Cars have been a passion for Craig Olvey for as long as he can remember. The owner of Dave’s Garage in Empire can’t exactly say when his love affair with automobiles began, but it was early on. “Growing up, I always had a fascination with cars,” he says. “I lived down the street in Cincinnati from a Porsche dealer. I grew up working at a carwash.” And it appears he’s passed his passion on to his sons. Craig and his older son Caden will be participating in the Empire Hill Climb Sept. 13.
As I write this piece, thunder rumbles in the distance. It sounds like it’s moving closer, writes Jessica Sharry. Wind pushes through the window screens. I wonder if I’ll get to run this morning. I love weekend mornings. I lace up my running shoes, unhurried, and head out the door and onto the streets of Empire. I often choose the same route because, for me, running is less about the destination or itinerary, and more about the experience, and benefits derived. I like morning runs the best, though some days I run in the evening after work. I always have running shoes and running-ready attire in my car.
Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate features two special pop-ups within its gelateria in Empire this summer. One sells Miriam Teran’s Kichwa artisan wares from her indigenous community in northern Ecuador. The presence of Miriam’s crafts emphasizes the company’s connection to Ecuador, from which Grocer’s Daughter sources all its chocolate. The other pop-up, Adriana’s Kitchen, features traditional food from the Mexican state of Guanajuato, including steak and chicken tacos, tostadas and burritos, served with rice, beans and salsa. “Our intent behind the pop-ups is to uplift these incredible women and to try new, fun (and delicious) things at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate,” said Grocer’s Daughter co-owner Jody Hayden.
Enjoy Empire Anchor Days, which will be held Friday and Saturday, July 18-19. Events include a showing of the film “The Search For Anna and Levi” on Friday at 7 pm at Empire Township Hall. The Anchor Day Parade will be held ay noon on Saturday on Front St., Line up at 11:30 at Johnson Park. A Pop Up Book Sale will be held from 11 am-3 pm on Saturday at the Glen Lake Community Library. Join the community for the Lions Club BBQ Chicken Dinner at Johnson Park from 1-7 pm on Saturday. The menu will include Grilled Chicken, BBs, Coleslaw, Potatoes and Shortcake. Stop by for a treat and a bonfire at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate. Enjoy free hot dogs and s’mores from 6-8 pm. On Saturday from 9-11 pm enjoy street Dancing with music by The Luke Woltanski Band in front of Glen Lake Community Library Front Plaza and Street. Bring your own beverage, chair and dancing shoes. (In case of rain, the dance will be in Empire Township Hall).
Each June the Glen Arbor Sun publishes the winning poem and recipe from the annual Empire Asparagus Festival, which was held this year on June 7. This year’s Asparagus Poetry contest winner was third grader Caroline Smith for her poem, “I’ve Been Eating Asparagus.” The recipe contest winner was Empire resident PJ Ehalt for her “Asparagus Cheesecake” recipe.
Sleeping Bear Surf is proud to announce the return of Beryl Days, a heart-forward grassroots celebration honoring the spirit of freshwater, community, and joy at the doorstep of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This unique event, held from Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22, in the village of Empire, invites locals and visitors alike to gather for three days of connection, education, and fun. Beryl Days (pronounced “barrel”—yes, like a barreling wave!) honors the legacy of Beryl Skrocki, founder of Sleeping Bear Surf and beloved mother, trailblazer, activist, and community leader. Beryl Days is more than an event; it’s a vibrant reminder of the power of community and our shared responsibility to protect and cherish the Great Lakes environment that fuels so much of our joy and culture.
The Glen Lake Library will host its annual Ode to Asparagus poetry reading on Saturday, June 7, at 2 pm. The reading will be part of the day’s Empire Asparagus Festival lineup. Click here for information about how to submit or attend.
This winter, in far away Guatemala City’s Central Parque, hundreds of people stood in silent awe as the street lighting went dark and thousands of votives lit the park in honor of the Guatemalan Day of Affection. Inspired by this beautiful moment, Empire township residents Anne-Marie Oomen and Mimi Wheeler thought to adapt the experience here in Michigan for an Evening of Memory during Memorial weekend. On Saturday night, May 24, at 8:30 pm (just before dark) people are invited to write a memorial message to a veteran, loved one, or friend who has passed, and to light a votive in their honor which will then be placed on the Empire Beach Wall at the lighthouse end of the beach.
The Empire schoolhouse may have a second life if owner Joe Van Esley has his way — and gets enough others to buy into his vision. Van Esley and consultant Bruce Johnston hosted a presentation on their plans for the landmark building at a community meeting on Feb. 4, followed by a shorter presentation that evening to the Empire Planning Commission. They mapped out an ambitious plan to restore the long-empty schoolhouse to provide opportunities for various retail, office, restaurant and/or community space. “We’re looking for input,” said Johnston. His firm, Revitalize Inc., is working on the ambitious plans with Van Esley to modernize the building without changing its basic configuration in what they call a historic revitalization project.
The sudden death of Dave Taghon on Jan. 3 struck family and friends from far and wide. Despite the fact he spent most of his life in Empire, Taghon’s influence spread far beyond the little village. He was a ready source of information about the area’s history, but more importantly, a vital part of its present and presence through his work on the village council, at his church, with the local Lions Club, and at his family’s gas station for nearly 40 years.