The following are a few words about  "What - How"  we're doing in the Tawas Area...

Maybe even a little laughter and boasting a bit about how much fun were having too, If you read closely there might be a few pats on the back to those that have contributed to the success of each of our activities.. To each and every contributor there is a reward! You might read some of them here.

Check this section often and be sure to scroll down to the bottom as there may be other articles that will interest you...

Our Town Tawas - April 2010

 John Sellinger – Director

What was that?  70 degree weather before Easter?  Ah yes – the golf clubs seem to be begging to be put into the trunk of the car, the annual flowers are poking their way through the ground, and even the lawn mower seems to have a different look to it.  Yes, there is Spring fever in the air.  I hope that you and your families enjoyed the Lions Club’s 50^th Easter Egg hunt at the High School practice field this weekend.  50 consecutive years, countless eggs and prizes, and it’s still going strong.  This is a special month for all of us along the Sunrise Coast.  April 15^th is the day that we become a featured destination on the Pure Michigan (Michigan.org) website!  Be sure to look for our partner page that features the Sunrise Coast stretching from AuGres to Cheboygan and all places in between after the 15th.  I wish to thank everyone that has worked so hard for this to happen from the fundraising to the implementation and yes – even the final version of the Tim Allen Sunrise Coast radio spots which will be airing soon.  If you think there is a fever in the air now, just wait until summer!

In the mean time, there is still plenty to do.  The Tawas City Library Friends are celebrating National Library Week in a very special way with “Stock it with Chocolate!”  It is April 11 through April 17 and if you bring in your book donations you can receive a delicious chocolate from them and the Village Chocolatier.  The Tawas City Library Friends Bookstore will be open Monday through Thursday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM during that week as well.  Michigan Blood will be having a blood drive Monday, April 12 from Noon to 6:00 P.M. at their East Tawas Donor Site which is the Tawas Area Presbyterian Church.  Be sure to eat and drink before donating.

Confused about the new Smoke-Free Law?  District Health Department #2 in collaboration with St. Joseph Health System’s Occupational Health Services and the Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce will be presenting three FREE informational sessions regarding the new law.  The presentation will include an overview of the law, implementation, enforcement, and resources available to assist businesses and employees.  Informational sessions will be held at the Tawas St. Joseph Hospital in Classrooms A & B (located inside the cafeteria) on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, April 13                    12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Wednesday, April 14               5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Thursday, April 15                   7:30 A.M. – 8:30 A.M.

Light refreshments will be available.  Please register by calling Michelle at DHD #2 at 989-343-1847.

Don’t miss out on our next 50/50 drawing by the Tawas Bay Tourist and Convention Bureau.  Proceeds go to our fireworks fund and our first winner is Maureen Rudel!  You can purchase tickets at many locations including Klenow’s Market, Mulligan’s Irish Pub, the Tawas Bay Beach Resort, and the Chamber.  The next drawing is April 21^st so get your tickets now.  You also don’t want to miss the Corsair Concert Series as they present The Claire Lynch Band.  This show is Saturday, May 1^st at the Tawas United Methodist Church Family Center.  Doors open at 7:00 P.M. and admission is $15.00.

The ice is gone and the boats are on the bay, so come on over and play in Our Town Tawas!

Our Town Tawas – March 2010

 John Sellinger – Director

I just love it when a plan comes together!  As I watched the 60^th Annual Perchville USA unfold before my eyes last month, I was astonished at the community spirit, the business and personal involvement, the sponsorship, and the hard work that goes into an event of such magnitude.  I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves there and I just want to say “Thank you” to every single person involved in helping us host this event.  Someday, I’ll need to join that elite bunch that belongs to the Polar Bear Club and take my jump into the freezing waters of Tawas Bay.  Someday…

Looking into what March has to offer brings an interesting concept indeed.  The entire month of March has been declared Quota Care Month by the folks at Quota International of Iosco County.  If you see or experience any acts of kindness this month, be sure to send in your story to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  You can even mail it into Quota of Iosco, P.O. Box 528, East Tawas, MI  48730.  It is a great way of sharing your kindness and letting us all know about it.  Thursday, March 11 at 6:30 P.M. at the Christ Episcopal Church in East Tawas you can join the Sunrise Side Master Gardeners as they show the benefits of starting your seeds now.  During mid-March, be sure to check out the teen musical at the Tawas Bay Players playhouse entitled, “Aida”.  This is an Elton John and Tim Rice production and sounds like a lot of fun.  On March 15, the Red Cross is having a blood drive at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Newman Street from noon to 5:45.    The Boxcars are coming to town!  They were awarded the best bluegrass album for 2009 and have another album releasing soon.  They’ll be performing at the United Methodist Church Family Center in Tawas City at 7:30 PM on March 20^th.  This is part of the Corsair Concert Series and proceeds from the concert series are used to maintain and operate the Corsair Skiing and Hiking Trails in the Huron National Forest.  The Sound Waves Jazz Orchestra is having a spaghetti dinner and dance/concert at the High School on March 27^th.  Benefits from this affair will help send three Tawas Area band students to Australia!

 Come on into the Chamber and purchase your 50/50 tickets.  They are for sale at local businesses as well.  The drawings will be on the third Wednesday of March, April, May, and June and cost $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.  The proceeds will go to the Tawas Area Fireworks Fund to help make the July 4^th celebration unforgettable!

 Lastly, I want to thank all of our current membership for supporting us and welcome our newest members since the first of the year:

• Shear Envy
• Raslich Signs
• JGM Industrial Center
• Crime Stoppers of Iosco County
• Tawas Business Association
• Strategic Partner Services
• Tawas Bay Tax and Accounting
• Melody Phegly
• Amerigas Propane

Welcome to the Chamber!  You’ll be hearing much more about them in the near future.

 Spring is in the air, the swans are in the bay, and Our Town Tawas is the place to be!

Our Town Tawas – January 2010

 John Sellinger – Director

 Another year gone, and time for a new beginning in 2010.  Since accepting this position at the Chamber, I can honestly tell you that I have done more exciting things with my wife and family during the last six months in the Tawases, than I had done in years.  The Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce members have welcomed us to this area and as a result, I simply want to say “Thank you” to all of you that have helped to make my transition so very nice.

I hope that many of you had the opportunity to attend the Hale Yes Winterfest this year.  What a blast!  There is an American Red Cross Blood drive Monday, January 11, from Noon to 5:45 PM at the K of C Hall on Newman Street.  If you’re in the Sand Lake area on Saturday, January 16, swing by the Sandlake Sports Bar and participate in the many fundraising activities going on to benefit the Special Olympics.  During that same evening, you are welcome to attend the Cabin Fever Series with outdoor writer and author Chris Zimmerman.  Chris will be speaking the 16^th at 7:00 PM at “A Different Blend Coffee Shop” in East Tawas.  This event is sponsored by several of our fine local establishments and there will be more to come!

Well, you’re probably all waiting to hear about the 60^th (that’s right!) 60^th annual Perchville USA celebration in February.  It kicks off this year with a Perchville Eve dinner on Thursday, February 4.  The remaining Perchville activities run from Friday through Sunday with plenty of family fun and action.  You’ll be hearing all about it all month but a couple of notable items are that we’ve brought back the fish coop this year so that the children can catch their own fish, the airboat rides have been scheduled for Saturday, and we’re even going to have Ice Shanty races!  Be sure to get your tickets for the dinner and your buttons for the activities.  Being the 60^th year, the theme is “Peace, Love, and Perch”.  If you get the opportunity, swing by the Chamber and take a look at the Perchville pictures that our Perchville King, Tom Coyle dropped by.  They go back many, many years – who knows – maybe you’ll be in one of them.  When you’re at Perchville, you KNOW that you that you can only be in Our Town Tawas!

John Sellinger – Director

Another year gone and time for a new beginning in 2010.  Since accepting this position at the Chamber, I can honestly tell you that I have done more exciting things with my wife and family during the last six months in the Tawas’s, than I had done in years.  The Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce members have welcomed us to this area and as a result, I simply want to say “Thank you” to all of you that have helped to make my transition so very nice.
I hope that many of you had the opportunity to attend the Hale Yes Winterfest this year.  What a blast!  There is an American Red Cross Blood drive Monday, January 11, from Noon to 5:45 PM at the K of C Hall on Newman Street.  If you’re in the Sand Lake area on Saturday, January 16, swing by the Sandlake Sports Bar and participate in the many fundraising activities going on to benefit the Special Olympics.  During that same evening, you are welcome to attend the Cabin Fever Series with outdoor writer and author Chris Zimmerman.  Chris will be speaking the 16th at 7:00 PM at “A Different Blend Coffee Shop” in East Tawas.  This event is sponsored by several of our fine local establishments and there will be more to come!
Well, you’re probably all waiting to hear about the 60th (that’s right!) 60th annual Perchville USA celebration in February.  It kicks off this year with a Perchville Eve dinner on Thursday, February 4.  The remaining Perchville activities run from Friday through Sunday with plenty of family fun and action.  You’ll be hearing all about it all month but a couple of notable items are that we’ve brought back the fish coop this year so that the children can catch their own fish, the airboat rides have been scheduled for Saturday, and we’re even going to have Ice Shanty races!  Be sure to get your tickets for the dinner and your buttons for the activities.  Being the 60th year, the theme is “Peace, Love, and Perch”.  If you get the opportunity, swing by the Chamber and take a look at the Perchville pictures that our Perchville King, Tom Coyle dropped by.  They go back many, many years – who knows – maybe you’ll be in one of them.  When you’re at Perchville, you KNOW that you that you can only be in Our Town Tawas!

Our Town Tawas - November 2009 

John Sellinger – Director

Well, we survived Oktoberfest while battling the wind and the rain, but I think everyone that attended can agree that it was a great time!  On the quieter side, we followed up the festival with a day of Praise Bands on Sunday which made for a complete and gratifying weekend.  I wish to thank Mark Moers, the Tawas City Council, and Gus and the crew for providing a terrific venue and some last-minute help.  Even as the autumn season is winding down, there are still plenty of activities going on.
Now that the coat collection is over, it is time for distribution.  The “Coats for Kids” program will be distributing the coats on Wednesday, November 11, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM at the Tawas Middle School.  This is a great program for families in need.  On Saturday and Sunday the 14th and 15th, the Artists of Tawas Bay will be hosting their third annual Open Studio Tour.  This includes over 20 area artists that have a variety of artwork.  It starts at noon each day and you can start your tour at the Tawas Bay Artists Gallery at 207 Newman Street in East Tawas.  The Holy Family School is selling wreaths, roping, and centerpieces and the ordering deadline is November 16, and you need to pick up your orders November 22nd or 23rd.  We have a few extra order forms at the Chamber if you need one.  There is a Red Cross Blood Drive at the Knights of Columbus Hall (821 Newman) on Monday, November 16 from 12:00 PM until 5:45 PM.
Don’t forget to attend the Tree Lighting Ceremony in East Tawas.  The parade and festivities start at 6:00 PM right on Newman street.  There will also be entertainment provided by the Tawas Community Concert Band and the Tawas Area High School Choir.  Santa Claus and his wife will be there and you can enjoy a homemade cookie and some hot chocolate as well!  There will also be a bonfire and the acknowledgement of the “Family of the Year”.  This all takes place the day after Thanksgiving, November 27.  Saturday, December 5th has two events going on with a Bethlehem breakfast buffet at the Zion Lutheran Church at 9:30 AM, and also the 5th annual “Share a Caring Christmas” whereby you can bring a new or used toy to Dean Arbour Ford by 12:30 PM.
Lastly, the Michigan Film Office is looking for locations to shoot a motion picture in Michigan – perhaps in our own back yard!  They are looking for photographs or locations like small diners, family grocery stores, trailer parks, junkyards, etc…   If you would like your business or land to be considered for a film location, please contact the Chamber on 989-362-8643 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with “Michigan Film Office” in the subject line.  We’ll get a form out to you and maybe you’ll have a movie crew coming to your place!
This is a beautiful time of year in the Tawas Area and I wouldn’t want to spend the Holidays anywhere but in Our Town – Tawas.

 Our Town Tawas - September 2009

John Sellinger – Director

What would Blues by the Bay be without a few raindrops?  Three years of rainy weekends and it just keeps getting better every year!  We are so thankful that our community is blessed with people like Steve Klenow, his Blues Board, and the volunteers that once again have provided us with a wealth of entertainment.  With the conclusion of the Blues by the Bay, one reflects upon the things to come.  The Labor Day Arts and Crafts Festival and the last chance to see the Appledore IV in the bay this season, along with the Tawas Bay Challenge Sailboat race are just a few reminders that yes, inevitably Autumn is just around the corner.  Anyone that has been out in the early hours of the morning recently can certainly attest to that unmistakable chill in the air.  The conclusion of our summer season is really only a new beginning for many things to come.  Ask any school-aged child and they’ll tell you what I mean.

With that being said, let’s take a look at what’s going on for the rest of the month:

- Saturday, September 12 – this has got to be the busiest day that I have seen in a long time.

 -The 3 Disciplines Triathlon is coming to town again.  If you’ll recall, this event is huge.  They are claiming that over 400 athletes are involved this year representing 17 states that will be swimming, biking, and running through own towns.  Swimming starts first thing in the morning transitioning to the bikes in East Tawas and ending up with a big finish as they run across the finish line mid-afternoon.  If you read some of the participants’ comments on their web site, you’ll find that the Tawas area is by far their favorite venue in the state and I want to thank each and every one of you that has volunteered to help this event run smoothly.

-The women’s softball tournament will be going on both Saturday and Sunday.

- The Iosco County Historical Society is hosting their September Tea from Noon until 3:00 PM on site at the Museum.  $12.00 per person and there will be a light luncheon followed by entertainment and a quilt raffle.

- The Iosco County Historical Society also invites you to “Fire Fighting Days” from 1:00 – 4:00 PM in conjunction with the East Tawas Volunteer Fire Department and is being held at the East Tawas Fire Hall.  There will even be toy fire train displays and toy fire engines.

- That same evening, Quota International of Iosco County presents “A Root’n Toot’n Country Western Dance from 6:30 to 11:30 PM at the East Tawas Community Center.  Tickets are $10.00 per person.

- Whew!  That is just Saturday!

-Sunday, September 13 is the 2009 Wurtsmith Reunion Fly-In Breakfast.  The public is welcome and it runs from 6:30 AM until 11:00 AM.  $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12 years of age.

- Got Blood?  There are two blood drives in the area Monday, September 14!  The Red Cross will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Newman Street from Noon until 5:45 PM.  The Michigan Community Blood Center is having their blood drive at the Tawas Masonic Lodge in Tawas City from Noon to 6:00 PM.  (Be sure to eat and drink before donating).

- The provisional Tawas Bay Rotary Club is inviting everyone to their “VIP Tip Night”.  The Big Boy restaurant has offered to give all tips earned by the VIPs and an additional 10% of gross sales to the Rotary Club.  This event is concentrating on purchasing more books for the popular Booked-4-Lunch program.  This is Wednesday, September 23, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM.  Come on down and be waited on by local city leaders and help a great cause!

- Holy Family School will be holding their Auction Dinner and Reflections night on Saturday, September 26.

- The Tawas Bay Players Summer Raffle is wrapping up on September 28.

Last, and certainly not least is our family-friendly Oktoberfest being held Friday and Saturday, October 2 and 3 down at Tawas City Park.  There are going to be inflatable objects for the children to play on, contests, food and craft vendors, air boat rides, Wild Hair, ELLANAR, Polka John, a real German ensemble and even an accordion player.  Several autumn style beer and wines will also be served in the hospitality tent.  As Oktoberfest winds down Saturday night, a very special Sunday event is also planned in Tawas City Park.  We are holding an “Autumn’s Glory” praise band festival from 1:00 to 6:00 PM featuring the local talent from our area churches!
Every time I sit down to write one of these, I promise myself that I won’t be so long-winded this time.  It is a promise that is hard to keep when writing about this magnificent area – Our Town – Tawas.

Our Town Tawas - August 2009

John Sellinger – Director

“Stomp, stomp, STOMP!”  Yes, that’s right.  If you were at the Uncork’d and Untap’d fundraising event you would have heard a lot of people cheering us on as we tried to stomp those grapes as fast as we could.  We probably looked a lot like the familiar “I Love Lucy” clip as we trampled those grapes with our bare feet but it was a blast.  It was such a beautiful weekend in the Tawases.  We visited the Appledore IV sailing ship with all of its 85 foot splendor and then headed to Tawas City Park for  the 49th Annual Tawas Bay Waterfront Fine Arts Festival.  Of course, one can’t view art on an empty stomach so those food vendors are always appreciated.  All of this great fun and I’m only talking about one Saturday!
One thing I have noticed while attending these events are the unsung heroes that help to make this all possible.  I’m sure you’ve seen their name tags and you’ve  probably even see the same people working at several of these events.  I’m referring to the volunteers.  I don’t know what I’d do without them here at the Chamber and when I think about the number of people that donate their time and effort at each and every one of these events, I am amazed at the amount of hard work and dedication that the volunteers contribute.  Anyway, the next time you see a volunteer name tag or volunteer T-shirt on someone at an event; feel free to give them a wink, nod, or a smile and let them know that their hard work is appreciated.
There’s plenty to tell you about this month: 

- Develop Iosco has kicked off the 2009 “A Slice of Life in Iosco County” photo contest.  Everyone is welcome to participate as we’re trying to capture a positive visual image of the uniqueness of Iosco County life.  You can download the entry forms from www.developiosco.org or simply pick them up at the Oscoda and Tawas Area Chambers or at Kathy Jane’s in Hale.  The contest ends at 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 1, 2009.  Perhaps you can snap that winning photograph at the Tawas Point Lighthouse which has summer tour hours from noon to 6:00 PM.  There is always the Charity Island Lighthouse dinner tour or you can take a Charity Island Lighthouse and Nature Preserve trip from Brown’s Landing on “Miss Charity Isle”.

- The Grand Opening of the East Tawas Community Donor Center at the Tawas Area Presbyterian Church is Monday, August 10 from noon to 6:00 PM.  Everyone who tries to donate blood receives a free T-shirt!

-  “Christmas Railroad Times (in summer)” is running from 1:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, August 12 at the East Tawas Community Center followed by “The Great Train Robbery” on Thursday (same time-same place).

- The East Tawas Community Center is also the place to be on September 12 from 6:30 to 11:30 PM for the Quota Club’s Country Western Dance.  Tickets are $10.00 at the Village Chocolatier and Alley Cuts and you must be 21 or older to attend.

-The Michigan Walleye Tour 2009 State Championship is hosted by Tawas City and East Tawas and the teams will be competing for over $28,000.00 in cash and prizes August 13 through August 15. 

-Grand Opening Celebration!  Ribbon cutting celebration at the new Edward Jones office in Tawas City.  Friday, August 14, 2:00-6:00 PM.  Ribbon cutting at 3:00 – Cake cutting at 3:30 PM.

- Looking north just a little ways can land you at the Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport Grounds to attend the Kelly Miller Circus on Saturday, August 15.  Show times are 2:00 and 5:30 PM and it is sponsored this year by the Iosco County Family Enrichment Coalition and WKJC 104.7 FM.

- The 2009 Blues By the Bay is running August 28, 29, and 30 at Harbor Park and is packed with some of the best names in the business.  A single $20.00 button will cover all three days of entertainment.
Finally, mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show on September 5 and 6 on Newman Street in East Tawas. 

And last but not least, be sure to join us at the 1st Annual Oktoberfest in Tawas City Park October 2 and 3.  This event will be jam-packed with family fun, seasonal food and drink, and a hospitality tent filled with music and more!  There is simply no place like our place and that place is Our Town – Tawas.

 Our Town Tawas - July 2009 

John Sellinger - Director

It’s hard to believe that it is July already.  These cool evenings sure don’t feel like July sometimes but we all know how summer just seems to race by far too quickly.  Now that the Independence Day celebrations are winding down, it is fun to take a few moments to appreciate what we all have in this beautiful area.  In addition to the natural beauty of the Sunrise Side, there is another familiar feeling in the air.  That festive feeling!  Yes, this is the time for festivals and our towns have plenty.

Loosely defined, a festival is an event which centers on some unique aspect of that community.  The success of the 17th Annual Shoreline Arts and Crafts show in Tawas City Park is a perfect example during the Memorial Day weekend.  When I think about this, I am reminded that with all of the unique aspects found in the Tawas area, our festival potential is nearly unlimited.  A simple stroll down to Harbor Park will land you right in the middle of Freedom Week.  An elephant ear, nachos, or the soft drink of your choice is a great way to start an afternoon of live music, fine arts and crafts, and a great view of the kites down on the beach.  The conclusion of Freedom Week brings on the beginning of Summerfest and if you chose to attend the Mayor’s Fish Boil in Tawas City Park, or took in the “Two by Two” performance at the Tawas Bay Playhouse I am certain you had a great time.

Although the festival choices abound, there is still much, much more to do in Our Town -Tawas.  As our summer continues, the return of the weekly events is always welcome.  If you enjoy music, you’re certainly in the right place!  Monday evenings bring the return of John Thomas and the Tawas Community Band Concerts with the “Concert-in-the-Park” series near the gazebo in East Tawas City Park at 7:30 PM.  And you certainly cannot forget the Tuesday Night Live series every Tuesday evening on Newman Street at 7:00 PM.  I should also remind you that the Farmers’ Market has moved to the parking lot on the corner of Westover and Church Street.  It is open every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Thursdays at noon brings the popular Booked 4 Lunch program which alternates between Tawas City Beach Park and the East Tawas City Park each week.

I can’t think of a better place to spend summer than in northeast Michigan.  This area contains some of the most beautiful and wondrous resources for miles but I sure don’t need to convince you.  What I would love to do is see all of you take advantage of all of this area’s gifts.  From the 10.2 mile bike path to the 68 mile Lumberman’s Monument auto tour, there is simply an endless variety of ways to enjoy your summer in the Tawas Bay area.  I love to revisit attractions that I saw through the younger eyes of my youth.  These same attractions take on a whole new meaning now.

If you’re really looking for an adventure, check into becoming a lighthouse keeper for a week.  I spoke to a couple today that were having an absolutely great time being lighthouse guardians while sleeping in style right in the lighthouse!

And finally, what would summer be without the fair?  This year, the Iosco County Fair is July 27th through August 1st at the Iosco County Fairgrounds.  August 7th, 8th, and 9th also brings the 43rd Annual Summer Festival at Sand Lake and of course the 8th Annual Blues by the Bay August 28th through the 30th.  With all of this going on, we’ll soon be asking ourselves, “Where did our summer go?”  The fortunate ones will be able to say, “It was spent in Our Town - Tawas”.

Our Town Tawas - March 2009

Laura Loeffler - Manager Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce

Once again as I sit before my computer reflecting back over the past month, I can’t help but think what happened to January and February. Planning Perchville is a big undertaking and takes up a lot of time.  I coined the phrase “Planning a party for ten thousand” and that about describes it.  January around the Chamber is like the Post Office on April 15th. My poor volunteers were over worked, but I kept their spirits high by promising them all a raise after Perchville.  After they had a good laugh about their big raises, they all put 100% into helping out and getting all the work done to get this event off the ground.  I am so very fortunate to have a great bunch of office volunteers.
 
I also have some unsung heroes who made this event a success and these are the Perchville Volunteers.  The brave but few, who show up to carry out the time consuming task of making Perchville a reality. Starting off with the Kick-Off Dinner, which was moved to Thursday, this crew did an excellent job of organizing and decorating.  The committee consisted of Penny Wojahn, Lori Wojahn, Rachel Estabrook, Sandra Brugger, and Judy Pung. Good food and a fantastic time was had by all.  Rob Cadorette took the helm this year in the Hospitality Tent and did a great job. Dean Look was right there to help Rob with all the details to run this large part of the event.  Our entertainers Sal Agnello and his band, kept the tent hopping and under control.  Judy Herbolsheimer organized the fun in the Family Tent, her first time and a great job.  Pete Barnes had his hands full with 296 Polar Bear Swimmers taking the plunge this year.  Kevin Friddle ran the Fishing Contest and we actually had quite a few fish entered. The US Coast Guard, who took the time to over-see the ice cutting, and for providing assistance at the Polar Bear Swim (they even helped with picking up blocks at Tawas Do-It Center and taking them down to the site for the Dog Pulls). And last but not least, my Perchville Event Coordinator and right-hand man, Susan Kaderle, who was a big part of this whole event.  Along with many others who are not mentioned and the merchants who donated items and loaned us items and gave of their time, I send a big THANK YOU for all your help and support.  It takes a great deal of people and work to make this event a success. 
 
On to the future, the Chamber is in the spring planning mode.  Just on the horizon will be a Business after Hours, which is schedule for April 23 at the Historical Museum.   The members of the Chamber are invited to come and network with each other, meet new Chamber members and see the improvements at the Museum.  Then from there we are thinking spring!!!  FORE, Let play Golf.  The Annual Chamber Golf Outing is in the works for sometime in May.  Watch for details in the upcoming Newsletters.  Did someone say spring?  Well then it must be time for the Annual Shoreline Arts & Crafts Show.  Yes, we are registering crafters for this show, I think we have at least 65 now and the registrations are coming in daily.  This will be held in the Tawas City Park on Memorial Day weekend.  Later in the year we are planning to bring back Okotber Fest. This event is still in the making, but if you have any ideas just give us a call we would sure appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.
 
The Chamber has been through some tough times and is now moving forward. With a new Board of Directors, a brighter financial picture and some new events, the Chamber has been reborn.  We hope to provide some new programs soon for our members, for example, educational speakers, and a coffee hour highlighting a different business each month. We are on the move and we are working for you.  Just a reminder, we still have the membership drive going, so get out there and get your neighbor to join.  It’s simple, it’s painless and it has benefits, where can you get a deal like that anymore? 
 
So hang in there, spring is just around the corner.  I hear that robins have been seen is some yards already, so that must mean that warm weather is soon to be here.  This is your last chance to get out and enjoy some of the winter activities in the area and say good-by to old man winter (yah!!!)  Tawas is like a beautiful flower.  Now it is just a plain seed, but once the sun comes out and it feels the warmth, it will bloom with sounds and smells and all the colors of spring will emerge.  Just watch, it will happen in YOUR TOWN TAWAS.

Our Town Tawas - November 2008

Laura Loeffler - Manager Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce

 As I sit here in my office, sipping a steamy cup of coffee and gazing out the window at the grey clouds of fall gently rolling across the bay, I feel sad to see another summer and fall come to an end.  I will miss the early streams of sunlight coming through my bedroom curtains, the warm breezes off the bay, and the smell of burning leaves drifting through the air.   Each year I am here on this earth I dread the cold days of winter.  Although a crisp fresh snow fall can be a beautiful and heartwarming sight, and a crackling fire in the hearth is comforting, they still cannot beat a gorgeous sunny day at the beach. 

Ah, Tawas in the fall.  What a fantastic place to live.  I hope that you all had a chance to get out to the State Park on Oct 17th to see the great job the Park employees did.  It was a Halloween treat indeed!  A giant mast and sail hung over a frothy pile of boulders, greeting you as you entered the area. This ship wreck- remains looked like something left over from the “Pirates of the Caribbean”.  As you walked near the lighthouse gift shop you were drawn to the eerie cemetery.  Local businesses decorated tombstones with ghostly items and funny sayings about their stores and planted them for all to see.  The park employees judged them and the winner will be able to have their tombstone in the front spot for 2009.   Take a guess who won that honor?  Not me, of course.  It was the Village Chocolatier.  They did a fantastic job on their stone, and no, it was not made of chocolate.  If it was I would have been the first one calling to ask what they were going to do with it after Halloween.  I know a great place that would have taken care of that job for them!!!  I decorated a tombstone for my husband’s barber shop, and it was great fun.  There were games for the kids, pumpkin carving, tours of the haunted lighthouse and even a vendor selling some steamy cappicino and flavored almonds , yum!   The State Park employees did a fantastic job and I look forward to the 2009 event.  Put it on your calendar for next year, it was GREAT!

October brought an array of incredible color to the area.  There seemed to be a steady stream of visitors stopping by the Chamber to ask where’s the best place to view the fall colors?   Just drive up River Road, or out Monument Road and it was extraordinary.  Downtown East Tawas was unable to decorate Newman Street due to the construction, so they decorated US 23.   It was an excellent way to usher in visitors and residents into town.   Some of the local clubs and churches held their fall and Christmas Bazaars.  The Iosco County Historical Museum completed its renovations and opened to the public.  If you haven’t visited the Museum yet, do so soon.  They have really outdone themselves.  I hear that they will be doing some great programs in the near future, like Carriage Rides on Nov 29th and a light display for the Christmas Season.  The Museum is a great place to view the past and learn about the area and its history.  Take the whole family, go for a carriage ride and tour the museum.  It’s great fun for the family.

November brings the Christmas Shopping Season.  Decorations are going up and the Christmas spirit is beginning to creep into the village.  The Cities are dusting off the lights and hanging décor and soon will be busy putting them up.  It’s always such a happy season, with everyone wishing each other a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.   Christmas Bazaars are popping up all over the town, with holiday decorations and all kinds of way-too-fattening things to eat.  Last week-end the Tawas Area Band Boosters held their annual Bazaar.  There were over 95 booths and fabulous gift finds for that hard to buy for person.  Their famous apple dumplings were enjoyed by many at the event and taken home by many to enjoy later.  Good job to the crew (the Doughettes) who made all the dumplings!!   It was a fun time for all who attended. 

The Chamber held its Annual General Membership Meeting Nov 5th at Tawas Lanes.  It was well attended and the food was superb thanks to CSJ Catering.  It was an excellent opportunity to meet many of the members and for them to network with each other over a cocktail and some yummy tid-bits.  Our members were brought up to date on all the goals that were met at the Chamber over the year.  President of the Board of Directors, Toni Lehr, gave a presentation on where the Chamber was last year and where we are going for 2009.  The attendees were given information on the new membership drive for 2009 and introduced to the entire Board of Directors and the Chamber Volunteers.  It was a grand evening, enjoyed by all.

The Chamber will once again hold in Fantasy of Lights Competition, from November 15th through December 15th.  Here how it works.  Gather up all your Christmas spirit, go out in the garage or shed, dig out all the wonderful lights and holiday decorations you have stored away and put them up.  Next step is to call the Chamber and register your work of art.  If you are unable to do your own home or business, then nominate one of your neighbors beautiful homes or one of the many businesses in East Tawas & Tawas City that do a great job of decorating.  The Chamber will judge the entries on December 16th and the winners will receive a prize or the traveling trophy to keep for one year.  So get out there and show your Christmas spirit, decorate your home or business and give me a call.

 Our Town Tawas - October 2008

Laura Loeffler - Manager Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce

Can you feel it? Can you smell it?  Fall is in the air!  School buses whizzing by in the early morning, that little hint of a cool breeze and the greater ability to turn left on any street in town, now that’s FALL.

Now that the summer rush is over, the Chamber office is winding down.  Let me give you an example of how busy the Chamber gets during the summer months.  For June, July & August we had 1,378 visitors stop in,1,546 telephone calls for information, and 113 e-mails requesting area information.  Thank goodness I have a staff of wonderful volunteers to help all the visitors and handle the many calls and

e-mails.  I love to see these large numbers because that means people are interested in our beautiful town on the Bay.

Summer is the Tawases is a fantastic place to be.  The welcoming sunrises, the calming effect of the gentle waves on the bay, the picture-perfect sailboats that glide across the water, the children’s laughter as they jump in and out of the waves, kites in the air, and great big ice cream cones.  We are so privileged to live here, a place where others call a vacation spot. This summer was busy with  Arts & Craft Shows, Kite Festival, Summerfest, 4^th of July Parade & Fireworks, Birding Festival, Freedom Week, Sailboat Races, County Fair, and so much more. Now we can sit back, catch our breath and get ready to don our jackets, rake leaves and plan for Perchville.  Yes, Perchville!  Can you believe it? I know, I’m rushing things, right?  I guess I’ll enjoy fall before I dive into that event!!!

A really fun and pretty amazing event happened here in the Tawases on Sept 13^th.  3Disciplines Racing Team breezed into town, set-up a Triathlon and brought 200+ athletes from 9 states and Canada into Tawas.  The Chamber was in charge of getting the volunteers to help at the different checkpoints and finish line.  This was the first time in last few years that this type of event has taken place in this area.  There were three types of race courses set up, swimming, biking and running.  The athletes could choose the Sprint, the Olympic or the ½ Iron Man competitions.  Sprinters swam 500m, biked 20k and ran 5k. The Olympics swam 1.5 k, biked 40k and ran 10 k.  The ½ Iron man competition was one for the very hardy, they swam 1.2 miles, biked 56 miles, and ran 13.1 miles.

It never ceases to amaze me how many great people we have here in the Tawas Area. I want to thank all the people that volunteered to work at the Triathlon.  You are exceptional people to stand out in the rain for hours, handing out drinks, marking the runners, providing direction for the bikers and giving out food and refreshments at the finish line.  They say it takes special type of person to be a volunteer and it sure is true for all those rain soaked folks who worked the race.  Thank you so much.  Also thank you goes out to the Village Chocolatier for rounding up prizes to give away to the athletes, and to the Road Commission for the great flashing sign at the race starting line and down at the south end of town.  The race teams plans to return next year because it is such a beautiful area and because of the warm hearted individuals that worked so hard to make this event a success.

At this time of year the Chamber is seeking new members.  If you have been a member before, I encourage you to jump back on the band wagon and join again.  For those who have never been a member, please consider becoming a new member.  The Chamber has gone through many changes through the years, seen Directors come and go and had some policies changes, some good, some, oh well.    The staff at the Chamber is now made up of one paid Manager (me) and all volunteer help.  We have slimed down our budget just like many of the local businesses and households.   My volunteers are friendly, helpful and courteous. We do our very best to promote all our Chamber members and local events. Being a member offers you an opportunity to be listed in the Visitors Guide.  This guide is shipped to all the major Travel Centers throughout Michigan, given to visitors when they stop by the Chamber and mailed to all who request area information.   You will also be listed on the Chamber website which receives about ½ million hits every 6 months.  You may display your business information in the office and your business and events will be promoted to all the visitors and callers. This is the time to join, our Visitors Guide will be going to press soon.  If you have questions about being a member just contact the Chamber and I will be glad to discuss it with you.

Well, enough of my ranting. Do yourself a favor and step outside your door, take in all the beauty of “Our Town Tawas”.  Appreciate what we get to experience everyday here in vacationland.  Like the Phil Collins song says “It’s another day in Paradise” so enjoy a sunrise, watch a child play on the beach and say good-by to summer and hello to fall. 

 Words of Satisfaction

Betty Fahselt Senter   Summer Field Pottery
As printed in the Iosco County News Hearld  August 20th Edition 

I want to commend the Chamber of Tawas and the current director for the work that they do to organize and bring events to the community that provide us with a variety of things to do here and draw tourist to the area.

In this time of economic problems and high gas prices, we appreciate every one who comes here to our beautiful location and wants to stay for a few days. We all benefit from these events. The Chamber events have hundreds of community volunteers who are helping to make those events successful. They are doing that because we want to be proud of our community and our beautiful location.

Our Chamber director this year has done an outstanding job of attracting and working with volunteers, and letting them contribute to the overall success of many attractions that can only happen here because so many people care enough to give of their time and talents. I have been involved with one of the three art/crafts shows that are held locally.

There are two art/craft shows and one Fine Art Show. All three shows are put on with much long term work by many people so that the events can take place here. They attract the art people and crafters from all over the state and beyond. They bring business to the community and go home and tell others of our hospitality and location.

Laura Loeffler - Manager Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce

August always brings back memories of the start of a new school year. I attended catholic school in Detroit and we wore uniforms so I didn’t become to excited about school shopping.  But it was always so much fun to get new pencils, notebooks, school bags and that great lunch box with the picture of a movie star or comic book character on it.   I remember sitting with all my new supplies and telling myself that this was going to be the year that I would make the honor roll.  I was really going to study hard and be teachers favorite.  But by the middle of November, I had forgotten all the good intentions of September and I had become little miss average student with dog-eared notebooks and broken pencils.  Oh the good ole days!

As for the rest of August we can all look forward to the Eagle Cup Sailboat Races.  What a beautiful scene it is to look out over the bay and see graceful sails flowing with the wind, zipping across the bay.  What an elegant scene, a painters dream.  Lets all pray for blustery winds and blue skies for the day of the sail. 

To finish off the month, the Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show in two locations, Tawas City Park and downtown East Tawas on Newman Street.  Over 90 crafters will exhibit their work for your shopping pleasure. A shuttle bus will be available to wisk you from one show to the other, so you will only have to find one parking spot for the day.  There will be something for everyone at the show, from jewelry to purses, from woodcrafts to birdhouses.  There will also be some local food vendors who will tickle your taste buds with a delicious hot dog or brat, some luscious fudge or some yummy flavored nuts. 

Be sure to mark your calendar so you won’t miss a thing.  Summer in Tawas, what a great place to be!  So many of our visitors down at the Chamber tell me  “You are so lucky to live in this great vacation spot”..   You know, we really are very lucky.  Just park your car at one of our parks along US23 and just look out over the bay.  You can’t help but realize what a great spot to call home.  So get out of the back yard and come on down to an event or just take a walk in the park.  Just enjoy our beautiful bay and appreciate all we have here in OUR TOWN TAWAS.