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Festival On The Bay Is August 14-16

Looking for a great weekend filled with free music, great food, family entertainment and beautiful scenery? Look no further than Festival on the Bay, August 14 through 16 on the beautiful Little Traverse Bay in downtown Petoskey. A wide variety of food and beverages, family activities including a children’s game area, airboat and canoe rides, and much more.  Eleven bands perform noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Friday night music features include Jelly Roll Blues Band, the Petoskey Steel Drum Band and Blue Moon Blues Band. Saturday entertainment includes Charlie’s Root Fusion. See the whole music and festival schedule at www.petoskeyfestival.com.

And if you'd like to volunteer, the Festival still needs people at most venues. It's a fun way to meet new friends and be part of a great time! For more info, click here.

It's Time To Kick Off Summer Fun

There are some great fun events coming up and we wanted to Share It with you. Winter's over, everything is green... so get out and enjoy!

Spring Open House in downtown Petoskey, Friday, June 5, from 6-9 p.m. This year’s Open House promises to be the best one yet, with new and exciting events happening throughout the downtown district, drawing even more attendees than ever before. As always, everyone is invited to come downtown, where the streets will be closed, a variety of entertainment will be available, retailers will be open to share summer wares and host visitors in their stores, and sidewalk dining options will be available at many of our Downtown restaurants. The mini-farmers market will feature nine farms.

The buskers (street performers) will be back again to entertain throughout Downtown. Look for juggler Tommy Tropic, Jania the Magic Lady, Twister Joe, northern Michigan’s favorite balloon twister, the Steel Drum Band trio, hula hoop artists and more. New this year will be a stage in the Park and musicians set up to lead the community in song. Song books will be provided. Open sing-a-longs and buskers will be performing from 6-8 p.m. At 8:15 p.m. in Pennsylvania Park, there will be an open jam for musicians. Bring your guitar, banjo, violin, clarinet – any instrument – and join in the jam in the park. This is a really fun event and great for the whole family.

Trillium Salon in downtown Petoskey invites you to come get pampered at its fundraiser on Fri. June 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Whether we cut your hair, do your nails, remove unwanted hair or give you a message, all salon service proceeds from June 5 will be donated to Beautiful Survivor. The proceeds will be used to purchase wigs and scarves and other tools for cancer patients. Beautiful Survivors is a newly-formed nonprofit organization to help cancer survivors through a difficult time with compassion and understanding. Call Trillium to make your appointment and be a part of the very first fundraiser, 439-0051.

Maestro Matthew Hazelwood will lead the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra and Chorus in concert performances of Haydn’s Missa in Angustiis “Lord Nelson Mass” on May 30, 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs and on May 31, 4:00 p.m. at the Cross in the Woods, Indian River. Tickets may be purchased on line at Treatickets.com, at the orchestra office, 438 E. Lake Street, or by calling 231-487-0010. Tickets are also available in Petoskey at the Crooked Tree Art Center, McLean and Eakin Booksellers, Horizon Books, and bookstores in Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, and local Chambers of Commerce. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students. A fee is added for the convenience of on-line purchase.

Don’t miss the second free community seminar “Building Stronger Moms” on Thurs., June 4 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Community Health Education Center. Building Stronger Moms will focus on the importance of exercise to help adapt to the demands of motherhood. Exercising after pregnancy can benefit a mother in many ways. Regular exercise, with the approval of your physician, can often help to minimize the physical discomforts of pregnancy and help with the recovery after the baby is born. For more call Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center, 231-347-9300.

Support The Manna Food Project and Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra by attending their "Christmas In June" event in Charlevoix on Saturday, June 6.  On display at this private home will be an amazing display of Dept. 56 Snow Villages unlike any other display available for public viewing.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-10.  For additional information and for tickets, please call 231-347-8852 or visit www.mannafoodproject.org.  Also be sure to save the date for the September 21 Golf Fore Manna golf outing at Hidden River Golf and Casting Club!

Here is your chance to see Dr. Wayne W. Dyer's movie, AMBITION TO MEANING Finding Your Life's Purpose, at Crooked Tree Arts Center, and help support Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity. Brought to you by The Spa at The Inn at Bay Harbor, Crooked Tree Arts Center, and CMU Public Broadcasting. The movie is Wed., June 24, 2009 with Hors d'oeuvres at 7:00 p.m. and movie at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. All proceeds to benefit the Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity.  To order tickets please contact the Crooked Tree Box Office at 231-347-4337 or online at crookedtree.org. View the movie trailer at www.ambitiontomeaning.com.

The Blissfest Music Organization has announced the performers for the 29th annual Blissfest Music Festival to be held July 10, 11, and 12 at the Blissfest Festival Farm north of Harbor Springs, off of State Road This year's celebration will feature Blues, Cajun, Celtic, Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz, Latin, African, Jam band and World music and dance. Over 40 local, regional, national and international artists will entertain on 3 stages and 4 workshop areas during the weekend event.  For additional information and for tickets, please visit www.blissfest.org.

Around The Town... Events You Won't Want to Miss

With summer just around the corner, there seems to be an event every week you will want to attend. Here is a list of a few that are coming up soon.

Petoskey Health and Wellness Event. May 20, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Odawa Casino Resort. Free admission to interactive health and wellness event with more than 20 vendors exhibiting. Free health screenings throughout the day. The American Red Cross is giving CPR demonstrations and Disaster Preparedness kits. Dr. Thomas DeKorte, DPM, is providing free diabetic foot screenings. Northern Michigan Regional Hospital will offer a free balance test, pre-diabetes testing and education. VitalCare will provide free blood pressure and blood glucose testing, as well as free testing of foot pressure points. Perry Farm Village will offer a Wii experience and "Drums Alive!" program. See the newest in comfort shoes, walk-in tubs, power scooters, and lift chairs. Sign up to win door prizes, including a flat-screen color TV. For more information, call Kari at 888-626-2031, ext. 2160.

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society is holding their Grateful Dog Walk and Adopt-A-Thon on Sat., May 30 at Pennsylvania Park in Downtown Petoskey. The Grateful Dog Walk starts at 10 a.m. It is a sponsored walk through historic downtown Petoskey and along the Bear River. Walk your own dog or walk a shelter dog! Ask your friends and family to sponsor you and your dog and raise crucial funds for the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society. The Adopt-A-Thon begins at noon in Pennsylvania Park. Come see all the great dogs that are available for adoption from both the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society and the Charlevoix Humane Society. Contact Ann Marie Tingleff at (231) 347-2396 for information on participating.

Tickets are now on sale for the 4th Annual Wine Festival in Harbor Springs, on Friday June 26. Buy tickets in advance and save on your admission price. Tickets can be purchased in person at Symon’s General Store, Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce and Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are also available online at www.scenicmichigan.org.The 4th Annual Waterfront Wine Festival will be held Friday, June 26, 2009 from 5:00-8:00pm on the waterfront in downtown Harbor Springs.  Enjoy tastings by local purveyors, music and a fabulous raffle event.  Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the event.

Some Great Things Happening We Thought You'd Like To Know!

There are a number of great things going on around the area that we thought you might be interested in knowing about. Living Up North has so many opportunities... how do you choose?

Scavenger Hunt For The Kids
All ages are welcome to join this Scavenger Hunt at the  Boardman River Nature Center on April 4th from 1pm-2pm.  Test your nature detective skills as you and your team are challenged to a nature scavenger hunt! Explore the Natural Ed Reserve and learn about stewardship of the area in the process.  Call 231-941-0960 for more details.

It's Maple Syrup Time
You are invited to the Third Annual Open House at Parsons’ Centennial Farm to enjoy their Harwood Heritage Gold Maple Syrup and to see the newly renovated maple syrup facility. The open house is Sunday, April 5 from 1-4 p.m. Enjoy Maple treats and learn why it’s not just for breakfast anymore. Located at 61 Parsons Road in Charlevoix – map and directions are here (www.harwoodgold.com).

Don’t forget Pie for the Cure Program – with proceeds to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. And visit any Grand Traverse Pie Company through May 10 and purchase any 9-inch whole pie to help the cause! GT Pie Company will donate 50 cents for each pie purchased during this time. So, stop in to make your hearts and bellies happy!

Horse Lovers... Here's A Great Way To Volunteer
The Exceptional Riders Program is in need of volunteers for our spring session. They are a nonprofit organization that offers therapeutic horseback riding to disabled of all ages. They need helpers to assist students, lead horses, and help in the barn and classroom areas. Volunteers do not need previous horse experience just a possitive attitude.         

The volunteer orientation is at the Bay Harbor Equestrian Club in Petoskey on April 15 at 6:30pm-8:00pm. The program will run every Wednesday starting April 22, and ending June 3. If you are interested in joining us for this session please contact Gayle at Ggennett@aol.com or 231-547-5598.

Learn CPR and Save A Life
The American Red Cross is offering a number of classes during April. Classes include: Community CPR and First Aid Skills starting Sat. April 4, CPR Skills for Adults, Children and Infants on Tue. April 21 and First Aid skills on Wed. April 22. More classes are available. To learn more call 348-7666.

Wine For A Cause
Women are invited to raise your glass for a good cause. There will be a wine tasting to benefit YMCA of Northern Michigan on April 17 from 6:30 - 9 p.m. at Fletch’s of Petoskey. There will be an assortment of appetizers to enjoy, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes donated by local businesses. A portion of proceeds will go to YMCA of Northern Michigan. Donations are always appreciated. Also a great way to learn about Fletch’s Priced Right. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Free Health Services For Women
Planned Parenthood has teamed up with Hestia Women’s Giving Circle to offer assistance to women in Emmet and Charlevoix Counties. From now until May 31, women in need of reproductive health services can contact Planned Parenthood in Petoskey to request a free initial consultation, courtesy of Hestia. In addition, women of all ages may be eligible to receive a variety of services for up to one year at no cost, including: annual exam, birth control supplies and cancer screening. Call 347-9692 for details.

No Child Left Inside
The Little Traverse Conservancy invites everyone to a Community Breakfast on May 1, 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Tribal Government Center. The guest speaker will be Bill Rose, CEO and President of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Join them to learn about “nature deficit disorder,” the national No Child Left Inside movement, and how to get involved in Getting Kids Outdoors: Emmet County. “Help us build the energy and collaborations that will benefit our community!” Please RSVP by Friday, April 17 by calling (231) 439-8996.

Spring Means Gardening!
Watershed Council Hosts Native Plant Sale.Native plants also play an important role in preserving water quality and water conservation. Native plants require little or no irrigation. Plants are offered for sale in groups or kits. There are six kits to choose from; each kit is a collection of five different species with the same site requirements. Kits include 12 to 32 plants each and are priced at $60 or $80 per kit. Please call 347-1181 to request a Native Plant Sale brochure or visit www.watershedcouncil.org for color photos and descriptions of the available plants and order forms. ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY APRIL 15.

Kids and Grief
Friends at the Carnegie & Petoskey Public Library present Jan Morley and her program on “What Should We Tell the Children When Someone is Seriously Ill?” on Monday, April 27, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Building at 451 E. Mitchell St., in Petoskey.  Admission is free. This program will discuss what to say and how to say it when someone in your family is seriously ill and may die.  It will include handouts and discussion about “Including children at the Bedside: Activity Ideas for Children When Someone is Seriously Ill”, “Should Children Attend a Funeral or Memorial Service?” and “Including Children in Family Rituals and Traditions.”  She will also talk abut how to help grieving children, and there will be a short video: “WHAT ABOUT ME? Kids and Grief.”

Looking For A Summer Job?
Mark you calendar for upcoming job fairs at Boyne. All events are held from 3-6 p.m.
Thursday, April 30 at Boyne Mountain held at Civic Center-Lower Level. Friday, May 1 for The Inn at Bay Harbor, Bay Harbor and Crooked Tree Golf Club to be held at The Inn at Bay Harbor-Lower Level. And the final job fair will be at Boyne Highlands at Heather Highlands Inn-Champions Room on Saturday, May 2.

 

Art, Music and Laughs

We are so fortunate to live in an area with some great artistic talents. I always have believed that beauty  attracts beauty so those who are creative find living in Northern Michigan to be such an inspiration. If you'd like to enjoy some of that talent, I put together a list of some things going on that you might enjoy!

Diane... your blogstress

InsideOut Gallery
Warehouse District, TC
March 13: Garnet Rogers -- acoustic folk
March 21: Dick Siegel and the Brandos
March 26: Lynn Miles -- Canadian folk

Milliken Auditorium
Dennos Museum Center/TC
March 6: Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience -- Creole Zydeco fussion.
March 13: Street Drum Corps -- percussion sounds from L.A.
March 21: Sophie Milman -- sultry jazz ingenue.

Corson Auditorium
Interlochen Arts Center
March 12: “Gilligan’s Island: The Musical,” a comedy featuring 18 songs.

Old Town Playhouse/TC
March 6-23: “The Producers.” Two Broadway producers scheme to stage a flop, only to find that their show, “Springtime for Hitler” is a smash hit.

In Petoskey, Little Traverse Civic Theatre’s winter production, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), is an uproarious comedy in which three actors parody all of Shakespeare’s plays in two acts, beginning with “Romeo and Juliet” and ending with “Hamlet”. The Today Show says, “If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll LOVE this show!” Show times are March 5 – 8 and 12 – 15. Curtain times are 2:00 p.m. for the March 8 and 15 Sun. matinees, and 8:00 p.m. for all other performances, which take place at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in downtown Petoskey. Tickets for the Thursday, March 5 performance and the two matinees are $10 for everyone. At all other performances the tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Please note:The content of the show tends toward adult humor so it should be regarded as PG-13 ranging toward R. Children will be admitted with parental permission. Reservations can currently be made by calling 231-348-1850.

And for a mix of great wine and art... don't miss Swirl at the Crooked Tree Art Center in Petoskey.
The Swirl at Crooked Tree Arts Center
March 12, 2009
Time: From 6:00 p.m. To 7:30 p.m.
Meet new people, educate your palate and drive away the winter doldrums: The Swirl mixes wine, art and energy at Petoskey's Crooked Tree Arts Center. Esperance of Charlevoix will present a wine tasting with creative hors d'oeuvres while community members mingle in the galleries, sway to music or enjoy "live art" demonstrations. Each month will embrace a different theme and bring flavors and sounds from around the world.

March: Old World/New World: Power vs. Finesse

Wine begins at 6:00 p.m. Food begins at 6:30 p.m.

$10/person in advance, $12.50/person the day of Swirl
Call 347-4337 for tickets.

Great Week For A Girls Night Out

If you're thinking about a night out with the girls, this is a great week to celebrate. It's Fat Tuesday so grab your beads and enjoy!

Wine & Cheese tasting on Tue. Feb. 24 at Symons General Store & Wine Cellar from 6-8 p.m. You can learn about fine wine & artisanal cheese for only $15. Event held in the wine cellar.

Italian Cooking Class on Tue., Feb. 24 at Galley Gourmet. Take a Trip To The Italian Countryside With Tuscan Bread Salad, Baked Semolina Gnocchi, Veal Scallopine and Asparagus with Fontina Cheese, Ligurian Lemon-Olive Oil Cake. All classes start promptly at 6:00 p.m.  Class fee is $35 and limited to 10 students. Demonstrations approximately 2 1/2 hours. Reservations Required. Printed recipes provided with generous tastings of freshly prepared foods! 439-2665.

Tuesday is the Fat Tuesday Celebration to kick off Lent at Nancy Kelly's Pellston Market. Let the Good Times Roll! Mardis Gras! Fat Tuesday! They have a great party and dinner planned for you on Mardis Gras, Tuesday, February 24, 7:00pm
 Bring your masks and beads and voodoo juju and get ready to dine on Crawfish Pie, Jambalaya with Wild Gulf Shrimp, Chicken and Andouille Sausage, Salad and me-oh-my-oh, the Banana Bread Pudding w/ Banana Rum Sauce!
Join them for a great time!
Dinner is $50/person and call 539-7100 to reserve your seat.

It's also Carnival at both locations of the Red Mesa Grill on Tuesday. Enjoy your maragrita's to the Latin Rythms of Rojo Loco in Traverse City or Dave Cisco in Boyne City.

And where else would you expect a Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Celebration but at Pearls in Elk Rapids. Live music, full menu and beads!

There's a Fustini Tasting Dinner Wednesday night featuring olive oils and vinegars at Hanna in TC. Dinner includes some yummy sounding items like potato and rosemary pizza, sirloin fiorentiana with garlic oil, seared salmon with bok choy and almond citrus olive oil cake with raspberry whipped cream. 946-8207 for reservations.

On March 6-8, it's a girls-only, cross-county ski and snowshoe event takes place at The Garland Resort in Lewiston!

   This is a make-up optional, no panty hose event! Garland packages together the key aspects of a woman's life -- fun, friends, food and dessert delectables -- and throws them into one grand winter party.

   This a time just for the gals to let loose and get giddy, spanning over three fun-filled days, all with Garland Resort luxury at your fingertips.

   Garland Resort offers cross country skiing and snowshoeing on miles of groomed trails; ice skating by the light of a bonfire; melting away stress in our outdoor and indoor Jacuzzis, relaxing with glorious horse-drawn sleigh rides, and indulging yourself with our luxurious spa treatments.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, March 6
Join us for a Wine and Cheese Reception 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday, March 7
Our signature Gourmet Glide, including a contest during the glide!

Sunday, March 8
Begin your day with a Continental breakfast. Then enjoy a fun "girls only" presentation.
Call NOW for reservations call 1-877-442-7526.

Whatever you do, make it all about "YOU.”

Book yourself a soothing massage, mini spa package or a manicure and pedicure. Please call for additional services and pricing.
Lodging prices start at a gal's only price of $69 (plus tax and resort fees) for Garland Gals Weekend participants. Weekend Gal's activities from $59 per person.

Oscar Night Party At The State Theater

February 18, 2009

Friends,

Well, it's not the Kodak Theatre in downtown Hollywood, but I can't think of any place I'd rather be this Sunday evening than at Traverse City's State Theatre to watch this year's Academy Awards with all of you!

I missed last year's first-ever State Theatre Oscar party because I was doing something, but this year I'd like to invite each of you to join me for what we're calling "Mike's Oscar Party at the State." We'll watch the awards ceremony on the giant screen together, and we'll have lots of hors d'oeuvres and refreshments for you. It all starts at 7:30 pm (doors will open around 7:20).

In addition to the live show from Hollywood, I'll share behind-the-scenes Oscar stories with you, take pictures of anyone who'd like one with the actual Oscar we have in the lobby, and let you see what an official Academy Awards ballot looks like. You, too, can vote right up to show time when you'll have one last chance to submit your Oscar ballot and possibly win a full pass to this year's Traverse City Film Festival, a one day pass to TCFF09, or free popcorn at the State Theatre for a year. (You can also stop by any time this week to vote. It costs nothing!)

This Oscar party is a benefit for the Traverse City Film Festival. Tickets for the whole shebang are only $20. You can get your tix online (www.statetheatretc.org), by phone (231-947-3446) or at the State box office.

Our run of the Oscar-nominated, "Milk," is going very strong. Don't miss this compelling movie. We're keeping it one more week.

Thanks -- and see you at the Oscars!

Michael Moore

P.S. A Note from the Friends of the Traverse City Film Festival:

Trattoria Stella is also throwing a big shindig fundraiser for the TCFF one week later, on Sunday, March 1st at 3 pm, and we'd love to have you join us there, too. They will recreate the entire feast from Campbell Scott's 1996 Independent Spirit and Sundance Film Festival award-winning classic foodie film, "Big Night." Enjoy a meal you'll never get anywhere else: risotto tre colore, whole suckling pig, the famed timpano, and more. Clothing from the 1950s is encouraged and prizes will be awarded to those who best represent characters from the movie. If you have the means to afford it ($100), you'll be helping out the festival -- and you'll have the best meal of the year! To order tickets, please call Trattoria Stella at 231-929-8989.

Mackinac Island In The Winter.... Beautiful!

Friends have been telling me how great it is to see and experience Mackinaw Island in the winter.....and so I finally did it.  This past weekend we flew over, my husband Jack, our 17 year old  son and his girlfriend from BayView (summer) and Dallas, TX winter  (yes, it took a house guest to force me to do this local endeavor).    It was so novel.  We boarded the plane in St Ignace and flew over the ice bridge (boy was I glad about that)....and in what seemed like two minutes we were at the Mackinaw Island Airport.  While  a taxi (horse) would have met us, we did our scouting and found that either skiing, snowshoeing, or walking was just fine.  We chose the  latter.  We walked through Harrisonville,  yes, there are neighborhoods on Mackinaw Island and into town.  We had our choice of three restaurants and lots of walking space.  A STEP BACK IN TIME for sure.

 

Snowmobiles are the transportation of choice for the Islanders.  We met the Principal of the 70 schoolroom K-12 School, and the locals actually loved chatting with us fudgies.   We found it to be such a quiet respite from our busy Northern lower lives... a great joy. Left at 11...back at 4 in Petoskey.  An ideal afternoon.

In our ongoing series on things to do to cure your cabin fever attack, we're looking for your story... what are you doing to break the winter blues? Trish MacDonald Garber from Lite 96.3 tells her story of a visit to the island in the winter and how beautiful it was in the snow. Send us your story or event to diane@lite96.com. We want you to Share It with us.

Get Me Out Of The House Before I Go Crazy!

As winter hangs on Up North, we all get a little cabin fever. So... here are some great events coming up for you and the family that will help shake off the winter blues and get you out and about!

If you haven't been to the State Theater in TC yet, now is the perfect time to go. The renovation of the theater is magnificent and they show movies that don't always make it to the regular theater. In the next couple of weeks they are showing The Wrestler and Milk. At 11am on Wednesday's they show classic movies for a quarter and family classics on Saturdays. Tuesday is free popcorn day too! It's a great experience for everyone. For movie times and details, visit their website at www.statetheatertc.org or call them at 231-947-4800.

Become an Italian Gourmet with the Italian Cooking Class on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Galley Gourmet. Take a Trip To The Italian Countryside With Tuscan Bread Salad, Baked Semolina Gnocchi, Veal Scallopine and Asparagus with Fontina Cheese, Ligurian Lemon-Olive Oil Cake. All classes start promptly at 6:00 p.m.  Class fee is $35 and limited to 10 students. Demonstrations approximately 2 1/2 hours. Reservations Required. Printed recipes provided with generous tastings of freshly prepared foods! 439-2665 for reservations.

Nancy Kelly's Pellston Market has a couple of fun events coming up. On Tuesday, February 24th...it's the Fat Tuesday Celebration. Bring your masks and beads and voodoo juju and get ready to dine on Crawfish Pie, Jambalaya with Wild Gulf Shrimp, Chicken and Andouille Sausage, Salad and me-oh-my-oh, the Banana Bread Pudding with Banana Rum Sauce. Dinner is $50 per person.  Nancy is also doing cooking class on March 1st to celebrate the Sicily Foodie Adventure. Cooking class is also $50. You can make reservations for either by calling the Market at 231. 539-7100.

If you'd like to get away for a night and be really romantic, The Garland Resort's Dr. Zhivago Nights are spectacular. You'll stay at the inn, then take a horse drawn sleigh to the romantic Bridge Inn for a a five course gourmet dinner. It is really very story book like and a great way to celebrate an anniversary or birthday. For more info, call the Garland a 1-877-442-7526.

Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents another in the Sunday Series of Chamber Music Recitals at the Charlevoix Congregations Church, Sunday Feb. 22 at 4pm. Songs by the English composers Arnold Cooke and Benjamin Britten, and George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" will be featured on the program. Admission is fee but donations are appreciated.

Another Northern Michigan unique event is Saturday, Feb. 21... the once a year viewing of the Underwater Crucifix on Little Traverse Bay. If you've never done this,  it is an experience like no other. The viewing is from 10am until 9pm. Park at the Petoskey Waterfront Park where you will see the path to walk out for Shrine viewing. Make sure you dress warmly and that you have warm foot gear. This is believed to be the only fresh water shrine in the world dedicated to divers and it is awesome to see. There is no charge but donations are appreciated. Remember, the viewing is held, weather permitting.

The Swirl At Crooked Tree Arts Center is a great way to warm up your palate with wine tastings and food pairings. The next swirl is Thursday, March 12. Esperance of Charlevoix provides the wine and food while you mingle and enjoy the art in the galleries. Wine begins at 6, food at 6:30. Tickets are $10, $12.50 the day of the event. Call 347-4337 for more info.

The Snowshoe Grateful Dog Walk for the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society is Saturday, March 7th at 10am. Meet at the Terrace Inn in Bay View. Snowshoes are optional but fun, and Bearcub Outfitters will have snowshoes for those who want to try them but do not own them. The walk will be approximately 5 miles through Bay View for you and your dog. Everyone who raises $35 or more for the shelter will receive a prize and there will be a grand prize for the person raising the most money for the shelter. Hot chocolate, cookies and treats for your dog await all walkers! Call 347-2396 to register.