An Effort That Celebrates Annual Earth Day!

Today a team of volunteers is heading out to clean up the 3-mile stretch of road along the South Channel to the end of M-154. The Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association (HISCFA) has adopted this stretch of road as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Adopt-a-Highway program. This effort happens every spring and it usually coincides with our nation's Earth Day celebration. It's a great way to meet your neighbors and socialize while making a difference to our neighborhood. The effort takes less than two hours and ends with a gathering--this year at the Sans Souci bar--to socialize and kick back.

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It began in 1970 and is now recognized worldwide, involving various activities and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.

The idea for Earth Day was conceived by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who was concerned about the deterioration of the environment due to pollution and wanted to channel the energy of student anti-war protests towards environmental issues. The first Earth Day saw millions of Americans taking to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to rally for a healthy, sustainable environment.

Since then, Earth Day has grown into a global movement involving more than 190 countries. Each year, different themes are chosen to focus attention on specific environmental challenges. These themes can range from climate change and deforestation to plastic pollution and biodiversity loss.

On Earth Day, people around the world participate in various activities such as tree planting, clean-up campaigns, recycling drives, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns. Schools, communities, businesses, and governments often organize events and initiatives to engage people in environmental conservation efforts.

The goal of Earth Day is not only to raise awareness but also to inspire action. It encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to make environmentally-friendly choices in their daily lives and to support policies and practices that protect the planet.

Over the years, Earth Day has played a significant role in shaping environmental policies and inspiring global action on issues like climate change, conservation, and sustainable development. It serves as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to take care of our planet and to work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Photo: Stacy Williams, Harsens Island Photography LLC

On behalf of the Harsen's Island St. Clair Flats Association and all its members, we would like to express our deep sorrow for last week's tragic loss of six beautiful, memorable homes at The Old Club. Our hearts break for all of the families and their guests that have made so many cherished memories in these structures. We are grateful that everyone is safe and that there's hope through restoration plans that the spirit of these homes will live on for future generations.

Official Statement from The Old Club:

The Old Club is devastated to see the most iconic and historic gems of Harsens Island, the candy-colored boardwalk cottages that have stretched to the tip of the island for decades, succumb to destruction by fire on March 8, 2023. There were thankfully no injuries other than to our hearts.

The Board of Directors are securing a professional team of environmental specialists to advise on clean up and mitigate any environmental impact of this disaster. We are also engaging engineering expertise to begin rehabilitation of the site.

Six housing structures of historic significance that have long been family cottages were lost today. But we intend to restore the property back to its historic charm. The Old Club celebrated its 150 Year Anniversary last season and this unfortunate setback, while heartbreaking, will not deter us from continuing a century and a half of tradition.

Wendy Anglin
General Manager/COO
The Old Club

What is Flag Day?

When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors.

For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts towards creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation.

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

The Fundamental Rule of Flag Etiquette: Treat all flags with respect and common sense.  Below is a great reminder from Valley Forge of the basics of flag etiquette.

• The U.S. flag takes precedence over all other flags when flown within the United States. It should not be flown lower than another flag nor should it be smaller than another flag flown with it. Other flags may, however, be flown at the same height and in the same size. Other national flags should not be smaller or flown lower than the U.S. flag when displayed together. If it is not possible to display two or more national flags at the same height, it is not proper to display them together at all.
• The point of honor is on the extreme left from the standpoint of the observer (the flag’s right). The order from left to right of flags flown together is: U.S. flag, other national flags in alphabetical order, state flags, county and city flags, organizational flags and personal flags.
• It is not illegal or improper to fly any flag (state, ethnic group, organization, etc.) alone but it is always preferable to display the U.S. flag at the same time.
• If one flag is at half-staff in mourning, other flags flown with it should be at half-staff. First raise the flags to their peaks, than lower to half-staff. The U.S. flag is raised first and lowered last.
• It is proper to fly the U.S. flag at night, but only if it is spotlighted.
• In a public gathering (lecture hall, church, etc.) the U.S. flag should be to the right of the speakers or on the wall behind them.
• The U.S. flag should be in the center of a group of flags only when the center pole is taller than the others or when a fan-like arrangement makes the center pole higher than others.
• Displaying the flag with the canton on the left (canton is the blue field with the 50 stars): the canton of the flag should always be to the observers left. Over a street - when the U.S. flag is displayed other than from a staff, it should be displayed flat or suspended so its folds fall free. When displayed over a street, place the union so it faces north or east, depending on the direction of the street.
• Displaying a flag on a wall: when displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is to the observer's left. In a window, the union should be to flag’s right when viewed from outside.
• Displaying the flag with the canton on the right (canton is the blue field with the 50 stars): display the canton facing right when displayed as a decal on the right side of a vehicle (bus, truck, plane, etc.) or when worn as a patch on the right arm (but use on left arm is preferable).
• A salute (hand over heart for those not in uniform) should be rendered when the flag is raised, lowered, or carried by on parade; or when the Pledge of Allegiance is played (unless the flag is not present).
• The American flag, or ensign, on any U.S. boat should be flown at the stern. But if the boat is equipped with a mast and gaff, the flag should be flown from the peak of the gaff.
• Never drape a boat with the American flag. 
• Never display the American flag while racing.
• Only fly the flag at half-mast in compliance with the president's or governor's orders.

Photo by Cristina Glebova on Unsplash

Let's Help Feed Local Families!

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its annual national food drive on Saturday, May 14. NALC's food drive, which was first held in 1983, helps feed millions of Americans.

The Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, the country's largest one-day food drive, provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need.

Customers simply leave their donation of non-perishable food items next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail on Saturday, May 14. Letter carriers will collect these food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes, and distribute them to local food banks, pantries, shelters and churches.

The Letter Carriers' food drive is held annually on the second Saturday in May in 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Hunger affects 1 in 8 Americans, including millions of children, senior citizens and veterans.

In the 30 years since it began, the food drive has collected about 1.82 billion pounds of food for struggling residents.

All you need to do is place non-perishable food items in a bag and set it by your mailbox on Saturday, May 14, before your mail is delivered.  Your postal carrier will pick it up on Saturday and deliver it to food banks and pantries in our community.

You can also drop off non-perishable food at the USPS Algonac branch: 801 Saint Clair River Dr., Phone: (810) 794-3821

Thank you for your participation and thank you to all the postal carriers for their efforts for this important cause!

Learn More on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger

Watch for Turtles Crossing the Road!

It's turtle time on the Island.  The image below has some great advice on how to handle a turtle should you encounter one in the road.

1) If you see a turtle on the road:  Slow down, pull over to the side of the road, put on your emergency flashers.  And when it's safe, help them get across in the same direction they were going.

2)  Use both of your hands to hold them at the sides near the end of their shells.  And lift them up to move them.  Always keep your hands away from their faces.

3)  Never pick them up by their tail.  You can damage their vertebrae.

Save a turtle!  Thanks for being conscious of wildlife and slowing down!

Grab your Paddles, Pickleball has Begun!

If you've never heard of the game, it's become quite popular worldwide. It's said that it's a combination of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.  It's fast paced but easy on the body; it's easy to pick up and even easier to get hooked!  

Interested in getting started?  There's a group of players that enjoy open play at Browne’s Field every day (weather permitting) at 9:00 am except Sundays. 

The group started seven years ago on the Island with a handful of people and since then it's grown tremendously. It's a great social game and you'll get some good exercise while meeting your neighbors and making new friends. The group welcomes all levels of players and this year, starting at 10:00, they're excited to work with beginners and anyone that wants to learn the game (paddles are available!).

HISCFA appreciates all that the group does to maintain the courts and support the sport.  The courts are open to all but we encourage you to join or renew your membership with the association since Browne's Field is owned and operated by the Harsen's Island St. Clair Flats Association (HISCFA). 

Hope to see you on the courts! 

For questions about the Harsens Island pickleball group please contact: Jeanne Burczycki at jkburz1@comcast.net

Watch YouTube Video on Pickleball Basics

HISCFA Adopt-A-Highway Program

For 14 years now, since February 2008, HISCFA has been sponsoring a 3-mile stretch of M-154 alongside the South Channel as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program. This is a cost-free Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) program—as part of a nationwide program—designed to help keep the state's highway roadsides clean and attractive.

Since 1990, Adopt-A-Highway local groups, like HISCFA, have collected over a million bags of trash in Michigan. Currently 2,800 groups are participating in the program and have adopted over 6,400 miles of Michigan highways!

Every year MDOT determines two one-week periods where sponsor groups conduct their roadside cleanup. Safety vests and trash bags are provided to sponsor groups, and a pickup report gets submitted online to MDOT; within a week the trash bags along the sponsored roadside are picked up.

A big thank you to the 16 volunteers that met this year at St. Mark Church on April 23. At the brief kick-off huddle, third mile stretches of M-154 were divvied up among participants. Then off they were with waders, boots, rakes, and one volunteer even had a graveling hook! It was a gorgeous 71-degree day with a light breeze and lots of sunshine—a good day for a roadside walk with a trash bag!

You can see HISCFA’s official Adopt-a-Highway sign at the 90-degree bend of M-154 as you head towards Green Drive. M-154 has existed on Harsens Island since 1931. There are only two other Michigan trunkline highways that are located on islands: M-134 connects by ferry across the DeTour Passage to Drummond Island, and state highway M-185 that circles Mackinac Island.

Even with the water levels down exposing more trash, and the program's “pause” for a couple years due to COVID, the task went quickly. After only two hours of collecting, the group had nearly 20 bags of trash and other large pieces of debris like pallets and metal fencing. It was a very gratifying, and fun day which was topped off with pizza (donated by Lucy Burby RE/MAX First) and beverages at Browne’s Field.

In coordination with HISCFA’s Adopt-A-Highway event, a neighborhood group of volunteers in the Flats conducts a similar roadside cleanup.  Their stretch begins where HISCFA's ends and down towards the turnaround. 

Between these two annual events and the many volunteers, our roadsides have a debris-free, fresh start heading into another summer season!

Thank you for your participation!

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that can help save a person’s life if their breathing or heart stops.

When a person’s heart stops beating, they are in cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest, the heart cannot pump blood to the rest of the body, including the brain and lungs. Death can happen in minutes without treatment.  CPR uses chest compressions to mimic how the heart pumps. These compressions help keep blood flowing throughout the body.

Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. A person having a heart attack is still talking and breathing. This person does not need CPR—but they do need to get to the hospital right away. Heart attack increases the risk for going into cardiac arrest.

You Don’t Need Formal Training to Perform CPR

You don’t need a special certification or formal training to perform CPR, but you do need education. If cardiac arrest happens to someone near you, don’t be afraid—just be prepared! Follow these steps if you see someone in cardiac arrest:

1)  Call 9-1-1 right away. If another bystander is nearby, save time by asking that person to call 9-1-1 and look for an automated external defibrillator (AED) while you begin CPR. AEDs are portable machines that can electrically shock the heart and cause it to start beating again.  

2)  Give CPR. Push down hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 pushes a minute. Let the chest come back up to its normal position after each push. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends timing your pushes to the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive.” This method of CPR is called “hands-only” and does not involve breathing into the person’s mouth.

3)  Continue giving CPR until medical professionals arrive or until a person with formal CPR training can take over.

source: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/cpr.htm#

UPCOMING CLASS AT LIONS HALL
There will be a CPR class held at the Lions Hall on April 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.  Please contact Clay Township offices to learn more and reserve your spot.  Reservations are required.

Watch the 60-second video from the American Heart Association on how to do Hands-Only CPR

Last fall Island resident, Melanie Most, assumed the role of owner/publisher of The Island Flyer, and has securely taken the reins of this beloved Island icon from long-time owner Theresa Kukawka.

Below you’ll find some useful information regarding The Island Flyer and its deadlines and circulation.  This also acts as a tiny glimpse into a story that’s in the works for the 2022 edition of The Delta News—due out this August.

If you’re not familiar with The Island Flyer, it’s a mini newspaper that the people of Harsen’s Island—along with visitors—look forward to, save, and depend on for community happenings, real estate listings, "happy" ads and family celebrations, plus business information.  On a regular weekend the press run averages 1,500 papers and rises to 2,200 for holiday weekends.   

It’s a cost-free paper that can be picked up at select Island retailers and locations including Jane’s Sans Souci Market, The Reader’s Cove, The Waterfront Shoppe, The Island Grind, the Middle Channel Marina, and The Old Club.  It’s also available from volunteer paper carriers when you’re in line for the ferry on the mainland on Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings.

The Island Flyer is printed for 15 weeks with the first 2022 issue out on Friday, May 27 (Memorial Day Weekend).  Then it wraps up the season with the Labor Day Holiday Edition on Friday, September 2.

The deadline for all ads and articles is always the Sunday before at 5 p.m.  If you’re interested in submitting news, items of interest, or advertising, the email address is the same as before: harsensislandflyer@gmail.com. 

Best wishes, Melanie!  We look forward to working with you this year!

Click here for details on rates, ad sizes, and other information.

Applications are now being accepted!

It's that time of year again when students are thinking about life after high school and parents are thinking of the new expenses that college may bring!  So, we're pleased to announce that applications for the Harsen's Island St. Clair Flats Association's Orlo McLane Scholarship are now being accepted!

Please complete the application provided by Algonac High School and return it to Susan Bryson at the HISCFA address provided below. You do not need to attend Algonac High School to be considered.  This opportunity is open to any high school senior living on Harsen's Island.  

In addition to HISCFA's scholarship, there are scholarship opportunities available from four other Island organizations:

• Harsen's Island Lions
• Lioness Club
• Harsen's Island Garden Club
• St. Paul's Church, The Walter Skula Memorial Matching Funds

Our Island organizations have donated thousands of dollars over the years in support of our young people on the Island. We'd love to hear updates from any past graduates.  And if they're graduating from college or other programs, let us know and we'll be happy to announce it in the next issue of The Delta News! 

Seniors, congratulations on your upcoming graduation and best wishes for your next adventure!

Congratulations Christian!

Last year Christian Neumann earned the Association's 2021 scholarship. Christian graduated from Algonac High School on June 11, 2021.  He's the son of Jim and Laura Neumann of Algonac and Harsen's Island.  

Christian graduated in the top 11 students of his class and was a member of the National Honor Society.  He was awarded HISCFA's Orlo McLane Scholarship for his outstanding academic performance.  Christian had plans to continue his education at the Central Michigan University.

For the Harsen's Island St. Clair Flats (HISCFA) Scholarship:
Send completed application to Susan at the address below.
Harsen's Island St. Clair Flats Association
Attn: Susan Bryson
P.O. Box 17
Harsen's Island, MI 48028
Note: You do not need to attend Algonac High School to be considered.

For any questions or guidance on scholarships:
Algonac High School
Emily C. Tenniswood
College Adviser | MSUCAC
Algonac Jr/Sr High School
(810) 794-4911 ext. 1272

Here's the application:
Harsens Island Scholarship Application for Algonac High School

Contacts for other scholarship opportunities:
Email contact for the Garden Club Scholarship
Email contact for the Lioness Lions Scholarship