text:
Luxury Period Banba House Built 1890 Full Restored
from £10 /night help
Estimated nightly price based on a weekly stay. Excludes fees (if applicable). Enter your dates to see the total cost.
Availability Your dates are available
House | 5 bedrooms | sleeps 15
|Key Info
****MAGNIFICENT PERIOD LUXURY HOME JUST A FEW MINUTES FROM GALWAY MAIN STREET.. 12 mins****
Hello and Welcome to Banba House
***** stop the world and get off at Banba House ***** you are now entering a stress free zone********
Enjoy a welcoming food buffet
*** NO EXTRA CHARGES***oil fired central heating and electricity are included.
Banba House.. short / long term rental .You can search our own site for info on us us directly but you should book thru Holiday Lettings.
Cliffs of Moher. Aran Islands. Connemara. Clifden. Westport. Doolan the Burren Bunratty Shannon. Dublin. Knock. Cork. Clare. Athlone.Galway USE AS YOUR BASE TO SEE ALL THE TOURISTIC SITES I THE WEST OF IRELAND
..................fancy a pint of Guinness or a nice Irish whisky maybe a Bailys Irish Cream in front of a blazing turf fire.
How about a real music session of some incredible traditional Irish music,or just sit on the shore and watch the sun go down on Galway bay. Do you remember the Song? You will love it here at Banba House.
All day service and buses til 2.30 am at weekends and just two hours to Dublin. We take great pride in Banba House.
Accommodation: (Sleeps up to 15)
electricity and oil fired central heating are included in rental price, plenty of hot water for your comfort.
Private Detached Residence, 5 bedrooms, home of scholars, musicians and writers.
Named for Banba, the patron goddess of Ireland.
Located on the New Lane on a beautiful quiet tree lined suburban street of Athenry historic village.
Literally a one minute walk to Galway train which silently whispers by and only 12 minutes to Galway Main Street or via bus or M6 motorway. Ten minute drive to new Galway Private Clinic. Doctors surgery across the street in Athenry historic village
OUTSTANDING FEATURES/AMENITIES ....Approx. 3000 Square Feet of living space with attached.
5 bedrooms , Luxurious master bedroom suite. Separate cottage available
Charming, fully fitted kitchen with breakfast room. Two generous reception rooms off main foyer
Formal, dining room with hard wood floors,
Foyer and grand hallway entrance
Large, cozy drawing room with working fireplace .Reception/tea room
Writers / Artists paradise. Streams of natural light shine through abundant bay windows.
Oil fired heating, evenings and mornings included in rental . Large green lawns and gardens throughout....
Be truly one with nature as the grounds abound with lush mature shrubs and majestic chestnut, Irish lime, broad-leaf and conifer trees
Built in early 1890's to the highest standards with the highest quality materials.
Fully restored in the last few years to its former glory..... Ample off-street parking .full wi fi internet .
Accomodation and Sleeping arrangements
Five Bedrooms
Bedroom One: large double bed 1700 mm wide,
.................and single bed 900 mm wide, with one sink
Bedroom Two: two large double beds...... one bed 1600 mm wide,
..........................and double bed 1600 mm wide, with one sink
Bedroom Three: double bed 1300 mm wide
Bedroom Four: large single bed 1150 mm
Bedroom Five: three single beds 900 mm wide, or one double and one single if you want to push beds together
*****We set up temporary sleep-over beds for groups of more than thirteen.*****.
We take great care to prepare for each group as you arrive. All bed linen and towels are freshly laundered, line dried and tumble dry finished and left on the beds for your comfort
Golf, Fishing and sailing..Titanic Belfast just over 3 hrs driving,,, Galway Races Ballybrit, 15 mins..Luxury Period House, circa 1890 in large private mature grounds right in the historic village of Athenry, 3 mins walk to shops and local pubs/ restaurants churches and schools and just 10 minutes to Galway city center by train, All day service and buses til 2.30 am at weekends and just two hours to Dublin with local access to Galway Races, Aran islands, Galway Bay Sailing Club, . Salthill, . Cliffs of Moher, West of Ireland, Ashford Caslte, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey,visit Irish Period Houses many old houses, Galway Now waiting for the Galway.Oyster Festival, Clarenbridge Oyster festival the Guinnes Music festival. Just finished are Galway Arts festival, Art Studio,Arts Festival. Art.ie, Lough Corrib.fishing.
Enjoy Irish traditional music, watch the sun go down on Galway Bay, enjot the Galway Hunt, horse riding, golf,flying, Travel via Etihad airways,Dublin,Shannon,Knock,Belfast,
they loved it here,John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara,where they made The quiet Man, and Galway Girl,
Your fully refundable deposit is transferred to you on leaving the house in the same condition as you find it when you arrive.
Cliffs of Moher. Aran Islands. Connemara. Clifden. Westport. Burren Bunratty Shannon. Dublin. Galway
Galway Main Street Ten Minutes
You dont need a car to get here
One minute walk to local shop
Three minutes walk to shops pubs restaurants.and churches
Transport all day and home til 2.30 a.m.at weekends...
|Sleeps up to 15, 5 bedrooms
|Nearest beach
|Oranmore and Salthill and Furbo 6 km
|Will consider
|Corporate bookings, House swap, Long term lets (over 1 month)
|Car not necessary
|Nearest Amenities
|1 km
|Nearest travel links
|Nearest airport: DUBLiN ,,KNOCK,,SHANNON..CORK 60 km, Nearest railway: GALWAY 1 km
|Family friendly
|Great for children of all ages, Suitable for people with restricted mobility
|No pets allowed, No smoking at this property
Features and Facilities
|Log fire, Internet access, Staffed property, Boat available
|Central heating, Wi-Fi available
|Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer
|Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer
|5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms of which 2 Family bathrooms and 1 En suites
|Double beds (4), Single beds (5), Bunk Beds (2), Dining seats for 14, Lounge seats for 10
|Linen provided, Towels provided
|Balcony or terrace, Private garden
|Secure parking
About this location
The Western Ireland region
I have the following bedrooms for your comfort, aprox detail as follows.....
Bedroom One..... large double bed 1700mm wide, and one single bed in master bed with one sink.
Bedroom Two......two large double beds 1700mm wide in bed room with one sink.
Bedroom three double bed 1300mm.
Bedroom four single bed 1200mm.
Bedroom five three single beds 900mm wide or double and one single if you want to push beds together.. .
freshly Laundered Sheets pillows quilts and towels and new soaps all provided.
Oil fired Central Heating included for your comfort.
Bathrooms have an electric shower and bath with shower.
Plenty of hot water always available.
Two minute walk to local shop.
Two minute walk to train station. Galway Dublin main train line,you can't hear the trains from the house.
Two minute walk to buses. To and from Galway, till 2.30 a.m weekends
Less than five minutes walk to main street in town centre schools, churches & pubs, & restaurants and shops.
….. If you decide to come and enjoy Banba House, I will do what I can to make your visit a special and memorable holiday occasion and I will be available to provide any help and advice that I can in order to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
….. if I can be of any help whatsoever in helping you to plan your journey to get here with directions and your local travel around Ireland when you are here, please do not hesitate to ask.
Day 1............some people fly into Dublin and see Dub for a day or two and then take the train West later in the evening or next morning early.
Day 2 Galway city tour and take a walk out to Salt hill, see the Cathedral and visit the University. Stop in Ti Ceoli for music and craic on the way back and a pint o'black'.
Day 3 Coach tour,, Connemara, Clifden Roundstone.....full day.
Day 3.. Coach tour Cliffs of Moher.,the Burren Kinvara ..................................... full day
Day 4 Aran Islands ferry, full day,.................................. full day
Day 5 head south Cork, Kerry and and back to Dub for your trip home,,,
M6 to R348 to R347: From the motorway/highway (M6) take the R348 until you get to the roundabout joining the R347. Head into town towards the skyscrapers, (only joking), keep going straight and head into town, past the small round look out historic tower in Athenry
Bridge Street: As the road curves around to the left, the main castle comes into view in the distance on your right. There's a park/playground on your right and an historic cemetery/church on your left. The post office is just ahead of you now (a small brick building with a green "post" sign). You take a right before the post office.
Court Lane: The castle is in front of you and you will pass by it on your right. You should drop in and have a look while your here. The road curves around to the left and you drive straight on past the Athenry's famous arch historic archway (you'll see it to your left) and veer right (you'll see a petrol station on your right).
Tuam Road: Turn left at the next street (Tuam Road). Continue straight on this road. You'll go through the traffic lights and over the hump-back bridge (you'll go over train tracks and will see the train station on your left). Slow down, take the next right at the bottom of the bridge, it's the first gate in the left...you've arrived. Welcome.
About the owner
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21 Nov 2014
I recently stayed at Banba House in Athenry with my family of 7 for 4 nights.We are Irish Americans and 2 South Africans on our first trip to the Mother Country. Everything was grand, as the Irish might say. Owner pride(Ray) is evident throughout. I've listed all the pros I can think of and a few cons about the house itself and the area as a vacation destination.
-Ray- Just wonderful to deal with pre trip and a most effortless and gracious host. He met us at the train on our arrival and brought all our luggage back to the house so that we could continue on the train into Galway.
-Ray prepared a wonderful chicken/salad/ bread and wine dinner for us on our departure night
-A welcome bottle of wine or 2 upon arrival back home our first night. Ray has plenty of wine in the house if you prefer to pay-as- you go. We bought our wine at the market.
-Loved all the whimsical pictures(painted by our host) and knick knacks throughtout
-House was immaculate
-Windows just sparkled
-Kitchen stocked with all the amenities you need
-Rooms were all spacious and sunny
-Nice patio out back to sit in sun or just hang the laundry
-Plenty of games and cards to pass the time(nice change from tv and computer obsessed)
-Pristine location-no litter or graffiti anywhere. So pleasant.
-Market right around corner to stock up on staples(wine and such)
-Athenry train literally around the corner but you never hear it. Nice quaint train station.
-Athenry town also literally a stones throw from the house. Nice town to wander about and take in local flavor
-Plenty of hot water(thought we'd be spacing out showers but didn't have problems)
-Cleaning supplies (dishwasher and sink) and TP already there(have rented many places in US where you need to buy yourself).
-Nice landscaping about the property- well maintained
-Galway was (as we were told) one stop up from Athenry (15mins or so) on a very nice, clean, quiet train through pleasant landscapes.
-Galway is another wonderful Irish city full of culture, food,music and loads of shopping! with many photo ops everywhere you turn. Sunday afternoons the pubs were hopping!!
-So many excursions leave right out of Galway and it is all very efficient and convenient. A short walk down from train and you are at the main hub of transportation(tour buses).
-Wifi available and used by a few of us for music, work and uploading pictures
-Very good meats available in Athenry at Michael Walsh's butcher shop
-Tours from Galway to all the wonderul excursions in the West: Cliffs of Moher, the Abbey, etc were very very reasonable costs and easy to book last minute.(it was off season though).
-Train can be expensive since need to book each way not round trip. This can add up since we were into Galway every day. But having said that, you are on vacation and public transport is expensive everywhere.
-Train departures from Galway back to Athenry limited at night, so just plan ahead for it(we found with our group of 7 that a rented minivan back was way to go and cheaper than the train-but you need to book it at one of the tour companies ahead of time. We also took taxi back one night but was expensive and needed 2 of course).
-We are not night owls and found out that most of the Galway pub music started much later than we expected-maybe 10 or 11. Early for some, but after a day of touring, we just wanted to relax at night. So we would head back to Banba and cook and play many games of Pinochle and sip wine and listen to Irish music on the computer.(so this is a pro/con comment)
- No cons from me about the house.
All in all, we had an absolutely wonderful time at Banba House. We would definitely return if we revisit Western Ireland.
If anyone has any questions I may be able to answer please forward to me at
Pat L
Ah Meghan!!! To be sure, you are too kind, how nice of you to say such kind things about Banba House in your review.. Your group were lovely and it was my pleasure to pop over to the station and collect your luggage and bring it back to the house for you.
I work hard at making all my guests as welcome as I possible can. I am dedicated to going that extra mile to help Banba guests have an enjoyable stress free experience and am always happy to help with travel plans, flights, arrivals at the airports,transport and directions. A quick phone call can take all the stress out of the journey and turn the day into an adventure as part of the holiday knowing, that when you arrive at Banba, we will have the house prepared perfectly and ready to the highest standards for your comfort and for you to enjoy. I love to cook, and its always a joy to set up a full carefully prepared freshly cooked table of the most delicious local fare.
We would be delighted if you decide to visit us at Banba House in the future. Regards
Ray McGrogan
27 Jul 2014
"A totally unforgettable experience"
We stayed at Banba House for five days to attend a family wedding in Galway, we could not fault the facilities at all apart from there not being a television ( not normally a problem but the Open Golf Championship was on). Raymond was always available to be contacted and he gave us a detailed account of Athenry. Banba House is within easy reach of the train and bus facilities. Athenry has a number of pubs where the locals were very friendly.
Julie, you and your group were a pleasure to have as guests in Banba House and we hope to see you all again in the future, Your all welcome anytime. very best regards Ray
8 Jul 2014
"Great Place to stay with Family"
Had a great time with my Husband and 4 daughters. Plenty of room and privacy. Ray and Rita were great and helped with any questions.
thanks so much, we have just received our certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor and we are thrilled to have our efforts recognized by our guests. Hope to see you aging sometime soon. regards Ray
24 Mar 2014
"The house is much nicer than the photographs show."
Banba House was simply outstanding. We only stayed one night and if we didn't have somewhere else leased for the next few nights we would definitely have stayed longer. The photographs just don't do it justice. It is such a nice and comfortable home. Raymond, the owner, is such a nice person and very helpful. When we booked the place he emailed us with some ideas for sightseeing. It's literally just around the corner from the train station that you can catch into Galway ( a few minutes away ). We'll definitely stay here again the next time we visit Ireland.
.............yes indeed we are trying harder than ever this year to go that extra yard to make our guests feel welcome, thank you so much for your kind comments. regards Ray
21 Mar 2014
"Perfect for our Family Reunion in Galway"
This grand old house was perfect for us - we were 9 adults visiting from the States for a reunion of sorts (we had only actually met one of them before) with long-lost family in Galway. We had the f… More
..............thanks for being so gracious in your review, we will try to have better / warmer weather for your next trip. You guys are a great family and that's shows thru in all conversations that we had. Hope to see you in Boston sometime. very best regards
28 Aug 2013
"Grease in the oven; dead flies on the windows"
Very disappointed. House had not been properly cleaned on our arrival. There was grease in the oven, staining in the bath, some light bulbs not working, carpets stained, dust everywhere and dead flies… More
Dear Folks,
Thank you for taking the time to write to me regarding your concerns. I appreciate all feedback from my valued guests. My customers' comfort at Banba House is my only priority. I am happy to respond to your comments in detail.
In my hurry to accommodate your arrival and check-in 2 hours earlier than expected with only 20 minutes notice, the oven and three light bulbs out of thirty-nine were unfortunately overlooked. I do apologise. I understood that you had been traveling with a large group and wanted to relax and settle in. I was happy to accommodate you but unfortunately I was not able to do my last walk-through of the property. Thank you for noting in your email to me that I immediately remedied the problems as soon as I was told about them. I always respond to my guests' requests as quickly as possible.
The usual stay for our valued guests is between 4-7 days. The home is thoroughly and professionally cleaned between each booking. Extensive cleaning took place on the day of your arrival. On the fourth day after your check-in, you mentioned your group did some cleaning. That's good, I expect this to be normal upkeep with a large group of 9-15 people living in the home for a week. We don't provide a housekeeping service during guests' stays unless previously arranged.
I take great pride in Banba House and must respond to the incorrect information in your review. I put fresh, clean sheets and duvets on all the beds before your group arrived. I personally ironed all the pillowcases. Except for the two main items overlooked (oven and light bulbs), Banba House was freshly aired and completely ready for guests, including all surfaces cleaned, polished, and vacuumed. At your check-in there were no dead flies or spider webs in the home.
Regarding the bathtub - there is a discoloration in the original antique bathtub, but as explained in the information booklet, the tub is 75 years old and was stained from the natural bog water that was the normal water supply in this area many years past. Although there is a "beauty mark" on this historic tub, we note that you did not make a complaint on the cleanliness of the bathtub or the bathrooms.
Trip Advisor and Banba House websites do not indicate that we have a TV, a DVD player, stereo, or swimming pool.
In compensation for the oven needing wiped down and the three light bulbs failing to light, I will be happy to offer you a complimentary night's stay with your next booking. I hope to welcome you back to Banba House in the near future!
Kind regards,
7 Aug 2013
"Great for a team trip"
We stayed at the Banbahouse with a girls field hockey team traveling from the USA and it was a perfect space for our big group. Ray was great and set us up with plenty of beds for the girls. It was … More
Stephenie, your an amazing women organizing such a large group of fine well behaved ladies in such an orderly fashion. You guys are so welcome and I hope that you will do us the honor of coming back to see us again soon. regards
6 Jun 2013
"Great time at Banba House."
When we arrived, Ray had two roast chickens, salads, bread, and wine waiting for us. What could be more perfect? The house is big and very comfortable and accommodated our group of 8 with room to spare. It's a great location...the train station is a block away and Galway a 15 minute train ride to the city center. There is a market around the corner and pubs within walking distance. You may even find Ray in one of them!
...thank you so much for taking the time to review your stay with us, your welcome here anytime. regards
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Ray McGrogan M.
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Calendar last updated:28 Mar 2015
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Groutaone official race gear found here http://www.groutaone.com/
74 Roadrunner - 1st startup
This is the first startup after dropping in a '72 318 (bored 30 over, crane
cam, edelbrock intake and carb, open headers) into my 1974 Plymouth
The Sundance
A little Movie I made of my car,It would have been better but its all that
i salvaged from the film from my broken camera,the ending was edit that
way,that isnt the camera,lol i wanted to give it and ending like"2 lane
black top"..enjoy
1974plymouth 001-1.m4v
1974 plymouth satellite walk around for sale
1974 Plymouth Satellite Road Runner "Clone"
Here's some Satellite "B" Body trivia for you. Dirty Harry took a 1974
Plymouth Satellite window shopping in the beginning of "Enforcer". Well
this car is too nice to drive through any windows. This is a nice
recreation of a Roadrunner with the appropriate purple "Beep Beep" horn.
Get your Vitamin C in the orange every time to take this beauty out for a
Dodge Ram Crushes GT-R in 1/4-Mile Pass
Drag Racing Down Under — 1500HP VW
Wheelstand Wednesday — Compilation Video
All Show No Go Blown/Turbocharged 1969 Camaro
Which car is faster?
Similar 1/4 mile timeslips to browse:
2004 Chevrolet SSR : 12.768 @ 106.240
Bill, Engine: 382 stroker,
2003 Chevrolet SSR : 13.100 @ 110.000
Gus, Tires: Toyo
2005 Chevrolet SSR : 14.100 @ 100.100
2004 Chevrolet SSR : 16.000 @ 87.000
Motor Week,
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Calling all messy, greasy cooks.: what's your backsplash?
Do you have tiles for your backsplash? Is there such a thing as easy to clean grout/tiles (sealer?).
I cook alot of greasy and splattery food... and we cook at home almost every meal. The kitchen we are putting in is high on function because we are "power users" of our kitchen. Now that part of the design is down, we want to make sure that it looks good too.
At first, I wanted Stainless Steel backsplash since that is easiest to clean and there are no grouts to deal with. I am putting in green glass mosaic tiles in the backsplash (about 6 inches) along the countertop. My GC suggested that I carry it up the backsplash behind the cooktop also. I kind of like that idea because I am afraid my all white cabinets and all white appliances will be too "bland". I am putting in Stainless Steel countertop along the wall. The cooktop will be in the middle with a SS chimney hood. The cooktop is flanked by two 62" windows. And no upper cabinets. Is that too much stainless steel if I use it for backsplash too?
My GC said that they have a sealer for the grout now that makes it easier to clean. I'm not sure he is familiar with my kind of cooking... my MIL didn't think people needed a vented hood and grout was fine with her until she met me (;-)...she told me this herself... "you are a REAL cook... you can't have grouts". I was convinced that tiles are not in my future... but if there is a product out there that will work to keep out the grease...I would love it.
What is your solution? BTW, I hate granite... no offense to everyone who loves granite... It just my personal taste.
Thanks for any advice.
Of course *I*'m not messy and greasy :), but my DH is, so we got stainless steel. I'm SO thankful for it. I wouldn't get anything with a grout right there, and I've got 1/2" glass tile everywhere else as backsplash. But where we cook, there's stainless.
My DW causes a fair amount of messy splatter too. But our problem isn't the backsplash, I've got that covered with a tall piece of soapstone. Next time we shop for a range or cooktop I want to look for some kind of stainless side shields, preferably retractable, to catch the splatter going that way.
We are functional cooks too . We have a Miele built in deep fat fryer and the Caldera 36" gas cooktop with a 1400 cfm hood over all this . We stirfry regularly and deep fat fry. I have no tile in my kitchen. All backsplash areas are painted with the matte BM just like the walls. A dark green called Thyme. I love it. I can scrub the paint after we cook every meal using grease cutter and the paint looks just as good now as it did a 1 1/2 yrs ago. You can see pics on the FKB. Why not go with paint ?? It works. Caroline
I seem to be a messy cook as well. A home that we lived in previously had tile behind the cooktop and I could never get the tile or the grout clean. It wasn't always noticable head on, but if you looked at it from an angle you could always see shiny grease streaks. I think I am definately doing stainless this time. I see all of these beautiful tile BS behind ranges and cooktops and wonder how do people keep them clean?
I will have a tile backsplash. I'm investing in a splatter guard, it's not pretty but won't live on the counter anyway. I'll prop it up behind my cooktop. My cooktop is on the back side of my bar so I have very little backsplash there anyway, I want to protect the wood bar top.
I've been told that glass is the most impervious backsplash and cleans easily. Stainless will scratch (boo).
Here is a link that might be useful: Splatter Guard
I have a 60" commercial range/double oven with its own stainless steel high back and shelf. Behind it is tumbled marble and ceramic tile, but the stainless steel and commercial hood prevent grease, etc., from getting to the tile. I also have a small 30" four-burner cooktop. It has tumbled marble and raised, high-relief ceramic tile behind it. Even though I only use it to simmer, the tile and marble are more difficult to clean than the stainless. I think stainless is the best choice for practical reasons, especially if you tend to fry, wok, and so forth. And I say that as someone who adores ceramics.
Trailrunner: I'm glad you piped in... I've seen your kitchen and showed my husband a while back and he was soooooo jealous of the built in deep fryer! I can't believe that BM paint can take that much cleaning. Hmmm I'll have to seriously consider that. Was the BM paint a certain line or have a special additive to make it withstand scrubbing? Not to go off topic but do you find that it is hard to clean? What do you do with the oil? How often do you have to change the oil?
Jenellecal, I like the splatter guard. I've seen my cousins use something like this.
Don_: Actually, your post reminds me that another cousin rigged up something like a pull-down blind that they would pull down when they stir-fry. I think it was attached to the hood. This was about 10 years ago when I visited them so I don't know how it held up... since it was a rigged shade, I bet it wasn't too costly to replace if it got grimey or worn out.
Solid colored glass backsplash, in one piece.
Neighbour used marine-grade steel/gray boat paint! It works like a charm, but reeks to high heaven when painting it on. The colour is amazingly like brushed stainless to match his appliances, and has enough shine to it that it's not flat/matte. He takes SOS (soapy steel wool) to it to get the "gottafryeverything" marks right off.
Neeter, It is the Benjamin Moore Matte paint which has ceramic in it. It is a scrubbable paint. You can easily care for it with grease cutter ot dish soap. I use a rough wash cloth but you can also use a scrub brush. It doesnot burnish the paint .
The fryer is perfect. It is exactly like what my son has in his restaurant only a 1 gallon size vessel. it is VERY easy to clean and only needs it once in a "blue moon". Believe it or not since it has a tight fitting top and we don't usually do fish in it it lasts months. You drain the oil out , and that takes a couple seconds. Then you wipe out with paper towel and then refill. that is it. It heats quickly and maintains heat perfectly when food is added. I will be glad to answer any other questions. Caroline...thanks for the compliments.
Cooking is a hobby for my family and we ended up with a cream colored tumbled marble (Crema Marfil)backsplash . . . plus the cast iron fireback! We had it sealed and now just have a generic spray bottle we keep filled with a mixture of vinegar & water to clean it with. Works fine so far.
Caroline: Thanks for the info on the deep fryer and the paint.
Mls99: the solid colored glass is intriguing... do you have a picture of it? who would install that? A glass company?
CountryCottage: Wow, the marine grade paint sounds good. But if I wonder how hard it is to change the color or remove.
Lynn: is the sealer the same as the epoxy grout?
Thanks to all who responded... it is nice to be amongst fellow cooks and TKO citizens (of TKO nation ;-).
Re solid colored glass. I have been considering Glasskote at least behind the range. I have had tile in my last two homes and trying to keep it and the grout clean drove me nuts. Does anyone have experience with Glasskote?
Here is a link that might be useful: GlassKote website
Also interested in Glasskote behind the range. Anybody have experience / info on pricing of this product? We just demo'ed our 1940's kitchen that had Vitrolite as the backsplash. This glass product was wonderful. We would re-use if the color was different.
we have white subway with white grout and cook each and every night (frying, grilling, sauce making, etc.) and tiles are no problem. just make sure you clean the tiles each and every night, I actually think cleaning SS is more difficuly (that is, you need to be careful to go with the grain and if you don't clean it just right you get smudges and streakes).
my two cents...
A couple of people asked about my solid glass: it's not in yet (we're at the mid-remodel stage) but I loved the Glasskote, thought it was too expensive, so we're going with a local glass company who is distributor? franchisee? of US Color Glass. Look them up online at uscolorglass.com. I'll come back later today with prices, as we got a rough quote and are waiting for the final quote. They'll do any Benjamin Moore paint as back-coating for the glass.
I thought glasskote looked quite intriguing as well, but was unable to even locate any dealers (maybe it's me but the website was not cooperating). I am very interested to hear what you learned today, and will definitely be checking out that site. Thanks for keeping us informed.
I wonder if just putting a sheet of stainless or even a large commercial cookie sheet behind your fry pan when you do fry would be a simple low tech option to protect your backsplash. You could just store it with your other fry pans and wash it after you are done.
The quote turned out at $45 per square foot. I'm doing 2 pieces, one 40'x24', the other 30'x25' (sink and cooktop respectively). It would be about $150 less if I used US Color Glass standard colors. And if I want iron-free glass (for a truer color) it would be $150 more. The glass will be 1/4' thick. MUCH cheaper than GlassKote.
I found US Color Glass and then clicked on the local contacts, and found the place nearest to me. I'm near Boston MA in case geography plays a part in prices.
Here is a link that might be useful: US Color Glass
Like trailrunner, I used paint. It was an interim solution because my intent was to have tile, until I found out my walls were so uneven I wouldn't be able to have the tiles neatly match up with the 4" backsplash on my Swanstone countertop.
It's a BM semi-gloss and to my surprise has been easy to keep clean. A spritz of Windex is all it takes, and the paint is still perfect after five years of LOTS of cleaning.


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Please join us for our upcoming Band & Choir Concerts! On April 7, 2015 our 3-5 grade students will be performing both a morning 9:30 -10:15 am, and evening concert from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.
Make sure to check out our weekly Pride Paw Winners under the Activities link. Each week students who are showing school P.R.I.D.E. (Personal responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy) are selected to be Pride Paw Winners.
The 2015 Student Summer Worker application period is available on Applitrack. Four work crews will be hired during the interview process. The crews will consist of: Building Maintenance and Repairs, Curb Appeal (landscaping), Lawns, and Curb Appeal (parking lot improvements). Further information will be available soon. Please contact the CTE Department at 746-9274 with any questions. Click for links...
Mat-Su schools celebrate Spring Break next week, kicking off this Friday with no school for students (work day for teachers). If your child attends a non-traditional school, you will follow your school's calendar.
The District sincerely appreciates your input in the budget process as we continue the focus on increasing student learning and achievement. Click full story for survey link and link to a NEW budget video from a student's perspective.
MSBSD schools will be conducting P/T Conferences on Mon. and Tues., Feb. 16 and 17. No school for students. If your child attends a non-traditional Mat-Su school, you will follow your school's calendar.
At 5:30 p.m., January 21, MSBSD Admin. Building in Palmer: See the proposed boundary maps, meet the demographer and ask questions, talk with the new principal for Redington, and hear the demographer's presentation to the School Board during the regular meeting.
The MSBSD School Board has approved the 2015-2016 School Year Calendar. Community input included an online survey with over 3500 responses and public comment.
MSBSD Enanuaq Preschool Program is academic center-based for three and four-year-old Alaska Native and Native American children to prepare them for kindergarten readiness. There are sessions at Wasilla High and Burchell High. The high school program is designed to support supplemental educational learning opportunities through the federally funded Alaska Native Education Program. The grant expires in FY15.
"...American Indians and Alaska Natives helped build the very fabric of America. Today, their spirit and many contributions continue to enrich our communities and strengthen our country." President Barack Obama.
Did you vote in the first fall calendar survey? Even if you did vote, you have one more opportunity to voice your opinion. The three-year calendar approval survey is open October 31 through November 10.
Thursday and Friday, October 30 and 31, are Parent/Teacher Conference Days in the MSBSD. Please check with your school for schedules. If your child attends a non-traditional Mat-Su school, follow your school's calendar. For traditional schools, no school for students on these two days.
MSBSD Office of Instruction hosts a School Advisory Committee Meeting for the new Joe Redington, Sr. Jr/Sr High School. Thursday, October 23 at 6 p.m., Mat-Su Central School (600 E. Railroad Ave., Wasilla). School opens next fall for grades 6-10; expanding in future. View full story.
Your opinion matters! Take the MSBSD calendar survey to share your preferences. View full story for survey. Survey open now through October 10.
Last year the state legislature passed HB278, which repealed the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam for Alaska students, but now requires that all 11th grade students take a College or Career Readiness Assessment (CCRA) specifically the ACT, SAT, or WorkKeys. Read More....
Adam Mokelke, principal of Burchell High School is one of six exceptional school leaders, according to an announcement by the National Association of Secondary Schools Principals. Mokelke will be honored during a September meeting in Washington. Read more....and good luck, Mr. Mokelke!
Students and parents may complete registration for next school year ONLINE. Read more for instructions or click on i-Enroll under the Parents tab...
"You can teach a student a lesson a day; but if you teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives." ~ Clay P. Bedford
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 3rd Grade Alaska Measure of Progress Testing
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 3rd Grade Alaska Measure of Progress Testing
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM MLE Title I Preschool Family Night
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM MLE 3rd-5th Gr DAYTIME Band/Choir Concert
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM MLE Intermediate Night Time Band/Choir Concert
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM 6th Gr Orientation at WMS for MLE 5th Grade Students
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM 6th Gr Orientation at HMS for MLE 5th Grade Students


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Member Feeds
Phase 2 Capital Campaign begins for Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center
Remember how excited we were five years ago with the opening of the Chik-Wauk Museum? We have so much to be proud of and so much to celebrate! The museum is a top-notch showcase of our natural and cultural history.
We have even more to get excited about this year. We are starting Phase II of the museum project which will give us the facilities to fulfill our goal of sharing and preserving more of the history and heritage of our community.
Our plan is to break ground this spring for our new Chik-Wauk Nature Center, a modest administration building, and a vaulted biffy. The Chik-Wauk Nature Center will be the hands-on center for learning. We have a team working with Split Rock Design Studios on displays that will set the tone for curiosity and exploration. It will have plenty of seating for presentations as well as tables and workstations to be used for classes.
Proposed Chik-Wauk Building Plans
In 2016, we will collaborate with the North House Folk School on building our boat pavilion. This will be a timber frame shelter to protect and display historic watercraft in the Gunflint Trail Historical Society collection with descriptive panels for each boat or canoe. We will also build a cabin that represents a typical rental unit from the 1950s at Chik-Wauk Lodge. Finally, we will put up a metal building for maintenance equipment and larger storage items.
It is an ambitious plan. Our construction budget for this Phase II is $500,000. To date, we have raised about half the needed money. We hope you will chip in to help us raise the remaining money, as your funds and budget allow. You can make a donation online easily through our online payment server . Just use the contributions (restricted) field on the website and put "Phase II" in the designation field.
With your continued support, our excitement for the future of the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center can become a reality.
Bruce Kerfoot, Board of Trustees
More areas of Grand Marais ready for Broadband
We are expanding the area in Grand Marais that is ready for True North Broadband Access. Homes from Broadway to the Gunflint Trail/Highway 61 intersection can be connected. Check out our pricing and services then contact us (tel: 218-663-7239 or email email@example.com) to discuss installation. Welcome to True North!
Waking Up Hungry
You can probably tell by the red leaves in the background of this photo that this picture was not taken this spring. I haven't seen any bear activity on the Gunflint Trail yet either but I'm sure we'll see some soon. The forecast is calling for warm temperatures this week and if the bears aren't out and about yet then I'm sure they will be by the end of the week. Here's what the DNR says about black bears in the Spring.
DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 30, 2015
Be bear-aware this spring as bears begin emerging from dens
Wildlife managers remind homeowners who live near bear habitat to be bear-aware and check their property for food sources that could attract bears this spring.
Bears usually begin emerging from their dens in late March and early April. Allowing bears to forage for food in a yard can present dangers to bears and people, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
"While one homeowner may not be bothered by the presence of a bear in their yard, it can cause conflicts between neighbors, as well as public safety concerns, when human-related food is easy to find and the bears stop seeking their natural foods," said Jeff Lightfoot, DNR northeast region wildlife manager. "These bears eventually get into trouble because they return again and again."
As bears emerge from hibernation they are not immediately hungry, but over the following weeks their metabolism ramps up and they will begin looking for food at a time when berries and green vegetation can be scarce. Bears may be tempted by dog food, livestock feed, birdseed, compost or garbage.
"Bears are normally shy and usually flee when encountered," said John Williams, DNR northwest region wildlife manager. "However, they may defend an area if they are feeding or are with their young. Never approach or try to pet a bear. Injury to people is rare, but bears are potentially dangerous because of their size, strength and speed."
The DNR does not relocate problem bears. Relocated bears seldom remain where they are released. They may return to where they were caught or become a problem somewhere else. "In metro areas, a person who is concerned about a problem bear presenting a threat to public safety is advised to first call local law enforcement," said Jami Markle, DNR central region assistant wildlife manager. "Leaving anything around that might be attractive to a bear could present a danger to the bear and people. When living in an area with wildlife, even the occasional bear requires some extra precautions to avoid conflict."
The DNR offers some tips for avoiding bear conflicts.
Around the yard
Do not leave food from barbeques and picnics outdoors, especially overnight. Coolers are not bear-proof.
Replace hummingbird feeders with hanging flower baskets, which are also attractive to hummingbirds.
Eliminate birdfeeders or hang them 10 feet up and 4 feet out from the nearest trees.
Use a rope and pulley system to refill birdfeeders, and clean up seeds that spill onto the ground. Where bears are a nuisance, birdfeeders should be taken down between April 1 and Dec. 1.
Store pet food inside and feed pets inside. If pets must be fed outdoors, feed them only as much as they will eat.
Clean and store barbeque grills after each use. Store them in a secure shed or garage away from windows and doors.
Pick fruit from trees as soon as it's ripe, and collect fallen fruit immediately.
Limit compost piles to grass, leaves and garden clippings, and turn piles regularly. Adding lime can reduce smells and help decomposition. Do not add food scraps. Kitchen scraps can be composted indoors in a worm box with minimal odor.
Harvest garden produce as it matures. Locate gardens away from forests and shrubs that bears may use for cover.
Use native plants in landscaping whenever possible. Clover and dandelions will attract bears.
For bee hives, elevate them on bear-proof platforms or erect properly designed electric fences.
Do not put out feed for wildlife (like corn, oats, pellets or molasses blocks).
Store garbage in bear-resistant garbage cans or dumpsters. Rubber or plastic garbage cans are not bear-proof.
Keep garbage inside a secure building until the morning of pickup.
Store recyclable containers, such as pop cans, inside. The sweet smells attract bears.
Store especially smelly garbage, such as meat or fish scraps, in a freezer until it can be taken to a refuse site.
People should always be cautious around bears. If they have persistent bear problems after cleaning up the food sources, they should contact a DNR area wildlife office for assistance. For the name of the local wildlife manager, contact the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367, or visit www.mndnr.gov/contact/locator.html to find a local office. For more information, visit www.mndnr.gov/livingwith_wildlife/bears.
Great Place Project Application Deadline Tomorrow – March 31st!
Apply to be a 2015 Great Place Project! Application deadline Tuesday, March 31st.
After a successful first year of the Great Place Race, the newly renamed Great Place Project will offer a second year of mini-grants for placemaking in Cook County and Grand Portage. The Great Place Project is looking for businesses and organizations to apply with their high impact, low cost idea to make a place great. Mini-grants range from $250 to $1,000 per project.
Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2015 at 4 pm CST. Applications are available for download at www.becausemovingmatters.org/greatplaceproject or paper copies may be picked up at the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic front desk during business hours (513 5th Ave W, Grand Marais).
Questions about the 2015 Great Place Project? Contact Maren at email@example.com or 218-387-2330 x110.
Another Sign Summer is Near
You know summer is approaching when the call goes out to local property owners that it's time to order your trees again. Every year, for I don't know how many years, Hedstrom's Lumber Company in Grand Marais, Minnesota has given away tree seedlings. Each property owner can get up to 200 free seedlings including White Pine and Red Pine, my favorites.
We pick the tree seedlings up at the beginning of May and then attempt to get them all planted. Luckily we have the help of a great Voyageur Crew because in our neck of the woods planting trees isn't easy work. Where there is soil to be found it isn't very deep. It takes a long time just to find a good spot to place the seedling but it's so rewarding when you do.
It's equally rewarding to look at a section of our property that had burned in 2007 during the Ham Lake Fire and see thriving pine trees courtesy of Hedstrom's Lumber Company.
Thank you Hedstroms!
Spring Rituals
I'm not sure if it should be considered a ritual, tradition or task but this past week I met with two of my retail clothing providers to place orders for the upcoming season. It shouldn't be too big of a job for a store our size but it's something that just takes time.
In the beginning years of owning Voyageur Canoe Outfitters it took me forever to decide on what to order. I would agonize over the color of the garment, the feel of the garment and I would have to try on every garment to determine how the sizes ran. Then I would try to guess what sizes would sell the best during the season. Would people be wearing things big and baggy or small and tight fitting? Would women like this design or just men? Would a man wear this or is it too feminine?
These days I worry more about a good color selection, design choices and having a good variety of garments. A bunch of t-shirts, a handful of sweatshirts and a couple of specialty garments pretty much rounds out my ordering. I tend to let the clothing rep fill in the size selection and tell me what the best selling colors are.
I tend not to second guess every decision I make and I think what has sped up the process the most is Mike no longer accompanies me. That seems to make the process much easier because Mike and I would rarely like the same thing and when I wanted an opinion he wouldn't give me one and when I didn't want one he would have one for me.
Whatever I call it, ritual, tradition or task, I'm glad it's done for another season.
Ugh, More Snow!
Winter returned today. The forecast was for a "wintery" mix. To me that means sleet and rain. To the weatherman it meant 3 inches of snow! That was not welcome. I know tomorrow it will all be gone. Don reminded me that we got 20 inches of snow last April. I don't want that either.
Birds are starting to really come back. We have some of the reddest purple finches that I have ever seen. Maybe they get redder just before mating. At any rate, they are quite beautiful. They are also very, very hungry. My feeders are always empty and the suet is gone.
We have been watching single deer wander across the lake one at a time. There have also been single wolves wandering around. I just hope that they don't meet. Ice fishing ends in a couple of days so no one will be on the lake. It will be interesting to see if the deer keep out on the lake or at least away from the wolves. We will only be feeding them another week or so.
The staff has also noticed some does are heavily pregnant. They think that these does may have twins. It will be about a month before the young ones are born. I just think about how my back hurt during those last weeks of pregnancy. In fact, my back hurts just sitting here.
So I never got up to see the Northern Lights. Or, at any rate, when I did look, there was nothing to see. Interestingly, a couple days later we were watching the news. There was a program about several unusual natural events that were now happening. One of them was usually strong northern lights. Usually our northern lights appear as if they are lights from a city just over the horizon. We all know there is no city and these are just faint northern lights. So I am guessing that the lights Chris saw were part of this unusually strong display.
One of you wrote asking if I have pictures of northern lights. Unfortunately, I don't. You are asking a person who doesn't really take pictures. When we were gone to Tanzania and Paris for 3 weeks last fall, I look about 20 pictures. There is too much to see for me to remember to take pictures.
This last weekend was our Books in the Woods weekend. This year our writers were Lorna Landvik and William Swanson. We usually have about 30 participants who come for the seminars. It is very interesting because you get a chance to really interact with the authors. The group sizes are never more than 12. It gives everyone the opportunity to ask questions without being part of a multi-hundred group. The proof of the pudding is that several people made reservations for next year.
Speaking of reservations, summer reservations are coming along very well. Canoe trips will be really busy this year.
Spring Break Time
It's Spring Break time and the kids couldn't be happier. No school for a week! After substitute teaching two days in a row I'm willing to bet the teachers are very happy too.
Hannah and Tony are back from their spring vacations and are ready to prepare for the fast approaching summer season. They have been busy sending out our new brochure that has a map and valuable trip planning information on it. It turned out very nice and if you'd like to receive one then just fill out the online form.
Once you receive it you can spend time planning this summer's canoe camping trip into the BWCA or Quetico Park.
Make-A-Wish for Mining to Disappear?
I don't know many 13-year-olds in my neck of the woods who would give up a wildlife safari in Africa or a trip to Disney World to go to Washington, DC to oppose mining near the Boundary Waters but a boy from Illinois did just that.
You may have already heard about it because it is kind of a big deal. Joseph Goldstein is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia and he really wanted to be a part of the opposition to mining near the Boundary Waters. The Make a Wish Foundation hasn't actually paid for his trip to DC because plans had to be made quickly and around his chemotherapy sessions but they are working with his parents to make it official.
Remember Dave and Amy Freeman who paddled to DC and got signatures on their canoe and on a petition to oppose mining? It's the same effort Joseph wanted to be a part of. Here's what he had to say, "These petitions represent thousands of people like me who love exploring and playing in the beautiful woods and clear waters of the Boundary Waters. My experiences in the Boundary Waters have taught and given me so much, and I want to ensure this beautiful, wild place remains, unspoiled, for my siblings, friends and the next generation. Wilderness is important, and there isn't much of it left. Mining has no place on the edge of a national treasure, and I'm proud to join my voice with thousands of others in urging our leaders to permanently protect the Boundary Waters."
Quite remarkable indeed.
Still Skiing on the Gunflint Trail
Tony's parents visited Voyageur Canoe Outfitters this week and went cross-country skiing. Look at the lovely trails!
City Council Meeting 3-25-2015
Things started out with a bang with community member Greg Gentz approaching the Council with a request for the Council to consider writing a letter of support of the Lakeview Natural Dairy and other residents of the state of MN who want to sell products directly from their farm or garden to consumers. He requested that this be taken up for the next meeting and that, if written, the letter contain information about the Constitutional protections that are at issue in this case. The Council agreed to take this up at their next meeting. We will discuss our ability to write the letter and the language therein...
Then we moved on to the consent agenda. This is where we take care of a bunch of routine business all in one fell swoop. There were a few questions about the payment of bills, an item added to the agenda, and a permit renewal for the Cook County Curling Club Consumption and Display Permit (say that 5 times fast...). That last one had a second of conversation: to explain, the curling club uses the Community Center. In order for them to be able to bring in alcoholic beverages to enjoy after or in between their matches, they need a permit. There has never been any problems with this, so it was included in the consent agenda and passed. There you go curlers!
Next we had a presentation from Kimber Wraalstad concerning the renovation of the North Shore Hospital. She presented to us to get us up to speed and to gain the City's support in requesting grant funds from the IRRRB for infrastructure improvements that will be required with the hospital's renovation. The total amount of the funds available would be up to $350,000 to pay for infrastructure. The City would act as a pass through for this money and all of the construction would be performed and supervised by the hospitals building contractor, Boldt Building. The City will require that all of the infrastructure be build to standard, will view and accept bids, and will maintain records of payments going out for this work. Seeing it as a great opportunity for the hospital to make the reinvestment in our local healthcare more affordable, the Council voted to pass the resolution stating we will apply for the IRRRB funds for their project. The Council was very impressed with the thorough information, financial planning, and project assessments that were given as background for this request (it was almost 30 MB of files on the computer... That's a fair amount!).
After that we had a community member Randy Sjogren approach the Council requesting permission, or at least an investigation into permission to place a set of viewing binoculars near Artist's Point. The location identified was on the west side of the Artist's Point parking lot, in the pebbles between the picnic table to the north and the trees to the south. This spot was identified because of its clear view up and down the Shore. There were many questions asked, including, "Can we even do this? Who controls that land?" and "How would the binoculars be mounted to the ground?" and "What is your interest in this project?" Sjogren stated that if he were the one installing the binoculars, he would want to make it a coin operated system so that he could re-coup some of his expenses. If it were a City project to install the binoculars and he didn't have any income coming from that, that scenario would be great too because he sees it as something that would benefit the City and all of the folks that look out at the Harbor and lake. The Council thanked Sjogren for his idea and will be looking into the control of that area and how we could permit for something that would be more of a permanent installation instead of a seasonal business without any foundations needed. More to come on this!
The next thing was the addition to the agenda. For those of you interested, please look at the previous blog post that I wrote concerning Assisted Living services in Grand Marais to get some background information. The request before the Council last night was to take action on the decision of the previous Council (in December of 2014) to have a market study done to find out the feasibility of Assisted Living services in Cook County, centered in Grand Marais. This Request For Proposals (RFP) will be sent out to companies that do market studies o find which company will be the best suited to perform our study. We are casting a wide net for this study. The previous market study, done in 2010, drew a small circle around Grand Marais and did not speak with members of our neighboring communities, who would be served by these services. After some conversation and and introduction by Karl Hanson, a member of the North Shore Health Care Foundation (whom the City will approach for grant monies to pay for the study), the motion was made and passed to move forward with sending out the RFP to the vendors we know of AS WELL AS being in communication with the County Board and the Grand Portage Tribal Council about this process to get their cooperation in gathering information. I have already sent out contacts to the County Board and the Tribal Council to meet with them and go over the RFP and the process.
*At this point we are not committed to anything. The purpose of doing this process is to get accurate information pertaining to the needs and future needs of people in our community. We want our community members to be able to stay in our community as long as possible and not have to move to a completely different community when their healthcare needs change. Assisted living is the hole in our offerings at present, we need to figure out how big of a hole it is and if we can meet those needs with the services already present in our community instead of trying to attract another entity to fill those needs. Again, please refer to my previous blog post or give me a call if you have any questions.
Next was the Planning Commission report. The Planning Commission held a special meeting regarding the Development Agreement between the City and the developer of the proposed Grand Lakeview Development, which would be located in an undeveloped piece of land above the Gofer Cabins property. Preliminary platt drawings have been done and the City approved a setback variance for the design previously, but before things get started, there needs to be a Development Agreement between the City and the developer. Why? Because this development requires infrastructure and the City is going to own that infrastructure. The City needs to know that this project will be completed to the expectations and specifications that are necessary for the City. The City is not a developer and doesn't want to be, so there are certain things that our legal counsel has told us are standard in an agreement like this. We haven't done a lot of this development, so we want to take our lawyer's advice. These assurances cost money and take time though, and that is something that the developer is concerned about. This project is slated to be an affordable housing development, something that our community has identified is a priority. All of the cost for this project will impact that sale price though. For now I can say that our legal counsel and the lawyer for the developer are working together to figure out how we can both feel good about this project and get the desired result for both of us.
Moving on, we briefly discussed the continuing plan for City Strategic Planning. There are two channels this planning is going to take: 1. Comprehensive Planning-- A wide, thorough, thoughtful process with a great deal of public input and investment; and 2. Capital Improvement Planning-- This will be more of an internal process, but not without community input, that will seek to determine the areas in greatest need for our City and then work toward creating a plan to accomplish those things. Considering that our City Administrator is going to be taking a vacation here upcoming (and I hope he has a great time!), these processes will be getting researched while he is gone (looking at other Capital Improvement Plans and Comprehensive Plans), we will be setting dates for these meetings when he gets back.
At this point we were all getting pretty worn out, so we moved to Council and Staff reports. I reported on a CCLEP meeting I attended where I learned a great deal about programs happening around the region to promote energy efficiency and even an internship program that the City would be eligible for that would potentially give us some opportunities to achieve considerable strides forward in our status as a Green City. I also reported on the North House Annual meeting that I attended last week.
Dave Mills attended the YMCA board meeting where they are hashing out a facility agreement with the school. Sounds like a lot of thought going into that as well! He also mentioned the North Woods Food Project meeting he attended where they began talking about a city compost plan again and the Green Dollars survey that they are doing to gather information to see what kinds of foods we could afford to produce locally instead of buying it from other places. Very good stuff.
The other Councilors either made their updates in the previous agenda items or had no scheduled meetings.
Our next meeting is April 8th where we will discuss the letter of support for the Lakeview Natural Dairy, the GreenCorps program (to see if we should apply for an intern), the possibility of changing our meeting time to make it more accessible, community bathrooms, and an update on the RFP support from the County and Tribe.
See you there!
Bald Eagle Back Home
Tony spotted a resident bald eagle in our tree on the Seagull River. Where there's one there is more, welcome back!
Before and After
Two weeks doesn't seem like that long but the scenery can change quite a bit in that amount of time. The best part about living in Minnesota is experiencing the changing of the seasons. From bare trees to green leaves to no leaves again it's all a part of the fun. Check out the photos Tony took up at Voyageur, just two weeks apart. The sun is getting hotter, you gotta love it.
3/24/15 - A couple of weeks of warm weather have transformed Sawbill from deep winter to an extended spring season.
3/24/15 - A couple of weeks of warm weather have transformed Sawbill from deep winter to an extended spring season. Around here, I've always heard this season referred to as the "crusted snow moon." That is certainly the case at the moment.
Skiing down the Temperance River on crusted snow a few days ago. Right after this picture was taken I saw moose tracks on the river and even the moose was being held up by the crust! Photo by Nickie Dietz.
Here I am with the great group of friends that skied down the Temperance River. Photo by Nickie Dietz.
These warm, early spring days bring out an insect know locally as "snow fleas." They are actually a species of spring tails that jump long distances when they feel threatened. They move so fast, they give the illusion of just disappearing.
Sawbill Lake is like a big open field for Phoebe and Roy this time of year. They love to run joyfully and bark at ravens flying overhead. What looks like slush is actually frozen solid.
Here are the last few weeks editions of the West End News from WTIP-FM, North Shore Community Radio:
March 19th, 2015
March 12th, 2015
March 5th, 2015
February 26th, 2015
Last but not least, let's not forget that the canoeing season is just around the corner.
Canoeist, Craig Nathan, was nice enough to send along this evocative early morning shot of the Sawbill Lake canoe landing as he began is trip to Cherokee last June. - Bill
One Day Left to Comment on Highway 61 Concept Designs
Thanks to the City of Grand Marais' commitment to receiving community feedback on the Highway 61 concept designs, the deadline has been extended for public comment, until Wednesday, March 25th. If you have not yet added your input, please take advantage of this opportunity to share your feedback and shape the future of Grand Marais, whether you drive, walk, and/or bike.
View the concept designs and provide feedback at www.becausemovingmatters.org/highway61
or stop by Grand Marais City Hall (M-F 8-4:30).
If you already provided feedback, be sure to invite your friends, colleagues, and family to contribute to this important discussion for our community.
Questions? Contact Mike Roth, City Administrator, at 218-387-1848 or email@example.com.
When the Snow Melts
Spring is an exciting time filled with surprises. Surprises like, "OH, that's where that went!" when snowbanks melt to reveal items lost since first snowfall. Hopefully we won't have too many of those this year.
One year, a melted snowbank revealed a mangled kevlar canoe courtesy of a blade on a snowplow. That was a not so welcome surprise. Usually it isn't that drastic, some garbage here, a tool there but nothing very shocking.
There is always a bunch of work to do once the snow melts. Last night I had a dream I was trying to rake and my arms were so sore I couldn't even pull it towards me. I haven't even started raking yet but I obviously have thought about it.
I remember one year we had to shovel out our RV sites because there was so much snow in them and groups were arriving. We don't have RV sites anymore but even if we did I don't think we would have to shovel this year, but you never know, when the snow melts.
Excitement at Voyageur Brewing Company
There are so many exciting things happening at Voyageur! We celebrated our Grand Opening, we'll be hosting a Bean Bag Toss Tournament and our beer is being poured at other businesses in Cook County.
Last weekend we celebrated our Grand Opening of Voyageur Brewing Company in Grand Marais, Minnesota. We had a wonderful turnout on all three days and everyone had a fabulous time. Games in the brewery were a big hit and people really enjoyed themselves. Cat and Mouse, Bean Bags, Jumbo Jenga and Hammerschlagen kept everyone entertained. Over $200 was raised for the Cook County Food Shelf by the participants of the Hammerschlagen game.
Live music, hourly drawings and the chance to win free beer made the weekend even more exciting. Everyone who registered at the door was entered into a Grand Prize drawing. Chuck Futterer won the free 3-day completely outfitted canoe trip from Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, Sara Hingos will receive a private party at Voyageur Brewing Company for 25 people with pizza provided by My Sister's Place Restaurant and Julia Zimmermann wins a growler fill a week for an entire year.
More excitement is coming soon on Thursday, April 9th when we'll be hosting a Bean Bag Toss Tournament. Teams of 2 or individuals can sign up to play. We'll pair folks up to make up teams and then have some fun. Games will begin at 6pm & play should be concluded by 10pm. A $10 entry fee per person includes 2 free beer tokens. We'll have a 16 team maximum so players should sign up early at the brewery or by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
And last but not least, a number of businesses are now serving our Voyageur Beer and we couldn't be more excited. It was quite awesome to eat dinner at Harbor House Grille and enjoy a Boundary Waters Brunette Brown Ale made by Voyageur Brewing Company. You can enjoy our beer at Mogul's, Summit Chalet, Papa Charlie's, Cascade Lodge, Lutsen Resort, Crooked Spoon, Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts, My Sister's Place, the American Legion and the Gunflint Tavern.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone for supporting our business in Grand Marais, Minnesota.
Assisted Living in Cook County: What do we need and how do we get it?
If this sounds a little familiar, that is because a very similar conversation happened a little over 5 years ago, at which point a study for the need of these services was done and it was determined that there was not sufficient need for an additional facility to provide for our community.
So why are we looking at it again only 5 years later?
One of the reasons we are looking into it is that the scope for the original market study that was done 5 years ago was done with very few local considerations taken in to effect. It did not take into effect the services that are currently being offered (nor did it talk to the people who are providing services currently) and it drew a small circle around Grand Marais (which doesn't match our reality of being the only city in Cook County... a city that sends several community members to Silver Bay or Duluth for these services).
Another reason we are looking at it again is that our community is aging. You may have heard about the EDA's housing study's results that pointed out the fact that the Cook County population is rising, but it is also seeing its average age rise, something that we need to keep an eye on. If people want to grow old in the community they love, there should be ways to make that possible for them.
Maybe we should go back a few steps... Let's talk about "assisted living" and where it fits into our current situation...
Assisted living can most plainly be explained by showing the progression of services available to elderly or infirm people:
-Independent Living-- You are on your own either in your own home or in an apartment. You may receive outside help with daily activities, but it is not provided by your housing establishment... You arrange that yourself with your loved ones or social services. Local example: Sawtooth Ridges Apartments.
-Assisted Living-- You are not infirm, but are in need of help with daily activities such as meals, medication, bathing, dressing, and transportation, but you can manage yourself and feed yourself. At assisted living facilities these things are standard along with 24 hour supervision and security. Most assisted living facilities have a nurse on staff 24 hours a day as well for emergencies. Memory care services and other medical services may be available based on the facility. Local example: Silver Bay Carefree Living.
-Long-Term Medical Care-- You are infirm or have a medical situation that requires frequent professional attention. This is a wide category that can go from short term rehabilitation to long term geriatric care or memory care, but stops before end of life planning or hospice care. Local example: Cook County Care Center
-End of Life Planning or Hospice-- Focused on giving the patient the best quality of life as they approach the end of it, hospice care deals with not only the physical symptoms of late-stage illnesses, but the emotional challenges as well. The nearest certified hospice to us in Grand Marais is Duluth, although Care Partners does offer many of the same services that a hospice program would.
-Other options-- We have a few unique care options in our community as well, one is Hillhaven Assisted Housing, which is not a licensed assisted living complex, but is able to offer similar services. Hillhaven would fit in right between Independent Living and Assisted Living.
So you can see that we do have considerable resources available in our community, but there is a gap. That gap comes in the area of assisted living. How can we fill that need without compromising the systems that we already have though? That is really the question and the one that we are seeking to answer right now. In the past months I have met with a few of the members of the North Shore Health Care Foundation and have had numerous conversations on this topic with medical leaders in our community. It was clear in these conversations that we need to look into assisted living, but we need to do it in a smart and thoughtful process. This process includes the practitioners currently practicing in our community for feedback, it considers the majority of the residents of our county as they realistically would be the beneficiaries of such a facility, it includes considerations for our aging population (but not based on it... we hope to attract more young families to our area as well!), as well as other considerations that we have not yet figured out.
Our first step is to submit an RFP (request for proposal) to several of the companies we are aware of who can do a study such as this. We are in the process of doing this right now. Once we have heard back and know who can do this study for us, we will gather interested stakeholders together with the firm doing the study so that the people with something at stake can give feedback and input into the design of the study. Once a thorough design is agreed upon, the firm will complete the study and will submit that back to the City. It is then up to the City to invite assisted living providers to review the study and see if they would be able to successfully offer services in a community showing the characteristics that ours has. *This study will most likely be paid for through a grant from the North Shore Healthcare Foundation, an organization that works for the betterment of healthcare on the North Shore.
What could happen out of this?
Scenario #1: The study comes back and shows a dramatic need for assisted living. In this scenario, the City would extend invitations to assisted living providers to create a proposal for a facility in Grand Marais. Based on the study and common sense, the City would then select a provider who would then build their facility (with their own money) and would go into business in our community. The only investment that the City would have into this scenario would likely be infrastructure, which potentially could be off-set through IRRRB development grants...
Scenario #2: The study comes back and shows a minor need for assisted living. In this scenario, the same process as #1 would be followed, but there may not be as many providers chomping at the bit to move into our community if the prospects for a strong business are not there. We could end up with an assisted living facility in our community with this scenario, or we could, at least, know how to re-tool our current care options to better serve those in our community.
Scenario #3: The study comes back and shows a low or non-existent need for assisted living. In this scenario, the City has done its due diligence and, although it is incredibly trying for families who have to move their loved ones away, there is not much that can be done for new services. The study will show us where our weaknesses and strengths are in care services, so this could be a great opportunity to re-tool our current offerings to meet the needs of our community.
*Honestly I am not sure which of these scenarios is going to come to fruition, but I do know a few things about this whole process:
1. It will result in better care for our residents. Either through the construction of a new facility or the re-tooling of our current offerings, this sounds like how we are going to get the information we need.
2. If assisted living comes to our community, it will mean several good jobs will come with it... Meaningful jobs working with the people that built up our community... this looks good to me.
3. The timing is right. With the remodeling at the hospital occurring in the coming years, it is important to incorporate their expectations for their new facility, and think about how an assisted living facility can benefit them (keeping community members in the community longer...).
*Here are a few of my concerns about the process:
1. Assisted living will squeeze out or stress one of the other providers in our community. We will do everything we can to prevent this through the structure of the study to the selection of an assisted living provider if that comes to pass.
2. Where will this facility be built if it is needed? The City has some land that could be used, but would that mean that the City would be donating land to this project? What kind of requirements would we put on the facility in that case? In other words...
3. How do we protect the City if this thing fails? I think that one is pretty self-evident...
4. How are we going to get workers for this facility? Can we expect people to move up here to take jobs at this facility? Where are those people going to live? Will their salaries be enough to support them up here? Do we have training opportunities for local residents to get certified to work at an assisted living facility? I would love to see this be an opportunity for Cook County residents to find a meaningful career in our community, how can we make that happen?
In closing I would like to say that this process is going to be informed by our community's healthcare professionals and will move carefully through considering the next steps. I am optimistic that we will get the information necessary to meet the needs of our community; I just don't know what that looks like yet...
As always, if you would like to discuss this, please let me know and I would love to find a time to talk with you about it.
Heart of the Continent
What is the Heart of the Continent you say? Read on to find out!
National Geographic and Heart of the Continent Partnership
Introduce Heart of the Continent Geotourism MapGuide and Website
Geotourism: Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and well-being of its residents
DULUTH, MN; THUNDER BAY, ON (March 18, 2015)—Travelers seeking unspoiled places and culturally authentic experiences now have a valuable new resource in a comprehensive "Geotourism MapGuide" and website for the Heart of the Continent region. The landmark project has taken two years to plan and execute and is a historically significant asset for everyone who visits or lives in the region.
The Geotourism MapGuide, with its Heart of the Continent Mobile App, highlights the enchanted landscapes and enduring people of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Ontario. It is designed to showcase to local, national and international audiences the natural, cultural and historic attractions that define the region.
All sites and attractions that have been nominated and now reside on the website are invited to attend and receive their certificate of participation from National Geographic Society. The keynote speaker is James Dion, Director of Tourism Programs, Maps Division for National Geographic Society.
National Geographic's acclaimed mapmaking and sustainable tourism expertise helped produce the Geotourism website along with the U.S. Forest Service, Ontario Parks, Voyageurs National Park, Fort William Historical Park, Tourism Northern Ontario, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board, Thunder Bay Tourism, St. Louis County, City of Duluth, Arrowhead Regional Development Corporation, Atikokan Economic Development Corporation and many others.
The Heart of the Continent area designated for the map stretches from the outer boundaries of Duluth, Minnesota northeast along the North Shore of Lake Superior to Thunder Bay and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, then west to International Falls/Fort Frances and south along St. Louis County's western border, including communities and private and public lands. Since the project was launched in February 2014, locals have nominated for inclusion more than 400 of their favorite points of interest; historic, cultural and natural landmarks; events; artisans; and attractions that capture the region's unique character and beauty. The website may be viewed at www.traveltheheart.org. Residents and visitors may continue to nominate new sites, events and special places for the website, which will be dynamic and constantly changing.
"The Heart of the Continent Geotourism MapGuide and website showcase what makes the region so culturally and geographically significant," said James Dion, Director of Tourism Programs, Maps Division for National Geographic Society. "More than ever, this project underscores the importance of connecting the local trans-border communities, smartly sharing the region's tremendous scenic, historic and cultural assets, and helping them thrive together for future generations."
The Heart of the Continent Geotourism MapGuide:
- Is one of only 22 Geotourism programs worldwide
- Showcases many of the 400-plus sites nominated by local residents
- Is a resource designed to improve local, rural economic development
- Provides access to a niche national market of "geo-tourists"
- Will grow with the addition of hundreds of more sites and events
- Highlights the resources of the region encompassing a major portion of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Ontario, including communities and over five million acres of public land
- Provides a long-term resource for promoting the Heart of the Continent to the nation and the world.
"Heart of the Continent Geotourism partners see this project as a great opportunity to work closely with other groups to promote the region and its assets," said Paul Pepe, Tourism Manager for the City of Thunder Bay.
"The Geotourism strategy for the Heart of the Continent will strengthen the case for responsible, meaningful tourism by embracing all tourism assets uniquely distinctive to the locale. Effective stewardship of these economic assets will produce benefits in a way that encourages the type of investment needed to preserve our unique heritage. We're thrilled to see the partnership that has developed with National Geographic and local organizations in this regard," said Frank Jewell, St. Louis County Commissioner.
The National Geographic Society has worked with community-based alliances to develop similar Geotourism MapGuides and websites in other regions around the world. Geotourism MapGuide projects have been completed or are ongoing including in the Central Cascades (Oregon, Washington), Four Corners (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah), Greater Yellowstone (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming), Lakes to Locks Passage (New York, Quebec), Newfoundland, Portugal's Douro Valley, Redwood Coast (California), Sierra Nevada (California, Nevada), and the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia-Herzagovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Serbia.)
Founded in 1915 as the Map Department of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps is responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking. Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, outdoor recreation maps, travel maps, atlases and globes that inspire people to care about and explore their world. For more information, visit natgeomaps.com.
Chris Stromberg
HOCP Coordinator
807 598-1074
Dog Days of Spring
I know that it will be awhile before spring officially arrives. I'm guessing there will be a cold snap and a snowstorm or two before it completely warms up, but we were blessed with a wonderful weekend. The first weekend of March was the "Dog Days of Winter" celebration up the Gunflint Trail. Last weekend could well have been the "Dog Days of Spring" at my house.
My husband Chuck and I took advantage of the springlike day on Sunday and took a short walk up County Road 7 to County Road 13 in Grand Marais—known as either Olson Brothers Road, Lamson Farm Road, or Fall River Road—depending on what generation you're from. It's a short walk for our "puppy"—almost twoyear old heeler/border collie mix Trouble—but too long for our almost 14-year-old golden retriever Fearless.
So we took the puppy on the walk with us, which usually isn't a problem. Old dog Fearless doesn't pay too much attention to what Trouble is doing. He's hard of hearing and doesn't see well, so we can normally get the leash on Trouble and get out the door without him noticing. For some reason, that was not the case this day. When he saw us getting her pink leash, Fearless lumbered down the basement stairs and sat stubbornly in front of the door.
He really wanted to go for a walk, but we know that he can barely walk to the end of our driveway, much less the half mile or so to County Road 13, so I gave him a big hug and petted him and said, "Stay."
I felt terrible making him stay home. He watched sadly out the glass door as we walked down the driveway with the hyper puppy. The walk with her was fun because she's a bit like Tigger of Winnie-the-Pooh, springing along beside us with a doggy grin; sniffing furiously and chasing pebbles and bits of ice. She could have walked—bounced—for miles.
When we got home, Fearless was still awake and watching, so I decided to take him for a short walk. I headed back down the driveway with both dogs, with Fearless walking slowly, painstakingly placing his old paws, while Trouble bounced and danced and had to be reminded frequently to heel.
As we headed down hill on the driveway, Fearless actually jogged a bit, a happy golden retriever smile on his gray muzzle. When we got to the bottom of the driveway and went to turn around, Fearless resisted. I swear he looked longingly up County Road 7. Was he remembering the hundreds of walks we had taken with him since puppyhood?
Although he was huffing and puffing, I couldn't refuse. We crossed the road as quickly as I could get him across and walked slowly up the road for a little while. I figured we'd go as far as our neighbor's driveway and turn around, but then I remembered how Fearless likes to splash in the water by the big culvert at the curve in the road, so we went a little farther.
The culvert was still frozen and snow-covered, but both dogs enjoyed sniffing the spot. Fearless was a bit shaky getting through the ditch's deep snow as we returned to the road, but his eyes were bright and he still wore a grizzled dog smile. But I figured that was enough of a walk.
We retraced our steps, with the puppy leading the way and the old dog plodding along, slowing the process even more with much sniffing and attempting to eat dried grass.
Although the puppy could have probably gone on a third hike up and down the road, it was good enough. I was glad I didn't have to carry a 70-pound plus dog home. And Fearless seemed more than happy to get inside to collapse in his favorite sleeping spot in the living room.
It was a good enough adventure for the start of the dog days of spring.
Of course what he most intensely dreams of is being taken out on walks, and the more you are able to indulge him the more will he adore you and the more all the latent beauty of his nature will come out.
Henry James


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My eggs are hatching got questions HELP
They are hatching one day early but appear to be fine. HOw long can they stay in the incubator before needing food and water? I have 3 out now and one coming out, I have an appt today I can't miss so I need to know if they will be ok in the bator for about 4 hours while I am out.
Don't worry, chicks can be without food or water up to 3 days, but make sure they are warm (heat lamp or light bulb if you don't have a heat lamp) with a light shield will keep them warm.
They should be ok in the incubator as long as you have removed the plugs so they have enough air. :)
^^ What mersiepoo said. They'll be OK. :) Wait until they are thoroughly dried out and fluffy before removing them to the brooder box. Meanwhile they'll charge around in the incubator and trip over the other hatching eggs, which I think helps stimulate the other chicks to hatch! Looks awful, though. :)
Congrats on the chicks!
Velvet ~:>
I got 13 and I am happy with them all. They are all fine. One had twisted toes but can walk with no problems. They all seem spunky and healthy. I had 19 eggs total after candling them and got this many so I am pretty happy with the hatch. I may try another batch soon. How long do they have to stay under a lamp isn't it until they get their wing and tail feathers?
Yes, keep them under the heat lamp for a few weeks. Once they feather out fully, as long as the temps are warm you can start moving the heat source a bit farther away every few days until they are old enough to be fine without it.
You can put the chick with the twisted toes in a chick splint:
That's a page on a peacock site, but the splint is the same. New chicks are very rubbery and take to the splints well, after a week or so you can take it off and no more twisted toes, in most cases. The trick is to get it on right away.
Velvet ~:>