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LIFT launches Summer of Hope campaign, expands youth support
Local Personality, NewsBekah TenBrink’s dream of building an after-school program for Leelanau teens continues to grow. LIFT Teen Center has expanded from the Suttons Bay area into Suttons Bay and Northport schools, with Leland on the brink. TenBrink said discussions continue about adding other county schools. “We hope to be at every single school in Leelanau County,” she said. LIFT has helped chaperone field trips, work with the school’s Career Day and college visits, and other special events, such as rock climbing at the Elevate climbing gym in Traverse City. “We fill in the gaps,” TenBrink said.
Glen Arbor Arts Center resident documents plant biomes
Upcoming EventMarquette artist JoAnn Deuel Shelby will use her Glen Arbor Arts Center residency to document Leelanau County plant biomes—their biological communities—and then contrast them with those native to the Upper Peninsula. Shelby’s investigations will be used to create eco-printed papers and fabrics that allow her to interpret and illustrate changes in climate. Shelby will talk about her project during a public presentation on Friday, May 26, at noon at the Arts Center. The presentation is free.
Glen Arbor cemetery holds memorial ceremony, library presentation
Historical Feature, Upcoming EventThe fourth annual Glen Arbor Cemetery Memorial Ceremony, commemorating the nearly lost site, will be held at 10 am on Friday, May 26. John Sawyer of Traverse City will deliver a eulogy detailing the life of one of the four Civil War veterans buried at the cemetery, James Lawrence Green. And on Wednesday, May 24, the Glen Lake Community Library in Empire will host a presentation about the history of the Glen Arbor Township Cemetery, which served the Glen Lake area from 1880-1927, and the renewed effort to reclaim this long-neglected resting place. Last week, ground penetrating radar revealed an additional mass grave of more than 50 bodies buried at the cemetery sometime between the late 1800s and early 1900s. This cemetery in the woods off Forest Haven Road, west of downtown Glen Arbor, was nearly lost to history before Glen Arbor Township regained control over it from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore after the big storm of August 2015. Click on the story to watch a narrated video tour of the cemetery.
Warming climate breeds ticks, disease, and caution
Investigative ArticleTick bites and cases of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis are increasing in northern Michigan, according to statistics from the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department and confirmed by local doctors and staff within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Leelanau County registered 14 cases of tick-born illness last year, more than doubling the previous year’s tally. Beyond statistics, the upward trend has proven tragic for this community. Glen Arbor lost popular realtor and ski coach John Peppler to a tick-born disease last August. National Lakeshore superintendent Scott Tucker said that one Park employee nearly died last year of Anaplasmosis caused by a tick bite that happened at a Sleeping Bear campground.
Leelanau students perform at Interlochen Arts Academy
Local Personality, Upcoming EventAt the end of every school year, Interlochen Arts Academy hosts a festival commemorating the hard work and talent demonstrated by their student body. This celebration includes Morp, the palindrome that the students and faculty affectionately call their prom, multiple performances around campus, all of which are open to the public, and to wrap up the year, commencement. The festival, which runs May 24-27, is the long-awaited crescendo of a successful school year, and it features several Leelanau County students currently attending the academy.
Poor Farm Barn celebrates rehabilitation
Historical Feature, Upcoming EventOn Saturday, May 27, the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society invites the community to a family-friendly, free event to celebrate the rehabilitation of the Leelanau County Poor Farm Barn. The event is being held to honor the dedicated community of contractors, volunteers, and community partners who worked tirelessly to preserve this historic structure.
New owners, same Funistrada
Business Feature, Local PersonalityMike and Susan Garver acquired Trattoria Funistrada on May 1 from Tom and Holly Reay, who opened Burdickville’s beloved Italian restaurant in 2000. But Susan insists that nothing will change. Same menu, same ambience, same friendly staff. Holly will remain this summer as bookkeeper. The Garvers may repaint the exterior, but they’ll use the exact same light green hue as before. “We purchased Funistrada simply to preserve the legacy that Tom and Holly created and perfected these past 23 years,” said Susan. “Our intent is to keep Funistrada exactly the same, including the outstanding staff, delicious recipes, and the warm and inviting atmosphere that so very many people, including our own family, have grown to love.
Glen Arbor Arts Center hosts Forging for Peace blacksmiths
Upcoming EventThe Forging For Peace Project blacksmiths return to the Glen Arbor Arts Center (GAAC) to forge on Saturday, May 20 from 11 am-3 pm. The demonstration is free and open to the public. These northern Michigan artists and craftsmen use the ancient art of blacksmithing as part of a world-wide project to raise funds for nonprofits focused on peacemaking.
Experience Leelanau wines
Business Feature, Upcoming EventThe Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is where stunning landscape and natural splendor meets exquisite wine making. “Experience Leelanau” is the Wine Trail’s new signature event, May 19-21—a celebration honoring ‘Michigan Wine Month’ and everything that makes our region special. Click here for information and to get your tickets.
Bahle’s of Suttons Bay holds Scott Barber Made to Measure Party
Business FeatureOld stores have state-of-the-art technology, too. Bahle’s of Suttons Bay, a destination for quality and comfort for more than 145 years, now sports a modern technology twist. On Saturday, May 20, Bahle’s will hold its Scott Barber Made to Measure Party and unveil a dressing room camera which needs just two measurements to make an avatar of the customer’s body. In five minutes the apparatus can size you up for a custom shirt and offer three different options: slim, classic and modern fits.