Entries by editor

The moving art of James Thatcher

Moving is rarely an easy task, but for artists with crates of canvases to transport, the prospect can be daunting. Fortunately, for artist James Thatcher, moving has been a constant in his life. Moving his art from Oregon to Northport was just one more step in his journey. The artwork currently on display at Trinity United Church of Christ in Northport first came to life in Oregon where James volunteered at a food bank. He and a staff member picked up donated food from grocery stores and delivered it to the food bank warehouse, and from there, it was distributed to local food pantries as needed. One day, James and the staff member wondered why some volunteers agreed to help but did not show up. James hypothesized that the warehouse was too removed from the people who came to pantries. He resolved to communicate through his art the urgency of the work and the humanity of the people receiving food.

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“This land needs to hear its language”

Emily Modrall drew an audience of 150 to Suttons Bay High School on Nov. 29 where she summarized the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabe History Project and its work to give more space and visibility to the Anishinaabe past and present through signage and art on public land. A fascination with history led Modrall, who grew up in Suttons Bay, to a Ph.D. in Art & Archeology from the University of Pennsylvania and 15 years of field work in Italy. But upon returning home, this region’s own history seemed far away. Two years ago, Modrall ran across a marker at West End Beach etched “OLD INDIAN TRAIL” which she learned led south to Cadillac and was used by the Anishinaabek more than a century ago. Most of these trails are now lost to history—or paved over. Modrall describes herself in that moment unmoored, as she felt the history of her home and birthplace shifting beneath her feet. “What was this old trail?” She remembers wondering, “Who put up this marker? And what more can we do to preserve the past?”

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Oomen wins Michigan Author Award

The Library of Michigan (LM) has announced Empire resident Anne-Marie Oomen as the recipient of the 2023-2024 Michigan Author Award. Oomen is the founding editor of Dunes Review; former president of Michigan Writers, Inc.; and instructor at Solstice MFA in Creative Writing at Lasell University in Massachusetts and at Interlochen College of Creative Arts. She appears at conferences throughout the country.

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Sold out holiday concert returns to Suttons Bay Theatre

On Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7 pm, Miriam Pico and David Chown will return to The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay after last year’s sold out event for an evening of joy, reflection, and wonderful memories as they entertain the audience in their unique style, with original arrangements of Holiday favorites. They’ll be accompanied by a full ensemble of fellow instrumentalists and singers, making this a night to remember.

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National Lakeshore collaborates with Leelanau Conservancy to acquire, preserve Glen Lake ridgeline property

Late last month Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore acquired 8.66 acres of picturesque Miller Hill ridgeline property with views of the Glen Lakes and Lake Michigan from the Leelanau Conservancy for $685,000. Conservancy executive director Tom Nelson said the conservation of the Glen Lake Ridgeline project was the result of a collaboration with true, unsung heroes in the Glen Lake community and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Conservancy and the Lakeshore have an innovative history of working together to acquire and preserve pristine and sensitive land. In 2005 the Conservancy acquired property along the Crystal River that had been potentially slated for a golf course and turned it over to the Lakeshore. The acquisition represented a happy ending to a saga that divided the local community.

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Does Leelanau Conservancy’s Palmer Woods mountain biking represent development or environmental stewardship?

An important question hovers over the Leelanau Conservancy’s push to build a 10-car parking lot east of Wheeler Road, which mountain bikers will use starting next year to access the expanding Palmer Woods trail network. Neighbors opposed the initiative, but the Cleveland Township Board sided with the Conservancy and greenlit the project on Nov. 14. Do mountain bike trails and infrastructure in preserved natural areas reflect development (most mountain bikers drive fossil fuel-burning cars to access trails)? Or does the sport increase environmental awareness? In other words, does mountain biking compromise or help the environment?

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Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate hosts education fundraiser to benefit Guatemala, Kenya

On Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2-5 pm, Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate in Empire will host a festive holiday gathering at the beloved village chocolate shop. A significant portion of proceeds from the event will support Vida, a school in Guatemala for children and youth, many with disabilities. Handmade ornament bird sales will also benefit the school. Appetizers will be served, as well as wine and sweets at the chocolate shop; next door at the gelateria, pop-up sales of beautiful handmade earrings from Kenya will support education there.

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Centerville Planning Commission should exercise care when considering proposed Amoritas / Under Canvas resort

The Centerville Township Planning Commission will meet on Dec. 4, in the upper level of their Township Hall at 6:30 pm. Although that meeting is not yet the public hearing on the issue, on the agenda is the Amoritas Vineyards/Under Canvas Proposal for a commercial resort featuring 75 fixed platforms for tents, each of which will have its own plumbing with toilet and shower (water heated by individual propane tanks), and wood-burning stove. These and related infrastructure including a new drive with an estimated 100-car parking lot and several other buildings, if approved, would be on the Amoritas Vineyard’s property located on Amore Road.

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Cherry Republic hosts Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes fundraiser

Cherry Republic will host a Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1-4 pm at the Cherry Public House in Glen Arbor. The Beach Bards will entertain with a fun afternoon of original (or new takes) on old songs, stories, and poems highlighting the history of the Sleeping Bear Dunes area.

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Lake Leelanau Community Association holds 11th annual Lake Leelanau Holiday Arts & Crafts Show

The Lake Leelanau Community Association (LLCA) announced the 11th annual Lake Leelanau Holiday Arts and Crafts Show to be held at St. Mary’s School in Lake Leelanau on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 am to 3 pm. St. Mary’s school is located at 303 St. Mary Street, just off M204 (Duck Lake Road) in the heart of Lake Leelanau with plenty of parking adjacent to the building.

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