October 2006

In the Business of Government: Do you ever wonder how it works?
Many of us take our local governments for granted, remembering they are there at tax time or to get a permit of one sort or another.  But have you ever wondered what is really going on at Town Hall? Economist Cristin Popelier explores the responsibilities, structure and financing of local governments using Garfield Township as an example.

Aging in Place

Placement of handles, doors, lights, and stairs can make a home a comfort zone or a nightmare for elderly or wheelchair using residents.  Builder Sally Erickson Bornschein discusses the concept of Universal Design and how it can help all of us.

Our Place in the Arts
Traverse Area District Library Newsletter writer Jody M Clark celebrates the expansion of arts opportunities and involvement in the region, with a special look at TADL's Poet's Night Out program.

Libraries: A Place for the Community

The Traverse Area District Library provides a "dynamic eduction center" for the community.  Planner Heather Seyfarth discusses the process of selecting the site for the library as an example of how planners can affect our quality of life.

Scenic View Sheds: Protecting the Cultural Landscape in Acme Township
The Acme Township Master Plan identifies landscape and scenic views valued by area residents.  Photographer Barbara Overdier offers visual representations of these areas, with an introduction by Cristin Popelier.

Upstream on the Boardman: A Place for Trout
Local writer John Pahl explores the differences between wilderness and wildness using the Boardman River and a Brown Trout as metaphor.

Autumn Calm in Empire

Empire business owner Ashlea J Walter spills the beans on our region's best kept secret: Summer is not the best time to be here.

Is Leelanau's Farmland In Danger?

Leelanau County voters will soon choose to tax themselves for farmland preservation's sake...or not.  Glen Arbor Sun editor Jacob Wheeler takes a look at both sides of the issue.