Posts

Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate adds pop-ups, honors Latin American connections

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.

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Empire holds Anchor Days, July 18-19

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).

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Empire Asparagus Festival poetry & recipe contest winners

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.

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Sleeping Bear Surf hosts second annual Beryl Days

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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.

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Glen Lake Library hosts Asparagus poetry contest

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.

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In Memory, a wall of lights in Empire

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.

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Long shuttered Empire school ready for rebirth

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.

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Empire pillar, historian Dave Taghon stood in a class by himself

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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.

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Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate celebrates 20 years with a birthday bash

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Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate, renowned for its ethically sourced, craft chocolate confections and gelato, is thrilled to announce its 20th birthday party on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 11 am-5 pm at the chocolate shop in quaint Empire. All are welcome to join in this milestone event honoring two decades of Grocer’s Daughter’s favorite things; delicious, ethically sourced chocolate and a wonderful community of friends from around the globe.

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Empire continues master plan addendum work

A series of surveys and public meetings this summer in Empire has been followed by joint sessions of the village council and the village planning commission. The task: to involve interested parties in the creation of an update to the village’s master plan, to set it up for the next five years and potentially beyond. While master plans are used to provide long-term vision and guidance, it is necessary to update them as circumstances change, whether that is area business, housing, land use, utilities, or transportation.

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