TM

Fun. Informative. Free.

Summer 2015 | Issue 02

Remembering a festive Fourth!

Stay connected WhitmoreLakeNews.com Like: facebook.com/ WhitmoreLakeNews Join: facebook.com/groups/ WhitmoreLakeNews Our mission is to inform and enrich the community of Whitmore Lake by sharing area news, promoting local business, and encouraging community involvement. There is so much to do around town; what have you been up to this summer? Share your favorite outings and photos on our Facebook group! Do you have a story to tell? Write a letter to the editor, email or give us a call. We welcome ideas, art, writing, local photos and, of course, feedback at editor@ WhitmoreLakeNews.com.

photos by Leslie Banks

1

Keeping the peace: Constable Elmer Klump By Mary Christianson

Though I’ve lived in Whitmore Lake for only a few years, I nonetheless stumbled across the name “Elmer Klump” more than a few times. Many locals remember him as the constable who kept a sharp eye on the town from a spot behind the gas station on Main Street and 8 Mile Road. Others remember him as the oldest serving law enforcement official in the nation, serving Constable Klump well into his 80s. He was known for his role as peace keeper in the community and was commemorated by the Elmer Klump Award, given to the resident who best exemplifies good citizenship. The award was originally awarded by Northfield Township, more recently by the local Kiwanis club, but has not been awarded in several years. However, in July of 2014, there was a request made to the township to bring back the award.

Street and in the early days before radio, his wife Mary helped man the phone to serve as a dispatch deputy on a volunteer basis. Elmer Klump contributed to the community beyond serving as constable, deputy and volunteer fireman at different points in his career. He sometimes helped people get back on their feet by taking them into his home for days or weeks at a time. His son recalls going along on a call to a bar where a man became violent. With his trademark ability to reason with people, Elmer managed to calm the man down. Within half an hour, the man was in the backseat of a friend’s car after making amends with everyone involved. The Klump family continues to thrive in Whitmore Lake and contributes to the community in many ways. Elmer’s son, Terrance Klump, is a life-long resident and graduate of Whitmore Lake High School (WLHS), and works as an attorney from his office on Barker Road with his wife Sandi, a retired WLHS teacher. Elmer’s granddaughters are also residents of Whitmore Lake and graduates of WLHS. Kris Klump-Ward teaches at WLHS, while Kelly Klump works at Michigan State University as an educator and researcher. All four of Elmer Klump’s great-grandchildren currently attend Whitmore Lake schools keeping Elmer’s legacy flourishing.

Born October 31, 1893, Elmer Frederick Klump operated a car dealership in the late 1920s and 30s. He began his long law enforcement career as a 23-year-old deputy sheriff in 1916. In 1920 he was a member of the sheriff’s posse that brought in four gunmen who robbed Farmers State Bank in Grass Lake. One member of the posse was shot and killed in the operation. Elmer was said to be quite tall — 6 foot 2 inches according to his son, local attorney Terrance Klump. One of the former troublemakers who was set straight by Constable Klump commented on his large hands, recalling that one of his hands was “as big as two of mine.” He said Constable Klump often parked near the gas station at Main Street and 8 Mile Road to keep an eye on the town and lake, but Klump also owned the station and worked there with his family as a side job. His family lived on N. Main

Mary and Elmer Klump

Letter to the Editor Hi. I just picked up the first issue of the Whitmore Lake News. Good effort, please keep at it! I especially enjoyed the historical article of the Spirl family. But I was a bit mystified about the naming of WL article, as it never actually explained it. Anyway, congratulations, I wish this effort success! — Gregg M Whitmore Lake

2

Editor’s note: The full story is online at whitmorelakenews. com/the-whitmore-family-in-early-washtenaw-county Whitmore Lake was named when Luke H. Whitmore was out prospecting the countryside along with Joseph P. Stratton, surveyor for Ann Arbor Township. This took place sometime in the early 1820s or 30s.

THINGS IN PLACES by Mary Kinnunen

ACROSS

1. It can be reserved at 53 across 5. What a detective solves 9. Swiss peak 12. Philbin co-host 13. Rowboat need 14. Water tester 15. Tiger or Yankee, briefly 16. ___ Lake, where 28 Down nests 18. Goes berserk 20. Marge’s hubby 21. Meteorite result 23. Make a wager 24. Like Lord Voldemort or Nurse Ratched 25. They cover 20 million Michigan acres 29. Cal. neighbor 30. “What’s good about being Swiss? Well, the flag is a big plus,” e.g. 31. Hem and ___ 32. Type of civilization 35. First part of a process 37. Bullfight cheer 38. Veer wildly 39. Freshman course word 42. Kind of guard 43. Where 21 Down frolics 45. Crack jokes 48. Certain vow 49. Great Lake with 62’ average depth 50. ___ spumante 51. Mid-June honoree 52. Informal claim 53. ___.org

DOWN

1. Sports ___ 2. Olive product 3. Controls a machine 4. System of self defense 5. Cringe in fear 6. Sounds of contentment 7. ___ Lanka 8. Biblical queen 9. Elementary particle 10.Handed-down stories 11. Look closely 17. Bit of dust 19. H.S. diploma alternative


1

2

3

4

12

     

15 18

        33

32  

  40

   

10

11

14

 

25

26  

34

 

37

35

  27

28

31 36

38

41

42 44  

9

20

23

30

43

51

8

17  

22

29

48

7

13

19

24

39

6

16

  21

5

49 52

     

45

46

47

50 53

21. Thick-coated dog 22. Uncommon 23. “___ voyage!” 25. Merriment 26. Most transparent, as in cloth 27. Measuring tool 28. Large white bird 30. Prior to 33. Peter of The Monkees 34. Skipped walking down the aisle 35. Mineo of “Rebel Without a Cause” 36. ___ Pride is found everywhere 38. Some six packs 39. Footnote word 40. Zip, zilch, squat 41. Walked upon 42. Baby bed 44. Onassis nickname 46. R.R. stop 47. Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ___ You Get Enough”

3

Best wishes, Whitmore Lake News! from the staff of

Whitmore Lake

Upright Rhombus LLC  Website Management  Systems Integration  Custom Programming ww www.UprightRhombus.com

FREE in-home water

treatment evaluation P.O. Box 339 7674 E. M-36 Hamburg, MI 48139

(800) 273-9978 awtworks.com [email protected]

Slurping summer smoothies By Leslie Banks

But banana, mango and carrot are a few cover-up foods that will mask those savory flavors for even the most finicky palate. During the cold and flu season, I blend with a much higher broth and citrus ratio; the Popsicles are great for sore throats. But if broth is a no-go, coconut water is a good substitute.

We are making the most of this summer dancing to live music at Captain Joe’s, enjoying concerts and many great daytime kids’ events at the Northfield Township Area Library, and splish-splashing at Independence Lake County Park. With so much running around, trying to keep a family eating healthy on the go can be a challenge. Whether freezing Popsicles, slurping from a pouch or chugging fresh from the blender, homemade smoothies have become a main food group in my house this summer. Common smoothie pitfalls can be buying them at restaurants, which may be full of artificial syrups and dyes, or making them full of fruit. Don’t forget to add plenty of vegetables, protein and healthy fat to the mix to make it a balanced snack that keeps you going. Include dark leafy greens like kale, spinach or beet greens; proteins like black beans, peas or chia seeds; vegetables like carrots or broccoli; and fats like avocado, coconut manna, or a little olive or coconut oil. Using homemade chicken bone broth as the liquid adds protein and minerals to the party and it doesn’t take much. Broth? Yes, broth! If you’re used to a smoothie basically tasting like dessert, it will take some getting used to

Prepping fruits and veggies can be time consuming; a timesaver is to either buy some of your ingredients already cut and frozen, or to prep in batches and freeze yourself. Sure you lose some nutrients by freezing, but in my world I’m doing what I can to make healthy choices feasible and consistent. I try to include an equal amount of fresh to my frozen and call it a day. Serving options range based on our agenda: a cup, refillable pouch (I love the Squooshi system which can also be frozen), or frozen Popsicle. Pouches are not just for the kids, I pack them in my husband’s lunch and eat them myself. I don’t mind sipping from a monkey, but Squooshi also has adult-friendly designs to choose from. I managed to snag my set on a discounted Facebook group purchase at wholesale prices. They will be around way past the toddler years in my family and have been a great investment.

Found From Facebook friends Members of the WLN Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/WhitmoreLakeNews)) recently shared the fun things they’ve found in Whitmore Lake, including: An anchor, a spider man toy and a baseball hat A skateboard A necklace and some sunglasses Mr. James Hoffa and a few nice zebra shells Golf balls, lots of ‘em Cinder blocks, partial posts This old wooden toy piece! I also contributed a very nice scottevest jacket to the lake this summer!

stark

• • • • • • •

Photography, graphic design and writing for business and personal use. [email protected] StarkArtisan.com | 313-550-2640

Place your ad On our website & in print! [email protected]

Through expansion, NTAL looks to the future By Joey Mastro

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and soon the citizens of Northfield Township will be able to enjoy and experience their hometown library like never before. The Northfield Township Area Library is looking forward to an exciting autumn of growth and change, all while keeping their small-town roots firmly planted in the historic ground on Barker Road. The Library is undergoing its largest re-invention since the doors opened in 1989. On August 29 at 11 a.m., the Library is hosting a ground-breaking ceremony to commemorate the start of construction on a broad expansion that will further cement the Library’s position as one of the most valuable community resources in Whitmore Lake. This new 2,100-square-foot wing of the Library is dramatically expanding the children and young adult sections, in addition to creating more space for a dedicated computer lab, a larger fiction section, and an expanded genealogy and local history space. The addition includes a multi-purpose room to accommodate meetings, events, and even birthday parties, making it the perfect gathering space for community residents and groups. While expanding the physical area of the Library, the project also brings improvements to the existing structure. New carpet, paint, and lighting freshens up the environment for patrons, while taking into account the historic nature of the building.

6

Since opening its doors more than 25 years ago, the Northfield Township Area Library continues to serve as a beacon of information for people of all ages. The Library’s role as a resource center, entertainment hub, and gathering place is thriving, as evidenced by growing circulation numbers and increasing attendance at the Library’s yearround programming. The expansion of one of Northfield Township’s greatest resources is vital to keeping Whitmore Lake vibrant, entertained and informed. This September, pay the Library a visit to sign up for a library card if you don’t have one already, and learn about the exciting new developments! For more information, visit NTAL.org.

The native practice of “flinking” by Tom Saunders

“Flinkers” are seen sitting with a drink, and maybe a snack, on the open water of Michigan’s inland lakes, lazily floating where the waves take them. There is little or no power to their boats, only the undulations of the waves to float the boat where chance may take it. Sunsets are a big draw, of course, but fish, birds, other flinkers and sometimes sailboats are part of the mix. Flinkers take the drinking part of the art seriously. Not content with just a beer, flinkers must have beer at just the proper temperature, whether canned or bottled, housed in coolers of some antiquity and character. Advanced flinkers are known to have wine, at the proper temperature for white or red accordingly, and in few cases, mixed cocktails of exact measure and content may be seen. However, this last group comes near to being professional and is not your work-a-day flinker.

active and aggressive style of water life. Fishing boats, of course, have some deadly serious business taking place, making flinking difficult in these vessels. However, serious students of flinking have been known to make it work despite the challenge. Relaxing, watching and commenting on the passing scenery, and consuming beverages and snacks is the accepted presentation of flinking in its most orthodox form. Practitioners come from all backgrounds and nations, and the Brotherhood of Flinkers accepts new members who are dedicated to the art. Please note, under no conditions are jet skiers considered flinkers! The very idea…

Proper flinking includes attire ranging from standard bathing suits to shorts and t-shirts so worn that they hardly cling to the color dye they were once made with. Some carry sweat shirts and T-shirts of favored teams in case the temperature drops by something in the neighborhood of 3 degrees. However, coolness is not a reason to stop flinking. Few things are valid reasons to stop flinking. A proper “flink” is not an activity so much as a life style. Boaters, usually with pontoon boats, motor to the middle of a lake and turn off the engine to assume a proper flinking point. Power boats and fishing boats have also been known to flink but they are set up for a more

PNC Bank leaving town PNC Bank has confirmed that it is scheduled to close the Whitmore Lake branch on October 30, 2015. Many have expressed concern that this branch is an vital asset to our community and a lifeline for some residents and businesses. Please share your ideas for keeping the bank in town at facebook.com/groups/WhitmoreLakeNews.

Did you know? In the Northern Michigan region of Beaver Island, locals take part in a similar practice on land called “boodling,” according to writer, Brad Floury.

7

Doing business in Whitmore Lake: Al Dente Pasta By Drew Saunders

For about a decade, Al Dente Pasta was the only pasta and windsurfing company in the world. Dennis and Monique Deschaine started a company in the 1980s providing windsurfing merchandise in Whitmore Lake while also producing pasta made in their friend’s kitchen. As the business grew they moved into their current location between U.S.-23 and the Whitmore Lake Tavern. “In the early 80s, on a given windy day, there would’ve been 50 windsurfers out there on that lake. And it’s all because of my husband,” Monique said. When the windsurfing business ended in a fire in 1993, the Deschaines chose to focus on pasta. Today they employ around 20 people in their 10,000-square-foot factory behind the Whitmore Lake Tavern. Al Dente Pasta emphasizes quality over quantity. Massproduced pasta is pushed out of a dye and into shapes in a process called extrusion. While they do use a machine roller, the Deschaines use a human touch as much as possible in order to attain a “tender, but firm, northern Italian-style pasta,” as noted on their website. This is how they are able to produce a quality flat pasta that major food conglomerates can’t, says Monique.

Monique Deschaine

Once pressed, the pasta is placed on large racks and transferred to one of 10 drying rooms, which are large heated containers that line the inside of the production room. The pasta is then dyed into one of 23 flavors and moved to the warehouse for inventory and shipping. “That’s the only way that you can get the home-made taste and texture that has made us famous since 1981,” Monique said. For more information, visit aldentepasta.com.

Got art? Send us your stuff — art, stories, photos – and get into an upcoming issue of the Whitmore Lake News! Email submissions to [email protected]

Shelly enjoyed the dazzling fireworks display from a driveway in the North Pointe Estates neighborhood.

TM

Website Visit: WhitmoreLakeNews.com

Facebook

Local artist submission by Amanda Hoxey “I’m the [Whitmore Lake High School] student from Mr. Sprow’s graphic design class who drew your turtle. I hope you enjoy it.”

8

Share your thoughts, photos, events & ideas! Like: facebook.com/WhitmoreLakeNews Join: facebook.com/groups/WhitmoreLakeNews

Contact us [email protected] | 734-761-5734 Publishers: Leslie Banks, Mary Christianson Editor: Mary Christianson © Whitmore Lake News, LLC: August 2015