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Monday, July 26, 2010

AFFEW Lists Fall Activities

AFFEW logo
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a news release of AFFEW

The Mason County based environmental group, AFFEW, announces the following fall activities. AFFEW stands for A Few Friends for the Environment of the World.

Beach Sweep August 10th and September 25th (International-counting done at this one). This volunteer activity removes litter from Lake Michigan beaches.

Storage Unit Sale August 27th-28th- like a garage sale, but no clothes! From The sale will be 8-4 p.m. Friday the 27th and 8-3 p.m. Saturday the 28th, at Larson’s Storage, South Jebavy Dr., Ludington, MI, Unit B 33

Donations can be made 5-7 p.m. on August 2, 9,16, 23, 26, and August 25th from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Or make contact for other times.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day August 21, 9 a.m. -2 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome. This event is at the Mason County Road Commission on US 10 east of Scottville.

Annual Dinner-October 2 Ludington Center for the Arts, 6:30 p.m. Potluck with Annual Meeting to follow.

AFFEW’s 20th Anniversary Celebration – October 2 after the Annual Meeting. Hard to believe that AFFEW has been around 20 years! To mark this accomplishment we have booked The Famous Ragbirds! This high energy roots and world music band have strong environmental beliefs. The Center only holds 110 people so MEMBERS will have until September 15th to purchase tickets. If you are not up to date with membership you might consider doing so. After that friends of AFFEW will be able to buy them. If you want to secure a ticket for yourself and family send $15 per person to Box 177 Ludington, MI 49431 with your name, phone number, and address. The tickets will be held for you at the event. Board members will also have tickets available.

Battery Recycling is still going on. For drop off points and information see the web site.

See AFFEW
Contact Julia Chambers
These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Tour de Michigan Underway

map of 2010 Michigander Bike Tour
map of Michigander routes (from michigan.org)
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based on a news article in the Leader and Kalkaskian

770 bicyclists are participating in this year's Tour de Michigan events. Three different rides were offered: A weekend ride on the 17-18 July, a six-day ride July 18-23, or the full week of July 17-23.

Riders are pedaling 35-55 miles a day, on a combination of paved and single-track bike routes. Camping, two meals, and a shuttle service is provided, along with aid stations.

This is the 18th year for the event, begun as a fundraiser for the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. Their goal was to increase ridership this year, and there are 185 more participants than last year. Riders range from age 8 to 86.

Riders are enjoying the beauty of northern Michigan outdoors along miles of trails including the North Central State Trail, Little Traverse Wheelway, and Petoskey to Mackinaw Trail.

See Michigan.org
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Pets in the Park Day at Orchard Beach, Manistee


a news release of Michigan DNRE

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment announced that Orchard Beach State Park is hosting a "GO-Get Outdoors Pets in the Park" weekend on Saturday and Sunday, July 24 & 25. Scheduled events and activities for the weekend include dog training, a demonstration on scent detection, first aid for pets, wild animal rehabilitation, an agility and work-out course and search and rescue. A veterinarian will be on hand for a question and answer session and there will be a children's and pet parade.

Activities will start Saturday at 10 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. when the children's and pet parade will begin. Prizes donated by Manistee Equine Feed & Pet Supply of Manistee and other local businesses, will be awarded for the best costumes in the parade.

Starting at 10 a.m. Sunday, "Paws for Agility" will have an agility course set up with demonstrations. Visitors may try maneuvering the course with their pets. Participants are asked to donate pet food for use in the local pet pantry before taking their turn on the course. Also during this time, Dr. Laura Betts, a local veterinarian, will be at the park to talk about health and safety issues for your pets.

Available throughout the day on Saturday will be a display of products for pets. Visitors are welcome to bring their pets for the weekend's fun and activities.

Partnering with Orchard Beach State Park to offer the "Pets in the Park" weekend are Lori Linderman of Manistee Equine Feed and Pet Supplies, Jim Rutherford of Action Canine Institute, Chris Felty of "Paws for Agility," Dr. Laura Betts of Parkdale Animal Hospital and Little River Ottawa Indians Search & Rescue K9 Division.

These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

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Saturday, July 17, 2010

Harbor Springs Teens Survive Kayak Ordeal

boys who survived kayak ordeal
Josh Bonter and Jeff Parson (still from video at 9&10 news)
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based on a news article at 9&10 News

Friends Josh Bonter and Jeff Parson headed out to kayak on Lake Michigan's Sturgeon on July 14, 2010. They were heading toward Waugoshance Point in Wilderness State Park, north of Harbor Springs.

Their plan was to kayak to the island off Waugoshance Point and return to shore. But the wind picked up, making the big lake too choppy. Instead, they decided to remain on the island. They had water and a lighter, enabling them to stay hydrated and build a fire before a storm moved in. However, neither boy had shoes!

Resourcefully, they caught frogs to cook for dinner. However, their families were becoming alarmed and eventually the Coast Guard out of Traverse City was dispatched. They were picked up the next morning and taken back to Harbor Springs. Neither one required medical attention.

A Coast Guard spokesman stated that the young men made the right decision to get off the water and stay put.

Also see the Petoskey News
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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Kayaking Basics for Women, Aug 21

kayaker
kayaker on Bass Lake (photo by JHY)
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a news release of Michigan DNRE

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment invites women to learn the basics of kayaking on Saturday, Aug. 21. Kayaking provides fun outdoor exercise and is a great way to get an up-close look at wildlife and take in the scenery. The class is being offered through the department's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program and will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Proud Lake Recreation Area in Milford.

Introduction to Kayaking is designed for women to learn kayaking safety, clothing, types of kayaks and paddles in a safe and comfortable environment. After getting familiar with the equipment, participants will have the opportunity to get out on the water and learn proper entry and exit of the kayak, proper paddle grip, an introduction to the "total body kayak stroke" and rescue techniques. As with any BOW program, participants may determine their level of involvement. As a wrap-up to the course, participants can enjoy a leisurely paddle on the lake at their own pace.

Instructors will provide a packet of information to each participant, which includes information on equipment, safety items and other resources.

This class is offered in cooperation with Black Parrot Paddling, LLC, Heavener Canoe and Kayak Livery, Inc., and the American Canoe Association. Heavener Canoe and Kayak Livery's Proud Lake site is located at 2775 Garden Rd. in Milford. Registration deadline is Aug. 13 and the fee is $100 per person. Light snacks and beverages are provided, however participants should bring a lunch.

For registration forms and information on this and other BOW programs Becoming and Outdoorswoman
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Grand Rapids Opens First "Complete Street"


compiled from several sources>

Complete Streets is a concept designation which has already been enacted through legislation in 13 states. On June 24, 2010, it passed out of committee in the Michigan legislature.

The general idea is to make transportation thoroughfares more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, while not compromising motor vehicle travel. Another goal is to be respectful of the surrounding community features.

From an article in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Journal: "The complete streets concept focuses not just on individual roads but on changing the decision-making and design process so that all users are routinely considered during the planning, designing, building and operating of all roadways. It is about policy and institutional change."

Grand Rapids has just opened their first Complete Street, a section of Lake Drive, near Carlton Avenue. Bike lanes were added to the street and seating at bus stops. The Master Plan for Grand Rapids includes additional Complete Streets.

Organizations supporting the concept include the League of Michigan Bicyclists, Alliance for Biking and Walking, and the National Complete Streets Coalition.

See Complete Streets: We Can Get There from Here, in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Journal
See National Complete Streets Coalition
See Michigan Complete Streets
See Grand Rapids WZZM Lake Street article
These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

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