The Neebish Island News

I heard this story back in the fall but forgot to post it.

From Interlochen Public Radio, the story of a couple who took the 1920's era John W. Boardman and turned it into a cottage. See: Detour's Freighter Cottage

Labels: cottage, freighter, history

Do you have a fireplace or wood stove in your Neebish Island cottage?

If so stop by the EPA's Burn Wise site for information on getting the most from your fire or to find the most efficient wood stoves.

Labels: cottage

I mentioned the Michigan made Windspire wind turbine last year.

They are for sale now and can be fully installed for $6,300 after federal tax credits.

See MyNorth: A Wind Turbine All Your Own Made in Manistee

According to MariahPower.com the nearest Windspire dealer to Neebish Island is McMaken Carpentry in Cedarville.

Labels: cottage, energy

The TC Record-Eagle has a story about getting ready for winter: Closing the Cottage

Labels: cottage, how-to

I normally use a spray bottle filled with vinegar to clean most anything. I like to be conscious of what is used because with all of us on Neebish Island drinking ground water and using septic fields, the last thing I want to do is introduce a caustic chemical that I will end up drinking later.

For a fully stocked environmentally friendly cleaning solution see: How to Make a Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit

The only thing missing is a basic white toothpaste (without whiteners or other additions). You can use toothpaste to clean stove tops, crusty pots and pans, and it'll get the smell of fish off your hands.

Labels: cottage

First there was the Windspire, now ACE Hardware stores are set to start selling a supplemental wind power system. See: Rooftop wind turbine will be sold at your corner hardware store

Labels: cottage

Are you thinking about wind or solar energy for your Neebish Island cottage? There's a new wind "tower" that won a Popular Science 'Best Of What's New' award. It is the Windspire.

It is 30 feet tall and two feet wide and has a starting price of $5000.

Looks like we are on the verge of finding new and affordable self-sufficient electricity.

Labels: cottage

Hope you have your woodpile ready for winter. Here's some information for those of you who spend the winter on Neebish Island. See: Expert Advice for Wood Heating

Labels: cottage

Do you have a small slice of land on Neebish Island or in the U.P. but not sure what kind of cottage you can build? Pre-fab homes have improved mightily in the last 10 years. And a new Traverse City company specializes in cottage designs built on piers so they go up and fast and can even be moved if needed.

Via MyNorth.com - Build Your Cottage in a Day

Official Site:
CottageInADay.com

Labels: cottage

You've probably heard in the news about drugs showing up in tap water. This story - EPA urges Great Lakes residents not to flush old meds - is a follow-up. And it reminded me to share a little ditty that I've taped on the walls of the cottage at Neebish Island so guests understand that a septic system is not a trash can.

What you flush down
Goes into the ground
Makes its way around
Back to the well it's bound
So please, make decisions that are sound

The website InspectApedia is quite a septic system resource. Here is their just one of their guides - Septic Tank Maintenance: What Can or Cannot Be Flushed into a Septic Tank - Septic Tank Maintenance and Cleaning Advice

And Montana State University has this resource - Septic Tank and Drainfield Operation and Maintenance

- The area over the drainfield should be left undisturbed, with only a mowed grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage your drain lines.
- Keep automobiles and heavy equipment off the drainfield.
- Do not plan any building additions, pools, driveways, or other construction work near the septic tank, drainfield or the replacement drainfield area.
- Do not put too much water into the se
- Do not flush non-biodegradable materials such as plastics, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins and applicators—they rapidly fill up the tank and will clog the system.
- Restrict the use of your kitchen garbage disposal—it increases the amount of solids in the tank, making them slower to decompose.
- Do not pour grease or cooking oils down the sink drain because they solidify and clog the soil absorption field.
- Don’t allow paints, motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers or disinfectants to get into your septic system. They can pass directly through the septic system and contaminate groundwater. These chemicals can also kill the microorganisms which decompose wastes and can damage the soil in the drainfield.
- Do not use caustic drain openers for a clogged drain. Instead use boiling water or a drain snake to free up clogs. Clean your toilet, sinks, shower and tubs with a mild detergent or baking soda rather than the stronger and potentially system-damaging commercial bathroom cleansers.

Labels: cottage, pollution, water

Do you have a cottage on Neebish Island but not sure how best to leave it to your heirs?

A Suttons Bay attorney has written a book called 'Saving the Family Cottage, A Guide to Succession Planning' (clicking the book's link takes you to amazon.com's listing for it and helps support this site).

The Leelanau Enterprise has more about the book and its author, Stuart Hollander - "Saving The Family Cottage"

And if you need more help than what a book can provide you can contact the Law Offices of Stuart Hollander at CottageLaw.com

Unfortunately, Mr. Hollander unexpectedly passed away this past August. It is quite a loss for all of northern Michigan.

Labels: cottage, family