Bear Lake Promoters:Newsletter: May 2008

PROMOTERS MEET

PROMOTERS MEETING
BEAR LAKE PROMOTERS
May 7, 2008 

Meeting called to order 8AM by Vice President Rita Brisbin Minutes were circulated and approved. 

Treasurer's report was circulated and reviewed by Treasurer Joanne Schroeder and approved.

Correspondence: Jackie Johnson not at meeting. Jacque Wallace circulated a flyer received from our postcard printing company. 

Old Business: 

1. Business Presentation. Sherry Pries introduced Gina Turnage of Gina's landscaping.  Gina had attended our Business After Hours and agreed to visit our meeting. She has started a new landscaping business and does almost anything a client wants from moving dirt to yard maintenance to fountains to bug treatment. Call Gina at 864-4012. 

2. Business After Hours. Sherry reported attendance of 35. Huntington Bank and Reed Mechanical were our featured businesses. Saddle up did not have a representative present, so the member prize will be $100 next time. No date has been set for the next BAH. 

3. Vote on motion to spend >$500. Voting by ballot was conducted on donating $700 for the Bear Lake Days fireworks. There were 19 yes votes and one "why not?". Motion passed. 

4. Kids Games donation. After some discussion, it was moved, seconded and approved to donate $300 toward the children's games. 

5. Farmers Market. As Mary Manning was present, she gave us an update on the farmers' market. The first one will be Friday, May 23m from 4-8 PM at the old gas station next to the park entrance, and will be held every Friday. Mary also reported the Autumn's Glory Day will be October 11th  and will be bigger and better than last year. 

6. Boxes for Troops. Pauline Jaquish reported that we are still going! Notes have been received from some of our new contacts, and they are very appreciative of our efforts. 

New Business: 

1. Jim Ludwig brought up the poor appearance of some of the residences and buildings in the village. Discussion of current ordinances, zoning (or lack thereof) and things that might be done ensued. No action was taken. 
2. Bike Maps. Linda Schweyer reported that 500 have been ordered from the printers. She will check to make sure the Promoter's are listed on the credits and not the Vision committee. 
3. Flower Boxes. Gloria Edwards reported that they are being prepared. 
Meeting adjourned at 9AM
Respectfully Submitted:  Jacque Wallace, Secretary

For viewing of the full minutes click here.

Promoters Business After Hours
35 paid attendees gathered at the Bear Lake Bar & Restaurant April 30, 2008 for fun, frolic, & fantastic dips and White Castle  burgers prepared by Sherry.  Frank Reed owner of Reed Mechanical gave a presentation on different heating/cooling systems.  To the question "when can we turn off our furnace?"  He responded "anytime... ".  The crowd appreciated his humor.  Spencer Riegler, branch manager of Huntington Bank, the other featured business, shared his local heritage before he explained some of the differences in mortgage options and interest rates.  Spencer invited everyone to stop in for a free credit check that he interprets with you.

I want to say WELCOME to some first time guests; Scott & Beata Hunt from Bear Lake Marine and Gina Turnage of Gina's Landscaping.   Thanks for coming and we appreciate your eagerness to become active in the Bear Lake Promoters (for membership information contact Joanne Schroeder 864-2314).

The featured businesses provided several door prizes each.  The 50/50 ($50) was won by Pauline Jaquish who had just asked earlier "what am I going to win tonight?"   Saddle UP was not present so the member drawing goes to $100 next time.  You'll want to be there.  Carver & Gloria Edwards unveiled the newest "Bear Lake shirt".  The light blue polo style shirt comes with or without a pocket and has the paw print with the zip code.  See them for purchase.

We will gather, again, next fall at Dave Long's Bear Lake Bar & Restaurant.  Watch for announcements and get it on your calendar.  The more the merrier.

IMPORTANT MEETINGS
49's......................................1st Thur., 5:30pm, Pleasanton Twp. Hall
Bear Lake Board of Ed.......2nd Wed., 7:30 pm
Bear Lake Book Club.........2nd  Wed., 3:30pm, at the Library
Bear Lake Lioness..............3rd  Mon.,  7:00 pm, Lions Den
Bear Lake Lions.................2nd and 4th Thur., 7:00 pm Lions Den
Bear Lake Pleasanton area Utility Authority...3rd Wed., Pleasanton Twp. Hall
Bear Lake Promoters.........1st Wed.,7:30am Bear Lake Bar and Restaurant
Bear Lake Woman's Club..1st Tue.,  1:30 pm, BLUMC
Bear Lake Twp. Board......3rd Tue., 7:30, Bear Lake Twp. Hall
Bear Lake Village Council..3rd Wed., 7:00 pm
Lake Improvement Board..June 19 th , 2008 7:00pm, Bear Lake Twp. Hall
Pleasanton Twp. Board.....2nd Mon., 7:30pm Pleasanton Twp. Hall
Triginta Club...................2nd Wed., 7:00pm
Vision Bear Lake...........2nd Wed., 7:00 pm , Bear Lake Lions Den
Note: Please send us your important dates.
Pjaquish@coslink.net or 864-3766

Comfort System Tips
One of our primary concerns when it comes to Heating and Air conditioning system efficiency is Air flow.  Air is the medium in which all systems convey comfort from the source to our bodies.  Without the proper air flow our systems labor and we suffer the discomfort.  As a home, and vicariously a system owner there are some simple measures that can improve how our systems can best deliver adequate air flow, whether you have a Boiler (Hydronic system) or a Forced air gas or oil furnace.

If your home is equipped with a hydronic system (other than infloor radiant) you will most likely have Baseboard Convectors or Radiators installed on the inside perimeter of your house.  These convectors operate on the basic principle of thermal convection, where cooler air is drawn in at the bottom and warm air radiates upwards through louvers on the top of the units.  Make sure these louvered opening are open and free of obstructions.  These louvers can be adjusted to balanced the flow throughout the house, but never close them completely.  It’s also a good idea to remove the covers and gently vacuum the finned convector on the inside.

If your home is equipped with a Force Air system, there will be louvered supply air Registers located on the floor or on the sidewalls.  Additionally, return air Grilles should be located centrally or on the sidewalls on the opposite side of the room.  Again, make sure these Registers and Grilles are clean and free of obstructions.  The supply air Registers may be adjusted to balance the air flow, but never close them more than 75 percent.  With a forced air system there will be a central Air Filter, commonly located on the main return air trunk near the furnace.  This Central filter should be inspected monthly and changed or cleaned accordingly.

Two absolute crucial aspects of any system are the flue (chimney) and the fuel delivery lines.  Flues today come in many shapes and sizes, depending on what type of system is being employed.  They can be PVC pipe, Stainless steel, Galvanized, B-vent or masonry and can be configured in several different fashions.  The main objective is to inspect the flue and fuel delivery lines for any type of breach, signs of decay or obstructions.  If any defect should be detected, turn off the power to the furnace if possible and immediately call for service.  Defective flue and fuel delivery lines are the most common causes of tragic accidents involving domestic furnaces.

No matter what type of system you have, we recommend that you have it inspected by a certified technician annually.  Additionally, we recommend that each household have a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector and if applicable a Gas detector.
REED MECHANICAL
231.864.REED
reedmech@charter.net   

CREDIT SCORES
I’m sure that everyone has heard the term “credit score”.  So, I thought I would talk this month about what a credit score is and how it is determined.  A credit score is a three-digit number based on a borrower’s bill-paying history and debt profile and statistical information about other borrowers that lenders use to determine the likelihood of certain credit behaviors.  What factors determine your credit score?  

1. How you pay your bills.  Paying them on time is a very good thing.  (As Martha Stewart would say.) 35%
2. Amount of money you owe and the amount of available credit.  30%
3. Length or credit history.  15%
4. Mix of credit.  The mix of having revolving credit, mortgages and consumer loans.  10%
5. New credit applications.  Just how many credit applications are you filling out?  10%

What doesn’t count in a score?

1. age
2. race
3. sex
4. job or length of employment at your job
5. income
6. education
7. marital status
8. whether you’ve been turned down for credit
9. length of time at your current address
10. whether you own a home or rent
11. information not contained in your credit report.

What is considered a good score?

Overall, a score of 650 or above is a sign of very good credit and a very good credit score.  Your credit score will be used by banks, auto dealers to landlords so don’t take it lightly.  The higher the score, the more money you may save.

Dixie Lagerquist Hoeh
Bear Lake Branch Manager
231-639-1790

A MARINE SAYS THANKS!
“Greetings Bear Lake Promoters,
Thank you so much for the generous gift box.
Your town sounds wonderful I love small towns. Although I would have to go south for the winter also. I am originally from Florida, so I don’t like cold weather. I currently live in North Carolina, at least that is where my family and house is. We just got there the beginning of last summer. What part of winter I was there, it wasn’t too bad. I actually have a fountain outside of my house and the water froze in it a few times, but no snow!
Thank you for your support."
God Bless,
Erin Hoff, Gy. Sgt. USMC Afghanistan

TROOP CARE PACKAGES
CONTINUE TO BE SHIPPED
The word from Iraq is that it is 100 plus degrees every day. Sand storms are practically a daily occurrence. Some of the items requested are lip balm, white ankle length socks, foot powder, baby wipes, lotions, single packet drink mixes, hard candy, stationary, pens, men’s books & magazines, and any food items that are prepackaged. Remember: items cannot contain alcohol and cannot be aerosol. Items or funds to buy items may be dropped off at the home of Gloria Edwards, corner of US 31 and Wise St.
Most of the Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors that we mailed Care Packages to late last year have returned to their respective home bases in the states. We have a new list from www.anysoldier.com and will be sending to these men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan on a monthly basis.
For additional information contact Pauline Jaquish, pjaquish@coslink.net .

PONDERING WITH P.J.
Just a note to say THANK YOU to the Ladies of the Lake group for spearheading the weekly Friday Farmer’s Market at the former “66” Station downtown. Blarney Castle Oil & Propane has donated the space and many local farmers as well as area organizations are taking advantage of this new opportunity for Bear Lake. Use it or lose it, folks!
Which brings me to a few thoughts about Bear Lake Days. Everyone is aware of the economic crunch in Michigan, but, are you aware of the opportunities our local people have right here. Many downstate families may not be driving 300 miles for a summer vacation this year….but that also means many of our local families won’t be leaving the area for those trips to Cedar Point, the U.P., or where ever we go. They will be driving 15 miles to local community celebrations and they will spend money when they get there if we have anything for them to buy.
So, I guess that means we need to get ready, company is coming! If you or your organization have never been involved in Bear Lake Days…..this is your year! Volunteers are needed…..call Jacki Johnson at 864-5030.pj

PROMOTER CONTACT PEOPLE
President – Fred Alkire, 864-3984
Vice President –  Newsletter -Rita Brisbin, 930-4759
Recording Secretary – Jacque Wallace, 864-2622
Treasurer – Joanne Schroeder, 864-2314
Corresponding Secretary – Jacki Johnson, 864-5030

RITA’S RAMBLING’S
First an apology, I have been a little slow in getting the newsletter together, so you may be getting this May newsletter in June and then the June newsletter in June.  Just one of those months when I got a little behind..  
Did you folks go to the first “Farmer’s Market”?  There were nine vendors with lots of good things to eat, plus flowers, and plants.  Can’t wait until more of the crops come in so there will be lots of fresh vegetables to choose from, but the asparagus was wonderful.  
There was lots of traffic stopping to shop at the market.

I received an e-mail from a friend that I want to share.  Just kind of an FYI.  You know how we all hate the rolls of aluminum foil and plastic wraps when you go to use them and the whole roll comes out of the box.  WELL if you look at each end of the box you will see where there is a place that says “press tab to hold roll” or something like that and if you do that the roll won’t come out.  I didn’t believe it so I immediately checked out the rolls of aluminum foil and plastic wrap and by gosh it does say that, guess I never read the boxes before, so I did as instructed and it WORKS! My life has just been made a little easier.

Remember when a certain friend of mine made such a big deal about how to harvest rhubarb?  Well she just told me she “cut” her rhubarb, hmmm, wonder what happened to her theory about the only right way was to pull it?

It’s Memorial week-end and there are lots of folks who are beginning to return to Bear Lake for the warm weather.  We have heard lawnmowers and pounding, seen folks out for their walks, fellas out on the lake fishing, no water skiers yet, and even a few brave souls taking their first pontoon ride.  Ah yes summer is almost here.  Glad to have everyone back to enjoy our beautiful area and lake.

DON’T FORGET THESE DATES
July 11, 12, and 13th ............Bear Lake Days
August 16th ..........................Community Yard Sale
October 11th .........................Autumn Glory Day

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.
Elizabeth Andrew

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