Visions of the Valley

A Celebration of the Changing Seasons of the Jordan River Watershed 

Saturday September 16, 2006

You couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful afternoon for the gathering at the Watershed Center for the Friends of the Jordan Celebration on Saturday afternoon Sept 16, 2006. The sun was bright and warm and FOJ President John Richter noted that even the “Eagle flew over to bless this event.”  The celebration was highlighted by a photography exhibit of photos entered in the Visions of the Valley: Seasons of the Jordan photography contest.  94 photographs were entered and judged strictly on merit with no knowledge of the photographer or title. Darren Podskalny, the photography teacher for East Jordan High was the judge this year.  The Grand Prize, sponsored by Bay Winds Federal Credit Union went to Vic Ruggles of Boyne City for his photograph “The Old Beaver Ponds,” an almost surreal photograph of early fall trees reflected in the river scattered with the ghostly stumps of old trees.  The Charlevoix State Bank Viewer’s Choice Award went to Glenda Clark.   President’s Choice, sponsored by East Jordan Plastics was awarded to Dr. Lucien Joubert.  Melissa Moran won the Youth Award sponsored by East Jordan Iron Works.  In all more than $1200 in prize money was awarded with the Jordan Valley Animal Clinic, Greg Klinker DDS, Floyd and Nancy Wright,  Alden Lumber, Boyne River Inn, BC Pizza, Central Lake Pharmacy,  John Kempton DDS,  Stark Realty and Valley Graphics sponsoring additional photographs which were made into a calendar for 2007.  Over 100 visitors to the Watershed Center enjoyed the exhibit, excellent refreshments catered by Alison McKay of Alison’s Bakery.  Musical entertainment provided by Rick Miesterheim and Kelly Shivley, a talented duo playing folk, bluegrass and Celtic music provided a festive backdrop to the event.