Entries by editor

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Bardenhagen’s farm stand worth a stop

What are the little purple, pink, yellow, and ruby red balls found on the corners of the roads throughout the peninsula this time of year? Spilled cherries. Big trucks and small trucks hauling tanks of freshly harvested cherries are everywhere. It’s July and this means it’s cherry season. For all of us following or waiting behind these trucks carrying tanks with water spilling over the sides, it is a good reminder to be a little more patient while driving in the area. These hardworking farmers are doing their best to harvest and deliver the delicious stone fruit to processors as quickly as possible. Most local farm stands are bursting with colorful displays of all cherry varieties, usually picked the same day they are stocked. One such place in the Leelanau Peninsula that is an essential stop for any farm stand devotee is the Bardenhagen Farms farm stand located at 7881 Pertner Road. Part of our series on local farm stands in Leelanau County.

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In defense of journalism, civil liberties, and a more perfect union

Longtime Leelanau Enterprise reporter Eric Carlson delivered the following address at Old Settlers Park on July 4 as part of the Glen Lake Woman’s Club annual Flag Raising ceremony. Carlson spoke about his career in journalism, both locally and in conflict zones, about the importance (and sometimes inconvenience) of a free press, about civil liberties, and this fraught political moment in American history.

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Cherry Republic’s Bob Sutherland takes stage with “True Gretch”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer will visit the Traverse City Opera House on Wednesday, July 31, to promote her new book, “True Gretch,” as part of the National Writers Series. Michigan’s popular second-term governor has a national profile and co-chairs Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid for the White House—a role she also held for President’s Biden’s campaign before he exited the race earlier this month. Cherry Republic founder and president, and Glen Arbor native, Bob Sutherland will guest host the event and interview Whitmer on stage. The Sun chatted with Sutherland about Whitmer—whom he has hosted at Cherry Public House—about his support for progressive candidates and environmental causes, and about the need for businesses to get involved in important issues. “Businesses are one of the few institutions that people still trust,” said Sutherland. In-person tickets to the July 31 are sold out. Click here to purchase a virtual ticket.

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Five out of five kids recommend golf at Glen Arbor’s new River Club

Glen Arbor’s newest attraction is not your average putting course experience. Many of you have been to the River Club already, but for those of you who haven’t, here is a review, courtesy of 11-year-old Martin Ludden and four other kids between ages 8 and 11. During our two visits to River Club so far, there have been families on most of the course’s 18 holes, but they move quick. It’s a fun vibe, and with people talking and laughing it feels almost like a community treasure hunt. Plus, you can finish and start a new game. With your day-pass wrist band the place offers unlimited minigolf while your parents eat and drink, relax by the river or listen to live music!

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Traverse City Dance Project performs at The Homestead

The Traverse City Dance Project performs at The Homestead resort near Glen Arbor on Saturday, July 27, at 7:30 pm. Pre-show begins at 6:30 pm. Featuring live music by composer, cellist, and vocalist Jordan Hamilton, the Traverse City Dance Project brings top-tier professional dance to Northern Michigan. Enjoy pre-show music by Hamilton before experiencing choreography by Matthew Neenan, Jennifer McQuiston Lott, Rachel Harris, and a premiere by artistic director Brent Whitney. The group’s 2024 summer tour includes performances in in Kalkaska (Railroad Square, 3 pm) on July 28, Frankfort (Garden Theater, 7:30 pm) on July 30, Charlevoix (East Park Pavilion, 7:30 pm) on July 31, Traverse City (Rotary Square, 7:30 pm) on August 3, and the Grand Traverse Commons Historic Barns Park on August 6, from 7-10 pm.

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TLC Farms—so much more than a tomato shop

Driving south from St. Wenceslaus Church on Setterbo Road is a hidden gem: TLC Farms. Looking from the road, there is a farm house, barns and outbuildings, and a couple of greenhouses. Writer Rebecca Carlson’s advice, pull into their small parking lot and walk back towards the greenhouses. The visitor will be rewarded by the Tomato Shop, which is so much more than a tomato shop. It is a free-standing, permanent structure farm stand for TLC Farms. Clearly, current owners and caretakers Joe Vanderbosch and his wife Anne Cunningham tend their greenhouses, produce “from seed to end product,” and customers with lots of tender loving care. Part of our series on farm stands in Leelanau County.

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Maritime Heritage Alliance keeps history of the lakes alive

The interest in traditional sailing ships—both here in the Grand Traverse Region and throughout much of the world—holds many in fascination. This enthusiasm for both reconstructing and maintaining these boats visually draws past maritime history and current life together. Schooners would come to grace the waterways not only out of need in the early days of settlement, but again today, bringing a deep recreational satisfaction to many. Being aboard, skimming over the water, feeling the wooden planks underneath one’s feet, winds whipping the face, is sheer exhilaration for the adventurous. A passion for classic wooden boats brought together the founders of the Maritime Heritage Alliance (MHA) in the early 1980s. The group’s primary interest was to preserve the maritime history of the area. A quote from the late Bill Livingston, a renowned boat builder from Northport, typifies the alliance’s attitude: “The real joys in life consist of making something with our hands, not making money, but making something.”

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Leland Library hosts series on Community Food Support

Leland Township Public Library is hosting a special two-part series to address food access challenges in our community, as part of the Leland Library Summinars. These events will explore some local efforts that are being made to ensure everyone has reliable access to healthy, nutritious meals. Session 1 features “From the Heart – 5Loaves2Fish” on Tuesday, July 23, at 10 am.

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Running Bear Run returns July 23

Join the Glen Arbor Women’s Club for a fun filled day at the Running Bear 5K Run/Walk & ½ Mile Kids’ Run on Tuesday, July 23. Come out and take the challenge as the run takes off for its 17th year. This is the second year with chip timing for the Run. What makes a beautiful summer day even better? Spending it with family and friends who take the challenge. You can run or walk the 5K. As a chip timed event, we have added 6 age categories for males and females for a total of 16 categories from 10 & under to 80+. Winners will receive medals and prizes from Cherry Republic and Crystal River Outfitters and The Cyclery.

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An innovative coworking, childcare model for Leelanau?

The Aspen House is an initiative that hopes to bring a coworking space with flexible, hourly childcare to Leelanau County in the coming year. Kendall Rose is a small business owner and parent of a 4- and 2-year-old who became inspired to start The Aspen House in the post-pandemic aftermath when finding part-time, affordable childcare became all but impossible. Together with the Glen Lake Community Library in Empire, she is piloting the Work & Play Pop Ups with three summer dates, on Mondays from 10 am-12 pm (June 17, July 22, and August 19). Read more here.

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