Boyne City downtown historical walking tour kicks off June 12

Boyne City is kicking off a new downtown historical walking tour in tandem with the first night of Stroll The Streets from 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 12. The Stroll Through History self-guided walking tour will include over 50 stops featuring the rich history of Boyne City’s downtown.  A printed brochure will be available as well as online content with additional photos, narrative and audio options.  Those wishing to take the tour will be able to download an app on their smartphones or tablets to see each featured building and access the information.  In addition to the self-guided tour, everyone is invited to visit the historic Wolverine-Dilworth Hotel at 7 p.m. Friday, June 12, for guided tours (in conjunction with and special thanks to the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society and Patrick McCleary), following a re-enactment of one of Teddy Roosevelt’s famous speeches.
Additional highlights will include a wide variety of music around town for Stroll the Streets, people dressed in period clothing, vintage cars and tractors, horse and wagon tours and other highlights from the past.
  On Saturday, June 13, a vintage base ball game between the Petoskey Mossbacks and the Ludington Mariners will take place at Rotary Park at 1:30 p.m., complete with period uniforms.  Fans can watch the game “as it was meant to be played.”  To round out the Stroll Through History weekend, an ice cream social will take place on the veranda of the Dilworth Hotel at 3:30 p.m.
  City Manager Michael Cain said, “We are pleased that the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network chose to partner with us on this worthwhile project, and we are excited to showcase our historic past with others.”
  The Dilworth is slated for a full restoration that will begin this summer.  “This will be a great opportunity for everyone to see the ‘before look’ and watch as it is transformed back to its original glory,” said Lori Meeder, Main Street Director.   “We are so fortunate to have a community advocate like Dilworth owner Bob Grove who sees the importance of the history and has the commitment to bring this historic landmark back to its full potential.”

New community-based food pantry in Boyne City discussed

Concern over food insecurity in the Boyne City area has led local food pantries and The Manna Food Project to explore ways to improve access to food for families in need.

The Boyne area has three pantries serving families in need of food assistance: The Seventh Day Adventist Food Pantry and the Boyne City Community Pantry at Trinity Fellowship, both in Boyne City; and the Boyne Valley Pantry in Boyne Falls. 

Until recently, there was also a pantry at the Walloon Lake Community Church. Ninety Boyne City families were visiting the church's food pantry on a regular basis. When the pantry closed in January, it created a gap in services for many area families.

The Boyne City pantries are run by small churches who fear there is now more need than they can accommodate. Although they receive support from the community at large, it is a burden for a small congregation, both financially and in terms of volunteers. They also have concerns about the sustainability of their programs, since each pantry relies heavily on one person to manage all aspects of pantry operations.

“If I were to retire and take a step back from the pantry, I’m not sure if there would be someone to take over,” said Jack Dunlop, director of the Seventh Day Adventist pantry. “It’s a big job for a small church.” 

Deb Noblett, executive director of The Manna Food Project, and Boyne City resident,
has been discussing these issues with the three pantries and is looking for ways to help them meet the need. Manna works with all of the pantries in Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet counties, and notes that Boyne area families are traveling as far as Ellsworth and Harbor Springs for help.

"Manna’s mission is to feed the hungry in northern Michigan," Noblett said. "We want to support the Boyne Community in any way we can to be sure those in need have enough to eat without traveling long distances to receive that support." 

The Manna Food Project is a non-profit organization established in 1987 to help feed the hungry in northern Michigan. Manna operates a food bank, a food rescue program, a “Food 4 Kids” Backpack program, and a food pantry. The food bank and food rescue program serve 34 partner agencies (food pantries and soup kitchens) in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties. For more information about Manna’s programs, see www.mannafoodproject.org. 

One question Noblett says Manna gets asked is how to determine need in a community. The United Way recently released the ALICE report for Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties that sheds light on this question. ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are households that earn more than the U.S. poverty level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county. Combining the poverty and ALICE numbers shows how many households are struggling to meet basic needs.

In Charlevoix County, 13 percent of households are below the poverty level and 25 percent of households are at or below the ALICE level, for a total of 38 percent, or 3,855 households struggling to afford basic needs such as food. For more information on the ALICE report, see www.charemunitedway.org/alice.

Feeding America reports food insecurity rates on their website (www.feedingamerica.org), including data for the local area. Food insecurity is the most broadly-used measure of food deprivation in the United States. The USDA defines food insecurity as “consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year.” According to Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap study, the food insecurity rate in Charlevoix County is 21 percent for children and 13 percent for adults. 

"Our pantry works hard and helps feed a lot of people, but I think there is more need than what we can supply,” said Lei (Kipapa) Nahinu of the Boyne Community Pantry.  “I see so many families going through difficult times."

"I think our situation in Boyne City could be helped by spreading the burden more broadly and involving more people and organizations in the community," said Dunlop. "Another pantry could help increase access to food assistance in Boyne City. I appreciate Manna's assistance in starting a dialogue toward that end."

"Boyne City is a wonderful, supportive community," Noblett said. "Community members pull together to support those in need, and there is definitely need."

> IF YOU'D LIKE TO HELP - A committee is being formed to explore creating an additional food pantry in Boyne City, with involvement of community members, Manna, and the three existing area pantries. Issues to explore include finding a location for the pantry, as well as volunteers and additional funding. Those interested in joining the exploratory committee or assisting in other ways should call Manna at 231-347-8852. 

10 new businesses opening for summer in Boyne and Walloon Lake

Northern Table staff at Business Expo/Taste of Boyne

As often happens at this time of year, there is a flurry of new business activity in and around Boyne City. Here are some of the highlights:

> Northern Table restaurant will be opening soon in the former Thirsty Goat location at 220 S. Lake St. Owner Mark Warner and chef Meghan Wruk are heading up the crew that is bringing the restaurant back to life after the facility was vacant for more than a year. They gave us a sneak preview of their menu that emphasizes locally sourced foods during the Business Expo Taste of Boyne and Farm To Frame Stroll last week. Northern Table's upstairs area will be known as Boyne Pub, featuring wood-fired pizzas, craft beer, cocktails and entertainment in a fun atmosphere. They hope to open in time for the Mushroom Festival in mid-May. Info: 231-459-4487, www.northerntableboyne.com.

> BC Pizza will open a second Boyne City location in the former Spicy Bob's building at 427 N. Lake St. Officials say the new location will open "before the summer rush." Info: (231) 582-2288, www.bcpizza.net.

> Friggy's SOBO Pub plans to open in June in the former Sunset Grill location at 5 West Main Street.

> Smitten Designs Studio has just opened at 120 Water St. in the store previously occupied by Boyne's Beyond Borders. Owner Ivette Dixon previously rented a smaller space in that building, which is now occupied by On Water Art & Design, a gallery featuring the work of local artist Shannon Pearce. Both businesses are hosting a grand opening ribbon cutting and open house at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 8. Info: 231-459-6808, www.smittendesignsstudio.com

> I Love Boyne City, a beach-themed clothing and gift shop, will be taking over a portion of the former Sunburst Marine store at 101 Water St. The owners are currently remodeling the inside of the store, and they hope to open by mid-May. They currently have a similar shop called I Love St. Joe in St. Joseph, MI.

> 52 Weekends is also taking over a portion of the former Sunburst building with their third location in addition to stores in Petoskey and at Boyne Mountain. The store sells women's clothing, accessories and gifts. Info: (231) 347-5250, shop52weekends.com.

> Boyne Country Propane has opened in a new building at 1701 M-75 South, between Boyne City and Boyne Falls. Alan Wells is the managing partner and owner; he can be reached at 231-582-2700. They offer retail propane sales and service. Info: 231-582-2700, www.boynecountrypropane.com

> CapTrust Financial Advisors has opened an office in Suite 1B at 109 Water St., Boyne City. The managing director is Paul R. Moody. Info: 231-459-4461, Website.

> Hotel Walloon will open May 18 in Walloon Lake Village. Owner Matt Borisch describes the 32-room hotel as a place "where guests can enjoy the charm and hospitality of the early 19th Century along with the comforts of every modern amenity." Info: (231) 535-5000.  www.hotelwalloon.com.

> Boyne Area Medical Center is not a new business, but their staff will be celebrating the completion of their recent expansion from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at 223 N. Park St., Boyne City.

Boyne City lakeshore property has new owner

One of the most important lakefront properties in Boyne City has a new local owner. 475 Lake Street LLC, purchased the fenced-in lakeshore property on North Lake Street, located across the street from Family Fare and next to the Boyne City Boat Launch. The sale closed April 24. Partners in 475 Lake Street LLC, are local residents Bob Grove and Mike Dow. 

“We have both looked at that fence for years and felt something needed to be done,” Grove said. “We saw an opportunity and pursued it.  We both feel a great sense of satisfaction securing this property under local ownership.”

“We are not developers and we have no specific plans for the property at this time,” Dow said. “We both appreciate the beauty of Lake Charlevoix and know how important this property is to the community.”

Terms of the sale were not released. The seller was represented by Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate of Charlevoix and agent Richard Lobenherz. Representing 475 Lake Street LLC, was Kirk Jabara of Boyne City and attorney Dan Barron of Barron & Engstrom of Charlevoix.

The property is 4.5 acres and includes 590 feet of lake frontage. It has been owned by Headwaters Properties, Inc. (formerly Devlon Properties) for several years. Headwaters Properties had proposed building a 24-unit hotel on the property and 90-slip marina. While little progress was made on the development the previous owner did receive all the permits necessary to build the marina. 

The new owners have not yet determined final plans for the property. Their first objective was to secure the property and clean up the site. “We want to explore several different alternatives to maintain the undeveloped state of the property,” Grove explained.

While the new owners realize the fence enclosing the property has been a sore spot for the community for several years they cautioned that it will take time before the fence comes down. The owners will need to do a comprehensive review of all the issues related to the property, complete some cleanup, and make landscape improvements before removing the fence.

In addition to the lakefront property, Grove is also owner of the historic Dilworth Hotel in downtown Boyne City. He said work on the hotel’s renovation is moving forward and exterior renovations will begin no later than July 1. 

Dow is long-time resident of the area and is active in many local organizations. “My interest in Boyne City dates back to the 1970s when we were original owners at the Landings Condominiums,” Dow said. “I admire the progress the community has made and look forward to working with Bob on this great opportunity.”

7 Monks Taproom expanding to Boyne City

Matt Cozzand, left, and Jim Smolak

Story and photo from the Traverse City Record-Eagle: Matt Cozz and and Jim Smolak saddled up for a ride into the unknown in 2011. With little experience in the hospitality field, they opened 7 Monks Taproom at 128 S. Union St. in Traverse City. The first leg of their journey has been a resounding success. The Traverse City location attracts crowds with its lengthy row of craft tap beer and food service including appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and salads.
They're now ready to embark on the second leg of their business journey and plan to open a second taproom in Boyne City.  They began thinking about expansion some time ago.
"We started poking our nose around the state," said Smolak, adding they particularly looked around northwest Lower Michigan. "Boyne City came around and we met the right people."
They were impressed with the attitudes of officials and business owners in the town. They hooked up with Catt Development, of Gaylord. 
Catt is planning a $7.5 million mixed-use development in the 200 block of Lake Street in Boyne City. Full story.

Lori Meeder named exec director of Boyne City Main Street

The Boyne City Main Street Board has named Lori J. Meeder as the organization's new executive director starting March 1. Meeder replaces Hugh Conklin, who retired in August after seven years in the position. Meeder is a resident of Boyne City and a member of the city Planning Commission. "I am just so excited to be able to devote my time and energy to this community," Meeder said. She has extensive experience in business development and banking, most recently as a senior lender for Northern Initiatives and entrepreneurial division director for the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. She has also worked for the Lansing Chamber of Commerce and several banks in downstate Michigan. She holds BA and MBA degrees in finance from Grand Valley State University. Meeder has served as a Main Street volunteer on the Team Boyne Economic Restructuring Committee, and she is a board member of Leadership Charlevoix County, a program affiliated with the Boyne City, Charlevoix and East Jordan Chambers of Commerce. City press release.

Chamber honors community leaders, installs board at Annual Meeting

A crowd of 325 people attended the Boyne Area Chamber's 2015 Annual Meeting at Boyne Mountain, enjoying great food and drink, entertainment and the presentation of awards to community leaders and organizations. The award winners are pictured here. Thanks to Erika Blackwell of Center of Attention Photography for providing our pictures, and more photos are here. The award winners are:

> Volunteer of the Year - Nancy Cunningham, whose patient determination over several years on behalf of the Friends of the Boyne River has given us the new Boyne River Nature Area.
> Community Pride Award - The Boyne Thunder Committee, which organizes and manages this July event, has raised more than $300,000 for Camp Quality and more recently Challenge Mountain.
> Young Entrepreneurs of the Year - Four young women who have in the past year or so started working for their parents' businesses and thus are the heirs apparent to keeping the business going, and keeping it in the family. They are: Asuka Barden of F.O. Barden and Sons, Jessica White of Boyne City Hardware, Jennifer McAndrew of Boyne Co-op True Value and Shantel Erber of BC Lanes.
> Entrepreneurs of the Year - Chris and Sandra Nelson, who took our long-neglected and closed bowling alley and brought it back to life as BC Lanes, located adjacent to their highly successful BC Pizza.
> Heritage Award - Bruce Janssen of The Wood Shop, who has been in business since 1974, and has contributed greatly to the appearance of our area with his artistic sign creations.
> The Sally Roselli Business Leadership Award (presented by Sally's sister, Julie Wellman) - Tony Williams and Robin Lee Berry of Freshwater Gallery, whose are active in many organizations and whose winter concert series has brought nationally-known talent to Boyne City.
> The Chamber Board of Directors was installed at the Annual Meeting with Kristine Brehm honored for completing her  year as president and Karen Guzniczak starting her year as the incoming president. Full board.