Latino with local roots showcases south-of-the-border scenes in photography

By Jacob Wheeler Sun editor Ever so slowly the burro trudges along, down the Callejon de Los Muertos, named for the graveyard at the end of the street with the neon-lit crosses. The donkey is carrying big bags of sugar, and his owner raps on every single door with his walking stick to advertise the […]

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ESPN knows Liz, but Hollywood knows TJ

By Norm Wheeler Sun editor You know that kid from down around Empire who’s a smart, strapping, good-looking super-athlete who’s on TV all the time? You’re thinking Liz Shimek? Well, yeah, but I’m talkin’ about the OTHER Shimek, TJ, the one who’s been to Hollywood. He’s not just on TV, he’s in movies, too. The […]

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Glen Clark’s Trailing Edge Art

By F. Josephine Arrowood Sun contributor Visitors to Empire’s Glen Lake Library may have seen two posters that appear to be of 1930’s vintage, touting the glories of Sleeping Bear Bay and the Empire Bluff in muted blues, taupes and charcoal hues. Yet these retro-chic artworks are new, original creations of Traverse City native Glen […]

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A barber and his dog keep a bygone era alive

By Thomas Benn Sun contributor American males who hire someone to cut their hair can be divided into two indistinct classes. On one hand are those who go to a traditional barber shop, usually identifiable by the barber pole out front. And on the other hand are those modernists who patronize a styling salon, in […]

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For local hoops star, a championship game, a spot on US national team, and beyond

By Sudsy Cheroot Sun sports writer Pete Schimpke replaced a northern Michigan basketball coaching legend when he took over Ted Swierad’s Glen Lake girls team in 1999. Never easy to replace a Hall of Famer, the transition was a lot easier when he first laid eyes on a rapidly budding superstar, sophomore Liz Shimek. “You […]

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Before the National Championship, the Spartan star was just a local girl

By Sudsy Cheroot Sun sports writer A Big Ten standout, a finalist for the USA World University games team, and nearly a national champion, Liz Shimek has achieved unparalleled success over the course of a magical basketball career, the latest chapter of which will appear in the June 16 issue of the Glen Arbor Sun […]

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Steven Matthew Brown: Glen Arbor Art Association Artist in Residence 2004

By Norm Dagen Sun contributor I often wonder why at a particular time, a noteworthy individual will magically appear in my life. I have found myself wondering this about Steven Matthew Brown, Artist in Residence of the Glen Arbor Art Association. The GAAA will hold Brown’s art opening at Thoreson Farm on Tuesday, September 21 […]

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Oomen’s memoir “Pulling Down the Barn” is Ripe in the Land of the Sleeping Bear

By Norm Wheeler Sun editor Empire poet, playwright, and teacher Anne-Marie Oomen’s memoir “Pulling Down the Barn” is being released by Wayne State University Press. A frequent contributor of poetry to the pages of the Glen Arbor Sun, Oomen has written several plays based on local history, including “Aral: A Folk Opera” (about a double […]

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Religion corner: Never leave God at home

By Rick Leland Sun contributor A right turn and it’s two blocks to Lake Michigan. Three bicycle riders, looking ready for the Tour de France, opt to go left. Cruising past a small enclave of shops beckoning tourists to stop and spend, they find their Sunday morning destination — breakfast at Cherry Republic’s outdoor cafe. […]

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Author Judith Guest Is No ‘Ordinary’ Person

By Joanne Bender Sun contributor Judith Guest, author of the bestseller (and movie directed by Robert Redford) “Ordinary People,” has written a new book, “The Tarnished Eye,” and was at the Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor on July 2. Bookseller Barbara Siepker arranged for the author’s visit. Guest met, charmed and talked with close […]

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