now

FREE 

gaylord 

now 

through 

August 

‘08 

a 

BEST 

BEACHES, 

CAMPING 

p10-11 

Courses 

spotlight 

p16 

Band 

profile 

Where to go, 

what to do 

p18 

5 family fun 

things to do in 

Gaylord p6 

FAIR 

TIME! 

p. 4-5 

Music Scene 

p18 

Golf 

directory p14 

AuSable River Marathon 

p8

2 • GAYLORD NOW • August ‘08 A Gaylord Herald Times publication 

FUN FOR THE FAMILY 

2008 

Otsego County Fair 

~Where Memories Are Made~ 

August 19 th -24 th 

Best 

Carnival 

Rides Around! 

Tues., Aug. 19th 

5pm-11pm $6 Bracelets 

Wed.-Sat., 

Aug. 20th-23rd 

Noon-11pm 

$10 Bracelets 

Sun., Aug. 24th 

Noon-4:30 pm 

$6 Bracelets 

Dates & times subject 

to change. Check the 

website for updates. 

Friday, August 22nd 

Bump & Run 

6:00 p.m. 

Rondini 

the 

Magician 

Wednesday, August 20th 

Pre-Rodeo Entertainment, 

DeWayne Spaw - 6:00 p.m. 

Super-Kicker Rodeo 

6:30 p.m. 

Saturday, August 23rd 

Mud Drags 

6:30 p.m. 

Saturday, August 16th 

Old-School 

Demolition Derby 

6:00 p.m. 

Tuesday, August 19th 

Tractor & Pick-Up Pulling 

6:30 p.m. 

Thursday, August 21st 

Motocross Racing 

6:00 p.m. 

Sunday, August 24th 

Mud Drag Shoot Out/ 

Mud Boggs - 1:00 p.m. 

Chili & Rib 

Cook-Off 

Open Draft 

Horse 

Show 

Free 

Stage 

Nick’s 

Kid 

Show 

Queens 

Pageant 

Pirate 

Show 

COME ONE, COME ALL TO THE 2008 OTSEGO COUNTY FAIR!

A Gaylord Herald Times publication August ‘08 • GAYLORD NOW • 3 

Inside NOW 

5 things you might 

need camping 

p10 

Mellon Triathlon 

moves to Boyne Mtn. 

p17 

Hope for Pigeon 

River Restoration p9 

FREE 

gaylord 

now 

through 

August 

‘08 

Where to go, 

what to do 

Courses 

spotlight 

p16 

Band 

profile 

p18 

5 family fun 

things to do in 

Gaylord p6 

FAIR 

TIME! 

p. 4-5 

Music Scene 

p18 

a 

BEST 

BEACHES, 

CAMPING 

p10-11 

p8 

Golf 

directory p14 

AuSable River Marathon 

Free Pavilion concerts 

p19 

TimberTown Festival 

p7 

Courses spotlight 

p16 

GAYLORD NOW is published by: 

County fair 

fun time 

p4-5 

PUBLICATIONS 

A View from the 45th Parallel - News You Deserve 

P.O. Box 598, Gaylord, MI 49734 

2058 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord 

(989) 732-1111 • FAX: (989) 732-3490 

www.gaylordheraldtimes.com 

e-mail: pub@gaylordheraldtimes.com 

5 family 

fun things 

to do 

in Gaylord 

p6 

General Manager:. .....Marilyn Kaczanowski 

Editorial: 

Editor:. ................................Chris Grosser 

News Editor: .......................Cathy Landry 

Sports Editor: .....................Jeremy Speer 

Design Editor: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Michels 

Writers: ...........................Michael Jones, 

Chris Engle, Jil Schult 

Editorial Support: ...................Kurt Kolka 

Chief Photographer: ..............Bill Serveny 

Graphic Arts: 

Graphic Arts Manager: ..........Matt Smith 

Artists: ...............Todd Pfaff, Jami Stinnet 

Page Coordinator:. ....Erica Wescoat-Large 

AuSable 

River 

Canoe 

Marathon 

p8 

Mecca 

swings 

into 

21st year 

p12 

Advertising: 

Advertising Sales 

Manager: ............................Kim Ballard 

Classified Advertising Manager/ 

Asst. Advertising Sales 

Manager: ....................Kathleen Murray 

Sales Staff: .......Karen Gregor, Ben Teeter, 

Beth Anderson 

Sales Associate: ........Adele Woskobojnik 

Business: 

Office Staff: .................... Gina DeForge, 

Vicky Plummer, Linda Lyons 

Online Media: 

Manager/Editor: ................Peter Comings 

Assistant Manager: ............Darren Hardy 

Shop Downtown Gaylord 

From fantastic shopping to scrumptious dining, downtown Gaylord has it all. 

Check out these wonderful stores today!


Otsego County Fair, Aug. 16 - 24 

Animal exhibits always popular 

By Jil Schult 

Staff Writer 

OTSEGO COUNTY — Bump and 

Run, animal exhibits and the Super Kicker 

Rodeo can only mean one thing, it’s fair 

time in Otsego County. 

The 2008 Otsego County Fair kicks 

off with the Little Mister and Miss and 

Queen’s Pageant at the Evangelical Free 

Church, Sunday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m. 

Exhibit buildings open Aug. 18, featuring; 

small animals, livestock, antique tractors 

and more. 

The fair offers free shows on the front 

lawn including; Pirate Island Interactive 

Shows, Rondini the Magician and Nick’s 

Kids Show; offered three times per day, 

Aug. 19-23. Exotic animals including African 

servals, Siberian Tigers and Kangaroos 

will be featured from Premier Animal 

Attractions on the front lawn Aug. 19-23, 

noon-9 p.m. 

Barnyard babies petting zoo will be on 

the front lawn all week from noon- 9 p.m. 

nd the antique tractor and farm machinry 

will be on display from noon-11 a.m. 

Aug. 20 is kids day on the front lawn, 

noon-3 p.m. with fun and games and free 

lunch. 

Make sure to mark you calendar for the 

fair favorites. The annual Chili and Rib 

Cook-off is Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. The youth 

pen speed horse show is Aug. 21, 8:30 

.m. and the open draft horse show is 2 

p.m. 

Enjoy the evening grandstand action 

when the Thumb Tractor and Pick-Up 

Pulling show takes place Aug. 19, 6:30 

p.m., the Super Kicker Rodeo perform 

Aug. 20, 6:30 p.m., the AMA Motocross 

acing is Aug. 21, 6 p.m. and the Bump 

and Run, Aug. 22, 6 p.m. 

There’s something for everybody at the 

county fair. The Little Red School House 

will be open Aug. 19-22, noon-9 a.m. and 

Aug. 23, noon-6 p.m. The Free Stage is 

pen for an array of talent, times to be 

nnounced. 

For a complete Otsego Count Fair 

chedule, visit their Web site at www. 

otsegocountyfairgrounds.org and click on 

“2008 Otsego County Fair Main Page.” 

Motocross can be a messy event in the rain. 

Livestock auctions are an important part of the county fair. 

Who doesn’t enjoy the carnival midway?


Montmorency County Fair, Aug. 12-16 

Thrilling shows, exhibits, contests 

Livestock 

exhibits are a 

big part of the 

fair. 

Bump and Run is always a popular event. 

August 12-16, M-33 

North of Atlanta 

Antique Village open 

daily, Aug. 13-16, 1-6 p.m. 

Saturday, Aug. 9 

9:00 a.m. Open Performance 

Horse Show 

5:00 p.m. Sign up for 

Open Speed Show begins 

6:00 p.m Open Speed 

Show 

Sunday, Aug. 10 

7:30 p.m. Singspiration 

Monday, Aug. 11 

9:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. 

Bring in all exhibits that have 

been registered prior to 

Aug. 1 

6:30 p.m. Animals in all 

barns 

7 p.m. Livestock weigh-in 

Tuesday, Aug. 12 

9 a.m. Non livestock judging 

begins 

9 a.m. Judging swine 

5 p.m. Official opening 

5 p.m. Rides begin 

7 p.m. Princess and 

Queen’s pageant; $3 for 5 to 

12-year-olds, $5 teens and 

adults. 

Wednesday, Aug. 13 

9 a.m. Judging booths, 

4-H horses, donkeys and 

poultry 

1 p.m. Judging sheep, 

goats to follow immediately 

1:30 p.m. Entertainment in 

the food stand area 

3 p.m. 4-H demonstrations; 

public speaking, drama 

& dance in grand stand area 

5 p.m. Jr. livestock judging 

6 p.m. Bike giveaway at 

the fair office 

7 p.m. Talent show contest 

for youth and adults sponsored 

by WATZ, $3 for 5 to 

12-year-olds, $5 adults 

Thursday, Aug. 14 

9 a.m. Rabbit judging, 

small animal sweepstakes following 

rabbit judging 

10 a.m. Beef judging 

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thunder 

bay quilters in the clinic 

building 



2 p.m. 4-H horse fun 

events 

3 p.m. Entertainment in 


4 p.m. Pie eating contest, 

children only; sign up at 

office 

7 p.m. Motocross racing, 

$3 for 5 to 12-year-olds, $7 

adults 

Friday, Aug. 15 

9 a.m. 4-H horse speed 

events 

10 a.m. Dairy judging 



3 p.m. Entertainment in 


6 p.m. Livestock auction, 

awarding of 4-H scholarships 

8 p.m. Horse pulling 

contest 

Saturday, Aug. 16 

9 a.m. 4-H demonstrations 

10 a.m. Judging cats and 

dogs 

11 a.m. Children’s King 

and Queen crowning 

1:30 p.m. AK County Outlaws 

— country and oldies 

band 

2 p.m. Kids’ games 

3 p.m. AK County Outlaws 

— country and oldies 

band 

6 p.m. Bump and Run 

8 p.m. Pig raffle at office 

9 p.m. Release all exhibits 

Sunday, Aug. 17 

6 a.m.-1 p.m. Release all 

animals

family fun things to do in Gaylord 


5By Michael Jones 

Bike, hike 

Gaylord’s 

Aspen Park 

Pathway 

The Aspen Park Pathway, 

a 1.7 mile paved & lighted 

trail system is one of Gaylord’s 

Gems. 

Located within the mostly 

forested 100-acre Aspen Park 

just east of South Otsego Avenue 

at the end of Commerce 

Boulevard (near K-mart), 

there are also a great deal of 

unpaved trails, making it a 

perfect location for the more 

daring mountain biker. 

One path along the paved 

trail winds past Gaylord’s 

fenced elk herd, while a path 

along an unpaved trail can 

take an explorer to a small 

pond. 

Take a bike hike 

1 2 3 4 

• Take a bike hike — The new 

62 mile “Rail Trail” runs from Gaylord 

to Mackinaw City and is open 

to bikers and hikers. It’s “only” a 

7.6 mile jaunt from Gaylord (hop on 

at Fairview Road about two blocks 

west of Old 27 North) to Vanderbilt 

on this former railway. 

If you’re not quite up for a big 

bike hike head over to Gaylord’s 1.7 

mile paved and lighted Aspen Park 

Pathway. The pathway can be found 

just east of South Otsego Avenue 

at the end of Commerce Boulevard 

(near K-Mart). 

Answer the ‘Call 

of the Wild’ 

• Answer the “Call of the Wild” 

— This perennial family favorite 

has become a must visit for locals 

and tourists alike. More than 60 

wildlife displays including moose, 

elk, whitetail deer, bears and more, 

can be found in this wildlife museum. 

Displays have hand painted 

backgrounds of the animals natural 

habitat and many of the exhibits 

have the sounds the animals make. 

Visitors to the Call of the Wild 

museum will find a wildlife theater, 

a hands-on learning center and 

a gift shop. 850 South Wisconsin 

Avenue. 

Go on a bear hunt 

around downtown 

• Go on a bear hunt — Pick 

up an OWL-Pine bear trail map at 

the Gaylord/Otsego Chamber of 

Commerce Information Center at 

125 South Otsego Avenue or visit 

the Herald Times Web site, www. 

gaylordheraldtimes.com and track 

down all 12 colorful bears. 

The fiberglass bears have been 

decorated by local businesses and 

civic groups and can be found in 

the most interesting of places — a 

car dealership, dentist office, city 

hall and more. 

Pass the popcorn 

at free Sat. movies 

• Pass the popcorn — Don’t 

miss the line-up of family friendly 

movies playing under the Pavilion 

on Court this summer. “Saturday 

Night at the Movies”, presented 

by the Downtown Merchant’s Association, 

finishes out its summer 

program with four great movies 

rated PG or better. 

July 26: “Free Willy” Rated PG; Aug. 

2: “Mighty Ducks” Rated PG; Aug. 9: 

“National Velvet” Rated G; Aug. 16: 

“Cars” Rated G. 

All movies are free and begin 

at dusk. 

Drive the Pigeon, 

discover the elk 

5 

• Drive the Pigeon, find an 

elk — The Pigeon River Country 

State Forest, about 13 miles east of 

Vanderbilt on Sturgeon Valley Road, 

is home to a herd of an estimated 

1,000 elk. 

The best time for viewing is 

early morning and late evening. 

Detailed maps of elk-viewing sites 

are available at the DNR District 

Office at 1732 M-32 West. On the 

way back take a short detour to 

Whippy Dip, about one-mile north of 

Vanderbilt on Old 27, for a refreshing 

ice-cream treat.


Lewiston’s TimberTown Festival Aug 1 - 3 

By Jil Schult 

Staff Writer 

LEWISTON — Organizers 

are gearing up for the 

annual TimberTown Festival, 

held the first weekend 

in August in Lewiston. 

Sponsored by the 

Lewiston Area Chamber 

of Commerce, the festival 

is packed with events, 

most available through the 

purchase of a 2008 TimberTown 

Festival button, 

which costs $5. 

An old-fashioned street 

dance, with music provided 

by Free Wheelin’ and Company 

is slated for Aug. 1, 

7-10 p.m. while the famous 

mechanical bull riding 

contest is 9-11 p.m. 

Buddy’s Ice Cream is 

offering TimberTown Mini 

Golf Aug. 2-3, admission is 

free with a festival button. 

The festival kicks off 

Aug. 2, with opening 

ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 

Arts and Crafts will be in 

the Albert Township Park, 9 

a.m.-4 p.m. 

Events will be held 

throughout the day — 10 

a.m.-10 p.m. — including; 

• 3-on-3 basketball tournament 

• TimberTown Fun Run 

• Street and food vendors 

• Logging equipment 

displays 

• petting zoo and pony 

rides 

• mechanical bull rides 

• kids games and contests 

• carriage rides 

• The Wash Tub 2 

• Lacee Hartzell 

• T James Band 

• Northern Lights Sweet 

Adelines 

• The Harmonie Meisters 

• Northern Michigan 

Country Dancers 

• TimberTown Festival 

pageant 

Bluegrass music by Chasin’ 

Steel is slated for Aug. 2, 

7-10 p.m. 

During the festival, the 

Lewiston Historical Society 

will offer kids old-fashioned 

games and quilting, 

lace making, tatting, blacksmithing, 

basket weaving 

demonstrations, museum 

tours and storytelling. 

The Lewiston Lions 53rd 

annual Chicken Barbecue 

will be held at the American 

Legion Post 198 on Mantz 

Street, noon-5 p.m. 

On Aug. 3, the Arts and 

Crafts in the park are slated 

from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The 

Lansing Ramblers Dixieland 

Band are slated to 

entertain the crowd while 

the old-fashioned street fair 

continues. 

Lewiston Timbertown festival 

August 1 st - 3 rd 

Lewiston, Michigan 

Buy a button for $5 and it is good for the weekend! 

(Excludes Bull Riding Competition) 

“Sneaky Peat” 

Friday & Saturday 

from 9pm to 1am 

Specializing in seafood 

and the finest aged 

steaks and chops. 

www.theredwoodsteakhouse.com 

Open 7 days a week at 5pm 

Located at the corner of County Rd. 

489 and 612, Lewiston • 786-4600 

2980 Kneeland Street 

Lewiston, Michigan 

(989) 786-2787 

(989) 786-5241 

Matt Stephens, Owner 

Come in and see 

Matt for the best 

deal on your repair! 

Bud Jones 

Insurance Agency 

Business • Home 

Auto • Boats 

Life • Health 

Recreational Vehicles 

Phone us for a quote 

1-800-547-3245 or 

989-786-2296 

4422 Salling St. 

Lewiston, MI 49756 

Friday, August 1st 

Saturday, August 2nd continued 

7 - 10pm - A Street Dance with 50’s & Heritage Day at the Lewiston Historical 

60’s music by Free Wheelin’ & Co. Society Museum with blacksmithing, 

9pm - The Famous Mechanical 

basket weaving, & quilting demonstrations, 

museum tours and “old time” kids 

Bull Riding Competition 

Saturday, August 2nd 

games like watermelon seed spitting, 

9am - 4pm - Arts & Crafts In The Park sack races, and much more! 

10am - TimberTown Festival Opening 

Ceremony 

The Lewiston Lions Annual Chicken 

- 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament BBQ Dinner will be served at the 

- A Fun Run for Adults and Kids American Legion Post #198 during the 

- The LaPointe Kids Band 

day! It is just a short walk to both the 

- The Washtub Two 

TimberTown Festival and the Historical 

- Northern Lights Sweet Adelines Society Museum. 

- Northern Michigan Line Dancers 

- Miss Timberfest Pageant 

Sunday, August 3rd - 10am - 3pm 

- Chasin’ Steel Band 

9am - 3pm - Arts & Crafts In The Park 

- Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Blowup - The Harmony Meisters 

House 

- Lansing Ramblers 

- A Pet Show 

- Miscellaneous Contests 

- Laser Tag Course 

throughout the day 

- Jail & Bail 

Raffle Drawing for the Playhouse, 

- 2008 Morel Mushroom Celebration Log Picnic Table and Portable Grill 

Karaoke Winner – Kasey Hartzell 

- Miscellaneous contests throughout 

the day 

Sponsored by the Lewiston Area Chamber of Commerce


AuSable River Canoe Marathon 

Tradition 

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon, 

billed as the longest nonstop canoe 

race in North America and the World’s 

Toughest Spectator Race, this year 

celebrates its 61st year. 

Teams start in Grayling at 9 p.m. on 

Saturday, July 26 and finish on 

Sunday, 120 miles later in Oscoda after 

a night of paddling. 

Dozens of racers from all over the world 

compete for some of the $50,000 in 

prize money. Competitors paddle an average 

of fifty paddle strokes per minute 

to finish this grueling race. 

Photo courtesy of Mark Biale 

The Course The Competitors The Spectators 

Hundreds of spectators follow the racers 

downstream throughout the night 

encouraging and cheering them on 

from the banks of the river and from 

bridges along the way. 

Marathon caps week of River Festival events 

GRAYLING — Not all of the 

action will be found on the river 

at this year’s 61st Weyerhaeuser 

AuSable River Canoe Marathon. 

rayling is gearing up for its AuSble 

River Festival July 19-27 in 

nticipation of the Lemans-style 

tart which will kick off the marathon 

race July 26 at 9 p.m. 

Spectators to this year’s 120- 

mile canoe race will have plenty of 

non spectator activities to choose 

from leading up to the big event. 

Art exhibits, chicken barbecues, 

ice cream socials and a pre 

marathon program, are just a few 

of the events on tap to choose 

from. 

Event organizers plan to kick 

things off with a vintage baseball 

game July 19, at 1 p.m. at 

Hartwick Pines State Park and 

something called “Woodshaving 

Days”, also at the state park. 

Time trials for the big race are 

scheduled for July 24 from 4-8 

p.m. at Penrod’s Canoe Livery and 

again on July 25 from 2-5:45 p.m. 

The 33rd Annual AuSable River 

Festival Arts and Crafts Show will 

be held at the Grayling City Park 

July 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

and July 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 

p.m. Both dates will also feature a 

quilt show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

at the Icehouse Quilt Shop and a 

beer tent hosted by the Grayling 

Eagles Club beginning at 11 a.m. 

to closing July 25 and 11 a.m. to 6 

p.m. July 26. 

Prior to the start of the big race 

on July 26 the “Celebrate Grayling” 

Parade along Michigan Avenue will 

begin at 3 p.m. 

A compete calendar of events 

can be found in this year’s 61st 

Weyerhaeuser AuSable River 

Canoe Marathon booklet. 

For official race information go to www.ausablecanoemarathon.org

Fishing 

Hope for Pigeon River restoration after silt spill 

Austin Alexander 

Editor’s note: Austin 

Alexander is a 14-year-old 

Howell resident who for 

the past several years has 

been flyfishing the Pigeon 

River with John Walters, a 

family friend and president 

of the Headwaters Chapter 

of Trout Unlimited. Walters 

received this letter and 

forwarded it to the Herald 

Times on behalf of Alexander, 

who was “shocked” to 

hear of the sediment release 

and fish kill on the river the 

night of June 22. 

By Austin Alexander 

Guest Commentary 

My name is Austin 

Alexander. 

I am 14 years 

old and have 

been fly fishing for three 

years. When I was 11, I was 

fortunate to be sponsored 

by the Headwaters Chapter 

of Trout Unlimited to 

attend Youth Conservation 

and Fly Fishing School. 

This was a four-day long 

program held at the Ram 

Center on Higgins Lake. 

After learning about 

conservation and learning 

to fly fish, John and Sue 

Walters took me in to stay 

at their home for the rest of 

that week. 

I fell immediately in love 

with the sport, but John 

and Sue made it my passion. 

They taught me many 

things; one of the most 

important that I practice 

is catch and release when 

trout fishing. 

Since then, they have allowed 

me to stay with them 

for a week each summer to 

fish with them. I have successfully 

fished the North 

Branch and Main Branch 

of the AuSable, Black and 

Manistee rivers; but my 

favorite is the Pigeon River. 

This year when I was at 

their home, we fished every 

day on the Pigeon River (no 

joke). I caught a number 

of trout including all three 

species: brookies, browns 

and rainbows. 

SOME of them that I 

will always remember were 

a 13-inch and an 11-inch 

brookie and a 20-inch 

brown. All of the fish we 

caught were very large and 

healthy. 

While fishing, John and 

I saw a total of seven fawns; 

one of them was actually in 

the river. We helped it to a 

shallow spot, it stood up in 

the grass, we took a picture 

of it and it escaped what 

could have been a horrible 

fate. 

This fawn was less than 

a week old. Every year I 

have gone fishing with John 

and Sue I have left with 

lifelong memories and new 

stories to tell, especially 

this year. 

UNFORTUNATELY, I 

recently received bad news 

of the Pigeon River where 

we had fished the week 

before. There is a private 

dam upstream from where 

we fish called Song of the 

Morning Ranch dam. 

I was told there was a 

discharge of tons and tons 

of sediment that killed lots 

of fish and destroyed excellent 

trout habitat needed 

for survival. 

All of the fish I caught 

are now believed to be 

dead. I can no longer look 

forward to what the fishing 

will be like for quite some 

time and adding to the lifelong 

memories I have had 

on the Pigeon River. 

The only hope I have is 

for restoration and a successful 

return of the river in 

years to come. 

I believe this dam 

should no longer be in use 

and able to ever cause such 

devastating damage to the 

Pigeon River, that I have 

come to know and love, 

again. 

Maybe with years of 

hard work our river can become 

as amazingly beautiful 

and bountiful as in years 

past. 

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By appointment Monday - Saturday • Gift Certificates 

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(989) 732-6936 

Open Daily 

at 8am 

Breakfast, 

Lunch & 

Dinner Specials. 

Cocktails 

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2583 South Old 27, Just off I-75 - Exit 279 Gaylord 

(989) 732-4431 or 732-7171 

Steak Dinner $850 

Includes Side Dish • Homemade Bread 

Combination Dinner $1575 

Any two combinations of 

Steak, Ribs, Shrimp or Chicken 

Includes Side Dish • Homemade Bread 

All-You-Can-Eat Pasta $995 

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Three Types of Pasta & Sauces 

A Gaylord Herald Times publication August ‘08 • GAYLORD NOW • 9


things you might need camping 

5By Chris Engle 

Tent: Coleman 

Eagle Rock 

Bug repellent: 

ThermaCell 

Seating/bedding: 

Travel Hammock 

Bedding: Chinook 

50-degree bag 

Lighting: Coleman 

LED marker light 

Okay, so it’s almost August 

already. Have you gotten out 

camping yet? If not, shame 

on you, but that just may be 

because you don’t have the 

proper gear to enjoy a night, or 

a week, in the woods. 

Here are the newest additions 

to my camping gear, 

put to the test in my favorite 

proving grounds: The woods of 

Northern Michigan. 

Need more? Check out the 

Herald Times’ Guide to an Outdoor 

Summer, in the “Media” section at 

www.gaylordheraldtimes.com and 

see the new gear in action. 

1 2 3 4 

with its own screen — big enough 

The Eagle Rock appears to be 

the result of Coleman listening to its 

customers’ needs and suggestions. 

It sets up quickly — five minutes 

between two people. Half of the 

sleeves, which can be a bugger to 

push tent poles through, have been 

replaced with simple clips that do 

the same job. It has a doggy door 

to let midsize dogs through while 

keeping most of the mosquitoes out 

— or, for families without dogs, a 

handy way for letting the raccoons 

in. 

Other neat features: Waterproof 

fabric, attached shoe mat, net “loft” 

for lantern or small items 

Here’s a new way of keeping 

mosquitoes away. 

Called the ThermaCell, it’s a 

device that burns butane to heat 

a repellent insert, dispersing the 

chemical as an odorless vapor. 

At first, the cordless phone-size 

device seems bulky compared to a 

can of bug spray, but anyone who 

has spent more than a weekend 

dousing themselves in repellent 

without a shower can appreciate 

not having to wear any. 

On a still evening, the Therma- 

Cell can keep the bugs away from 

the entire campsite; on a breezy 

day, you might need a spritz or two. 

Optional feature: Holster with 

two pouches holds extra butane 

cartride, ten inserts; clips to belt or 

tree 

Another new addition to my 

pack this year has already become 

a permanent fixture on my campsite: 

The Travel Hammock. 

Unlike its cumbersome 

rope-and-wood grandfathers, this 

one’s made of parachute nylon, 

crushes down into a sack the size 

of a grapefruit and weighs about a 

pound. 

When it’s strung between two 

trees on the shore of a lake at sunset, 

it’s the best seat in the house. 

Toss in a sleeping bag, and you’re 

all set for a night under the stars. 

Eat your heart out, dirt. 

Other neat features: Breathable 

nylon means no sweating; attached 

cramsack doubles as beverage 

holder 

When it comes to picking out 

a sleeping bag, it can often be a 

guessing game. 

Being too hot is almost as bad 

as being too cold, so finding a right 

bag for the season — and the 

sleeper — is crucial. Degree ratings 

can sometimes be arbitrary among 

different brands, but the rating for 

this bag is fair. 

The Chinook 50-degree bag 

started to get chilly when temps 

dipped into the 40s; but a night 5 

degrees warmer was comfortable. 

It’s be a good bag for summer, but 

it’s back to the bulky bag come 

winter. 

Other neat features: Rounded 

hood with drawstring locks in heat; 

bag crams down to the size of a 

two-liter bottle 

Powered by watch batteries, 

5 

these quail egg-size lights clip to 

anything you want to mark in the 

dark and stay lit for 20 hours. 

Bathroom spots, trails, tent 

zippers and fishing rod tips all lend 

themselves well to these lights. 

They can also be clipped to dog 

collars to show where pets are, 

even if they’re out of the reach of 

firelight or flashlights. 

Available in green, red and 

amber. 

Other uses: Tent night light, 

beverage marker 

— Coleman Eagle Rock, $42 

(sale price); ThermaCell, $22 ($12 

for holster); Travel Hammock, $47; 

Chinook bag, $30; all available at 

Jay’s Sporting Goods in Gaylord. 

Coleman LED beacons, $6 for two, 

available at Kmart and Jay’s. 

View Michigan’s elk in the wild, or right here in the city 

Michigan’s native elk 

population disappeared 

around 1875, but rebounded 

after seven elk were 

released near Wolverine 

in 1918. The Pigeon River 

Country State Forest, about 

13 miles east of Vanderbilt 

on Sturgeon Valley Road, is 

the heart of Michigan’s elk 

range which is home to an 

estimated 1,000 animals. 

?The best time for viewing 

elk is early morning 

and late evening. Elk-viewing 

areas have been established 

where the ground 

has been seeded with rye, 

alfalfa, buckwheat and 

clover to draw the elk, 

deer and turkeys into open 

areas. 

Elk have been sighted 

on Fontinalis Road, about 

three miles north of Sturgeon 

Valley Road near the 

Cheboygan County line 

where a small parking 

area and a field have been 

cleared by the Dept. of 

Natural Resources (DNR); 

at an elk-viewing area 

(with DNR signs indicating 

the location) on East Sturgeon 

Valley Road, about 

eight miles east of Vanderbilt; 

and about .4 miles 

north of the intersection 

of Osmun Road and Clark 

Bridge Rad in the Pigeon 

River Country State Forest. 

Chances of seeing elk are 

increased by remaining at 

or near designated parking 

areas. 

Detailed maps of 

various elk viewing sites 

are available at the DNR 

District Office, 1731 M-32 

West, Gaylord. 732-3541. 

Gaylord viewing 

In Gaylord, the elk/deer 

enclosure off Grandview 

Boulevard and Elkview 

behind Kmart is a popular 

attraction, enabling people 

to get an up-close look at 

the elk.

Pure Gaylord 


COOL 

BEACHES 

THE BEACHES at the Otsego Lake State Park can accommodate large picnics, sun bathing couples or a couple of young children exploring their imaginaions 

and building castles in the sand. 

Photos by 

Bill Serveny 

Otsego County’s many sandy beaches 

make it a summer mecca for sun worshippers. 

Beaches include; 

Big Bear Lake, off Meridian Line Road; 

Big Lake, off Big Lake Road; 

Lake 27, off West Martin Lake Road; 

Otsego Lake County Park, off West Otsego 

Lake Drive; 

Otsego Lake State Park, off Old 27 South; 

Thumb Lake, off Thumb Lake Road northwest 

of Vanderbilt; 

Wah-Wah-Soo, off Old 27 South on Otsego 

Lake 

G A Y L O R D ’ S H O T T E S T L O C A T I O N 

Just completed! 

You won’t 

believe what 

you get for 

$139,900! 

MODEL OPEN DAILY! 

Goshawk – Richly decorated, upgraded flooring & 

insulation, AC, irrigation system & maple cabinetry. 

Contact Mike Heath at 

Developer and Realtor Associate 

989-619-0400 

www.HawksLandingDevelopment.com 

• Low property taxes yet 

adjacent to town 

• Optional maintenance-free 

services 

700 West Main St. 

Gaylord, Michigan 

• Financing Available 

• Up to 4 year limited warranty 

• Energy Star ® 

certified homes 

Just east of 

Gaylord 

Look for 

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Boulder 

Hawks 

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6/10 of 

a mile 

LEARN MORE AT 

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Hayes Road 

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N 

11 vacant lots now ready for construction 

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Order one of our model styles, you build, 

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Beautifully landscaped and outfitted 

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Osprey – 3-bedroom, 2-bath luxury 

home starting at $189,900 

SOLD! 

Talon – Attached or single family 

featuring an open floor plan & lots of 

natural light starting at $169,900.

GOLFING GAYLORD 


Golf Mecca swings into 21st year 

By Jeremy Speer 

Sports Editor 

GAYLORD — 

Take the convergence of some of the 

brightest golf minds in America. 

Throw in acres of beaufiful and diverse 

terrain. Add in easy downstate 

access via I-75. 

Mix together with the vision of local 

businessmen to market on a grand stage and 

you have the Gaylord area becoming one of 

he premier golf destinations of the midwest, 

f not the country. 

The Gaylord Golf Mecca is now in its 21st 

season. It is during these two decades where 

the area has transformed from a well-kept 

golf secret to a hotbed that attracts golfers 

from around the world. 

“Golf has really taken off in Gaylord,” 

said Larry Bowden, owner/president of The 

Natural Golf Course,. “I always knew this was 

a place where people like to relax and enjoy. 

Gaylord is such easy access from the metro 

Detroit and Lansing areas that it became a 

natural destination.” 

Prior to 1987, golf was alive and well in 

the area. Four courses — Wilderness Valley, 

Michaywé’s Pines, Otsego Club’s Classic and 

Gaylord Country Club — catered to a growing 

number of people interested in the game 

RAISE THE ROOF! 

of golf. 

However, 1987 became the most influential 

year in the development of local golf. 

It was then, where all the stars 

aligned for the area to 

be put on a much 

larger map. 

The late autoracing 

owner, 

Harry Melling, 

purchased Treetops 

Resort in 1986 and 

hired the legendary 

Robert Trent Jones, 

Sr. to design a course 

on the resort’s beautiful 

land. 

The Jones Masterpiece 

opened in 1987, 

about the same time 

when Garland Resort 

in Lewiston built the 

Swampfire course. 

All of a sudden, the 

area was starting to 

emerge as a potential 

golfer’s paradise. 

“At the time, we 

thought the number of 

and quality of courses was amazing for the 

area,” said Paul Beachnau, Executive Director 

of the Gaylord Area Convention and 

Tourism Bureau. “The demographics were 

astounding. There was a huge 

supply of golfers in the 

Midwest with in a 

six-hour drive of 

Gaylord and we 

needed to capitalize 

upon this.” 

A meeting of 

minds allowed this 

to happen. 

Melling and Rick 

Smith of Treetops, 

along with Ron Otto 

of Garland, Keith 

Gornick of Hidden 

Valley (now Otsego 

Club) and local 

businessman, the late 

Dick Weber, forged 

the idea of combining 

financial resources in 

order to market the 

area as a whole. 

With the facilitation 

of Beachnau of the 

newly-formed tourism 

bureau, the Gaylord Golf Mecca was formed 

in 1987. The name came about after a 

writer coined the term after playing the local 

courses. 

“I don’t think I would have had the vision 

of what it is today,” said Mark Hogan, current 

Otsego Club Director of Golf and local pro for 

20 years. “But they had the vision and provided 

the groundwork for what it is today.” 

Teamed with money from the golf 

courses themselves, local hotel rooms and 

state marketing grants, the Mecca started 

with a $32,000 marketing budget during its 

first year. 

The first year was an overriding success 

with a sharp increase in amount of rounds 

and the marketing budget continued to 

elevate with each passing year. 

As did the number of courses in the area, 

as Gaylord experienced nothing short of an 

explosion during the 1990s. 

Now there are 22 courses within the 

Gaylord Golf Mecca. Treetops alone has five 

while Garland has four. 

The Mecca’s marketing budget was $2.01 

million in 2006 with Mecca courses bringing 

in $15.55 million in total revenue, not including 

hotel bookings. 

More than 1,000 people are employed 

in the local golf industry and the Mecca’s 

Con’t on next page 

Monday - Thursday 

19 holes with cart plus 

lunch and range balls! 

$ 

35 00 

Metal Roofs • Kelly Rubber Roofs 

Cedar Shingles • Asphalt Shingles 

with coupon at 

Black Bear Golf Club 

Friday - Sunday 

19 holes with cart plus 

lunch and range balls! 

$ 

45 00 



Monday - Thursday 

Early bird 19 holes 

before 8am with cart! 

$ 

22 00 



Whether you have a big job or a small job, 

we get your roofing task done right. 

Friday - Sunday 

Early bird 19 holes 

before 8am with cart! 

$ 

29 00 



Licensed & Insured 

Tee Times Hotline - Call Now 866-983-4441 • GolfBlackBear.net 

Vanderbilt ~ Exit 290 west to Alexander 

Coupons valid through 8-31-08. Not valid with any other coupons or promos. 

2037 Lone Pine Rd. 

Gaylord, MI 49735 

732-2807 

Michigan’s only “19-hole” Golf Course 

Black Bear Golf Club July & August Specials 

Fridays after 2pm 

19 holes with cart 

plus a cod dinner!! 

$ 

39 00 



Saturdays after 2pm 

19 holes with cart 

plus a steak dinner!! 

$ 

44 00 



PRIVATE CONDITIONS • OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 

FREE Bag of 

Range Balls 

with purchase 

of a round of golf 

with coupon 

good through August 31, 2008 

gaylordcountryclub.com • 231-546-3376 • 4893 M-32 West, Gaylord

Monthly Coupon Specials 

$ 

200 Foursome any day 

in July and August 

What’s your 

Ultimate Trio? 

Designed by internationally renowned 

architect Tom Doak 

Consistently ranked in the top 10 in Michigan 

“Best combination of Gaylord’s resort courses” 

- Golf Week 

Offer valid any day with this coupon. 

Mancelona Road, Gaylord, Michigan • 231-585-7090 • 866-585-7090 • www.blackforestgolf.com 

1379 W. Main St., Gaylord • (989) 732-2530 

Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - Midnight, Sunday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. 

HT fi le photo 

GOLF LEGEND LEE TREVINO celebrates after hitting a hole-in-one on No. 7 at the 2001 Par-3 

Shootout. For his shot, Trevino raked in a cool $1 million. 

Mecca’s million dollar ball 

Wednesday is DOLLAR DAY 

Play every Wednesday for $1.00 per hole. 

Minimum 18 holes, cart included. 

For full details and tee times call 

(989) 731-1300. 

Happy Hour Every Day 

Otsego, Crawford & 

Montmorency County Residents 

$ 

28 

WEEKDAYS 

4:30 - 7:30 

Get a burger and a beer for $6 

For full details and tee times call (989) 731-1300. 

www.mountainlakegolf.com 

1233 Opal Lake Road, Gaylord, Michigan 

Con’t 

courses regularly win state and national 

awards and have been featured in publications 

across the country. 

The area is featured each summer at 

Treetops’ Threetops course, where the 

Par-3 Shootout is televised 

on ESPN. Past 

participants include 

Phil Mickelson, Fred 

Couples, Jack Nicklaus 

and Arnold Palmer. 

And much thanks 

can be given to the 

Mecca, who has carefully 

crafted an image 

and brand to the area. 

“One of the reasons 

we’ve been so successful is that we have 

strict standards to become a member,” 

Beachnau said. “We want to make sure 

the quality of product is worth telling a 

traveler about.” 

The cooperation of the Mecca 

courses is what sets up their success. The 

individual owners have come together 

each year to market their properties 

together. 

“All of them sit down with the mission 

of putting Gaylord into the spotlight,” 

Beachnau said. “The thought is that a 

bigger tide raises all the boats. Everyone 

will get a bigger piece of 

the pie.” 

THAT pie remains 

lucrative, although 

golf growth has slowed 

throught the past five 

years. An oversaturation 

of courses coupled with 

Michigan’s struggling 

economy is likely the 

culprit, but the Mecca 

has continued strong and looks forward 

to capitalizing on the retirement of the 

first wave of the baby boomer generation. 

Quality golf in the Gaylord area isn’t 

going anywhere and the courses hope 

the next 20 years provide as much excitement 

as the first 20. 

EARLY BIRD 

SPECIAL 

Before 10am 

$5.00 for 9 holes (cart at 1/2 price). 

989.732.6006 

2 miles west of Gaylord on M-32, 

north on Townline Rd. 

Large selection of keg beer available for order. 

A variety of delicious, freshly made sandwiches, 

pre-made or order one on the spot. 

Pizza by the slice or whole pizza for carry out. 

Delivery coming soon! 

Riegle’s 

WESTSIDE MARKET 

(989) 731-4440 

3400 West M-32, Gaylord, MI 

David Strong, 

PGA Golf 

Professional 

A Gaylord Herald Times publication August ‘08 • GAYLORD NOW • 13


G LF 

Northern Michigan 

COURSE DIRECTORY 

Holes 

Men’s 

Par 

Women’s 

Par 

9-hole Rate 

18-hole Rate 

Twilight Rate 

9-hole 18-hole 

Power Carts Power Carts 

Lodging 

Lounge 

Michaywé 

The Pines 

989-939-8911 

1535 Opal Lake Rd., Gaylord 

18 72 73 

$29 WD, $30 WE 

Through September 4 

$50 WD, $55 WE 


$30 WD, $35 WE (after 3 p.m.) 


Included Included Yes Yes 

Gaylord 

Country Club 

231-546-3376 

M-32 West, Gaylord 

Black Bear 

Golf Club 

989-983-4441 

1500 Alexander Road, Vanderbilt 

18 72 72 

$25 WD, $30 WE 

$49 WD, $59 WE 

$35 WD, $40 WE 

Included Included No Yes 

18 71 71 


$25 WD, $31 WE 

Through September 


$45 WD, $59 WE 



after 3 p.m. 

$15 WD, $19 WE (9) 

$32 WD, $36 WE (18) 


Included Included No Yes 

The 

Natural 

989-732-1785 

5004 W. Otsego Lake Dr., Gaylord 

18 71 71 

$25 WD, $30 WE 

Through August 28 

$47 WD, $57 WE 


$20 (9), $32 (18) 

after 2 p.m. 


Included Included Yes Yes 

The Classic 

989-732-5181 

1-800-752-5510 

M-32 East, Gaylord 

The Tribute 

989-732-5181 

1-800-752-5510 

M-32 East, Gaylord 

Marsh 

Ridge 

989-732-5552 

Old 27 South, Gaylord 

Black Forest 

of Wilderness 

Valley Golf Resort 

231-585-7090 

Mancelona Road (C-38), Gaylord 

Wilderness 

Valley 

231-585-7090 

Mancelona Rd. (C-38), Mancelona 

$20 WD, $25 WE 

$39 WD, $48 WE 



18 72 73 $35 after 3 p.m. 

$20 Anytime 

$35 Anytime 

August 22 through September 4 


18 72 72 

18 71 71 

18 73 74 $45 after 3 p.m. 

Not Available 

$69 Anytime 

18 71 71 

Not Available 

$29 WD, $39 WE 


$25 Anytime 


$79 WD, $95 WE 


$69 Daily 


$49 WD, $61 WE 



$45 Anytime 


$65 Daily 

from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

$20 WD, $27 WE (9) 

$32 WD, $39 WE (18) 



Not 

Available Included Yes Yes 

Not 


Not 


Not 

Available Included No Yes 

$15 (9), $25 (18) 

after 3 p.m. Included Included No Yes 

Grayling 

Country Club 

989-348-5618 

2122 S. I-75 Business Loop, Grayling 

$16 WD, $18 WE (Walk) 

$21 WD, $24 WE (Walk) 

$25 after 3 p.m. 

18 70 70 $25 WD, $29 WE (Cart) 

$35 WD, $40 WE (Cart) 

NA NA No Yes 




For advertising opportunities, contact Karen Gregor at (989) 732-1111 or 

email kareng@gaylordheraldtimes.com • 2058 South Otsego Ave., Gaylord, Michigan. 

Key: WD = Weekday, WE = Weekend


G LF 

Northern Michigan 

COURSE DIRECTORY 

Holes 

Men’s 

Par 

Women’s 

Par 

9-hole Rate 

18-hole Rate 

Twilight Rate 

9-hole 18-hole 

Power Carts Power Carts 

Lodging 

Lounge 

Mountain 

Lake 

989-731-1300 

1233 Opal Lake Road, Gaylord 

18 72 72 

$19.50 

$48 a.m. 

$38 p.m. 

$28 M-F Gaylord area residents 

Through August 

$28 after 4 p.m. 

Through August Included Included No Yes 

Boyne Mountain 

The Alpine 

800-GO-BOYNE 

Boyne Falls, Michigan 

Boyne Mountain 

The Monument 

800-GO-BOYNE 

Boyne Falls, Michigan 

Lakes of 

the North 

231-585-6800 

Mancelona Rd. (C-38), Mancelona 

Robert Trent 

Jones Sr. 

Masterpiece 

989-732-6711 

3962 Wilkinson Rd., Gaylord 

Tom Fazio 

Premier 

989-732-6711 


Rick Smith 

Signature 

989-732-6711 


Rick Smith 

Tradition 

989-732-6711 


Rick Smith 

Threetops 

989-732-6711 


18 72 72 Not Available 

$44 - $69 

House guest 

$39 - $59 after 2 p.m. 

Not 

$54 - $84 


Non-house guest 

18 72 72 Not Available 

$44 - $69 

$39 - $59 after 2 p.m. 

Not 

House guest 

Available 

$54 - $84 

Non-house guest 

18 72 74 $12 walk 

$29 WD, $36 WE 

$29 unlimited after 1 p.m. Included Included Yes Yes 

$21 with cart 

Included Yes Yes 

18 70 72 Please call for rates 

Please call for rates 

Please call for rates Included Included Yes Yes 










Par 3 Courses 




Green Trees 

Golf Course 

989-732-6006 

North Townline Road, Gaylord 

18 60 60 

$11 walk 

$16 with cart 

$16 walk 

$24 with cart 

$20 with cart after 5 p.m. 

$5 

per person 

per cart 

$8 

per person 

per cart 

No 

Yes 

For advertising opportunities, contact Karen Gregor at (989) 732-1111. 

Key: WD = Weekday, WE = Weekend


Courses 

Spotlight 

By Jeremy Speer 

Green Trees 

Golf Course 

Green Trees Golf Course offers an 

alternative to the hilly and tough resortstyle 

courses so prevalent in the Gaylord 

area. 

Where most area courses require a 

cart just to finish a round in five hours, 

Green Trees is easily walkable and offers 

a quick, less challenging golf experience. 

The executive course features six 

par-fours and 12 par-threes and at 

3,000 yards, is friendly to hitters of all 

talent levels. 

“It’s a different option for people who 

don’t want to get held up with price or 

difficulty,” said golf professional David 

Strong. 

Besides very affordable golf that 

includes 18-hole rates as low as $16, 

Green Trees offers very inexpensive 

range ball prices, with buckets ranging 

from $3-$5. Cart prices are also offered. 

Green Trees is a great course for 

beginners and for those looking to hone 

their game. 

Don’t worry about bringing too few 

balls, as the wide-open setup won’t allow 

too many shots to get lost. But do 

come ready to walk, as this is perhaps 

the most exercise-friendly course in the 

area. 

The Otsego Club truly offers the best of both 

worlds. On one hand, there is the majesticallydaunting 

Tribute, which features soaring views and 

sometimes soaring scores. 

And then there is the Classic, an aptly named 

course built in the 1950s, which in its well-maintained 

state, features a confidence boost for those 

staggering off the Tribute. 

“The courses are such opposites,” said Otsego 

Club professional Mark Hogan. “The Tribute can 

really beat you up, so a lot of people come to the 

Classic and play a scramble and have fun.” 

It’s not as if the Classic is a painfully easy or 

Classic at Otsego Club 

boring course. It features a wide variety of tee shots 

and fairway widths, as well as a couple of majestic 

signature holes. 

When Osprey Recreation purchased Otsego 

Club a couple years ago, it put a lot of money 

into the maintenance of the Classic, and it has 

responded with excellent greens and true playing 

surfaces. 

The course, which went public in 1987, is very 

affordable and playable either by cart or foot. 

Where the Tribute stands tall, the Classic stands 

steady as a traditional, well-kept course that is fun 

for golfers of all experience levels. 

The Natural 

Golf Course 

Tucked away near the west side of Otsego 

Lake, the Natural is just as its name would 

suggest — a natural golf setting where beautiful 

views and wildlife sightings are common 

occurrences. 

“We are Northern Michigan’s best-kept 

secret,” said director of golf Laura Sides. “We 

have excellent rates for local golfers and we 

really cater to our local players.” 

The Natural, part of Beaver Creek Resort, is 

a well-maintained course that is described as a 

resort-style course. 

But instead of large, wide-open fairways, 

the Natural places a premium precision, as 

tree-lined fairways encourage accuracy over 

brute strength. 

There are also a fair share of unique holes, 

including a beautiful par-3 with an elevated 

tee shot and the challenging signature No. 18, 

which features a second or third shot that has 

a 140-yard carry over a scenic marsh. 

One of the top bird-viewing areas in Otsego 

County, other frequent wildlife visitors include 

foxes and deer. 

Natural in its presentation, this course offers 

an enjoyable and scenic experience at an 

affordable price.


Participants swim, run and bicycle. 

Mellon Triathlon moves to Boyne Mountain 

BOYNE MOUNTAIN — It 

still is one of America’s longest-running 

triathlons, but it 

has moved outside of Otsego 

County for the first time. 

The 28th annual Mark 

Mellon Triathlon will move 

this year from Otsego Lake 

State Park to Boyne Mountain, 

another beautiful and 

challenging venue. The race 

will begin at 8 a.m. on Sunday, 

Aug. 31. 

“It is the perfect marriage 

between one of the oldest triathlons 

in the U.S. and one of 

the most beautiful venues in 

Michigan,” said race director 

Kenny Krell of 3 Disciplines. 

There will be three different 

divisions for the traithlon: 

a 1.5k swim, 28-mile bike ride 

and 10k run; a 500m swim, 

14-mile bike ride and 5k run; 

and a 250m swim, 10k bike 

and 2-mile run. 

The race is named after 

Mark Mellon, a budding Gaylord 

athlete who was killed in 

an automobile accident. His 

father, Dennis Mellon, has 

competed in the triathlon for 

most of the years it has been 

run. 

Pete Bolen, a 1983 Gaylord 

High School graduate, 

won his sixth-career Mellon 

Triathlon last year, beating St. 

Mary graduate Dave Smith. 

Kimberley Grady of Grosse 

Pointe Farms, was the female 

champion. 

Bicycling is an 

important part 

of the Mellon 

Triathlon. 

Introducing Our New Line of Women’s Sizes 

In addition to Missy sizes 4-16 

Estee Lauder 

• Treatments • Fragrance • Makeup 

Brighton 

• Jewelry • Leather Goods • Accessories 

Mon. - Sat. • 9:30 - 5:30 

Open Sundays in July & August 

1x to 3x 

200 West Main • Gaylord • 732-5923 

732-7333 

skincanvastattoos.net 

Flash Art 

Custom Design 

Cover Ups 

Body Piercing 

Clean & Sterile 

T-shirts • Body Jewelry • Incense 

Tattoo Care Products 

2301 S. Otsego Ave • Gaylord


Loose Strings - toe-tapping music 

HT - Chris Engle 

Members of Loose Strings are (l-r) Rick Burd, Jim Marsh, Joan Perkins, Paula 

Markham and Bob Mammel. Not pictured is John Belfy. 

GAYLORD — 

They got bored just practicing 

their instruments. 

So they started a band. 

For the past six years, 

Bob Mammel, Paula Markham, 

Joan Perkins, Rick Burd, Jim 

Marsh and John Belfy have been 

putting their musical talents to 

use as the bluegrass-folk-gospel-contemporary 

group, Loose 

Strings. They’ve had toes tapping 

everywhere from the Alten Zimmer 

and the Pavilion on Court, to 

Farmfest in Johannesburg, and 

the lawn of St. Andrews Church 

in Gaylord. 

IT’S THE FAMILY-friendly 

music they play which keeps not 

only their families, but loyal fans 

too, coming back to listen time 

and again. 

“They just follow us around,” 

laughed Burd, admitting that 

most of the dozen or so people 

on St. Andrews’ lawn the evening 

Band member profiles 

of June 19 were close friends or 

family. 

Fan base or not, the members 

of Loose Strings just like to 

play music, and their repretoire 

includes songs by John Denver, 

Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffet, The 

Eagles, Gordon Lightfoot, The 

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Bobby 

Darren and many others. There 

are fairly diverse musical tastes 

among Loose Strings’ members, 

which contributes to the wide 

range of songs and styles. 

“Everybody had songs they 

liked before they joined the band, 

and they just brought those 

songs with them,” said Mammel, 

adding the band — of mostly 

musical students — gradually 

came together to practice their 

learned skills with one another 

at local music stores. Now its an 

outlet to perform. 

“It’s just a chance to get out 

and play some music,” summed 

up Burd. 

Band 

spotlight 

Appearances by 

Loose Strings 

• July 25, 7-9 p.m., Pavilion 

on Court, Gaylord (Downtown 

Development Authority Summer 

Concert Series) 

• August 2, 3-5 p.m., Pavilion 

on Court, Gaylord (Kiwanis 

Chicken BBQ) 

Also, check out their Web site: 

www.loosestrings.com 

Bob Mammel, mandolin, 

rhythm instruments, penny 

whistle 

City: Gaylord 

Musician for whole life 

Paula Markham, vocals, 

guitar, irish drum 

City: Gaylord 

Musician since age 10 

Joan Perkins, mountain 

dulcimer, percussion 

City: Onaway 


Rick Burd, guitar 

City: Gaylord 


Jim Marsh, six- and 12- 

string guitar 

City: Gaylord 


John Belfy, stand-up bass 

City: Indian River 

Musician since high school 

Music scene 

• July 19: Exclamation!, 8 p.m., at Conkling Heritage 

Park, South Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City 

• July 19: Exit 282, 9 p.m., at Stampede Saloon, 


• July 19: Battle of the Bands, 7 p.m., at White 

Wolf Inn, Vanderbilt (21+ only, $5 cover) 

• July 19: Howlin’ Rooster, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., at 

Gino’s Restaurant, 137 West St., Gaylord 

• July 25: Loose Strings, 7:30 p.m., under the 

Pavilion on Court, Gaylord 

• July 25, 26: Sneaky Peat, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., at Redwood 

Steak House, Lewiston 

• July 25: 101, 9 p.m., during the Havana Nites 

Party at Stampede Saloon, Old 27 South, Gaylord 

• July 25, McKinney Washtub Two, 7 p.m., at 

Lakeside Park in Rogers City 

• July 26: Dance North, 7 p.m., at Conkling Heritage 

Park, South Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City 

• July 26: Genessee Valley Concert Band, 9 p.m., 

at Conkling Heritage Park, South Huron Avenue, 

Mackinaw City 

• July 26: Nancy’s Fury, 9 p.m., 

at Stampede Saloon, Old 27 South, 

Gaylord 

• August 1: Jeff FitzGerald and 

the All-Niters, 7:30 p.m., under the 

Pavilion on Court, Gaylord 

• August 1: Sneaky Peat, 9 p.m., at 

Stampede Saloon, Old 27 South, Gaylord 

• August 2: Flint Master Singers, 8 p.m., at 

Conkling Heritage Park, South Huron Avenue, Mackinaw 

City 

• August 2: Exit 282, 9 p.m., at Stampede Saloon, 


• August 8: The Doug Thomas Duo, 7:30 p.m., 

under the Pavilion on Court, Gaylord 

• August 8: Nancy’s Fury, 9 p.m., during the 80’s 

Party at Stampede Saloon, Old 27 South, Gaylord 

• August 8, 9: Sneaky Peat, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., at Redwood 

Steak House, Lewiston 

• August 9: Edye Evans Hyde, 8 p.m., at Conkling 

Heritage Park, South Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City 

MUSIC 

SCENE 

• August 14, 15: 101, 9 p.m., 

at Stampede Saloon, Old 27 South, 

Gaylord 

• August 15: “Rock-N-Roll Oldies,” 

7:30 p.m., under the Pavilion 

on Court, Gaylord 

• August 22: 2nd Hand, 9 p.m., 

during the Hollywood Stars Party at 


• August 23: 2nd Hand, 9 p.m., at Stampede 

Saloon, Old 27 South, Gaylord 

• August 29, 30: Sneaky Peat, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., at 

Redwood Steak House, Lewiston 

• August 29, 30: Weekend Warriors, 9 p.m., at 


Ongoing events: 

• Gaylord Community Band performs every 

Wednesday, 8-10 p.m., under the Pavilion on Court in 

Gaylord, through August 13 

• Timothy’s Pub, Gaylord, features karaoke Fridays, 

9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; Saturday is dancing with 

DJ, 9:30 p.m.-close, call 732-9333. 

• Ugly Bar and Grill, Old 27 North, Vanderbilt, 

hosts Open Mic Night Thursdays, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., with 

host Chris Young; and karaoke Friday and Saturday 

nights. Call 983-2279. 

• Railside Bar and Grill, Elmira, has live entertainment 

every Saturday, 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Karaoke 

is Friday; open pool is every Sunday, 7 p.m.-close. 

Call 546-3248. 

• Stampede Saloon, 3885 Old 27 South, Gaylord, 

has Bad Influence Wednesdays; guitar jam sessions 

Thursdays, 7 p.m. Call 705-7100. 

• The White Wolf Inn, Vanderbilt, features karaoke 

Fridays and Saturdays. Call 983-4568. 

• The Keg Bar & Grille, Waters, features karaoke 

Saturdays, 9 p.m-1 a.m. Call 732-4378. 

• Jazz guitarist Randy Reszka performs at the 

Perry Hotel Fridays and Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. Log onto 

www.randyreszka.com. 

• Garland Resort in Lewiston presents Jeff and 

Sue/Cult of 2 five nights a week, Thursday-Monday, 9 

p.m.-1 a.m. Call 786-2211 or 877-4GARLAND.


FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE 

Free concerts under The Pavilion in downtown Gaylord 

The Friday Night 

Concert Series, 

sponsored by the 

Gaylord Downtown 

evelopment Authority, reurns 

June 13, offering free 

pen-air concerts weekly 

t 7:30 p.m. Take your lawn 

hairs and blankets to the 

avilion on Court to enjoy 

he summer line-up: 

Friday 

night 

line-up 

• July 25: Loose Strings is a 

ocal folk music band whose memers 

believe “folk music” is any 

ong more than 20 years old. 

• Aug. 1: Jeff Fitzgerald and 

the All-Niters brings to the stage 

local boys who been performing a 

variety of rock ’n’ roll and country 

across Michigan for more than 12 

years. 

• Aug. 8: The Doug Thomas 

Duo, Doug and Michelle sing favorites 

from the 1950s to the present. 

• Aug. 15: K.T. Entertainment 

presents “Karen and Tommy 

and the Rock-N-Roll Oldies” with 

favorite from the repertoires of Roy 

Orbison, Elvis, Duke of Earl and 

more. 

For more information, call the 

Gaylord City Hall, 732-4060. 

THE DOUG THOMAS DUO, Doug and Michelle 

sing favorites from the 1950s to the present in 

their Aug. 8 Pavilion concert. 

ENJOY LOCAL FOLK MUSIC by Loose Strings, coming to 

the Pavilion on July 25. 

Compiled by Jil Schult • Courtesy photos 

Jeff Fitzgerald 

SPECIALIZING IN CANCER MASSAGE 

SPECIALIZING IN CRANIAL SACRAL THERAPY & LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE 

• Swedish Massage • Therapeutic Touch • Reiki • Cranio Sacral Therapy 

• Acupressure • Stone Therapy • Prenatal & Infant Massage 

• Lymph Drainage Therapy • Deep Tissue R.U.I.T. 

Gift Certificates Available! 

Farmers 

Market, 

movies, 

other 

events 

In addition to 

the Friday Night 

Concert Series, 

these free-admission 

events are 

scheduled this summer 

at the Pavilion 

on Court, downtown 

Gaylord: 

• Gaylord Community 

Band Night, Wednesdays, 

8-10 p.m., starting June 25 

• “Saturday Night at the 

Movies,” Saturdays, through 

Aug.16, at dusk 

• Gaylord Downtown 

Farmers Market, Wednesdays 

and Saturdays through 

October, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 

• Antiques and Collectibles 

Show, Saturday, Sept. 6, 

9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

by Cindy Dort, N.C.T.M.B., AMTA Member 

1029 Gornick Ave., Suite 103, Gaylord, MI 49735 

989-705-1451


Absolutely Northern Michigan’s Best Stay & Play Package. 

J 

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& meeting facilities 

available for 8 to 

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ac’s Place is renowned for its 

world class cuisine, amazing staff, 

and an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere that 

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with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres after 

your round, have that very special outing, or 

anywhere in between - you’ll soon find out 

what makes Jac’s such a favorite! See what our 

new menu has to offer! 

• Daily dinner & lunch specials • New prices 

• Drink specials • Pizza & Beer 

• Affordable • FUN PLACE 

1/2 Off 

Appetizers 

Good anytime. 

Not valid with other discounts or 

specials. Offer expires 10-31-08. 

Great Golf, Lodging & Dining Packages 

Marsh Ridge has long been known for its challenging, yet playable, championship 

golf course. The picturesque views from every hole, changes in elevation, 

and a setting carved into the natural marshlands and woods make Marsh 

Ridge a golf experience you’ll never forget. We truly are “Up-North” golf at its 

finest. Couple that with our exceptional lodging options and you will see why 

we are a Gaylord golf package favorite. Gaylord is rated the top Midwest golfing 

destination by Golf Magazine. 

Two for One Golf Special 

Play 9 or 18 holes of golf, 

and a friend can play free 

with this coupon! 

Not valid with other discounts or specials. 

Good Monday-Thursday. Offer expires 10-31-08. 

marshridgelodging.com 1-800-743-PLAY or 989-732-5552 golfthenatural.com 

US 27 - 1.5 MILES SOUTH OF GAYLORD • Under New Ownership

now

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