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Herald photo by Garret Leiva
The Children's House offered a cure for cabin fever Sunday as it held a Children's Fitness Festival at the local Montessori school. Above: Serenity Williams, 4, of Traverse City balances on a platform as she plays catch as part of a fitness course. Children could also dance on stage, jump over hurdles or climb a bouldering wall.

• Initiative fosters support for youth
• St. Francis High School presents "Music Man" this weekend
• Library provides money matters research
• Interlochen and TC High students work on radio play
• Denise Busley of G.T. Pie Co. helps area foster youth

February 6, 2008

Herald photo by Carol South
Second grade students at Holy Angels Elementary School, including Emmett Moore, left, and Drew Jarvis, right, marveled at the experiments performed by Frank Palladino Friday during an annual class swap. The event, an annual tradition of Catholic Schools Week, brought first and second graders to high school classrooms while St. Francis High School students visited the elementary school wing. Below: Max Bullough, center, a tenth grader at St. Francis High School, crams himself into a second graders desk Friday afternoon.

• Students swap classes during Catholic Schools Week activities
• WSH singers display strong vocal talents
• WSH puts on Junior Cheer Clinic for 40 young girls
• NMC program explores Latin American issues
• Miss Spider tea party draws enthusiastic audience

January 30, 2008

Herald photo by Carol South
Students from seven regional high schools brought their innovative clothing designs to Traverse City West Senior High School Saturday night for the first ever Trashion Show. Drawing a standing room only crowd of an estimated 300 enthusiastic viewers, the show featured dresses and ensembles made of materials ranging from garbage bags, newspapers and candy wrappers to playing cards, catalog pages and dyed coffee filters. Here, four of the models strike a pose at the end of the show when all the models gathered on the runway for one final viewing.

• Students fashion glamorous outfits from garbage
• Northland Community Church helps build parsonage in Nicaragua
• CHS student Sarah Paquet performs own composition
• Cub Scouts take part in Winter Wonderland event
• Dancers to stage "Hansel and Gretel" ballet in February

January 23, 2008

Herald Photo by Carol South

Kingsley Middle School's inaugural Family Science Night was a resounding success as 63 students and their parents came back to the school Wednesday evening to immerse themselves in activities ranging from balloon rockets and crazy catapults to slimy polymers and building magnets. Here, Mariah Johnson, a fourth grader, conducts a chemical experiment while Becca Christianson watches.

• Science Night at Kingsley Middle School successful experiment
• Central High choirs perform sweet concerts
• Lab partners Ray and Priscilla Musser retire from Munson
• Senator Allen and Representative Palsrok address energy issues

January 16, 2008

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Children and dancers with the Ballet de Courtiers carefully weave around each other as they perform a maypole dance during the Traverse Symphony Orchestra's Saturday Family Symphony concert at the Traverse City Opera House. The TSO String Quartet played a variety of string music from around the world along with providing Renaissance dance music for the ballet troupe.

• Interlochen's Motion Picture Arts program students show films
• Group keeps babies out of harm's way
• Youth Health and Wellness Center offers dental clinic
• Maritime Heritage Alliance begins tall ship training

January 9, 2008

Herald photo by Carol South
The annual winter fest of all things bridal drew an estimated 300 brides to the Park Place Dome Sunday afternoon for the 14th Annual Downtown Bridal Show. Forty vendors showcased everything from flowers, rings and invitations to music, venues and photography as brides and their fiancés, friends and family members gathered information and made choices for their all-important day. Here, models with To Have and To Hold Bridal Boutique pause during the popular bridal fashion show, a highlight of the event.

• 14th Annual Downtown Bridal Show held
• TC students well-represented in All-State Band and Orchestra
• Just Imagine Creative Center offers Teen Art Cafe
• Families enjoy snow at Timber Ridge Open House

January 2, 2008

Herald photo by Carol South
Kevin Query, 13, right, gives a flight simulator tip to Steven Howes, 16, of Brethren Friday morning at Munson Medical Center's Infusion Clinic. Since mid-November, Query, an eighth grade student at Traverse City East Junior High School, has taken his dad's laptop and his own Microsoft Flight Simulator video game to the clinic to help children undergoing chemotherapy better cope with the treatment.

• Kevin Query, 13, helps young chemo patients at Munson
• Jazz Lab brings sound experiment to TC
• Snowshoe hike held Wednesdays on GT Commons
• New curator brings vast experience to GT Heritage Center
• Life Story Funeral Home celebrates life

December 26, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Montessori Children's House students in grades K-6 get gym time every day, including these upper elementary students, as the school carves out 150 minutes a week for physical education.

• Montessori Children's House provides physical education
• Doctor offers insight to Career Tech Center students
• Big Brothers Big Sisters make huge impact on kids
• Highly trained K-9 joins local police force
• High school stages play -- without a stage

December 19, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
The new Table Tennis Training Center in Williamsburg drew 83 players of all ages for an inaugural tournament Saturday that offered a variety of singles, doubles and open contests. Here, Daniel Fedor, 12, a seventh grade student at Traverse City East Junior High, makes a shot during the finals match in the 12 and under category, where he won both game and match.

• State-of-the-Art Table Tennis facility
• Red Sox catcher teams up with TJ Maxx to donate winter clothes
• NMC students focus on photo skills
• Harriet Wall, 65, swims 1000 miles in 2007

December 12, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Over two nights last weekend, A Taste of Bethlehem at the First Christian Church drew between 1,300-1,500 attendees to enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of a Biblical-era village volunteers created at the facility. From animals to food to music and dance, the event was geared to immerse visitors in the spirit of Christmas by recreating the era of Christ's birth. Here, Kellie Brown, 9, feeds two burros in a room of the church that became a stable.

• First Christian Church brings Bethlehem to life
• "Nutcracker" full of youthful energy
• Jack Pickard named Veteran of the Year
• Students explore America at Uniting the States Fair
• Teachers test new remote control skills

December 5, 2007

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
With a wrinkled up nose and jowls pulled down in a frown, Bentley, a three-year-old bulldog, puts on a face only an owner - or an understanding holiday icon - could love as he takes a seat on Santa's lap at the annual Santa Paws open house Sunday at the Cherryland Humane Society animal shelter. For a small donation, pets and their human companions posed for a photo with the jolly old elf during the fund raiser at the Traverse City facility.

• Madrigal dinners feast for the senses
• Workshop tackles real poverty struggles
• Meals make a difference for hungry
• West High class teaches dance moves to elementary students
• T.C. Visitors Bureau honors 'Community Champions'

November 28, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
When they are not winning games or practicing, members of the Northstars U-19 girls travel hockey team spend some of their down time either crocheting or learning to crochet. They will donate their creations fo the Father Fred Foundation before Christmas.

• Northstars girls travel hockey a tight-knit team
• Love Light Tree shines for lost loved ones
• Eagle Scouts all in the family
• Mac and cheese paired wtih Old Mission Peninsula wines
• School system launches healthy food choices initiative
• G.T. Lighthouse recreates Christmas from the 1920s

November 21, 2007

Herald Photo by Carol South

Over three days, 225 students from four schools descended on the Music House Museum for a two-hour tour all about sound and music. Here Jolean Clay, a fifth-grader at Cherry Elementary School in Kalkaska, tests out tuning forks Thursday morning.

• School Days explores music and science behind sound
• Healthy outlook for breast center funding
• Rotary honors Fehner for her service to others
• School serves up feast for area seniors
• Authors read award-winning work at Poets' Night Out

November 14, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
World War II veteran Jim Wibby points to the site of a former battle during a talk to Nancy Fitzpatrick's geography students at Traverse City East Junior High. Representing a living history lesson, Wibby and fellow veteran Richard Rizzio spoke to four classes Friday about their experiences during World War II.

• Veterans first-hand history lesson for students
• Richard Rizzio earns France's highest honor
• Honor Guard final tribute to veterans
• Church of Living God sends Christmas packages to soldiers
• Area artists' work on display at Governor's residence

November 7, 2007

Herald photo by Lisa Perkins
Margaret Lewis, grade eight, and Kimberly DeBuchsser, grade seven, perform a Navajo gourd dance during the history fair depicting life in an American Indian village during the 1600s at the Woodland School last week. Students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade recreated a village on the school grounds that included American Indian shelters, traditional crafts, food and games for visiting younger students who dressed as settlers.

• Woodland School recreates 1600s American Indian village
• WSH graduate, Andrew Ingersoll, keeps worldly perspective
• Sixth Grade Strings session geared toward novice musicians
• Kingsley Fine Arts Day draws more than 250 students
• Awards laud grass roots government

October 31, 2007

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
The entire student body at East High celebrates two separate victories that brings the school cliques together in the musical number "We're All in This Together" from "Disney High School Musical" premiering on stage at Traverse City Central High School. The musical, which has been called a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, makes its northern Michigan debut on Thursday, November 8 in the Central High School auditorium.

• Central High scores "Disney High School Musical"
• Sisters investigate ghostly legend surrounding Bowers Harbor Inn
• Grants provide place for after school program at West Junior High
• Day of the Dead museum exhibit brings dead altars to life
• Students build big pumpkin chuckers

October 24, 2007

Herald courtesy of United States Navy Military Sealift Command
Great Lakes Maritime Academy graduate and Traverse City based merchant marine Matt Pizzedaz served on a just-completed four-month humanitarian mission aboard the USNS Comfort, a massive floating hospital ship based in Baltimore, MD. and operated by the Military Sealift Command.

• Local maritime academy grad serves aboard hospital ship
• Collection honors life, work of Father Fred
• Banjo group gives upright bass to WJH orchestra
• Workshops stress self-reliance with hands-on sessions
• Steve Libert believes he has found ship sunk in 1679

October 17, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Scrubbing, rinsing, wringing and hanging out clothes to dry the old-fashioned way, Drew Neddo, 9, of Maple City and Trey Miller, 9, of Williamsburg, did laundry the old-fashioned way during the fourth annual Samels Farm Harvest Gathering. Held Sunday afternoon at the historic farm in Williamsburg and hosted by the Samels Family Heritage Society, the event drew record-breaking numbers that organizers estimated at ranging between 250-400 attendees.

• Harvest Gathering on the Samels Farm
• Gladhander marks 25 years of fund-raisers
• Norris students plan to make their last year one of service
• Mike Sumner is the new National Banjo Champion
• NMC offers energetic seminars

October 10, 2007

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Preston Jaworski, 2, of Traverse City hangs on to the handlebar as Traverse City Police Officer Matt Richmond steadies his patrol motorcycle Saturday at the Traverse City Fire Department open house. The annual fall tour of the Front Street fire station featured police and emergency responder vehicle displays along with several shiny red fire trucks. Other open house festivities included rides on an antique fire engine, fire department demonstrations, an obstacle course and spraying fire hoses.

• GTACS inducts first Hall of Fame class
• Minervini Group receives state history award for Village
• Teacher, Linda Egeler, wins national poetry contest
• Fife Lake Historical Society launches fundraising drive
• Students, parents and strangers buy books for Pathfinder School

October 3, 2007

Herald Photo by Garret Leiva

Great Lakes Maritime Academy faculty, staff and cadets welcome visitors aboard the training ship State of Michigan Saturday as part of a public open house. Guided tours of the 225-foot vessel offered insight into sea life - close sleeping quarters and narrow corridors - and the rigors of training at one of only seven maritime academies in the nation.

• Thirlby Marching Band Exhibition October 8
• Annual Rock and Mineral Show held at GT Heritage Center
• Rachel Borovik kicks off music series at Gallerie Medici
• Grand Rapids River City Jumpers show off jump rope skills
• T.C. Fire Department school fire program part of national study

September 26, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
The Harvest Festival held Saturday on the grounds of the Grand Traverse Commons drew an estimated 600-800 attendees of all ages for hours of music, dancing, arts, crafts and a treasure hunt, all celebrating the bounty of the fall season.

• Annual Harvest Festival held at GT Commons
• Students learn to appreciate diversity in music and people
• Annual book sale at TC District Library
• Sale helps students toot their horns

September 19, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Diving wholeheartedly into another passion, Cedar resident Jim Rantala took up broom making in June. Buying the antique equipment over the Internet, he was making brooms within 20 minutes of receiving the equipment. Typifying his zeal for authenticity, he has also planted a small patch of broom corn, a sorghum crop, at his home to use to make future brooms.

• Cedar resident creates hand-crafted brooms
• Author sets part of novel "Stone Cold Dead" in Leelanau County
• History brought to life by costumed presenters
• Children's Theater program prepares students to run production
• Dog and cat statues raise money for Cherryland Humane Society

September 12, 2007

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Alex Roush, 19 months old, of Traverse City plays with a car - in this case his dad, Chris Roush's 1923 T bucket hot rod - Saturday afternoon at the third annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Classic Car and 4x4 Show at Northwestern Michigan College's Automotive Technology Building on Aero Park Drive. The car show featured everything from restored vintage John Deere tractors to a 1977 supercharged injected-alcohol dragster.

• Five area young performers compete in TC Idol singing contest
• Senior Games athletes run the gamut
• Schoolmarm memorial mystery solved
• Sweet Adelines sing praises of new director
• NMC's new aerobatics course cleared for takeoff

September 5, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Teachers and staff at the new Traverse City College Preparatory Academy welcomed students to the new school serving 9-12 graders yesterday after weeks of fast-paced preparations. Pictured from left, back row: Mike Rutledge, history; Kile Charnes, physical education; Cameron Owens, school leader and Karl Hawkins, Spanish. Front row: Lauren Gonzalez, biology; Jessie Kutsch, curriculum coach; Jill Walker, visual art; Mike Stivani, math and Nathan Dennis, English, government and civics. Not pictured is Jill Beauchamp, language arts.

• College Preparatory Academy serves students in grades 9-12
• East Junior High nets tennis pavilion
• Shade tree project branches out
• Grants seek to expand 4-H in county
• Garden club tends to gardens at school and parks

August 29, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
A grass-roots effort formalized last fall when Fourth and Goal was founded to raise money to bring Thirlby Field, which is shared by three high schools, into the 21st Century. Pictured Friday evening before the Traverse City Central High School football game are board members of the organization, who volunteered at a parking lot across from the field where proceeds benefit the fund; from left: Greg Sherwin, Vince Prusick, Mark Spencer and Steve Spencer.

• Fourth and Goal fund seeks to upgrade Thirlby Field
• Interlochen grad sails 1600 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline
• Fowler vocal advocate for abused children
• High school marching bands drill
• Archeologist digs up past history

August 22, 2007

Herald Photo by Lisa Perkins

Trevor Babiariz, 16, of Elk Rapids juggles fire during Friday Night Live "Art's Alive" activities in downtown Traverse City. The final Friday Night Live block party will be held this Friday with a Back to School theme.

• Cherryland Humane Society schedules open house
• Blair Township playground offers accessibility for all
• Children's Garden presents annual Garden Keeper Awards
• WSH senior travels with U.S. National Cycling Team to Europe
• Fly fishing class at Great Lakes Children's Museum

August 15, 2007

Herald Photo by Carol South

The 3rd International Fixed Gear Symposium drew 120 people ranging in age from 17-70 to the grounds of Building 50 last week for a five-day feast of all things bike.

• Fixed-gear nuts pedal their passion
• 'Cherry Monsters' rock out while others hang at beach
• Classroom fidgeting begets juggling club
• Maritime Heritage Alliance open house honors maritime history
• Performances go outside boundaries of dance

August 8, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
David Buhrman, 12, of Cheboygan, gets set for a flight Wednesday morning at Northwestern Michigan College. Buhrman and six other students completed the Take Flight program offered by the college's Extended Education Services and, in addition to two flying opportunities with instructors, learned about the mechanics and principles of flight, toured the Coast Guard Air Station and the Cherry Capital Airport.

• Kids try their hand at flying during NMC Take Flight Program
• Underwater Archeology class locates 1840s Old Mission Dock
• Archeological dig on acreage surrounding Peter Dougherty home
• Fridge magnet is a medical resource
• Alternative transportation picnic - woodburning truck, hybrids

August 1, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
The Sixth Annual Taste of Greece Dinner satisfied nearly 1,200 diners Thursday evening as they feasted on grilled kabobs, roasted potatoes, spinach pie, cheese pie, bread, Greek salad and baklava during the dine-in or take-out meal served at the First Congregational Church. The Traverse City Orthodox Mission Church has hosted the dinner every year since 2002 and this year's proceeds benefit the church's building fund. Here, Charlie Licht, 1 1/2, digs into his meal.

• Taste of Greece Dinner put on by Orthodox Mission Church
• Rachel Swaffer to visit Japan to study water quality issues
• Singwell Academy features training with professional opera singer
• Seventh Annual Tour de Tart drew over 400 riders

July 25, 2007

Herald photo by Garret Leiva

Dromio of Syracuse, played by Chris Horvath, pleads with his master Antipholus of Syracuse, played by Tom Czarny, not to fall under the beguiling spell of Courtesan, portrayed by Nicolle Girard, in a scene from "The Comedy of Errors" staged in Hannah Park Sunday by Riverside Shakespeare. The Shakespeare comedy, directed by Jan Dalton, follows the story of twin brothers and their twin servants and the confusion they create in the ancient Turkey city of Ephesus.

• Group finds homes for 70 horses
• Recruiters from 49 arts schools descend on Interlochen Academy
• Stand-up paddle board splash hit
• Library rolls out filmstrip festival dates
• Trolley tour hits local historic sites

July 18, 2007

Photo courtesy of Erin Sullivan

From National Cherry Festival Queen to researcher and doctoral student is a logical progression in Erin Sullivan's life as her keen intellect and scientific mind dovetail with her people skills and avid curiosity. Sullivan is shown during her reign in 1999-2000.

• Cherry crown to monkey matters for Erin Sullivan
• Parents rally to save Bertha Vos from closing
• Area libraries offer summer reading clubs
• Unity Church explores sacred space, symbols at workshop

July 11, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South

The annual Lake Ann Homecoming drew hundreds of people to the small village situated 12 miles west of Traverse City Saturday for old-fashioned games and activities. Here, Penny Knauss takes a good-natured turn in the stocks, one of the many fund-raising events.

• Lock on fun at Lake Ann homecoming
• Donation starts new chapter for Long Lake library project
• Friendly Garden Club hosts 25th Annual Garden Walk

July 4, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
The Traverse Bay Open Water Challenge drew 81 swimmers ages 9 through adult to Bryant Park Saturday morning to pit their mental and physical strength and stamina against the water and each other. Divided into categories by age, the various races covered courses ranging from a half mile to two miles. Above, racers make a final push to the finish line during the meet, held Saturday at Bryant Park.

• Traverse Bay Open Water swimmers: Tiring and, yes, cold
• Stone-skippers compete on at annual event on Mackinac Island
• Four generations of Moon family gather for reunion
• Fliers take off with model planes

June 27, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Hoeing his beans on a recent weekday morning, novice gardener Justin Wright of Traverse City has become devoted to his plot at the Grand Traverse Commons. The one-acre garden boasts 16 plots that are bursting with produce.

• Residents rent space in Community Garden to grow their produce
• Fishing event at NMC Great Lakes Campus hooks kids on sport
• Fifth Annual Bark in the Park celebrates all things dog related
• Weekly Summer Art-Farm Camps transport students into nature
• Log Cabin Days honor pioneer spirit

June 20, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Communing before commuting: Cari Noga and her son, Owen Henderson, 21 months, share a moment before hitting the TART Trail for a Pedaling Parents ride Wednesday morning. Starting from Hull Park, the pair plus two other moms and three children rode out past Cherry Bend Road and back.

• Pedaling Parents offers bicycle rides geared toward kids
• Big Night Fundraiser at Stella's for T.C. Film Festival
• Three generations of family earn high school diplomas
• The Haig golf tournament raises $11,000 for GT Heritage Center
• Pathfinder School Celebrates 35th with party and property deal

June 13, 2007

Herald photo by Garret Levia
Players from the Traverse Bay Blues and Central Michigan University Rugby Club keep an eye on the ball during a Sevens Rugby Round-Robin Tournament Saturday at TBAYS soccer complex on Keystone Road. The Traverse Bay Blues Rugby Club hosted the tournament featuring four clubs from around the state.

• New sculpture at NMC dedicated to volunteer spirit
• GT Academy celebrates first graduating class of seniors
• Ground breaking for a new early childhood wing at GT Academy
• Recreation grant aids children's garden, TART Trails, sailing group
• G.T. Heritage Center display celebrates maritime history
• Local drivers compete in Drummond Island rock crawling contest

June 6, 2007

Herald photo by Lisa Perkins

Grandfather and granddaughter, Joe Kelly and Shenna Throop - both cancer survivors - released doves as part of the 20th annual National Cancer Survivors' Day celebration picnic held Sunday in Traverse City.

• Cancer survivors' picnic put on by Munson Medical
• Appraisal Day at Dennos draws magnificent and mundane
• GT Preserve program explores archeology beneath Great Lakes
• TBA Cosmetology students raise funds for instructor's ill son
• Commuters try pedal power as transportation

May 30, 2007

Herald photo by Garret Leiva

Members of the Yagle Brothers Marine Corp League take part in Memorial Day services at Memorial Gardens in Traverse City. Featuring a flag raising by the United States Coast Guard and an Army National Guard rifle salute, the ceremony Monday morning brought out nearly a dozen area veterans groups and hundreds of local residents.

• Restoring old cars promotes rebuilding young lives
• Friday Farmer's Market at G.T. commons a hit
• Young players put out sound beyond years
• Callahan Family helps raise funds for juvenile diabetes awareness
• On the Scene classes will put children in charge backstage

May 23, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Caleb Stewart, 8, is ready to lift off Saturday during Northwestern Michigan College's third annual Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast, an outreach event for the college's aviation program and in part a fund-raiser for the Aviation Student Council Scholarship fund. The event drew an estimated 700 attendees to the NMC's Aero Park Campus and featured displays by the United States Coast Guard, NorthFlight, the Civil Air Patrol and the Traverse Area Model Pilots Society.

• Nancy Wingfield Hayward, descendant of Jamestown founder
• Scouts, retirees plan on participating in Let's Get Moving program
• Flower show this weekend at Orchids by the Bay inside Civic Center
• Participants get back to Nature North
• Carroll donates contents of ancestral trunk to Heritage Society

May 16, 2007

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Jeff Boyd of Traverse City uses his fist to break a board during the third annual "Board Breaks for Hope" Saturday at the Grand Traverse Mall. Thirty two students from the ATA Black Belt Academy in Traverse City raised funds for the House of Hope by collecting donations based on the number of boards they were able to break in an hour. ATA students, ranging in age from three to 62 years old, sought a group goal of breaking more than 12,000 boards and raising at least $1,200 for the House of Hope.

• Central Grade Odyssey of the Mind team goes to world finals
• CHS choral students jazzed about annual concert
• Bob Wilson receives Historian of the Year for 2007 honor
• TART Trails course covers rules of the road and more for bicyclists
• WSH, Interlochen receive awards for health consciousness

May 9, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
An estimated 400 people gathered at the Lars Hockstad Auditorium Friday evening for a "Dances with Robots" program featuring James McLurkin, a graduate student at MIT who focuses on distributed algorithms for swarms of mobile robots. TBA-ISD's Manufacturing Technology Academy and Central High School's SCI-MA-TECH program co-sponsored the event. Here, McLurkin discusses robots currently available to the public.

• 'Dances with Robots' program captivates large crowd
• Holocaust survivor shares painful story with area students
• Interlochen students earn author awards
• Opera House balcony seats created by company that did originals
• Prom Night offers safe ride home
• WJH opens door on new school store

May 2, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Expert modeler Jim Ison works on details for a portion of the Traverse City miniature city last Tuesday at the Music House Museum while around him volunteers moved buildings that sit on Front Street up to a central display in the Acme facility. The museum launched its 2007 season this week by featuring the new exhibit.

• Music House Museum showcases miniature Traverse City buildings
• Traverse City Central's school paper earns newsworthy awards
• English as a Second Language students study American History
• Students use pancake breakfast to raise funds
• Tracking programs help locate people with autism or Alzheimer's
• Vintage fashion on display at Heritage Center benefit

April 25, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
All smiles, Olivia Brian, 8, of Benzonia plays in the pool Saturday at Premier Health & Fitness during the Arthritis Foundation, Michigan Chapter's launch of an eight-week Juvenile Arthritis Aquatics Program. The event drew seven children plus a few siblings to the pool for 90 minutes of romping and fun that stretched joints, increased range of motion and alleviated the pain of the chronic illness.

• New T.C. aquatics program helps children with Juvenile Arthritis
• Choral Festival this Sunday at First Congregational Church
• Kingsley High students poetic play brings town's past to life
• Empty Bowls Project provides food funds
• St. Francis grad, Diane McCabe, takes first in furniture contest
• Kids egg-cited about duck's nest at Discovery Children's Center

April 18, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
With the help of firefighter Jon Brief of Metro Station 11 Garfield Township, Hannah Mead, 10 plays firefighter Saturday morning during the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA's annual Healthy Kids Day. More than 250 people of all ages stopped by the YMCA Saturday to participate in a range of healthy activities and learn more about nutrition as well as the myriad YMCA programs.

• G.T. Bay YMCA raising funds for new facility
• Opera House offers dinner and a movie
• NMC international students serve meals with global flavor
• Juilliard Organ Department chair performs in TC
• 65th Annual Rotary Show opens tonight
• Cub Scouts compete in Scenic Trails district Pinewood Derby race

April 11, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Twelve unique sculptures are up for grabs thanks to the Traverse Symphony Orchestra's Painted Violins Raffle, which turned a dozen area artists loose to create their vision of a violin. The violins debuted during a reception Monday evening at Gallerie Medici - captivating the assembled artists and symphony supporters alike - and will be displayed at downtwon businesses until the drawing at the 2007 Symphony Ball on April 28. Here, Catherine Davidson, left and Anne Zwemer scrutinize the violin adorned by Dorothy Anderson Grow.

• Painted Violins will be raffled to benefit TSO
• Traverse City well represented at Verdi Opera vocal finals
• Watershed Church draws worshippers
• TC author conducts research around the Great Lakes
• Beach Bums seeking host families

April 4, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
For ten years, Horizon Books has showcased live music of local and regional musicians every Friday and Saturday night downstairs at their Shine Cafe. Last Saturday, Lansing-based duo, A Story Told, performed in the venue for the third time. Here, Chris Dorman plays the hammered dulcimer during a song.

• Horizon Books Shine Cafe lets musicians shine
• Norris students discover poetic voices
• DAR helps trace ancestors from Revolutionary War

March 28, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Zack Gaz, an eighth grade student at Grand Traverse Academy, center, takes the first swipe at the head of Spanish teacher Bill Rockwood Monday morning during a Great Shave Off event at the school. Zac, who was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma this month and begins 9-12 months of chemo Monday, helped shave the heads of ten students and four teachers who are supporting him during his treatment.

• Shaved heads support student at Grand Traverse Academy
• Sold-out African Guitar Summit concert crowd moves to music
• Tween-teen party at library features mystery games
• Van Zoeren works to protect endangered Great Lakes Piping Plover

March 21, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Jacob Kuca pins his buddy Israel Lannin, both 7 and second graders at Norris Elementary School, during Monday evening's Traverse City Central Elementary Wrestling Camp, which has been held twice-weekly since February at East Junior High and ends next week.

• Elementary age students learn fundamentals of wrestling
• High School students compete at NMC art competition
• Old Mission Post Office scheduled to move
• WJH student qualifies for state-level National Geographic contest
• WSH earns top awards at Model UN event

March 14, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Marin Tack performs with members of the Bubble Gum Band while Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch look on during a rehearsal Monday morning for "The Wizard of Oz." Students in grades 4-8 at the Woodland School, formerly known as the Traverse Bay Community School, will present the play on Thursday evening and for three shows on Friday at the school.

• Woodland charter school puts on 'Wizard of Oz'
• Artist Craig Tandy provides hands-on sculpture lessons
• Empty Bowls Project fills funding need
• Softball coach helps girls improve pitching techniques
• Regional Odyssey of the Mind teams advance to state finals

March 7, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Zach Swaffer, a seventh grade student at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Middle School, works through the interactive game MISSING, which teaches online safety by having teens try to rescue a boy from a predator he met online. All students in the middle school are completing the program to learn about online privacy and protecting themselves from predators on the web.

• Computer game helps protect students from online predators
• U.S. Disabled Ski Team member talks to East Jr. High students
• 'In Their Own Words' provides look at suffragists
• Attorney, Mike Stepka, honored for pro-bono work

February 28, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South

For the 13th year, the Tasters' Guild Scholarship Auction was a resounding success, satisfying 500 attendees and raising funds for students in the Great Lakes Culinary Institute.

• Culinary students put training to the test at Tasters' Guild Auction
• Former Traverse City resident rides off with rodeo title
• Morning Matinees make strong showing at local library
• Residents eat up Sleddi-Spaghetti offerings

February 21, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Sunday afternoon, ten people gathered over a few hours at the Sabin Pond Trailhead to participate in a Family Hike and Geo-Caching event hosted by the Listening to the River project. Here, Carl Ferguson, a program development specialist for the Land Information Access Association, right, helps Don Nixon of Traverse City learn to use a GPS device.

• Hike explores local watershed
• Northwestern Michigan Children's Choir marks anniversary
• Sidewalk telescope inventor shares his thoughts
• Youth GrantMakers aid others their own age in community
• Former tobacco insider speaks to students

February 14, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
The "Pied Piper of the Pipe Organ" put in an appearance Sunday afternoon at the First Congregational Church as Cj Sambach of New Jersey gave an organ informance that captivated an audience of 100 people. Determined to keep appreciation for the instrument alive and spread it to a new generation, his lively program combined lecture, recital and audience participation while covering the basics of the complex instrument.

• 'Pied Piper of the Pipe Organ' draws in crowd
• WSH singers qualify for classical singer contest in San Francisco
• Women's Resource Center fund-raiser set for this Saturday
• Center offers students healthy choice
• Dennos Family Day lets children find beauty in bugs
• City seeks citizen input related to sidewalks and streets

February 7, 2007

Photo courtesy of Tom Knight
Travis Hanson, foreground, a 2003 graduate of Central High School, and his father, Terry, of Williamsburg, together form Team Hanson, an up-and-coming rally team that took second place in their class in the Sno*Drift Rally, held January 26 and 27 in Atlanta, Mich.

• Father and son quick studies in rally
• Northstars Girls Hockey Travel team qualifies for state finals
• Coffee stand at Munson will benefit hospital programs
• Students run World Class Cafe at Career Tech Center

January 31, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Jessie Elliott, a junior, and senior Keegan Schrider rehearse with Central High School's Choral-Aires ensemble Monday as they prepare for this Thursday and Friday evening's Disney and Desserts fundraising concert at the Faith Reformed Church.

• CHS Choral-Aires Disney and Desserts fund raiser for NYC trip
• Madeleine Thomas Memorial Winter Tour moves to Crystal
• Weekend estate sale benefits renovation of Dougherty House
• School schedule gains in-service time

January 24, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South

The Northwestern Michigan College dance department presented "A Cold Day in Hades" Saturday night at the Milliken Auditorium, drawing 140 attendees for a celebration of modern movement and dance. Here, Joshua Kiel holds Rebecca Fox just before swinging into a series of moves.

• Area dancers and NMC students perform modern movements
• T.C. St. Francis High School stages first musical in over 20 years
• Brainstorming the Barns sparks ideas
• Historical society open house to shed light on vault updates

January 17, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Bob Griffin, a member of the Honor Guard from VFW Post 2780 in Traverse City, presents the flag to Eddie Freund Sunday afternoon during a ceremony honoring Eddie's father, Eugene "Geno" Freund, who died in December. Geno Freund was a Korean War veteran and had been the proprietor of Lil Bo's downtown since 1969.

• One last round for 'Geno'
• Fiddle students hone their craft
• Cartooning seminar kicks off series at Children's Museum
• Fresh Food Workshop features meals created with local ingredients
• Elmwood Township man battles back against grim cancer prognosis

January 10, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Artie Dutmers, 6, makes a move Sunday afternoon during a meeting of the new Youth Chess Club, which meets weekly downstairs at Horizon Books in Traverse City.

• Youth Chess Club meets Sundays at Horizon Books
• Scouts honor life of Gerald Ford
• Inland Seas volunteers steer ship and guide science experiments
• TC students take part in state-wide robotics contest
• Downtown Bridal Show showcases flowers, gowns and more

January 3, 2007

Herald photo by Carol South
Mary Ellen Thero of Traverse City adds details to her watercolor painting of the Old Mission Point Lighthouse Thursday afternoon during the Art Center Traverse City's weekly Open Studio session.

• Artists open to idea of studio at the Art Center
• American Red Cross babysitting training covers wide area
• TC Art Center expands artistic horizons
• Cleanup scores lost classics in CHS musical library
• Organist provides voice for silent picture

December 27, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Don Julin puts members of the 88 Strings Plucked String Orchestra through their paces before a concert Wednesday evening at the Traverse Area District Library. Featuring mandolins and guitars, the ensemble presented a range of pieces by smaller groups as well as the whole orchestra.

• 88 Strings orchestra brings mandolin music to life
• Peninsula Telephone Company celebrates 100 years of business
• Sixth grader hones leadership skills in Washington, DC
• Couple shares pastor duties at Traverse City church
• Northern Michigan's only Montessori junior high moves into dream school

December 20, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South

Fairfield, Iowa, resident John Schirmer was back at his carving bench in the Candle Factory last week for his annual artistic exhibition as he worked for the second of an estimated three years on a sculpture depicting a teacher and a student.

• Carver works at Candle Factory
• WSH students tackle tough world issues
• Amy (Harrigan) Linck forgoes career building to aid orphans
• Freerunning uses everyday environment as obstacle course
• GT Musicale provides music scholarships

December 13, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Lacie Gulde, a junior at Traverse City Central High School, examines a range of art work created by students in grades K-12 at the Young Peoples Clothes Line Art Show's milk and cookies opening reception Friday evening at the Artcenter in Traverse City.

• Inaugural Young Peoples Clothes Line Art Show
• Students prove gifted toy shoppers
• Gymnasts offer Ski and Snowboard Jumping Safety Class
• T.C. Fire Dept. presents holiday fire safety program
• DeMolay Boys, Rainbow Girls revive inactive organizations in T.C.

December 6, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Weaving patterns using exotic bugs from distant locales, artist and educator Jennifer Angus is setting up "A Terrible Beauty: Compulsion and Repulsion," this week for a three-month run at the Dennos Museum. Here, Angus pins a clear-wing cicada to the wall Monday afternoon during a work session that included docent volunteers and a crew of helpers from her home-base at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

• Exhibit features 5,000-6,000 insects
• GirlTECH blazes non-traditional paths
• T.C. Optimist Club provides holiday shopping for area children
• EJH students get into character for Constitutional Convention

November 29, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
For his Eagle Scout project, Greg Buttars of Troop 27 created a Food and Flag Drive that gathered both canned food for the needy and tattered American flags for ceremonial retirement. The project culminated Monday evening as troop members folded and burned 137 flags of all sizes under the watchful eye of the VFW Post 2780's Honor Guard. Here, Travis Tanner, a sixth grader at Long Lake Elementary School, left, Josh Olsen, a seventh grader at West Junior High, center, and Branden Buttars, an Eagle Scout and West High School graduate, prepare to retire more flags.

• Scouts retire faded Old Glories
• Northwest Michigan Health Services project honored
• Area chefs create culinary delights at Mac and Cheese Cook-off
• Taste of Bethlehem offered by First Christian Church
• Al Ockert receives Veteran of the Year honor

November 22, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Members of West Senior High School's Choral-Aires who along with other vocal groups at the school will host the school's Tenth Annual Elizabethan Madrigal Feaste, a dinner theater of Medieval music and food, the first two weekends in December. The Presbyterian Church will hold their 39th Advent Madrigal Dinner the first week of December featuring entertainment by Central High School's Choral-Aires and Vocal Majority ensembles.

• WSH and Presbyterian Church hold annual holiday programs
• Goodwill Inn dedicates new 24,000 square foot homeless shelter
• Forum showcases results of incorporating art into classroom curriculum
• Central Grade School celebrates new playground equipment

November 15, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Junior Elizabeth Troost, left, and senior Ivy Worm battle during a scene of "Antigone," the classic Greek tragedy that will be presented by Traverse City West Senior High School advanced acting students this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the school.

• WSH students stage classic Greek tragedy 'Antigone'
• Author Bob Wilson pens third local legends book
• Michigan eLibrary offers free info to all state residents
• SRO crowd for 10th annual Poet's Night Out

November 8, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
The Annual Zonta Fashion Show and Luncheon kicked off the holiday season with a bang last Wednesday afternoon at the Grand Traverse Resort as models showcased the latest fashions from downtown and local merchants. Stylists from Impres Salon were on hand to rev up make up, nails and hair for the models; here, Shawnee Hoag teases and sprays Michele Lawicki's hair before a runway strut.

• Zonta Club fashion show is kick off event for Festival of Trees
• ACE Fund awards $20,000 in grants to TCAPS programs
• NMC project records war stories
• Traverse Heights explores culture during Supper Series
• Old Mission Women's Club celebrates 75 years

November 1, 2006

Herald photo by Garret Leiva

Cast members from the Traverse City Central High School production of "The Sound of Music” rehearse the musical number "So Long, Farewell” featuring the von Trapp children. Central High School will present "The Sound of Music” as their annual fall musical with an opening night performance scheduled for Thursday, November 9 in the school auditorium.

• CHS students share stage with younger singers
• Goodwill Inn's Pete's Place provides youth shelter
• Massage therapist, Ramona Pleva, attends to Ironman athletes
• Immaculate students create quilts to mend hearts
• Sign and Lighting workshop offered

October 25, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
More than 100 people attended the Continuing Adrian's Dream scholarship fundraiser Saturday night at West High School, participating in a live and silent auction, devouring donated chili and enjoying a range of entertainment while benefitting the art and music programs at the school. Here, brothers Zack Boyt, a 2005 graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, foreground, and his brother Nate, a junior at West, perform "Ain't Misbehavin'".

• WSH arts fundraiser honors Adrian Morris
• East Junior High holds potluck to prepare for stay in Japan
• The Angel Foundation helps area childcare centers and parents
• Heritage Center display looks at local auto history
• Hike-A-Thon at Traverse Bay Community School raises funds

October 18, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Cheering crowds and supportive friends boosted body builders as they strove for their personal bests Saturday afternoon during the Ninth Annual Lift For Kids, an annual fundraiser benefiting the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan. Here, Jeff Gauthier, right and his brother Vern Gauthier, left, founders of the event, help a participant get set for a lift.

• Ninth Annual Lift For Kids raises $9000
• Redeemer Lutheran Church holds food drive October 28
• Helen Milliken addresses Women's History Project
• Web site offers alternative route to work
• Ignorant Art Show held in space below North Peak

October 11, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Sam Lixie, 3, devotes all his attention to decorating a pumpkin Saturday afternoon at a Harvest Festival hosted by Rolling Centuries Farm and held at the Barns at the Grand Traverse Commons. The heavily attended event featured pumpkin decorating, drumming and dancing, ice cream, tours of the historic barns and a book sale.

• Harvest Festival draws crowd to Commons
• T.C. Track club's Remembrance Run takes steps against cancer
• Equestrian teams at area high schools go all out this season
• Inaugural Ross Cogger Memorial TART Trail trek held Saturday

October 4, 2006

Photo courtesy of Northwestern Michigan College's Rogers Observatory
Joseph Rogers founded the Rogers Observatory at Northwestern Michigan College in 1981 after years of relentless effort to build the facility. Jerry Dobek, pictured here, is the observatory's curator and a math and science instructor at NMC.

• Rogers Observatory celebrates a quarter century of exploration
• Holocaust survivor tells about her ordeal
• Silver Lake Inn attracted a lot of fun
• Divers take workshop in historical wreck diving
• Odom sponsors Used Material Design/Build contest

September 27, 2006

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Those attending the first night of auditions for Annie Jr. warm up their vocal cords before taking the stage Monday evening at the Old Town Playhouse. The Traverse City Children's Theatre held tryouts for the popular musical Monday and Tuesday with callbacks today. On the first night, would-be Annies, orphans and Daddy Warbucks were put through their musical paces.

• T.C. Children's Theatre holds auditions for Annie Jr.
• Making Joey's wish come true: Millwards start cancer foundation
• Two-day sale raises over $12,000 for library programs
• Oleson Pavilion step toward nature center
• Program provides pains of poverty

September 20, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
In a swirl of color and energy, Marcela Rojas of Grupo Folklor de Mexico dances during El Ballet Folklorico, Northwestern Michigan College's celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Held Friday at the Milliken Auditorium, the packed audience loved the array of traditional Mexican and Colombian dances as well as three songs by Miriam Pico.

• Troupe performs Mexican dances at NMC concert
• Reopening of Museum creates wave of excitement
• Williamsburg residents celebrate sesquicentennial
• Tilley set to perform at debut of TSO concert season
• Little Joey leaves lasting memories

September 13, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Grassroots Productions is bringing a variety of music styles to the City Opera House this fall for a concert series that features a number of local and regional bands. Founders Jeremiah Sequoia of Beulah, left, Josh Stoltz of Lake Ann and Stephan Volas of Beulah are high school friends from Benzie County Central High School whose production company has revitalized the Dunegrass Festival in Empire.

• Music series grassroots effort at Opera House
• New music teachers for some TCAPS choir and band programs
• Pediatrics Clinic offers after-hours health care
• Mary Shultz wins national ice cream promotion
• Traverse Area District Library houses special collections

September 6, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
After a year of extensive renovation, the Old Mission Peninsula School is back in business after an official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by staff, parents, students and community members Wednesday afternoon. Here, National Cherry Festival Old Mission Peninsula School Princess Emmalyn Reamer, Cherry Prince Chris Messner, principal Patty Olson and Superintendent James Feil get ready to open the school.

• New life for Old Mission school
• Exchange students get to know host families prior to school start
• Miriam Pico set to audition for American Idol
• T.C. doctor and her son treat villagers in Zambia
• Farm dinner raises money for Fresh Food Partnership

August 30, 2006

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Volunteers catalog items from the dining room area of the Rev. Peter Dougherty House Monday at the historical home located on Old Mission Peninsula. Built by the Presbyterian missionary in 1842, the Doughtery House is today owned by Old Mission Peninsula Township. The contents of the home are being identified and recorded before being crated up and put into an off site storage facility. An effort is underway to make the home an interpretive center and museum featuring historical documents and artifacts dating back to the early 1800s.

• Volunteers catalog items in Rev. Peter Dougherty House
• Father Fred kicks off capital campaign
• Young musicians practicing since June with Summer Band
• Mission work inspires teens
• Work bee installs first phase of Blair Community Playground

August 23, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
The Tenth Annual St. Andrews Society Picnic and Family Highland Games featured food, fun and games that celebrated Scottish culture. Here, pipers Lyman Williams, left, and Clyde Buchanan play during the Highland games.

• Picnic celebrates Scottish roots
• Great Lakes Children's Museum scheduled to reopen September 16
• Canoe paddle ultimate test for teacher
• G.T. Area Genealogical Society shares cemetery history
• West High graduate shoots short movie back home in T.C.

August 16, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
A family grieves together: from left, Nicky Sommerfeld of Alpena, her mother Pat Sommerfeld of Alpena, Katie Dess Ormeau and Pat's sister Cindy Witkowski, both of Traverse City watch a flower float away Sunday during a memorial ceremony at the three-day Children's Bereavement Network camp held at Ranch Rudolph.

• Camp offers outlet for grief
• Motorcycle tribute to father's valor
• Riders relish single speed
• Dean Robb portrays Mark Twain at Heritage Center benefit
• City Opera House restoration work to include new entrance

August 9, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Thursday morning at the Top of the Park, Pat and Leslee Heintz unveil a poster for the CLOVER Christian Dance Music Festival, which will be held on the Open Space later this month. The merging of music and ministry is a way to both honor their daughter, Katie, and share her love and faith with others.

• Christian Dance Music Festival scheduled at the Open Space
• Hockey course inspires players
• 'Barn Lady' inspired by Fowler farm writes book
• Oakwood Sexton deals with death daily
• Preschool parents sought for reunion

August 2, 2006

Photo courtesy of Darrell Rogers
Eighteen members of the NorthStar90 girls soccer team spent 12 days in England, Sweden and Denmark last month playing soccer against some of these countries best Under 17 soccer teams. The team and their chaperones also took time for touring and the girls are pictured here in front of the Queen's Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark.

• T.C. NorthStar90 Premier girls soccer team competes in Europe
• 12 Year Old Jake Gillis qualifies for national motocross
• 500 cyclists tackle Sixth Annual Tour de TART
• 4-H groups greatly improve fair
• Radio club provides Boy Scout camp with electronics building

July 26, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Lucas Little, 12, putts at the first hold of Mt. Holiday's new nine-hole disc golf course, which launched this weekend with a three-day benefit open house that drew 28 enthusiasts to the event.

• Mt. Holiday Ski & Rec Area opens new nine-hole disc golf course
• 600 motorcyclists raise $15,500 for Father Fred group
• Peninsula Township becomes owner of historic home
• Interlochen holds first ever summer college recruitment fair
• Garden walk honors green thumbs

July 19, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Four young swimmers ages 10 and under head out to the starting line of their half-mile race Saturday morning during the Traverse City Breakers first ever Open Water Swim meet. Held at Bryant Park, the meet featured races in West Bay of up to two miles and drew 60 swimmers from ages seven through 60-plus.

• Traverse City Breakers holds first ever open water swim contest
• Home Chore garage takes chore out of house work
• Bird group honors Chateau Grand Traverse for efforts
• Interlochen teacher holds book signings for mystery novel
• NMC Community Band kicks off Concert on the Lawn series

July 12, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Harry the hairless cat - or Sphynx cat - is a fixture around Traverse Area Girls Softball "C" league games this summer, where the social, lovable animal basks in the attention, naps or watches the action on the field. Owned by the Stanton family, Harry starts many a conversation as he travels everywhere with the family.

• Stanton family adores hairless cat named-of course-Harry
• Book covers Keystone neighborhood
• Glory Dance Works worships through music
• NMC College for Kids program sets record attendance
• Area 4-H club hosts gathering of llamas and alpacas

July 5, 2006

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Guy Molnar, portraying Leontes, and Jill Beauchamp, as Hermione, embrace as they stage a scene from William Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale" Monday evening on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College. Molnar, an equity actor and theater professor at Florida State University, is working with director Jeanette Mason on the Riverside Shakespeare's production of "The Winter's Tale" scheduled for July 22, 23, 29 and 30 in Hannah Park.

• Back for an encore: Molnar comes full circle with theater work
• 'Mr. Sunshine' defies gloomy fate, celebrates 60th birthday
• Organs receive healthy revival; Churches, IAA renovate instruments
• Deni Whaley's beads featured in national magazine
• Fife Lake community raises $646K, library opens new chapter

June 28, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Ken Sobel of Encino, Calif., gives his best gangster look in front of his restored 1934 Dodge Brothers four-door sedan Friday morning during the Dodge Brothers Car Club's annual gathering. Held this year in Traverse City, the event drew 54 vintage cars from 1914-1938 duration of the Dodge Brothers fame.

• Dodge Brothers car club cruises into TC
• Work Bee raises roof on Oleson Pavilion education center
• Interlochen library group holds 20th annual book sale
• Parade of Ponds makes a splash
• Hessler cabin opens for the summer

June 21, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Seventy members of West High School's Chorale are leaving for a two-week performance tour of Europe on June 25. The singers will give a farewell concert at the school Friday evening as a final fundraising effort for the adventure, which includes performing in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and at the prestigious Llangolen International Musical Eisteddfod. Pictured during a rehearsal last Thursday evening at the school are, from left, juniors Elizabeth Pixley, Lindsay Fuller and Hayley Norris.

• West High School students to perform in European cathedrals
• Sector offices a positive force for police
• Old Mission resident traces ancestry to Mayflower passenger
• MS Walk Saturday at TC Civic Center
• Central High grad Danielle Hansen finds love amid war zone

June 14, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Members of the Traverse City Senior High Class of 1965 funded a sculpture-building project that involved artist Bob Purvis and four Central High School graduating seniors. Members of the Class of 1965, project students and family members and school staff are pictured here Monday afternoon at the sculpture's dedication.

• Sculpture transforms Central High School campus
• Deb Nixon dedicates 33 years to Traverse City Area Public Schools
• Annual canine show this weekend in TC
• Sixth grade students spend year practicing scales, mastering notes
• Teacher, Linda Williams, to spend eight days at Space Academy

June 7, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
After a prayer and music, more than 200 attendees at Sunday afternoon's 19th annual National Cancer Survivors' Day Picnic watched the celebratory release of doves.

• National Cancer Survivors' Day Picnic
• Fond farewell for Oak Park school
• YMCA serves up table tennis contest
• State honors child helper, Jim Scherrer
• Iris garden grows no more

May 31, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
The Children's House, an independent Montessori School, was recently certified by the Association Montessori Internationale this year, culminating a two-year process by staff and parents. Here, guide Julie Shearer demonstrates to her primary students how to make sidewalk chalk.

• School earns prestigious Montessori ranking
• Ray Ross shares soldier's war story
• Mary Lautner receives historian honor
• 70 students create art masterpiece over two-week period
• Students make Ugandan children's plight visible

May 24, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
The 11th Annual Water Watch Student River Congress was held Friday at Northwestern Michigan College's Great Lakes Campus. Sponsored by the Traverse Bay Intermediate School District, the event drew around 275 students from 16 schools in the region. Johanna Schlueter and Jenna Stinson, both seniors at Leland High School, check out a raptor wing after a session by Rebecca Lessard of Wings of Wonder.

• Students wade into water topics
• Memorial garden takes root at WSH
• Couple ties the knot at nursing home
• Volunteers haul away trash from Boardman River
• Optimist Club honors 47 sixth graders

May 17, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
The Rendezvous Big Band features a nine-piece brass section, including trumpeter Tom Manner, a senior.

• Central High jazzed about concert
• CBS reporter talks with school paper staff at Central High
• Playhouse exhibit takes center stage
• Interlochen student Tyler Hodges wins Verdi opera contest
• Old items find new life at show

May 10, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Nearly 70 runners and walkers of all ages turned out Saturday morning for the Botanical Garden Society of Northwest Michigan's first annual Garden Run. Here, Anna Rottman,4, keeps her mom, Candace, both of Traverse City, moving during their first leg of the 3K family walk event.

• Botanical Garden Society holds races
• Barbara Benson receives Athena Award
• West and Central High choirs score state festival spots
• CHS and EJH publications earn top MIPA honors
• HBA gives out $7700 to eight area students

May 3, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Julissa Jaques, a second-grade student at McBain Rural Agriculture School tries out a violin with the help of Tom Kaufmann of the Music House Museum. Sixty-five second grade students from the school learned about music, automated instruments and the history of recorded music Friday during the museum's annual two-week School Daz program.

• Music House Museum presents sound program to students
• Cherry Knoll Elementary school celebrates 50 years
• Vintage fashion show displays clothes from 1860s through 1970s
• 'From Women's Hands' art show aids cancer fund
• First Congregational Church offers Mendelssohn's 'Elijah'

April 26, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Members of the Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble held more than 300 school children and homeschool students transfixed Monday morning during their high-energy and educational performance of traditional Japanese drumming. Here, Angela Colangelo, right, beats out a traditional rhythm during the song "Miyake".

• Japanese drumming group beats dull school day
• T.C. Odyssey of the Mind teams advance to world competition
• Schoolyard Motorworks to auction off motorcycle for Father Fred
• Alan Tilley wins Traverse Symphony's annual Young Artist contest
• Norris elementary students work with poet Terry Wooten

April 19, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Scott Park of Rapid City checks out the Easter egg he found Saturday just off of the Clinch Park Marina. Park was one of two dozen divers from around the region and state who participated in the first annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt, held as a benefit to the proposed Grand Traverse Underwater Preserve.

• 20 divers try their luck at Underwater Easter Egg Hunt
• St. Francis earns high honors at Illinois music festival
• Rotary stages annual show
• Project features land features
• Interlochen piano students to play at New York competition

April 12, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Steve Hubert of Williamsburg has been a collector and historian for decades. The long-time member of the Grand Traverse Metis group has amassed an extensive collection of trade beads and knows the facts and rich details behind each piece.

• Collector hung up about trade beads, amasses extensive collection
• River runs through $1.4 million grant for watershed exhibit
• Family Wisdom Conference provides families choices
• Community School debuts new theater, production of 'Annie'

April 5, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Saving every penny for the next year, Laura Becker, 18, plans to take a six-week training course with the renowned Parelli Natural Horsemanship in Colorado in the fall of 2007. Becker, pictured here with her horse, Cricket, practices principles of natural horsemanship and hopes to pursue it as a career.

• Natural horsemanship training encourages horseplay
• Spring break trip rebuilds homes, lives
• St. Patrick's holds Living Last Supper portrayal on Sunday
• Great Lakes Piping Challenge features contests, workshops
• Women's Resource Center relocates thrift store

March 29, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
The Just Imagine Creative Arts Healing Center founders and supporters celebrated its third anniversary and launched a new monthly Creative Spirit Day Sunday at their 14th Street facility. The day featured a mix of art, good food, sharing and a dose of laughter yoga.

• Third anniversary for Just Imagine Creative Arts Healing Center
• Soccer coach Jim Furstenberg nets state honor
• Berkshire takes first place awards at Ice Art Championships
• Music key to life on the go for Les Thornburg

March 22, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Giving students a lesson in jazz, gospel and blues as well as life, jazz singer Queen Bey worked with 350 upper elementary school students in the Traverse City Area Public Schools District Friday. She brought students up on stage and helped them find a musical spark as they sung jazz, blues, gospel or scat. Here, Ellen Messner, a fourth grade student with Old Mission Elementary at Sabin, works with Bey.

• Musician gets kids to sing jazz, blues, gospel and scat
• West Senior High earns awards at top Model U.N. competition
• St. Francis Key Club donates $14,000 in memory of Katie Heintz
• Night of Nostalgia covers Civil War to modern era in music
• Blair Elementary baseball musical solid hit

March 15, 2006

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Traverse City Fire Department firefighter/paramedic James Smielewski stands ready to douse a nearby garage structure as a turn of the century home burns behind him Saturday on Old Mission Peninsula. Firefighters with the city of Traverse City, Elmwood Township and Peninsula Township took part in a joint live fire training session at a donated home on North Bluff Road. The training offered a unique chance to study a fire from spark to total engulfment. Fire crews trained inside the home for two days before the final burn down Saturday afternoon. For more photos see "Photo Story" listed below.

• Photo Story: Fire departments take part in live burn (PDF)
• Lucky Leprechaun Ball set for Friday benefits Father Fred
• Cat Widdifield tours with national theater company production
• Ann Corner retires after five decades in the world of hairstyles
• Empty Bowls Project raises funds for the Fresh Food Partnership

March 8, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Members of the Celtic Fire Highland Dancers and a guest dancer perform the Sword Dance; pictured from left are Peggy Russell of Flint, Aneka Saxon and Caitlin Barringer, both from Traverse City.

• Local dance celebrates Scottish and Irish cultures
• Volleyball contest raises money for Munson pediatric oncology unit
• Fresh Food Partnership receives Kellogg grant for $49,300
• Project provides voice for farm issues
• WSH grad takes sixth place at national partner stunt contest

March 1, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
Crystal Luce, left, describes some Mediterranean dishes with Jim Milliman and Emily Dornbos.

• Culinary students present cuisines of the world
• M-TEC students sparked by electrical program
• Collector showcases antique recordings
• Midwife talks about benefits of giving birth in water
• Students act out life of Nobel

February 22, 2006

Photo courtesy of Robert A Walker
Former Traverse City resident Joel Dear and his partner Meghan McCullough leave the audience breathless during their performance at the National Championships. The pair finished 10th in the competition.

• Figure skaters competing in National Ice Dance competition
• Animator receives Carnegie Medal
• 30 kite boarders gather for new annual event
• Adoption stories: If these walls could talk
• Man talks to birth mother for the first time

February 15, 2006

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
More than 200 people sit down to dinner Saturday at the annual Montessori Children's House and Elementary School fundraiser. This year's theme "All Shook Up" featured a live-auction hosted by 'Elvis' along with silent auction items and a raffle. The annual fundraiser, now in its 14th year, grossed more than $100,000 for student scholarship money.

• Montessori fundraiser grosses more than $100,000
• Hundreds of scarves sent to American soldiers in the Balkans
• Pat Brumbaugh recognized as top state band director
• Aspiring sailors start training to crew on Madeline
• Students find humor in history

February 8, 2006

Herald photo by Lisa Perkins
St. Francis High School chemistry teacher Frank Paladino captures the attention of Holy Angels Elementary second grade students with a spectacular flame producing chemical reaction. The young students were part of a student-swap between the two schools last week.

• High school and elementary students swap classes for the day
• Guatemalan children focus of mission
• Classes tackle poverty
• Hoops tournament honors Katie Heintz
• Crock Pot Theater serves up entertaining night
• Bill Marsh employees hold fund-raiser
• Musician notes history of African-American music

February 1, 2006

Herald photo by Carol South
More than 200 cub scouts from seven different packs gathered Saturday at the East Silver Lake Park for the First Annual Winter Wonderland event, which featured snow sculpting competition, sled races and sledding events. Here, members of Pack 103 out of Williamsburg speed downhill during the Cardboard and Duct Tape sled race.

• Scouts 'dig' snow festival
• Detroit choir to share spiritual songs
• Georgia Durga state delegate at national aging conference
• Class fights stage fright
• Almira Township library moves book by book

January 25, 2006

Herald photo by Carol south
Eight members of the St. Francis 1966 basketball team were honored Friday evening between the school�s junior and varsity basketball games. Team members in attendance were: Dan Burden, John Raymond, Greg Martin, Earl Martineau, Wally Green, Randy Rasmussen, and Pat Corcoran; front row, from left: coach Jim Rossi and Bill Rasmussen.

• St. Francis recognizes 1931 and 1966 basketball teams
• 'Jud' Verreau, 92, recalls 1931 St. Francis basketball team
• Central Choral-Aires deliver singing Valentine's as fundraiser
• Munson's Community Health Library coordinator wins state honor
• Heat is on chefs at Downtown Chili Cook-off
• CHS student composers showcase their work

January 18, 2006

Herald photo by Carol south
Dips and lifts, turns and spins: the Partner Class at the Dance Center teaches male and female dancers the basics of classic ballet moves that require not only training, strength and timing, but a healthy dose of trust. Dipping with style are Madison Ford, a senior at Central High School, and Taylor Hall, a ninth grader at West Junior High.

• Partner dance class combines grace, athleticism and trust
• Playwright rises from theater tragedy
• Pathfinder programs cover topics of art, theater and horses
• School team gears up for robot contest
• Heritage Center presents pinhole camera program
• Peg Siciliano takes over Archivist duties

January 11, 2006

Herald photo by Carol south
Three music groups from the Traverse City Area Public Schools will be performing in Grand Rapids on January 20-21 at a statewide music educator's conference: West Junior High's Symphonic Choir, West High School's Bella Voce ensemble and West High School's Symphonic Orchestra. Laura Ruble, a senior at West High School, and Natalie White, a junior, will be performing with the school's Symphonic Orchestra at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association conference later this month.

• TC center stage at music educator's conference
• Downtown Bridal show brings together 34 vendors
• Junior Golf Association offers in-school program
• Michigan Tech Jazz Lab Band electrifies audience

January 4, 2006

Herald photo by Ryan Quinn
Ryan Quinn, a 1998 Traverse City Central High School graduate, spent six weeks at a remote town in Alaska this fall where the veteran hunter and fisherman had many adventures, including meeting bears at the Larsen Bay town dump.

• Central H.S. grad spends six weeks in remote Alaskan island town
• Allergy education food for thought
• Blissfest feeling captured on DVD
• TC graduates forge futures based on life in the Army
• Meg Fraser receives national 4-H honor
• Local railroad society restores old boxcar and caboose
• Record 5,800 visitors attend Festival of Trains

December 28, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Philip and Angela Leete, pictured right, work through "Sweet Ella Suite" with Lindsay Rumohr, far left, earlier this month during a rehearsal of the Michigan Dance Collective. The 11-member adult professional dance company, which debuted this summer, will hold a high-energy performance at the City Opera House this February featuring collaboration with other area artists as well as the InSynch dance company from Holland.

• Michigan Dance Collective to perform at City Opera House
• Woman paralyzed in car accident returns home for holidays
• WHS students excel at Model UN contest held in Canada
• TCAPS sixth graders showcase newfound music skills
• Bob Wilson authors second volume on local legends

December 21, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Governor Jennifer Granholm visited Traverse City Thursday to promote her new job creation package, sign a compromise wine bill and visit Tellurex, an area high-tech firm. Focused and charismatic, Governor Jennifer Granholm greets two of eight Traverse City West Junior High students Thursday during a tour of the Tellurex facility. Pictured are Shawn Lowe, left, and Sara Bouwkamp.

• WJH students follow governor as she tours local facility
• Carols music to neighbors' ears
• Milliken stage undergoes floor transformation
• Book fantasy come true
• CHS students read for pleasure
• Beauty College attractive option
• Students give holiday gifts from the heart

December 14, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Schoolyard Motorworks held a Bike Night fund-raiser to raise money for the custom built bike students are designing, building and marketing. Still in production, the bike drew rapt attention and admiration of the hundreds of attendees, including Duane Pleva of Kalkaska, a class of 1983 graduate of the center.

• Schoolyard Motorworks team constructs custom motorcycle
• Hollywood actor returns to IAA roots
• T.C. parents and their children take classes together at NMC
• Marine league honors veterans at Pavilions
• Church event features food, music, animals
• Young drivers take defensive and winter driving course

December 7, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Hannah Kim, a senior at Traverse City Central High School, rehearses with other members of the school's orchestra for a Thursday evening holiday concert that will be held at the City Opera House.

• CHS stages Opera House concert
• Love Light honors lives lost
• Mennonite youth bake sale to benefit mission trip
• Kids get into gift giving spirit
• Author writes punny book

November 30, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Members of the Traverse City West Senior HIgh School Chorale are getting ready for their Ninth Annual Elizabethan Madrigal Feaste, an annual fundraiser that this year features six shows.

• West Senior High Madrigals stage Renaissance inspired concerts
• Griffin earns Veteran of the Year honor
• Fifth Annual Macaroni & Cheese Bake-off Sunday
• Pavilions program bridges age gap
• Conifer colossal Christmas cheer

November 23, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Eager for the cold weather and more hard water sailing, Josh Stauber, 15, adjusts the sail of his family's ice boat Saturday morning during the seasonal kick off and swap meet of the Grand Traverse Ice Yacht club.

• G.T. Ice Yacht Club prepares for winter sailing season
• Sandy Bodjack Coach of the Year for Special Olympics work
• Brendon McKeon's essay pays tribute to vets, wins award
• Beach Bums mascot, 'Suntan', visits schools
• Church offers course on spending and spirituality
• Bay Chamber Strings presents first concert of the season

November 16, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Morgan Robinson, 11, a sixth-grade student at Willow Hill Elementary School, is pictured with her family's horse, Bobby, a retired race horse now learning the ropes of 4-H horse shows.

• 11-year-old Morgan Robinson shows retired racehorse new life
• Goodwill expands shelter capacity
• Public has say on bay project
• Rico's Cafe honors veterans

November 9, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Curtis Budrow, 13, tries for the goalposts during this month's session of Special Sports, which connects members of St. Francis High School sports teams with students in the TMI special education classroom at Glenn Loomis Elementary School. Five members of the St. Francis High School football team taught the students about football last Wednesday, including Chad Biggar, pictured left.

• Special needs class plays football with St. Francis players
• Program helps provide winter boots and more for area kids
• ACE Fund provides $18,660 in grants to school programs
• Mary Marois honored for tireless work
• Seminar teaches budget skills
• Women's History Project sponsors oral history workshop

November 2, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
A total of 1,000 people turned out at the Rogers Observatory Friday and Saturday nights for a glimpse of Mars through the observatory dome's 14-inch telescope, plus a chance to check out galaxies and globular clusters on smaller telescopes outside. Here, Meadow Carnes, 9, peers at Mars with the help of John Gierok, both of Traverse City.

• Mars makes stellar showing
• Gladhander event another resounding success
• Dean Junker shows collection of old medical equipment
• Photos capture State Hospital history
• Students share Kuntaw martial arts studies

October 26, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Ann Bird of Eastport helps her grandson, Spencer, 4, taste a roasted chestnut dipped in maple syrup.

• Samels Family Heritage Society hosts second annual event
• Boardman Lake Trail East opens
• Visiting Mr. Rogers at Dennos
• Brownie recipe dates to 1600s
• G.T. Bay Underwater Preserve is officially launched

October 19, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
During the Old Town Playhouse's annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony Sunday afternoon, president Phil Murphy announced to a jubilant audience of 60 people that the 25-year mortgage on the building at Cass and 8th Street had been retired. Hall of Fame inductees Jim Matthews, Bob Lerew and Dave Campbell, pictured from left, as well as previous Hall of Fame member Vern Attwood, far right, symbolically tore up the mortgage.

• OTP recognizes three pivotal players in early theater history
• Rotary Club gathers winter garments
• Rick and Lynn Church find musical paths off Broadway
• Traverse Bay Community School has big ambitions
• Central High's Pizzafest is slice of real-world marketing

October 12, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Drummin' Fun, held Saturday at the Milliken Auditorium, featured a range of percussion music from countries including Congo, Mexico, Brazil, Scotland, and Hawaii. The kick-off of the TSO's Saturday Family Symphony series, Drummin' Fun also featured a hula dance by Sierra Darga, left, and Asianne Imani. David Warne, left, and Peter Deneen, accompanied the dancers on the marimba and xylophone.

• Saturday Family Symphony features drums from around the world
• 18 regional bands perform at Thirlby Marching Exhibition
• Crystal Bray aids pets displaced by Katrina
• DUI=DOA drama shows stark reality of drunk driving
• Lift for Kids raises over $4,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters
• CHS school store launches concert series

October 5, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Riding in antique cars connected to the bride's family heritage, newlyweds Kristin Kaskinen of Kaleva and Eric Holecamp of St. Louis, Missouri, pose after their wedding Friday afternoon at the Trinity Lutheran Church for a picture with three antique car carriages.

• Wedding features antique cars belonging to bride's family
• Center showcases alternative energy sources
• Noodle dinner benefits John Antaya
• 'Montana 1948' writer reads book at district library
• Theater organ debuts at 'Phantom of the Opera'
• Sixth grade students select instruments

September 28, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Thanks to $40,000 in grants from the Beaumont Foundation and Microsoft, 10 laptops and software in the Technology Center are used by members of the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Traverse every afternoon for homework and recreation. Pictured from left are Miranda, 11, Taylor, 7 and Madison, 7, playing a game together.

• Boys and Girls Club Tech Center features 10 laptops
• Hurricane Katrina evacuee playing Pop Warner football in T.C.
• Book sale nets $12,600 for Traverse Area District Library
• Quota Club to raise funds through sale of 'gently used' art
• Cramer chronicles life of local legend
• Potter's House United Church of Christ holds pet blessing
• Novel explores old local murder mystery

September 21, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Tonay Carlson and Steve Hubert present information on the Metis to some of the nearly 1,200 fourth grade students who attended the 10th Annual Heritage Festival Friday at the Grand Traverse Heritage Center and Hannah Park.

• Area musicians perform benefit concert for Hurrican Katrina victims
• Award honors X-ray pioneer
• Epicurean Classic brings students and top chefs together
• Humane Society fund-raiser features art created by shelter animals
• Past comes to life for fourth graders at Heritage Festival
• TC West athletic boosters drop golf balls to raise funds

September 14, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Kelsey Leonardi won Woody, a three year old quarterhorse, during raffle that raised money for the Northwest Michigan Fairgrounds Enhancement Fund. Leonardi had been showing Woody this summer and was thrilled to win him in the drawing.

• Luck of the draw brings horse home
• TC couple donates motorhome to assist hurricane workers
• Children's Museum makes interim move
• Local teens participate in third world Project Heifer program
• Five area residents explore Baffin Island and western Greenland
• Memorial garden offers seeds of hope

September 7, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Stacy Dever leads women through the basics of a Nia routine, a fitness technique that merges martial arts, dance and yoga into an energizing yet relaxing workout

• GT Academy spreads its wings
• Old Mission resident recalls life on the peninsula
• Portuguese Podengo takes home ribbons at rare breed show
• T.C. women pedal across country
• Karl Stein steps up to lead band

August 31, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Penny Krebiehl, left, discusses plants and gardening with urban art farm students.

• Kids down on the Urban Art Farm
• Rider raises, trains Quarter Horse while going to school
• Local 'Ignorant art' event celebrates artistic challenge
• Teamwork in Blair Township for new playground

August 24, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
The Grand Traverse Area Chidren's Garden celebrated their 2005 Garden Keeper Awards Thursday afternoon at the Traverse Area District Library. The event recognized the 10 area organizations who have been nurturing a plot all summer. Pictured are some of the youthful honorees, front row from left: Timothy Hensel, 7, Logan Keely, 4, Amanda, 10, Aaron Alford, 5. Back row, from left: Mitch Tredwell, 16, Derrick Timerman, 16, Kaitlin Schwartz, 13, Sean Flesher, 11, and Zach Flesher, 8.

• Children's Garden presents 2005 Garden Keeper Awards
• Heritage Center fish boil hooks eager diners
• Clinics tout health benefits of "ski walking"
• Used uniform sale helps defray costs of Catholic education
• Program features presentations from over 20 conservation groups

August 17, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Gathering with approximately 85 other fixed gear bicycle enthusiasts for a weekend of fun that included rides, food, camping and all things bike, Will McLaughlin of Toledo checks out wheels Saturday afternoon at the Fixed Gear Symposium, held at the Grand Traverse Commons.

• Fixed Gear Symposium features 50-mile ride, contests
• Historic Thompson-Kuemin House opens doors
• Summer library program ends on utensil high note
• Traverse City grad Tiffany Homant pursues college hockey goal
• Boardman Lake site of Action Water Sports wakeboard contest
• Great Wolf Lodge changes policy to allow Leader Dogs

August 10, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Members of the 18-piece Archipelago Project taught a dozen members of the Boys and Girls Club to play the trumpet, starting from scratch to a formal concert two weeks later. Here, Nick Skinner, a 1999 Central High School graduate, helps Madison, 7, through a song.

• Archipelago Project teaches children trumpet in two weeks
• West High School alumni reprise best roles this weekend
• Fashionistas swap ideas and advice on sewing
• 4H fair auction provides meat for area food pantries
• Doctor operates zoo train

August 3, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
The 17th Annual Boats on the Boardwalk will be held this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. downtown on the Boardman River near the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce building. The free event will feature classic wooden boats as well as wooden canoes and rowboats, kids' activities and music. Here, Bill Woodrow of Traverse city polishes Whizzer, his restored 1947 Chris Craft 22-foot Utility boat, for the show.

• Annual Boats onthe Boardwalk scheduled for Saturday
• Alternative Energy Car Fair Picnic held
• Young lemonade sellers learn entrepreneurial skills
• T.C. teens attend Boys State
• Dixieland Devotionals held at Presbyterian Church

July 27, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
The 23rd Annual Garden Walk drew at least 1,000 visitors Thursday to stroll through eight city gardens in the Boardman neighborhood. The walk, which was sponsored by the Friendly Garden Club, also featured 11 plein air artists, or open air artists, who painted outdoor garden scenes throughout the afternoon. Pictured is Judy Pechur, a summer resident of Traverse City.

• Friendly Garden Club walk features eight gardens
• Children jump at chance to exercise
• Taste of Greece at First Congregational Church a success
• Playin' Around Productions stages Schoolhouse Rock
• Riverside Shakespeare presents 'Much Ado About Nothing'
• Young artists enter sticker design contest

July 20, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Rodeo-Fest 2005 hit town last weekend, offering three days of riding, roping and wrangling at the Interlochen Eagles Aerie 3503. A range of professional, amateur and children's events drew an estimated 5,000 attendees to the Mid-States Rodeo. Here, Scott Ervay of Shelby rides out his eight seconds during the professional saddle bronc event.

• Interlochen Eagles Rodeo features bull and saddle bronco riding
• 13 Year-Old wins Cherry Fest Hole-in-One contest
• Child Guidance Inc sponsors soccer skills camp
• 3 generations of TC men retrace the footsteps of WWII soldiers
• Northern Michigan Adaptive Sports outing held
• Long Lake Dinner and a Movie fundraiser
• Helping Hands provides free wheelchair clinic

July 13, 2005

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Mitchell Litwiller of Traverse City catches some air during a practice session before racing Friday evening at the Grand Traverse County BMX Raceway. All riders race at least three heats, or motos, which are averaged to determine overall placement in the race category. Riders participating in Friday's race received trophies donated by track sponsors GT Cycle, Modern Extreme Sports, B-Extreme and McLain Cycle and Fitness.

• Teen 13 hours from obtaining his Master Gardener qualification
• Kids abuzz over hikes
• Artist creates DVD series especially for Alzheimer's victims
• School teaches singing skills
• Baja racers conquer course

July 6, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Suspended animation: Brandon Morse, 9, of Lake Ann prepares for another dip during a stint in the dunk tank Saturday during the 12th Annual Lake Ann Homecoming. The annual event hosted by the Almira Township Historical Society will raise an estimated $7,000-8,000 for the township�s historical museum.

• Small town flavor, big fun: Lake Ann Homecoming
• Down the Line, featuring CHS graduate, opens tonight
• Children's Museum interactive display showcases Mars
• Botanical Garden Walk-About offers fly fishing basics

June 29, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Two cranes hoisted the sloop Welcome from dry dock at Heritage Harbor and set it into West Grand Traverse Bay. Volunteers from the Maritime Heritage Alliance restored the reproduction of a British sloop that moved supplies and soldiers on the Great Lakes during the Revolutionary War.

• Cranes lower sloop Welcome into bay after 13-year restoration
• Rent parties pay homage to area jazz experiences
• Armenian network picnic celebrates history and culture
• Munson Hospice House honors Charles and Catherine Germaine
• Over 1000 attend event at restored 1856 Old Mission cabin

June 22, 2005

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Christy Jonkhoff takes a shot at the green as teammates Christian Vozza, Will Kerridge, Lindsay Jonkhoff and caddie Peg Jonkhoff watch her chip shot at the annual The Haig golf tournament Friday at Elmbrook Golf Course. The team of collegiate golfers took second place at the tournament featuring players in vintage clothing using hickory stick golf clubs.

• CHS award honors hall of fame careers
• Kids wild about zoo art, Clinch Park Zoo schedules summer classes
• Black and White Gala raises $60,000 for Old Town Playhouse
• City clerk, library leader earn statewide recognition
• Library holds kick-off party for summer reading club
• Big Slow Picnic featuring locally grown food a huge success

June 15, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Thursday morning at Sabin Elementary School, Kobi, a three-year-old German Shephard/St. Bernard mix, gives a kiss to ShyAnne Kaltenbach, a third-grade student at the school. Kobi has visited each classroom twice this spring to help students work through feelings about the school�s closing at the end of the year and attending a new school next fall.

• Canine helps Sabin students express feelings on school closing
• Members of Army 97th Division troop hold reunion in TC
• Students show entrepreneurial spirit
• GT Kennel Club's Junior Kids prepare for local dog show
• Godspell features familiar faces
• Oak Park K-Kids shoe tree project provides footwear for needy

June 8, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Honoring their country during the National Anthem are, from left, Ray Mills; Commander Kirk Hornburg, United States Naval Reserve; Major General Alden Glauch, United States Air Force Retired; and Rhea Glauch.

• Trinity Lutheran raises flag for their special U.S. soldier
• Three Generations Circle of Women Givers give back to community
• Relay honors cancer victims
• Athletes attend Senior games
• TC grad earns Fulbright trip
• All girl band share same high school, sport, classes & memories

June 1, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
For the first time, the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce's Outstanding Educator Awards recognized a whole school for excellence: Sabin Elementary School. Recognized Thursday evening at the Milliken Auditorium along with 16 other recipients from the five-county area, the Sabin staff and teachers were noted for their overall commitment to students, parents and each other. Here, second-grade teacher Waunita Waszak works with Thomas Brown during a geography lesson Friday morning.

• Reading program success story
• Concert honors lost lives at WSH
• Marge Kinery named Historian of the Year
• Center fosters creative funding
• Smart Commute Week features bikes, roller blades and BATA

May 25, 2005

Herald photo by Lisa Perkins
Margaret Barley, a 13-year-old student at Leelanau St. Mary's School, sold hand made cards at the Spring Children's Art Fair held during the Northwestern Michigan College barbecue last weekend. The fair, sponsored by the Great Lakes Children's Museum, featured arts and crafts created by children between the ages of six and 17.

• Young artists show off creative side
• Michael's Place holds annual Balloon Launch
• Vintage Fashion Show at Grand Traverse Heritage Center
• Let's Get Moving Northern Michigan Aims to log million miles
• Peninsula residents move to preserve Dougherty House
• Sail Sport Marine Swap Meet

May 18, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Ninth grade students at West Junior HIgh received an up close and personal lesson on the Korean War, thanks to two area veterans of that three-year conflict. Gene Ferries of Rapid City and Jack Miller of Grawn described their service and the war; here, Ferries holds a 90-mm tank shell that he brought along to show students..

• Korean War stories impact students
• TC East & West excel at Michigan History Day competition
• Project thanks troops overseas
• Project ASTRO holds conference in T.C.
• Central HS Choral program stages Rendezvous at the Jazz Club
• Immaculate Conception Third Graders stage play in Italian
• Zac Crowell Shuttle capsule commander at Space Camp

May 11, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Bob Core of Traverse City works with a bolt Saturday afternoon during an open house for the sloop Welcome, a reproduction of a trtading vessel that was later used by the British Navy. Volunteers with the Mfaritime Heritage Alliance have been refurbishing the reproduction sloop since 1992 and hope to launch it late next month.

• Maritime Alliance boat crew welcomes public
• Northwestern Michigan Children's Concert Choir shines in festival
• NMC Tae Kwon Do open tournament at NMC
• From Women's Hands art show raises $20,000 for cancer fund

May 4, 2005

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Members of the Traverse City West Senior High School Odyssey of the Mind team rehearse a scene from their award-winning "Get the Message" Division III entry Monday in the school auditorium. Team members Hannah Bach (pictured left), Julia Korn, Claire Lammers, 10th grade; Brandon Smith (pictured right) and Aaron Wineman, 11th grade; and Garrett Hein and Robby Peters, 12th grade, will compete at the World Odyssey of the Mind Competition, May 21-25 in Boulder, Colorado. The team is planning several fund-raisers, including a car wash from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Oak Park Elementary School to generate the $10,000 required to attend the prestigious competition.

• Sisters editors of Spartan Award newspapers in T.C.
• MythBusters star at SCI-MA-TECH inaugural program
• Seniors enjoy spelling contest
• Donations make spring prom possible
• Festival of Tables Benefits Child & Family Services
• Book sale benefits proposed Long Lake Library

April 27, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Since last fall, members of Men in Jane jam every week at Walters and Hemming, filling the plumbing and heating facility's Front Street showroom window with their rock 'n' roll equipment and high-energy sound. Pictured from left are Jason Rehahn, Craig Knopf and Chris Newell on drums.

• Band practices inside plumbing and heating showroom
• Homeless teen to All-USA Academic First Team selection
• Fly fish exhibit lands at G.T. Heritage Center
• Science students test the waters
• Spartans excel at swordplay
• Program makes strides against obesity

April 20, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse once again had the audience laughing uproariously or groaning at outrageous puns during two performances of their annual April Fool's Concert. Held Saturday at the church, the event's theme of The Barynard Follies featured dozens of acts, including a rendition of "Old MacDonald" in a Gregorian Chant theme by members of the church's vocal ensemble.

• Unitarian Congregation presents April Fool's Concert
• Empty Bowls Project benefits Fresh Food Partnership
• Early Childhood Conference confirms career choice
• Traverse City historical women read poetry of Mary K. Buck
• Homeschool students create play, "Life in a Pond"
• Students take in tango at Opera House

April 13, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
With the coming of spring, the Cruiser Bike Club again hits the road every Thursday evening for a relaxed ride around Traverse City. Some of the riders from last week's ride, which began at Modern Extreme Sports, are pictured back row from left: Eric, Willy, Pete Lortz, Ryan; front row, from left: David Bellairs and Pat Dueweke, manager of Modern Extreme Sports.

• Cruiser bikers cruise around town
• Central High receives Grammy award grant money
• TC Junior Golf Association hooks kids
• 35th Annual Antique club sale
• Dennos exhibit features suits of Armor
• Local students finalists in Verdi Opera competition

April 6, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Nineteen bodybuilders showcased months of rigorous training and strict dieting Saturday during the 25th Annual Grand Traverse Bodybuilding and Figure Competition. First place Men's Tall winner Brian Carter, left, works a pose on stage at the Leelanau Sands Casino during the afternoon judging session; T.J. Shelton of Interlochen is pictured next to Carter.

• Athletes show flex ability
• Concert celebrates love songs
• Rev. Crystal Yarlott brings unity to church
• Hikers dispose of trail trash
• Luther Gravey recording feeds off live audience

March 30, 2005

Photo courtesy of Steve Berkshire
Steve Berkshire took second place in the World Ice Art Championships held March 3-5 in Fairbanks, Alaska. The veteran ice sculptor created "The Legend" in 61 hours of carving with partner Mark Johnson from Wonder Lake, Illinois.

• TC resident takes second place at World Ice Art Championships
• Central High students donate items for mission trip to Guatemala
• TC student participates in battle reenactments as German soldier
• Spring garden ideas take root at Habitat show
• TC couple offer services at Rarotonga in the Cook Islands

March 23, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Juggling fire: David Peck, a teacher at Traverse City St. Francis High School, wowed the audience during the Third Annual TIPS for Kids event, held Monday evening at the Hockey Heroes Restaurant. The event drew more than 300 people for two seatings to raise money for Michael's Place, a program supporting children and families who have lost a loved one.

• TIPS for Kids raises funds for Michael's Place
• Local Taekwon-Do students medal at tournament
• Women's hockey tournament at Centre ICE
• Illustrator shares techniques and tricks with class
• Earth Day events
• Project takes students around the world

March 16, 2005

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
CONTROLLED CHAOS
David Seaman grabs the front of his snowboard along with some big air as he competes in the 15 and under snowboard division at the second annual Mt. Mayhem Ski and Snowboard Competition Saturday at Mt. Holiday Ski Resort in Traverse City. The competition run by students from Traverse City High School was also a fund-raiser for Mt. Holiday. For more photos and competition results, see page 3 of today's print edition of the Herald.

• GT Academy earns Glasser honor
• Area high school art students compete in NMC contest
• Paddle club offers kayak water safety sessions
• First in Live at the Library Composer Series packed
• Music House Museum School Daz Progam CD OK

March 9, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Music, praise and Christian charity were center stage Friday night at the Faith Reformed Church during the Hope for the Homeless Benefit Concert. The event drew 480 attendees and raised $4,550 for Goodwill's Team Outreach program. Musician Jerry DeRousse, the Homeless Outreach Program Coordinator for Goodwill and emcee for the evening, plays during the program as his image is rebroadcast on a large screen above the altar.

• Hope for the Homeless Benefit Concert
• Community Ceilidh celebrates Celtic culture
• Brian Olson receives teaching award
• Family Wisdom Conference covers health care issues
• WOW (Web of Women) Expo features 15 groups
• Area churches serve meals during 40 days of Lent

March 2, 2005

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Aida, played by Katie Madison, accepts her role as princess and leader of her people as the Nubian slaves place on her a robe sewn from their tattered clothes during "Dance of the Robe." Traverse City West Senior High School presents the Michigan high school premiere of Elton John and Tim Rice's musical "Aida" starting March 10 in the Traverse City West Senior High Auditorium.

• Twin Bays Skate Club's 13th annual ice show opens March 11
• Agencies create 95-acre nature reserve
• TC resident tracks down history of Old Mission barns
• Tasters Guild pleases palates
• Boys and Girls Club recognizes outstanding youth
• TV journalist shares harrowing storm stories
• Sled dog racer leads interesting life

February 23, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
The Bayside Travellers Country Dance Society hosted a Dream Floor dance Saturday that drew 160 dancers to Gilbert Lodge and Twin Lakes Park. Proceeds from the event will help finance a suspended white oak wood floor the organization is installing there. Here, Sara Cockrell and Joe Send kick up their heels for a sswing dance.

• Dance society raises funds for new floor
• Norris students take part in workshop with Terry Wooten
• Theater group dials in retro radio musical
• Students learn budgeting skills at Reality Store
• GT Academy expo beats winter blahs
• Cherry Knoll K-Kids raise money for winter wear

February 16, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
With scarce snow this winter, Mike Decker is scrambling to get in enough training for the upcoming 2005 Nike ACG U.S. National Snowshoe Championships. A former noted Traverse City Central runner, Decker qualified for the second year to compete at the nationals by winning the local Bigfoot Snowshoe Competition.

• Mike Decker qualifies again for national snowshoe race
• Volleyball tournament benefits foundation
• Young players make TSO debuts
• GT Metro Fire Department uses grant to educate children
• Cherryland Amateur Radio Club holds annual Swap and Shop

February 9, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Always open to new challenges, Nathan Greenwood is an Interlochen Arts Academy graduate who trained with the Joffrey Ballet in New York City and sailed with the Merchant Marines. Now working as a builder in Traverse City, Greenwood is back on stage dancing in local productions. Greenwood shown here with Elizabeth Pixley, a tenth-grade student at Traverse City West High School, will perform in "Deirdre of the Sorrows," presented this weekend by the Northwest Michigan Ballet Theater.

• Nathan Greenwood dances lead in 'Deirdre of the Sorrows'
• OTP Crock-Pot Theater serves up soups, skits and songs
• Pinup gal calendar proceeds aid Young Women for Change
• Garfield Dental Group gives kids better smile
• Tracker guides curious hikers
• Oak Park students celebrate Chinese New Year

February 2, 2005

Herald photo by Lisa Perkins
Members of the Traverse City Central High School Chorale-Aire vocal ensemble, accompanied by director Jeff Cobb, practice "My Funny Valentine" in preparation for delivering singing Valentine greetings next week. The singing group is performing to raise funds for a trip to New York City later this month.

• CHS Choral-Aires deliver singing Valentines for fund-raiser
• Local lawyer, David Becker, recognized for pro bono work
• Women's History Project book group discusses midwife diary tale
• Classes teach youth defensive driving techniques
• First Congregational Church TV ministry on air since 1985

January 26, 2005

Herald photo by Lisa Perkins
Agosto "Goose" Favela, a student at Traverse City High School, plays "Broke Harp Blues" on his harmonica. Blues legend Billy Branch spent five afternoons at the school last week, teaching students to play the blues as part of his Blues in the Schools program. Branch appeared on stage with his band, Sons of Blues, at Northwestern Michigan College's Dennos Museum Center Saturday.

• TC High students learn from legendary harmonica player
• Singers perform 'Requiem' to benefit tsunami victims
• Chili contest pleases palates
• Fifth grader wins TCAPS Spelling Bee on 'anchovy'
• St. Andrews Society honors Scotland's poet laureate with party
• Boy Scouts restore waterfowl homes

January 19, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Folk singer Ruth Bloomquist and her husband, Max, were some of the regional musicians who performed Friday evening at an Into the Blue concert held at the Lars Hockstad Auditorium. More than 500 people attended the event, raising an estimated $4,000 for the International Red Cross's relief efforts in Iraq.

• Area musicians raise $4,000 for relief aid in Iraq
• T.C. program commemorates life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Women's Resource Center fund-raiser features new Harley
• Sleddi-Spaghetti Party fund-raiser for Long Lake library
• Local Knights of Columbus holds annual free throw contest
• Art class features magical beings

January 12, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Carol Turner, a member of this year's senior party parent committee at Central High School, inaugurated a new fundraiser for the all-night graduation party: a flock of flamingos. Two traveling flocks are making their way around town, materializing in front yards to solicit a donation for the party. Son, Logan Turner, a graduating senior at Central High School, prepares to move a flock Sunday night to a new location.

• Senior party fund-raiser idea features flocks of pink flamingos
• TSO presents 'Drumming and Beyond' at Saturday Family Symphony program
• West stages 'Aida' this spring
• Crystal Lake Clinic serves Lake Ann, Interlochen areas
• Downtown Bridal Show features cakes, fashion show and flowers

January 5, 2005

Herald photo by Carol South
Members of the Northern Lights Synchronized Skating Teen Team rehearse their competition number Monday afternoon at Centre ICE. These 11 girls and the eight women on the Northern Lights Adult Team will compete in the Lake Placid Synchronized Skating Classic competition this Thursday through Sunday.

• Skaters pursue Olympic dream
• Ann Rogers and Father Ed Emenheiser receive Sara Hardy Award
• CHS collects supplies for Iraq students
• Civic Center holds New Year's Eve swim and skate for families
• Grand Traverse Academy integrates Spanish into entire school curriculum

December 29, 2004

Herald photo by Carol South
Last spring, Pat Bowen celebrated her 50th birthday in part by committing to enter a bodybuilding contest. All year, Bowen has been working out five times a week at dawn to build the proper muscle and sculpt a winning shape for the April 2 contest. Last week, coach Vern Gauthier, co-owner of Fit For You, helped her prepare for the contest's 90-second posing routine.

• Central High School secretary pumps up for competition
• Christmas tradition: Bayview Wesleyan Church stages live nativity
• Drum workshop beats winter blahs
• TCAPS music makers score concert
• Project true life saver for families

December 22, 2004

Herald photo by Carol South
Members of the Western Michigan Chapter 23 of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge held a memorial ceremony on Thursday afternoon at the VFW Post 2780. The event included a wreath-laying ceremony at a marker honoring these veterans as well as a program on the battle. Joe Lada, a member of the post's color guard, stands ready for the 21-gun salute.

• Students learn valuable lesson at Battle of the Bulge Memorial
• Peltola receives Zonta award
• Holiday presents surprise students
• Volunteers offer care for animals at humane society
• Seven Muslim high school students spend year in GT region
• Greenspire School, a Montessori junior high, takes root at G.T. Commons

December 15, 2004

Herald photo by Lisa Perkins
John Schirmer of Fairfield, Iowa uses traditional woodcarving tools to transform a block of northern Michigan white pine into a fictional character in John Teichman�s story of Elferdinck, an old wood carver who lived in the Grand Traverse Bay area in the late 1880s. Teichman, who commissioned Schirmer to carve the characters at The Candle Factory in Traverse City in 1984, has invited him back each year to spend five days working on the carvings of the characters that were inspired by a toy puppet he received as a child.

• Carving holiday tradition
• Church honors retiring leader
• Book brings local legends to life
• Church praise teams record and release CD 'Holy Night'
• Space suits local teacher
• STEP program seeks Christmas cheer

December 8, 2004

Herald photo by Garret Leiva
Kip and Don Watkins, master bike builders with Tribal Motorworks, stand behind an example of their custom work with Career Tech students Nathan Goldsmith, Alex Egan and Christine Giraud Thursday evening at the kickoff event for the Schoolyard Motorworks project.

• Career Tech students roll out Schoolyard Motorworks
• Students stage heavenly play at St. Francis
• Love Light Trees ease grief
• 500 people attend open house for refurbished Opera House
• Trio hits right note with Young Americans

December 1, 2004

Herald photo by Carol South
Kayla Ginop, a student at Northwestern Michigan College, is part of the House of Bats in the Traverse City Children's Theatre production of "El Popol Vu."

• Traverse City Children's Theater performs "El Popol Vu"
• Art work finds home in TC's 'Central Park'
• Group aids Parkinson's disease sufferers
• NMCC Treble Choir members sing together on stage for first time
• Central High French teacher part of Fulbright exchange program

November 24, 2004

Herald photo by Carol South
Step-by-step, Brian Smith led students at a weapons Kuntaw martial arts weapons seminar through the moves using the form's characteristic 28-inch bamboo sticks. Here, Smith works with Lynn Merridwyn of Elk Rapids Saturday morning at Northern Martial Arts Academy.

• Martial arts students learn stick moves
• Class thankful for food project
• Beth El honors historic roots
• Army fields Olympic athletes
• G.T. Heritage Center director examines dueling history

November 17, 2004