OMP News & Photos: Township Treasurer Resigns, Battle of the Methodist Doors, Pepperjack Soup News

Here’s a roundup of recent news and photos around the Old Mission Peninsula…

Township Treasurer Resigns. Brad Bickle, our Peninsula Township Treasurer since the 2016 election, has resigned. No, there’s nothing nefarious going on; he simply had a full-time business opportunity with a company he’s been associated with for some time. I asked Brad his thoughts on the time he’s spent with Peninsula Township, and he said he hopes residents will get involved, and if they have questions, ask the Township staff directly.

“The thing I really want to convey to residents is this: Feel free to come into the Township offices,” he said. “If you have a question, come ask us. Come visit with us. Come to the Town Board meetings, or watch them if you can.”

Brad’s resignation took effect on April 21, 2022. Deputy Treasurer Marge Achorn ([email protected]) became treasurer at 12:01 a.m. on April 22, 2022. Our new deputy treasurer is Katie Clark, ([email protected]). To reach either of them by phone, call (231) 223-4484.

New Township Trustee Appointed. Because Marge Achorn is now the Township Treasurer, her position as a Township Trustee became available. After advertising for the position and doing interviews at a special meeting on May 9, the Board appointed Armen Shanafelt as the new trustee. At the meeting, Township Supervisor Rob Manigold noted that every candidate was exceptional and encouraged them to stay involved and apply for upcoming positions. “It’s good to be in a community where people really care,” he said.

Armen previously served on the Parks Committee, and will serve as a trustee alongside Dave Sanger, Warren Wahl and Isaiah Wunsch. Send Armen a note at [email protected], and see all Township contact info here. Here he is being sworn in by Township Clerk Becky Chown shortly after the May 9 meeting.

Outdoor Concert Series at the Library. Peninsula Community Library will once again host an outdoor concert series throughout the summer. These were always popular when the library was at the school; however, Covid prevented them from being offered at the new library building. Residents are invited to bring a picnic and blankets or chairs and enjoy the sounds of summer outdoors. We’ll post a schedule here on the Gazette as soon as it’s available.

(Friendly) Battle of the Doors at the Methodist Church. It’s been a longstanding competition at Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church to see which door is the most popular as people come to church on Sunday. Helen Mumford is stationed at the north door, while Wes Gore is at the south door.

Both are welcoming with friendly smiles and good wishes; however, Wes had a sign made up for his door, as well as a t-shirt! I try to frequent both doors on an equal basis because I love both Wes and Helen (although I do have one of the South Door t-shirts). And, of course, they’re lifelong friends, no matter which door we use.

New Logo for Old Mission Women’s Club. Members of the club were recently invited to submit designs for a logo, and the new logo, designed by Pat Conlon, was announced by outgoing president Janis Haine at their April 21 meeting. The club has been in existence since 1931, and recently celebrated its 90th anniversary.

I have all of my mom’s club booklets since when she joined in the 1940s, and the pine tree is featured on many of the booklets. The club does a variety of charitable work throughout each year, and will hold a barn sale at the historic Fowler barn on May 20 and 21. See more details here.

Boathouse Hosts Fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters. The Boathouse Restaurant at Bowers Harbor recently hosted a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and raised $162,035 for the organization. “Thank you to all the friends, family, and Boathouse customers who supported Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan this weekend! It was a huge success!” they posted on their Facebook page.

New Tanks at Peninsula Fruit Exchange. Yes, I know it’s Seneca Foods now, but it will always be Peninsula Fruit Exchange (PFE) to many of us. I was heading into town a few days ago and passed some trucks hauling big tanks north on Center Road. Of course, I turned around and followed them. They landed at PFE/Seneca.

Paddleboard Capsizes in Old Mission Harbor. A roving reporter alerted me yesterday about a paddleboard incident in Old Mission Harbor. Someone borrowed a nearby boat to try and rescue her, and the Peninsula Township Fire Department arrived on scene, as well.

This might be a good time to remind OMP residents that the water isn’t particularly warm yet, and hypothermia could be a real issue if you fall into the water while out paddleboarding.

Road Crews Start Work on Center Road. The re-surfacing of Center Road began Monday, May 9, and the crews are making good time as they head north on the Peninsula. At this rate, they may finish ahead of their anticipated six weeks completion date. (I haven’t heard anything official; just speculating). A few photos from earlier in the week on Carpenter Hill/McKinley Hill.

Buchan’s Expands. Buchan’s has once again expanded their ice cream business. After purchasing an ice cream stand in Suttons Bay a few years ago (Scoops 22), they’ve expanded once again in the old Wares Bros. Frosty Treat at 13000 S. West Bayshore Drive.

So stop by Buchan’s West Bay, grab an ice cream cone, and say hi if you’re in the area. And, of course, their home base on the Old Mission Peninsula (1472 Nelson Road) will continue to be a favorite, too!

Chicken Pepperjack Soup Discontinued at Bad Dog Deli. Or is it…? Last time I talked with Ardy Huey, who runs the deli, she said they were going to be discontinuing the popular soup, partly because it’s a bit pricey to make. However, I see that it’s still on the menu next door at Peninsula Grill, so … maybe they’ve reconsidered? Hopefully? At any rate, here’s the last bowl I had of it, consumed shortly before I left for my California Adventure.