Run for the farms and for historic preservation at Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear’s 5K run/walk in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The fifth annual event supports preservation and interpretation of the Park’s historic resources—farmsteads, log cabins, inns and maritime buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s on the mainland and Manitou Islands.
How humans integrate with the natural world is the focus of Traverse City artist Duncan Spratt Moran’s new paintings at Center Gallery, 6023 S. Lake St. in Glen Arbor. The show opens Aug. 1 with a 6 p.m. reception. It runs through Aug. 7.
As nearly 50 sailboats competed in a National race last week, spectators and participants enjoyed the beautiful sights and fast pace of races in the center of Glen Lake. The Butterfly Nationals were hosted by the Glen Lake Yacht Club, and featured the Butterfly, a 12-foot, two-crew, one-design scow that many Great Lakes sailors first skipper as they learn the skills of sailing. Held annually, this is the third time that the GLYC has hosted the event.
There are approximately 250 volunteers helping out at the Inland Seas Education Association. “We’d be unable to function without all the amazingly talented and amazingly dedicated volunteers,” says executive director Fred Sitkins. There are doctors, lawyers, teachers, fish biologists, interior decorators, housewives and retirees of all kinds, including retired school administrators, pipe fitters and electronic hospital equipment salesmen.
Halfway between Glen Arbor and Leland along M-22, just after the Maple City turnoff, you’ll find the historic Little Traverse Inn, owned by Graeme Leask, who was born in Scotland and grew up in Ireland and England before settling in the United States in 1988. The establishment, which includes six beautifully refurbished rooms and a pub, reflects Leask’s diverse heritage, beginning with the flag that flutters in the breeze in front of the premises. On any given day, it may be Britain’s Union Jack, Ireland’s green, white and orange vertical stripes, Saint Andrew’s Cross, the national flag of Scotland—or our own Stars and Stripes.
The next Empire Area Community Emergency Fund Concert will be held on Sunday, July 27, from 4 until 6 p.m. at the Empire Museum and will feature a musical performance by recording artists Laura Jean Thompson and Kate Quinby with a special appearance by the legendary Dean Robb as Mark Twain.
As darkness falls on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the glorious night sky becomes visible. You can enjoy special night sky experiences at the National Lakeshore this year through a series of monthly astronomy programs from now through October. Join Park Rangers and the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS) for guided explorations of the night sky and even a few daytime events as well. The next Solar Viewing and Star Party event is Saturday, July 26, 4-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m., at Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Overlook #3. Please park at Picnic Mountain; the next right after the #2 stop. From 4-6 p.m., there will be a solar viewing opportunity to see the sun up-close. Solar glasses will be available to borrow. Then from 9-11 p.m., view the stars, Mars, Saturn and the summer Milky Way.
We are talking, together, in common and without apparent hierarchy, about the Greek philosopher Aristotle’s idea of the good. We are talking seriously about what it means to seek the good, to live the good life, to address Aristotle’s question on the purpose of being human. I am in Aspen, but all this is making me think about things in Michigan.
Bob Sutherland has had quite the year. On March 6, the Cherry Republic CEO hiked from Pyramid Point across frozen Lake Michigan to North Manitou Island (16 miles round trip). This month, Sutherland’s company Cherry Republic—Glen Arbor’s largest employer and a poster child of the Northern Michigan tourism industry—celebrates its 25th anniversary with a party in Glen Arbor on July 25-26.
There’ll be “Postcards From The Lake,” an exhibition of work celebrating summer at the cottage by painter Peggy Hawley and twig furniture maker Bill Perkins, from July 25-31 at the Lake Street Studios Center Gallery in Glen Arbor. A reception opens the show on July 25 at 6 p.m.