December 5, 2024 | Issue #14 | Past issues

It's snowman season!

Boyne City Elementary School students are very excited that snowflakes have started falling, and that snowman season has come calling! 

Inside this issue

• City planner McPherson looks back on 21 years
• Daifuku thriving after two years in new Boyne City plant
• Lake-effect snow helps Boyne open ski season early 
• Take a survey on best times for City Commission meeting
• Sip & Shop offers gifts, music, wine and fun
• Chamber's Holiday Business After Hours set for Dec. 12
• Community Christmas seeks donated toys and funds
• Red Mesa hosts Judy K Benefit Breakfast on Saturday
• Patrick McCleary history: Our nostalgic curfew siren
• 4 area obituaries
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

CITIZEN HOLIDAY SCHEDULE - The Boyne Citizen will publish two more issues on Thursday, Dec. 12 and 19, and then we will take two weeks off. We will resume publication on Thursday, Jan.9. Send your news to jim@boynecitizen.com. 

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City planner McPherson looks back on 21 years

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com

Planning and Zoning Director Scott McPherson is winding down a 21-year career with the City of Boyne City this month, and he’s seen plenty of changes, challenges and progress over those two decades.

“Boyne City has been such a great place to work, and over the years has had so many great city commissions,” McPherson said. “They were very progressive and very supportive. It was a real pleasure to work here.”

City Manager Mike Cain started a year before McPherson arrived. “I was probably one of his first hires,” McPherson said. “He hired me as the assistant planner in October of 2003. At the time, Tim O’Leary was the planner, and on the day I was hired, I was told that Tim was leaving in three days.”

For two months, McPherson served as the interim planning director and assistant planner until the city manager hired Dan Reed, who stayed for three years. When Reed left, McPherson became the planning director in 2007.

Things have changed since then, but McPherson said some of the issues are the same. “Parking was always an issue, as it is now.” The One Water Street lakefront restaurant had closed, the building was moved to Boyne Mountain Resort, and the site needed to be redeveloped. “There were a lot of challenges and concerns about what would happen there, and parking was a major issue. There were a couple of iterations that came in, but luckily Glen Catt came along and he knew how to engage the community and do it right.”

Another major issue came up when the Bendix factory on the lakefront closed and developer James Heavey of Devlon Properties purchased the property and was approved for a large condominium project. After the project was not built within two years, the city revoked his permits, and the courts upheld the city’s action. 

“Heavey was a challenge to deal with,” McPherson said, and he is thankful that Bob Grove and Mike Dow came along, purchased the property and resold it to the city, opening the door to creation of the Open Space park that is on the site now. “That was a huge benefit for the community.”

“Shortly after that, we had the 2002-2008 economic crash where not much was happening. Kirtland Products came along, promising a lot of things and a lot of jobs, so it was embraced, but it wasn’t vetted as well as it should have been. There were some unintended consequences” like noise and smoke from the plant’s manufacturing of wood pellets for use in wood stoves.  

Asked about some of the best things that happened during his time in Boyne City, McPherson quickly mentions the renovation of One Water Street. “Front Street was a forgotten back road, and how that was transformed is just amazing, and what a value it added to the community. And then there was the Open Space - another great transformation there. Hopefully, Lofts on Lake (a nonprofit apartment and commercial project) can happen. That would be a huge benefit to the community. I’m not sure where they’re at, but something is going to happen there.”

“The Main Street Program really energized the downtown and renovated a lot of the storefronts. My first year here was the first Boyne Thunder, and that whole transformation was incredible.”

Asked about challenges he’s seen, McPherson goes back to parking. “It seems to be such an impediment to development, whether it’s real or perceived. We’ve had studies that showed basically the same thing - Water Street is busy, but two blocks away, there’s plenty of parking. There’s opportunity there, but you can’t use parking to kill a project every time.”

Creating more housing is now a major emphasis for the City Commission, and McPherson says, “They’re going in the right direction, passing ordinances to remove barriers, and they’re freeing up city-owned land” on the north end of town to be available for development. But he points out that some of the obstacles are “beyond a local community’s ability to control” - issues like the high cost of land, materials and labor, “But they’re doing all they can.”

McPherson was in the middle of the debate and discussion of short-term rentals, and the creation of an ordinance that took effect in January of 2023. “It accomplished what the commission wanted it to, which was to stop the conversion of single-family homes to short-term rentals,” he said. 

The City Commission set a cap of 130 STRs in single-family residential areas, and “Now I’m not getting any inquiries from people who own homes that want to turn them into short-term rentals. The only inquiries I’m getting are from people who are looking to buy. So in my mind, we’re at a point where the people who wanted to get a license that lived in the city got one.”

The cap of 130 is “a little higher than I would have recommended, but it’s their prerogative to set it where they think it’s appropriate. It does look like the market has stabilized. I’m getting anecdotal reports that the number of rentals people are getting in the summer are down, so there may be some saturation in that market.”

“The program has been working really well,” McPherson said. “We get very few complaints about obnoxious neighbors or loud parties. The way the program is set up, we have a contact that we can call if there is a problem, and that seems to have worked really well.”

In August, four of the licensed short-term rental properties were sold (software provides updates), and the licenses automatically expired. So McPherson contacted four people on the waiting list, and all four bought new licenses and converted properties to short-term rentals. Now the waiting list is back up to five.

McPherson’s last day of work will be Dec. 20, and City Manager Cain says he will be losing “a kindred spirit” since they are both Michigan State sports fans, and both have daughters who attended MSU. 

“We’ll miss Scott a lot,” Cain said. “He’s so darn reliable - very steady and level-headed. He helped us get Boyne City to where it is today.”

At the Oct. 8 meeting when Cain announced that McPherson would be retiring, he commented: “Scott has done an excellent job all of these years. I know how much I and the City Commission rely on him. The quality and quantity of his work has been outstanding. We really hate to see him go, but he has served us loyally and very well all these years. I can’t do anything but wish him well in his retirement.”

What are his final thoughts, looking back on 21 years with the city? “Boyne City is a great town with great people. That’s one thing I’ve always been amazed about is the community members, and how they come together and volunteer. Main Street wouldn’t work without all those volunteers. The Planning Commission is all volunteers. Special projects like the Dog Park come up and people step up and make it happen. There is something special about this community, how they work together.”

What’s next when retirement starts? McPherson said he and his wife Alice “plan on going someplace warm for a while after the holidays.” 

Will he get another job? “Probably something part-time eventually,” he said.

City Manager Cain says he has had little response after advertising for a new planning director for nearly two months. He’s had conversations with a couple of possible successors, but has received no applications yet. Given that, Cain said, he may consider finding an interim consultant to fill in as planning director if no good applicants come along soon.

Mother Nature’s lake-effect snow helps out as Boyne ski season opens for everyone on Friday

With the help of 12 inches of lake effect snow, Boyne Mountain Resort opened its ski season last Friday and Saturday for pass holders, closed down five days for snowmaking, and then will open to everyone for the season this Friday, Dec. 6.

Wednesday’s Mountain Report said, “After a killer opening weekend, we're taking a quick pause to let our mountain ops crew work their magic and prep even more terrain for your next winter adventure. We are working until Friday to let the snow gods work their magic.”

The report says the latest Winter Storm Watch has been upgraded to a full-blown Winter Storm Warning. “A clipper system is barreling in Tuesday night, bringing another 8-13 inches of snow on top of the almost two feet we already scored last week. Stay tuned, stay stoked, and get ready for some seriously sweet mountain magic this weekend. Our snow machines and mountain crew are ensuring the terrain will be primed and ready to shred!”

Next week, stay tuned for a “Grinch-tastic takeover” at Boyne’s Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 14. Capture a memorable photo with Santa Claus, The Grinch and Buddy The Elf, then enjoy a bonfire, holiday crafts, movie time, shopping specials, live entertainment, and holiday treats.

More winter fun

AVALANCHE WARMING HOUSE - City staff are working to get the Avalanche Warming House open by this weekend. There’s plenty of snow on the sledding hill, and more is forecast. 

TRAIL GROOMING - Volunteers who groom the Boyne Valley Trail that runs east from the Boyne City airport report that the trail grooming equipment is ready and they expect to groom it by the weekend. 

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Ketrina O'Halloran, programmer, and Steve Camilletti, plant manager, look at blueprints of parts and program the equipment to the specifications. 

Daifuku thriving after two years in new, more efficient Boyne City plant

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

Daifuku Airport America, located in the Boyne City Business Park, is the largest manufacturer of airport baggage conveyors in North America, supplying 33 of the 36 largest airports in the United States. Their new plant, opened just over two years ago, consolidated two older factories into one more efficient operation, and they seem to be flourishing.

Production needed to increase to meet the growing demand for airport baggage conveyors. Boyne City Plant Manager Stephen Camilletti explains: “We used to output 26 conveyors a week on average with four full 53-foot trucks a week. We now are averaging 40 conveyors a week and seven full truckloads a week. We’ve increased our production by 40%.”

Camilletti has a mechanical engineering degree from Michigan State University and worked for Honeywell in Boyne City as value stream manager for the five years prior to working for Daifuku. He was hired two years ago as a plant operations manager, but within a few months, the plant manager retired and Camilletti moved up to his current position.

Though he was not with the company when the decision was made to consolidate the former Jervis B. Webb plants in Boyne City and Harbor Springs into the new plant, he said there were a couple reasons for the consolidation. Primarily, it gave Daifuku more capacity in the powder coat line. Powder coating is one of the final manufacturing steps where metal is electrically charged and powder-like paint is applied and then cured, leaving the final coat much more durable.

A second reason for the consolidation in Boyne City was transportation cost. As part of the manufacturing process, sheet metal is cut and engraved by laser into parts that will then be bent and assembled. The Boyne City location had the only laser between the two plants, so there were considerable transportation costs to bring parts back for assembly in Harbor Springs. Now, everything is contained in one 225,000-square-foot building with 210,000 square feet for manufacturing and the rest for offices.

The new plant was built with no windows, which is common for manufacturers, because customers may want confidentiality and specify that no production on their products can be done in plants with windows. The plant also needs to control the light. Too much natural light can lead to glare for employees and may impede the proper performance of some automation equipment. However, even without windows, the new plant isn't dark. It is bright and immaculate with 36-ft.-high ceilings filled with LED lights. Before the new plant was built, Daifuku would have to rent space with no windows to fill some orders.

A giant laser printer cuts and etches the sheets of steel into the parts. Lance Neely and Freddy Seagraves are waiting for them to finish before loading the next sheet of steel.

Though Jervis B. Webb started in partnership with Henry Ford making his first assembly line in 1919, gone are the days of one long permanent assembly line used for manufacturing. Modern businesses need more customization and manufacturers need to be able to easily modify their production equipment. So auto companies and other manufacturers use Daifuku's smart vehicles to transport parts from one station to the next, and in some cases like with truck, to marry the chassis to the truck body.

Daifuku customizes their own smart-carts to use in their plant. Pictured is Plant Manager Stephen Camilletti next to a white smart cart with a custom part containing a conveyer belt and tool kit on top. Note the smart handling strip on the floor that electronically guides the cart to the assembler. The cart charging station is on the right, so that when carts stop at some stations, while the worker is assembling, the cart is charging.

Daifuku manufactures automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) like the 300TT Tugger, which is guided by a flat track on the floor with sensors along the way that can be programmed to tell the vehicle what to do at a certain stop. The Tugger itself is the automated vehicle base with a pin that can attach whatever equipment the customer requires. Car companies and other manufacturers either work with Daifuku or with their own design teams to put specialized parts on top of the Tugger that will do the needed manufacturing tasks. Tuggers are far more versatile than the old permanent assembly lines, because it is easy to modify their functions. All one needs to do is place a custom part on top and perform some programming. 

The Boyne City plant also makes automated forklifts that can lift 4,000 pounds. In addition, the plant performs custom work with their automated vehicles. For example, airport security workers once had a high percentage of injuries due to lifting luggage that needed to be inspected. Daifuku engineers worked with them to design a cart that works with a conveyor line to automatically place the luggage on a cart that will take it to the inspection station where a worker can just open the luggage and inspect it. When finished, the cart takes the luggage to where it needs to go next. With the system, luggage inspections can be done without the workers having to lift luggage. 

Chuck Lord and Steve Camilletti inspect an airport baggage carrier that can tilt and sort baggage.

Inside the Boyne City plant today, there are custom vehicles to be used in motorcycle assembly. Every AGV made at Daifuku goes through an eight-hour test before it is sold. If a bug is found, it is fixed and another eight-hour test is required so they are certain the vehicle will meet the customer's needs.

The plant fills orders for AGVs in about 12 weeks. Airport conveyor projects are usually three- to five-year contracts. A single conveyor takes about 20 weeks to manufacture. They process two million pounds of steel per year making airport baggage conveyors and auto-guided smart carts or vehicles. They have supplied these smart carts to virtually every auto-manufacturing company for use in their production plants. 

Their biggest challenge, according to Camilletti, is keeping the work flow steady or as he put it, "leveling the load schedule." For example, the auto industry shuts down over Christmas, when they all make any changes they need to in their manufacturing plants. This means that all the smart vehicles for automotive uses are due at the same time.

Orders come in peaks and valleys, but Camilletti is proud that even though the workload may fall off at times, they keep everyone busy. They find something else the workers can do or work on cross-training between different departments. Management works hard to look ahead and pull orders in early to help the workload remain steady. 

As the likelihood of tariffs may become a reality, the purchasing department is proactively searching for alternative suppliers for primarily smart vehicle drives and sensors. These parts now come from Europe, as Italy and Germany seem to be the experts in making them. Camilletti is wondering how tariffs might affect their profit margin.

Michelle Kent wears a respirator as she powder coats a part. 

Though Daifuku is a Japanese-owned company, the Boyne City plant still operates with the autonomy of the small, family-owned company Jervis B. Webb Company. 

"It is really the best of both worlds," Camilletti said. "Decisions can be made quickly at a local level without some of the red tape of other large companies. Yet, we have large company backing for capital expenditures." About the only interaction Camilletti has with those in Japan is an annual visit or benchmarking opportunity. 

When it first opened, the Boyne City plant had a worker shortage. They had this big, beautiful building and a need to hire. They were getting one or two applicants a week for jobs. Recently, getting hired has become much more competitive with several applicants per opening to choose from. For example, recently they had eight openings and filled six of the eight within three weeks. They hire operators on the floor - fabricators, welders, powder coaters or people to do wiring. They prefer to hire people with some background, but they also have on-the-job training. "We would hire someone with no experience based on the personality and ambition shown in the interview," Camilletti said. 

Camilletti noted that they have been reaching out to Boyne City High School and Char-Em ISD trying to become involved in career days and job training programs. Daifuku representatives could show that there are lots of good jobs in the trades that don't require four-year college degrees. 

The Boyne City plant partners with North Central Michigan College, Kirtland Community College, and others to attract skilled workers into their plants. Welders are particularly in short supply. Currently, the Boyne City plant has 130 employees, 100 in the manufacturing plant and 30 in office support. They run two manufacturing shifts. 

Their employees drive from all over the area - Pellston, Harbor Springs, Wolverine, Indian River, Gaylord, and East Jordan. When Daifuku consolidated the Harbor Springs and Boyne City plants here, most of the long-time workers stayed with the company and decided to commute. They either couldn't find housing closer or were already settled in their own communities. New hires commute from out-of-town primarily, Camilletti believes, because nearby housing is scarce and expensive.

Camilletti beams with pride when he talks about the work done here. "Daifuku is a great company to work for with good benefits and pay. It’s an honor to be a part of the team we have created here. I love living in Boyne City and working with this strong team. As our company grows, we bring impactful livelihoods to the community."

Clyde McPherson, at left, and David Bunch are wiring an electrical box that will be used to help control the automated carts.

Take a survey on best times for City Commission meeting

The City of Boyne City is conducting a survey to gather community input on the City Commission’s meeting schedule. According to the Open Meetings Act, the City Commission must finalize and publish the meeting calendar for the upcoming year by their first meeting in January.

Currently, the Commission meets twice a month: the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. and the fourth Tuesday at 12 noon. These times were originally chosen to accommodate a variety of schedules, balancing evening and midday options.

As the city prepares the 2025 calendar, they’d like to hear from you. Do these times work well for your schedule? Would alternative times improve accessibility and participation? Your feedback is vital in helping us ensure these meetings are accessible to as many community members as possible. 

Please take a moment to fill out this three question survey on the upcoming City Commission meeting schedule times.

Take the survey here. 

Sip & Shop offers gifts, music, wine and fun in Veterans Park Pavilion Friday

The third annual Sip & Shop event will be held at the heated Boyne City Veterans Park Pavilion from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 6. The event, sponsored by the Boyne City Farmers Market, features unique gifts, live music, wine tasting and "festive fun," according to Lesley Kozminski, the farmers market manager. 

"I believe that this is the biggest Sip and Shop so far with over 30 vendors. I even have a waiting list," Kozminski said. "Grab your friends, come down to have dinner and a cocktail and do some Christmas shopping. It will be lots of fun." 

Some of the unique gifts that will be for sale include artwork, crafts, artisan foods and wines. Kozmo Bar Catering, as well as local wineries and food vendors, will be serving food, wine, and cocktails. The event is free, but there will be drink tickets sold, and food may be purchased from the various food vendors. Market Musician Sydni K will provide the entertainment. 

Vendors include: Coveyou Scenic Farms, Neahtawanta Candle Company, Repurposed Pup, Three Bears Honey, Boyne Heritage Center, Amanda Crochets, Blu Dot Wintery, Sunshine Sourdough, Lone Acre Skin Care, Fruit Coast Farms, Art of Love, Pottery Fire, Korthase Brothers Maple Syrup, Mary's Treasures, Kozmo Bar Catering, Great Lakes Inspired, The Corn Crib Cafe novel, Handmade With Love by Mimi B, Fresh Coast Catering, Birch and Lavender, Stargaze Silver, PetPawps, Rogue Perogi, Open Sky Farm, Mother Mary's Candy Company, Jordan's Teas, Disorderly Dawn, Jbloom & Permalinx, Siegrist Farms, and ZEMC.

Send us your Christmas memories!

The Boyne Citizen is bringing back an old-time tradition from the Charlevoix County Press of the 1970s. We’re asking readers to send us their Christmas memories from years past. Tell us what made your holiday special - back when you were a kid, or when your now adult kids were young. Maybe it was a walk in the woods to cut down a Christmas tree. Perhaps it was skiing at Boyne Mountain, a school pageant, or making cookies or a Christmas Eve tradition. Try to keep your Christmas memory under 200 words, include your name and maybe even a photo and email it to jim@boynecitizen.com.

Chamber's Holiday Business After Hours set for Dec. 12

The Boyne Area Chamber invites everyone to join them for their Holiday Business Hours from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. The event will be held at One Water Street, upstairs above Alpine Chocolat Haus, hosted by the Boyne Arts Center, Boyne City Massage & Wellness, Edward Jones, and FBT Investments.

Enjoy an ugly sweater competition, hors d’oeuvres by Cafe Sante and Lake Street Pub, with wine, beer, and cocktails provided by the Arts Center and Boyne City Massage and Wellness. Everyone is welcome to come network and make new friends. Admission is free.

Community Christmas seeks donated toys and funds

To Our Community and Friends,

It's Christmastime - Boyne Area Community Christmas time! For 70 years, the Boyne Area Community Christmas program has been funded by your generous donations and organized on volunteer power, and together we have helped thousands of children have a happier Christmas.

Although every donation is greatly appreciated, we will only be able to accept new items again this year.

Donated items can be In the form of new, unwrapped toys, books, games, puzzles, personal care items, mittens, gloves, socks or non-perishable foods. If you would like to contribute monetarily, please make checks payable to Boyne Area Community Christmas and send them to PO Box 886, Boyne City, MI 49712. 

Donations can also be dropped off at the Boyne City Education Center Gym, at the East Street entrance. We will be accepting donations through December 10, Monday through Thursday, 10am-2pm. You may also drop off non-monetary donations at any Toys for Tots collection site in Boyne City. Please follow us on Facebook for up-to-date information, including Toys for Tots collection locations.

Food boxes will be packed on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and will be delivered to families on Friday, Dec. 13, beginning at 10 a.m. both days. If you need any additional information, you would like to submit the name of a child in need, or you would like to volunteer, please call Heather at (231) 459-5588.

From all the volunteers at Boyne Area Community Christmas and the many grateful families of our community, thank you for 70 years of continued support and generosity!

Toys for Tots locations

• Tommy’s of Walloon
• Walloon Village General Store
• Boyne City City Hall
• Daifuku
• Boyne Co-Op
• Summer Tree
• The Brook
• Louie’s Market
• Dollar General of Boyne City and Boyne Falls
• Boyne Area Gymnastics
• Boyne District Library
• Boyne City Hardware
• Coldwell Banker Realtors

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. 

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.

Boyne Valley Catholic Community lists Christmas and 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.

> We welcome announcements about other holiday church schedules for churches from the Boyne area. Please email jim@boynecitisen.com by December 10. Our last issue before Christmas comes out on December 19.

Eta Nu is thankful to the Pat O’Brien team for supporting their mission for many years. These agents support the Dress For Chill program by donating a percentage of their commissions to the campaign. Throughout the years this has amounted to nearly $70,000.

O’Brien helps Eta Nu Charity outfit 214 kids for winter

As the Christmas season approaches, Eta Nu Charity takes on the task of helping those who are less fortunate in the Boyne area with particular emphasis on the needs of children and the elderly. This year’s Dress for Chill program recently outfitted 214 children in the elementary, Early Learners and Head Start programs with new outdoor clothing and boots. 

“We cannot run our successful programs without the financial support of our entire community,” said Eta Nu member Marnie Parrott. “Nearly 50 of our members work tirelessly to put together these outfits and dress the children. The need seems to grow every year. Now every child can go out to play during our cold winters. The smiles on the faces of these children is gratifying.”

The Dress For Chill program has been around since 2009 and requires about $25,000 annually. Volunteers are already working on inventory for the 2025 campaign. Another Eta Nu program provides meals for seniors who often cannot get out for companionship or specially prepared food.

“These vital programs can only continue with the financial support of the community,” Parrott said. “They say ‘it takes a village’ to make these programs successful. You can be part of our ‘village’ and help the less fortunate in the Boyne area. Eta Nu is a 501c3 charity and your donations are tax deductible.” Checks can be sent to Eta Nu Charity, PO Box 133, Boyne City, MI 49712 or you may donate online.

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Red Mesa hosts Judy K Benefit Breakfast on Saturday to support food pantries

Magnum Hospitality will host its annual Judy K Benefit Breakfast, set to take place at Red Mesa Grill from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7th. This event honors the legacy of Judy Kuheana, the founder of the Boyne Food Pantry.

Since its inception, the benefit has raised more than $27,000 for the Manna Food Project, which supports Boyne area food pantries. Red Mesa General Manager Justin Gibbert said, “This year's breakfast promises to be a feast for a cause, bringing the community together to fight hunger and celebrate the spirit of giving.”

Attendees can enjoy house-made apple empanadas, sweetbreads, fruit medley, scrambled egg enchiladas, aji spinach quiche, jalapeno bacon, buttermilk pancakes, green chile fried potatoes, chorizo sausage, fresh coffee and juice. Mimosas and Bloody Marys will be available for purchase. 

Cost for the breakfast is $12 per adult, $6 for children 12 and under. All proceeds from the breakfast will go directly to the Manna Food Project, supporting its mission to provide resources to the Boyne area food pantries.

Bay Township Wreaths ceremony honors veterans

Everyone is invited to attend the Bay Township Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Dyer Cemetery at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Wreaths Across America in Bay Township is celebrating its 11th year.

You do not have to be a wreath sponsor to participate in the ceremony. At noon a moment of silence will be held across the entire nation. At this time the eight ceremonial wreaths will be placed on the graves of the veterans throughout the township's three cemeteries and the Scattering Garden at the Horton Bay United Methodist Church. 

The Boyne City American Legion Ernest Peterson Post 228 will be assisting at this ceremony for Color Guard and Taps at each location. It will be a very special time to honor all our veterans and their families. "Live With Purpose" is the National Wreaths Across America Day Theme for 2024. Organizers will have hot drinks and snacks at Dyer Cemetery before the ceremony and everyone is welcome to return there after all four locations are covered.

Here is an information and sponsorship form. Note that the organization has made online sponsoring much easier now. Call Georganna Monk at 231-883-9867 if you have any questions. 

Master gardeners honored for volunteer efforts

Boyne City members of the Northern Michigan Master Gardener Association (NMMGA) received numerous honors at the Northwest Region Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Recognition event, held recently at the Mitchell Creek Nature Sanctuary in Traverse City.

Mike Costa and Kriss Whittlet were trainees recognized for receiving full master gardener certification in 2024.

NMMGA members who have already reached Gold status for completing more than 1000 hours of volunteer service included Nancy Cunningham and Sally VanDomelen.

Frances Paris was named to the Northwest Region Top Ten list of volunteers. Paris was one of the NMMGA board members who were collectively named 2024 Master Gardener of the Year for our area. 

Further information about NMMGA projects, membership, Smart Gardening, and upcoming events including the group’s annual spring plant sale can be found on the group’s website, www.northernmichiganmastergardenersassociation.org.

For anyone interested in becoming a Master Gardener, MSU Extension is offering a 10-week Foundations on Gardening online course this winter, Feb. 13-April 17. Details are available at www.canr.msu.edu/courses/foundations-of-gardening.  

Boyne Falls School invites the community in for coffee on Monday

Boyne Falls Public School is expanding the focus of their monthly Family Coffee Hours to Community Coffee Hours, as they invite the entire community into the school to socialize. 

"I started these coffee hours back in 2019 with a few preschool parents, when I saw parents gathering in the parking lot, chatting after dropping their children off," Preschool Director Mitchell Klooster said. The Family Coffee Hours quickly expanded from solely preschool parents to parents and caregivers of school children of any age. However, the focus had been limited to parents with kids in school. Now the district is broadening that focus to invite the entire community. Thus, the name was changed to Community Coffee Hour.

"We want to better engage the entire community, rather than primarily attracting families with children in the district," Klooster said. The coffee hours are now held in a "chill lounge," a comfortable seating area in the front annex of the school. 

"We understand the importance of connectedness and want to create a space for parents and community members to feel welcome. Our goal is to provide a place where everyone can slow down and enjoy the company of others," Klooster said. "I'm proud that we offer it at BFPS."

So, if you are looking for a place to enjoy a hot beverage in a relaxed atmosphere with fellow parents, caregivers, Boyne Falls alumni and community members, Boyne Falls Public School is the place to be from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 9 and every second Monday. For further information, call the school at (231) 549-2211.

New Christmas ornament features clock tower

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 and will also be sold at the Farmers Market Sip n' Shop event on Friday, Dec. 6. There are 250 ornaments available.  A limited number of the 2023 ornaments, replicas of the LaFrance firetruck, are available for $30.

Seen here is the old town clock, then situated above the fire station on South Park Street. The bell tower to the side of the main tower is clearly visible in this image.  (Photo courtesy of the Patrick McCleary collection.)

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

Curfew siren is a nostalgic inconvenience of sorts

By Patrick McCleary

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

Each week we’ll visit some aspect of the lesser-known history of Boyne City and the surrounding area - not only major events, but the people and families who assisted in making them happen. In doing so, we help to preserve our rich, colorful and fascinating local history. Please don’t hesitate to suggest areas of interest or to share additional information and stories by emailing throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com. Come learn with us!

I learned a lesson not long ago. A trivial matter really, but with seeming community importance. A member of our local community (from a much younger generation than mine) recently reminded me that unless we share the stories of our people and the origins of our traditions, our younger folks, and those who have come to be a part of our community at later points in time, miss out and often fail to understand the true nostalgia which surrounds them. The preservation of history, much like the preservation of happy childhood memories, sometimes takes precedence over present-day practicality and reason. Not everything needs a "purpose" to be relevant to a community’s well-being as evidenced by the members of our community who shared some of their memories of a long-standing Boyne City tradition.

THE TOWN CURFEW

In the early years, the Boyne City Fire Department used a large bell, situated on the north side of the city's clock tower, which was then located on South Park Street. Through a series of rings, the fire department let the community know which Ward firefighters needed to rush to in order to put out a fire. It was a sort of coding system. 

The city’s first curfew came into play in 1913. It was first installed into this same bell tower, but later relocated to the top of the clock tower. However, it was not set off at the designated time that today’s Boyne citizens have grown accustomed to hearing. At that time, Boyne City (like many towns and villages) had night policemen who patrolled the streets. By 9:00 p.m., there were no stores open and only the bar trade was thriving. 

Locations like the city docks and city park were quickly becoming “hangouts” for idle teens who had begun getting into mischief for lack of supervision. City officials felt that these were no places for unattended children, and by 9 at night, any child wandering the streets was doing so without parental permission. Once the curfew rang, this “no child on the streets” rule would remain in effect until 5 a.m. the following morning. 

Byron McKenzie, along with partner Hiram “Harry” Rothenberger, (pictured above) were the night patrolman in charge at that time. (Photograph courtesy of the Bob Morgridge collection and the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society.) They suggested that a "reminder" be sent out to the community at 9 p.m. Any child out after that curfew would be subject to being picked up and returned home... with a fine of some sort being issued to the "negligent" parents. 

Then Mayor, Sabin Hooper felt that there was some merit to the request as a number of Boyne citizens had spoken to him concerning “boys and girls of tender age keeping unseemly hours at the city dock, in the city park and on the public streets.” Around that same time, the City Marshal had been dealing with a group of boys who were destroying property in various parts of the city. His report cited one instance where boys had broken into a house and did $70 worth of damage- a substantial sum in those days. The result was that proposals were suggested by all parties and by July of 1913, City Ordinance Number 68 was officially entered into the record books. 

A STEAM WHISTLE WARNING YOUTH FROM THE STREETS

Boys and girls under 17 can’t be out after 9 o’clock this summer.

The times were different back in 1913, as was the rearing of children and the “instilling of morality and decency among our next-generation citizenry.” The final curfew ordinance was prepared by City Attorney Arthur Urquhart and was then presented to the city council. The ordinance provided that no boy or girl under the age of 17 years could be on the streets or in the city park or any other public place after 9 p.m. during the months of May, June, July, August, September and October, unless escorted by a parent or guardian. The remaining months of the year the curfew was to ring at 8 p.m.!

And that wasn’t all that this new ordinance stated. Youth who were in violation were subject to arrest by the City Marshal, who would then turn them over to the county truant officer. Any parent or guardian who permitted their child to be out after this time violated the ordinance and were to be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and liable to a fine. The fines were rather nominal in most cases, but they ranged from $1 to $25. If the parent or guardian was unable to pay the fine, they were subject to “imprisonment in the city or county jail from two to 30 days, or further fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.”

Now, had it not been for I.B. McLean, this would have all remained in place “as is.” However, Mr. McLean suggested that the ordinance be amended so that any wayward youth, finding themselves apprehended by the law, first be returned to his or her parent instead of to the county truant officer as provided by the ordinance. He also brought up what may seem obvious to those reading this item, that if a parent were to become housed in the county jail for 30 days, who would be left to assure that that the son or daughter were abiding by the curfew law? (Notice how the assumption is being made that every home has a two-parent household?) Mr. McLean’s suggestions were approved by the other aldermen and the newly modified city ordinance became official.

As the youth of Boyne City entered an era where car ownership was common and as sporting events and school dances and other activities went from afternoon events to evening affairs, the hour of the curfew’s blast was changed to the more reasonable 10:30 p.m. time. The stringent rules and fines were dropped, as they were no longer deemed necessary or appropriate. On the advent of July 2025, a mere six months from now, that 10:30 PM curfew blast will celebrate 112 years in existence within the Boyne City community. Try not to be bothered by the sound. Instead, take comfort in this ever-faithful reminder of the time and above all, remind yourself that you are actually HEARING history. 

CLOCK TOWER BOOK - For those wishing to learn more about Boyne City's original clock tower, a hardcover book titled "Boyne City's Old Town Clock Tolls Again," may be purchased through the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society (CCHPS) and by contacting Patrick McCleary at Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com. This publication, authored by Robert Morgridge, is priced at $30. 

CLOCK TOWER ORNAMENT - The Boyne Heritage Center has recently released its second in a series of Christmas ornaments, which is an exact replica of the town clock (complete with fire bell). This year's ornament is available for sale at City Hall for $35 each. 

> 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.

Boyne Area News Briefs

HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW - The Boyne City Booster Foundation is planning its 45th annual Holiday Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Boyne City High School. Admission is free, although donations are accepted. Refreshments are available and hourly drawings will be held for $20 Boyne Bucks giveaways. This annual event raises funds for the Boyne City Booster Foundation, supporting the arts, athletics, and academics.

SLEIGH RIDES - Northern Michigan Equine Therapy will be offering sleigh rides to “the North Pole” as their annual fund-raiser on Sunday, Dec. 8. Take a sleigh ride to the North Pole on a horse-drawn sleigh to meet Santa and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and crafts at Santa's Workshop. Meet their friendly therapy horses, NMET staff and volunteers. Proceeds support therapy scholarships. Sleigh rides are every half hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and require reservations. Please email nmequine@gmail.com with questions.

City of Boyne City Municipal News

New police officer sworn in

Gerald Boron is Boyne City’s newest police officer, and he was sworn in on Monday by City Clerk/Treasurer Jessica Puroll. Police Chief Kevin Spate told the City Commission last week that his department was back to full staff with the new hire. Boron comes to the city from the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department. Prior to that, he was a police sergeant at Dodge City and Ford County in Kansas. Spate said, “Mr. Boron has many skills and certifications that will benefit our department and community.”

TOYS FOR TOTS - City Hall is a Toys for Tots collection site, as it has been in past years. Items go to Boyne’s Community Christmas.

NORTH BOYNE HOUSING PROJECT - Invitation to Submit Proposals & Request for Qualifications. The City of Boyne City, seeks a development partner for a city-owned property at 508 Court Street. For more information about this property, please contact: Michael Cain, City Manager, mcain@boynecity.com. 231-582-0377. Proposal Submissions Due By: January 1, 2025. Full RFQ.

PLANNER/ZONING ADMINISTRATOR - The City of Boyne City is seeking an experienced Planner/Zoning Administrator to lead the Northern Michigan waterfront community’s successful two person department in the provision of planning, zoning, and code enforcement services to the City and two adjacent townships. Submit resume, letter of interest, salary history and requirements, and three references to: Michael Cain, City Manager, City of Boyne City, 319 North Lake Street, Boyne City, MI. 49712-1101, by November 4. EOE. Details. 

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, Dec. 10.

Obituaries

Gilbert C. Redmer

November 21, 1942 ~ December 1, 2024 (age 82)

Rosemary (Hypke) Barnadyn

January 27, 1925 ~ December 2, 2024 (age 99)

Jacquelyn Rae Capelin

August 13, 1947 ~ November 29, 2024 (age 77)

Jerry Walter Kerr

September 12, 1944 ~ November 27, 2024 (age 80)

Thank you to the generous 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.

> Brunch with Santa - 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14 (order off menu)

> 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. 7 - Derailed, 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14 - Shuvlhed, 8-11 p.m.

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.

SIP & SHOP HOLIDAY BAZAAR is held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Shop for unique gifts, including artwork, crafts, artisan foods and wine, in this third annual holiday event. Local wineries will be on hand to add some cheer while talented local musicians will keep your feet tapping throughout the evening.

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 (starting Dec. 7) - 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. 6 - Two Track Mind

Saturday, Dec. 14 - Chris Calleja

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

Mondays - Dec. 9 and 16 - The Shifties. 6-9 p.m.

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

Saturday, Dec. 6 - Owen James and the Feels, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

> See website for Holiday Bazaar, 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. 7 - A Christmas Carol - solo rendition by renowned actor Allen Fitzpatrick, 7 p.m

Thursday, Dec. 12 and Friday, Dec. 13 - The Messiah by Candlelight, by the Great Lakes chamber Orchestra and Chorus, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 15 - Doctor KaBoom! The Science of Santa. featuring the magic of physics - 2 p.m.

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

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

> HOLIDAY DOUBLE FEATURE

Saturday, Dec. 14 -The Muppets Christmas Movie, 2 p.m. and Meet me in St. Louis, 7; $8 for both features; $5 for one.

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.

>Lit with Literature - Golden Son, 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2

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

> LIVE MUSIC 8 to 11 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 6 - The Shifties

Friday, Dec. 13 - Two Track Mind

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. 3 - Sean Bielby

Tuesday, Dec. 10 - Nelson Olstrom

Tuesday, Dec. 17 - Sean Bielby

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. 10 -Ty Parkin

Tuesday, Dec. 17 - Lou Thumser

Tuesday, Dec. 24 - CLOSED

Tuesday, Dec. 31 - No music

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

> Thursdays - Industry Nights - $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 LAKE VILLAGE. M75 just south of US 131.

> Christmas in Walloon Movie Night, 7:15-9 p.m., Friday, December 13 in the Talcott Event Center - indoors. Enjoy "The Santa Clause" movie. Free entry for hotel guests and community members. Concessions available for purchase.

> Wreath Making Class featuring Sweetwater Floral; 3-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14 in the Talcott Event Center, $80 per person

The Boyne Citizen

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-459-4166

© Copyright 2024 Boyne Citizen, all rights reserved