Star Parties Begin May 11 at Sleeping Bear Dunes

May 3, 2013

Sleeping Bear Dunes Star Parties

Explore the Night Sky at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will be offering a series of monthly astronomy programs this year.  Join Park Rangers and the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society for a guided exploration of our night sky and one daytime event.  The next Star Party is May 11 with a viewing of the closest star — the sun.  Each special event takes place at a different location throughout the National Lakeshore to take advantage of strategic viewing opportunities.  Come for star gazing, meteor showers, sun viewing, and storytelling.  Kids of all ages can participate in the Night Sky Junior Ranger program.

Starry night skies and natural darkness are important components of the special places the National Park Service protects.  National parks hold some of the last remaining harbors of darkness and provide an excellent opportunity to experience this endangered resource.  So visit the National Lakeshore and enjoy park skies by attending the following Star Parties:

May 11 (12:00-2:00 p.m.), Visitor Center Parking Lot in Empire
This is a daytime Star Party to view our closest star - the sun.  View the sun using a solar telescope and solar shades.  See solar activity, including flares and prominences.


 

June 8 (9:00-11:00 p.m.), Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive #3 Overlook
View Saturn, the Milky Way, and various constellations.  Meet at the Dune Overlook #3, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.  Please park at Picnic Mountain; the next right after the #2 stop.

 

July 13 (9:00-11:00 p.m.), Platte River Point
View the moon, Saturn, and various constellations.

 

August 10 (9:00-11:00 p.m.), Thoreson Farm in Port Oneida
The Port Oneida Fair celebration continues into the night.  View Saturn and the Perseid meteors.

 

September 7 (9:00-11:00 p.m.), Dune Climb Parking Lot
View the summer Milky Way and many Deep Sky Objects.

 

October 21 (8:00-10:00 p.m.), Dune Climb Parking Lot
Celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a starry event.

For all astronomy events, bring a flashlight for the walk back to your car and bug spray, if needed.  Park Rangers and GTAS staff will be wearing red glow bracelets at the events. 

The monthly Star Parties will be cancelled during inclement weather.  The decision is usually made three hours in advance.  Please call Park Rangers at 231-326-5135, ext. 331, for a voicemail message with the decision.

All programs are free.  Participants need only purchase the Park Entrance Pass or have an Annual Pass displayed in their vehicle to join in the fun.

 

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Events, Leelanau | Leave a Comment 

“Light it up Blue” for Autism Awareness April 2 in Downtown Traverse City

March 28, 2013

 

Join us as we “Light It Up Blue” a World Autism Awareness Day, family-friendly event in downtown Traverse City on Tuesday, April 2.

Light It Up Blue begins at 6 p.m. April 2 at ECCO, 121 E. Front St., with food and fun activities with a blue theme. Glowing luminaries will be available for purchase for $5, with proceeds to benefit the Traverse City Area Public Schools iPads for Autism program.

Downtown merchants are encouraged to decorate their storefronts in blue in honor of the event. At 7:30 p.m. participants will carry the luminaries along Front Street to the Open Space. At the Open Space, participants will place the blue glowing lanterns in the shape of a puzzle piece, another symbol of autism. The event will be captured on video and an overhead photo with the community will be taken to show Traverse City’s participation in “Light it up Blue.”

Blue luminaries are available for purchase in advance at Old Mission Traders, 215 E. Front St.

If you live in the Traverse City area we encourage you to come down for this fun event. But even if you can’t we encourage everyone to Light it up Blue whereever you are. Here’s what you can do:

  • Wear blue clothing, nail polish even hair paint
  • Turn your porch light blue with a bulb from Home Depot. Special bulbs are for sale with proceeds to benefit Autism Speaks
  • Decorate your door, your yard or your desk in blue or with puzzle pieces, the symbol of Autism

 

World Autism Awareness Day logoLight It Up Blue is a worldwide event in which participants seek to light prominent landmarks blue to help raise awareness of autism, a developmental disorder now estimated to affect one in 50 children. In Michigan, the Mackinac Bridge will be lit blue on April 2. Other prominent buildings have included the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Canada.

In Traverse City, Light It Up Blue is organized by the Scavenger Hunt for Autism, a fundraising event set for April 13 that will also benefit TCAPS’ iPads for Autism Program.

“We’re excited to add this prelude event this year to further increase autism awareness,” Scavenger Hunt founder Brandy Wheeler said. “Kids, parents, grandparents and community members of all ages in between are invited to help make the Open Space as blue as the bay.”

For more information on Light it up Blue or the Scavenger Hunt for Autism on April 13 visit www.traversetraveler.com/autism or find us on Facebook. 
 

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Events, Traverse City, Traverse Traveler | Leave a Comment 

Becky Thatcher Designs Hosts Pearl Goddess Lecture

August 30, 2012

Becky Thatcher Designs Pearls imageBetty Sue King image

Becky Thatcher Designs welcomes Betty Sue King on Wednesday, September 5th at 2pm for a lecture on all things Pearl.

 

Pearls 101: Freshwater & Saltwater, Cultured & Natural

Betty Sue King, the Pearl Goddess, will be joining Becky Thatcher in her Traverse City jewelry store for a lecture on pearls. How are freshwater pearls different from akoya, South Sea and Tahitian? Gain in depth information and practical advice for a core understanding of pearls.  Betty Sue King, "The Pearl Goddess", has been buying overseas and selling her remarkable pearls for over 30 years.  She passionately weaves the technology and romance of pearls with humankind’s natural obsession for beauty. Betty Sue will energize you with visions of glorious pearls to inspire your dreams.

 

The lecture includes a powerpoint presentation, handouts and a hands-on experience.

 

If you share a passion for pearls, or would like to learn more, join the conversation. Stop by Becky Thatcher Designs in Traverse City on September 5th and enjoy! Visit www.beckythatcherdesigns.com for more information on her jewelry and store locations.

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Events, Traverse City | Leave a Comment 

August Events in Traverse City

August 2, 2012

August is full of events in and around the Traverse City area. If you’re feeling like summer is passing you by, stop and smell the excitement and take part in the fun. I guarantee there is something for everyone in the family.

 

August Events in Traverse City

 

Paella in the ParkPaella in the Park
Friday August 3 | Clinch Park, Traverse City
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula pair up with 7 chefs to create 21 paellas for a great taste combination. Enjoy music from Spin Doctors and Grupo Aye and a beautiful views of the bay.
www.porterhouseproductions.com

 

 

 

State Theatre Traverse CityTraverse City Film Festival
July 31-August 5 | Downtown Traverse City
Hosted by filmmaker Michael Moore the non-profit festival is volunteer run and supports the State Theatre. The 2011 festival included over 150 screenings and 128,000 admissions. There are free movies each night at dusk, and a free shuttle service for the festival loop.
www.traversecityfilmfest.org

 

 

Northwestern Michigan FairNorthwestern Michigan Fair
August 4-11 | Fairgrounds, Traverse City
Goin’ to the Fair has been a local tradition since 1908. From livestock exhibits and 4H shows, to nightly grandstand events including horse pulls, motocross and tractor races, the fair is fun for the whole family. Arnold Amusements Midway is open Monday - Saturday. And don’t forget the classic fair foods from Gibby’s Fries to elephant ears and turkey legs. I can smell it now.
www.northwesternmichiganfair.net

 

Sheryl Crow at InterlochenInterlochen Center for the Arts
One of the nations premier performing arts schools is located just miles from Traverse City in Interlochen. The August concert and event schedule includes:
August 2-5 | Children of Eden, high school musical theater performance
August 11 | The Magic of Bill Blagg Live!
August 13 | Sheryl Crow performs at Kresge Auditorium
August 18 | The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue: Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs
tickets.interlochen.org

 

 

bicyclesCherry Roubaix Bike Race
August 10-12 | Traverse City
A series of competitive bicycle races through downtown Traverse City including a dedicated road race which will crown the 2012 Michigan State Champion. Fun to watch and compete.
www.cherry-roubaix.com

 

 


Brewed in Michigan T-shirtTraverse City Summer Microbrew and Music Festival
Friday & Saturday August 24-25th | The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Featuring 200+ brews and live music with Friday night concert by Dierks Bentley.
www.porterhouseproductions.com

 

 

Don’t let the sands of summer slip between your fingers leaving only dust in their wake. Fill your summer with memories of a great time in Traverse City with family, friends, food and fun.

Cheers to August in Northern Michigan!

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Events, Traverse City | Leave a Comment 

Remembering Rufenach: Center I.C.E. to Honor Fallen Prospect

July 10, 2012

Bryan Rufenach’s tragic death hit the hockey world hard. When news surfaced about his accidental death while traveling Europe, his teammates, friends and fans throughout the Red Wings organization offered help and support to his grieving family. The 23 year-old was selected by Detroit in 2007 and signed a contract last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Rufenach spent most of the season with Toledo of the ECHL where he notched 13 goals and 33 points in 54 games.

Prior to turning pro, the offensive defenseman spent four seasons with Clarkson University where he piled up 21 goals and 55 points over four seasons. Rufenach also attended the 2011 Detroit development camp in Traverse City, MI and also participated in the 2011 NHL prospects tournament and Red Wings training camp.

To honor the Lindsay, Ontario native’s memory, organizers of the development camp in conjunction with the Detroit Red Wings, Grand Rapids Griffins, and Toledo Walleye have designated July 10th as Bryan Rufenach day. The day’s events will kick off at 4 pm with food, beverages, and entertainment outside Centre I.C.E. Arena. The puck will drop on an intrasquad scrimmage at 7 pm at Centre I.C.E. A brief ceremony to honor Bryan’s memory will be held prior to the start of the scrimmage.

Tickets for the July 10th match-up will be available at the door for $5. A portion of all proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise and concessions will benefit the memorial fund set up to help fund the operation of the Bryan Rufenach Memorial Skills Camp. Additionally donation cans will be available throughout the arena for fans who would like to make direct contributions to the fund. For the complete schedule of development camp go to www.centreice.org, DRW Events in TC on Facebook and follow us on twitter @redwingscamps #drwdc
 

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Events, Traverse City | Leave a Comment 

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