The Birch Shores Resorter

09/04/2024

🚨ALERT: New bathroom design to be unveiled across all cabins this season.

30/03/2024

With each passing day, signs of the approaching resorting season build. Here’s the latest good news for the fast approaching summer!

27/03/2024

In memoriam: Alan Eugene Bitely
April 24, 1947 – March 21, 2024

Alan Eugene Bitely, beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and pillar of the Curtis, MI community, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 21, 2024 in Germfask, MI. Born to Gerald and Alta Bitely in Vicksburg, MI on April 24, 1947, Alan was 76 years old at the time of his passing.

In 1956, Alan’s family relocated to Curtis to help his grandparents run Birch Shores Resort. This laid the foundation for his deep connection to the area.

Alan’s journey was one of service and dedication. After graduating from Newberry High School in 1965, he served his country during the Vietnam War as an Army typist in Germany. Upon his return, he pursued his passion for education, earning a bachelor’s degree in education in 1974 following his studies at both Lake Superior State University and Northern Michigan University.

In the meantime, Alan had also spotted a beautiful young lady named Ann Jo Leiphart during a night out with friends. The story goes that after dancing together he followed her home that night on his motorcycle, with the headlights off to avoid detection, to discover where she lived. Six months later in 1973, Alan and Ann Jo tied the knot and never looked back.

Alan was a dedicated teacher and later principal, well-known for his fun classroom, jokes, and legendary paper races. He spent his career at Curtis Elementary School (now Three Lakes Academy) until he retired in 1998.

After retiring from his career in education, he and Ann Jo loved spending their winters with their friends at Sandpiper Resort on Anna Maria Island, Florida. During the summers he also worked at, and later ran, the family’s Birch Shores Resort from 1956 until 2014. There he developed deep lifelong friendships as he hosted generations of guests during their yearly family vacations.

Alan was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was most at home on the trout stream with his fishing hat, catching brookies for pan frying. He also spent many an hour basking in the company of his beloved wife, Ann Jo, sitting on their porch overlooking the lake and doing crossword puzzles. His life was enriched by his students, the many lifelong friends of his Birch Shores Resort family, and his buddies at Sandpiper.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alan was known for his boundless generosity and zeal for life. Whether he was tirelessly pulling water skiers for hours on end, engaging in spirited games of pinochle, orchestrating nightly campfires complete with scooter rides for resort kids, or belting out off-key renditions at karaoke, Alan’s passion for bringing joy to others was evident in everything he did.

Alan’s most rewarding role in life was that of being a grandfather. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his grandchildren, Addison, Birch, and Ripple. Alan showered them with love and took pride in creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

More than 50 years after he followed her home that dark night, Alan’s wife Ann Jo succeeds him, as do their children Jay Bitely (Mithril) and Brook Bitely, and two brothers, Gary (Noemy) and Dale (Maxine). He will also be warmly remembered by his sisters-in-law Donelle Mattson and Rita Knierim. He also leaves behind a deeply cherished extended family too numerous to list at Birch Shores and Sandpiper Resorts.

While no funeral service is forthcoming, immediate family plan to hold a small gathering in his memory this summer. If you would like to honor Alan’s memory, please share your favorite stories about him in the comments below. Alternatively, in a fitting tribute to his joking nature, you could donate to the Birch Shores Septic Fund.

28/02/2024

🚨🚨🚨ALERT: Gentle reminder that reservation deposits are due by March 1. 🚨🚨🚨

Please email [email protected] or call/text 906-586-3771 if you need a brief extension or have any questions!

28/02/2024

Ripple and Birch and Addi would like to issue a gentle reminder that reservation deposits are due by March 1.

Please email [email protected] or call/text (906) 586 3771 if you need a brief extension or have any questions.

06/09/2023

Did everyone get their Wordle right yesterday?

06/09/2023

On 906 Day, check out Birch Shores Resort’s artist-in-residence Dennis Peacock performing the Birch Shores Resort theme at the End of the Road Winery this past weekend!

03/09/2023

Northern lights are underway at Birch Shores Resort tonight!

25/08/2023

19/07/2023

Happy National Hotdog Day!!! 🌭

14/07/2023

A few photos of the Northern Lights visible from Birch Shores Resort during the darkest hours of the night.

14/07/2023

Northern Lights begin to appear at Birch Shores Resort.

12/07/2023

There’s still a chance…

Northern Lights had been predicted but...

11/07/2023

🚨Due to circumstances from last nights inclement weather, today’s regularly scheduled performance from BSR artist-in-residence Dennis Peacock has been postponed. Further details will be announced once we have them.

11/07/2023

From the Birch Shores Resorter meteorological and atmospheric weather prediction and analysis center:

Northern Lights Forecast: Chance of aurora borealis on Wednesday, July 12 and better chance on Thursday, July 13.

This week's geomagnetic storm will bring the aurora borealis further south. The Space Weather Prediction Center says the best time to view the aurora borealis is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.

04/07/2023

The BSR Hotdog Roast: A tradition unlike any other

CURTIS, MI — On an idyllic Monday morning in Michigan’s magnificent Upper Peninsula, Jay Bitely, owner and operator of Birch Shores Resort, begins preparations for a beloved Monday tradition during the resort’s peak season.

“We ignite the wood-fired hotdog grill using kindling and maple logs that still have the bark on them,” Jay says as he proudly brings the hotdog grill up to temperature. “We’ll switch to bark-free maple logs once we’re ready to start cooking the hotdogs.”

Nearby, Paul Brady, head of maintenance at Birch Shores Resort, pulls up in the side-by-side with the key supplies needed for this weekly event. His precious cargo includes Aunt Millie’s Stadium White hot dog buns, Heinz condiment pumps, a cooler of Capri Sun, a variety of the highly sought after Utz Chips, and most importantly, the Bar S hotdogs that are the backbone of this sacred weekly ritual.

“We started using a new hotdog cooking device that I had to modify,” Paul tells your Resorter food critic. “We almost lost 16 dogs when we debuted this new cooking tool the other week.”

Soon after, the lavender table cloths are deployed on the hotdog serving tables. Several BSR staff are scurrying around carrying out their appointed tasks as dozens of Resorters begin assembling in the beach area, eager with anticipation for the approaching feast.

“I wonder how many I’ll eat this week, might go for four,” one resorter could be heard saying to another.

The first batch of 16 hotdogs are served right at 12:10 PM and are immediately devoured. Paul furiously prepares pack after pack of hotdogs for grill deployment as the famished resorters regain their energy on this fine American delicacy.

“I’d like mine extra charred,” says a resorter who has been coming to the resort for years but wished to remain anonymous so as to not be mocked for their cooking preferences. Your correspondent assured the nervous resorter that a charred hotdog is a reasonable way to prepare a hotdog.

By 1 PM, resorters are in a food coma and prepared for a day of relaxing in the warm summer sun. The BSR staff begin the cleanup process and the signs of the hotdog roast begin to fade into memory.

As Jay Bitely walks away back up to his base of operations he tells your correspondent, “this really is a tradition unlike any other.”

It really is.

01/07/2023

Update: BSR security forces close case on mysterious south dock disappearance

CURTIS, MI — Following a swift investigation, Birch Shores Resort(BSR) security has closed the case on the mysterious disappearance of more than half of the south dock sections.

“Woof, our investigation turned up the actions that a crew of benevolent vandals took during the darkest hours of the night to redesign the main dock off of the fish house, woof,” said Rumi the Dog, head of security forces at Birch Shores Resort. “Woof, we consider the case to be closed at this time and we will not be disclosing the identities of those involved and we will not be pursuing any criminal charges at this time. No further questions, woof.”

At a Saturday morning media briefing from BSR senior leadership and security forces, it was revealed that multiple persons had detached nearly half of the south dock and rearranged those elements in a new wing extension off of the main fish house dock. The enhanced main dock will remain in place for the time being. A photo is included with this story showing the newly deployed south dock elements at their main dock wing extension location.

“It’s remarkable to see the ingenuity and forward thinking these would-be wrong doers employed while turning what should have been an awful situation into an upgrade to the BSR experience,” said Jay Bitely, owner and operator of Birch Shores Resort. “I’d like to thank the swift response of our security assets, our staff, local government officials, the media, and most importantly, the entire resorting community. Without everyone’s perseverance and moral support, we wouldn’t have been able to quickly resolve this puzzling situation.”

While the identities of those involved in the dock elements relocation scandal remains publicly undisclosed, a list of suspects had been compiled. Your intrepid correspondent was able to gaze upon the classified list and spoke with several of those believed to have been involved. All denied any role in the heist.

“I’m glad we figured this out so fast,” said Marc Fox, who is believed to be the mastermind of the 2012 demolition operation of the historic circle swing set. “I had trouble sleeping knowing that someone who could do this was on the loose. I’m glad this matter was resolved and that peace and quiet can resume at our beloved retreat. Again, I want to reiterate and make absolutely clear beyond the shadow of a doubt, I absolutely have no idea at all who could have done this, but I’m glad it resulted in an enhanced dock experience.”

Marc was seen leaving the property with all his luggage moments after the briefing concluded.

Several resorters who attended today’s security media briefing, which was closed to cameras and any recording devices, remarked afterwards that they liked the new wings off the fish house dock.

“Wow, had I known these hooligans would have been so good at engineering and design, I’d invite them to come ‘vandalize’ my house,” said one resorter who wished to remain nameless so as to not be connected to the dock elements relocation scandal.

At this time, the matter has been resolved and the usual hustle and bustle of a turnover Saturday has resumed. We’ve been told that this scandal will in no way impact the beginning of July 4th celebrations.

01/07/2023

Mystery: Half of south dock vanishes during the darkest hours of the night

CURTIS, MI — During the darkest hours of the night, half of the south dock vanished into thin, Canadian wildfire smoke-filled air. Security assets have been activated and a full investigation is underway.

“We’re rounding up the usual suspects and are compiling a list of persons of interest,” said Jay Bitely, owner and operator of Birch Shores Resort.

“Woof, we are taking this very seriously and are going to conduct a thorough investigation, woof,” added Rumi the Dog, head of security forces at Birch Shores Resort.

Resorters were stunned and surprised on Friday at the missing dock pieces. Reactions ranged from stunned astonishment to utter sadness.

“I wonder who could have done something like this,” said resorter Marc Fox, who once was identified as having a key role in the dismantling of a beloved historic swing set near the Rec Hall during the 2012 resorting season. “If I hear any chatter about the missing pieces, I’ll be sure to notify the proper Resort authorities right away.”

“I don’t know nuthin’ about nuthin’, and I can prove it,” said Paul Brady, head of maintenance at Birch Shores Resort.

If anyone has any information about the missing dock elements, please post in the comment section below. Follow-up coverage will be posted as the investigation continues to develop.

22/06/2023

Birch Shores Resort Employee Spotlight!

We have such an awesome team, and would really like to share some of their awesomeness with you! We’ll try to catch them all in separate posts over this summer!

Paul “Patrol” Brady

Role at BSR:
Our resident guru, Paul knows all the things. He’s done a little of everything at some point in his life, and can fix just about anything. And he does. He fixes all the things. What’s even better is he shares his enthusiasm, energy, and cheer everywhere he goes! He’s been doing this at Birch Shores since 2014, and we couldn’t be happier! We hope he’ll stick around for many more years with us! All the years, in fact!!

Origin:
Detroit born on Flag Day, June 14! He’s pretty sure the holiday commemorates his birth, and none of us knew any different, so we’re going with it.

Past Lives:
- Did you know you’re surrounded by 3 math geeks when you’re at BSR? Paul has studied a lot of math at Michigan Tech, Wayne State, and Eastern. (Can you guess the other two math geeks?)
- Paul spent a year working on electric pianos for the Wurlitzer Piano Company. It was from working there that he ended up with a 5’10” grand piano in his second floor apartment in East Detroit (now East Pointe). But he says now he hasn’t touched a piano since at least 2006.
- At Stroh’s Brewery, Paul worked Beer Quality Assurance from 1972-1985 when the plant closed down. We’re pretty sure this means he did a lot of tasting, but since he avows to “never tell stories,” we’ll never know…
- Paul worked on milk machines at PurePak, which holds the patent to the school milk carton.
- In the ‘90s, Paul built conveyors.
- Paul retired from the fastener making company Dex-Tech, after working there from 1997-2011.
- Also our resident bad-boy, Paul spent over 20 years running with Detroit area biker clubs. He “flew a patch” for 15 of those years. But don’t ask, because he “don’t admit to nuthin’!”

Iconic Paul Quote:
“I don’t know nuthin’ about nuthin’ and I can prove it!!”

Spirit Animal:
The drummer “Animal” on the muppets. “WO-MAN!!!” There was absolutely no hesitation on this answer.

Favorite Vacation Spot:
Maui!! “Pictures will never tell the story!”

Favorite Local Bakery:
The Helmer House

Favorite Quick Shop:
Hank’s in Helmer

Favorite Hardware Store:
Curtis True Value

Favorite Hardware Lady:
Doesn’t everyone have one? For Paul it’s Laurie at Curtis True Value … who also happens to be his amazing wife!! And by the way, Laurie is just as amazing as Paul! Happy, straight-up, hardworking, and just a wonderful person!!

Did You Know:
Paul and Laurie are marvelous contributors to our local community. From supporting and contributing to Erickson center projects to hosting a fabulous Halloween party for the local kids, they’re definitely making a mark in Curtis!

Favorite Local Activity:
Going out on his pontoon with Laurie.

Favorite Local Resort:
Why, Birch Shores Resort, of course!! We didn’t actually ask because this wasn’t a multiple choice question. But he did say “coming here is what my grandkids call ‘going to the beach.’” They love it too!!

Family:
His beautiful wife Laurie, 3 kids, and 6 grandkids. His 3 kids are a teacher, a cancer researcher, and a large company executive. They definitely got some smarts from Paul!! His eldest grandchild is 22 and will have her MBA in August. The next eldest is 20 and attending college. The others are 8, 7, 5, and under 1!!

How He Found Curtis:
A long time factory friend recommended Curtis as a vacation spot. Paul and Laurie came up for their first vacation in May 2006 to celebrate Laurie’s birthday. They stayed at Berry’s ‘Lil Haven (oops, don’t tell anyone it wasn’t BSR!). It snowed, and they were hooked!! (Yeah, that’s really what he said!) After retiring, Paul and Laurie were lucky enough to find and purchase a cabin on South Lake in downtown Curtis. “We love it here!!” he says.

Paul Says:
“I’m very lucky; I have a great life! Laurie and I get along great, and we’re just very lucky!”

We Say:
We’ve adopted Paul and Laurie as family. Paul has become an iconic part of Birch Shores and a wonderful part of our lives. We love Paul!! 💕💕💕 Thank you Paul for enriching our lives and making Birch Shores a better place!

21/06/2023

Birch Shores Resort’s artist-in-residence Dennis Peacock commenced the 2023 musical season with a rousing performance of the Birch Shores Resort theme song earlier today.

Peacock performs weekly each Tuesday afternoon for resorters down at the beach.

14/06/2023

Join us in wishing a very happy birthday to Paul today!

09/06/2023

Ripple Bitely excited for year two of Ripple’s Doggie Daycare

CURTIS, MI — Ripple Bitely has announced that Ripple’s Doggie Daycare is open and ready for business for the 2023 resorting season.

The young business mogul highlighted the successful inaugural year of her business as motivation for her second year at the helm of this critical enterprise.

“I’m excited to take care of dogs once again,” declared Ripple Bitely. “My clients are the most important thing when I’m on the job and taking care of dogs is a lot of fun!”

To enlist Ripple’s services for your canine, contact Ripple at the resort office. Please note, Ripple’s services are for resort guests only.

27/05/2023

Who’s coming down to the fire tonight?

26/05/2023

Windsock raised to full mast marking spiritual beginning of 76th resorting season

23/05/2023

🚨 South dock public works project complete 🚨

CURTIS, MI — Following an afternoon of brisk physical activity, the south dock located near Cabin 29 has been fully constructed.

“We heard from the community and saw the positive outpouring of support for the restoration of the south dock and decided swift action was needed,” said Jay Bitely, the owner and operator of Birch Shores Resort. “It was a cumbersome process, but we are proud to announce that the south dock is back.”

Resorters resoundingly supported the resurrection of the long deceased dock and are excited by its return. A ribbon cutting ceremony is being planned in the near future. Stay tuned to this page for further updates.

23/05/2023

Rumors: South Dock by Cabin 29 returning soon?

CURTIS, MI — Highly placed sources familiar with the thinking of senior Birch Shores Resort officials suggest that the south dock, once located by Cabin 29, will be returning to service during the historic 76th resorting season.

“I can neither confirm or deny the return of the south dock,” said officials at Birch Shores Resort when contacted by your steadfast correspondent.

Gone missing since around 2004, the south dock hasn’t been deployed in nearly two decades, leaving resorters staying in The Circle with no option but to travel to foreign northern dock locales. Conversations with those who remember the south dock are full of fond memories of a bygone era that may soon triumphantly return.

“The return of the south dock would be in keeping with the spirit of the 76th season,” said a source who wished to remain anonymous so as to not disrupt the potential plans of restoring the south dock. “I was able to get a photo of dock parts that mysteriously arrived on property and it appears the dock might be as long as 80 feet,” our covert source said.

A photo of the dock materials is included in this story. This momentous news follows the rather chilling reporting from yesterday on the ice machine being seized by a local ice baron. Hearts will surely be warmed by the return of the south dock to service, if all comes to fruition.

22/05/2023

Fare thee well, BSR ice machine.🧊 Gone, but not forgotten. 🪦

Looking for an ice supplier that can meet all your needs and exceed your expectations? Home City Ice is an ice manufacturer and delivery service with a local feel and attention to detail but with the resources and network of a large company. Best of both worlds? We think so.

09/05/2023

🚨🚨🚨Lead dock deployed in sign of approaching 76th season of Birch Shores Resort

CURTIS, MI — In a sign of the fast approaching 76th resorting season, senior Birch Shores Resort staff deployed the lead dock today to fanfare and aplomb.

“While it was a cumbersome process, we successfully constructed the first dock with ease,” said Jay Bitely, owner and operator of Birch Shores Resort. “This dock will soon be ready for resorters to valet their boats, rafts, and other maritime mobiles once we deploy the lifts and other dock accoutrements.”

Dock materials are prepped and ready on shore for quick deployment as the weather continues to improve. Construction of the docks is expected to be complete by Memorial Day.

“We are looking forward to welcoming resorters back soon,” said Bitely. “With docks hitting the water now, we are on time for a routine beginning of the season in the near future.”

Your correspondent was granted exclusive access to surveillance footage of the public works project ushering the lead dock into service for its 2023 resorting season. A review of the digital materials confirms that the dock is sturdy and ready to party. Included in this dispatch are some of those digital assets.

07/05/2023

🚨ALERT: Leaning tree behind Cabin 10 enters eternal rest in lake

CURTIS, MI — The leaning tree located behind Cabin 10 has finally made contact with the lake following erosion due to high water and ice during the winter and spring.

“The tree has served Birch Shores Resort for many years,” said Jay Bitely, owner of Birch Shores Resort. “We are determining next steps for the future of the tree now and will develop a plan of action to soon.”

At press time, the tree remained halfway submerged.

02/05/2023

Today we mourn the passing of Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. Enjoy one of his classics performed by Dennis Peacock as we honor his memory.