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Every year, an estimated 170,000 horses in the United States are subject to improper care, abuse or neglect. The Bayer Animal Health Legend of the Year Award recognizes veterinary professionals who provide equitarian aid or exceptional care for horses in need.

In 2011, Dr. Tonya Molby of Suttons Bay has been selected as the recipient for her efforts in helping create the Michigan Equine Foundation. The foundation assists horses and their owners with veterinary care and hay when facing economic hardship. Dr. Molby remarked "It's such an honor to receive the Bayer Animal Health Legend of the Year Award. It is very meaningful that this is in recognition of something that is such a large part of my life."

A $5,000 donation in her name will go to the Foundation, and you can learn more about Dr. Molby and her practice at the Equine Veterinary Services of Leelanau website.

Voters around Leelanau County went to the polls yesterday. There's weren't many momentous decisions on the ballot, but it's always nice to have a chance to practice your democracy skills. Some highlights from the Traverse City Record-Eagle Leelanau Election Results:

Bay Area Transportation Authority Millage renewal passed 2541-865.

Leland Public Schools operating millage renewal passed (467-149) as did the Leland Township operating millage renewal (361-119), EMS and fire millages.

In Suttons Bay Township, the park system millage was defeated 440-252.

Photo credit: Fog Bank ... over 'the narrows' by Ken Scott

Halloween dates back to ancient Celtic times, and although modern celebrations may not resemble the ancient ones, they're still a favorite of kids and adults alike! Here's our list of weekend activities in Leelanau and the surrounding area. Did we miss something? Undoubtably - add it as a comment below!

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse invites you out this Friday or Saturday night and next for a ghost walk where you can learn the stories of those who once dwelt there. Click through to get details from them. Also next Saturday Oct 29 in Northport is a free Halloween Concert at the Northport CAC featuring the Northport Community Band, The Village Voices and others - wear a costume!

Glen Arbor Trick or Treating for Children happens on Sunday, October 30 from 1-4 pm. The Empire Chamber invites you to the Town Hall on Front Street Halloween night (Oct 31) from 6pm to 8 pm for a spooktacular time filled with games & treats.

From 5-9 PM Cedar's Haunted House will again be scaring people October 31 starting at 5:00 pm. Come see what everyone is talking about!

The Haunted Hayrides at Black Star Farms will scare even the bravest of goblins, and are offered October 21, 22, 28, and 29, from 7-10 pm. $10 per person. Please call 231.944.1251 to confirm if the weather is iffy!

The Riverside Inn in Leland has reported ghostly activities in year's past, and while we have no official word, you should probably check it out. You might also enjoy Jacob's Corn Maze on M-72.

Looking for something unusual to do on Halloween? Check out the Zombie Run, sponsored by TART, a 5K Run/Walk starting at 9am on Saturday, October 29 at Right Brain Brewery. You are invited to register as "Infected" or "Survivor." "Survivors" will be given a one-minute head start at the beginning of the race and will want to be prepared to RUN FOR THEIR LIVES before the infected pursue their morning snack.

If you're wanting a little Halloween spirit in your cup, how about Vicious, an American wheat IPA from North Peak that pays tribute to Michigan's legendary Dogman? Read about the Dogman from Weird Michigan & Absolute Michigan. If beer's not your thing, Michiganvine.com suggests Leelanau Wine Cellars Witches Brew as the perfect treat. The secret recipe is made with cinnamon, cloves and other natural spices and is best served by warming it gently in the microwave by the glass or by simmering it in a crock pot with a cinnamon stick for a true “witches brew.”

Photo: Noche de luna llena - Full moon night by Flowery *L*u*z*a*

This Friday (Oct 21) the galleries & shops of the village of Suttons Bay will host award-winning regional artists. This annual event offer visitors a chance to hear live music, sample wines from many of Leelanau's wineries and register to win a $250 shopping spree at the end of the annual Suttons Bay Fall Art Walk.

The event is sponsored by the Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce and you can contact Sue Ann Round at the Michigan Artists Gallery (271-4922) for more information.

Painting by Dan Oberschulte - courtesy Michigan Artists Gallery.

Last Thursday the Inland Seas Education Association, a non-profit organization based in Suttons Bay that is dedicated to science education on the Great Lakes, welcomed its 90,000th student aboard the 77' schooner Inland Seas. The 90,000th student was from St. Francis Assisi in Ann Arbor. Executive Director and Captain Tom Kelly, said:

"This is a really exciting day for Inland Seas and the students of St. Francis. We had a great sailing day on Suttons Bay with our young scientists. After 23 years it is good to see that our mission of Great Lakes education continues to be relevant and vital to the entire Great Lakes region."

For further information about their shipboard and shore-side education programs that are designed to inspire young people's interest in science and to provide for the long-term stewardship of the Great Lakes, contact ISEA at (231) 271-3077.

via lpwines.com!

How Mario Batali Gets His Drink On In and Around Traverse City, Michigan from nation food magazine Bon Appetit features 5 of Mario's favorite Leelanau wines & ciders. There's Black Star Farms Arcturos Cabernet Franc which Batali names "the best Michigan wine ever", Gill's Pier Semi-Dry Riesling (recommended with pork with roast grapes), 45 North Winery Icebox Gewurztraminer (a succulent dessert wine with classic notes of apricot, honey, and ginger spice), Tandem Ciders Smackintosh "It's become my new drink, I drink cider as an aperitivo now. Even back in New York. Where they're all from France and they're not as awesome." and L. Mawby Cremant Classic NV, named "arguably the Leelanau Peninsula's signature wine".

There's also a more narrative & lengthy feature about how the rock-star chef spends his summers in Leelanau. Mario says:

The food scene has really exploded in the region. There are farmers' markets and hip-looking people farming and butchering. It's very cool. Even in Northport, our town of less than 1,000 people, there's a great weekly farmers' market in the summer. The chefs involved in the scene celebrate what's here; they're not trying to be anything they're not. Now people are coming for gastronomic tourism.

There's a whole lot more to read and he highlights Leelanau standards like Fishtown, the deck at the Cove, Boones in Suttons Bay and Pleva's Meats. These are really great features that tout what many folks have known for years - the wine and the food of the Leelanau Peninsula and the surrounding area have arrived.

The table is set, come on up and check it out!

Photo credits: Apples & a Growler by Trish P. - K1000 Gal

Art is where it's at over the next couple of weeks in Leelanau!

Empire's galleries and artist studios kick things off next Thursday evening (July 28) from 5-9 PM with the “Empire Art Encounter” where you can wander the village of Empire and for a wide variety of fine art, including painting, various works on paper, photography, furniture-making, weaving, and jewelry. You can also enjoy the the Empire Summer Music Series that night with the folk duo Emma and Will. They play on The Green next to the post office and you can get maps to galleries are available at Ripple Effect Studio & Gallery and Miser’s Hoard Antiques and Art. Call 231-326-6081 for more information!

Next up is an evening of art & music the Leland Art Walk held on Friday, August 5th from 5-9 PM. Participating stores & galleries will be serving hors d' oeuvres and refreshments. Contact Roxane Langner at 994-2707 for more information.

Then on Saturday & Sunday (August 6 & 7) it's the annual Suttons Bay Art Festival. Held every year on the first weekend of August at beautiful Suttons Bay Marina Park, the festival draws one hundred artists along with community groups and food vendors for an art-filled weekend at the beach. There's also a children's area where young artists can sell their work and a Sunday morning pancake breakfast in the park!

The TC Ticker reports that at long last, the rest of the Leelanau Trail will be paved! It begins:

If you’ve ridden the Leelanau Trail from Traverse City to Suttons Bay, you know what happens at Lakeview Hills Road – the pavement ends. For the next 6.5 miles, it’s a dirt two-track.

A year from now, that two-track will likely be a memory for trail users who have been pining for pavement for years. Why?

The Ticker has just learned that the public phase of a fundraising campaign to lay that final stretch of asphalt kicks off this Friday, July 22 – appropriately, in tandem with the 11th annual Tour de Tart bicycle ride from Traverse City to Suttons Bay.

Read on for details and definitely check out the Tour de Tart. This evening ride to Suttons Bay is now in its 11th year,. It's a one-way bike ride on the TART and Leelanau trails from Traverse City to Suttons Bay that happens this Friday, July 22nd.

Starting anytime between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., riders will enjoy snacks along the 19-mile ride and a bayside meal at the Suttons Bay Marina, and then can relax on a bus ride back home. Bus service begins at 7:00 p.m. and the last bus departs at 9:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is encouraged and can be done online or pick up a registration form at the TART office (415 S. Union St. in downtown Traverse City) or at local bike shops. Day of ride registration is also available from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.

THE COURSE:
The start will be located under the awning at EuroStop Cafe' located at 8th Street/Woodmere Ave. in Traverse City, cyclists will ride on the TART and Leelanau trails to the Suttons Bay Marina. Twelve miles are paved and seven miles unpaved (hard-packed, two-track). The flat course is suitable for cyclists of all abilities and ages.

A road ride option is available for riders who prefer pavement. Again this year, we will be offering special transportation for Suttons Bay area participants. A bus (and truck for bikes) will leave the Suttons Bay Marina promptly at 4:00 p.m. and drop riders at event check-in in Traverse City.

The 2011 Inland Seas Summer Festival takes place this Saturday, July 16th on the waterfront at the Inland Seas Education Center in Suttons Bay.

The event kicks off with the 5K Road Race/Walk at 9 AM along scenic Lake Michigan and it's only $25 to participate! The music follows from 10 AM - 5 PM. There are also tours of the schooner Inland Seas, short sails aboard ISEA's Friendship Sloop Liberty,  hands-on activities from numerous Great Lakes organizations, food, art & other vendors, and the announcement of the winners of a hand-made Abenaki canoe built in the ISEA Boat Shop by volunteers, a Boardwalk D7 folding bicycle from Brick Wheels, dinner for four at Trattoria Stella, and a sail for 6 aboard ISEA's Friendship sloop Liberty!

Tickets for the music are $10 per person, with kids 15 and under free - click the link above to register for the race or music and much more information.

Music Lineup

The Inland Seas Summer Festival will provide live music from several musicians throughout the day. The Sour Belly Trio made of members from Sour Mash - a local Roots Bluegrass and Alternative Folk group; 3-Hour Tour - a Power-Folk group playing Leelanau County Style songs you know by heart; and Don Julin - master of jazz. The headline act will feature Don Middlebrook & Living Soul, a Buffet cover band - think trop rock, Jimmy Buffet meets Kenny Chesney.

11:00am - 3-Hour Tour
12:00pm - Don Julin
1:00pm - Sour Belly Trio
2:15pm - Don Middlebrook & Living Soul (Jimmy Buffest covers)
3:45pm - Don Middlebrook & Living Soul

The Inland Seas Education Association has 2 Astronomy Under Sail trips this summer. The dates are June 30th and August 13th from 9-1:15 PM. Cost is $45/person and the event is limited to 25 participants.

The schooner sets sail on Suttons Bay before sunset and heads out beyond the shore lights where you a clear view of the night sky. Your guide is astronomer Dick Cookman (owner of Enerdyne) and Dick will help you identify constellations and explain the legends behind their names. In addition to the star gazing, you will become the unofficial "crew" of Inland Seas, learning to work the halyards and sheets!