As a writer, activist, teacher and artist, Holly Wren Spaulding has suppressed society’s notion of cookie-cutter success while confidently choosing a less-traveled path that benefits her audience and community members. Most importantly she knows what she needs to feel fulfilled. Because Holly is a woman of numerous proverbial hats, she possesses a unique ability to shed inspiration on those who are passionate about so many things but can’t find the label that is often required for validation.
At the top of a green and wooded hill near the Bow Lakes area of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore lies the meticulously handcrafted homestead of builder, philosopher, musician and community activist Joe Spaulding and his equally dynamic wife, painter and classical musician Carol Spaulding. The approach to their home winds along a bridge-like boardwalk that takes a visitor past a thriving vegetable garden, outbuildings fancifully clad in shingles as playful as a flapper’s dress, and stained-glass lanterns that herald the festive atmosphere and occupants within.
Rachel Reid, 18, of Rochester and Maple City, Michigan, has been awarded an NCAA Division I equestrian scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas where she will attend as a freshman this fall. An honor student and student council member at Glen Lake High School, Reid graduated in June.
The Legacy Award is bestowed annually by Michigan Legacy Art Park to recognize those who have made a positive impact on Michigan’s arts, history or culture. William and Helen Milliken will be in attendance to receive the 2011 Legacy Award during this year’s Legacy Gala on August 20 at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville, MI.
Rebecca Lessard and Wings of Wonder will release a large Bald Eagle on Saturday, May 28 at the Empire Eagle’s Club property (the old Dunegrass Festival field) eight miles east of Empire, on M-72. The public is invited to attend this grand event, which begins at 11 a.m.
“M-22 is all about the northern Michigan lifestyle,” an excited Matt Wiesen says while standing behind the wine counter at his and wife Katy’s new apparel store and tasting room in Glen Arbor. “It’s about a glass of wine on the boat, beaches, bonfires and a laid-back attitude.”
Geradine Simkins of Maple City — midwife, educator, mother, lifelong community activist, political leader, and wise woman — has created a labor of love with her new book Into These Hands: Wisdom from Midwives (Spirituality and Health Books, 2011).
Area residents looking for one of the best NASA space shuttle launch viewing experiences outside of Florida’s Space Coast are invited to watch the Endeavour blast off at 8:56 a.m. Monday on the State Theatre’s huge screen, while listening to the rockets roar via a state-of-the-art sound system.
Geradine Simkins’ new book is a comprehensive anthology of the life stories, struggles, and triumphs of 25 women who have dedicated their lives to social change and the practice of midwifery, and who have made significant contributions to shaping maternity health care in this country.
Crawfish season in Louisiana means crawfish season in Glen Arbor when you are married to a girl from Lafayette. Every year, come hell or highwater, she has several thousand pounds of mudbugs flown up for decadent massive consumption. Last night (May 7) was the night and I must say, a crawfish boil by Lafayette resident Greg Gilboux is our families favorite meal of the year. If your interested in how we do it, email me and I will give you the details.