The next Bear Lake Promoter meeting will be Wednesday, May 1 at 7:30 a.m. at the Bear Lake United Methodist Church.  Scheduled speaker is a representative from Michigan Blood.

Everyone is encouraged to participate in Tight Lines for Troops in Manistee on Saturday, May 18, at 11:45 a.m.  Over 60 charter boats have donated their services to take Veterans fishing on Lake Michigan.  At approximately noon, they will be entering the Manistee Channel…..and that’s where we come in…..bring your flags and welcome them “home”.  Last year there was a good attendance from Bear Lake and we’d like to increase our numbers.  We will be on the River Walk near Spruce Street…let me know if you need a flag and if you plan to attend.

Bear Lake Days T-shirts will be ordered soon.  To make sure you get the sizes and numbers you need for your families, contact Dixie Hoeh at Honor Bank.

Volunteers are needed for Bear Lake Days.  Saturday, July 13, help is needed in the following areas:
T-Shirt Sales – contact Dixie Hoeh – dixieh@myhonorbank.com
Baked Potato Concession – contact Rita Brisbin – ritab221@charter.net
New this year – Hot Pretzel Concession – Erin Bair – ebair6672@yahoo.com
Please, if you can spare any time at any of these stations it would be greatly appreciated.

2013 Promoter Membership dues are $25 per household or business.  Mail to Bear Lake Promoters, P.O. Box 141, Bear Lake, MI 49614.  Your membership dues help promote Bear Lake!

Grill 44 will be opening in about two weeks…..great things are happening in Bear Lake!

pj

Bear Lake Promoter meeting will be held at the Bear Lake United Methodist Church at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 3.

The new Promoter’s Bear Lake Days T-Shirt will be ordered soon.  The cost will remain at $12 each. This year’s T will have a patriotic theme.  Those wishing to pre-order to make sure all sizes are available should email  Chairman Dixie Hoeh at dixieh@myhonorbank.com  .  The tan cap with bear paw print and 49614  will also be available this year.

Anyone who would like to help sell shirts at the tent on Bear Lake Days Saturday, July 13, should contact Dixie.

Greetings from Bear Lake!

The regular monthly meeting of the Bear Lake Promoters will be Wednesday, Feb. 6 at Rosies, US 31 South.  Breakfast at 7:30 a.m., meeting at 8 a.m.

For those who haven’t heard, the Bear Lake Bar and Restaurant closed the end of December.  Dave Long has retired from the food and drink business.  Dave faithfully opened his establishment the first Wednesday of each month to make breakfast for the Promoters and give us a place for our meetings.  His generosity through the years is greatly appreciated and we wish him well.

MEMBERSHIP DUES are due now…$25 per household/business.  Please mail checks to:  Bear Lake Promoters, P.O. Box 141, Bear Lake, MI 49614.  Memberships help support many community projects and activities.  Please consider passing this along to family and friends who might wish to help support Promoter events.

It’s 34 degrees, cloudy, and getting ready to dump up to 7 inches of snow in the next 48 hours…..wish you were here!!
pj

Greetings from snow covered Bear Lake!

The regular Wednesday, Jan. 2 Bear Lake Promoter meeting will be held at Hubbel’s Lakeside Inn.  Those who wish to have breakfast may arrive at 7:30 a.m., meeting starts at 8 a.m.

The last night to enjoy Sparkle in the Park will be Jan. 1, 2013!  Thank you to all who made this year’s Sparkling event a great success.

Dearest Bear Lake Promoters,

My name is Rose and I am the only female member of team AIDO/DET 9A60. I am writing in behalf of my team and we would like to extend our gratitude to all of you there. We received the care packages that you sent us. We are very thankful for all your care and support for the troops.

We are going to go through winter season soon, so all your gifts help. There will be times that we will get stranded in our team hut because of the weather, but having some goodies will keep us afloat. We have celebrated Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving here in Afghanistan, and soon will be Christmas and New Years. We get really excited receiving and opening packages cause it feels just like we are close to home.

We have about 6 more months to go till we come home. I/We hope to hear from all of you again.

Thank you very much for the good wishes, prayers and support. It is an honor to serve our country!

Take good care and God bless!

With Love,
Rose Lapena, AIDO/DET 9A60, CP MOREHEAD, APO, AE 09356

** I attached a picture of my Team **
Holding the Flag from Left to Right: Brian and Don
Standing from Left to Right: Alvie, Steve, Rose, Rodney and Sam
Camera Crew (not in picture): John and David
Other Team Members not in picture:
Dentron and Martin SOTF-71 TRIDENT 1535, CP SIMMONS, APO, AE 09355

Dylan and Ryan, JOC MISO (AIDO), FOB RIPLEY, TARINKOWT, SOTF-SE, APO, AE 09380

Adam and Michael, ODA 5335, CP MIKE SPANN (WISE), APO, AE 09368

Angel and Brandon, SOTF-WEST MSOC F 8214, FOB GILBERT, CAMP STONE, HERAT, APO, AE 09382

There will be caroling at Sparkle at 7:00pm on this Sunday, 16th.
Those who want to participate will meet at the Bear Lake United Methodist Church at 7:00.

A.J. Battaglia and Erin Bair have announced that they will be hosting a Breakfast with 
Santa.

It will be on Saturday, December 15 from 8:30-11:30 at the Bear Lake United Methodist Church.

Sparkle Alert!  Only 1 day until Opening Night of the 8th Annual Sparkle in the Park festivities.
Saturday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. everyone is invited to join us for our World Famous Chili, cookies, coffee and hot chocolate, all FREE compliments of the Bear Lake Community.
At 6 p.m., Santa will arrive to visit.
Last year, even on a rainy night, nearly 300 cars drove through Sparkle.  We expect even more this year.
New features will include a tribute to our military, past and present, with a red, white, and blue entrance…..”Fields of Snowmen”….”Dancing Candy Canes and Lolipops” at the musical playground… and a special memorial site.
Sparkle in the Park will be open Nov. 24 through Jan. 1, 2013 from 5 to 11 p.m.  Admission is free, however, there is a donation box by Toyland Bear Lake for those who would like to contribute toward supplies for next year.
Feel free to forward this to all your email friends.

EIGHTH ANNUAL SPARKLE in the PARK 2012 GUIDELINES
Presented by – Bear Lake Promoters & Bear Lake Village Council, Bear Lake businesses, organizations and friends!
Sparkle in the Park Opening night will be Saturday, Nov. 24, 5 p.m.
Tear down will begin Wednesday, Jan. 2 or when weather permits.
Opening Night Community Get-together 6-8 p.m. – Tailgate Chili, (if you can bring a pot of chili, please let Linda or Dave Schweyer know at 231-930-4727.  Hot chocolate, coffee and cookies will also be available.  Everyone is welcome, invite your friends…it is FREE!
Santa will visit with the kids from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Display construction can start by Nov. 1, for your own comfort, and must be completed by Nov. 24 at 5 p.m.
HELPFUL TIPS:
No indoor extension cords – cord connections should be taped with electrical tape so connection does not pull apart.  Keep cord connections off ground, sometimes cords are in water.
No dusk to dawn timers and only outdoor timers.
Timers should be set to go on at 5 p.m. and go off at 11 p.m.
Inflatable decorations are difficult to maintain, snow will bury them when deflated.
Each site should have the owner’s name spotlighted and high enough not to be covered with snow.  Visitors like knowing who provided the extra effort to make their Christmas more enjoyable.
Remember:  We will be setting up on bare ground, but in a week, it could be  under two feet of snow.  Please build your displays and anchor your spotlights on something elevated above the snow.  After the third week of digging your site out of the snow, I get cranky!
It is your responsibility to check your site regularly.  Water, ice, snow and wind cause damage.  Visitors are disappointed with a dark display.
Please decorate your storefronts and homes….we don’t want folks to think Bear Lake was half lit for the holidays!!
And, as always, there will be a donation box on a pole near the Bear Lake Toyland Pavilion.  Any and all contributions are appreciated.
If you would like to reserve a space or need additional information contact Pauline at 231-864-3766 or pj646@centurytel.net.   RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW – IT’S FREE!

Bear Lake’s Sparkle In The Park needs new/newer LED lights, steel posts any length, 2×4′s none shorter than 3′
email Pauline pj646@centurytel.net if you can help

Just a few items to let you know what will be happening in Beautiful Bear Lake.

Several Bear Lake Businesses are offering sales, discounts and refreshments at the 31 BUCK RUN.  It’s not a race…other than running from store to store on this list:  Pleasanton Valley Greenhouses, Richmond Drug, Niizh Makwa Traders, SER.EN.DIP.I.TY, Treasures on the Lake, Bear Lake Ace Hardware, Bear Lake Discount Grocery and Old School Antiques.

These progressive Bear Lake businesses will  be offering great deals at the 31 BUCK RUN scheduled for Nov. 15,16 and 17.  Get a head start on your Holiday shopping.  Again, it’s only a race to see who can get the most fantastic deals in Bear Lake.

**** Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights!! ****

OPENING NIGHT FESTIVITIES SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2012
Located just off US 31 at Hopkins Park, Bear Lake Michigan’s Lakeside Campground/Park.
6 p.m. – WORLD FAMOUS TAILGATE CHILI, cornbread, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies will be served FREE to all visitors, compliments of the Bear Lake Community.
Due to the expected large attendance, we suggest, those who are able, to park on the main streets in town and enjoy a leisurely walk by nearly 50 Holiday Displays throughout the park.
At 6:30 p.m. Santa will arrive, and with the assistance of many Bear Lake helpers, he will have treats for all the boys and girls who visit.
Restrooms will be available adjacent to the park in the lower level of the Village Hall.

***SPARKLE IN THE PARK WILL BE OPEN NIGHTLY***
FROM 5 P.M. TO 11 P.M FROM NOVEMBER 24 THROUGH JANUARY 1, 2013

Nightly admission is free.   However, a donation box near “Toyland Bear Lake” is available for those who would like to contribute toward supplies for next year’s displays.
Sparkle in the Park is a partnership between the Bear Lake Promoters and the Bear Lake Village Council.  For additional information contact Pauline Jaquish at 231-342-7285 or email at pj646@centurytel.net

Well – if you missed it – come back next year! Same day, same place, same great treasures and bargains!

We had over 75 Yard sales this year – great opportunity to recycle and reuse!

1. Manistee County Household Hazardous Waste collection: at Manistee County Road Commission located at 8946 Chippewa Highway (US-31) from 9am till 2 pm
Pharmaceuticals we will again be accepted.

AND

28TH ANNUAL BEAR LAKE COMMUNITY YARD SALE

REGISTRATION FEE:  $5.00

DEADLINE TO REGISTER – AUGUST 10, 2012
Registration includes:
Free advertising, free maps with your location on it that will be distributed in the downtown area the day prior to the sale and a FREE YARD SALE SIGN designating your site as an OFFICIAL BEAR LAKE COMMUNITY YARD SALE.
Only registered yard sales will have official signs and the registration fee goes to help promote the Community Yard Sale.

PICK UP REGISTRATION FORMS AT HONOR BANK OR PLEASANTON VALLEY  GREENHOUSES AND MAIL TO: Community Yard Sale, c/o Bear Lake Promoters, P.O. Box 141, Bear Lake, MI 49614 or drop off at Honor Bank or Pleasanton Valley Greenhouses by August 10.

Any questions can be sent to Terri Alkire Schmidt at 864-3517 or pleasantongreenhouses@hotmail.com

Saturday July 14, 2012 – just another day in the life of the 20 members of the Bear Lake Township Fire Department.
The second of the annual Bear Lake Days came hot and dry – capping many days of high 80ºs low 90ºs. A light breeze made for tons of fun for these volunteer junior fire folks ‘in-training’!!
And then just after lunch – the day turned to all business as 15 brush fires suddenly ignited along a 4 mile stretch of US31 south of town.
Only the quick action, and massive mutual aid response from Bear Lake and other local fire departments, prevented these fires from becoming much worse.
Thank you one and all.
And please remember to keep an eye open for roadside brush fires, call 911 immediately! Never throw lit cigarettes out of the car window and let’s enjoy summer but be safe at the same time.
Music acknowledgement: Apple Inc.

THIS WEEKEND IS BEAR LAKE DAYS!!

The Promoter T-Shirt & Information Booth under the tent is in need of volunteers for “short” shifts on Saturday.  If you can help, please call Vicki Mackey at 231-357-2746 or reply to this email.

The Promoter Booth will be open on Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Items for sale:  New “4 Seasons” T-Shirts — Tan Caps with Bear Paw & 49614 — Logo Coffee Mugs — Sparkle in the Park Christmas Post Cards — I Love Bear Lake Pins — Bear Lake License Plates.

Baked Potato Sale – under the Big Tent – Saturday 11 a.m. til the last Spud’s gone.  Lots of fixin’s!

Don’t forget — proceeds from these items help the Promoters give back to the community all year long!

Check out the latest Promoter projects — “Veterans Memorial” arch on the deck and Hopkins Park improvements — Pavilion 3-side enclosure and 6 new picnic tables — all compliments of the Bear Lake Promoters!

FRIDAY EVENTS
8:00 a.m.
KID’S FISHING CONTEST   Prizes for the Biggest Fish plus much more.
8:00 a.m.
ADULT FISHING CONTEST   No registration required. Biggest Fish – Walleye, N.Pike, Bass, Pan Fish. Weigh in at Osborn’s Sport Shop.
FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST at Bear Lake Lions Club for checking in a fish. GOOD LUCK!
9:00 a.m.
MERCHANT’S SIDEWALK SALES  Find special deals on Bear Lake Days items. Sponsors: Bear Lake Merchants
2:00 p.m.
PUPPET SHOW   Watch the puppet world come alive at the Keddie Norconk Library.Sponsor: Adventureland Puppets.
2:45 – 4:30 p.m.
FREE FACE PAINTING & BALLOON FUN   Kids can choose their artwork. Balloon animals made for the kids. Located at the Methodist Church parking lot.
2:45 – 4:30 p.m.
WESTERN GAMES/CHALLENGES & RIDES    Enjoy games along with a cow train & horse wagon rides FREE for everyone! Methodist Church. Sponsor Triginta Club
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
CHALK ART  Come and draw what makes you smile in Bear Lake. Chalk will be furnished. Methodist Church. Sponsor Triginta Club
3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
BEAR LAKE PROMOTERS  T-SHIRT & INFO BOOTH. Under the tent at the Fire Dept. Buy a collectable Bear Lake Shirt plus Bear Lake Info.
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
SILENT AUCTION  Unique & special items to bid on, but be quiet it’s a silent auction. See auction items at the Lions Den on Lake Street. Sponsor: Triginta Club
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
HUBBELL’S PIG ROAST..   Public welcome for a FRESH PORK meal. Sponsor: Hubbell’s Lakeside Restaurant
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
MR. D’s KARAOKE    Be entertained by local D.J. Dennis Milosh. Under the tent. Sponsor: Huntington Bank
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
LIONS REFRESHMENT WAGON & BOYS SCOUTS HOT DOG STAND   Under the tent
8:00 p.m.
“SHIPS AHOY” BOAT & PONTOON PARADE  All boats welcome, meet at Marina with lights and decorations on. One trip around the lake. Sponsor: Manistee County Sheriff’s Department

SATURDAY EVENTS

7:30 – 10:00 a.m.
B.L. LIONS PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Join us for breakfast at the Lions Club, downtown Bear Lake

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
KID’S FISHING CONTEST
Prizes for the Biggest Fish plus much more. Weigh your catch in by the Boat Launch – 11:00 – 12:00 and 5:00 – 6:00.   Prizes at 6:00

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ADULT FISHING CONTEST
No registration required, Biggest Fish – Walleye, N. Pike, Bass, Pan Fish. Weigh in catch at Osborn’s. FREE Pancake Breakfast at Bear Lake Lions for checking in a fish, GOOD LUCK!

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CAR SHOW
Judged – Vintage Auto Show. Unique well restored autos, trucks & motorcycles. Located on Main street. Contact Bob Yates at 231-723-3578

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
Find the perfect gift, present or item you just cannot live without at booths located along Main street. Sponsor: Bear Lake Promoters.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE
Corner of Lynn and Main Streets. Affordable Reading.

9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
BEAR LAKE PROMOTORS  T-Shirt & Info Booth
Under the tent at the Fire Department. Buy a collectable Bear Lake Shirt  plus pick up information about beautiful Bear Lake

9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
SUMMER FUN RUN
One Mile (no cost), 5K ($20 – entry/shirt) for first 80 people. Location x-country track, 1.5 miles west of Blarney Castle Gas Station at ball park. Eric 231-690-0596 or Tony 231-590-5457

9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
KID’S GAMES
Prizes for everyone. Located behind Richmond Drug Store. Sponsor: Bear Lake Promoters

SATURDAY EVENTS
10:00 a.m.
LOOP THE LAKE BIKE TOUR
Contact Joe Dugas 231-864-2043. Meet at “the Bear”. Sponsor: Bear Lake Ace Hardware

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
PONY RIDES
Enjoy a pony ride. Bear Lake Bar & Restaurant. Sponsor 4-H Club

10:00 a.m. – til
WALKING TACO SALAD & OTHER STUFF
2 Dumb Dames & Co., next to the Car Show

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
CARVER’S MUSEUM
Lots of old things besides Carver, located next to the car show. Sponsor: Carver Edwards

11:00 a.m. – til
BRAT & HOT DOG STAND
“Best Brats in Town” located under the entertainment tent. Sponsor: Triginta Club

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 P.M.
MAGICIAN P.J. WEBER
Fun magic tricks for all! Sponsor Bear Lake Days Committee

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
DYNAMITE THE CLOWN
Former T.V. Host & Balloon Sculpturing. Sponsor: Honor Bank

11:00 a.m. – til
BAKED POTATO SALE
Find your perfect SPUD or two, just for U. Located under the entertainment tent. Sponsor: Bear Lake Promoters

11:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.
COTTON CANDY/POPCORN/POP & WATER
“HELP US SUPPORT BEAR LAKE. Located next to the entertainment tent. Sponsor: Bear Lake Lions

12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
KIDS’ WATER BARRELL COMPETITION
Shoot the barrell across the cable with water to win! Located on Virginia street. Sponsor: Bear Lake Fire Department

SATURDAY EVENTS
11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
SILENT AUCTION
Unique and special items to bid on, but be quiet it’s a silent auction. See auction items at the Lions Den on Lake Street Sponsor: Triginta Club

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
BELLE SUITE
The pleasant music to dine by…under the entertainment tent. Sponsor: Jacque Wallace Erdman, CPA

1:00 p.m. DIAPER DERBY
The training grounds for future stars. Located at Huntington Bank Lawn. Sponsor: Leah Peterson, Richmond Drug
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. MAGICIAN P.J. WEBER
Fun magic tricks for all!  Sponsor Bear Lake Days Committee
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. BELLE SUITE
The pleasant music to dine by…under the entertainment tent. Sponsor: Jacque Wallace Erdman, CPA

3:00 p.m.     PIE EATING CONTEST
Look mom “no hands” Are you full yet??? Located at the entertainment tent. Operated by the Boy Scouts.

4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
BEAR LAKE LIONS PORK CHOP FEST & FIXINS’
Complete meal & beverage at the Lions Den
Sponsor: Bear Lake Lions Club

8:00 p.m.
BEAR LAKE DAYS GRAND PARADE
Grand Marshals: PHIL & PAULINE JAQUISH.
Contact Alex 231-64-3373. Sponsor: Bear Lake Lions Club

9:00 – 10:00 p.m.  and  11:00 – 12:00 a.m.
DAVID VS. DAVID BAND
Live Music under the tent

At Dusk
BEAR LAKE FIREWORKS Watch a spectacular display over the lake with a SPECIAL GRAND FINALE!!
Sponsors: Bear Lake Promoters, Bear Lake Triginta Club, Bear Lake Lions Club, Kampvilla RV Park & Campground,

SUNDAY EVENTS
“WE INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE”

8:00 – 11:00 a.m.    B.L. LIONS PANCAKE BREAKFAST   Join us for breakfast at the Lions Club, downtown Bear Lake
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.    SILENT AUCTION CONCLUDES    Winners announced, silent no more. Drawing at the Lions Den. THANK YOU
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm    FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SERVICE    Join us under the tent for a church service and music.
1:00 P.M.        FREE – BEAR LAKE BINGO PARTY  Located under the tent with over $400 in prizes. Bring your completed bingo cards only, the numbers on the cards, must be initialed by Bear Lake businesses listed on the back of the card. For info call 231-499-8080
2:00 p.m.        LIONS RAFFLE DRAWING    Drawing to be held under the big tent. Sponsor: Bear Lake Lions Club
2:30 p.m.        BEAR LAKE DAYS – TIME OUT    Ice Cream, Strawberry & Cake Social under the tent. Sponsors: Ice Shanty, Graceland Fruit of Frankfort and Ladies of the Lake

You can find a printed poster and flyer at several locations in Bear Lake printed by Pioneer Press Printing, http://www.pioneerpressprinting.com (231) 864-2404, 12326 Virginia Street, Bear Lake, MI

McLouth Welding fabricated the recently installed archway over the entrance to the Village of Bear Lake Veterans Memorial deck.

Pictured below: Bear Lake Promoters, Bear Lake Village Council Members and Jackson and Josh McLouth of McLouth Welding, Bear Lake, fabricators of the Veterans Memorial arch at the Village Deck.

The Burn Ban has been reinstated for Manistee County and Open burn permits are not being issued.
As of 629/12.

Sean Adams, Fire Chief

Bear Lake Township Fire Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 2012
Contact: Paul Kollmeyer, 231-775-9727, ext. 6051 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

Michigan DNR offers guidance to public on outdoor burning ban

On Friday, May 25, Gov. Rick Snyder declared a state of disaster in the Upper Peninsula counties of Luce and Schoolcraft. The declaration permits authorities to evacuate, establishes a fireworks ban in the two affected counties, and an outdoor burning ban in 49 counties. See http://michigan.gov/minewswire for details.

Today, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources released the following information as guidance to the public on the open burning ban.

Bear Lake Township Fire Department urges everyone to take note – just because we have had some recent rains the fire danger is STILL extremely high. We MUST remember how fast a wildfire can spread!

On Friday, May 25, 2012, Gov. Rick Snyder ordered a ban on outdoor burning in 49 Michigan counties because of the extremely high wildfire danger that continues to threaten those portions of the state. The emergency ban will remain in effect until conditions change significantly to reduce the risk of fire, or until June 21, 2012.

The counties where the ban is in effect include Manistee.

Alcona, Alger, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Emmet, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Iosco, Iron, Isabella, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Lake, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Manistee, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Menominee, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Schoolcraft, and Wexford.

The ban prohibits the following acts on or adjacent to forest lands:

The burning of any flammable material, including refuse, brush, stumps, rubbish, grass, stubble, leaves, or crop residue.
The burning of debris in a burn barrel.
The burning of campfires, except those within permanently established metal or masonry containers or fire rings at authorized campgrounds.
The ban does not prohibit campfires at places of habitation.
Authorized campgrounds are those campgrounds with permanently established roads and campsites, which have designated locations for campfires. This includes state parks, as well as most private, county and township-operated campgrounds.
The smoking of a pipe, cigar and/or cigarette outdoors adjacent to forest lands, with the exception of places of habitation, authorized and improved campgrounds or in any automobile or truck.

The ban does not prohibit the use of charcoal grills or propane or liquid-fueled camping stoves.

A violation of the burning ban is a misdemeanor. Anyone responsible for starting a wildfire is liable for the cost of suppressing the fire.

The DNR strongly encourages all residents and visitors in all parts of the state to avoid open burning and use of any fireworks during this extremely high fire-danger season, in order to minimize the possibility of more wildfires.

For wildfire prevention tips, information and home protection ideas, visit www.michigan.gov/preventwildfires.

For those who would like to attend, there will be a Memorial Service for Fred Alkire at the Pleasanton Twp. Cemetery, US31 North, on Memorial Day, May 28 at 10 a.m.  Coffee and cake will be served at the Pleasanton Twp. Hall following.

Bear Lake Promoters have been asked to participate in the “Tight Lines for Troops” Flag Reception on Saturday, May 19 at noon.  The place reserved for the Promoters is Site 6, between the Elks Lodge and Gliks on the Manistee Riverwalk.  This is the third year Veterans have been honored with a free charter fishing excursion and what better way to welcome them back into the Manistee Harbor than hundreds of people waving American flags in their honor.
If you can attend, please let me know.
Feel free to invite your friends and pass this email along to anyone who might be interested.
Thanks,
Pauline
pj646@centurytel.net

UPDATE:

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Flag Welcome for Tight Lines for Troops along the Manistee Riverwalk last Saturday….some of us even had a glamor shot in the News Advocate today!!!!  It was an exceptional display of patriotism and thanks to those who have served our country.  Thank you Veterans!

The first ever Bear Lake Cash Mob will take place June 6 from 5-7pm.

A ‘cash mob’ is when you agree to spend at least $10 at a local business – on Wednesday, June 6 please stop in at the Bear Lake Bar right downtown on US31.

Great food, great coffee, great atmosphere – so come out and sit down with your friends and neighbors and support our Bear Lake community.

Since October of 2007 Gloria Edwards and Pauline Jaquish have coordinated mailing packages to soldiers overseas serving in Afghanistan and Irag. Some of the vounteers who have helped with the program are, left to right, (front row) Linda Young, Vicki Mackey, Jean Brooks, (second row) Jackie Johnson, Lynda Kenny, Rita Brisbin, (back row) Carver Edwards, Carol Urbanus and Phil Jaquish.

It’s a project Gloria Edwards wanted to try….you know….send a few packages to the troops in Iraq.

That was back in October 2007.

With the support of many, many people and thousands of dollars in donations and supplies, we were able send the 1,000th package to Afghanistan in March.  We call ourselves the “2 Dumb Dames”.  With a name like that, folks don’t expect much.  So far we haven’t disappointed them!  We’ve received numerous letters and emails from the recipients….all expressing their sincere appreciation for the items sent…tooth paste, floss and brushes, foot powder, aspirin, socks, tablets, envelopes, pens, snack bars, coffee, individual powdered drink mix, toilet paper, playing cards, beef jerky and so much more that gives them a little bit of home in a faraway place.

The Bear Lake Branch of the Manistee County Library is the showing place for two gifts, American flags, sent back to Bear Lake.  One was flown over a Marine Base in Iraq, the other, over an Army Base in Afghanistan and displayed in a wooden and glass shadow box.  It was built by the soldiers who wanted to give us something back.

The Care Packages will continue to be sent to Afghanistan until our troops come home.  If you would like to make a contribution it may be dropped off at Gloria’s home, corner of Main and Wise St. or mailed to Bear Lake Promoters, c/o Gloria Edwards, P.O. Box 224, Bear Lake, MI 49614.pj

The following hand written letter was sent Apr. 10 and received by Gloria on Apr. 24.

Dear Gloria, 
Thank you very much for taking time out of your schedule to send care packages to the Soldiers of the 445th Civil Affairs Battalion.  The caring support of Americans such as yourself and the Bear Lake Promoters keep our spirits up and help us stay mentally focused on our challenges that lay ahead.  Your package represents a little piece of home in a foreign place and gives us comfort.  Thank you so much.
Mitch Schmidtke, Lieutenant Colonel, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion, Commander

Fred Alkire, then Pleasanton Township Supervisor, pictured center at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Bear Lake Keddie Norconk Library.

By Pauline Jaquish
Editor’s Note:  This column ran when Fred Alkire was selected as the Manistee County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2006.  He joined his sweetheart, Joyce, on Feb. 14, 2012.
A lifetime of service – an example to his family, the Bear Lake community and to all who have stood with him during his work, military career and public service of over 50 years.
Fred was born at a very young age on the Plains of Pleasanton at his family home on Cermak Road.

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Bear Lake Lions have expanded their collection of used eyeglasses in 2012.
Boxes have been added at Oak Grove Funeral Home, Saddle Up Gas & Grocery, the Crystal Lake Medical Clinic in Bear Lake and the upstairs of the Lions Den where civic groups meet. The latter is expected to be especially busy when Triginta club holds its silent auction during Bear Lake Days.
“We have collected 80 to 200 pairs of glasses, and we hope to increase that this year,” said Lions President Bob Peterson. “We also collect a few hearing aids, too.”
The glasses are measured and repaired, if necessary, by a state Lions agency and distributed to villages in Central America. Prescription and sunglasses are all acceptable.
The Bear Lake Lions will give $1 off for a donation during their Sunday morning pancake breakfasts.
A collection box is stationed in the downstairs dining room of the den as well as at the Huntington Bank, Honor State Bank and Discount IGA store. Submitted by: Tim Richard

SADDLE UP GAS AND GROCERY and THE BEAR LAKE PROMOTERS
will co-sponsor the Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 7 at 11 a.m. in the Village Park by the lake.
The alternate site will be the Bear Lake Methodist Church yard (corner of Smith & Main) if the park is “underwater”!

Over 3,000 stuffed eggs will be hidden for toddlers through age 10. There will be lots of prizes and the opportunity to have pictures taken with the Easter Bunny.
Call Gloria Edwards at 864-3127 if you would like to help.

THERE WAS A RECORD CROWD for the Easter Egg Hunt April 7. Over three thousand eggs covered Hopkins Park Campground and within 15 minutes all were collected and accounted for!!  A big thank you to those who helped make this annual event a great success.