Sheriff Schneider shares why he loves Charlevoix:

I love Charlevoix for more than the natural beauty of our town with our views of Round Lake, Lake Charlevoix, and Lake Michigan.  I would remind everyone of the signs that welcomes not only us, but our visitor’s or just those who may be just passing thru “Welcome to Charlevoix the Beautiful”.  Those signs not only show our pride, they reflect our commitment to our community. 

That commitment is reflected by the businesses in our area who are spending significant resources to expand and improve their footprint in our town. Those major investments are providing valuable employment to many of our families and friends.  Several companies have moved into town bringing skilled labor along with adding additional employment opportunities as well.  This is a win win for both those companies and our great town.

 We are very fortunate to have our own hospital at our door step that provides excellent care for all of us.  Our library is the envy of many other towns.  We can choose from any number of restaurants to serve our palates from hotdogs and hamburgers’ to fine dining with cloth napkins. Our airport not only serves our “jewel of the north” Beaver Island, but is able to accommodate many small jet aircraft which is a great service to our visitors. Our marina is unsurpassed not only for its beauty, but for its ability to provide all the services need by those who use it.  Let us not forget our Beaver Island Boat Company that not only transports passengers, but is vital for the supplies that Beaver Island relies upon.

As the Sheriff, the most important thing to me is our quality of life.  Those assets I listed above are only a few of the things making this town great.  I am personally proud that we in Law Enforcement provide one of the safest areas in the country to live, work, and play.  No one has any fear of danger as they walk the streets of our town.  This along with our excellent Fire and EMS who respond to any emergency are the best of the best.

Don Schneider,

Sheriff

Tim Petroskey has loved Charlevoix since 1992.

I fell in love with Charlevoix in 1992.

Growing up outside of Detroit and while in college I had heard of this magical land of lakes, an old fashioned draw bridge and memorable concerts at a place called the “Castle.” Aside from wondering how such a small town could draw such acts as Chicago, Journey and the Beach Boys, I otherwise did not give Charlevoix much thought.

In 1992 I first came to Charlevoix to interview for a job at the former Big Rock Point Nuclear Plant (imagine, a nuclear – or as it was called in the early days - an atomic plant in Charlevoix!).

As I came into town I was surprised by crowded streets and the sound of music coming from a park.  I glanced toward the sound of the music and for the first time witnessed the beauty of East Park and Round Lake.  I remembering thinking I could get used to this.

I accepted the job at Big Rock and was immediately welcomed into a close knit work force made up of local residents.  These were people who worked together and then after work, played together.

As the years have passed I have come to realize the many reasons I love Charlevoix:

I love the Venetian Festival, the best small town festival in the country.  I still remember watching the Michigan State marching band playing their fight song in front of Central Drugs and thinking, “This is right from a Normal Rockwell painting – it CANNOT get any better than this.”

I also love East Park and Round Lake in quieter times.  Can there possibly be a more beautiful downtown waterfront anywhere?

I love the abundant golf that is available and that my downstate golfing buddies come up to play every year because of the spectacular courses.  I will also admit to a bit of pride as they ask me how I drive to work each day and not get in an accident with all of the beauty surrounding us.

I love being able to hop on the Emerald Isle and visit Beaver Island every year.

I love and greatly appreciate that we are blessed to have the Charlevoix Area Hospital.  How many cities this size have a hospital?  I love that when all three of my children were born at CAH the nurses were our neighbors and treated us as if one of their own family members were having a baby.  

I love that I was lucky enough to meet and marry a local girl with extended family roots here.  I was this lucky simply because she had moved back to Charlevoix from Atlanta because she missed our town.

I love that my children are getting an outstanding education from an outstanding school system.  I love that I don’t have to worry my son and two daughters riding their bikes all around town.

I love that I am able to hear Lake Michigan at night even though I don’t live on the water.  I love that my children love skiing and have Mt. McSauba and other ski hills close by.

I love the fact that I love where I work and live.

Tim Petrosky