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Captain Gerry Shiffman offers sailing excursions to at-risk youth

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The goal of Empire resident Gerry Shiffman’s Seaside Sailing Excursions & Charity Charters is to take at-risk and underprivileged youth out for sailing adventures at no cost. Anyone who pays to sail automatically supports that mission. Shiffman’s is a carpe diem story of seizing opportunities. He grew up in Toronto, left a dysfuctional home six weeks after turning 16, and immigrated to the United States in 1978. The following year he started Master Plaster Patcher in Grand Rapids, refurbishing many of the former furniture barons’ Victorian homes. Shiffman helped start the Empire Area Community Center as president in 2011. The organization holds concerts to raise money for locals who have fallen on hard times while also protecting their anonymity.

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Empire Emergency Fund Solstice Concert doubles previous donation record

The Empire Area Community Emergency Fund’s Solstice Concert on June 23 in Johnson Park more than doubled the group’s previous donation record, reported Gerry Shiffman. “We raised just under $6,500 including sponsorships, donations and sales of product,” said the admittedly tired, but overjoyed event organizer. “It was a beautiful day and a wonderful experience. The event was a blast, the weather was great, the performers were awesome, and the energy was sweet and mellow.”

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Empire Emergency Fund holds Summer Solstice celebration

The Empire Area Community Emergency Fund has gone into overdrive. Instead of the usual Sunday afternoon concert at a local venue, organizers Gerry Shiffman and Chris Skellenger have planned a day-long Summer Solstice Celebration for this Sunday, June 23, from noon until 9 p.m. at Empire’s Johnson Park. Two stages will feature continuous live music performed by 29 talented local musicians who have volunteered to support this effort.

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Altruism in Empire

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Northern Michiganders with the urge to help someone in need in their community can take that altruistic step, and enjoy live music and a cold beer in the process. Tom Fordyce and his mates from Cabin Fever will perform on Sunday, Jan. 27, from 4-6 p.m., at the Empire Village Inn, as part of the Empire Area Community Emergency Fund’s (EACEF) monthly benefit concert.

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Takin’ the plunge in Empire

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Are you nuts if you jump through frozen ice into a frigid lake in February? Perhaps. But if you jump, take a victory lap, and then jump again, you’re definitely nuts! Check out this video of Empire resident Gerry Shiffman (with Jack Gyr and others) taking part in the annual Polar Dip as part of Empire’s Winterfest this past weekend.

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