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Get your machineready for springat JnJ Alpine AutoWash, located onWest Main Street in Gaylordat McVannel Road. Photo byJim Akans
HIDDEN TREASURES
Don’t miss thisweekends GrandOpening of thenewest resale shop inthe north - Four SeasonsResale of the North, foundedby Terie Rogers and locatedat 111 E. Main Street inGaylord. Photo by JimAkans
JnJ AlpineAuto Wash
Positive News,Sports andEvents
20/20 PROJECT
Thursday, March 15, 2012
& More!
Covering 40 Towns in Northern Michigan including Gaylord, Petoskey,Cheboygan, Grayling, Lewiston, Mancelona, Mio, Indian River and surrounding area.
Four SeasonResale ofthe North
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By Jim Akans
Patricia Osburn, OtsegoConservation District Administrator, is being honoredby the American Association of University Women (AAUW)Gaylord Area Branch as 2012’s“Woman Making History.” There will be a luncheon on Saturday,March 24th at 12:30pm atMichaywe Inn the Woods tohonor Patricia.Patricia is being honored forher work on the DemonstrationGarden and ConservationForest. She envisioned a greenspace in Gaylord, open to thepublic, where people could learnabout the water quality (andother) benefits of landscaping with native plants. In 1997 sheput plans in motion, clearing outthe county dump nearLivingston Blvd. and creating a3-acre garden next to 16 acres of woods and trails.
By Jim Akans
There are many facets con-tributing to the quality of lifeone experiences in a communi-ty. Those range from practicalconsiderations such as theavailability of transportation,shopping and medical services,employment and educationalopportunities, to subjectiveimpressions regarding safety,the effectiveness of governmentand community leadership, thearts, entertainment and recre-ational venues, and the variety of opportunities for youth andadult participation within thecommunity. Each of theseareas and more contribute toquality of life, and each individ-ual places their unique empha-sis on how these factors affecttheir satisfaction and enjoy-ment in a community.Over the past year, an exten-sive survey and assessment hasbeen developed and is underimplementation in OtsegoCounty to help assess the quali-ty of life residents in the county experience in 12 key areas. Administered through theNortheast Michigan Council forGovernments (NEMCOG), andimplemented through thecooperation and participationof several area agencies andorganizations including theMSU Extension, County of Otsego, Otsego County Township Officers Association,District Health Department,Otsego County Community Foundation and the Otsego
SEEQUALITY OF LIFEPAGE 4A
Patricia Osborn
to be honored as
AAUW’s 2012 “WomanMaking History”
STORYPAGE 10
By Jim Akans
It’s an unassuming looking structure located in an industri-al park just south of the TraverseCity Regional airport. Yet it isone of only two such state-of-the-art recycling and recovery projects currently under opera-tion in the entire United States,the other not surprisingly situ-ated in the leading edge com-munity of San Jose, California. What makes this 4.5 acre, $12million facility so unique is thatis designed to actually sortrecyclable material directly from a bags of everyday trash, ultimately recovering about 50-percent of recy-
Inside...
SEEPATRICIA OSBORNPAGE 5A
STORYPAGE 5
Otsego County Quality of LifeAssessmentis underway
GAYLORD
1390 Main St. West
989-732-8200
Rather than going directl to the landfill, the “TippingFloor” at the American Waste Reccling facilit is whereraw trash is deposited before being moved to the frontend of the recover processing equipment line.
SEERECYCLINGPAGE 4A
20/20.....................
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Classifieds......................
8B
Crossword.......................
12
Health.....................
13 - 15
Inspirational Page............
7B
OCCOA News..................
15
READ................................
2
Real Estate....................
9B
Weather............................
3
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There are many facets contributing to the quality of life one experiences in acommunity. Over the past year, an extensive survey and assessment has beendeveloped and is under implementation in Otsego County to help assess thequality of life residents experience and desire.
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989-705-7005
Store HoursMon. - Sat. 12 p.m. - 8 p.mSunday Race Day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Performance Raceway & Hobbies
Boats, Planes, Cars, Trucks & Helicopters
Under New Ownership!
180 Fairview, Gaylord, MI 49735
Across from Fairgrounds Entrance
email: performanceraceway@gmail.com
Oil change, tire
rotation
&
free multi point inspection
$
29.95
State-of-the-art American WasteRecycling Facility
is one of only two in the nation
Patricia Osburn, Otsego ConservationDistrict Administrator, is being honored bythe American Association of UniversityWomen (AAUW) Gaylord Area Branch as2012’s “Woman Making History.” There willbe a luncheon on Saturday, March 24th at12:30pm at Michaywe Inn the Woods tohonor Patricia.
Page 2 • Choice Publications ... The Best Choice!March 15, 2012
By Jim AkansSituated in a beautifully renovated mid-20th century home just south of the centerof the pleasant community of Mio, O’Brien’sRestaurant offers an unexpected, and truly memorable, dining experience that isunique, elegant and most of all; delicious.Under the careful and expert guidance of Dan and Betty O’Brien, who have over 40 years of experience in the restaurant busi-ness that includes operating establishmentsin Breckenridge, Colorado and Key West,Florida, O’Brien’s places their focus on ambi-ence, service and high quality meals Danprepares using only the finest of ingredients.The reasonably priced fare includes a won-derful range of beef, chicken, seafood dishesand more, plus a selection of house special-ties that reflect the O’Brien’s 20 years of serv-ice in Key West’s food service industry.“This is truly a remarkable adventure infood,” remarked my wife, Cindy, during ourrecent visit to O’Brien’s. “Each course isabsolutely delicious, and leaves you eagerly anticipating the next.” Another regular O’Brien’s patron noted,“It’s like receiving a plain paper wrapped box in the mail, and upon opening, finding a glit-tering array of treasures within.”The dining experience at O’Brien’s opens with a basket of fresh homemade breads andan accompanying trio of butters; plain, cin-namon and garlic. Next up is a seven-itemrelish tray, with refreshing choices of carrots,coleslaw, cottage cheese, applesauce, black olives, “hotty-totty” pickle slices, and cornrelish.For the main course, we split the prime rib(seasoned and slow roasted to perfection)and blackened Mahi-Mahi (the perfect light, yet firm and slightly spicy complement).Don’t miss the opportunity to check out“Dan’s Tasty Taters,” a longstanding family recipe that will leave you searching yourplate for one last bite.Save room for dessert, because O’Brien’sKey Lime Pie is simply out of this worldgood. The secret recipe was reportedly passed to Dan from a friend down in Key West, and Northern Michigan diners are now the blessed benefactors of this exchange.O’Brien’s Restaurant is truly a family owned and operated establishment, withDan and Betty at the helm and their son anddaughter, Vincent and Peggy, handling bar-tending and customer serviceroles respectively.The ambience is unique, ele-gant and comforting. The estab-lishment is split into two interiordining areas plus a screened inoutdoor “Florida Room.” Thedécor is highly detailed with avariety of vintage china,stemware and accents, creating the perfect atmosphere for enjoy-ing a fabulous and intimate din-ing experience.“Drive a little and enjoy a lot”is O’Brien’s on-the-mark promo-tional slogan, and considering the journey through the gorgeousNorthern Michigan countrysideleading to Mio is a feast for thesenses as well, I would highly suggest enjoying the wonderfuldrive, as well as the excellentadventure in food that waits atthe journey’s end.O’Brien’s Restaurant is locat-ed at 320 S. Morenci (M-33) inMio, across from the County Courthouse and directly infront of the Songbird Motel.Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday,5 to 8 pm. For information andreservations call (989) 826-5547.
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Situated in a beautifully renovated mid-20th century home just south of the pleas-ant community of Mio, O’Brien’s Restaurant offers an unexpected, and truly mem-orable, dining experience that is unique, elegant and most of all; delicious.Under the careful and expert guidance of Dan andBetty O’Brien (inset photo), O’Brien’s Restaurant inMio places their focus on ambience, service andhigh quality, and truly memorable, meals.
O’Brien’s Restaurant in Mio
offers a unique and elegant “adventure in food”
READ
Recreation, Entertainment, Arts, Dining
W W W. FA M O U S P O L I S H K I T C H E N . C O M
TRADITIONAL POLISH CUISINE
At the Polish Kitchen of Harbor Springs, you’llsavor the flavors of the old country: the rich, earthyblends of meats and vegetables that are the staplesof Polish home cooking.
Buy the first main dish and get the 2nd one half off!!
8418 M-119, Harbor Springs
231-838-5377
OPEN 11AM – 8PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK
(LOCATED IN THE HARBOR PLAZA BY THE HARBOR SPRINGS AIRPORT)
- Dine In, Take Out or Delivery-
Buzztime Interactive TV Games
220 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord
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Drop in before, during or after any sport eventWatch all your favorite sports here!!!
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O’BRIEN’SRESTAURANT
320 S. Morenci Ave.(On M-33-Main Street), Mio
LOCATED at the “SONGBIRD MOTEL”
Reservations Greatly Appreciated
CLOSED SUNDAY, MONDAY & TUESDAY
But We Will Be Op
en on East
er,Mot
he
r’
s Day & F
at
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r’
s Day
OPEN WED, THURS,FRI & SAT. 5PM-8PM
COCKTAILS - WINE - BEER
AVAILABLE FOR YOURDINING PLEASURE
989-826-5547
We will be serving:
Corned Beef with Cabbage, Potatoes, Onions &Carrots along with Irish Soda Bread on
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Dinner includes Soup, 7 item Relish Tray and 3 Homemade Breads & Butters.
All of this for only $12.95
989-826-5547
Full Menu Always Available
CALL
(989) 732-8160
FAX
(888) 854-7441
EMAIL
DAVE1@WEEKLYCHOICE.COM
LOCAL NEWS FROM NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Local News
Ts, M 15, 2012 Ll Nws Ln (989) 732-8160
March 15, 2012Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! • Page 3
WEATHER:
Thursday
High 59 Low 49
Friday
High 57 Low 46
Saturday
High 62 Low 47
Sunday
High 65 Low 52
Monday
High 67 Low 43
Tuesday
High 52 Low 41
Medal of Honor Recipient toSpeak at NCMC
Marine Sergeant Dakota Meyer, recipient of the Medal of Honor, will appear at North Central Michigan College on Wednesday, March 28, for a Lecture Series presentation. Sgt.Meyer received the military’s highest honor in a ceremony atthe White House last September for his actions during theBattle of Ganjgal in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in 2009. Heis the first living Marine to receive the honor since 1973 and,at age 23, one of the youngest.On September 8, 2009, a group of Marines accompaniedby two platoons of Afghan National Army and Border Police,moved on foot into the village of Ganjgal for a predawnmeeting with village elders. Three U.S. Marines and a U.S.Navy corpsman were cut off after their patrol was ambushedby more than 50 enemy fighters firing rocket-propelledgrenades, mortars and machine guns from houses and forti-fied positions on the slopes above.Over a six-hour period, Meyer risked almost certain deathfrom heavy enemy fire as he and others repeatedly approached the area of the ambush in a heroic effort toreturn fire, retrieve wounded U.S. and Afghan soldiers andrecover the bodies of the missing Americans.Meyer, a corporal at the time, suffered shrapnel wounds tohis arm and did not expect to survive the battle. “I wasn’treally thinking I could die, it was just a matter of when,” saidMeyer. “I never thought I was going to come out… (but)that’s what Marines do.”The Medal of Honor Citation summarized his actions this way: “Corporal Meyer’s daring initiative and bold fighting spirit throughout the six-hour battle significantly disruptedthe enemy’s attack and inspired the members of the com-bined force to fight on. His unwavering courage and stead-fast devotion to his U.S. and Afghan comrades in the face of almost certain death reflected great credit upon himself andupheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and theUnited States Naval Service.”The full citation can be seen at this U.S. Marine Corps webpage:http://www.marines.mil/community/pages/MedalofHonorSgtDakotaMeyer-Citation.aspx Currently, Meyer is partnering with the Marine CorpsScholarship Foundation to raise $1 million to support theeducation of children of Marines and has issued the “DakotaMeyer Scholarship Challenge to America” to match hisefforts to raise an additional $1 million.The Lecture Series presentation will take place at 7 p.m. inthe college’s Student and Community Resource Center. Theprogram is free; however, tickets will be required for entry.They are available at North Central’s college store, studentservices office and the business office on the Petoskey cam-pus, at the college’s Cheboygan office at Cheboygan HighSchool, the Gaylord office at the University Center at Gaylordand at the East Jordan office at the Lake Street Center in EastJordan.
St. Patrick’s Day has a very colorful history indeed
By Jim Akans While a patron saint of Ireland, the hero of St.Patrick’s Day, St. Patrick himself, was actually bornMaewyn Succat, the son of a wealthy landowner,in Britain somewhere around 385 AD. He wascaptured by pirates and taken to Ireland during his impressionable mid-teens, and spent several years in slavery herding sheep.Maewyn returned to Ireland when he was in his30’s and became a bishop, adopting the Latinname Patricius, later shortened to Patrick. St.Patrick is said to have used the three-leafed clover,or shamrock, to symbolize the concept of the holy trinity in his ministry. St. Patrick is believed tohave passed away on March 17th in the year 461 AD, and thus it is on the occasion of his death thatSt. Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year. Among the many legends attributed to St.Patrick is that he drove snakes out of Ireland, anact refuted by modern science. However, it’s thefabled four-leaf clover, also known as a shamrock, which has put much of the green into St. Patrick’sDay over the years.The image of the precious shamrock was widely popularized to baby boomers in America by “Lucky the Leprechaun,” who first appeared onchildren’s cereal boxes back in 1963. Childrenpursued Lucky who lamented they were “alwaysafter me Lucky Charms,” a sugar and grain versionof his pot o gold; consisting of “magically deli-cious” stars, moons, hearts and especially hard tofind green clovers, or shamrocksNow there never was an actual “Shamrock Plant,” it is a word with roots in the Irish “seam-rog” which means “little clover.” Clover there isplenty of, with hundreds of varieties, though thetrue “Irish Shamrock” as identified by NathanielColgan in the late 1800’s, is the Trifolium repens, acreeping White Clover. A white shamrock? Well no, the flower is white, but the familiar leaf is as green as the Emerald Isle itself. This particu-lar species was held in high esteem by the early Celts of Wales, and represented a charm againstevil spirits. Three-leaf shamrocks from St. Patrick’stimes have sprouted into the lucky four-leaf clovervariety much sought after today. They are consid-ered a symbol of good luck and good fortune thataccording to some estimates can be found only once among 10,000 of the regular three-leaf brandchoking off the grass in many a lawn.The color blue also has a place in St. Patrick’slore. According to legend, St. Patrick preferredblue as the color of his vestments. Green actually didn’t become associated with St. Patrick’s Day until the 19th century. In early Ireland, green was the imagined color of fairies and immortals,and was used by farmers to encourage crops togrow.Today, green is everywhere on St. Patrick’s Day. We have green beer, green hair, green water in theChicago River, green clothing worn somewhere tokeep from getting pinched, and of course, greenshamrocks.So grab some green and enjoy the luck of theIrish this St. Patrick’s Day. As one popular Irishtoast proclaims: ‘may the roof above us never fallin, and may we friends beneath it never fall out.’
It’s the Greenest Day of the Year
Published Weekly on Thursday.
Afton, Alanson, Alba, Atlanta, Black Lake, Bliss, Brutus, Burt Lake, Carp Lake,Cheboygan, Comins, Conway, Cross Village, Elmira, Fairview, Frederic, Gaylord,Good Hart, Grayling, Harbor Point, Indian River, Johannesburg, Lakes of the North, Levering, Lewiston, Lovells, Luzerne, Mackinaw City, Mancelona, Mio,Oden, Onaway, Pellston, Petoskey, Topinabee, Tower, Vanderbilt, Vienna Corners,Waters, Wolverine
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APER
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2010 Amount 2011 Amount 2011-12 AmountAtlanta 3/14/2010 33.1 3/14/2011 48 3/12/201257.9Charlevoix 3/14/2010 74.3 3/14/2011 73.1 3/12/201247.4East Jordan 3/14/2010 79.2 3/14/2011 89 3/12/201272.2Gaylord 3/14/2010 78.5 3/14/2011 102.8 3/12/201299.2Mio 3/14/2010 25.6 3/14/2011 46.1 3/12/201248.9Onaway 3/14/2010 67.3 3/14/2011 60.9 3/12/201265.2Petoskey 3/14/2010 83.3 3/14/2011 85.4 3/12/201273.3
Snowfalltotals
Records and Normals forGaylord
at Gaylord Regional Airport
Record Normal Record Normal Record Record
MonthDayHighHighLowLowPrecip.SnowvallMarch1574 °F 199037 °F-10 °F 198017 °F1.41 in. 19599 in. 1959March1667 °F 199037 °F-9 °F 199718 °F0.26 in. 19893.5 in. 1989March1766 °F 196637 °F-6 °F 196718 °F0.4 in. 19925 in. 1989March1865 °F 196638 °F-10 °F 195919 °F0.37 in. 19985 in. 1965March1958 °F 197638 °F-6 °F 198919 °F0.57 in. 19838 in. 1971March2058 °F 197639 °F-10 °F 198620 °F0.43 in. 19705.5 in. 1970March2157 °F 200339 °F-6 °F 198820 °F0.83 in. 19946 in. 1982March2260 °F 198740 °F-6 °F 198921 °F1.6 in. 197513 in. 1955March2363 °F 200040 °F2 °F 200821 °F0.56 in. 19665.5 in. 1974March2467 °F 198741 °F-10 °F 200821 °F0.72 in. 185111.5 in. 1951March2565 °F 198741 °F-11 °F 198322 °F0.36 in. 19973 in. 1997
Enjo the “luck of the Irish” on Saturda, March 17th – it’s St. Patrick’s Da!
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Weekly Choice - March 15, 2012
Weekly Choice
A Choice Publication
Covering 40 Towns in Northern Michigan including Gaylord, Petoskey, Cheboygan, Grayling, Lewiston, Mancelona, Mio, Indian River and surrounding area.
A Choice Publication
Covering 40 Towns in Northern Michigan including Gaylord, Petoskey, Cheboygan, Grayling, Lewiston, Mancelona, Mio, Indian River and surrounding area.
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