Volleyball action was intense at the Meijer Beach Wellness Volleyball Tournament.
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)

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Meijer Beach Volleyball Draws 27 Teams, 5 Bands, Scores of Spectators

Volunteers to Continue Cleaning Beach at Bay City State Recreation Area

June 29, 2009
By: MyBayCity Staff

Five bands played continuously under the canopy at the Bay City State Recreation Area.
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)

The fun is over and now the rakes come out again.

The goal of Beach Wellness volunteers -- clean up the Saginaw Bay shoreline and beach to make it attractive for swimmers and others seeking a pleasant place for recreation.

Says co-chair Kim Coonan:

"We had a very successful 2nd Annual Meijer Beach Wellness Volley ball Tournament on Saturday, June 27th.

"The weather was great, 27 volleyball teams from throughout the state, enjoying our state park.

"Five bands entertained visitors throughout the day, we raised some money and raised awareness as to what a quality beach will provide to the community.

"We have many people to thank for their assistance in making the 2nd Annual Meijer Beach Wellness Volleyball Tournament a success, without their help we could not have done this."

Added co-chair Ernie Krygier: "First & foremost, our local Meijer stores, in addition to their $1,200 contribution they provided a number of their staff who volunteered their time to cook and sell refreshments. we thank our friends at Meijer."

The co-chairs were generous in their thanks to all who contributed help.

"Hamilton Electric provided the generator powering the bands. Bob, Jean, & Brian Broucek coordinated the sound system and other electronics making the music possible.

"The bands we thank for donating their time to play this event, "Under Advisement, Steel Wheelz, Take the City, Sinister Scarlet, & Common Sense".

"We also want to thank Bader Brothers, Tri-City RV, AmericInn, Bay Arenac ISD, Rich Putt & The Bay County Road Commission, Bay City Electric Light & Power, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 692), Ron Graham, for their help setting the courts up.

"CACC and John Witucki for the use of their tent with the assistance from Tom Starkweather, Bon Adamczyk and Judy Prahl.

Sheriff John Miller allowing us to use his work release crew using landscape rakes on the shoreline. Dave Rogers & his crew with landscape rakes on the beach, along with former Mayor Mike Buda, and current Mayor Charles Brunner.

"We could not have done it without the help of all the volunteers.

"A special thanks to Mike Evanoff from the DNR & his crew moving supplies with the "Gator" making our job much easier. "And Carpe Diem for running our volleyball tournament."

The co-chairs said they plan to continue cleaning the beach with the landscape rakes, and that interested volunteers are always being sought.

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