4th of July Parade – Sunday at 2pm
The Parade will take place downtown on Sunday, 2pm the 4th of July.
Indian River Fireworks – Saturday Night on Burt Lake
On July 3rd, the skies over Burt Lake will once again come alive with the brilliance of the Annual Tuscarora Township firework display (with a July 5th rain date).
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Good Things Do Happen
Wed May 05, 2010 2:37 pm EDT
When losing a golf tournament really makes you a winner
By Shane Bacon
There are times to be competitive. Moments when all you want to do is humiliate your opponent as you defeat him. It's the nature of sports, and what our internal competition meters usually read.
That, we all know, is how athletes feel most of the time. But, at times, and these are few and far between, we see acts that defy wins and losses. A moment when a girl is brought in on crutches to score a layup to break a record or someone being carried around the field after she twisted her ankle rounding the bases. Opponents coming together to transcend the game.
That is what happened between two collegiate golfers, vying for a spot in the NAIA National Championship.
Grant Whybark (left), a sophomore at the University of St. Francis, had locked up a spot in nationals with his team, which won the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship, but was in a playoff against Olivet Nazarene's Seth Doran (right) for individual honors.
As championships go, both the winning team and winning individual are asked to move on to nationals, so if Whybark won the playoff against Doran, he'd be honoring both spots and Doran wouldn't be asked to move on.
What happened next is the type of stuff movies are made about. Whybark stood over his tee shot on the first playoff hole, looked down the fairway and back at his ball, and hit it 40 yards right of the fairway, out of bounds by a mile. He made double bogey, Doran made par, and Olivet Nazarene had a man in nationals.
What makes it so incredible? Whybark intentionally did it, because he felt Doran had earned a spot in the next round. "We all know Seth very well," Whybark explains, "and he not only is a very good player, but a great person as well. He’s a senior and had never been to nationals. Somehow, it just wasn’t in my heart to try to knock him out.
"I think some people were surprised, but my team knew what I was doing and were supportive of me. I felt Seth deserved to go (to nationals) just as much as I did. "It was one of those things where I couldn’t feel good taking something from him like this. My goal from the start was to get (to nationals) with my team. I had already done that."
Too many times we read about cheap shots or fights or cheaters, and it is stories like this that make it all seem petty. A golfer simply knew his place, was comfortable with where he was, and thought that a senior, playing in his final tournament as a collegiate golfer, had done enough to earn one more week with the game he loved.
I'm not a big believer in karma, and I'm sure the story won't end the way it should, but if Whybark somehow won nationals, it would make for a really nice screenplay. Whybark did what most of us would never do, and although he is short a trophy in his case, he earned respect from anyone reading this story.
Nice shot, kiddo.
When losing a golf tournament really makes you a winner
By Shane Bacon
There are times to be competitive. Moments when all you want to do is humiliate your opponent as you defeat him. It's the nature of sports, and what our internal competition meters usually read.
That, we all know, is how athletes feel most of the time. But, at times, and these are few and far between, we see acts that defy wins and losses. A moment when a girl is brought in on crutches to score a layup to break a record or someone being carried around the field after she twisted her ankle rounding the bases. Opponents coming together to transcend the game.
That is what happened between two collegiate golfers, vying for a spot in the NAIA National Championship.
Grant Whybark (left), a sophomore at the University of St. Francis, had locked up a spot in nationals with his team, which won the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship, but was in a playoff against Olivet Nazarene's Seth Doran (right) for individual honors.
As championships go, both the winning team and winning individual are asked to move on to nationals, so if Whybark won the playoff against Doran, he'd be honoring both spots and Doran wouldn't be asked to move on.
What happened next is the type of stuff movies are made about. Whybark stood over his tee shot on the first playoff hole, looked down the fairway and back at his ball, and hit it 40 yards right of the fairway, out of bounds by a mile. He made double bogey, Doran made par, and Olivet Nazarene had a man in nationals.
What makes it so incredible? Whybark intentionally did it, because he felt Doran had earned a spot in the next round. "We all know Seth very well," Whybark explains, "and he not only is a very good player, but a great person as well. He’s a senior and had never been to nationals. Somehow, it just wasn’t in my heart to try to knock him out.
"I think some people were surprised, but my team knew what I was doing and were supportive of me. I felt Seth deserved to go (to nationals) just as much as I did. "It was one of those things where I couldn’t feel good taking something from him like this. My goal from the start was to get (to nationals) with my team. I had already done that."
Too many times we read about cheap shots or fights or cheaters, and it is stories like this that make it all seem petty. A golfer simply knew his place, was comfortable with where he was, and thought that a senior, playing in his final tournament as a collegiate golfer, had done enough to earn one more week with the game he loved.
I'm not a big believer in karma, and I'm sure the story won't end the way it should, but if Whybark somehow won nationals, it would make for a really nice screenplay. Whybark did what most of us would never do, and although he is short a trophy in his case, he earned respect from anyone reading this story.
Nice shot, kiddo.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Spring Snow
We all knew it was too good to be true...75 and sunny during March? No snow on the grouds. Golf courses open and lawns turning green. March came in like a lamb and left the same way but this Spring Break week has been unpleasant to say the least. Like always in Northern Michigan...wait a few days and it will change...74 degrees this Thursday - during my continuing education class of course.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Click here to see more photos of the ice pushing inland from Burt Lake
The ice is now off Burt Lake and has landed on the eastern shore. I was taking photos of a new listing and the beauty of the ice was breathtaking. It is like a mini-glacier moving onto land. The ice must have been slush in the water as it is not in sheets but rather volleyball-sized pieces pressed together.
2010 Indian River Easter Egg Hunt
Hippity-Hoppity, Easter Egg Hunt!
Come to Indian River’s Annual EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, April 3rd, 11 am at Cooperation Park. The Egg Hunt is open to toddlers, preschool and elementary aged children at NO COST! Prizes include bikes, Drost’s filled basket and more. Bring the kids out for a fun time! For directions to the park, click on the title to this post.
Monday, March 29, 2010
2010 2nd Annual Indian River Walleye Tournament
Mark the date! The Indian River Chamber of Commerce, Indian River Sportsmen’s Club and Cochran Roberts VFW Post #7439 are excited to announce its 2nd Annual Indian River Walleye Tournament will be held on Saturday, May 29th.
A maximum of 75 boats (2 anglers per boat, or 3 if one is 16 years or younger) will be given the opportunity to fish for the largest Walleye on the Inland Waterway. A purse worth up to $3600 will be available for winning, based on the number of entrants. In addition, many prizes will be given away! Entrance fees are $60 per boat. The Weigh-in will be at 3pm at Fay Martin River Resort on the Indian River. For further information on events in the Indian River area, please contact the Indian River Chamber of Commerce at 231-238-9325 or 1-800-EXIT-310 or kwegner@irchamber.com
A maximum of 75 boats (2 anglers per boat, or 3 if one is 16 years or younger) will be given the opportunity to fish for the largest Walleye on the Inland Waterway. A purse worth up to $3600 will be available for winning, based on the number of entrants. In addition, many prizes will be given away! Entrance fees are $60 per boat. The Weigh-in will be at 3pm at Fay Martin River Resort on the Indian River. For further information on events in the Indian River area, please contact the Indian River Chamber of Commerce at 231-238-9325 or 1-800-EXIT-310 or kwegner@irchamber.com
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Rainbows and Sunsets
It has been a beautiful week in Northern Michigan with the shining sun and far above average temperatures. We well know a blizzard leaving 10” of snow on our lawns is possible – and another snow storm probable – but the thought of Spring leading into summer is just too exciting! 
I was thinking a round of golf and a boat ride across Burt Lake to see the sunset on another Up North day. Sunsets & Rainbow Skies………doesn't that sound like a Jimmy Buffett or Kenny Chesney song?
I was thinking a round of golf and a boat ride across Burt Lake to see the sunset on another Up North day. Sunsets & Rainbow Skies………doesn't that sound like a Jimmy Buffett or Kenny Chesney song?
Thursday, March 04, 2010
top 10 things the IRS wants you to know about the expanded credit
IRS Special Edition Tax Tip - Here are the top 10 things the IRS wants you to know about the expanded credit and the qualifications a person must meet in order to qualify for it.
Here are the top 10 things the IRS wants you to know about the expanded credit and the qualifications a person must meet in order to
qualify for it.
1. You must buy – or enter into a binding contract to buy a principal residence – on or before April 30, 2010.
2. If you enter into a binding contract by April 30, 2010 you must close on the home on or before June 30, 2010.
3. For qualifying purchases in 2010, you will have the option of claiming the credit on either your 2009 or 2010 return.
4. A long-time resident of the same home can now qualify for a reduced credit. You can qualify for the credit if you’ve lived in the same
principal residence for any five-consecutive year period during the eight-year period that ended on the date the new home is
purchased and the settlement date is after November 6, 2009.
5. The maximum credit for long-time residents is $6,500. However, married individuals filing separately are limited to $3,250.
6. People with higher incomes can now qualify for the credit. The new law raises the income limits for homes purchased after November
6, 2009. The full credit is available to taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes up to $125,000, or $225,000 for joint filers.
7. The IRS will issue a December 2009 revision of Form 5405 to claim this credit. The December 2009 form must be used for homes
purchased after November 6, 2009 – whether the credit is claimed for 2008 or for 2009 – and for all home purchases that are claimed
on 2009 returns.
8. No credit is available if the purchase price of the home exceeds $800,000.
9. The purchaser must be at least 18 years old on the date of purchase. For a married couple, only one spouse must meet this age
requirement.
10. A dependent is not eligible to claim the credit.
For more information about the expanded First-Time Homebuyer Credit,
visit IRS.gov/recovery.
Here are the top 10 things the IRS wants you to know about the expanded credit and the qualifications a person must meet in order to
qualify for it.
1. You must buy – or enter into a binding contract to buy a principal residence – on or before April 30, 2010.
2. If you enter into a binding contract by April 30, 2010 you must close on the home on or before June 30, 2010.
3. For qualifying purchases in 2010, you will have the option of claiming the credit on either your 2009 or 2010 return.
4. A long-time resident of the same home can now qualify for a reduced credit. You can qualify for the credit if you’ve lived in the same
principal residence for any five-consecutive year period during the eight-year period that ended on the date the new home is
purchased and the settlement date is after November 6, 2009.
5. The maximum credit for long-time residents is $6,500. However, married individuals filing separately are limited to $3,250.
6. People with higher incomes can now qualify for the credit. The new law raises the income limits for homes purchased after November
6, 2009. The full credit is available to taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes up to $125,000, or $225,000 for joint filers.
7. The IRS will issue a December 2009 revision of Form 5405 to claim this credit. The December 2009 form must be used for homes
purchased after November 6, 2009 – whether the credit is claimed for 2008 or for 2009 – and for all home purchases that are claimed
on 2009 returns.
8. No credit is available if the purchase price of the home exceeds $800,000.
9. The purchaser must be at least 18 years old on the date of purchase. For a married couple, only one spouse must meet this age
requirement.
10. A dependent is not eligible to claim the credit.
For more information about the expanded First-Time Homebuyer Credit,
visit IRS.gov/recovery.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
2010 Indian River's Summer Calendar of Events
There is much to do in Indian River this summer. The Indian River Chamber of Commerce has many events scheduled:
May 29th – Indian River Walleye Tournament
June 2nd – Indian River Chamber Golf Scramble
July 3rd – 4th of July Fireworks
July 4th – 4th of July Parade
July 13th – 18th – Indian River Summer Fest
July 17th – 23rd – Michigander Bicycle Tour
July 30th – Aug. 1st – Top of Michigan Outboard Boat Races
I will post more information about these events as they get closer.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Cross In The Woods
If you happen to be near Indian River, Michigan, you may want to visit the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods. Regardless of your faith, the largest crucifix in the world is a powerful symbol of Christianity that can be appreciated by all.
I took these photos after a mid-October snowfall, a time when the autumn leaves were in brilliant color. Even in northern Michigan a heavy snowfall then is rare. I recall dropping my children off at school and noticing the ambient light having a beautiful blue hue. The orange, yellow and green colors shining through the sparkling white snow was just spectacular. As I exited the school, I saw the sign for the Cross in the Woods and my mind wandered to a thought, "What does the Cross look like in this snowfall?"
How glad I am that I took a moment and my camera to investigate. The scene was amazing. I have been to the Cross countless times in my life (even being married outside under the Cross) but never has it projected such a beauty for me. I treasure each photo.
I used a Canon 35mm Digital Rebel to photograph the scene which did a great job expressing the contrasts of the colorful leaves, brightness of the snow, and blue aura. The 28 foot tall, 7 ton bronze Corpus was cast in Olso, Norway and was (at the time) one of the largest castings to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The pinnacle of the 55 foot, Oregon-grown Cross sits atop a knoll, the total structure reaching over 205 feet above ground level.
I hope you enjoy the photos. If you are traveling through northern Michigan, on your way to ski at Boyne Highlands, or visit the many other great activities in the area take a moment to visit. The Cross in the Woods is just 1 mile west of I-75's Exit 310, Indian River. You won't be disappointed.
I took these photos after a mid-October snowfall, a time when the autumn leaves were in brilliant color. Even in northern Michigan a heavy snowfall then is rare. I recall dropping my children off at school and noticing the ambient light having a beautiful blue hue. The orange, yellow and green colors shining through the sparkling white snow was just spectacular. As I exited the school, I saw the sign for the Cross in the Woods and my mind wandered to a thought, "What does the Cross look like in this snowfall?"How glad I am that I took a moment and my camera to investigate. The scene was amazing. I have been to the Cross countless times in my life (even being married outside under the Cross) but never has it projected such a beauty for me. I treasure each photo.
I used a Canon 35mm Digital Rebel to photograph the scene which did a great job expressing the contrasts of the colorful leaves, brightness of the snow, and blue aura. The 28 foot tall, 7 ton bronze Corpus was cast in Olso, Norway and was (at the time) one of the largest castings to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The pinnacle of the 55 foot, Oregon-grown Cross sits atop a knoll, the total structure reaching over 205 feet above ground level.I hope you enjoy the photos. If you are traveling through northern Michigan, on your way to ski at Boyne Highlands, or visit the many other great activities in the area take a moment to visit. The Cross in the Woods is just 1 mile west of I-75's Exit 310, Indian River. You won't be disappointed.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
I made a mistake...and will do better
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I have been working on several blogs for a while. I have this main blog I planned to use for real estate purposes. I have experimented but really not done much with it. The posts are boring and not at all fun.
I contemplated a blog called "Good Things Happen Here" which would be a forum to talk about the fun things in northern Michigan. This is a great place to live, great place to visit and great place to vacation with so much to do all times of year.
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Knowing I didn't know much about blogging, I started reading and discovered my approach was flawed. I truly felt like an idiot because I wasn't seeing what I profess each day...real estate is about relationships and lifestyle.
So I learn and adapt. Look to my blog for fun things happening in this wonderful area, stories about the "Good Things that Happen Here", and a little bit of real estate. This is my space on in the electronic world and share I shall.
Topinabee Big Chill Winter Carnival 2010 February 13th
Spend your UpNorth Saturday at Topinabee's 11th Annual Big Chill Winter Carnival.
9:00am - 11:00am Firefighter's Pancake Breakfast at the Topinabee Township Hall.
12:00 - 3:00 The Big Chill Chili Cookoff, horseshoes, BroomBall, ice skating, family games, and warming tent all on the ice.
Come see the Hovercraft Demonstration!!!!
Kid's games at Township Hall
9:00am - 11:00am Firefighter's Pancake Breakfast at the Topinabee Township Hall.
12:00 - 3:00 The Big Chill Chili Cookoff, horseshoes, BroomBall, ice skating, family games, and warming tent all on the ice.
Come see the Hovercraft Demonstration!!!!
Kid's games at Township Hall
Thursday, February 04, 2010
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