WiFi in the Harbor

Speakeasy has been sailing around Lake Michigan, but is now on a can in Monroe Harbor, which has pretty good WiFi access. With a boost from The Wirie, we get 5 bars even below deck. The basic ingredient of The Wirie is an Alpha signal booster, which can be taken onshore and used at Internet cafes and other locations.

The New York Times reports on another device that might work on your boat without needing to install an external antenna. I'd like to hear if anyone uses this in their boat.

A helping hand to The Beaver Island Lighthouse School

While on the island, Mark and I discovered the the Beaver Island Lighthouse School, an alternative residential school for young people at risk. Sent by judges from ten counties in northern Michigan, students study for a high school diploma or GED and learn to be employable.

We met several students and visited the new home they are building for an aging island resident whose shanty had become uninhabitable.

Ken Roehling, the school director, says, "We work with students one at a time giving them guidance and the tools they need to be accountable in society."

Mark and I are establishing a 10-10-10 Scholarship Fund in honor of our forthcoming marriage. We also plan an on-going relationship with the school including speaking and discussion workshops.

A helping hand to young people, a lighthouse and Lake Michigan. It all comes together.

See Lighthouse School students in action at http://www.nwm.org/bils.asp