Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
~ HEADLANDS ~
(and associated Wilderness State Park)
~ PUBLICLY SPEAKING ~
The design and compilation of the text and photos on this site are copyrighted 2017.
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"Clicking" on some color highlighted words may access additional information.
Please do not copy the photos on this site, many of which have been submitted by private individuals...
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
"Where Michigan Began A Guide to Emmet County", published 1941 on pages 27-29
explained below about...
Wilderness State Park:
explained below about...
Wilderness State Park:
QUOTE from a Frank & Ernest cartoon by Bob Thaves:
"People were given a vast universe to teach them humility and
they invented astrology to make it all about them."
"People were given a vast universe to teach them humility and
they invented astrology to make it all about them."
Are Emmet County Tax Dollars paying for ...
ASTROLOGY or ASTRONOMY?
ASTROLOGY or ASTRONOMY?
Photo Labels Include:
B&G = Building and Grounds Committee ~ dissolved in 2017 (Minutes~Legal Documents)
ECBOC = Emmet County Board of Commissioners (Minutes~Legal Documents)
ECBOC Ad-Min = Emmet County Board of Commissioners Administrative (Minutes~Legal Documents)
E-mail = My personal FOIAed e-mail already made public in 2017, so now posted on "Publicly Speaking
P&R = Parks and Recreation Board (Minutes~Legal Documents)
B&G = Building and Grounds Committee ~ dissolved in 2017 (Minutes~Legal Documents)
ECBOC = Emmet County Board of Commissioners (Minutes~Legal Documents)
ECBOC Ad-Min = Emmet County Board of Commissioners Administrative (Minutes~Legal Documents)
E-mail = My personal FOIAed e-mail already made public in 2017, so now posted on "Publicly Speaking
P&R = Parks and Recreation Board (Minutes~Legal Documents)
The letter below was written previous to, and read, by Karla Buckmaster, during public comment at the Emmet County Board of Commissioners administrative meeting. It has only been since about 2017 that minutes for the administrative meetings have been posted on the Emmet County web site in the archived minutes section for the administrative meetings which were held at two o'clock in the afternoon, generally on one Tuesday per month. The minutes for the entire letter I read below were summed up in ONE sentence under Public Comment:
"Karla Buckmaster discussed the process of government and was concerned about things that appear to be done before the Commissioners have voted on them."
"Karla Buckmaster discussed the process of government and was concerned about things that appear to be done before the Commissioners have voted on them."
UPDATE: That so-far worthless piece of ? rusty dome (mentioned above)
still, even in 2021, sits in a county airport hanger...
see photos farther below of the dome taken July 2019!
2012 minutes below indicate that Johnson is advising that
"staff begin working on filing a grant application for a PLANETARIUM"...
"staff begin working on filing a grant application for a PLANETARIUM"...
Minutes Above:
Of course, no answer was forthcoming to any publicly asked question to the ECBOC.
Of course, no answer was forthcoming to any publicly asked question to the ECBOC.
2013 minutes below indicate that Johnson is stating that the 501C3 is being established in part for proposed bathroom, dome and the PLANETARIUM projects.
Minutes Above:
In 2023, taxpayers must wonder, is the tent still owned, and used, by the Emmet County Parks & Recreation?
In 2023, taxpayers must wonder, is the tent still owned, and used, by the Emmet County Parks & Recreation?
Below: E-mail addressed to an Emmet County commissioner... in reference to the Headlands "Private Contractor"
25 October 2015
25 October 2015
Public Comment below on 12 November 2015 was in regard to the concrete for the Headlands facility.
Below: Plaque Needed...
"Thank you to the Emmet County taxpayers for paying extra property taxes, without approval, for a $15 million bond which will not be paid until 2029."
"Thank you to the Emmet County taxpayers for paying extra property taxes, without approval, for a $15 million bond which will not be paid until 2029."
POSSIBLE LESSON TO HAVE BEEN LEARNED
due to "Taxpayer Financing" of the 1971 Building of a new Emmet County Airport Terminal:
When the new Airport Terminal Building was featured in the 28 October 1971 Petoskey News Review
the Manager Clarence Tatro of the Emmet County Airport signed the advertisement below stating
"Thanks To The Citizens Of Emmet County."
due to "Taxpayer Financing" of the 1971 Building of a new Emmet County Airport Terminal:
When the new Airport Terminal Building was featured in the 28 October 1971 Petoskey News Review
the Manager Clarence Tatro of the Emmet County Airport signed the advertisement below stating
"Thanks To The Citizens Of Emmet County."
Below was in a 16 December 2016 e-mail addressed to an Emmet County commissioner:
Headlands Event Center [UPDATE: Someone has removed this access.]
http://www.midarkskypark.org/waterfront-event-center-rental-information-coming-soon/
Below particularly caught my eye from 2016 promotional bullets:
- Parking will be somewhat limited at the facility; 67 parking spots are available.
- Building capacity is 278 people.
- Capacity for comfortable tables-and-chairs seating is 120 inside and 80 on the covered patio, based on six-foot round tables with eight chairs at each
- A green roof will be planted with beautiful flora in the springtime, to add to the natural ambiance and environmental sensitivity of the setting [Farther Below in a 2021 aerial photo, one can view the roof wasteland... with NO flora, NO natural ambiance, and NO environmental sensitivity of setting!].
The park is free and open to the public every day. While no camping is allowed, visitors are welcome to stay overnight to observe the dark sky overhead.
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24 December 2016 Email addressed to an Emmet County commissioner...
regarding TWO plaques to be placed at the Headlands:
CLICK "Plaques at the Headlands"
24 December 2016 Email addressed to an Emmet County commissioner...
regarding TWO plaques to be placed at the Headlands:
CLICK "Plaques at the Headlands"
Clickable access to the web site noted in the above E-mail, asks for a subscription:
"Sky Park Receives $100K"
"Sky Park Receives $100K"
~ 1996 Acquisition of Headlands Property? ~
1996 Article Below: The "HIND-SIGHT" statement by then Emmet County Commissioner Paul Lenahan should have been heeded. He wrote in a letter to the board, ... the board "has an obligation to minimize the county's management and economic support of any continuing use of the property." So, MILLIONS and MILLIONS of dollars later, the county taxpayers are well aware of the "rest of the story."
"Spence Brothers" was the construction company for the Emmet County Headlands Observatory beginning in January 2016. A Construction Manager's Report was periodically presented to the Emmet County Board of Commissioners in their open meetings. Access the slideshows below which are created from these Spence Brothers reports by clicking PLAY in the upper left hand corner of the main photos.
Taxpayers pay for an unaccessible observatory for the public!!!!
What happened with all of the expensive Mike Pond/AECOM plans and drawings?
New buildings by governmental entities MUST be ADA accessible!
NOT MAY BE ACCESSSIBLE... MUST BE ACCESSSIBLE...
What kind of engineer, or architect is not aware of that being the law?
New buildings by governmental entities MUST be ADA accessible!
NOT MAY BE ACCESSSIBLE... MUST BE ACCESSSIBLE...
What kind of engineer, or architect is not aware of that being the law?
Minutes Below: The 20 June 2023 Constructions Resources committee meeting minutes addressed the lack of public access to the Dark Sky Park Observatory. Martie Van Berlo, the Emmet County Building Department Director & Building Official stated, " When the plans came in for the building, it was indicated on the plans that access to the second level, where the telescope and equipment are located, would only by by County employees and restricted with up to 10 persons. The building as designed did not provide for access to the second level for the public. That's why the building was built as it is." The matter came to light when the new Parks and Rec Director came to Van Berlo to discuss access to the second level. The decision was made to discontinue allowing the public on the second level to protect the county from liability. Administrator Calabrese stated that the County is checking into the feasibility of providing access in the future.
Planetarium or Observatory?
Big Difference!
Big Difference!
~ 20 January 2012 ~
A meeting including the Emmet County Parks & Recreation Board, the Building & Grounds Committee, and the Historical Commission discussed a planetarium, not an observatory... other than mentioning building telescope pads.
In the beginning, the Headlands property use was being considered according to a 28 June 2012 article in The St. Ignace News as ..."a long-range plan for the Headlands to have a conference center, potentially with an observatory or PLANETARIUM, but those plans, are not nearing contract or building stages."
In the 9 October 2012 Parks & Recreation Committee minutes it states: The controller 1) "recommended putting in a funding request for a PLANETARIUM..." AND 2) "it was the consensus of the Committee that the staff begin working on filing a grant application for a PLANETARIUM by the December due date..." AND 3) the controller "presented a proposed work order from AECOM for placement and site design of the Cranbrook Dome at the headlands."
In the ECBOC meeting minutes below, the motion was made for AECOM Work Order for Preliminary Plans, including a PLANETARIUM, but no mention of an observatory.
In the 27 August 2013 Petoskey News Review it was reported: ""MACKINAW CITY -- A PLANETARIUM, a museum, a community center and $1.5 million fishing pier overhaul are officially in the planning stage for the Emmet County-owned Headlands International Dark Sky park west of Mackinaw City.
Work orders have been submitted to Emmet County's contracted engineering firm AECOM for $41,420 for conceptual designs for a multi-use building that would house a museum, community center and planetarium."
Work orders have been submitted to Emmet County's contracted engineering firm AECOM for $41,420 for conceptual designs for a multi-use building that would house a museum, community center and planetarium."
A planetarium can be used 24/7, whereas an observatory can only be used during clear sky nights and days (solar telescope)... other than standing outside the facility to look at the sky. In Northern Michigan, with often inclement weather, an observatory has limited use, whereas a planetarium would have unlimited value. ~ Karla Buckmaster
The AECOM plans and the construction of the building at the Headlands, however, began with only an observatory... with a donation of a used (rusty) 1978 dome from the Cranbrook Institute of Science as reported in the CLICK:17 August 2012 Petoskey News Review. After the $15 million bond passed by the Emmet County Commissioners (no vote by the residents), the plans for the Headlands facility entailed a "change order" which included a NEW dome, as reported by the CLICK: 3 February 2016 issue of the Petoskey News Review. The OLD donated dome has a home, stored in one of Emmet County's Pellston Regional Airport hangers.
The AECOM plans and the construction of the building at the Headlands, however, began with only an observatory... with a donation of a used (rusty) 1978 dome from the Cranbrook Institute of Science as reported in the CLICK:17 August 2012 Petoskey News Review. After the $15 million bond passed by the Emmet County Commissioners (no vote by the residents), the plans for the Headlands facility entailed a "change order" which included a NEW dome, as reported by the CLICK: 3 February 2016 issue of the Petoskey News Review. The OLD donated dome has a home, stored in one of Emmet County's Pellston Regional Airport hangers.
With the bond issue in place, the entire facility, PLUS the dome, was prepared to be bigger and better!! Spend the taxpayers' money! The AECOM plans/design had changed for a bigger observatory base to accommodate a bigger dome to sit. The CLICK: 3 February 2016 Petoskey News Review headline stated: "Donated observatory dome not likely to be part of Dark Sky facility. Emmet county designated $85,000.00 for a new dome."
Photo Below: Taken 2 July 2019 in a hanger at Pellston Regional Airport of the OLD RUSTY dome...
at least $10,000.00 of wasted taxpayer money invested in this, so far, unused piece...
at least $10,000.00 of wasted taxpayer money invested in this, so far, unused piece...
View the Slideshow of The OLD RUSTY dome below...
Click on Play in Upper Left Corner of Main Photo.
Click on Play in Upper Left Corner of Main Photo.
UPDATE: 1 June 2021 Emmet County Parks & Recreation County Administrator Report stated, "In 2012, Cranbrook Institute of Science donated their old observing dome to Emmet County. It's my understanding that this dome was originally intended to be used on the new Headlands facility when being built, but it wasn't, and since it has been sitting taking up rentable hanger space at the Pellston Airport. It's my recommendation this dome is disposed of, so to make more rentable hanger space available."
7 February 2022 ECBOC meeting: Mr. Boyer, Assistant County Administrator AND Facilities Asset Manager, announced that the rusty old dome, pictured above, had been put up for sale on several various appropriate web sites, with NO bids. Recently, an offer of $1625.00 was made. The ECBOC gave their consent to proceed. Mr. Boyer and the Mr. Reaves, the county administrator, feel they could recoup more money by having the dome removed from the county's hanger, and renting/leasing out the hanger space. Commissioner Drier offered that the Parks & Recreation Board recently discussed this matter, and are in agreement with just ridding the county of this burden. [The rusty old dome is just another example of poor decision making back in the days under Controller Lyn Johnson and commissioners' chairman Jim Tamlyn.]
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Parks & Recreation minutes for 1 February 2022 state:
"Disposal of Dome:
Boyer reported that the Dome which is currently stored in a hangar at the airport has been listed for sale on a couple of websites and there is currently an offer for $1,645.00. The County originally had incurred over $9,000 in transportation costs to bring the dome up here and they continue to incur a loss of revenue from the hangar that the dome is stored in. After discussion on whether to sell the dome or keep it, the Board agreed to move forward to bring it to the Board of Commissioners to accept the bid.
Motion made by Harrington and seconded by McCune to recommend to the Administrator that the Emmet County Board of Commissioners accept the bid of $1,645.00 as presented.
Motion carried in a roll call vote of 4 yes, 0 no."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Disposal of Dome:
Boyer reported that the Dome which is currently stored in a hangar at the airport has been listed for sale on a couple of websites and there is currently an offer for $1,645.00. The County originally had incurred over $9,000 in transportation costs to bring the dome up here and they continue to incur a loss of revenue from the hangar that the dome is stored in. After discussion on whether to sell the dome or keep it, the Board agreed to move forward to bring it to the Board of Commissioners to accept the bid.
Motion made by Harrington and seconded by McCune to recommend to the Administrator that the Emmet County Board of Commissioners accept the bid of $1,645.00 as presented.
Motion carried in a roll call vote of 4 yes, 0 no."
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The 22 February 2022 Petoskey News Review news reporter Will Perkins announced, however, that "Dome finds new home." The county put the dome up for auction on Cloudy Skies, a web site specifically for the sale/purchase of Dark Sky related equipment. The news article stated that the bid received was for $16,000.00. One must wonder IF the comma was misplaced in the total selling price, or just what transpired with the selling price.
Will,
On the afternoon of 22 February 2022, the following was written by Karla Buckmaster to Will Perkins, the PNR reporter, regarding the incorrect selling price of the dome... misleading people into thinking the county had made a profit with the sale of the dome:
"I was attending finance committee meetings way back in the beginning when THE DOME was brought up to the airport. The P&R Director at that time made arrangements to have the dome transported here for thousands of dollars, WITHOUT prior authorization from the ECBOC. Then, after it arrived, and after spending thousands of dollars to transport it, AECOM (Headlands designer/engineer) convinced the commissioners to make a LARGER base for a LARGER DOME, albeit, as you know AECOM did not design or engineer for the observatory to be ADA compliant. So the donated dome had no use, other than to sit in the hangar. Terrible decisions made then as to how millions of taxpayers’ bond dollars were being spent still affect the taxpayers.
What a dang waste of money, and now your article states that the dome is being sold for $16,000.00; when in reality, the price is only a little over sixteen hundred dollars, barely a fraction of when the dome was transported here. This difference is important, because with your reported total, all of those OLD PREVIOUS commissioners, and staff, that stupidly spent thousands to transport the old rusty dome, will think, it was all okay because at a $16,000.00 selling price now, thus the county came out ahead… while in reality the county is again a loser because of another of the previous very poor decisions for which that old previous board, and leaders, and staff supported originally.
Will [Perkins], this correction deserves a small article, NOT just a one-line correction statement that easily can be overlooked.
The taxpayers need to know how their tax dollars are manipulated… just like the $ 1.1 million renovation bond for BB, as well as the recent millage money garnered for about $8 million for BB. People need to be informed.
Karla Buckmaster"
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Below is what Will Perkins placed on the second page of the Petoskey News Review on 23 February 2022 as correction to the misinformation about the selling price of the dome as noted above:
On the afternoon of 22 February 2022, the following was written by Karla Buckmaster to Will Perkins, the PNR reporter, regarding the incorrect selling price of the dome... misleading people into thinking the county had made a profit with the sale of the dome:
"I was attending finance committee meetings way back in the beginning when THE DOME was brought up to the airport. The P&R Director at that time made arrangements to have the dome transported here for thousands of dollars, WITHOUT prior authorization from the ECBOC. Then, after it arrived, and after spending thousands of dollars to transport it, AECOM (Headlands designer/engineer) convinced the commissioners to make a LARGER base for a LARGER DOME, albeit, as you know AECOM did not design or engineer for the observatory to be ADA compliant. So the donated dome had no use, other than to sit in the hangar. Terrible decisions made then as to how millions of taxpayers’ bond dollars were being spent still affect the taxpayers.
What a dang waste of money, and now your article states that the dome is being sold for $16,000.00; when in reality, the price is only a little over sixteen hundred dollars, barely a fraction of when the dome was transported here. This difference is important, because with your reported total, all of those OLD PREVIOUS commissioners, and staff, that stupidly spent thousands to transport the old rusty dome, will think, it was all okay because at a $16,000.00 selling price now, thus the county came out ahead… while in reality the county is again a loser because of another of the previous very poor decisions for which that old previous board, and leaders, and staff supported originally.
Will [Perkins], this correction deserves a small article, NOT just a one-line correction statement that easily can be overlooked.
The taxpayers need to know how their tax dollars are manipulated… just like the $ 1.1 million renovation bond for BB, as well as the recent millage money garnered for about $8 million for BB. People need to be informed.
Karla Buckmaster"
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Below is what Will Perkins placed on the second page of the Petoskey News Review on 23 February 2022 as correction to the misinformation about the selling price of the dome as noted above:
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The 1 March 2022 Emmet County Parks & Recreation Board Meeting reported:
"Disposal of Dome
The Dome has been sold and should be picked up sometime this spring."
The 1 March 2022 Emmet County Parks & Recreation Board Meeting reported:
"Disposal of Dome
The Dome has been sold and should be picked up sometime this spring."
PLANATARIUM or OBSERVATORY?????
CLICK: The 6 September 2013 Petoskey News Review article included the following quote by the county parks and recreation director:
"Gaetano said the new structure being considered for the Beach House area likely would be a shorter-term priority than the PLANETARIUM/community center/museum, which potentially could be situated on the east side of the property near Central Avenue."
"Gaetano said the new structure being considered for the Beach House area likely would be a shorter-term priority than the PLANETARIUM/community center/museum, which potentially could be situated on the east side of the property near Central Avenue."
The letter below by James Tamlyn, 2013 Chairman of the Emmet County Board of Commissioners, illustrates a couple of issues. This topic of attaining the Sloop Welcome had never been put before the FULL Emmet County Board of Commissioners by 30 October 2013, the date of the letter. So based on his own agenda, Tamlyn was taking this documented step of claiming he was acting on behalf of the full board and staff. In Emmet County, the chairman, or any individual board member, does not have the authority to negotiate any kind of deal, or any portion of a deal. In this case, it would have been the controller's opportunity to negotiate, AFTER being directed by the full board of commissioners. Note, also, that the letter refers to a "PLANETARIUM." So, how did the county taxpayers end up with an observatory? When did the powers-that-were ever figure out, or maybe they did not, the difference between an observatory and a planetarium? Although, either way, the taxpayers are paying MILLIONS of dollars until 2029 for an observatory. The yearly payments are over one million dollars to be paid out of the general budget, which contributes to a very tight budget... the "financing can" was being kicked down the road for years to come!
Additional information about Emmet County's ownership of the Sloop Welcome may be found on the CLICK: Building Sloop "Welcome" web page.
Regarding the 10 December 2013 B&G meeting minutes below, it was still not clear if the commissioners wanted to build an observatory, a planetarium, or BOTH??? or if they knew the difference.
Webpages addressing the razing of the Emmet County's Beach House:
Clock ticking on Headlands Beach House demolition
Mackinaw City's Headlands To Undergo Changes
Emmet County mansion at Headlands could be demolished in 2013
County moving toward Beach House demolition at Headlands
Historic Beach House To Be Demolished
Sky Park Receives $100K
Clock ticking on Headlands Beach House demolition
Mackinaw City's Headlands To Undergo Changes
Emmet County mansion at Headlands could be demolished in 2013
County moving toward Beach House demolition at Headlands
Historic Beach House To Be Demolished
Sky Park Receives $100K
Mary Yoder of Mackinaw City, the writer of the Letter to the Editor below, was the caretaker of the Headlands property for twenty years, and maintained a residence in the basement of the existing palatial building (as pictured below).
The photos in the slideshow below were taken by Emmet County staff. The photos were attained through a Freedom of Information Act request, for preservation of the images, and for presentation to the Emmet County taxpayers, and other interested public. The preservation of these photos is important because this beach house was razed in 2013.
Just GONE!
In the 23 July 2015 issue of The St. Ignace News, reporter Erich T. Doerr reported: "Mr. McCormick's original beach house included an Olympic-sized pool, changing rooms, and areas for socializing. When Emmet County acquired the structure it was changed into a programming building, with several changes, including filling in the pool, sealing off the basement, and adding a large number of beds to accommodate overnight event rentals."
Just GONE!
In the 23 July 2015 issue of The St. Ignace News, reporter Erich T. Doerr reported: "Mr. McCormick's original beach house included an Olympic-sized pool, changing rooms, and areas for socializing. When Emmet County acquired the structure it was changed into a programming building, with several changes, including filling in the pool, sealing off the basement, and adding a large number of beds to accommodate overnight event rentals."
Click HERE to access additional information from Interlochen Public Radio
about another perspective of the fate of the Landmark Beach House Building at the Headlands.
about another perspective of the fate of the Landmark Beach House Building at the Headlands.
The following 28 January 2017 E-mail with subject heading "The Sky is the Limit!" addressed to an Emmet County commissioner is posted here separately, NOT with the above items of chronological order because it includes so many topics regarding the Headlands:
Speaking of the logging scene…. have you seen this? AND, is this referencing the same logging incident I had found where the P&R was going to get the money? Where will the “$1000.00 come from for the county? Maybe this never was okayed by the ECBOC… or maybe Marty just paid it????
The following is from:
2016 11/15/16 P&Rec minutes
The following is from:
2016 11/15/16 P&Rec minutes
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Have you seen this video of MSA giving a tour, inside the observatory building? It was done in the last week.. on 24 January 2017. Weren’t YOU forbidden to go into construction areas like the 119 EMS? OR at least reprimanded for it? I don’t get the double standards. AND, you can see workers were actually working in the construction area on her video. (Someone? has removed this link)
http://bbemaildelivery.com/bbext/?p=email&id=309569af-3f0d-4bf5-a465-d19dc08cecb8
[As of 06/11/18 the above web page/video is no longer clickable... now says: "Sorry, this content has been deactivated." Interesting to learn that the observatory with its expensive telescope is closed to the public and was designed to be accessed only for staff.]
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You have probably seen this Dark Sky Annual 2016 report, but I had not… here found below:
http://darksky.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Headlands_IDSP_2016_annual_report.pdf
From the report in above is the Funding section which makes me wonder:
Was the new telescope paid for with the $140,000.00 that it says they donated toward the telescope? OR did we taxpayers pay for part of the telescope? PLUS did the Biardi Foundation’s $40,000.00 also go toward the telescope as stated? How much does/did the telescope cost? AND the way it is written below, it sounds like the STATE owns the Headlands, or how should that be interpreted with the “35,000 acres of state-owned land.” It’s rather unclear what is being stated.
Funding
The building construction at Headlands is funded by bonds issued by Emmet County and is part of a long-held vision that the County has been developing since purchasing the property from the McCormick Family in the mid-1990s. The McCormick Family donated $140,00 [sic] toward the telescope that will be housed in our new observatory and to our on-going program; the local Biairdi Family Foundation has also donated $40,00 [sic] toward telescope and programming; and several memorial donations have also been made to our efforts. Further, the prestigious Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan donated to us their used Ash Dome for our new facility, though it will now be used elsewhere on the site.
This level of activity and the interest in sustaining and furthering the vision for Headlands in the long-term led to the establishment in 2014 of a non-profit friends group, the Dark Sky Coast Association, which hosted its first public event at Headlands, July 2016. The Dark Sky Coast Association, in an operating agreement with Emmet County, provides partial funding for the program director’s contract and serves as a center point in the statewide dark sky movement, having drafted the legislation that was then passed by the state to protect what now amounts to 35,000 acres of state-owned land, though the standard by which the state acknowledges its dark skies does not abide by the rigors of IDA designation.
Also, this same report elicits just one of my moments of total amazement as to what is being said, when it states, especially highlighted in RED:
"Arts and Culture
Headlands Program Director Mary Stewart Adams is a Star Lore Historian who takes a humanities- based approach to the night sky, so that all programming comes from a human-centric perspective, which is to say that whether it’s the arts inspired by the cosmos, or the latest research and technology being used in astronomy, it is always approached in relation to what it brings to humanity and to the human being in their own process of self discovery. This is essential to the foundation of healthy community life, where we can affirm the central role of human beings in the things we create and discover, rather than placing us on the random outside edge of the sometimes mighty forces of evolution. At Headlands we recognize that throughout history, astronomy has been fundamental to community development, agricultural practice, civic organization, religious observance, inspiration in poetry, art, literature…"
..., I added the red above… What the HELL is that even saying? And, if you can figure it out, what does it have to do with anything having to do with the Headlands?
I have figured out that the Legacy Foundation is the “Dark Sky Coast Association.” DSCA
Soooooo, below is a copy of the brochure for the DSCA… who paid for the brochure? AND, for the design?
I found the following mission on-line for the DSCA… not necessarily only connected to the county’s Headlands from what I see on this, but rather to “the natural beauty and rich history of northwest lower Michigan, including its night sky, maritime heritage, and cultural history.":
Have you seen this video of MSA giving a tour, inside the observatory building? It was done in the last week.. on 24 January 2017. Weren’t YOU forbidden to go into construction areas like the 119 EMS? OR at least reprimanded for it? I don’t get the double standards. AND, you can see workers were actually working in the construction area on her video. (Someone? has removed this link)
http://bbemaildelivery.com/bbext/?p=email&id=309569af-3f0d-4bf5-a465-d19dc08cecb8
[As of 06/11/18 the above web page/video is no longer clickable... now says: "Sorry, this content has been deactivated." Interesting to learn that the observatory with its expensive telescope is closed to the public and was designed to be accessed only for staff.]
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You have probably seen this Dark Sky Annual 2016 report, but I had not… here found below:
http://darksky.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Headlands_IDSP_2016_annual_report.pdf
From the report in above is the Funding section which makes me wonder:
Was the new telescope paid for with the $140,000.00 that it says they donated toward the telescope? OR did we taxpayers pay for part of the telescope? PLUS did the Biardi Foundation’s $40,000.00 also go toward the telescope as stated? How much does/did the telescope cost? AND the way it is written below, it sounds like the STATE owns the Headlands, or how should that be interpreted with the “35,000 acres of state-owned land.” It’s rather unclear what is being stated.
Funding
The building construction at Headlands is funded by bonds issued by Emmet County and is part of a long-held vision that the County has been developing since purchasing the property from the McCormick Family in the mid-1990s. The McCormick Family donated $140,00 [sic] toward the telescope that will be housed in our new observatory and to our on-going program; the local Biairdi Family Foundation has also donated $40,00 [sic] toward telescope and programming; and several memorial donations have also been made to our efforts. Further, the prestigious Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan donated to us their used Ash Dome for our new facility, though it will now be used elsewhere on the site.
This level of activity and the interest in sustaining and furthering the vision for Headlands in the long-term led to the establishment in 2014 of a non-profit friends group, the Dark Sky Coast Association, which hosted its first public event at Headlands, July 2016. The Dark Sky Coast Association, in an operating agreement with Emmet County, provides partial funding for the program director’s contract and serves as a center point in the statewide dark sky movement, having drafted the legislation that was then passed by the state to protect what now amounts to 35,000 acres of state-owned land, though the standard by which the state acknowledges its dark skies does not abide by the rigors of IDA designation.
Also, this same report elicits just one of my moments of total amazement as to what is being said, when it states, especially highlighted in RED:
"Arts and Culture
Headlands Program Director Mary Stewart Adams is a Star Lore Historian who takes a humanities- based approach to the night sky, so that all programming comes from a human-centric perspective, which is to say that whether it’s the arts inspired by the cosmos, or the latest research and technology being used in astronomy, it is always approached in relation to what it brings to humanity and to the human being in their own process of self discovery. This is essential to the foundation of healthy community life, where we can affirm the central role of human beings in the things we create and discover, rather than placing us on the random outside edge of the sometimes mighty forces of evolution. At Headlands we recognize that throughout history, astronomy has been fundamental to community development, agricultural practice, civic organization, religious observance, inspiration in poetry, art, literature…"
..., I added the red above… What the HELL is that even saying? And, if you can figure it out, what does it have to do with anything having to do with the Headlands?
I have figured out that the Legacy Foundation is the “Dark Sky Coast Association.” DSCA
Soooooo, below is a copy of the brochure for the DSCA… who paid for the brochure? AND, for the design?
I found the following mission on-line for the DSCA… not necessarily only connected to the county’s Headlands from what I see on this, but rather to “the natural beauty and rich history of northwest lower Michigan, including its night sky, maritime heritage, and cultural history.":
."~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have figured out that the Legacy Foundation is the “Dark Sky Coast Association.” Notice the Board of Directors names.
Information below is for 2015. I could not find 990 info for DSCA for 2016… maybe doesn’t have to be reported just yet.
I guess I do not fully understand how this non-profit works… it seems to be separate in its fund-raising, and acceptance of money, from the county, but yet uses the facilities, and the director’s programing, etc. as “draws” for receiving/asking for money.
Also, did this DSCA pay a portion of MSA’s wage in 2015? They show for 2015 only $3531.00 expenses. I wonder about their Revenue and expenditure expenses for 2016??? But, probably no way to find out.
(LATER: This link has been broken)
https://nonprofit-990.bugaco.com/nonprofit/465135102/dark-sky-coast-association/overview
Dark Sky Coast Association (EIN: 46-5135102 )
Overview
Dark sky coast association is a non-profit organization located in Harbor springs, MI. Organization is led by Thomas Bailey.
Finances and Program Service Revenues
It had revenue of $156,226.00 and expenses $3,531.00 between January 2015 and December 2015 Dark Sky Coast Association started 2015 with $3,722.00 in assets, and finished it with $156,417.00
Revenue have exceeded expenses for all of the reporting periods. While total assets have grown in some years, it also had shrunk in other years.
More information available in detailed financial report for years 2015
(LATER: This link has been broken)
2015$0$20,000$40,000$60,000$80,000$100,000$120,000$140,000$160,000RevenueExpenses
Governance
Dark sky coast association has average board consisting of 4 members. The board members are Thomas Bailey as president, Art Tebo as secretary, Cindy Baiardi as treasurer and Rod Slocum as director.
Tax Returns
(LATER: This link has been broken)
More information on individual tax returns for 2015 year.
Address
(LATER: This link has been broken)
Dark sky coast association was located on 1 different addresses. Dark sky coast association PO BOX 493 HARBOR SPRINGS, MI 49740
Business Officer
CINDY J BAIARDI TREASURER
Board of Directors
(LATER: This link has been broken)
Governing board for each of tax years 2015 .
In tax year: 2015
◦ Thomas Bailey (PRESIDENT)
◦ Art Tebo (SECRETARY)
◦ Cindy Baiardi (TREASURER)
◦ Rod Slocum (DIRECTOR)
◦
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
…, did you know that the Dark Sky park is going to be charging a fee for “Several programs 2017?”
• "NEW IN 2017: Several programs in 2017 require a ticket, as indicated by the $ sign. Fees will vary. Admission into the park is free
http://www.midarkskypark.org/programs-events/
I have figured out that the Legacy Foundation is the “Dark Sky Coast Association.” Notice the Board of Directors names.
Information below is for 2015. I could not find 990 info for DSCA for 2016… maybe doesn’t have to be reported just yet.
I guess I do not fully understand how this non-profit works… it seems to be separate in its fund-raising, and acceptance of money, from the county, but yet uses the facilities, and the director’s programing, etc. as “draws” for receiving/asking for money.
Also, did this DSCA pay a portion of MSA’s wage in 2015? They show for 2015 only $3531.00 expenses. I wonder about their Revenue and expenditure expenses for 2016??? But, probably no way to find out.
(LATER: This link has been broken)
https://nonprofit-990.bugaco.com/nonprofit/465135102/dark-sky-coast-association/overview
Dark Sky Coast Association (EIN: 46-5135102 )
Overview
Dark sky coast association is a non-profit organization located in Harbor springs, MI. Organization is led by Thomas Bailey.
Finances and Program Service Revenues
It had revenue of $156,226.00 and expenses $3,531.00 between January 2015 and December 2015 Dark Sky Coast Association started 2015 with $3,722.00 in assets, and finished it with $156,417.00
Revenue have exceeded expenses for all of the reporting periods. While total assets have grown in some years, it also had shrunk in other years.
More information available in detailed financial report for years 2015
(LATER: This link has been broken)
2015$0$20,000$40,000$60,000$80,000$100,000$120,000$140,000$160,000RevenueExpenses
Governance
Dark sky coast association has average board consisting of 4 members. The board members are Thomas Bailey as president, Art Tebo as secretary, Cindy Baiardi as treasurer and Rod Slocum as director.
Tax Returns
(LATER: This link has been broken)
More information on individual tax returns for 2015 year.
Address
(LATER: This link has been broken)
Dark sky coast association was located on 1 different addresses. Dark sky coast association PO BOX 493 HARBOR SPRINGS, MI 49740
Business Officer
CINDY J BAIARDI TREASURER
Board of Directors
(LATER: This link has been broken)
Governing board for each of tax years 2015 .
In tax year: 2015
◦ Thomas Bailey (PRESIDENT)
◦ Art Tebo (SECRETARY)
◦ Cindy Baiardi (TREASURER)
◦ Rod Slocum (DIRECTOR)
◦
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
…, did you know that the Dark Sky park is going to be charging a fee for “Several programs 2017?”
• "NEW IN 2017: Several programs in 2017 require a ticket, as indicated by the $ sign. Fees will vary. Admission into the park is free
http://www.midarkskypark.org/programs-events/
Are Emmet County Tax Dollars paying for ...
ASTROLOGY or ASTRONOMY?
ASTROLOGY or ASTRONOMY?
Adding to the perplexity of the above question regarding ASTROLOGY and ASTRONOMY were some statements made at the 10 January 2018 Emmet County Parks and Recreation Board meeting. The following transcribed statements were not reported in the county's official minutes. The following transcription, however, is from a FOIAd copy of the actual audio recording by the county recording secretary. The transcription begins at 23:20 on the audio and includes the words of speaker Art Tebo of the Dark Sky Coastal Association in response to discussion of the programming at the Headlands, and Chairman Bill Shorter just having stated that Mary Stewart-Adams is now an employee of Emmet County.
Art Tebo stated: "But she [MSA] shouldn’t be considered a person, in my opinion, to do anything other than ASTROLOGY at this point. I didn’t say she cannot do other functions either… but, you cannot use her for other direction than that."
Next, other comments from Chairman Bill Shorter were followed by Emmet County Commissioner and P&R Board Member Toni Drier who stated: "Just to go off what Mr. Tebo said, that’s not correct. Now that she’s [MSA] an employee she will do other things other than the ASTROLOGY end of it. That’s what happens when you become an employee. Not to diminish what Mary Stewart Adams does, but I brought this up in November. Not that there are complaints, but there are concerns that her programming is the same, just titled differently. So that’s something we need to look at too and I think it’s good to expand on what we have. I know the enthusiasm of Shelly. She’d like to do some 5K runs, and some different things up there. So this park’s potential is huge, and we need to recognize that everyone needs to kick in and we’re going to have new, and hoping much more opportunities up there."
Art Tebo stated: "But she [MSA] shouldn’t be considered a person, in my opinion, to do anything other than ASTROLOGY at this point. I didn’t say she cannot do other functions either… but, you cannot use her for other direction than that."
Next, other comments from Chairman Bill Shorter were followed by Emmet County Commissioner and P&R Board Member Toni Drier who stated: "Just to go off what Mr. Tebo said, that’s not correct. Now that she’s [MSA] an employee she will do other things other than the ASTROLOGY end of it. That’s what happens when you become an employee. Not to diminish what Mary Stewart Adams does, but I brought this up in November. Not that there are complaints, but there are concerns that her programming is the same, just titled differently. So that’s something we need to look at too and I think it’s good to expand on what we have. I know the enthusiasm of Shelly. She’d like to do some 5K runs, and some different things up there. So this park’s potential is huge, and we need to recognize that everyone needs to kick in and we’re going to have new, and hoping much more opportunities up there."
Mary Stewart Adams resigned on 19 March 2018 as an employee of Emmet County, Michigan.
GREEN LIVE ROOF
2014 > 2019
2014 > 2019
By July 2019 the Headlands GREEN LIVE (?) ROOF was not living as promised and expected. The administrator's report concerning that issue included the following in the minutes for the 18 July 2019 Emmet County Board of Commissioner's meeting.
Three Photos Below: GREEN ROOF???
9 September 2019
9 September 2019
GREEN WEED?
Photos above and below of tall weeds: Supposedly, as told by the park director,
the high weeds are allowed to grow
to keep the car lights in the parking lot from entering into the Dark Sky territory.
Even on the roof?
the high weeds are allowed to grow
to keep the car lights in the parking lot from entering into the Dark Sky territory.
Even on the roof?
Photo Below: Emmet County used this photo within their October 2019 "Request for Proposal [RFP]" for bids for mitigation of the erosion which flowed from the grounds near the Event Center building when proper drains had not been installed as originally proposed. The eroded sidewalks and shoreline are obvious with the erosion, and the unreasonable closeness of placement of the entire facility to the unpredictable shoreline, and fluctuating waters of Lake Michigan.
The same photo makes predominant too, the "LIVING~DEAD" rooftop as a very sad feature of the waste of taxpayers' money, due to personal agenda driven commissioners.
The same photo makes predominant too, the "LIVING~DEAD" rooftop as a very sad feature of the waste of taxpayers' money, due to personal agenda driven commissioners.
UPDATE: 1 June 2021 Emmet County Parks & Recreation meeting minutes reported the director said,"... the plants are coming out of dormancy and they need to get up there and do some spring maintenance. They will set up a regular maintenance schedule." So what is the regular maintenance schedule going into 2023 as witnessed in the photos below?
Three Photos Below: 11 April 2023
By 16 August 2019 the Petoskey News Review reported "Glass Replaced at Headlands". The special replacement glass had to come from its original purchase place in Germany, with the county's insurance covering the one window's $11,000.00 cost. The particular glass type is named Ornilux, which has reflective properties that prevent birds from flying into the window.
Leading up to the necessity of the window replacement, on 29 March 2019 (about 7:15 AM), a 24 year old Grand Rapids suspect (case is still pending as of 16 August 2019) was shown on the security video as he used a firearm to blast the window. He did not gain entrance into the building.
Leading up to the necessity of the window replacement, on 29 March 2019 (about 7:15 AM), a 24 year old Grand Rapids suspect (case is still pending as of 16 August 2019) was shown on the security video as he used a firearm to blast the window. He did not gain entrance into the building.
DRAFT MINUTES of 2 September 2019 Parks & Rec Committee: "Headlands Ticket Booth: Bauman [Director of P&R] said that with regards to the Headlands Ticket Booth that was discussed last month, there are some funds coming from the dissolved Dark Sky Coast Association which they can use for this project. They are starting to work on plans. Reaves said that they are hopeful with these funds they will be able to take care of the needs at the Caretaker's House, the Guest House, and also cover the Gatehouse." UPDATE: That did not happen.
Erosion at the Headlands stems from incorrect, original inadequate shore line abatement. The 30 July 2020 Petoskey News Review reported about Headlands erosion in the article titled: "Headlands erosion fix slated for no earlier than fall." The erosion was first noted in the fall of 2019. The county is awaiting contractor responses/bids to determine when they might be able to address erosion issues at the Headlands. Two components are of concern: 1) High-water erosion near the park's guest house due to high water levels in the Great Lakes 2) Closer to Headlands Event Center sediment runoff has been caused by foot traffic on unprotected shoreline areas. Engineering firm Wade Trim from Gaylord, Michigan, have provided the recent engineering plans at an estimated cost of $302,096.00 for the construction phase... split with $223,075.00 for the event center area, and $79,020.00 for the guest house area. The parks staff has set up temporary fixes [check out the 2016 photo below from the Spence Brothers Construction Manager's Report].
Photo Below taken 19 March 2016: Consider the design of this facility AND the location of the building quite so close to Lake Michigan which has a history of cyclical high and lows, with massive erosion along the banks. AECOM designers should have positioned the building farther from the water... but, NO! Emmet County taxpayers can pay for erosion control along with the other outlandish expenses involved with an observatory that is NOT ADA accessible!
Photo Above: March 2016 Spence Brothers Construction Manager's Report
Below: The Wade Trim drawing provides proposal to address erosion at the Headlands, and illustrates just how closely the facility and its amenities were built to the water's edge.
Emmet County P&R Board Meeting
02 February 2021
Administrator "Reaves updated the Board...
The erosion project at the Headlands is completed for this year and will be picked up in the spring."
02 February 2021
Administrator "Reaves updated the Board...
The erosion project at the Headlands is completed for this year and will be picked up in the spring."
Emmet County Board of Commissioners
21 October 2021 Board Meeting Packet information and photos shown below...
Administrator Reaves updated the Board.
The erosion and drainage " project is close to wrapping up."
(Also, the photo below of the natural roof shows the lack of natural plantings... SAD!)
21 October 2021 Board Meeting Packet information and photos shown below...
Administrator Reaves updated the Board.
The erosion and drainage " project is close to wrapping up."
(Also, the photo below of the natural roof shows the lack of natural plantings... SAD!)
1 February 2022 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting:
Administrator Reaves asked about the Headlands roof and the issues faced with
the wind burn from the constant wind.
Administrator Reaves asked about the Headlands roof and the issues faced with
the wind burn from the constant wind.
2023 ~ Headlands Visitor Guide & Trail Map
11 April 2023 Photo Below: Welcoming sign at the entryway to the Event Center and Observatory
Driving in the water in front of The Headlands Event Center
This area was recently shored up with rip-rap due to massive erosion.
13 May 2023
This area was recently shored up with rip-rap due to massive erosion.
13 May 2023