Mackinaw Newsby Sandy Planisek

Cabin Fever Dinner, curbside Audie’s, 4 - 6 pm, $10

Historical Society talk on geology of Headlands, Zoom, 7pm

March 15, Monday Ice shanty removal deadline

Blood drive, St. Anthony’s, noon - 5 pm Reservations 231-445-0151 or versiti.org/miblood with zip 49701

Band concert on Facebook - details to follow

St. Anthony’s 10 am

St. Anthony’s 7 pm

Good Friday church service for Church of Straits and St. Anthony’s at St. Anthony’s, 1 pmMASKS REQUIRED

Church of the Straits 10:30 am St. Anthony’s 10 am

Job Fair 11 am - 1 pm

Jeep the Mac, 3 - 6 pm

March 7, 2021 page 1 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek EASTER is coming Church of the Straits Easter Plans -MASKS REQUIRED • Ecumenical Good Friday service, April 2, 1 pm at St. Anthony’s • Easter Service, April 4, 10:30 am

St. Anthony’s Easter Plans -MASKS REQUIRED. • Palm Sunday Mass with blessing of palms, March 28, at 10 am • Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, April 1, 7 pm, followed by Adoration in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel until 11 pm • Ecumenical Good Friday service, April 2, 1 pm at St. Anthony’s • Easter Sunday Mass,April 4, 10 am • Bible Church Plans are still being developed, check in later

March 7, 2021 page 2 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek Layers - what does it mean? Monday, March 8, Zoom

Come to the Historical Society’s Zoom to learn what glacial history of our area created these different layers. Libby Ives will explain how glaciers formed the layers under our feet. Her local research was inspired by this slumping of land at Headlands caused by high water levels. It is rare to get this clean of a view of the soil levels, so it is rare to be able to develop such a new explanation of our area. Come and hear a local expert.

Zoom meeting ID: 551 997 0204 Password: history Or paste this in your browserhttps:// us02web.zoom.us/j/5519970204

The School Band Concert will go on. The 6th through 12th grade band concert will be Tuesday, March16 at 7 pm. Family members will be allowed to attend in person. The rest of us will be able to live stream it on Facebook. The details will follow.

Interested in hummingbirds - go to Zoom Wednesday, March 10

An on-line Zoom talk about “Great Lakes Hummingbirds” is offered free to the public on Wednesday, March 10, 7 p.m. Allen Chartier has birded in all 50 U.S. states with his wife Nancy. They have been on birding trips to 28 countries. He writes a popular blog at http:// mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com. Allen was co-editor of "A Birder's Guide to Michigan" and a contributing author for various projects with National Geographic. These include "Complete Birds of North America", "Complete Birds of the World", and "Handheld Birds." Allen was lead editor of the "Second Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas" and "Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas II". In 2018, he authored a "Field Guide to Birds of Michigan" published by the American Birding Association. Allen’s interests also include Reptiles and Amphibians (especially salamanders), Butterflies and Moths, Beetles, Dragonflies, Spiders, and Wildflowers (especially Orchids). More information and the link to the program can be found at www.straitsareaaudubon.com. March 7, 2021 page 3 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek

Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch is gearing up for new season

Spring Hawk Watch Started Friday Calvin Brennan from Grayling, the fall 2020 MSRW hawk counter, returns to count for his first spring season with us. He will be on duty in Mackinaw City near the Recreation Center from March 5 to June 10. Please respect the contractor, volunteers, and other guests by wearing your mask and staying at least six feet apart. Even though we are outdoors, exercise utmost caution because not everyone will have had vaccines. Please help keep yourself and everyone there healthy.

Executive Director needed for MSRW Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch is currently seeking to hire an Executive Director to guide and help implement their mission and strategic plan, coordinating with dozens of volunteers. The position will remain open until it is filled. Please check out the the job description by visiting https://www.mackinacraptorwatch.org/job- opportunities/, and alert every potential candidate and place you know of our opening.

Hawk backpacks You can still donate to support the work of Nick Alioto to unravel the mysteries of migration, receiving different benefits at the $1,359, $500 and other giving levels. Along with fitting the birds with these transmitters, Nick will continue to band other hawks and eagles that he catches in Mackinaw City this spring. As a bonus, Nick may bring hawks to the hawk watch for guests to see first-hand! Donate online using a credit card or PayPal through the MSRW web page by Sunday the 7th using the Donate button, or send a check to MSRW, P.O. Box 465, Petoskey, MI 49770.

Mark Your Calendars for Speaker Series “Raptors Revealed” You are welcome to attend, for free, any or all of the following programs via Zoom. All talks will be at 4 pm EDT. Programs are limited to the first 100 attendees. In the same time period, you may enjoy an on-line auction to benefit MSRW. Stay tuned as we will send out invitations to register soon!

• April 15 – Joys of Hawk Watching: Basics to Beyond BYJohn Richardson, Hawk Count Director and Naturalist, Hawk Ridge, Duluth Minnesota • April 22 – Hawks on the Wing: Identifying Raptors in Flight BY Josh Haas, Vice Chair, Hawk Migration Association of North America • April 29 – Chasing Broad-wings from Pennsylvania to Peru! BY Dr. Laurie Goodrich, Director of Conservation, Sarkis Acopian Center for Conservation Learning, Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary, Pennsylvania

March 7, 2021 page 4 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek Village Hall News

A complaint was filed against Winterfest’s violation of Covid-19 rules. The Visitor’s Bureau signed a document with the village that said that attendees would use on-line and mail in registration so that contract tracing could be achieved, the visitors to the event space would be spaced 6-feet apart or wear masks. Below is one photo of the event. The complaint was, in part, that people did not space 6 feet apart and when closer did not wear masks. Enzo Lieghio, who worked the event, noted that the master of ceremonies repeatedly asked people to spread apart and that most visitors did wear masks. The complaint was taken to the Health Department which will rule on the consequences of the complaint. The problem drew the attention of 9&10 News and M-Live, both of which joined the Zoom council meeting. As a result, when the Visitor’s Bureau applied for a revised Special Event application to change the venue of the upcoming Motorcycle Rally in June, the council felt it could not approve the request until it heard from the Health Dept. and what the consequences might be for the village or the Visitor’s Bureau. As a result, the council voted to postpone consideration of the change of venue for the Motorcycle Rally until the next council meeting. All council members voted to postpone consideration except Lieghio.

The council approved the following special events for the upcoming season: • Antique Tractor Bridge Crossing Saturday with a maximum of 1,500 tractors, September 11, 2021 • Mackinaw Area Historical Society’s 16th Annual Historic Festival, Saturday, July 31, 2021 • Mackinaw Woman’s Club Annual Flower Sale, May 21, 2021 • Mackinaw Woman’s Club Strawberry Social, July 4, 2021 • Installation of Shepler’s green and white Grand Hotel Tent, their blue and white tent, and car care tent from April 14 to November 15

Lots to be surveyed

March 7, 2021 page 5 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek

Village Hall News cont.

The council approved the hiring of attorney Matthew Cross of Plunkett Cooney to handle the cemetery land ownership confusion.

The council agreed to have lots 9, 10, 11, and 12 on Nokomis Street appraised for possible sale. The council also agreed not to pursue changes to our current food truck regulations at this time.

The site plan for Superior Bar & Grill was approved if they provide a survey of the property and meet the other requirements identified by the village engineer, most of which had been already corrected. The building will not overhang the sidewalk but the blue awnings and the hanging plants will. The owners of this project are Bob Maczka, Mary Darrow, and Matthew Terrian. (cont.) Shepler tent placement. Formerly the luggage tents were placed to minimally block the view, but high water has required moving the blue tent.

Lots possibly for sale

March 7, 2021 page 6 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek Work on the building is moving along and the owners hope to be open by Memorial Day, but did ask for the entire summer to finish the job. This week an earlier facade was revealed before being demolished. The Moccasin Shop was owned by the Desy family and the signs were painted by Lloyd Desy. Since they were painted directly on cement block they could not be saved. Finally, all of the Momentum store was removed. The roof on Cunningham’s had been rebuilt earlier in thewinter. Paul Desy gave me this history of the stores: Pete and Ethelwyn Alexander owned the building with both businesses. Pete used the store where the Moccasin Shop was as the warehouse for his plumbing supplies. Dad talked him into renting the building and that is when the Moccasin Shop got started. Dad and Mom had that shop for many years, starting in the 1960's through 1998. Helen McCarthy ran it for them. She and her mother lived in the Stimpson house where Enzo built his home. I took it over from Mom and ran it as Punky's for 5 years until 2003. Momentum came in the next year. Pete also had another storage building behind the store that at one time was the "Teen Town Hall" that was on Central Ave. Ethelwyn sold that property to Ira Green along with some lots on Central Ave. that along with the D&M property became the Crossings. Mrs. Cunningham was the owner of Cunningham’s for many years. She sold it to Jim and Janet Woiderski and Janet took it over when she and Jim got divorced. Bob Dann joined her a few years later. Neil Sr. and Jeannette Downing had their first restaurant there before they built what is now Audie’s. I remember that both Downing's and Cunningham's had quite a local following with good comfort food and great desserts.

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Roy Cole photo Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek Emmet County Road commission

The Emmet County road commission noted that weight limits are now in effect and will probably be so for four or five weeks. Formerly the road commission allowed hauling companies to buy a bond, or actually put up cash or a letter of credit, to be able to continue to use the roads. The bond was for $25,000 per mile of paved road. But the system did not work because $25,000 is insufficient to pay for repairs, cheaters might use the road without a bond leaving payment to those who did not cheat, and damage to roads might only appear weeks after the hauling or at locations distant from the final work place. So the practice was stopped in both Emmet and Cheboygan counties. Now lumber haulers are asking for permission to continue hauling. The road commission discussed the numerous variables that need to be considered to make a fair rule, a rule that would allow for weather conditions, users’ weight, the wear on corners which is greater than wear on straight segments, etc. It is a very complicated problem and the road commission is planning a meeting with Cheboygan in two weeks and will come back with any suggestion.

The work on Wilderness Park Drive continues. The two culverts will be installed when weight limits are off, probably the end of April. The tree cutting will be continued by Great Lakes Energy saving the county the cost of hiring a contractor. The phone company still has to come and make a plan to move their pedestals; letters to homeowners are still going out; and the county crew will learn to use their new equipment for removing stumps soon.

Money to the Emmet County Road Commission from the December Federal Covid bill amounted to $184,000 and will be used to chip seal Pleasantview Road. The pending Federal Covid bill is expected to provide about $750,000 more.

Summer is approaching and the commission contracted for dust control and road striping (interestingly at 4¢ a foot) in anticipation.

Lee Ann Ewer has continued the Historic Parks education program over the internet Harley Davison going in downtown at 314 E. Central. Plans are to be open in May. March 7, 2021 page 9 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek State News

Will old US-Canada treaty force Line 5 to remain open? President Joe Biden may be the key to settling the dispute over Line 5, a Canadian-owned pipeline in Michigan, according to a long-time analyst of Canada-U.S. relations. The Alberta Canada government said it's in favor of Ottawa taking "any and all measures" to keep Line 5 operating including invoking a 1977 bilateral treaty.

Fishing licenses now on sale Fishing license sales began for the season starting April 1. Michigan's annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 the following year. Purchase licenses online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.

Bill to allow bars to stay open until 4 am introduced AP—Once the 11 pm curfew on restaurants and bars is lifted, a bill has been introduced that would allow local communities to change the curfew on liquor sales from 2 am to 4 am according to the bill’s sponsor.

Ballot drive to allow FOIA of state government AP — Advocates for open government said that they will launch a 2022 ballot drive to subject Michigan’s governor and Legislature to public-records requests. Michigan is one of just two states that wholly exempt the governor’s office and is among eight states where lawmakers are explicitly exempt.

Covid spending bill moved forward AP — Michigan’s Legislature approved a $4.2 billion coronavirus relief plan without a deal with Gov. Whitmer, as majority Republicans pressed to curtail her administration’s pandemic powers and Democrats opposed a decision to not allocate all of the $5 billion federal aid immediately. The Democratic governor could sign some of the package and nix other parts.The legislation would release billions in federal funds for vaccine distribution, testing, rental assistance and a 15% boost in food assistance benefits. A $2 hourly wage hike for direct care workers, which expired Sunday, would rise to $2.25 and be extended through September.

Blood alcohol content (BAC) The federal blood alcohol content limit for drivers is 0.08 grams and Michigan has been operating under this limit for apprehending drunk drivers. The sunset period on a Michigan law that makes the state comply with the federal limit expires this year and Michigan would revert to a 0.10 grams BAC if the Legislature does not act. Bills to make the 0.08 limit permanent have been introduced in the House. Attorney General Nessel says it is imperative to keep the lower limit.

Is the state ready for vaccine surge? The state has said it can vaccinate 80,000 people a day and it hit nearly 79,000 a week ago. If 4 million doses arrive byApril 1 that would average to over 100,000 doses a day through the end ofApril. It will require a lot of volunteers.

State-wide home septic inspections Two bills have been introduced in the House that would establish state standards for septic systems. Tried before, such bills stall on what triggers an inspection: should it be at a regular interval, at a complaint by a neighbor, or when a house is sold? There is also the question of who would pay.

Cancer coverage for firefighters Beginning January 1, 2022, a fund providing coverage for firefighters getting certain types of cancer would be expanded to cover part-time, paid on-call and volunteer workers under a pair of bills reported by a committee. March 7, 2021 page 10 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek MSHS parks meeting

The Mackinac State Historic Parks staff will continue to work from home until the end of April. When the sites open in May they are planning to use the same protocols as last summer.

Mackinaw City Additional housing units, a deep clean of the Peterson Center, and continued restoration of windows at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse highlight the work in Mackinaw City. “Blue ice” has required more than usual snow plowing and trash collection. The Mackinac Bridge Authority asked for and will pay for a security fence along the water side of the Visitor’s Center to keep people from scaling the building and gaining access to the bridge superstructure. Michigan Technological University’s Great Lakes Research Center requested permission to install a high frequency radar antenna and utility shed just west of Colonial Michilimackinac on park property. It was approved and will be used to monitor wave action in the Straits. Ste. Anne’s church will getting new signage and the Solomon Levy house will get upgrades compliments of the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan. Eric Hemenway has reviewed, with the Pageant committee, the script used at the Michilimackinac Pageant. He recommended some changes.

TheTown Crier has been microfilmed from 1996 through 2019 to be added to the earlier microfilming of 1954- 1995. Next will be digitizing the files.

Mackinac Island Repairs on M-185, being funded by MDOT for $6.7 million, will require all summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. MDOT will provide a flagger to keep visitors from the work area. The construction work on the Milliken Nature Center at Arch Rock will be on a tight schedule but should commence in October to be ready to open in the spring of 2022. If it cannot begin in October it will be postponed until the following year. E-bike regulations have been settled with the City of Mackinac Island. Only Class-1 bikes, those where power is applied only when someone is pedaling and cuts out at 20 mph, will be permitted and only with a day permit. Class -2 and Class-3 will not be permitted. The MSHP leases the land in front of Mission Point from the DNR and always wanted to own it. They will lease it one more year with the expectation that ownership will be transferred during that time. This summer’s Scout Service Camp has been cancelled because of Covid, as have been tours of the Governor’s Summer Residence. New signage is being created for the new Kids’ Quarter exhibit on Mackinac Island.

March 7, 2021 page 11 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek Loran McMahon. loved teacher, died March 5, 2021

Lorna passed away peacefully on March 5, 2021 at the McLaren Hospice House in Cheboygan. Born on November 25, 1951 in Iron Mountain, Michigan to Jeanne (Fugere) and Francis McMahon, Lorna entered the world which held such natural and beautiful wonders for her every day. Quiet, shy, and giving by nature, she found joy just by being. She graduated from Pellston High School in 1969, NCMC in 1971, and LSSC in 1973. She taught middle/high school English at Pellston and Mackinaw City. Every student and coworker enriched her life. Many students (later of course) thanked her for the foundation she helped them build. “I felt safe in your classroom” was a comment she treasured. She did not need words; she knew that her life’s work was meaningful.

She was accepting of the natural circle of life closing more quickly than expected as she lived with blood cancer (CMML), heart and kidney disease. One never knows when Death will strike. She held close in her heart her living family: brother Patrick, nephews Eric and Stephen along with numerous other relatives. Always with her were those who went before: mother Jeanne, father Francis, sisters Lynne and Laurie, brother Brian, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Although she treasured her time alone, she recognized the value of friendship. The shared laughter, tears and philosophies expanded her understanding and appreciation of life. When her need was greatest, friends and family were there.

There will be no services held as were her sentiments. She would wish for everyone to be kinder to one another, and to be more accepting of those who differ from us. Take a moment to look around you, to appreciate the beauty of this earth. Enjoy and nourish the love around you. Be at peace, for she surely is. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider the Nature Conservancy or McLaren Hospice House in Cheboygan. Here are comments from a friend of Lornas. If you were fortunate enough to ever receive a note from Lorna, you may have realized she wrote her own obituary. It was always a pleasure to get a card from her with words of wisdom and beauty.

I wanted to add a little more, especially for those who didn’t know her well. Lorna deeply loved her family, friends, community, and nature. Family was her first priority, she loved their time together, and took good care of them in sickness and in health.

She had many friends she enjoyed spending time with, on the phone or in person, for good conversations and always laughter. Lorna was in the Memorial Day pageant for decades; the weekend was a highlight each year, lots of fun and camaraderie with friends who gathered from nearby or far away.

Lorna always kept up on current affairs, anyone who took an opposing view better be knowledgeable on what they were talking about, because she was! She was civic minded; volunteer activities included serving on the planning commission, working election polls for years, and volunteering as a teacher at Heritage Village.

Lorna knew she made a difference to many student’s life as they gained knowledge and a good work ethic from her. She loved teaching, in one of our last conversations she said how much she appreciated her students.

Lorna had numerous health issues over the past several years, during her last hospitalization she was finally pain free. Please know Lorna was happy at the end, full of Lorna was an active volunteer at Heritage love and at peace. One of the last things she said to me was it was a great life, and she Village running classes at the Freedom meant it. school March 7, 2021 page 12 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek

Covid information - 50 years old and up with medical conditions now qualify

New orders from the state’s health department now allow 50% capacity at libraries and restaurants which must now close at 11 pm and allows larger gatherings elsewhere. Nursing homes visits will be allowed under certain conditions. Face masks are still required at gatherings. The new order expires on April 19.

Read the entire order at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98455-553387-- ,00.html?ct=t(EMAIL_SPECIAL_ALERT_3_02_2021)

Emmet County side Effective Monday, March 8, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan will expand eligibility, permitting some frontline essential workers in the Phase 1B, Group C to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to this expanded group, those age 50 and older will also be eligible to make a vaccination appointment.

• Percent of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego county residents who have received their first dose: 23.48% • Percent of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego county residents 65 and older who have received their first dose: 54.6%

To make an appointment this week or next to receive your first dose vaccination, call 800-432-4121.

Cheboygan side Cheboygan has 21.4% of its population with first dose of vaccine and 11.8% with both. An average of 54% of the 65 and older population in DHD4 jurisdiction has received at least one dose of the vaccine and an average of 26% has received two doses.

Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced it is expanding vaccine eligibility starting Monday, March 8 to those 50 years old and above - starting with those who are living with disabilities, medical conditions, caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special needs.

Please be patient as we work out details for our process for vaccinating this group. Pre-Registration will not be open until Monday, March 8th. For the latest vaccine information, visit our website at www.dhd4.org/ covid19vaccine and stay tuned on social media to learn more about how to make an appointment.

Please, know, due to limited vaccine availability, DHD4 will continue to prioritize current eligible individuals, including those 65 years of age and older, health care workers, first responders, police officers, jail and prison staff, pre-K through 12 teachers and workers in childcare centers and protective services. These individuals should pre-register at www.dhd4.org.

If you are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine and still in need of an appointment, visit your local Meijer, Rite Aid, or Walgreens website. If you get an appointment at one of these other clinics, please email [email protected] so we can take your name off our pre-registration list.

March 7, 2021 page 13 COVID-19 MackinawMDHHS Epidemic News order by Sandy Planisek effective March 5 through April 19

Limits on attendance at residential gatherings. • Face masks are required at all times, unless eating or drinking. • Residents should follow MDHHS guidelines for safe social gatherings and are encouraged to form a “pod” of people to socialize with consistently. INDOORS: UP TO 15 PERSONS FROM 3 HOUSEHOLDS OUTDOORS: UP TO 50 PERSONS

Limits on attendance at non-residential gatherings. • Everyone must wear a face mask at all times, unless eating or drinking while seated in a designated area. • Consumption of food or beverages is permitted only while seated in a designated area with a group of no more than 6 people. • While eating or drinking, each group must be at least 6 feet apart and may not intermingle. INDOORS: UP TO 25 PERSONS OUTDOORS: UP TO 300 PERSONS

“Gathering” means any occurrence where two or more persons from more than one household are present in a shared space. Incidental gatherings (where people do not mingle with others outside their group) are excepted. For more information on gathering rules, please see the FAQs.

Face masks are still required. Businesses, government offices, schools, child care organizations, operators of public transit, and all other gathering organizers must not allow indoor or outdoor gatherings of any kind unless they require individuals to wear a face mask. These entities may not assume that someone who enters the business without a face mask falls in one of the exceptions; but may accept an individual’s verbal representation that they are not wearing a face mask because they fall within a specified exception.

Retail and personal services • Gatherings at a retail setting, library or museum, may not exceed 50% of total occupancy limits established by the fire marshal. Spaces for indoor dining, including food courts, must comply with the requirements for food service establishments. • Gatherings to receive personal care services, including hair, nail, tanning, massage, spa, tattoo, body art, and piercing services are permitted by appointment. Masks must be worn at all times except if a customer is receiving a medical or personal care service for which the removal of the face mask is necessary.

March 7, 2021 page 14 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek

Kim Nowack selected for American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan honor

March 1, 2021 -- Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) Executive Secretary Kim Nowack is the 2021 recipient of the Felix A. Anderson Image Award, noting her contributions to enhancing the image of the engineering profession.

The award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Michigan was announced Friday during the council's 2021 Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards Gala, held virtually this year. The Felix A Anderson Image Award is presented each year to one nominee who is perceived by the profession and their communities as a leader, and has demonstrated how their actions have positively affected the public's understanding and appreciation of the engineering profession. "I'm thrilled to have been selected for this award, and it's amazing to be the first female honored this way," Nowack said. "It's been so rewarding to be an ambassador for the bridge and the civil engineering profession throughout my years here at the MBA."

Amy Trahey, a fellow engineer, president of Great Lakes Engineering Group LLC, and vice chair of the MBA, said she nominated Nowack for the award because she is both "inspiring and the epitome of why civil engineering is so awesome!" "She has been an inspiration to me personally as a fellow civil engineer and to so many others in the industry," Trahey said."The MBA is proud of Kim and all her contributions to the field of civil engineering." Nowack, who has served as executive secretary of the MBA since May 2019, oversees all operations, management and maintenance of the Mackinac Bridge.

Mt. Etna of Italy sends plume over Lake Michigan

Considered Europe’s largest and most-active volcano, Mt. Etna on the east coast of Sicily has erupted seven times in the past two weeks. It sent sulfur dioxide plumes that drifted across the North Pacific, Canada and were captured on satellite images of Lake Michigan.

March 7, 2021 page 15 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek

Mental Health exhibit at Pellston airport

“Photo voice presentation: Capturing thoughts and feelings in photos about stigmas, discrimination, and inclusion by people with disabilities.”

We have used the PhotoVoice curriculum for groups of North Country Community Mental Health clients to allow them to contemplate and discuss the discrimination and prejudicial attitudes they have experienced in their lives and their negative impact. After some weeks of group discussion, they translate this into the impact of a photograph and text that allows us the possibility of perceiving the world through their viewpoint. The organization has offices in Cheboygan and Petoskey as well as 4 other communities.

March 7, 2021 page 16 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek

Listen for frogs and toads this spring

DNR—You can help track frog and toad population trends in Michigan by listening for their calls this spring. Data is collected throughout the state, and anyone who is interested is welcome to participate. Frog and toad survey data collection takes place April through July, so now is the perfect time to plan your survey route and brush up on frog and toad calls! Find the survey instructions and route description form, along with calls and other information, on the DNR Frogs and Toads page. Email [email protected] with your survey route or questions. New survey routes should be submitted by April for approval. Survey routes should include 10 different stops that will be surveyed three times during the survey period. Paul Hathaway

The National Weather Service places the ice this week. Notice we still have “fast ice.”

March 7, 2021 page 17 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek

Winter is the time when certain trees become prominent in the landscape. White cedar is definitely one of these in Mackinaw City. Youfi nd it in the wet swampy areas, in the old fields, and on property borders as screening.

White cedar is one of thefi ve most common trees in Michigan, covering 1.3 million acres or 6.5% of Michigan’s forest area. Being one of Michigan’s longest-lived species there are a some older than 100 years and even records of a few over 1,000 years old. But on average they live about 90 years. They often grow fast. These trees suffer from their own success; cedars are one of the weakest and lightest woods in North America. But they are not good competitors; other species quickly drive them out, leaving them to be found in the poorest growing areas.

They survive high winds Why are they so successful here? Cedars have two adaptations unusual for trees.First, unlike They love limestone the root systems in most trees, those in eastern white cedars have what are known as sectored hydraulic pathways. Other When the Great Lake water levels recede, white trees are like upside-down funnels, with all the water and cedar is the first to sprout in the rocky exposed nutrients pouring in from the wide-ranging roots mixing lake bottom. When the lake levels are up, the andfl owing together throughout the trunk. In eastern white white cedar is the first to die because they cannot cedars, however, different groups of roots are dedicated to survive saturated roots in the growing season of specific sections of the trunk. Researchers discovered this summer. when they injected two colored dyes into two roots. The dyes both traveled the length of the tree but never commingled, White cedar enjoys a relationship with a fungus making the tree look like a deviant barber pole with vertical that can collect phosphorus and nitrogen from the stripes. This is an adaptation for unstable footings. If a tree rocks and pump them into the roots of the tree. is wind blown, it may rip part of its roots from the ground killing part, but not all of the tree. Secondly, the tree has vegetative layering that occurs when toppled trees have live branches which when in contact with suitable soil can grow roots.

Cedar leaves are used to make a vitamin Northern White Cedar is the lightest of any C rich tea that could prevent, or treat commercial wood in the United States. It is even-grained and finely textured. scurvy. This practice was taught to French The heartwood is resistant to decay and explorers by Native Americans giving rise subterranean termites. It is easy to work, to the Latin name arborvitae, meaning glues well and holds paint well. It also “tree of life.” Native Americans also experiences little dimensional change, but taught Frenchmen to make canoe frames it is soft and has low mechanical properties such as bending strength and nail-holding from the wood and a salve of leaves for abilities. It is brittle. bug repellent.

White cedar does not tolerate road salt so don’t plant it too close to a street.

Source: The Vertical Forest at https://www. March 7, 2021 page 18 discovermagazine.com/environment/the-vertical-forest Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek

Remove bird feeders now to reduce conflicts with bears

As spring approaches, black bears will soon wake from their long winter sleep and start the search for their first nourishing meal of the year. To avoid potential conflicts with bears, it’s a good idea to take down bird feeders and remove other food sources that may attract wildlife. While black bears primarily are found in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula, they occasionally are spotted in southern counties, too. After leaving their dens, bears look for leafy green vegetation to replenish their bodies after months of hibernation. Given the chance, though, these opportunistic feeders will take advantage of available food sources such as calorie-rich bird seed, garbage cans and pet foods.

State forest fuelwood permits available now at no cost Much of French Farm is available

For the second year in a row, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will offer free permits to cut fuelwood from dead and downed trees in approved areas of Michigan’s state forests. This year, fuelwood season has begun – earlier than in previous years to help people who might be facing economic hardship during the heating season due to COVID-19.

Like last year, residents need to use an online permit which can be found at Michigan.gov/Fuelwood. First, use the Fuelwood Map button to locate the township and range where you would like to collect. Then, use the Fuelwood Permit button to bring up a fillable pdf. Complete the form, enter the township and range of the map that you will be using (for example, T22N, R09W), and then print, sign and carry it with you when you go to cut wood.

View of St. Helena lighthouse by Greg Teysen March 7, 2021 page 19 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek

A new pigment of blue was discovered, an electric blue. It’s being called YinMN by the Oregon State University faculty who discovered it in 2009. It is likened to the blue of a flame and is an amalgam of yttrium, indium oxide, and manganese—elements deep within the periodic table. Blue pigments dating back to ancient times have been notoriously unstable – many fade easily and contain toxic materials. The fact that this pigment was synthesized at extremely high temperatures signaled that this new compound was extremely stable, a property long sought in a blue pigment and hence of great commercial value. Chemical representation

The researchers concluded that this formula increased UV absorbance and stability in outdoor weathering and heat buildup tests, demonstrating that YInMn blue is superior to Cobalt Blue. In addition, the high solar reflectance (compared to similarly colored pigments) indicates that this ‘cool pigment’ can find use in a variety of exterior applications by reducing surface temperatures, cooling costs, and energy consumption. The research team has now turned its skill to finding a similar red, a pigment that would be stable, heat reflecting, and brilliant.

The history of blue Around the year 400 or so, the Catholic Church decided to color code all of the Saints, and so Mary was given blue. That's how blue came to stand for innocence and trustworthiness. The original Mary’s blue was actually what we now call Navy blue. The military picked it up for that same kind of essence of trust. Mary’s blue has also been used in the Jewish tradition to symbolize divinity. The same kind of meaning is also found in Africa, where blue says you're closer to the divine. Throughout Africa you'll see people wearing navy blue garments and this is one of the reasons why. Blue also refers to an equilibrium because it is a hue between white and black and day and evening.

Music called ‘the blues’ reflects early music from slaves and it's about being closer to God. This idea could carry over to the idea of being blue as being in depression.

The new color has already jumped into the crayon box. So watch for it.

Source: https://kjzz.org/content/1661170/new-blue-discovered-asu-professor-details-history-color-blue

March 7, 2021 page 20 Mackinaw News by Sandy Planisek Lithium-ion batteries are a fire hazard If you have an old lithium-ion battery be aware that if it puffs up or gets broken it is a fire threat to your home. The best way to dispose of lithium-ion batteries is to treat them as hazardous waste. Hazardous wastes must be recycled separately.

In Cheboygan County bring hazardous items to Cheboygan County Fairgrounds office on Lincoln Ave. Summer Hours: May - October: Every Wednesday each month noon to 3 pm Winter Hours: November - April: The first Wednesday each month noon - 3 pm

In Emmet County both household and vehicle types of batteries are accepted at the Drop-off Center in the Hazardous Materials Recycling area on 7363 Pleasantview Rd. at 231-348-0640. Weekdays 8 - 4 Saturday 8 - 3 Closed Sunday and major holidays

How Lithium Batteries Work A lithium battery consists of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte. The specifics depend on the battery, but lithium-ion batteries usually contain a metal coil and a flammable lithium-ion fluid. Tiny metal fragments float in the liquid. The contents of the battery are under pressure, so if a metal fragment punctures a partition that keeps the components separate or the battery is punctured, the lithium reacts with water in the air vigorously, generating high heat and sometimes producing Lithium batteries are in a lot of things, like a fire. your cell phone, your computer or tablet, your car, as well as battery-powered tools.

Why Lithium Batteries Catch Fire or Explode Lithium batteries are made to deliver high output with minimal weight. Battery components are designed to be lightweight, which translates into thin partitions between cells and a thin outer covering. The partitions or coating are fairly fragile, so they can be punctured. If the battery is damaged, a short occurs. This spark can ignite the highly reactive lithium.

Another possibility is that thebattery can heat to the point of thermal runaway. Here, the heat of the contents exerts pressure on the battery, potentially producing an explosion.

If you have a lithium battery fire call 911 immediately. Never - Never put water on the fire, this will only make it burn hotter.

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