CONCERNED CITIZENS COMMITTEE OF BILLINGS TOWNSHIP The Eagle Eye VOLUME III, ISSUE. 7 July 1, 2010 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS = 56 TO DATE Do you know someone who is in need of A Random Act of Kindness? Independence Day is an appropriate time to consider and celebrate our Constitutional protections. The Bill of Rights AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL Our Forefather's Wisdom: "My reading for history convinces me that most bad governement results from too much government." Thomas Jefferson Goal: To be available to everyone in Billings Township Nearly 100 subscribers outside of the township. TEE is FREE Does not accept government funding. Our donations and support are needed. And appreciated. MAKE THEM RESPONSIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE KEEP THEM HONEST (John Gardner) ON GUARD We mutually pledge to each other ... 07/07/2010

Beaverton, Michigan 2010 4th of July Celebration Schedule of Events Here's to wishing you all a very safe and happy 4th of July!! Thursday July 1st 7pm 32nd Annual Beaverton road race 4 mile run @ 2 mile walk at BHS Track.         Register 5-6:45pm, contact Larry   Sroufe for info at 989-435-4111.   8pm Turle Races at the Beaverton Tavern - Adults Only      Registration 6:30-7:30 - Races begin at 8:00pm sharp!    Friday July 2nd 7pm "Miss-ter" Beaverton Pageant.          Relay for Life Fundraiser - local male contestants compete in talent, swim suit, evening gown and interview.           Tickets $5.00.  Held at the 2 story elementary school on Tonkin Street.   Rumor has it there will be a fireworks display over Wixom Lake on the Tobacco Side at dark...take your boat out and enjoy!   Sat... 07/01/2010

http://marilynharrell.point2agent.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?preview=true&listingid=17175353  Simply beautiful! what a view ! Have so much to tell....  new listings, sales in progress, inspections and appraisals... it's just so much fun, it never ends..... Have some really entertaining stories about my adventures on and off the job.... and some pictures and..... I have to make sure I meet my ad dead lines and numerous other important tasks ..... before I can come and play in the rain and share these stories and more.... Time for some inspiration!!! Some things are so clear, while others are not...... Take the quote below and think about it.....  Sacrifice is giving up something good for something better.       - Anonymous 1 1 http://www.heartsandminds.org/quotes/v... 06/06/2010

CONCERNED CITIZENS COMMITTEE OF BILLINGS TOWNSHIP The Eagle Eye VOLUME III, ISSUE. 6 June 1, 2010 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS = 56 TO DATE Do you know someone who is in need of A Random Act of Kindness? The Flag of Our Country http://www.apples4theteacher.com/ May 26'th CCC Meeting Notices ♦ Notice: To all parties of interest in the Sewer Assess-ment District (SAD): An attorney is interested in class action suits as well as indi-vidual claims. Do you have an interest in property that was added and removed and added back to the assess-ment? Do you live on a pri-vate road? Were you noti-fied that the sewer would extend down the private road? Was your Mortgage holder notified? Did a town-ship representative negotiate to acquire your property rights? Did you feel threat-ened? Were you shown an ... 06/02/2010

 As I ascended down the stairs, camera in hand, pausing for a moment here and there to snap a picture, I hear splashing in the lake. I look around and I see fish, BIG FISH, jumping out of the water. Here, there and every where! I must have a picture. By the time I could see a fish jump out of the water and press the button to take the picture, the fish is long gone.... So I just took picture after picture, fortunately, my camera batteries went dead, reminding me that I was on my way to the office! When time permitted, I was able to view the pictures. I did indeed successfully photograph a fish out of water! I actually got three, and of course, the circles are the ones I missed!!!! Wixom Lake is located in South Eastern Gladwin County and extends into the North Eastern part of Midland Co... 06/02/2010

WIXOM LAKE - Harbor Cove Condominium Association  Entrance South    Unit 1 $49,900    Unit 2 $49,900    Unit 4 $54,900  Unit 6 $59,900  Unit 7 $59,900    Unit 8 $69,900    Unit 9 $79,900    Unit 10 $79,900    Unit 12 $99,900   Unit 13 $129,900  Unit A $189,900      Steel seawall on Unit A - Level to the water building lot! Lot 10 from Lot A - using zoom lens! MLS # 153251 $1,200,000 Includes the 33 acres listed for $199,900, lot 14 and 15 which are off water lots listed at $37,500 each and the 22 acres of preservation land and Units 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and A. Lots 3, 5 and 11 sold, therefore, not included. Wixom Lake and Harbor Cove Condominium Association Pictures and Text by Marilyn Harrell   05/22/2010

  This bird was strutting down a gravel road in Billings Township of Gladwin County Michigan  so I took his (?) picture...... He was headed West and I to the East...... I stopped and rolled down my window for the first picture, then I became brave and stepped out of the car. He wasn't wanting to stop and pose and continued strutting down the road just shaking his rear end!!!!, yet turning to look at me frequently... he looked at me and I looked at him..... I don't know if it's tame or wild, he did seem a bit concerned by my presence, as I was his, I know geese can and will attack !!! and even though this does not look like a goose I didn't know if he was friendly or angry like !!! So he went his way and I went mine...... Next I drove by Wixom Lake - So peaceful and beautiful this mornin... 05/17/2010

The Dandelion - Not only beautiful ..... but useful too! From Wikepedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taraxacum From  "Wildman" Steve Brill 's website! http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Dandelion.htm From the University of Maryland http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/dandelion-000236.html From Mrs. M. Grieve http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08.html Alternative Medicine  http://nccam.nih.gov/health/dandelion/ These are all really great sites! I was actually looking for the dandelion wine recipe to share and came across this other stuff instead...... No, this is not my yard!!!! It has very few beautiful dandelions....... I don't have the time to make dandelion wine or any other kind! I am a full time realtor and I do have time for you....... "Courage is the disc... 05/13/2010

CONCERNED CITIZENS COMMITTEE OF BILLINGS TOWNSHIP The Eagle Eye VOLUME III, ISSUE. 5 May 1, 2010 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS = 55 TO DATE Do you know someone who is in need of A Random Act of Kindness? A Crooked Book is an article regarding the auditing of the general ledger for Billings Township. How did the township pay for the ICE CARNIVAL PROPERTY? and VOIDED CHECKS: 120 to vendors and 85 payroll checks and other info... Talkin' Trash is about the surplus of funds in the Garbage Fund. And the recent inclusion of vacant parcels and removal of some at the January 12, 2009 meeting. OLD SOLDIER HERO - by Roger W. HAncock July 15, 2008 Thank a Vet Memorial Day Memorial Day Tribute - Honoring the Dead of the Unknown http://www.thememorialdaytribute.com/honoring-the-dead.html Donate your unwa... 05/08/2010

The Beaverton Tavern   The Beaverton Tavern  is located on the corner of M-18 and Brown St. at the only light in the town of Beaverton, Michigan. Found this picture of Beaverton fascinating with the dirt roads,  however, there was no date on the photo or the description. Their specialty is Mexican Food, or you can choose to have a hamburger or shrimp basket, and other choices on the menu. For more information, this is their website: http://beavertontavern.com/ Maybe I'll see you there?     04/20/2010

 Narcissus  Daffodils and Hyacinth The flowers are in bloom and bow their pretty heads in the cold and snow the morning of April 9'th, 2010.  Crocus The sun came out and melted the snow and then illuminated the flowers. The yellow and purple mix of flowers in the Spring is so very beautiful and just the beginning of the display to be enjoyed until the killing frosts in the fall. This summer's goal is to have plenty of flowers to cut for bouquets, and to have plenty of flowers that will keep the hummingbirds happy. I love to hear the flutter of their wings, it's usually startling at first, as it sounds like a monster bumble bee. They are so tiny and beautiful. Very hard to photograph!   Daffodils As a realtor, I spend a lot of time on the phone and on the computer, so gardening is a peac... 04/11/2010

CONCERNED CITIZENS COMMITTEE OF BILLINGS TOWNSHIP The Eagle Eye VOLUME III, ISSUE. 4 APRIL 1, 2010 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS = 54 TO DATE Do you know someone who is in need of A Random Act of Kindness? The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly is a recap of the Billings Township Meetings held on 12-14-09, 01-11-10, 03-08-10 Celebrating April Fools K-Hardware introduces a line of "Left-Handed Hardware" to their selection of nuts, bolts, screws and nails....... "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." Albert Einstein "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."  Albert Einstein TEE TIP: A penny takes the bite out of a bee sting. "The trouble with practical jokes is that ver... 04/11/2010

One Old Rowboat....One Big Step Towards Independence!   We live across the street from the Little Cedar River which feeds into Wixom Lake.  My son who is 11 decided he really wanted a row boat to be able to fish on the river.  He really understands that hard work pays off and has saved quite a bit of money for a boy his age.  I didn't really want him to take the money from his savings account though so suggested he do some "work" to earn the money.  Not knowing how much a used row boat would be, we went to the all knowing Dad.  Wake up call! We were informed a used row boat would probably cost about $400 or $500!  Chandler did make about $250 at his hot dog stand last year during our Memorial Weekend garage sale though.  That would be a big dent in what he needed.  He then made a deal w... 03/22/2010

Wixom Lake in the Spring I love Wixom Lake but I especially love Wixom Lake in the Spring. Actually Spring doesn't officially arrive until this weekend but with all the sunshine and 60 degree weather is feels like it has been for about a week or so.  Fresh off an afternoon off spent doing some shopping with a favorite Aunt I wanted to continue with the clear headed, less stressed feelings I was experienincing so I asked the neighbor to take a walk with me. I am so glad I went.  Spring near Wixom Lake is amazing to me.  The birds are returning home after a long winter away.  I saw ducks swimming around and a beautiful trumpeter swan!  The lake was very still and looked like a sheet of glass, the world around us was quiet and sleepy and the sun was low in the sky.  There was a thin layer ... 03/19/2010

Why now is the time to buy your cottage on Wixom Lake.    As a full time realtor who both lives, works, and plays actively in the communities I serve, I am frequently asked how the market is doing or how business is.  It seems the people asking me lately are a bit surprised by my answer, but there are many out there who already know, and they are the ones who will be relaxing and making memories with their families on the lake this Spring, Summer and Fall. So why is now the time to buy on Wixom Lake?  Well here are a few reasons: 1. The market is stable.  There has been no decline in value in 7 months.  Prices appear to have declined as far as they are going to decline on Wixom Lake, meaning now is the time to get the best deal before we begin to realize any appreciation.   2.  The Spri... 03/13/2010

The Billings Township Board of Review is sitting ready for you ! Today, Monday, March 8, 2010 Tuesday, March 9, 2010 If you would like to dispute your 2010 Property tax assessment NOW IS THE TIME! You may ask them to lower or raise your assessment. It is recommended that you take documentation with you to support your position. Contact Information As listed in the CMD Phone Book 2010 Gladwin County Government Township of Billings 989-435-3832 or 989-435-4037 Supervisor Julia Nephew Clerk Lynn Stacy Treasurer Larry Nelson 03/08/2010

CONCERNED CITIZENS COMMITTEE OF BILLINGS TOWNSHIP The Eagle Eye VOLUME III, ISSUE. 3 MARCH 1, 2010 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS = 53 TO DATE   Do you know someone who is in need of A Random Act of Kindness? TAX FORECLOSURES Article regarding tax foreclosures: Of 27,688 parcels in Gladwin County 419 placed on notice for foreclosure due to unpaid property taxes. The foreclosure rate is 1.5 %. HAPPY 2ND ANNIVERSARY TO THE EAGLE EYE Goal: To be available to everyone in Billings Township Nearly 100 subscribers outside of the township. TEE is FREE Does not accept government funding. Our donations and support are needed. And appreciated. WORTH REPEATING FAILED GRADE FOR FISCAL STEWARDSHIP Article about 2008 and 2009 Audits by Burnside and Lang including Comments on Audits and address for the link t... 03/03/2010

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new I thought about you yesterday and days before that too I think of you in silence I often speak your name All I have are memories and your picture in a frame Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part Angels have you in their keeping I have you in my heart.   Author is unknown to me - copied from a tombstone in the Billings Township Cemetery (by my daughter). She changed "the Lord" to "Angels" have you in their keeping........ because she likes it that way better. XXX's & OOO's  Miss & love you, till we meet again, this blog's for you. 02/24/2010

Results of Billings Township Lawsuit Judge Joyce A. Draganchuk of Ingham County Circuit Court ordered a Billings Township property owner to pay a civil fine of more than $157,000. At the Department of Natural Resources and Environment's (DNRE) request The Department of Attorney General filed the lawsuit.  The property owner was advised by local authorities to seek DNRE review of the property for the presence of wetlands. The judge's ruling requires the property owner must apply for an after-the-fact permit in accordance with DNRE permitting requirements for portions of the roadway. It must be reconstructed according to Billings Township road standards. They must also preserve existing wetlands and then create areas of new wetlands. For the rest of the story Source: Gladwin County Record... 02/24/2010

CONCERNED CITIZENS COMMITTEE OF BILLINGS TOWNSHIP The Eagle Eye VOLUME III, ISSUE. 2 FEBRUARY 1, 2010 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS = 52 TO DATE   Do you know someone who is in need of A Random Act of Kindness? FAILED GRADE FOR FISCAL STEWARDSHIP Article about 2008 and 2009 Audits by Burnside and Lang including Comments on Audits and address for the link to the reports: http://www.michigan.gov/treasury/0,1607,7-121-1751_31038---,00.html CCC RESPONDS TO TRAGEDY The SOS sent by CCC to TEE resulted in a quick response and help was quickly orchestrated for the family in need. FAILED GRADE FOR FISCAL STEWARDSHIP CONTINUED Audits are report cards ..... CURRENT OFFICIALS are listed showing their length of time in office ON GUARD We mutually pledge to each other and our honor Watch for the eagle! The... 02/14/2010