Grand Traverse Herald Online: www.gtherald.com

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