The Annual Meeting of the Michigan Swimmer’s Itch Partnership(MSIP)  is scheduled for Sunday, November 10, 2019 at Kirtland Community College, Grayling, MI.  The specific time has yet to be determined, but the event is likely from morning until mid-afternoon.
            All lake associations and those interested in swimmer’s itch are invited to learn general information about the Partnership and the results of research on swimmer’s itch in Michigan.  This is an opportunity to ask questions and learn from other lake associations and experts, the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, and the MI Department of Natural Resources.  An agenda will be available soon.
            DLIA is exploring the potential to partner with the UMBS to better evaluate and understand the prevalence of swimmer’s itch in Douglas Lake and possible joint efforts to benefit from the MISIP’s research that has been done in other northern MI inland lakes.
            DLIA is looking for a volunteer to attend this meeting to better inform the Association about the details of the benefits of MSI Partnerships and activities/resources available to partners. If you are interested or have other questions about the MISIP please contact me at president@douglaslake.org.

It’s official! Kelly Davis has the keys, the files, and the inventory in the locker at her disposal.  We welcome Kelly as DLIA Merchandise Manager.  Kelly is learning the ropes from Holly Gedert and is the contact person for on-line Merchandise Sales beginning this autumn. She’ll be bringing her own fresh ideas to merchandise for next summer but would welcome suggestions. Kelly can be reached by email at merchandise@douglaslake.org or by phone at 615-308-9086. 
Remember you can use the merchandise catalog at the DLIA web site to order online: DLIA Merchandise Catalog

You’ve probably noticed in all this rain that the mushroom population is thriving! Just in time, the Emmet Conservation District has scheduled a Mushroom Workshop on Tuesday October 8th, from 4-6pm. The Workshop will be held at Colonial Point Preserve, adjacent to the Cheboiganing Preserve, Burt Lake, Brutus, MI.  There is a $20/person fee for the Workshop. The workshop features a walk through the woods with local mycologist, Marilynn Smith (a former Douglas Lake resident).  Please dress for the weather!
If you would like to register contact Jacqueline Pilette, District Manager/Programs Coordinator, Emmet Conservation District by phone at (231)439-8977 or email at jackie.pilette@macd.org.

Mary Ann Huntington was a special woman in many ways.  She loved living and gardening at Douglas Lake. She was an active DLIA member, serving as Zone Representative and on the Executive Committee, and served on the Womenade Board. But more than any of those interests, Mary Ann loved reading and children.  She trained as Reading Specialist and taught kindergarten for many years - those skills brought her to the Pellston Elementary School a few years ago. In 2018 she conceived of the idea of “Reading Buddies,” – a program to gather volunteers from the local area starting with the Womenade group on Douglas Lake,  who would spend time with kindergarten, first and second graders reading to and with them, encouraging them to love books and reading as she did.  The “Reading Buddies” program started in the fall of 2018 - the kids fell in love with their “buddies” and the “buddies” returned the affection.  Unfortunately Mary Ann became increasing ill last fall and couldn’t be an active participant in her “Reading Buddies” initiative.  She passed away last spring.  But the “Reading Buddies” program goes on, with volunteers from Womenade, DLIA, and broader Douglas Lake and Pellston communities, both men and women.
            To honor Mary Ann, Marilynn Keleman on behalf of Womenade and the “Buddies” of “Reading Buddies” planned and organized a gathering at the Pellston Elementary School last Friday. Hoffman Landscaping donated a planting; donations from the Womenade Board and other friends of Womenade have funded a memorial stone and three benches placed in the school. Mary Ann’s husband, Bob Huntington, was present for some brief remarks, and the new Superintendent and Principal of the Pellston Elementary School, Stephen Seelye, spoke of the gratitude of the students, teachers and staff for all those who volunteer at the school. Mary Ann is there in spirit, still the champion of the “Reading Buddies” program.

All you need to know to make great compost for your garden or yard in a fun, two-hour workshop. (So the Tip of the Mitt Promises!) This interactive class is led by Amy Freeman, a nationally recognized composting expert. You will leave with confidence that you can make great compost. Fee for the Workshop is $20. For $40 you can register for the Workshop and get a Compost Bin (bin regularly sells for $55-$100)
Two Workshops are available:
Friday, October 11, 1:3—3:30 pm, The Carnegie Building, 451 E. Mitchell St, Petoskey, OR
Saturday, October 12, 9:00-11:00 am, Emmet County Drop-Off Center, 7363 S. Pleasantview Rd., Harbor Springs
You can register on line at: https://www.emmetrecycling.org/i-want-to-get/home-composting-for-you/

            Pipeline permitting processes are complex and can involve multiple Federal, State, and local agencies.  Navigating through the various permitting processes can be complicated for members of the public who want to be involved. It is often difficult to understand what permits are needed and how to effectively participate in the decision-making process. On September 16^th the Watershed Council (TOMWC) coordinated a webinar about “Pipeline Permitting in Michigan: How to Effectively Participate in the Decision-making Process.”
            Principal presenters were Joe Haas, District Supervisor, Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), Gaylord District and Dave Chislea, Gas Operations Sector, Michigan Public Service Commission.  Each reviewed his respective areas of oversight, regulatory matters about permits and points of public comment in their review processes.
            If you missed the webinar, you can view it now and learn how to effectively participate in the pipeline permitting decision-making process.  The recording with the overhead visuals used by the presenters is now available through YouTube at
Pipeline Permitting in Michigan
 

Annual Report:  DLIA Committee US 31 Trash Cleanup

      Douglas Lake Improvement Association provides volunteers to work with Michigan Department of Transportation to clean up trash along a two mile stretch of route 31. This stretch of highway runs 1 mile north and 1 mile south of Van road. MDOT provides the trash bags, info about Invasive Plants, safety rules to follow while picking up trash and bright colored vests.
I am into my 9^th year running this volunteer program and would thank all the volunteers who did come out to help. For the volunteers it’s a way to meet new DLIA members and get in some great exercise.
Please come out and support this worthwhile program.
Rich Gedert
(The last clean-up of 2019 was Thursday, September 26^th. Pictured above are volunteers Deb Hansen [left] and Mary Biaggini[right]; other volunteers that day were Susan Flanders, Rich Gedert, Bob Huntington, Barb Huey and Mary Ellen Sheridan.)