Here’s a roundup of recent news and photos around the Old Mission Peninsula. Got news? Send it to me – email [email protected] or text (231) 590-4715.
New Township Board Member. Township Clerk Becky Chown recently swore in Maura Sanders as the newest member of the Peninsula Township Board. Maura, who filled this role a few years back, recently moved back to the Old Mission Peninsula and looks forward to serving the community once again.
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And, if you’re interesting in buying or selling a home, contact Maura via email, [email protected], phone (231) 313-5921, and visit her website, Fresh Coast Property. Also, check out her profile at the Gazette’s OMP Business Directory here. (Thanks for advertising with the Gazette, Maura!)
Eagle Scout Community Project. OMP’er Walter J. Lee sent along a note about a community project done by the members of “Scouting with the BSA” – Boy Scout Troop 34 and Abigail Lee of Troop 35G. Troop 35G just had a Court of Honor where Abigail attained the rank of Tenderfoot and was awarded six Merit Badges.
The group planted a “Pocket Prairie” of indigenous plant species along the TART Trail on Parsons Road at Avenue B. The Eagle Scout Service Project was OMPer Danek Szagner’s (in uniform in photo below), who is about to attain the rank of Eagle Scout later in November. OMPer Dr. David Merrill consulted on the project and donated the plants.
Also, Chad and Ross Oyer, Scout Dad and Troop 34 Scout, participated in the Adopt-a-Highway program by cleaning up a stretch of Center Road. Good job, All!
Remembering Julie Maxson. A beautiful soul gained her angel wings when Julie Maxson recently passed away. I will always remember her cheery attitude, bear hugs and big smile. Julie and I go back to when my mom was on the board of Peninsula Community Library and Julie was the library director. Vicki Shurly, current director of the library, writes:
“It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Julie Maxson. Julie was a beloved Director here at Peninsula Community Library from 1998 to 2004 and served as Assistant Director for many years prior. She and her husband Dave called Old Mission home until retirement when they moved to their dream house in Lake Ann. Julie was one of the kindness, most caring people I have ever known. I am Director here because Julie, two years before her retirement, decided that I would be. It is amusing now to think how she cajoled me, pestered me and finally demanded that I take the job if offered. She finally wore me down and here I am almost 20 years later with a job that I didn’t initially want but absolutely love. Julie knew best! Hugs and love, Julie! Safe travels to whatever adventures await in eternity!”
Here are Vicki, left, and Julie at the 2018 groundbreaking ceremony for the new library.
Sprucing Up the Log Church. On a very hot day recently, Karen Rieser and Anita Klein, members of the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society, braved the heat to spruce up the historic Log Church on Mission Road in the village of Old Mission. These two have done a lot to restore and maintain the historic structure, which I believe is still open to the public (unless they’ve closed it down for the season). If you’re in that area, check it out!
Bringing in the Boat. While wandering around the neighborhood recently, I stopped by Haserot Beach (I like to stop there whenever I’m out and talk to Tim – one of his favorite spots on the Peninsula) and happened upon Rudy Rudolph and Mike Mason bringing in Mike’s boat. Thanks for the photo opp, guys!
Bowers Harbor Park Celebration. A good crowd came out for the recent celebration at Bowers Harbor Park to honor all the work that’s been done there recently (Thank you, Parks Committee member Michele Zebell and your crew!). There’s even a brand new pickleball court at the park. Here are a few photos of the celebration.
American Chestnuts on the Old Mission Peninsula. The Peter Dougherty Society recently hosted a gathering for kids from Old Mission Peninsula School to celebrate the American Chestnuts on the Peninsula, including several on the historic Dougherty property on Mission Road, as well as the neighboring property owned by Jerry Ostlund.
OMP Historical Society members Tom Dalluge and Marty Klein are working on a project to grow and nurture more chestnut trees on the Peninsula, and the kids are a big part of that. I also have a video of Tom’s presentation on chestnuts at a recent Historical Society meeting – stay tuned for that.
And Speaking of Chestnuts… You can get your very own chestnuts at Amanda and Colin Seguin’s farm stand at 12288 Peninsula Drive (Colin’s parents are Jack and Paula Elzer Seguin). Their property includes 40 mature chestnut trees, and they’ve been harvesting and selling them at the stand for a couple years now.
“He always talks about having a small raspberry stand growing up at his Grandpa Elzer’s property, so he thought it would be good for our girls to do as they start to get older,” says Amanda. Chestnuts are $10/bag, and you can pay via cash or venmo @chestnuthillOMP. Also find them on the web at ChestnutHillOMP.com.
David Tucker, Behind the Scenes Champion. Brit Eaton, who handles publicity for the Peninsula Insights gatherings at the library, recently sent out an email with kudos to Program Director David Tucker. Writes Brit…
“Like most volunteer organizations, the behind-scenes individuals do the most critical work and are least recognized. In the Peninsula Insights case, that individual is David Tucker, Program Director, who for over three years has made sure our speakers have been relevant to residents of the Peninsula. In this last meeting, October 18, 2023, he reached out to a larger cross-section of Traverse City to have three representatives of local non-profits who address the needs of people in the greater Grand Traverse area. All presenters started their organization post-COVID because they felt obligated to serve their community’s needs and have done so. Because David appreciates entrepreneurial talents, unselfish motivation, and service to the community, he has raised Peninsula Insights’ focus to a broader recognition of community outreach.” If you see David, give him a big thank-you for all his work!
Have You Gotten Your Pumpkins Yet? If not, Baby Henry and his pal Koni are just waiting to see you over at Cory and Elise Holman’s Pumpkin Patch, 12926 Center Road. More info here.
Job Opp with Peninsula Township. The Township is once again searching for someone to fill the role of Planning & Zoning Administrator, as the recently-hired person is no longer there. The deadline to apply is Nov. 10, 2023. If you have questions, email the township clerk, [email protected].
You can read the full job description on the Township’s home page, but here’s the short version: “Peninsula Township seeks an energetic, committed individual for the position of Planning and Zoning Administrator. A bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning or a related field and the ability to obtain AICP certification is preferred but not required. This individual will work under the Director of Planning and Zoning to assist with a myriad of tasks.”
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