Whispering Pines

Whispering Pines
Whispering Pines
Volume
Issue
Available in color at www.michaywe.com
Fall, 2013
Michaywé Players Sparkle Once Again
Michaywé’s sixth dinner theater production was on stage October 16,
17 and 18, with the presentation of an original work, “New Business”.
With only a few tickets unsold nearly 300 people thoroughly enjoyed
the play over its three night run. The play was preceded by a delicious
buffet dinner served downstairs in the Bridgeview Room. Cost for the
meal and a ticket to the play was a great bargain at only $25.
The three act play was once again written and directed by our own
multi-talented playwright Jeanne Crenshaw. This play tied the record
for the largest number of cast members, 21, of the six plays that Jeanne
has written. Michaywé Players cast members were as follows:
Todd Chwatun, Gary Grieger, Mark Hall, Sally Hall, Betty Hawthorne, Jan Humbert, Liz Lixie, Terri McCarbery, Wally McCoy, Jerry
Moran, Penny Nowacki, Julie Ohlrich, Jeff Parker, Susan Polcyn, Vickie
Putnam, Glen Roberts, Kathy Roberts, Huntley Robinson, Nan Robinson, Doug Schubert and Carolyn Study.
Delphine Kerr once again took on the duties of assistant director and
helped Jeanne Crenshaw with many tasks during rehearsals and production.
The stage and set design was coordinated by John Curry along with
Scott Curry. Judy Marden headed up the props committee that consisted of Barb Christie, Maryanne Hall, Bonnie Kudej, Rose Robinson, Dee
Stasevich and Ann Wilson. Lighting was done by Duane Christie.
Makeup and hair styles were created by Sylvia Beaudry assisted by
Sharon Johnson. Costumes were designed by Delphine Kerr and
Above: Sally Hall and Gary Grieger portraying thespians
Tallulah and Zachary Barrymore in “New Business”
Jeanne Crenshaw and created by each
cast member for the most part. Joe Colliton handled video production along
with Gary Grieger. The program was
created by Jeanne Crenshaw assisted by
Delphine Kerr and Todd Chwatun with
photos by Mike Buckley. The program
was distributed by Barb Christie, Jackie
Kish and Lisa Moore. Publicity was han(Continued on page 2)
Chili Cook-Off: A Spicy End to Summer
A very popular end of summer tradition, the annual
Chili Cook-Off held at Opal Lake Park, was attended
by about 150 people on Sunday, August 25th. Beautiful weather helped bring out the large crowd which
lingered long after the chilis were gone. Sixteen delicious pots of chili were prepared by our creative chiliologists, ranging from traditional fare to white bean/
chicken chili and vegetarian chili. Some chiliologists
provided add-ins to complement their offering while
others showed creativity in decorating their sampling
station.
This activity could not take place without the contributions of the chiliologists! This year’s participants were:
Carrie Buchler, Dennis Castile, Barb Christie, Dawn
Deisig, Betty Hawthorne, Fred and Cathe Layman,
Marcia Merritt, Mark Miller, Susan Polcyn, Helen
(Continued on page 2)
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Dinner Theater Reaches Its Sixth Year
dled by Lois Hibbler and Jeanne Crenshaw.
Special thanks went to The Gaylord Herald Times, Mark Miller, Eagle 101.5 FM, the MOA staff and Saturn Booksellers for
their assistance with this production.
“New Business” was so well received that Jeanne is already
working on another play. It will be presented October 2014 in
the same dinner theater format. If you missed seeing this production, you’ll want to buy your tickets for the next one as
soon as they go on sale.
Left: Jerry
Moran as
Clarence
Chambers and
Kathy Roberts
as Camille
Mott
Right: Nan
Robinson as
Dolores
Delancey
Successful Chili Cook-Off Held at Opal Lake Park
(Continued from page 1)
Pusker, Wanda Rickabus, Kathy Roberts, Doug Schubert, Christine Smith, Jim Steward & Julie Tarrence.
Prizes were awarded in two categories. The People’s
Choice Award, which was very hotly contested, went to
Dennis Castile. The Judges’ Choice Award was won by
Carrie Buchler. The judges, Nancy Valuet, Jan Harrington and Becky Steward, faced a difficult decision due to
the excellent selection and variety of chilis that were
offered.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 24, for the
2014 Chili Cook-Off. You have a whole year to optimize
your chili entry! Contact Mark and Sally Hall at 989-939
-8070 or [email protected] if you would like to
become a chiliologist for next year’s event.
For just $5, attendees were able to sample many chilis as
well as enjoy a large hot dog, chips and a beverage.
Most people complained about eating too much – a nice
problem to have at such an event.
Like all social events in Michaywé, volunteers are critical for a successful event. In addition to the Chiliologists, volunteers were also needed to set up, staff and
clean up the event. These volunteers included Nancy
and Mike Valuet, Lora and Graydon Blank, Tom and
Jan Harrington, Becky Steward, Gina and Kirk Olson
and Mark and Sally Hall.
Above: Marcia Merritt’s chili station was a feast for the eyes
as well as the tummies of the tasters
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More Photos from “New Business”
Above: Doug Schubert and Jan Humbert
Above: Penny Nowacki and Vickie Putnam
Below: Betty Hawthorne and Huntley Robinson
Below: Liz Lixie and Wally McCoy
Above: Terri McCarbery, Gary Grieger & Kathy Roberts
Above: Carolyn Study
Below: Jeff Parker and Kathy Roberts
Below: Susan Polcyn and Penny Nowacki
Below: Todd Chwatun and Julie Ohlrich
Above: Mark Hall
Below: Kathy Roberts
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Arts and Crafts Fair Benefits our Community
The 35th annual Michaywé Arts and Crafts Fair was a
wonderful success thanks to our many volunteers ably
directed by this year’s chairperson, Lora Blank. On
August 9 and 10 more than one hundred artists and
crafters filled the grounds around the club house and
over to the Pines pro shop as well as the upper and
lower rooms of the club house.
and Crafts Fair netted a profit of $10,000.00!
The proceeds will be used to purchase new playground
equipment, a new cooler and equipment for the Jack
Pine Grill, a railing for the stairway at the Opal Lake
Beach, flowers for areas around Michaywé in 2014,
and charitable donations to Toys for Tots and the
Otsego County Caring Closet.
“The weather was delightful on both days encouraging thousands of shoppers to come out and make wonderful purchases. All the fabulous creations were hand
made by the artists and crafters,” said Lora. “Offerings
included clothing, purses, jewelry, lawn art, wood creations, furniture, photography and much more. Some of
the food items available were yummy nuts, Kettle
Corn, dips, sausages, as well as jams and jellies. “
New this year was a Kidz Art Zone where youngsters
could get their faces painted, make a craft, paint a masterpiece and even create a project at the Home Depot
Kids Workshop.
The Gaylord Public School Band students provided
music both days. Customers and exhibitors also got to
enjoy some of the band’s strolling minstrels. Alaric
Rokko Jans, Chicago’s most noted composer, made a
surprise appearance with his key board for a few hours
as well.
The Jack Pine Grill set up an outdoor grill in the picnic
area and volunteers were keep very busy cooking and
serving burgers, hot dogs and other lunch items. Inn
the Woods served lunch specials on both days and remained extremely busy right through the dinner hours.
The success of the Fair was the result of many long
hours of hard work by nearly two hundred wonderful
Michaywé volunteers. The exhibitors and shoppers
commented on how pleasant and helpful all the volunteers were. The Guardian Gals, a group of Gaylord
school age girls who donate their time, assisted the
crafters in unloading their vehicles and carrying items
to the booths.
Once again the Gaylord auto dealerships donated the
use of vehicles to transport people from the temporary
parking areas at the corner of Opal Lake and Northstar
roads. Mike Reling of Eagle Radio 101.5 broadcasted
from the Art Fair on Friday. Mike also did a tremendous job of advertising the Art Fair for weeks prior to
the event.
Because of the time and hard work by many Michaywé
volunteers and the wonderful help from others the Arts
Above: Two youngsters enjoyed handmade wooden toys after having their faces
painted at the Kidz Art Zone
Below: Many shoppers worked their way among the booths from the club house to
The Pines pro shop
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2014 Social Events Calendar
Social Committee Chair, Karen
Stimmel, is pleased to present the
2014 social events calendar. “Each
of these events needs someone to
organize it and make it happen,”
said Karen. “These have proven to
be wonderful events that are wellattended and it would be a shame
to lose them. More than one person
can be responsible for an event. In
fact, it makes it easier to spread the
work among several friends.”
Please contact Karen at 231-4991501 if you would like more information on what is needed and how
you can help.
Be sure to mark your calendar for
your favorite events!

Clubhouse “Undecorating”
Tuesday, January 7

Winter Fun/XC Ski Pot Lucks
Tuesday, January 14 and
Tuesday, February 4

Spring Fling
Wednesday, May 21

Opal Lake Picnics (Wednesdays) June 11, July 9, August 13 and
September 10

Ice Cream Social
Saturday, July 5

Shuffleboard Tournament
Saturday, August 16

Chili Cook Off
Sunday, August 24

Children’s Halloween Party
Sunday, October 26

Clubhouse Holiday Decorating
Wednesday, November 19

Christmas Luncheon
Wednesday, December 3

Christmas Dinner Dance
Saturday, December 13
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Edelweiss Garden Club
Holiday Greens Sale
The Edelweiss Garden Club's 25th Annual Greens Sale is under
way. Selections include mixed evergreen wreaths decorated
with bows and pinecones in sizes from 24" to 60"; 25 foot or 50
foot cedar garland, and 3 foot balsam candy canes. All items
must be pre-ordered and will be available for pick up at the
Otsego County Sportsplex on Saturday, November 23.
Proceeds from the sale will be used for Gaylord beautification
projects and local scholarships.
Anyone interested in more information may call Pat at (989) 7863965. Order forms are available from any Edelweiss Garden
Club
member,
the
garden
club’s
website
www.edelweissgardenclub.com, or can be obtained by sending
an e-mail to [email protected]. Orders are due no later than
November 13.
Pickleball comes to Michaywé
Did you know that Michaywé now has two pickleball
courts? What is pickleball? Glad you asked!!! The sport is
played on a court with the same dimensions as a doubles
badminton court. The net is similar to tennis net, but is
mounted two inches lower. The game is played with a hard
paddle and a smaller version of a whiffle ball.
If you are interested in giving pickleball a try,
come to the Michaywé Owners Association office
and check out the equipment.
Pickleball is similar to tennis, but with differences. A pickleball ball typically moves at one-third of the average speed
of a tennis ball and the court is just under one-third the size
of a tennis court.
Originally invented as a backyard pastime, pickleball is
now an organized sport represented by national and international governing bodies. The United States Pickleball
Association estimates there are more than 100,000 active
players. Central Florida hosts over 108 courts in the Villages, a popular retirement community located near Orlando.
The game started during the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge
Island, Washington. The unusual name of the game originated with Joan Pritchard, who said it reminded her of the
"Pickle Boat” in rowing where oarsmen were chosen from
the leftovers of other boats.
Above: Joe Colliton tries out the new pickleball court and equipment
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Otsego County United Way Helps Us All
“We are about the people in our community helping
others in our community,” says Michaywé resident Jim
Akans, who was recently named Executive Director for
the Otsego County United Way. “That assistance comes
through contributions, volunteerism, and simply talking
to friends, neighbors and co-workers about the work the
United Way does in our community. I am amazed at
the scope of the work we do; it reaches into nearly every
corner of life in our county and it also impacts our future.”
There are three United Way-administered programs:
First Call for Help, which offers utility and rent assistance for those experiencing a temporary financial set-back,
Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP),
which coordinates approximately 350 community
volunteers who assist with a wide range of community events and services including medical transport
and congregate meal delivery,
and the Volunteer Center, which coordinates community volunteers from their teens to their fifties
with services such as Stuff the Bus school supply
collection, Road to Recovery cancer patient
transport and the Lunch Buddies student mentoring
program.
“We also house the Otsego County Food Pantry and
Community Mediation is at our facility on Fifth Street in
Gaylord,” Akans relates. “These and other non-profit
organizations in the community receive grants that we
allocate each spring based on recommendations from a
citizens review panel and our Otsego County United
Way Board. The funds we are able to allocate each year
are a direct reflection of the dollars we are able to raise
during our annual fall fundraising campaign.”
That campaign is currently underway, combining donations received by individuals and families as well as
local businesses and organizations. Last year the campaign raised nearly $170,000 and this year that goal has
been set at $185,000 – the first time that goal has been
increased in several years.
“During a time when so many service organizations are
experiencing funding cuts at the state and federal level,”
Akans emphasizes, “the United Way is able to assist
through our annual grants, making them more important than ever before. Contributions of any size will
make a significant difference in continuing the work we
are able to accomplish. The funds we distribute in our
county are not dependent on the decisions of state and
Above: Otsego County United Way representatives (l to r): Pete Amar, Dave Burney,
Jennifer Russell, Jim Akans, Pam Beasinger and Roxann Morin
federal legislators…our donations come directly from
the hearts of those who live here and assist those who
also live here.”
In addition to the internal programs the Otsego United
Way is currently supporting, community grant allocations in 2013 to local non-profit organizations include
the Salvation Army, Child Welfare Alliance, Catholic
Human Services, Community Mediation Services,
Women’s Resource Center, Otsego Parks & Recreation,
Otsego County Food Pantry and the Otsego County Judicial System. The Otsego County United Way is also a
major sponsor of the recently launched 211-telephone
support network that assists in connecting people in
need with people who can help.
For additional information, please contact Jim Akans at
the Otsego County United Way at (989) 732-8929 or visit
www.otsegounitedway.org. Those who would like to
make a contribution to the 2014 campaign can contact
Pam Beasinger at the United Way for information and
donation forms.
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Kids, Games & Ice Cream: A Great Combination
On a beautiful, sunny afternoon in early July many families enjoyed the fun and fellowship of an old fashioned
ice cream social.
The event took place on July 7 on the lawn between the
Michaywé club house and pro shop and was planned
by co-chairs Huntley and Rose Robinson, ably assisted
by Dick Gardner and John Stutzman.
The co-chairs and some twenty volunteers organized
age-based water balloon games and three-legged races
that provided lots of fun for participants and much
amusement for the spectators. Each of the events had
four age groupings with winners in each group. Every
winner received a small award that was met with a big
smile.
Face painting was provided by Dawn Deisig for which
kids eagerly lined up to get their favorite image painted
on face, arm or hand.
Lots of vanilla and chocolate ice cream was on hand and
scoopers were kept busy all afternoon. Family-friendly
charges of $3 per person with children ages 6 and under
free made the event very affordable.
If you missed this year’s ice cream social, be sure to
bring your family and friends next year on Saturday,
July 5.
North to Alaska!
Michaywé residents Jim and Lisa Moore have been to
Europe many times, but next year they plan to take a
group of friends to the far north with a 12 day trip to
Denali National Park and Wild Alaska.
The trip will begin on June 10, 2014 in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. The group will travel by train through
Hurricane Gulch and the Alaska Range on the way to
Denali National Park. After leaving Denali everyone
will board the Celebrity Millennium for a cruise south
to view sea life, glaciers and fiords, stopping in Juneau,
Ketchikan and Skagway, arriving finally in beautiful
Vancouver.
Arrangements for the tour will be handled by Go Ahead
Tours, an industry leader in planning and conducting
custom tours. If you are interested in learning more
about the trip, please call Jim Moore at 989-939-7505.
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Election Results Impact
In their continuing effort to prepare Michaywé for a more stable financial future, the MOA Board of Directors decided to put two financial propositions to a vote of the membership this past June 2013:
1.
2.
Suspend future lot consolidation discounts. Since its inception, this program has resulted in an income reduction
of approximately $300,000, which continues to grow by about $40,000 every year.
Implement a nominal $30 three-year temporary dues increase to be applied directly to debt service. This was proposed in an effort to receive more favorable terms when the long-term debt is refinanced, and ultimately, pay off
the debt faster, as it consumes about $200,000 of MOA’s dues income each year.
The Board has worked hard during the past four years to position MOA for a more stable financial future, and had
hoped that they had built enough good will with the membership to get these two proposals passed. Therefore, they
made a decision not to publish the possible negative consequences of defeating the proposals. The Board did not
want to be perceived as threatening the members with “vote for these proposals, or else…” However, in the end, both
proposals were defeated as shown below:
June 2013 Election Results
Eligible Voters = 1,368
Quorum = 137
Eligible Votes = 1,605
Proposal “A”: Votes in favor 473 and votes not in favor 346. Proposal “A”, as a deed restriction amendment, required
a two-thirds majority to pass, but only received 57.8% approval. Therefore, Proposal “A” failed.
Proposal “B”: Votes in favor 366 and votes not in favor 455. Proposal “B”, as a bylaw amendment, required a simple
majority to pass, but only received 44.5% approval. Therefore, Proposal “B” failed.
In an election where almost 50% of the eligible voters did not vote, the membership has determined that we must
live within the dues level established over 11 years ago minus the continued loss of income caused by the lot consolidation program. As the 2014 budget is developed, one thing is certain - the status quo cannot continue without additional funding. The Board must focus on three areas:

Continue to increase our public revenues by attracting more business and/or increasing prices.

Implement or increase charges and fees for the amenities and services we provide.

Decide which services may have to be reduced or eliminated.
As Sir Isaac Newton stated many years ago: “For every action there is an equal but opposite reaction.” Decisions will
have to be made on how to operate in an environment where funding is eroding on an ongoing basis, while also protecting your investment in this great community.
Sunday December 22, 2013 @ Michaywé
17k Freestyle Michigan Cup Race ♦ 17k Open Freestyle Nordic
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Can “Excess” Retirement Dollars
Help Your Grandchildren?
National Grandparents Day is observed on September
8. And although this “Day” is not as widely known as
Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, it does remind us of the
importance of grandparents. If you’re a grandparent
yourself, you may be thinking of ways to help your
grandchildren on their journey through life. One of the
greatest gifts you can give them may be financial support for their college education — and one way you can
help provide this support could be found in the distributions you receive from your retirement accounts.
To understand how this technique might work, you’ll
need to be familiar with the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules governing various retirement accounts. Actually, they’re pretty straightforward: Once
you turn 70½, you’ll generally have to start taking
withdrawals from your traditional IRA and your 401(k)
or other employer-sponsored retirement plan — such
as a 457(b) plan, if you work for a state or local government, or a 403(b) plan, if you work for an educational
institutions or nonprofit group. (If you have a Roth
IRA, you are not required to take withdrawals at any
age.) Your required minimum distribution is calculated
by dividing the prior Dec. 31 balance of your retirement account by a life expectancy factor published by
the Internal Revenue Service. As the word “minimum”
suggests, you can take out more than this amount, but
not less.
You can use the money you withdraw for any purpose
you choose. It may be that you need all of it to help
support your retirement lifestyle. But if you have
enough money coming in from other sources — such as
Social Security and any investments held outside your
retirement accounts — you may find that you don’t
really need to use every dollar from your RMDs. And if
that’s the situation, you might want to devote some of
this money to a college fund for your grandchildren.
Or you could simply give the funds to your grandchildren’s parents and let them decide how best to employ
it for college. But you do have other options. For example, you could establish a 529 plan and name your
grandchildren as beneficiaries.
With a 529 plan, any potential earnings accumulate tax
free, provided they are used for qualified higher education expenses. (Keep in mind, though, that 529 plan
distributions not used for qualified expenses may be
Submitted by Phil Hofweber
subject to federal and state income tax and a 10% IRS
penalty.) Furthermore, your 529 plan contributions
may be deductible from your state taxes if you participate in your home state’s plan. However, 529 plans
vary, so check with your tax advisor regarding deductibility.
In all likelihood, you’ll be able to contribute as much as
you want to a 529 plan, because the lifetime contribution limits are generous — although these limits vary
by state. Plus, a 529 plan is flexible: If your grandchild
decides against an eligible college or vocational school,
you can generally transfer the unused funds to an eligible family member.
In any case, once you start taking your RMDs from
your retirement accounts, think about putting any
“excess” amounts to work for your grandchildren’s
college education. Your generosity could provide benefits for a lifetime.
Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United
States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business,
from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is
designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live
and work. The firm's 13,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly 7
million clients to understand their personal goals -- from college savings to
retirement -- and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a wellbalanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Edward Jones embraces the
importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available
today.
Edward Jones, which ranked No. 8 on FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For 2013," is headquartered in St. Louis. The Edward Jones Web
site is located at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting Web site is
www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.
This article was written by Edward
Jones for use by your local Edward
Jones Financial Advisor.
Phil Hofweber is a Financial
Advisor with Edward Jones, 100
E. Main Street, Gaylord, 989731-1851 or email at
[email protected].
Edward Jones and its financial
advisors do not provide tax and
legal advice. You should consult with a qualified tax or legal
professional for advice on your
specific situation.
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Treasurer’s Report
John Stellman, MOA Board Treasurer
It is hard to believe that summer is over and we are now starting to
prepare our fiscal-year 2014 budget. At the September Town Hall Meeting, we presented the year-to-date financial
performance for Michaywé. (More data is available on the website.) However, for the period January thru September
2013, total revenue was $1,769,698 - about half of this revenue was derived from dues and the other half from public
revenue. This is about a $50,000 improvement from year-to-date 2012. After paying all of our bills, we ended September 2013 with $50,940 cash on-hand, and $266,616 in our Replacement Fund, which is restricted and cannot be used
for general purposes. In addition, the amount of debt MOA owed was about $77,000 less than at this time last year.
The following table summarizes year-to-date 2013 as compared to 2012 during the same period:
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Major Concerns
Debt - As reported in the past and shown on the audited financials, during the period 2000 through 2008, dues and
public revenue were insufficient so MOA borrowed money almost every year (about $2 million dollars in total).
However, during the past 3 years (soon to be 4) we refrained from borrowing, repaid several hundred thousand
dollars, and we lived off 'only' dues and public revenue. A major concern is whether we can continue this good
trend. Nobody wants to go back to borrowing. As it is, we already pay about $200,000 per year in debt service
to prior lenders.
Thin Margins - There is no room for errors or surprises. As you can see from the current financial reports after collecting over $1.7 million in public revenue and dues so far this year, and then paying all the bills, we only had
$50,940 left in the checkbook. Any significant unexpected expenses, business disruptions or distractions from
operations could reverse our progress.
Finding New Revenue - Each year our costs increase by about $50,000 to $75,000 due to inflation and price increases
on our purchases. Meanwhile, MOA is still operating at the same $400 dues level established in 2002, but without supplemental borrowing. In recent years we have offset cost increases thru a variety of actions - changes in
personnel, higher productivity, simplification of procedures, increased public sales, cost reductions, donations,
and most important our dedicated team of volunteers who help to do everything from painting, maintaining
the grounds, organizing community events and many other things. Nevertheless, as costs continue to escalate
each year it is becoming more difficult to find new sources of revenue.
Many people do not understand that our deed restrictions and bylaws prohibit many potential revenue-generating
actions. For example, dues for homeowners must be the same as a vacant lot owner. People who do not use the
amenities must pay the same dues as people who do. New members cannot be charged a higher dues rate than a 20year resident who helped to develop our community. Many potential revenue-generating actions also require membership approval of 66% and not just a simple 51% majority, which makes them almost impossible to approve.
In June 2013, the MOA Board of Directors proposed two modest revenue generators that were voted on by the
membership. The proceeds from these proposals were intended to be applied directly to debt service. If approved,
these proposals would have freed up cash that is being paid to creditors so it could be reinvested in Michaywé to
offset future costs increases. Nobody - including the Board - wants a permanent dues increase, but the Board felt
that a meager temporary 3-year supplemental payment of $30 dollars per year was necessary. Unfortunately, it did
not pass. (It required 51% approval but only received 44.5% of the votes.) We also asked for suspension of the dues
discounts for new lot consolidations. This program has already cost MOA several hundred thousand dollars (and
increases about $40,000 per year). This proposal also failed even though it received a majority 57% approval, but
66% was required. In addition to the defeated proposals, it was very disappointing to learn that only about half of
the eligible voters participated in the election.
Looking Forward
We respect the members’ decision and realize that we must continue looking for new cost savings and revenue generators. We do not want to borrow money as was done in the past, nor do we want to curtail amenities or services.
However, we may have to make difficult decisions moving forward. As we work toward solutions that will provide
financial stability, we would appreciate your involvement, patience and cooperation if we are to continue the great
progress that has been made. We would appreciate hearing any cost savings and/or revenue generating ideas you
may have. Please send them to [email protected].
Think Michaywé First!
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A Genteel Sport for a Summer Afternoon
The 2013 Michaywé Shuffleboard Tournament was held August 24 on the
clubhouse grounds. Some twenty-four
players enjoyed the camaraderie and
fun of pushing those little yellow and
black discs back and forth on the slippery surface.
Mike Buckley and Lee Walski were the
winners of the tournament. Lots of
spectators came to cheer on their favorites and enjoy a lovely summer afternoon by Lake Michaywé.
Richard
Kettner was the host and organizer for
the afternoon and kept the barbeque
grill going with plenty of hot dogs and
hamburgers.
Member families in good standing are
welcome to pick up the push sticks and
discs from the office and enjoy this low
physical impact sport which is great
even for younger children. Grandparents can challenge their grandchildren
to their own contests using this nice
little MOA no-charge amenity. If the
MOA office is closed, the staff at the
Inn the Woods restaurant can provide
the equipment.
Right: Mike Buckley (top) and Lee Walski,
winners of the 2013 tournament
Below (left to right): Lee Walski, Doug
Schubert, Jeanne Crenshaw and Marion Scott
watch intently to see how their discs have
scored
The 2014 tournament will be held on
Saturday, August 16, so you have plenty of time to hone your shuffleboard
skills.
Updated Michaywé Policies
Most businesses, from small independents to huge conglomerates, utilize a number of internal guidelines during
their day-to-day operations. These guidelines are often referred to as systems, procedures, policies or rules. The
MOA Board of Directors announced at the June 2013 Annual Meeting that they were going to review all MOA Policies and update them as necessary. This process is complete; however, more changes will certainly be made as circumstances dictate. Please take a few minutes to review the updated policies, rules and regulations on the
Michaywé website. (Click on the “Living” tab, scroll down and click on “Michaywé Governance”)
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WHISPERING PINES
Bowling League Underway—You’re Invited
It doesn’t seem possible, but here we are facing the start
of another winter and you’re beginning to wonder what
to do when the snow reaches your knees.
“We have the answer,” say Julie and Gene Tarrence.
“Join the Michaywé league at the Gaylord Bowling Center on Thursdays at 12:30 pm for many afternoons of
fun and friendship.”
This is a “no obligation mixed league” without sanction
fees; no substitutes are required; and, best of all, no experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome—you need
not be a Michaywé resident to join the fun.
Left:
Christine
Smith
Warm
Up Time
Right:
Don
Blackford
Below: Some of the league members get ready to compete
The cost is $11 per week. Smoking is not permitted at
the Gaylord Bowling Center.
Give Gene and Julie a call at 989-939-7387 to join.
Try it—you’ll love it!!
Deer-Resistant Plants for your Garden
Many of us enjoy the sights and sounds of nature that
living in beautiful Michaywé provides throughout the
year. There are times when the wildlife gets too close
such as when the whitetail deer munch on the plants in
our garden.
There are plants that you can add to your garden that
deer don’t care for or that will discourage them. Please
note that no plant is completely deer proof. That said,
here is a list of perennials, courtesy of Gaylord Herald
Times freelance writer and Master Gardener, AnnMarie
Rowland, that are hardy to zone 4 and should be deer
resistant: Black-eye Susan, astilbe, columbine, foxglove
(digitalis), coral bells (huchera), butterfly bush
(buddleia), pinks (dianthus), Indian feather (guara), baby’s breath (gypsophila), monk’s hood (aconitum), turtlehead, Jacob’s ladder (polemonium), speedwell
(veronica), lily of the valley (convalleria), Oriental poppy (papaver orientale), primrose (primula), daffodil,
crocus, allium, rose of Sharon (hibiscus syriacus), bee
balm (monarda), bleeding heart (dicentra), lamb’s ear,
any of the artemesia family, any of the coreopsis varieties and Russian sage.
You can also surround your favorites that deer might be
tempted to eat with plants from the herb family such as
sages like veronica or Russian sage, lavender or rosemary.
You may also need to resort to chemical repellants such
as Deer Off spray. If you choose to use one of these
products, read the label carefully and be faithful in reapplying after every rainfall.
PAGE 24
WHISPERING PINES
First Michaywé Youth Tennis Tournament
The Michaywé Tennis Center hosted its first youth
tennis tournament on September 14, 2013. The competitors were all students from instructor Dave Johnson’s summer tennis programs that began in June and
ended in September. See accompanying photos for
participants and some of the exciting action. The programs were designed by age groups from peewee
(ages 6-8) to high school (ages 14-17). Dave is a certified instructor through the Professional Tennis Registry, an Etcheberry Certified Tennis Trainer, former
Director of Tennis Fitness at Genesys Athletic Club
and assistant coach of the Grand Blanc High School
boys and girls tennis teams. Dave’s programs also
include instruction for adults, both beginners and
intermediate, as well as cardio tennis fitness sessions.
Thanks to Alpine Regional Tennis Association members Dave Leonardson, Kathy Passiak and Bob Merry
for setup and officiating the matches.
Above Front Row (left to right): Trey Butka, Nicholas Fernandez, Brooke Bozzer,
Claudia Deleo
Above Back Row (left to right): Sam Defeyter, Logan Bozzer, Kyle Butka, Michael
Fernandez, Braedon Colberg, Brad Limbaugh, Elizabeth Palarito
Instructor Dave Johnson
Dave Johnson plans to continue his tennis training
programs at the Michaywé Tennis Center. Watch for
details in upcoming issues of The Whispering Pines.
Recognition for Extraordinary Volunteers
This past September the Michaywé Arts & Crafts Fair Committee met to celebrate the highly successful 2013 Art Fair. It was a
typical wrap-up meeting except for the surprise at the end.
Once all of the business was complete, the Committee presented a new award to Michaywé residents and long-time volunteers, Doug & Carol Schubert. In fact, the new award, which
will be given annually, is named “Schubert Award” and is “For
Volunteerism Above & Beyond.” The Arts & Crafts Committee
has hung a plaque in the clubhouse lobby to recognize the
Schubert's contributions as well as future recipients of this
great award. The next time you see Doug and Carol, please
congratulate them and thank them for their dedication and
hard work!
Whispering Pines is a quarterly publication of the Michaywé Owners Association, focused only on social, recreational and member activities
along with Michaywé business issues.
Thanks to Jim Akans, Bob Allaben, Lora Blank, Mike Buckley, Kay Castelein, Jeanne Crenshaw, Dick Gardner, Sally Hall, Caryl Irrer, Dave
Johnson, Jim Moore, Gina Olson, Huntley Robinson, Karen Stimmel, Julie Tarrence and Todd Chwatun and the MOA Office Staff for their assistance with this issue.
Any errors herein are my own. Comments, suggestions or requests for advertising assistance may be directed to Carolyn Smith, editor, at
[email protected] or 989-939-7030.
WHISPERING PINES
PAGE 25
Michaywé Owners Association
1535 Opal Lake Road
Gaylord MI 49735
Whispering Pines
Volume 3, Issue 25
November 2013
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