WVBI

INTRO

Today is Tuesday December 23^rd – Christmas Eve Eve. I’m Kevin Boyle in for Greg Doig with today’s Community Calendar.

NEWS

Today is the last day for the ferry – and the last boat to Charlevoix is already well out of the harbor. If you’ve got something (or someone) on the mainland to get back, the Emerald Isle is sailing from Charlevoix at 4:00 this afternoon. Call BIBCO at 888-446-4095 to see if there is still space for any freight—but you’d best hurry as that was all supposed to be done yesterday. When the boat pulls in this evening, the horns will fall silent until spring.

Beaver Island Community School has formed a team to compete in the First Robotics Challenge. This is part of a global competition that threats science, technology, engineering, and math projects like a sport. The team’s kick-off meeting (where they’ll learn the challenge for this season and get their kit of parts) is January 9^th at the Boyne City High School. They’ll be building a robot to meet the challenge through March and then will be off to their first competition in April at Traverse City Central High School. The robot the team builds will be the size of a small fridge—so its serious stuff. The team is still looking for folks that can help as mentors with all aspects of building the robot—from design, to mechanical to programming and everything in between. If you’d like to join the fun, send an email to me, as it happens, at kevin.boyle@wvbi.net. If you’d like to learn more about the competition, checkout the Michigan FRC website at firstmichigan dot org.

Speaking of things over at the Community School, here’s a last minute shopping idea the junior class has for you. Tired of schlepping your stuff to the transfer station? As a project to raise funds for the senior banquet, the BICS juniors are offering Trash Haul & Recyclable collection services. They’ll pick up once a week from January 1 through June 1^st. You can choose just a month of service, 3 months or 5. For pricing and to set it up, contact Kathie Ehinger at 231 620 5199.

If you have business with Peaine Township supervisor’s office, you should know that they’ll not be open on Christmas Eve. They’ll be there again next Thursday during their regular hours from 10 am until 2 in the afternoon.

At the Community Center… 

The Community Center will be open today from 10 AM until 2, then closed Thursday and Friday, but OPEN Saturday, 9am-9pm for all activities and movies. Next week is a regular schedule, which is 9 to 5—except closed on Friday the first.

Today’s Arthritis Foundation Exercise Programs will go ahead as normal from 11am-12pm.

And the Movies continue. This Saturday, the day after Christmas it’s the Minions on the screen. [SFX] It’s a barrel of fun for pretty much everyone with a PG rating because the Minions are crude and always whacking each other. [SFX] It runs an hour and 31 minutes. [SFX]

Then…for the 7 PM feature presentation it’s:

PAPER TOWNS

It’s rated PG-13, but is for an older crowd than Minions. Probably high school and up, and it runs 109 minutes.

As always, admittance is free, but you can make a freewill donation to support the community center and WVBI. MSaturday movies at the BICC are made possible with the support of THE SHAMROCK BAR AND RESTAURANT AND THE BEAVER ISLAND BOAT COMPANY!

Beaver Island Radio Players

Jacque LaFreniere is looking for anyone interested in forming a sub group of the Beaver Island Community Players… one that would perform for the radio only? She’s thinking of using the old time radio scripts available free on www.simplyscripts.com and maybe performing once a month, to be taped for the radio—or we might even do them live like they did in the old days. No stage required, no memorization, minimal (like maybe 2) rehearsals and then do it is Jacque’s plan. Of course we love the idea here at WVBI. If you are interested, you can respond to Jacque’s post on the forum, email jacquel@tds.net or call 448-2220. The plan is to do the first one in January, and sort of like a book club, the group could take turns picking the play for the next month.

Transit Closing

Today is the last date for regular transit service until Monday. There’ll be service all next week from 12:30 to 4:30 except for Friday, January 1 to Sunday, January 3. The new hours are 12:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon.

Medical Center

Flu shots are available at the Health Center. If you haven’t gotten yours yet and are a candidate to get one, give all of us who have gotten our shots a Christmas present and get yours. Let’s make it an uneventfuk flu season. Call 448-2275 to make an appointment or for more information.

Sporting News

Jacque LaFreniere is handling deer checks through the end of the season. Call her at 448-2220 for info. You can get a patch and contribute to quality deer management on the island by checking in with her for both bucks and does.

The Beaver Island Wildlife Club has just launched a new web site with information about the Club and  Beaver Island Hunting and Fishing information. Check it out at beaverislandwildlifeclub.org.

Christmas Greetings Department

We’ve been asked to pass along a holiday greeting to you from the AMVETS 46. They would like to extend a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to all the island residents and visitors. They appreciate everyone’s support of the Post’s fund raising activities to help Beaver Island veterans and maintain the Beaver Island Veterans Memorial Park.

Shopping News

Fresh Air Aviation has some special fairs later today. $25 will get you from the island over to Charlevoix on Fresh Air at 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm, and 5:30 pm. You can find out more by calling them at 448-2089.

In Tradio this morning, from the forum:

Robert Turner has ten (40lb) bags of RED OUT softener salt for sale $6.50 a bag. You can call him at 2824.

After you open your Christmas presents, how about taking a look around the house and figuring out what you don’t need anymore. You can bring that down to the resale shop during their regular hours, which start up again next Thursday. They need clean winter clothing for men, women, and children. Furniture, tools, and kitchen wares are also always needed.  They thank you for the support that you have given them this year. They’ve have earned money that will help equip our Fire Department and EMS—and they equipped WVBI with our emergency alert system, which can be used by emergency authorities to alert the entire island in the event of a fire or other emergency on the island.

Weather

Still too warm for snow. Rumor has it that Santa had to put wheels on the runners of his sled this year since the lack of snow makes it hard to glide. The elves think he may have to put a roof over it too, as the rain/mist seems never ending. At least he has Rudolph to guide him those those foggy spots. Right now it’s 41°, windchill of 36°, wind is at 9 mph from the SE with gusts to 19 mph, humidity is at 90%, pressure is falling from 1007 mb, and visibility is at 9.6 miles.

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GAYLORD HAS ISSUED A WIND

ADVISORY…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY.

* TIMING…STRONG GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL DEVELOP WITH THE

PASSAGE OF A COLD FRONT LATE TONIGHT INTO THURSDAY MORNING.

* WINDS…GUSTS OF 45 TO 50 MPH ARE POSSIBLE.

Today: Cloudy. Areas of fog. Areas of drizzle. Highs in the lower 50s. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Tonight: Rain showers and a chance of thunderstorms. Areas of fog. Breezy. Lows in the upper 30s. South winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 35 mph increasing to 15 to 25 mph with gusts to around 55 after midnight.

On this date of December 23, 1823 – The poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement C. Moore (” ‘Twas the night before Christmas…”) was published.

Did you know that phosphenes are the lights you see when you close your eyes and press your hands over them?

Word of the day: festoon (fes-TOON) which means to adorn with hanging chains of flowers, foliage, ribbon, etc. Festoon can be traced to the Italian term festa, which shares a meaning with the English word of the same spelling, “a feast, festival, or holiday.”

Finally…

Remember that you can donate unopened, non-perishable items  must not be past expiration date. to the Food Pantry to help families here on the Island. Drop boxes are at the Community Center, the Beaver Island Rural Health Center, Holy Cross Church, Fresh Air and the Beaver Island Christian Church. Monetary donations (tax deductible) are always needed and can be made payable to the Beaver Island Christian Church, attention Food Pantry, PO Box 21. Or, thanks to Joe Moore, a PayPal/credit card donation link is available at beaverislandnews.com.

The Food Pantry Committee of Judi Meister, Beth Croswhite, Mark LaFreniere and Deb Plastrik thank you for your help.

Today is Tuesday December 22nd – the winter solstice — and here is today’s Community Calendar
NEWS
From the Beaver Island Boat Company: 
For last minute Christmas shoppers, there will be one more boat trip this year on Wednesday, December 23rd weather permitting. Times will be as usual- 8:20am leaving Beaver Island and 11:30am leaving Charlevoix. BIBCO will take vehicle reservations and receive freight by calling 888-446-4095 for this trip today (Friday) until 4:00pm , Monday and Tuesday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Vehicles and Deliveries MUST arrive at the Charlevoix dock by 4:00pm Tuesday! 
All items must be paid for and picked up at the time they arrive in either Charlevoix or Beaver Island. 
This will be the last trip for the 2015 season! 
At the Community Center… 
The Community Center will be open today and tomorrow from 10 AM-2:00 pm only. Closed Thursday and Friday, OPEN Saturday, 9am-9pm for all activities and movies. Then a regular schedule next week, which is 9 to 5—except closed on Friday the first.
The COA Dining Out Program certificates will NOT be available now until after Christmas day. 
Additionally, the “Games Galore” Tuesday afternoon activity for today is cancelled. However, the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Programs scheduled for 11am-12pm tomorrow will still take place. 
And the Movies continue. This Saturday, the day after Christmas its:
Minions (2015) 
PG | 1h 31min | Animation, Comedy, Family | 
Ever since the dawn of time, the Minions have lived to serve the most despicable of masters. From T. rex to Napoleon, the easily distracted tribe has helped the biggest and the baddest of villains. Now, join protective leader Kevin, teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob on a global road trip where they’ll earn a shot to work for a new boss-the world’s first female super-villain-and try to save all of Minionkind…from annihilation.
Staring the voices of Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton and others.
Then…for the 7 PM feature presentation it’s: 
PAPER TOWNS 

After an all night adventure, Quentin’s life-long crush, Margo, disappears, leaving behind clues that Quentin and his friends follow on the journey of a lifetime. 
Stars: 
Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne, Austin Abrams 
It’s rated PG-13, but is for an older crowd than Minions. Probably high school and up, and it runs 109 minutes.
THANKS TO BEAVER ISLAND COMMUNITY CENTER BUSINESS SPONSORS; THE SHAMROCK BAR AND RESTAURANT AND THE BEAVER ISLAND BOAT COMPANY! 
Beaver Island Radio Players
Jacque LaFreniere is looking for anyone interested in forming a sub group of the Beaver Island Community Players… one that would perform for the radio only? She’s thinking of using the old time radio scripts available free on www.simplyscripts.com and maybe performing once a month, to be taped for the radio—or we might even do them live like they did in the old days. No stage required, no memorization, minimal (like maybe 2) rehearsals and then do it is Jacque’s plan. Of course we love the idea here at WVBI. If you are interested, you can respond to Jacque’s post on the forum, email jacquel@tds.net or call 448-2220. The plan is to do the first one in January, and sort of like a book club, the group could take turns picking the play for the next month.
Transit Closing
Transit will maintain their new normal business hours during the holidays, except for Thursday, December 24 to Sunday, December 27 and Friday, January 1-Sunday, January 3. The new normal hours are 1230 to 1630, according to Greg’s notes, which translates to 12:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon for us civilians.
Medical Center
 Flu shots are available October 1 at the Health Center. If you are interested in nasal vaccines for children, please let us know. Medicare and many insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines, but you should check your coverage as plans vary. Call 448-2275 to make an appointment or for more information. I got my shot there about a month ago from Sue and she gave me a neat cartoon bandaid—so don’t miss your chance to get one of those. Seriously, if you haven’t had your flu shot yet and don’t have a medical reason not to receive one, do your part for the community and get your tail down to the med-center (or somewhere) and get your shot. My shot protects you and your shot protects me.
 Sporting News
Now through the end of the season  [Ends 12/31] Deer checks are being conducted by Jacque LaFreniere, 448-2220. Patches are available for successful hunters. Data is being collected on both bucks and does. It is shared with the DNR and helps determine the health of the herd and future management.
The Beaver Island Wildlife Club has just initiated a new web site with information about the Club and  Beaver Island Hunting and Fishing information. Check it out at beaverislandwildlifeclub.org.
On the Forum, Joddy Crosswhite has noted that every year we hold the ice classic to guess when the buoy will fall in the water. He suggests that this year we could have an extra ice classic by guessing when the buoy can even be put in. Should we do it? Let us know at programming at wvbi dot net.
Shopping News
Fresh Air Aviation Advantage Fare Alert – Wednesday Dec 23rd
From Beaver Island to Charlevoix at 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm, and 5:30 pm for $25 per seat.
Call for Reservations – 231-237-9482 or 231-448-2089

If you were planning on doing your final Christmas shopping at the resale shop, I’ve got bad news. They are closed through Christmas. But they open up next week on their normal days (which are Thursday through Saturday—except on Friday, New Years Day.

After you open your Christmas presents, how about taking a look around the house and figuring out what you don’t need nymore. You can bring that down to the resale shop during their regular hours. They need clean winter clothing for men, women, and children. Furniture, tools, and kitchen wares are also always needed.  They thank you for the support that you have given them this year. They’ve have earned money that will help equip our Fire Department and EMS—and they equipped WVBI with our emergaamcy alert system, which can be used by emergency authorities to alert the entire island in the event of a fire or other emergency on the island.
Starting in January the Beaver Island Branch of Charlevoix State Bank will be starting their winter hours. The hours for January, February, March and April will be Tuesday and Friday from 9am until 2pm. The bank will be closed on January 1st for the New Years Day holiday.
 Weather 
This morning it’s 36°, wind is at 6 mph from the NE, humidity is at 96%, pressure is rising from 1007 mb, and visibility is 9.3 miles. Today: Cloudy. Areas of fog in the morning. Chance of rain and snow in the morning, then scattered sprinkles and flurries in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 30s. Light winds. Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. Southeast winds at 15 mph with gusts to around 25 mph.
On this date of December 22, 1775 – A Continental naval fleet was organized in the rebellious American colonies under the command of Ezek Hopkins.
Did you know that the white, crescent shaped part of the nail is known as lunule?
Word of the day: irenic (ahy-REN-ik, ahy-REE-nik) which means tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory. Irenic derives from the Greek eirḗnē meaning “peace.” It entered English in the mid-1800s.
Finally…
Remember that you can donate unopened, non-perishable items  must not be past expiration date. to the Food Pantry to help families here on the Island. Drop boxes are at the Community Center, the Beaver Island Rural Health Center, Holy Cross Church, Fresh Air and the Beaver Island Christian Church. Monetary donations (tax deductible) are always needed and can be made payable to the Beaver Island Christian Church, attention Food Pantry, PO Box 21. Or, thanks to Joe Moore, a PayPal/credit card donation link is available on the Beaver Island News on the Net website home page, lower left corner, at beaverislandnews.com.¬†
Thank you for your help, the Food Pantry Committee, Judi Meister, Beth Croswhite, Mark LaFreniere and Deb Plastrik

News

From the Beaver Island Boat Company:
For last minute Christmas shoppers, there will be one more boat trip this year on Wednesday, December 23rd weather permitting. Departure times are yet to be determined. We will take vehicle reservations and receive freight by calling 888-446-4095 for this trip today (Friday) until 4:00pm , Monday and Tuesday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Vehicles and Deliveries MUST arrive at the Charlevoix dock by 4:00pm Tuesday!
All items must be paid for and picked up at the time they arrive in either Charlevoix or Beaver Island.
This will be the last trip for the 2015 season!
Merry Christmas!!
Times will be as usual- 8:20am leaving Beaver Island and 11:30am leaving Charlevoix.

The Community Center will be open December 21st-23rd, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 10 AM-2:00 pm only. Closed Thursday and Friday, OPEN Saturday, 9am-9pm for all activities and movies.

The COA Dining Out Program certificates will NOT be available for issue December 21st through the 25th. Please make sure to order what you need for this time period prior to Friday, December 18th!

Additionally, the “Games Galore” Tuesday afternoon activity for 12/22 is cancelled. However, the Monday, 12/21 and Wednesday, 12/23 Arthritis Foundation Exercise Programs scheduled for 11am-12pm will still take place.

The Beaver Island Community Center will be open from 10am-2pm Monday, 12/21-Wednesday, 12/23, and closed 12/24 & 25, as well as Friday, 1/1/2016.

Transit Closing

We will maintain normal business hours during the holidays, except for the above dates, as noted.

Christmas
Thursday, December 24 – Sunday, December 27

New Years
Friday, January 1-Sunday, January 3

New Hours 1230 to 1630

BICC

Join us at the Community Center Tuesday afternoons for a weekly round of game-playing, teaching and learning! It’s
Games Galore! Tuesdays, 12-4pm @ BI Comm Center
Rummikub, Mexican Train, Scrabble, Hand ‘n Foot, Mahjong…players’ choose!
Share your skills, or learn some new ones! Come compete, laugh, learn and exercise your brain. Coffee and treats provided!

Plus…
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, Now Mon, Wed & Fri, 11am-12pm @ BI Comm Center
This certified program emphasizes balance, strength, flexibility and range of motion and brain power, too! Try it…it’s free and it really works!

Movies
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26TH, 3 PM MATINEE

MINIONS

Minions (2015)
PG | 1h 31min | Animation, Comedy, Family |
Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton |

7 PM FEATURE PRESENTATION:

PAPER TOWNS

After an all night adventure, Quentin’s life-long crush, Margo, disappears, leaving behind clues that Quentin and his friends follow on the journey of a lifetime.
Stars:
Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne, Austin Abrams

SATURDAY
PG-13 | 109 min | Drama, Mystery, Romance

THANKS TO BEAVER ISLAND COMMUNITY CENTER BUSINESS SPONSORS; THE SHAMROCK BAR AND RESTAURANT AND THE BEAVER ISLAND BOAT COMPANY!

Medical Center

Flu shots are available October 1 at the Health Center. If you are interested in nasal vaccines for children, please let us know. Medicare and many insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines, but you should check your coverage as plans vary. Call 448-2275 to make an appointment or for more information.

Sporting News

Deer checks will be again conducted by Jacque LaFreniere, 448-2220. Patches are available for successful hunters. We need data on both bucks and does.
All data is shared with the DNR and that helps us determine the health of the herd and future management.

“The Beaver Island Wildlife Club has just initiated a new web site with information about the Club and  Beaver Island Hunting and Fishing information. Check it out at beaverislandwildlifeclub.org”

Resale Shop
We will be closed on Dec. 24, 25, and 26. Also Jan1, 2016

Please bring your donations during our regular hours of operation. We need clean winter clothing for men, women, and children. Furniture, tools, and kitchen wares are always needed.

Thank you for the support that you have given us this year. We have earned money that will help equip our Fire Department and EMS.

Food Pantry

Remember that you can donate unopened, non-perishable items  must not be past expiration date. to the Food Pantry to help families here on the Island. Drop boxes are at the Community Center, the Beaver Island Rural Health Center, Holy Cross Church, Fresh Air and the Beaver Island Christian Church. Monetary donations (tax deductible) are always needed and can be made payable to the Beaver Island Christian Church, attention Food Pantry, PO Box 21. Or, thanks to Joe Moore, a PayPal/credit card donation link is available on the Beaver Island News on the Net website home page, lower left corner, at beaverislandnews.com.¬†
Thank you for your help, the Food Pantry Committee, Judi Meister, Beth Croswhite, Mark LaFreniere and Deb Plastrik

Commerce News

Starting in January the Beaver Island Branch of Charlevoix State Bank will be starting their winter hours. The hours for January, February, March and April will be Tuesday and Friday from 9am until 2pm. The bank will be closed on January 1st for the New Years Day holiday.

Weather

Current Conditions – Greene’s Bay Beach, Beaver Island, MI

As of 8:29 AM Monday, December 21, 2015

Forecast: Mostly Cloudy, Rain within 12 hours

Outside Temp: 38.8 F
High Outside Temp: 43.6 F at 12:00 AM
Low Outside Temp: 38.8 F at 8:19 AM
Outside Humidity: 91%
Barometer: 29.759″ and Steady

Wind Speed: Calm
Wind Direction: N
High Gust: 17.0 Mph at 12:44 AM
10 min Avg Wind: Calm
Right now I’m showing 41°, wind is at 4 mph from the WSW with gusts to 21 mph, humidity is at 92%, pressure is steady at 1007 mb, and visibility is 8.2 miles. Today: Cloudy with periods of drizzle and a chance of rain. Highs in the upper 30s. Southwest winds 10 mph in the morning becoming light. Tonight: Cloudy. Chance of rain and patchy drizzle in the evening, then a slight chance of rain showers. Snow showers and patchy drizzle after midnight. Lows in the lower 30s. Northeast winds at 10 mph with gusts to around 24 mph.
On this date of December 21, 1620 – The “Mayflower”, and its passengers, pilgrims from England, landed at Plymouth Rock, MA.
Did you know that the space between your eyebrows is known as glabella?
Word of the day: gastronome (GAS-truh-nohm) which means a connoisseur of good food; gourmet; epicure. Gastronome is a back formation from the French term gastronomie meaning “gastronomy,” which in turn finds its roots in the Greek word gastḗr meaning “stomach.”

Birthdays
Jason Darwin

Thought for the day…
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!