a land of variations and contradictions, the flag also represents a melting pot of people so diverse that anyone can and should feel at home here. From the bowels of China Town in San Francisco, where the aroma of pot stickers fills entire city blocks, to the Gay Pride parade in Greenwich Village, we Americans have reason to be proud, this weekend – that so much good, so many colors, and so many lifestyles can all fit under one flag.
In his Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front, poet Wendell Berry writes, “Denounce the government and embrace / the flag. Hope to live in that free / republic for which it stands” Our freedom requires us to elect, and then question, our leaders.
So rise from your seat on the third base line at Wrigley Field and look out towards the ivy in centerfield with 30,000 others all anticipating the first pitch just moments away; Remember your great grandfather, the poor Dutch immigrant who worked the fields with his bare, bleeding hands until he had planted enough sod to build a family; Go back to that summer day when your Boy Scout troop leader taught you how to unfold the flag and hoist it high up pole without letting it touch the ground.
Many young Americans in my generation largely oppose our government’s decision to invade Iraq, based on logic that changes by the season, but that should not give us cause to curse our country, our flag or our culture, outright. I attended two major anti-war rallies this past winter -- in Washington D.C. on January 18 along with half a million others (the largest war protest before a campaign even began, ever) and in San Francisco the day after our bombs began raining down on Baghdad.
Not once did I see a protestor burn an American flag. I asked a young woman at the Lincoln Memorial why no stars and stripes were going up in flames like they did during protests against the Vietnam War 30 years ago, and she told me that such was not our generation’s style. “We love this country rain or shine, through good times and hard times, and we will never stop fighting for its dignity or to help it make the right choices.”
Behold the trigger-happy politician or the reckless oil tycoon, who think freedom gives them the right to plunder for profit. But also behold the artist, for whom freedom of expression induces a masterpiece: Jackson Pollock dumping his paints haphazardly on the canvas, Jack Kerouac writing On the Road in the back of a pickup truck while crossing the Great Plains.
And never stop marching and crying out for what you believe in, for that flag,
This is the America I choose to know and love on Independence Day weekend.
Jacob Wheeler can be reached via e-mail at jacobrwheeler@hotmail.com
Posted by editor at 08:04 PM | Comments (0)
What’s the Deal with Leah?
This feature photo of Good Harbor Grill chef Leah Doe Simkins feeding the Echo Valley pigs “Tasty” and “Delicious” appeared in the Glen Arbor Sun last summer, and unbeknownst to us, the restaurant’s fine staff posted it on their bulletin board and invited employees to choose an appropriate caption. Through an extensive espionage campaign, and finally an appeal to the Freedom of Information Act, the Sun was able to retrieve the caption sheet and shed light on its contents. Here it is (Editor’s note: The pigs in question had no comment, as they were safely digested last winter):
- “Leah feeding the fudgies at the grill.”
- “Leah begging for a hot date.”
- “Leah taking a (squat) in the pig pen.”
- “How about a pork special?”
- “Mmm, they kind of look like babies.”
- “Don’t even look at her, she’s trying to give you (a cookie).”
- “The Top Ten Signs that your hands are filthy. No. 10, pigs totally ignore you.”
- “Leah forgot to order ham again.”
- “Tonight on ‘When Animals Attack XIII’, a young woman is brutally …”
- “Don’t look, but we can see (her tattoo).”
- “OK, here’s the plan. We eat the food in her hand, then we gore her to death and walk on her staggering dead carcass.”
- “On the count of three, we’ll (jump) her …”
- “If you squint just right, the one on the left looks sort of like Brendon Frasier.”
- “Leah effectively shows all of Glen Arbor how to ‘look like a (fool)’ in the local paper.”
- “(Darn) it, can’t they at least pretend to love me?”
- “(Darn) it, can’t she at least pretend to love us?”
- “At the end of her wits, Leah does the unthinkable. She tries to score a (cookie) from several ‘well-off’ pigs nearby.”
- “After years in captivity, Leah is returned to her natural habitat.”
We welcome future caption submissions from past Glen Arbor Suns for our new “What’s the Deal with __ section. Please keep it clean, or we’ll be forced to edit. Thank you for your readership.
Posted by editor at 04:16 PM | Comments (0)
August 01, 2002
Fire Hall Debate Heats Up
By Darren Mohn
Sun Contributor
August 6th is the date of the Primary Election, and on that ballot Glen Arbor voters will be asked to approve a new $1,760,000 Public Safety Building. As usual, Glen Arbor’s residents have a variety of views on the subject.
Built in 1952, the existing fire hall housed some modest equipment for a modest town. Over the decades the township has grown, and the fire and rescue department has grown along with it. But while the equipment and personnel have become more sophisticated, the actual fire hall has not.
“We’ve run out of room,” explains Chief John De Puy. “We have no choice: we can’t improve this location, and we have to move.”
Many of those “improvements” are rather basic. The septic system has been failing for years, but because of space requirements, can’t be rebuilt. The water well is contaminated and low flowing, but can’t be redrilled because it is out of compliance with the septic field.
Most residents are aware that not all of the necessary equipment fits in or is stored at the current fire hall, and even the casual observer can see that the cobbled shelves and storage units in every bay are filled to capacity.
Four years ago, the Emergency Services Advisory Committee (ESAC) began to research the alternatives. Merging with another department, such as Empire, was found to impair the response times, since personnel and equipment would be spread over too large an area. Studies were made of where the volunteers live, where the population center of town is, and where the center of the fire and rescue calls is. The center for all three was discovered to be the downtown area of Glen Arbor, so a search was begun for a site within a one-mile span of the current fire hall.
A number of sites were reviewed, and the National Park Service was approached, but none could fulfill the specified 5-minute response time, the need for access and egress, or were even for sale, according to ESAC reports. When the Woodstone development was announced, ESAC quickly approached The Homestead to see what might be possible.
The Homestead redesigned its site to accommodate a new fire hall on three acres (the current site is less than a half-acre), offered to take care of the site plan and landscaping, and accepted the appraisal presented by the nonprofit Glen Arbor Fire & Rescue Association (GAFRA).
GAFRA President Matt Davis explains, “If the Township were to get this property—ideal property, we were going to have to act quickly. Several donors helped us put up the money, and GAFRA was able to secure this land for Glen Arbor without a penny of cost to the Township.” While GAFRA was able to put down $200,000 on the land, it took out a $175,000 short-term mortgage for bridge financing.
The proposed Public Safety Building would increase the number of bays from four to six, add living quarters for ‘round the clock Advanced Life Saving (ALS) personnel, provide a training room that can accommodate the 27 volunteers, and add such amenities as a decontamination area and showers.
“Right now, when you return from a run sweating in your turnout gear, there is no way to wash it or yourself off,” explains new firefighter Mike Buhler. “I was keeping a clean shirt and towel in my bag, but they got mildewed, since they sit on the floor by my boots. It’s kind of pathetic.” Says another firefighter who wishes to remain anonymous,“ After a fire my clothes will be ten times as smelly as from a campfire, and many times more toxic. To be able to change at the station and not bring that into my car or home to my family would be nice.”
Most people interviewed did not want to go on record. “I just think that’s a lot of money,” said one local, echoing the view of several opponents. Others voiced concerns about the disposition of the present fire hall. “It seems logical to sell the old fire hall and use the money towards a new one. I’d like to know what would happen to the old one before I vote for a new one,” explains Bob Sutherland.
Trustee Kent Kelly agrees. “I hope I’m wrong, but I am worried that we’ll have problems selling the (idea of a) new station if we can’t sell the old one first.” But at a Township Board meeting, the members split on a proposal to sell the land, leaving that question in limbo. Many in town, including Supervisor John Soderholm, think that the voters, not the Board, should determine the old fire hall’s fate. “I feel that the future of that property needs to be put to a vote of the people of Glen Arbor — it’s that important.”
To finance the new building, voters are asked to approve a 25-year millage, with year one at .52 mills (52¢/$1,000 of assessed property value), and the remaining years at .42 mills. In the ESAC example, a $400,000 home assessed at $200,000 would pay $104 the first year, and $84 each of the remaining years. Notes one property owner, “$84? Heck, you pay that for dinner!”
The financing does appear to have a silver lining that may make it even less expensive. The Emergency Services millage, levied since 1995, was voted in at 1.75 mills. Through various rollbacks, it is at 1.114 mills this year. Since Empire has contracted their EMS with Glen Arbor, that millage will fall further, as the two communities are now splitting several costs. New housing construction has and will continue to add to the tax rolls, further dropping all Township millages. Thus, even with the new building, the total tax may never approach the total voted in 1995.
Still, this vote is no slam-dunk. John De Puy notes, “In my 30 years the community has always supported what we’ve asked for. They know that we only ask for something when we need it — and now we need it.”
And what if the millage is turned down? “You hate to have to think like that,” says Davis. “GAFRA is not in the position to own property, so in good conscience we’d probably be forced to sell the land and return the money. Of course, we’d still need to build a new structure, but then it would be even more expensive.”
Posted by editor at 09:35 PM | Comments (0)
July 18, 2002
REJECT ALL FOUR NPS ALTERNATIVES
By Daniel Herd
The following piece is an editorial contribution, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Glen Arbor Sun. --Ed
Like most people who have lived in Northern Michigan, I have many fond memories of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Most of these are not centered on the Dune Climb. More prominent are memories of long hikes through the dunes exploring this rare environment. I was stunned when I learned that the National Park Service (N.P.S.) is planning to close all of the dunes in the National Lakeshore except part of the Dune Climb and to eliminate shoreline access to most of the Lake Michigan beaches. Although now in Ohio, I still consistently meet people who frequent the natural escapes and historic sites of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SBDNL). I felt that because it had been instrumental in my childhood and had affected so many others, I had the obligation to find out why this was happening to our park.
My research was quickly stymied. Park service employees are not permitted to talk about the new management plan. Those people most knowledgeable about the dune ecology are gagged when citizens need their expertise to understand the impact of the new proposal. If it makes sense, there would be no need for a restriction on information. If we are to make informed decision about the future of our park, we must insist that there be a fair and open discussion. N.P.S. educators should be leading the information exchange not barred from it. Fortunately, through persistence and alternative methods – speaking with other area naturalists, friends and past N.P.S. employees; and thoroughly reading the plan – I was able to amalgamate insight I will share with you.
The most important thing to know is that we are not allowed to be involved in the key decisions that will dramatically change our future use of the Lakeshore. Someone in the N.P.S. has kept the broader, more impacting decisions from being exposed to public opinion. The closing of all dune areas is not just in the “preferred alternative”; it is in ALL of the action alternatives. It will happen, unless we, the public take dramatic action. The N.P.S. is not considering any alternative protection for the dunes other then keeping you OUT. No boardwalks or ranger guided tours or any of the other effective methods used by other parks to protect fragile areas while still permitting public access will be considered. The closing of the roads is also in every alternative – we get no voice.
As citizens, we must reject all four alternatives and insist that we be permitted to help formulate the new management plan for our Lakeshore. The fact that some bureaucrats in Omaha decided that they’d rather not bother involving local residents and park visitors should be a red flag that this general mismanagement plan has been hijacked from the people it impacts.
You would hope that such a monumental decision like closing the (non dune-climb areas of the --Ed) dunes would have been preceded by careful analysis. Yet, no study of the impact of hikers on the local dune ecosystem has EVER been conducted. The decision to close the dunes is based only on personal opinion. There is no factual data. Even the number of people who hike on the dunes is unknown. Park staff routinely facilitate educational programming on those dune trails scheduled for closing and they are confident that use of these trails by schools and families does NO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. No one has asked for the expert advise of these staff persons. Even the affect on dune vegetation in areas where visitors are concentrated is not considered a major problem to the dune system as a whole. Vegetation on the dunes has been steadily INCREASING over the last fifty years. As everyone who has worked in or around the park knows, the major threat to our dunes is non-native plants, yet the N.P.S. would rather weed out people.
The closing of many park access roads is based on a 21-year-old proposal regarding potential wilderness areas. The proposal was never sent to Congress because it has NEVER BEEN APPROVED by the Department of Interior. It is obsolete because the Environmental Impact Statement, on which it is based, is outdated. New alternatives and public hearings are required before it can be reintroduced. The reconsideration of this proposal should have been a logical part of the new management plan. Some proposed wilderness areas are now recognized as significant historic landscapes that must be preserved, while other areas no longer meet the required definition of wilderness. I hope some wilderness areas will remain, but it is only fair that the public has the opportunity to influence how much wilderness should be proposed. A doctor advocating a 21-year-old cure would be sued for malpractice, yet we are about to be given a 21st century bloodletting by the N.P.S.
How did this plan so erroneously miss its purpose? Last year every N.P.S. staff person received a card to remind them of their overarching mission. It says: “The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations”. The NPS planning team eliminated preservation of cultural resources and public enjoyment from their purpose. With the mission limited to just protecting natural resources, it becomes obvious why they are closing much of the park.
This situation will not correct itself. Without public and private intervention, two years from now we will have 68,000 acres of dead space and a million disappointed visitors. The financial impact on the area will be decimating as the millions of visitor dollars we depend on (like it or not) evaporate. We must take back the planning for our park. The wilderness issue must be reopened, alternatives for preservation and use of the dune areas must be considered and the purpose for the park must accurately reflect Congress’s intent for the National Park System. We must insist that everyone, including Lakeshore employees, be permitted to participate in an open, fair and honest discussion of the issues. Our grandchildren will thank us for the effort.
Posted by editor at 04:14 PM | Comments (0)
November 15, 2000
Dear editor,
I would like to commend you for producing such an upbeat paper that highlights the positive characteristics of the Glen Arbor and Empire communities. However, after reading the Glen Arbor Sun’s October articles about “sleepy” Empire, I feel additional information is needed about the Farmer’s Market and Empire’s development goals.
On a positive tone, far from being a bust, the Farmer’s Market was quite a success considering that it was put together quickly, was virtually not promoted, and was hidden away in a corner behind tall bushes at the end of Front Street. Despite these drawbacks, an average of 50 people each Saturday found the market and walked away with homemade edibles, fresh produce and bread. I’m happy to report that vendors who participated are already working on securing a more prominent site in Empire for next year’s market and, now that they have the time, are actively lining up more farmers to participate. As always, the energy and creativity of Empire town folks will make this good thing even better next year.
And yes, a downstate corporation that states they’re committed to cutting costs closed Empire’s once thriving hardware. This same corporation also boasts they are committed to the communities they are located in. Residents are having a hard time seeing the commitment to this community as this historical structure stands empty. Certainly zoning requirements are not standing in the way of any future business moving into the vacant building.
It is true that Empire’s zoning requirements do require a higher quality of development, but these standards serve to retain and enhance the characteristics that make Empire a true village, as our Front Street exemplifies. Growth will come to Empire, but not at the expense of losing the very qualities that make our village a desireable place to live.
Obviously, our zoning is not too great of a “roadblock” as we watch two old businesses along M-22 being renovated and one new business being built. All have managed to hurdle the stringent “village character” standards of our zoning. These same developers have also freely embraced the unwritten goal for more village-type building designs, not because zoning forced them to, but because they know it is a better way. If they had truly followed zoning we could be watching the construction of a 30,000 square foor building. (Note that the Empire Village Inn has 2800-sq. ft. of floor space.) Perhaps our current commercial zoning is overly “business friendly.” As far as causing a Realtor problems with the Lot Division section of zoning, one could say how insightful Empire is to follow the State’s law precisely, just as Glen Arbor does.
Empire residents’ sense of pride and love in their community are the basis for the goals we set. One could say that even in zoning, “If something is worth doing, then it’s worth doing well.”
Sincerely,
Christine Neiswonger, Village of Empire resident
Posted by editor at 10:27 PM | Comments (0)
August 24, 2000
Maintaining the Village
By Mary Sharry
Sun contributor
Strains of a Gregorian chant drift on evening air through an open window. Farther along, my ears are greeted by keyboard music, the notes of a Bach Two-Part Invention. Down an alley in someone’s backyard, a man blows out the flames on the burning marshmallow his child has brought to him. The other adults in the circle carefully rotate their sticks over the glowing embers of the fire pit. On another street, murmurs of conversation from a couple on a front porch swing blend with soft laughter. They acknowledge me with comments at this perfect time of day. This idyllic setting is part of the village life of Empire.
The morning brings commercial hustle and bustle when the mail truck turns the corner by the post office, and produce arrives at Deering’s Market and the Friendly Tavern. The pumps at Taghon’s Amoco Shop are turned on. Dennis Taghon opens the garage for another day of auto repair. People walk to the library to return videos and to check out books. They walk to the bank and cross over the street to Tiffany’s for coffee, donuts, and light or profound talk. Grownups and children ride their bikes down to the beach. A rainbow and colorful flowers have been drawn on a sidewalk by some child. I try not to step on them.
Greetings are hollered from the other side of the street. Some of these people grew up together. They attended the school here in town. That was years ago. Times have changed. The school has closed, so has one of the larger businesses, the hardware and lumberyard. The school and business made an impact on life in the village, and so did their closings.
At another day’s end, outside of town, silhouetted against the sky like dinosaurs and Maurice Sendak monsters, stand the machines. Come the dawn, they will gobble up land in preparation for new housing. This is not the housing that will invite glimpses of other lives, but rather housing that will stand apart, the inhabitants removed from the knowing of life in the village.
There are still a few pieces of open land and rolling hills, once farmed. These vistas give comfort to our human spirit, perhaps more than we know. They are going fast, though, and once they disappear, they will be gone forever. Land is being sold for profit and development at an alarming rate. Real estate has become a factor that drives the economy. This is not right. With the disappearance of open land, something far deeper in meaning which we might imagine is lost. The open views are the very thing that brought people to this area. It is sad to think we might discover, only after the loss of these vistas, that over-use and consumption have gone too far.
While our species has a great desire for view property, have we considered what happens once that property is gone? Perhaps future real estate ads will tout a chunck of land as having a view of the view property!
It is not only the views that will be gone, but so will extensive wildlife habitat. The loss will take a toll on bird populations, both those birds that thrive in open grasslands and those in need of forests. Their decline should concern us all.
In her book Touch the Earth, T.C. McLuhan writes: . . .the only decent future for us who live in America now is through a rediscovery of our environment. We need to establish a right relationship with the land and its resources: otherwise, the destruction of the Indian will be followed by the destruction of nature; and in the destreuction of nature will follow the destruction of ourselves.
There is a way to help preserve open land with careful planning, conservation, and land trusts. It is wise to remember our reasons for coming to this area, and it is wise to be careful that we not destroy that which we love, the appearance of the land that adds to our sense of peace and serenity.
Empire is an inviting village, and you often hear the comment “I’d love to live in your town, but could I make a living here? Where would I live?” This is a small town, and by the framework of its boundaries it will remain a small town. It should not be a closed town, however. Instead of growth outside of town, there is land inside the village with potential for healthy development - affordable housing, and the vitality that new businesses might bring.
I have a vision of the old school building being revitalized for just that, a school. Perhaps Glen Lake Schools could expand to accommodate a fine arts and crafts department here in town, a learning and exploring center where youthful creativity could flourish. I sense a need for that. Maybe the old hardware store could be converted into a medical clinic. Are there some doctors and their families who would like to live and work in the village? I don’t know if it’s for sale, but if it were, wouldn’t the former auto/livery barn on the corner of Niagara and Lake Streets be a grand location for new apartments? Development within the village can maintain the open spaces outside of town, and likewise keep the heart of the community alive and well.
There is something truly close and special about small towns and even cities. I have lived in a small town, in a big city, and in an area which was once open land, but which succumbed to the developer’s shovel - the suburb of a city, a place of large, grassy lawns, and much mowing and spraying of chemicals. There were no sidewalks in that suburb, and people got into their cars and drove to buy their daily bread. Both the city and the small town offered a sense of community which the suburb lacked. In the closeness, you felt as if you belonged, and part of that belonging came on foot - the advantage of being a pedestrian.
The intimacy of life in the city and town extended beyond musical tastes. Our homes were close together. Mindful of radio and television volume, if sound levels offended, it took nothing more than a courteous request to turn the volume down. Yes, occasionally raised voices carried next door, the verbal challenges of a marital spat. Such is the stuff of life, the manner of people living together.
Further housing development on the precious land outside of the village will bring people into this town by car and back out again without their ever knowing that someone listens to Gregorian chants or plays Bach on the piano.
Posted by editor at 12:07 PM | Comments (0)