Entries by editor

National Writers Series brings “Driving the Green Book” author Alvin Hall to Traverse City

In honor of Black History Month, the National Writers Series will welcome author and radio broadcaster Alvin Hall, to discuss his latest book, Driving the Green Book. Using the historic guide for Black travelers, Hall tells stories of safe havens for Black Americans in a hostile “Whites Only” country. He drove from New York to Detroit to New Orleans. The event is available via livestreame or in-person at the City Opera House at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23.

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Glen Lake Library hosts Inland Seas

Visit the Glen Lake Community Library in Empire on Feb. 23 at 7 pm to learn about the environmental health of our Great Lakes in a presentation by the Inland Seas Education Association. ISEA staff will describe the various monitoring activities they perform during their excursions on Grand Traverse Bay, and demonstrate some of the specialized equipment they use in this work. You can also learn about the various volunteer opportunities available with this dynamic local organization.

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Innovative childcare program expands in Leelanau

One year ago the Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission launched a campaign to recruit more people to open home-based childcare facilities in Leelanau County—where a dire lack of affordable childcare options has imperiled the ability of young parents to return to work. The commission is well on its way to reach that goal, with three more facilities set to open soon. But the LECDC has also been forced to pivot and work with the state’s licensing agency to include centers outside the home, as well.

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Leelanau Historical Society explores early Native American schools

On Feb. 23, at 1:30 p.m. the Omena Historical Society and Leelanau Historical Society Museum will host Mark Smith for a discussion of the Grove Hill School—one of the first residential schools for Native Americans in the country. The event takes place at the Leelanau Historical Society’s Munnecke Room at 203 E. Cedar St. in Leland.

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Mielczareks take over Leland Harbor House

Greg Mielczarek and his wife, Maggie, a Leland native, acquired the Harbor House Trading Co. from Richard Roberts on Feb. 1. The Mielczareks will officially re-open the iconic spot in the heart of the village on Feb. 24-26 for the Harbor House’s annual storewide sale, during which apparel, paddleboards and other products will be sold at discounts of 50–70%. Roberts will remain the owner of the building.

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LIFTing teens on the slopes

This winter The Homestead resort is donating free lift tickets and rentals to area teenagers through LIFT, an out-of-schooltime teen center based in Suttons Bay, which is dedicated to empowering local youth to discover their strengths by investing in their evolution, autonomy, and character. “LIFT is grateful to The Homestead for their kindness in donating free skiing and rentals to our teens!” said LIFT Teen Center founder and director Rebekah TenBrink. “Our time on the slopes has been such a blast, and the conversations on the way home are full of adventurous stories and laughs. Participating in this kind of activity is a great bond- ing experience for the LIFT teens, and provides them with an opportunity they may not have had the resources otherwise to do.”

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Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore by candlelight

Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at night on a candlelit winter hike on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 6-8 p.m. at the Dune Climb. Join park rangers and volunteers to explore the park after dark. Arrive anytime between 6-7:30 p.m. to enjoy the full experience. Hike one mile on flat terrain along a candlelit trail. The self-guided hike should take roughly 30 minutes to 1 hour. Bring your sense of adventure, enjoy a trail lit by luminaries, and engage with our knowledgeable rangers and volunteers. The event is free with a park pass. 

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Suttons Bay celebrates winter with annual Yeti Fest

The Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 2023 Yeti Fest dubbed “The Best Yeti Fest This Side of the Himalayas.” The event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm featuring a chili cook-off and fun for the whole family.

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Winterfest returns to Boonedocks

Glen Arbor’s Winterfest, the anticipated mid-winter event, takes place annually the Saturday of President’s Day weekend. This year’s perch fishing contest has been canceled due to a lack of ice on the Glen Lakes. But the chili cook off will be held on the deck of Boonedocks restaurant in Glen Arbor on Saturday, Feb. 18, from noon-3 pm.

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New business Peninsula Provisions brings fine wine, goods to Lake Leelanau

Peninsula Provisions, located in the old Samaritan’s Closet Building in Lake Leelanau, is thrilled to announce their projected opening in June 2023. Owner and proprietor Kate Vilter Stassen, formerly of The Riverside Inn in Leland, and husband Coenraad Stassen, Brys Estate director of Winemaking and Estate manager have always been passionate about wine and food. It was Kate, however, who knew even before the sale of the Riverside in 2021 that owning and operating a wine and provisions shop was the next step in her career.

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