December 19, 2024 | Issue #16 | Past issues

Happy holidays from the staff and board of the Boyne Citizen!

Snowy river

Brian Kozminski captured the natural beauty of the Boyne River during this holiday season, reminding us how fortunate we are to live in the Boyne area surrounded by wonders every day.

More of Brian's photos and a video from Facebook.

Inside this issue

• Behind the scenes with our snowplow crew
• Longtime music teacher Brandon Ivie to be honored
• BCHS students take an unforgettable trip to Greece
• Community Christmas dinner + church services
• Fat & Flurrious fat tire race returns on Jan. 11
• Foundation awards $90k to organizations that serve youths
• Boyne Thunder sponsorships sell out in a day 
• Obituaries
• Patrick McCleary history: Toy maker Lewis Upton
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

CITIZEN HOLIDAY SCHEDULE - This is our final edition of the year, and then we will take two weeks off for the holidays. We will resume publication on Thursday, Jan. 9. Send your news to jim@boynecitizen.com. 

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How do they clear 14" of snow so fast?

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

Personally amazed at how quickly the roads were cleared after our recent 14-inch snow storm, this writer wondered how the City of Boyne City made that happen. I thought it would be interesting to go behind the scenes and honor those who make that happen. I emailed Department of Public Works and Utilities Director Doug Varney and requested an appointment with him at the DPW building, along with a photo opportunity of the crew, or at least the foreman.

By the time the appointment came around, it had thawed and much of the snow had melted. I thought the guys and the equipment would be easy to photograph.

Much to my chagrin, the first response from Varney was that he would meet with me to talk about the behind the scenes process, but there would be no photo opportunity with the crew, because they didn't want to be photographed. I arrived at the DPW building only to find much of the equipment out on the streets and only Varney, who greeted me warmly and explained that the guys just liked to get the work done with no fanfare.

We took a few pictures and then I was able to ask him how the snow removal gets done so that by 7 a.m. people can get to work. The process starts with Police Chief Kevin Spate. Since the police are on duty patrolling all night long, they have firsthand knowledge of the road conditions. Spate calls Varney, who calls DPW Foreman Darcy Kotalik to confer about when to call in the crew - 3 a.m.? 4 a.m.? Their normal shifts are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., but in the winter they are always on call and may be woken up any day to come in early.

Though the entire crew is experienced - with only one member having been with the city less than five years - Kotalik is the expert. He watches weather forecasts and makes the decisions about when to call the crew in. When they arrive, they collectively decide how to proceed. In addition to Kotalik, the crew includes Rob LaVanway, Dan Nowland, James Farley, Mike Peterson, Gage Burt and Travis Lapeer.

They each have equipment they specialize in or normally drive. Kotalik, LaVanway, Nowland and Farley drive the big five-yard dump trucks with the belly plows. These trucks are versatile workhorses. They can plow, sand, salt, and haul away snow - whatever is needed. For lighter snow, the belly plow is used. For snow in greater amounts, a push plow can be attached. However, these big trucks aren't as maneuverable and can't operate effectively in smaller areas.

For these areas, there are smaller push plow trucks usually driven by Peterson and Burt. They are responsible for clearing smaller streets, dirt roads, alleys and the airport runways and taxi areas. "People don't think of it," Varney said, "but there are a lot of miles at the airport that need to be done within 24 hours.” The guys do the primary roads first, then the secondary roads and after those, they need to plow the airport.

Travis Lapeer usually drives the municipal tractor that clears sidewalks and other smaller places, The crew will be getting a new municipal tractor in the coming days with a price tag of $180,000. Varney said most cities in this area have them because of their versatility and the amount of snow we get in the area. They are expensive, but they last for years and years.

Doug Varney is pictured with a snowblower attachment and a municipal tractor.

Once the guys arrive at the DPW building, decisions are made about sand and salt. They do their own mix from a huge pile of sand and another of salt (pictured with Doug Varney above), depending on conditions. More ice means more salt.

"How do they know how much of which to put in the mix?"

Varney's response was that coming up with the right mix takes lots of experience, and that Boyne City is fortunate to have such a veteran crew. "The guys know what they are doing and are very dependable. They know what to do, and they get it done."

When on the roads, each truck has certain routes and the workers are in constant communication with one another. They all know how to read the snow conditions. If someone gets stuck, they all have straps to go help pull out a co-worker’s vehicle. If one person needs help because of the conditions, they help each other out. Sometimes they can sand and salt right away. Other times, when snow is piling up behind them, they prioritize plowing.

Plowing isn't easy. The crew must be very precise about their “cut lines” along curbs, so that as snow melts, water flows freely into the catch basins.

The DPW crew does all the streets and sidewalks in Boyne City except the sidewalks downtown, where outside contractor Jerry Schmoldt and his team from North Bay Hydroseed have been hired by Main Street to keep them clean. The contractor works on some public spaces and city-owned spots within the Downtown Development District like the theatre and the Veterans Park Pavilion sidewalks. They also help to keep the sidewalk downslopes into the streets clear.

In the morning as it gets light, some complaints will come in to Varney about a road or a driveway that has been blocked. "We have great response times, always trying to be there within 20 minutes," Varney said.

On the day I visited the DPW building, pavement was cleared around town, yet the guys were incredibly busy. Once the main snow event is over, the next phase is getting the front end loader out to haul snow away. On that day, they were "hauling tons of snow" to get ready for the next snow event. They use Peninsula Park as an interim staging area for snow that is ultimately hauled to the airport. On that day I checked out the airport to see one truck dumping snow, and I passed two others leaving the airport, going back down Main Street, headed to areas where snow needed to be hauled away.

Though unpictured, the DPW crew are the unsung heroes who keep traffic flowing throughout wintry, snowy conditions. I, for one, am grateful for their service.

Dumping snow at the city airport.

Boyne City Hardware has these in stock!

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Boyne City Hardware, 200 Water Street, 231-582-6532

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"Renaissance man" Brandon Ivie named Boyne City's Outstanding Person in Education

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

Middle school and high school music teacher Brandon Ivie is the Boyne City Education Association's Outstanding Person in Education (OPIE) for 2024-2025. He will be honored in the spring at an awards dinner sponsored by the Michigan Education Association's Petoskey office. 

Ivie was nominated along with two other nominees, fifth grade teachers Chris Baxter and Lisa Snyder. Then, teachers in the entire district voted to select the award recipient from among the nominees, according to Greta Brock, Boyne City Education Association president. Read Ivie's nomination form here.

Among the comments that were written on Ivie’s OPIE nomination form were: 



"He has a gift for recognizing and nurturing talent in his students."

"He also helps students to develop important life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and self-discipline."

"Brandon is a Renaissance man! Along with teaching grades 5-12 instrumental music, he is also the vocal music director for the middle school drama department and coaches a summer golf club for middle school students."

In Ivie's 23 years in Boyne City, the high school band has grown from 19 to more than 70 students in some years. Ivie now teaches three sixth grade beginning band classes, a middle school concert band of seventh and eighth graders, and high school marching, concert and jazz bands. He collaborates with elementary music teacher Erin Zucker on the high school and middle school musicals. The entire band program usually serves between 130 and 180 students. 

He exudes a philosophy of inclusiveness, as he talks about his program. "That is really the reason I got into music education and teaching - the idea of a band as inclusive, a place for everyone to come and be a part of music. Involvement in a band teaches teamwork and life skills. It provides leadership opportunities. Music is the medium by which I get students involved and help them to be better people."

He enjoys reconnecting with former students years after they were in band. "They tell me stories about things that happened in the band that were meaningful to them. Some have gone on to college bands or even played professionally. I am proud to see them continue to be a part of music. The scary thing now is how many kids of former students I have," he chuckled.

"Sometimes people who haven't been a part of a band hear the fun stories and maybe don't understand the amount of work it takes to make it fun."

Ivie earned a Bachelors of Music Education from the University of Michigan and a Masters of Music Education from Boston University.

He is married to Helene Ivie, whom he met while studying at U of M. She was a stay-at-home mother raising their four children, but now teaches elementary school in Petoskey. Their daughter Claire, age 22, is a nanny and a student at North Central Michigan College. A second daughter Hannah, age 20, studies creative writing and music composition at the U of M. High school junior Benjamin plays French horn and is involved in robotics. Eighth grader Zachary participates in band and drama.

"As far as receiving the OPIE award, it means a lot to be recognized by colleagues. There are a lot of fantastic teachers and to have my name with many of those others is an honor," Ivie said. 

Boyne City students pose in front of the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, outside of Athens.

BCHS students take unforgettable trip to Greece

By Geri Dietze, gdietze27@gmail.com

A student group from Boyne City High School’s social studies classes experienced 10 days touring the Greek mainland and a selection of Greek islands in late November. Made up of 32 juniors and seniors with a few sophomores, the students departed on November 22, led by social studies teacher Chris Herrmann, along with social studies teacher Ross Daniels, past BCHS Principal Karen Jarema, and Charlevoix Hospital RN Micki McHugh joining as chaperones. 

The trip was a deep dive into history and culture, with most of the time spent on the mainland where the group visited the Mycenaean Lion Gate, one of the earliest monumental sculptures found on mainland Greece; and Delphi, where Pythia, the oracle, spoke of Apollo, is located. The students also ran a race at Olympia, the Peloponnese site of the first Olympic games. 

A one-day cruise took the group to the Aegean islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in the Saronic Archipelago. And there were plenty of opportunities to experience everyday life in the country, to “hang out [and] to exist in the culture,” Herrmann adds. Students were exposed to local shops, language, dance, and plenty of Greek food. (Full disclosure: Saganaki, Greek flaming cheese, is not set ablaze tableside, nor do the patrons shout Opa! That tradition began in Chicago.) “That’s an American thing, for our entertainment,” Herrmann explains. 

Students enjoyed the Greek experience. “I’ll remember being there with my friends and experiencing the culture,” Claire Jones said. 

Mallory Morgan remembers the people as "so welcoming and willing to help."

Chris Herrmann, who shares Greek heritage through his late mother, was making his fourth trip to the country. After experiencing the country through travel with her as a young man, he was happy to accompany the BCHS group, and to “experience Greece through their eyes,” noting that change and growth is the point of student educational travel. “Seeing them grow was really gratifying - it was a real privilege to be there with them.”

“Travel opportunities are very important” at Boyne City High School, explains Herrmann. But these student experiences come with a price tag for parents, and this trip was realized thanks to individual and community efforts, which helped defray the cost to students and their families. “The Kiwanis club made a very generous donation, [as did] the Boyne Boosters club,” Herrmann said. Additionally, Roast & Toast in Petoskey and BC Pizza set up fundraising opportunities to benefit the students, and individual donors, including a generous anonymous contribution, also helped. He adds, “We were lucky.”  

Boyne City students enjoy lunch in an Athens cafe.

Students visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.

Photo by Richard Wolanin

Genesis Church Christmas Eve service in Old City Park

Genesis Church Boyne City will host a Christmas Eve Service at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at the Gazebo in Old City Park. There will be worship, a brief message, fellowship, and hot cocoa. Everyone is invited to attend.

Presbyterian Church continues free community Christmas dinner 

The First Presbyterian Church of Boyne City will continue its tradition of offering a free Christmas Day Community Meal from 12 - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25th. Any donations will go to the Good Neighbors Food Pantry. The church is located at 401 S. Park St., and attendees are asked to use the Pine Street entrance near the Fellowship Hall. Flyer for this event.

Interim church staff member Daryl Michael said, "We are grateful for BC Pizza, Boyne River Grill/True North Catering, and Boyne City Hospitality for their generosity in providing this meal." Anyone who would like to support the effort may call 231-582-7983. 

On Christmas Eve at 7 p.m., everyone is welcome to come to First Presbyterian Church's Christmas Eve Worship, which will include many Christmas songs, Bible readings, and a finale by candlelight.

Catholic Community lists Christmas, Holy Day Mass schedule

• Tuesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve. Mass at 6:00 pm at St. Matthew - Boyne City Mass at 9:00 pm at St. Matthew - Boyne City.
• Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas Day. Mass at 9:00 am at St. Augustine - Boyne Falls.
• Tuesday, December 31 - Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God. Mass at 5:00 pm at St. Augustine - Boyne Falls.
• Wednesday, January 1 - Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God. Mass at 9:00 am St. Matthew - Boyne City.

Full job description * Submit resumes by email to melrose@melrosetwp.org

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Fat and Flurrious fat bike race returns Jan. 11

Fat and Flurrious, “the Lower Peninsula's most challenging fat bike race,” returns to Boyne City at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. Bikers will start in downtown Boyne City and get a police escort to Avalanche Mountain, where they race on the same single-track and two-track that they ride in the summer. The after party and awards are at Stiggs Brewery and Kitchen during their anniversary party. Details:

• Sport Class - one lap around Avalanche 
• Open Class - two/three laps around Avalanche
• All proceeds go to TOMMBA for future trail development.

Registration and details at www.fatandflurrious.com.

The foundation's Youth Advisory Committee is made up of 16 high school students from across Charlevoix County.

C3F awards $90,935 in grants for youth needs

Based on the recommendations of their Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), the Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) awarded grants totaling $74,100 to 14 local organizations that supported youth mental health, provided youth recreation or provided youth educational opportunities. Donor advisors added another $16,835 for a total of $90,935 awarded in grants.

The organizations and their uses of the grant monies follows: 

• Big Brothers and Sisters of Northwestern Michigan will match five youths with mentors.
• Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan will create an outdoor space for families including a heavy duty swingset at Safe Haven North.
• Child Abuse Prevention & Education Council will host their annual CAPE Conference.
• East Jordan Public Schools will purchase supplies for social-emotional regulation tools for use in the Student Success Room, playground, and hallways.
• Northern Michigan Equine Therapy will purchase new tack and equipment for therapy horses and their clients to enjoy equine assisted services.
• Planned Parenthood of Michigan will create a sexual health education resource toolkit, a youth and adult advisory board, and continue medically accurate and inclusive sexual health education.
• The Depot Jordan Valley Teen Center will send their teens to equine therapy sessions.
• Beaver Island Historical Society will provide a week-long day camp which promotes well-being, sense of place, acceptance, and cultural diversity for 50 youth,ages 4-13.
• Camp Daggett will add landscaping to address runoff issues and the create a hammock lounge in “Downtown Daggett.”
• Crooked Tree Arts Center will offer a professional dance mentor residency to work with pre-professional dance students to enrich confidence, self-motivation, and a sense of community.
• Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore will create starter kits and give financial aid and support to new Girl Scout Troops in the Charlevoix County region.
• North Central Michigan College Foundation will provide scholarships and cover program expenses for Charlevoix County students in grades 3-8 to participate in their Summer Learning Academy.
• T A PoWeR! Book Bags will purchase materials supporting language, literacy, and human interactions for their free bags for kids.
• Raven Hill Discovery Center will provide field trip/outreach programs to 50 students, plus teachers and chaperones, at 10 Charlevoix County schools that will connect the students to science, history and the arts.

Each year, grant applications are reviewed by the C3F Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) who serve as the decision-making body for these grants, with preference given to their priority areas of youth mental health and school atmosphere. The YAC, which is made up of 16 high school students from across Charlevoix County, has been a core part of C3F since 1994.

For more information about the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, or to view their 2025 grant calendar, contact the Foundation office at (231) 536-2440 or visit the organization’s website at www.c3f.org.

Boyne Thunder sponsorships sell out in one day

Sponsor registration for the 2025 21st Annual Boyne Thunder sold out on December 10. The registration opened on Monday, December 9 and sold out the next day, making this the fastest sell-out in 21 years. Sponsor spaces for those wishing to run a boat in the poker run range in price from $3,500 to $20,000 depending on the package. Depending on the sponsorship level, slip space assignments, names on the event shirt and the number of wristbands are some of the benefits to sponsors..

In previous years, it was not unusual to have sponsor spaces available through February or March. "We thought last year was crazy to be sold out in 10 business days, so we are incredibly grateful for the turnout this year. It is humbling," Main Street Executive Director and Boyne Thunder event coordinator Ingrid Day said. "I wish we could make space for everyone, but it's a great 'problem' to have. We love when we have returning sponsors and welcome those that are new to the event." 

The 2024 Boyne Thunder Poker Run raised over $230,000 through registration, donations and a live auction. Proceeds went to Challenge Mountain, Camp Quality-Michigan, and Main Street. 

Challenge Mountain provides adaptive outdoor experiences and therapeutic recreation for children with physical or mental challenges. Camp Quality-Michigan serves children with cancer and their families by providing year-round, outdoor educational experiences. These programs are provided for AT no charge to the participants or their families. 

Though the event's 120-boat capacity remains the same for 2025, dock space will be limited as work on the marina and the current low water level bring different challenges, according to Day. General registration for the 22nd annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run opens Saturday, March 1, with approximately 60 spots available.

Hestia women’s group offers free virtual seminars in January

Hestia Women’s Giving Circle, a group of women who want to make a difference for women and girls in the community, strives to inform people of area women's and girls' needs. They are providing a virtual learning series open to anyone interested. 

Hestia’s mission is “To promote economic self-sufficiency and well-being for women and girls in Emmet and Charlevoix Counties.” The group gives grants to multiple organizations each year to support their mission. Since 2007, Hestia Circle has given away close to $825,000. Last year, it awarded grants to 19 nonprofits. Information about Hestia and how to join the organization can be found at https://www.hestiacircle.org. The group welcomes new members throughout the year. 

Here is the line-up of free seminars. All hour-long seminars begin at 3:30 p.m. To receive a link to the seminars, RSVP to info@hestiacircle.org. 

Wednesday, Jan. 8 - Childcare

Jennifer Wixom, professor, North Central Michigan College, led a multi-year coalition studying childcare needs in this area. She will discuss the study's findings, as well as the new childcare opportunities being provided at the college. 

Wednesday, Jan. 22 - Mental Health 

Speakers will provide an overview of the mental health services provided in this area and how priorities are set on mental health needs. 

Wednesday, Feb. 5 - Hunger 

Carrie Klingelsmith, executive director Manna Food Project. Carrie will speak on food insecurity and what is being done to address this problem and unmet needs in this area.

Wednesday, Feb. 19 - Homelessness 

Sarah Hughes, homeless program director, Northwest Community Action Agency. While homelessness is a significant problem, progress is being made. Sarah will discuss the coalition working to address homelessness, housing projects underway, and unmet needs in this area. 

Wednesday, March 5 - Women’s Resource Center 

Gail Kloss, executive director of the Women’s Resource Center. Hestia has provided significant grants to the WRC. Gail will discuss the programs and services offered by the Women’s Resource Center, their new building and the unmet needs in this area.

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Boyne Area News Briefs

FAREWELL RECEPTION for City Planner Scott McPherson will be held Friday, Dec, 20 from 2-4 p.m. in the Boyne City Hall Commission Chambers on the second floor. McPherson is retiring after 21 years of service to Boyne City. (Read our story on McPherson’s career.)

HISTORIC ORNAMENTS - For the second year in a row, the Boyne Heritage Center is selling historic Christmas ornaments. The 2024 ornament features Boyne City's Clock Tower. It is an exact replica of the clock tower, made of brass and enamel by Beacon Design ChemArt Company. The E. Howard clock and 1400 lb. Meneely and Co. bronze bell were originally installed in the downtown tower in 1905. Through the diligent care of early clock winders and the foresight and preservation of various owners, both the clock tower and bell were restored and now top City Hall to be enjoyed by generations to come. The ornaments cost $35, which helps support the center. They are available every day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at City Hall. There are 250 ornaments available. A limited number of the 2023 ornaments, replicas of the LaFrance firetruck, are available for $30.

City of Boyne City Municipal News

HOLIDAY HOURS - City Hall will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.

OVERNIGHT PARKING REMINDER - Boyne City Ordinance Sec. 66-92 prohibits the parking of vehicles on any public roadway from the hours of 2 a.m.-6 a.m. Vehicles found in violation may be towed at the owner’s expense if needed for snow removal. Even when no new snowfall is expected, DPW crews sometimes remove snow overnight. Removing vehicles from roadways makes their jobs easier and more efficient. 

CEMETERY GROUNDS BIDS - Sealed bids are now being accepted for the 2025-2027 Boyne City Maple Lawn and Wilson Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services. Bids will be received in a clearly marked envelope labeled “Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services” until 2 p.m. January 8, 2025 at the Boyne City Hall, 319 North Lake Street, Boyne City, MI 49712, at which time they shall be opened and read. The City of Boyne City reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive any irregularities in their best interest. Complete specifications are available at City Hall or online here.

CITY BOARD OPENINGS - Are you interested in getting involved and having a voice on what is happening in the City? Volunteer to serve on a board! For more information and to download an application, visit the City’s website. 

• Airport Board – 2 seats open
• Economic Development Corporation (EDC) / Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) - 1 seat open.
• Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) – 3 seats open
• Housing Commission – 1 resident position open
• Parks and Recreation Commission – 2 positions open

CITY MEETINGS – Click here for board information, agendas, and minutes.

> City Commission's next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Obituaries

Ronald L. Willis

June 22, 1949 — December 11, 2024 (age 75)

Lewis Upton in his shop, at left, and with wife Pat Upton, at right

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

A tale of a toymaker, Lewis Upton

By Patrick McCleary

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

(A special thank you to Emily Upton, great granddaughter, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.)

As we enter this year’s Christmas season we often feel touched by the nostalgia of Christmases past. How fortunate I was in growing up to have witnessed and met for myself some of the past generations of Boyne area citizenry who now remain fond memories and representatives of true Christmas nostalgia. There is a certain art to recreating the nostalgic Christmases of the past - wrapping the perfect gift; tying an impeccable bow; the perfect batches of fudge, divinity candy, and gingerbread cookies; painting, knitting, or crocheting a gift from tangible basics; or designing and sewing a quilt from scraps of material. In many instances, we will never see that type of nostalgia repeated in the generations to come. Good or bad, we are now a more fast-paced and modern generation. However, we can yet comfort ourselves with the memories of the special people who have left an indelible mark on our lives.

I was recently reminded of a very special couple who many of our readers may also remember. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Upton, Sr. were married in 1930, and resided in Boyne Falls for most of their married lives. Mr. Upton worked for Consumers Power, and Mrs. Upton served as Village Treasurer for 44 years and held the role of Methodist Church treasurer in Boyne Falls for 30 years. They were a very devout couple, and both were very active members of the United Methodist Church of Boyne Falls. Mr. Upton served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years and both he and Mrs. Upton taught Sunday School for a combination of 50 years! They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on February 16, 1980.

What many today may not be aware of or recall is that Mr. Upton Sr. was also a toymaker. Boats, planes, helicopters, trucks, trains - you name it - Mr. Upton could and did build it. Using spruce, white pine and any other soft woods that came available to him, he fashioned more than 500 children’s toys each year. His endeavors were never a business, but rather a hobby that benefited both his church and the local community. All of his toys were either made for family and friends or to be made available for purchase at church bazaars and other fundraisers - the proceeds going to the church and its various endeavors.

In the same spirit of giving, all of Mr. Upton’s toy making tools were given to him as Christmas gifts by members of his family. While most of his work was done on a bandsaw, he also made use of his table saw, router, sander, radial arm saw and a drill press. His ideas were gleaned from woodworking magazines, catalogues and even local newspapers. Once he spotted an item that caught his eye, he would sketch the idea onto scratch paper, add dimensions and modifications to the shape, then set to work on his creations. Cutting the wood scraps into the proper shapes and sizes, he created boats, planes, helicopters, trucks and trains, as well as whimsies such as miniature wheelbarrows and doll chairs.

Mr. Upton’s work was done in a small workshop which adjoined his garage. After retiring, he liked to base his “work week” in the shop on an average eight-hour day. Now, cutting was only the beginning phase to his mini production line. Each piece was then sanded and given a smooth, soft luster. Tires, steering wheels and other details were also added to the simple yet striking simplicity of his designs. During the course of each year, Mr. Upton worked with literally thousands of little pieces that were glued or nailed together. When interviewed one year near Christmas, he estimated that he had made some 2,800 wheels and gone through some three or four gallons of glue in that year alone.

Those of us living in a more modern age and among a more impatient generation might ask ourselves, “Didn’t making one type of toy for an extended period of time become monotonous?” When it did, Mr. Upton would switch directions and go to work creating yet another design. In one instance it was jewelry boxes. In another it was covered wagons, complete with driver, a passenger and two horses in harness! He constructed an elaborate train over 10 feet long for his grandchildren, which included some 90+ feet of track, complete with tunnels and bridges. His granddaughter was the recipient of a scale model stove, refrigerator and sink with actual running water, no less!

Mr. Upton’s skills as a builder were not solely put to use as a toymaker. The woodwork throughout the Upton home in Boyne Falls, end tables, a vanity and other furniture items were all constructed in his workshop. Certainly, a man of many talents and a generous heart that his family and the local community benefited from. Gladys F. (Hetrick) Upton passed away in 2000. Lewis E. Upton, Sr. would follow in 2003.

As we forge into another New Year, and we reflect on the nostalgic joys of Christmases past, I would like to pose this question to the community: Do you still have a toy or other object made by Lewis Upton, Sr.? If so, please reach out by email to hroughthehistorianslens@gmail.comand allow us to obtain a photograph and memory. In doing so, you can help us preserve the memory of Mr. Upton and those like him.

Wishing one and all a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year! Welcome, 2025!

> Patrick McCleary is a Certified Genealogist affiliated with the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society (CCHPS), 12555 Taylor Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720. The CCHPS promotes the understanding and appreciation of the heritage of the people of Charlevoix County and its townships by seeking out, collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts of historical and cultural significance. For further information, contact Patrick by email: Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com.

Thank you to the generous 2024 donors who are supporting local journalism and the Boyne Citizen!

> We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization

MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Please email your special events and music information to jamie@boynecitizen.com.

BARREL BACK. 4069 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6000.

> Live music 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with music and trivia on Thursdays.

Mondays - Sean Bielby

Tuesdays - Lara Fullford

Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe

Thursdays - Trivia & music by Holly Keller

BC LANES/THE VENUE BAR & GRILL. 1199 M-75 S, Boyne City,(231) 582-6353.

> Open bowling 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 3-10 p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays.

> LIVE MUSIC

Saturday, Dec. 21 - Yankee Station, 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, December 28 - Two Beats, 7-10 p.m.

BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET. Indoors in the pavilion at Veterans Park, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City. (231) 582-9009.

> Open Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM. 220 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4487.

> MY CLUE TRIVIA - Mondays

> SINGO BINGO - Tuesdays

> LIVE MUSIC at 7 p.m.

Thursdays - Adam and the Cabana Boys

Fridays - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber

Saturdays - Patrick Ryan

> WINTER BREAK ADDITIONAL DATES

Sunday, Dec. 29 - Patrick Ryan

Tuesday, Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve with the Sleeping Gypsies

BOYNE MOUNTAIN. 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, (855) 688-7024.

> Weekly schedule of events and entertainment at all Boyne Mountain venues.

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARD. 05325 US 131 S, Petoskey (231) 373-2090.

> LIVE MUSIC - Saturdays 2-6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21 - Michelle Chenard

Saturday, Dec. 28 - Chris Calleja

Sunday, Dec. 29 - Chase & Allie

Monday, Dec. 30 - Michelle Chenard

Tuesday, Dec. 31 - Chris Calleja

CAFE SANTE. 1 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-8800.

> LIVE MUSIC- Mondays 6-9

Friday, Dec. 20 - Pete Kehoe, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21 - Pete Kehoe, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 27 - Lavender Lions, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 28 - Sean Bielby 7-10 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 31- New Year's Eve Party with The Shifties, 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER. 461 E. Mitchell Street. Petoskey, (231) 347-4337.

> LIVE MUSIC

> See website for updated entertainment, Swirl, art shows, and children's activities.

FRESHWATER Art Gallery and Concert Venue , 217 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2588.

> LIVE MUSIC - 8 p.m. Call to reserve tickets.

Saturday, Dec. 28 - Thornetta Davis

Sunday, Dec. 29 - Larry McCray

GREAT LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS. 800 Bay Harbor Dr., Petoskey, (231) 439 -2600.

> LIVE PERFORMANCES

Saturday, Dec. 21 - The Nutcracker, two performances, 3 and 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 22 - The Nutcracker, 3 p.m.

LAKE STREET PUB. 202 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6031.

> TRIVIA NIGHT - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

MUSKRAT DISTILLING.121 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 268-0178.

> KARAOKE - 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday

> LIVE MUSIC 8 to 11 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20 - Eric Jacqua

Friday, Dec. 27 - Jelly Roll

Tuesday, Dec. 31 - Saxu4ia

PROVISIONS LOUNGE. 123 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2151.

LIVE MUSIC, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays

Tuesday, Dec. 24 - CLOSED

Tuesday, Dec. 31 - No music; prix fixe dinner for New Year's Eve.

RED MESA GRILL.117 Water St, Boyne City, (231) 582-0049.

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 24 - CLOSED

Tuesday, Dec. 31 - No music

STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN. 112 S. Park St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6100

> Thursdays - Industry Night - $3 Stiggs Mainstays, late night food, beats by @leefer_madness and @coffeeh0t.

> First Wednesday of the month - Open Mic Nights hosted by Nelson Olstrom, 6-9 p.m.

WALLOON JUNCTION GRILL AND BAR. 4472 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6006.

>Jelly Roll Blues Band, 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 28

The Boyne Citizen

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-459-4166

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