In keeping with the national theme for Earth Day 2024, “Planet vs. Plastics,” the Leelanau County Energy Futures Task Force will host a panel discussion in observation of Earth Day in Leelanau entitled: “Microplastics: They’re in Our Air, Water, Land and Us” on Monday, April 22, from 3-5 pm in the Munnecke Room of the Leland Township Library, located at 203 East Cedar Street in Leland.
The sky is the limit at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Join National Lakeshore staff on Monday, April 8, from 12-4 p.m. at the Dune Climb to experience a partial solar eclipse. The eclipse will start at 1:57 p.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. (EST). Maximum solar coverage of 86.7% will occur at 3:11 p.m.
The Leelanau Historical Society will offer a “Researching Digital Newspapers” workshop on Thursday, April 4, at 1 pm at the Glen Lake Community Library in Empire for the public to learn about Central Michigan University’s Digital Michigan Newspaper Portal. The portal is a free website for researching Michigan’s historic newspapers. Click here to register for the workshop.
Five years ago, Leelanau County residents passed a millage for early childhood services. The millage is now up for renewal in a vote scheduled for August. With the goal of informing the community about how this funding has been used, the League of Women Voters Leelanau County is sponsoring an April 3 forum titled “The Early Childhood Millage—What it Supports and Why it Matters.” The forum takes place from 7-8 pm at the Suttons Bay High School auditorium.
Coffee With The Authors is a live, conversational interview with local and regional authors about the craft and process of writing. The 2024 series kicks off April 6 at 1 pm at the Glen Arbor Arts Center with Heather Spooner, owner of Ampersand Lettering Lab, an art and hand lettering business in Traverse City. Spooner will talk about The Letter League, an adult pen pal project she created to encourage writing letters by hand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC gallery manager, leads the conversation.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will hold a public storytelling webinar on Monday, March 18, at 6 pm. The free event is offered as a partnership between the National Lakeshore and the Nurturing the Eighth Fire team of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The guest speaker is Isaac Murdoch whose Ojibwe name is Bomgiizhik (“Revolving Sky”). His presentation will focus on the ancient traditional knowledge of Ojibwe communities regarding the night sky. He will delve into the cultural significance and meanings behind these celestial stories, highlighting the unique perspectives of star knowledge within Indigenous cultures. Additionally, he will explore how these narratives are both distinct and universally relatable on a global scale.
A St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl today, March 17, begins at 1 pm. Kick off the afternoon by stopping at M22 Glen Arbor for Shamrock Sparkler, a festive wine drink special; at 2 pm, head over to Glen Arbor Wines for green wine and good times; at 3 pm stop at Boonedocks for complimentary snacks; at 4 pm visit Cherry Republic’s Pub House; at 5 pm the Pub Crawl ends at Art’s Tavern, for good times, great music, and green beer. Up M-22, the Little Traverse Inn hosts Rigs & Jeels from 4-7 pm in a concert to benefit the Empire Area Emergency Fund.
WCMU Public Television will air Saving the Barn: The Leelanau County Poor Farm, a locally produced documentary on the history, preservation, and future of the Leelanau County Poor Farm/County Infirmary. The film is a multi-year project of the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society (LCHPS) and videographer, Joe Vandermeulen. WCMU Public Television has scheduled three broadcast times in March for Saving the Barn: The Leelanau County Farm: Sunday, March 17, at 6:30 pm; Thursday, March 21 at 5 am; and Saturday, March 23 at 10:30 am. The film will be subtitled. Click here to view a 30-second preview.
Get ready to elevate your wine tasting experience to new heights with Vino-Madness, presented by the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. Set to take place on March 16 and 17, this innovative event promises a unique fusion of wine and familiar household snacks, just in time for the first weekend of March Madness. Vino-Madness isn’t your typical wine tasting affair. It’s a revolutionary exploration of how everyday snacks can complement and enhance the flavors of your favorite wines. Picture this: chocolate covered pretzels paired with Pinot Noir, potato chips with Chardonnay, and so much more. Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized as you witness the magical harmony between wines and snacks, all in the cozy ambiance of winter.
Kennedy’s Kitchen returns to The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay on Sunday, March 10, for the band’s fifth consecutive St. Patrick’s celebration performance. Doors will open at 3 pm and the performance begins at 4. Kennedy’s Kitchen, in its 26th year, that captures the essence of Irish musical tradition. Their repertoire encompasses spirited pub songs and sing-a-longs, stories and recitations, and the invigorating pulse of ripping dance tunes. The songs and stories they bring evoke laughter, tears, and tenderness.