From the current edition of the Glen Arbor Sun:
In early June, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (the local branch of the National Park Service) will hold three identical public meetings on consecutive days to present four action alternatives, including the Park's "preferred alternative," for a new General Management Plan (GMP), and solicit public comments in the process. The Park will hold meetings on June 3 at Platte River Elementary School in Honor; June 4 at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City; and June 5 at the Glen Arbor Township Hall — all from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The public can also comment on the alternatives at the Park's website until June 13.
Read the rest in Park unveils revamped General Management Plan to public from the Sun.
View the alternatives, make your comments and get all the details on the GMP from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The proposed plans include options such as a bike path, a 30 mile bay-to-bay hiking path stretching from Platte Bay to Good Harbor Bay and some changes to recreational use (though not nearly as extreme as the last round).
Photo credit: Sleeping Bear Dunes – photo by Don Miller/Glen Arbor Sun
In Tourism view: 'Soft, not disaster", the Leelanau Enterprise takes a look at summer tourism forecasts for our area from MSU tourism expert and professor emeritus Don Holecek. Holecek (whose full report can be seen through Absolute Michigan) said:
“Where there’ll be some impact is on the ‘weekend travelers,’ who will try to find ways of coping with the high gas prices,” Holecek explained.
Instead of coming up every weekend— the “weekenders” will come up fewer times, but stay longer to avoid the additional travel cost.
“The impact on lodging and restaurants shouldn’t be that noticeable,” he said. “Volume will be down 1 to 2 percent; spending will be even or down a little from last year and prices will be 4 to 5 percent higher.”
The article looks at special offeres from Leelanau State Park (free storage of camping trailers, motor homes, boat and trailer and other recreational vehicles) and measures others are taking to increase business.
Photo credit: Beach Grasses by Arace
Blue Sky and Blossoms and Bokeh by Andy McFarlane (Cherry Blossoms 2008 set)
News from the Week
The week's top story was the 2008 Tour de Leelanau. Taylor Tolleson of BMC took first place in the very close men's race (followed by Bissell riders Ben Jacques-Maynes and Teddy King) while the women's race was won handily by Anne Samplonius of Cheerwine, who finished over 2 minutes ahead of teammate Leigh Hobson and Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco).
The Week's Weather
The week's weather was pretty chilly, including a record low that brought some frost that will likely impact 2008 fruit crops.
May 22, 2008: Mostly cloudy & 50s (55/42)
May 23, 2008: Partly sunny, brief showers & 60 (61/39)
May 24, 2008: Sunny & low 60s (63/36)
May 25, 2008: Partly sunny, some rain and upper 70s (79/39)
May 26, 2008: Some sun, some rain and 80s (82/42)
May 27, 2008: Mostly cloudy & 40s (51/37)
May 28, 2008: Overnight frost (63/28) (Record low, we even heard of a 25 degree reading!)
Click for the Leelanau news archive from May 2007 and also the May 2008 page.
The Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association introduces the first ever Premium Pour, to take place Saturday June 7, 2008. This unique event features a special tasting of 1-2 rare, library and estate wines from each of the nine Leelanau Peninsula wineries listed below.
It's a high touch, more intimate event designed for the wine taster looking to learn more about the superior, award winning wines that are the hallmark of wines produced in the Leelanau Appellation. Participating wineries are Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery, Black Star Farms, Chateau de Leelanau Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Fontaine, Cherry Republic Winery, Forty-Five North Vineyard & Winery, L. Mawby, Longview Vineyard & Winery, Shady Lane Cellars.
Get all the details and order tickets from lpwines.com!
The 2008 Tour de Leelanau bike race took place on Sunday. BMC's Taylor Tolleson took first place in the very close men's race (followed by Bissell riders Ben Jacques-Maynes and Teddy King) while the women's race was blown wide open by Anne Samplonius of Cheerwine, who finished over 2 minutes ahead of teammate Leigh Hobson and Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco).
Tolleson and Samplonius win at Tour de Leelanau from the cycling blog podium in sight has a great recap of the race and links to other reports including the one from Cycling News (with photo gallery).
You can also read a story on the race in the Traverse City Record-Eagle, check out some great photos by Gary Howe and see a video of the racers heading toward Inspiration Point.
Photo: Women on Tower Hill I by Andy McFarlane (slideshow)
The Leelanau Enterprise has a feature on two Memorial Day ceremonies. On Monday at 9:30 AM at the County Government Center (near Suttons Bay) retired Brigadier Gen. Charles F. Briggs, (Ret.) will speak and there will also be a flag raising ceremony.
At 10:30 at the Leelanau Township Cemetery in Northport , there will be a speech from retired Ford executive Jerry Dennis, patriotic music from the Village Voices and Northport Community Band.
There's also a story about plans for a veteran's memorial at the new courthouse.
The photo is from Leonard Overmeyer of Overmyer Historicals. The author of Forest Haven Soldiers has some great Civil War history and photos.
The Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI) will be holding the Jam for Youth benefit concert at the City Opera House on Thursday May 29th, from 7 to 10:30 pm. The MYOI is designed to help youth, 14 to 23 years old, as they navigate the difficult road to independence after leaving foster care. All proceeds from this event will be used to meet the emergency needs of these young victims of abuse and neglect.
The featured performers at this benefit concert are all part of the Earthwork Music Collective. Headlining this event will be Joshua Davis (of Steppin’ In it) and the Fool Rooster Band, hailing from Lansing, who will bring their brand of honky-tonkin’ Michigan roots music to the City Opera House. They will be joined on the evening by the dynamic duo Breathe Owl Breathe, Brandon Foote & Laura Bates and newcomer to the collective, singer-songwriter Chris Dorman. This will be a wonderful evening of music with plenty of room to get down and dance.
Visit jamforyouth.com for all the details!
Descent by John Clement Howe (Tour de Leelanau set)
News from the Week
In addition to a few upcoming events, stories from the week included our new Leelanau Art Events page, a photo of an Edsel at Northport's Cars in the Park, writeups on the Leelanau Township Library and the Leland Township Harbor & Marina and a bit of a rant about weather forecasts and tourism.
The Week's Weather
Another cooler than usual week, with some rain. I think we're just about ready for a little heat now!
May 15, 2008: Sunny & 60 (63/32)
May 16, 2008: Mostly cloudy, scattered showers and upper 60s (68/32)
May 17, 2008: Mostly sunny, brief showers & upper 50s (62/48)
May 18, 2008: Partly sunny & upper 40s (50/41)
May 19, 2008: Partly sunny & 50s (57/39)
May 20, 2008: Mostly cloudy, light rain & 50s (57/39)
May 21, 2008: Mostly cloudy, breezy, rain & 40s (48/39)
Click for the Leelanau news archive from May 2007 and also our May 2008 page!
Seeing a number of art events in the calendar made me think that it would be nice to have a page listing upcoming art events. We'll try and keep this updated but you can also view current Leelanau art events in the Leelanau Calendar!
Reception for Melanie Parke and Richard Kooyman
Artists' reception for Melanie Parke and Richard Kooyman will be held this Saturday (May 24) from 4-7:30 PM at the Becky Thatcher Designs Annex Gallery in Leland.
The Leelanau Artists' Annual Exhibition
The Leelanau Artists will host their Annual Exhibition at the Old Art Building in Leland, Friday, May 30 with an opening reception from 5 to 8 pm; the exhibit continues through Saturday, May 31, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, June 1, 12 to 4 pm. New, original works will be exhibited by these local artists who have participated in classes, workshops, or other art activities sponsored by The Leelanau Community Cultural Center.
Matthew Ballou Artist In Residence Program
The Glen Arbor Art Association welcomes Matthew Ballou on Thursday, May 29 at 7:30 PM at the Glen Arbor Art Association in Glen Arbor. Matthew is a painter & draftsman living in Evanston, IL.
If you know of others, post a comment below!
The annual Cars in the Park takes place this Saturday (May 24) at Haserot Park in Northport. The event features antiques, hot rods, sports cars along with games, prizes, food and music. It is free to attend and benefits the Northport-Omena Firefighters Association.
You can read a story from last year in the Leelanau Enterprise and get more information about Northport from the Leelanau Township Chamber.
Photo credit: E is for Edsel by Andy McFarlane
Leelanau Hills: A Steal of a Deal
