December 2006

The Magic of an Urban Natural Area
Artist and graphic designer, Kaye Krapohl, can often be found walking the grounds of the "Commons". Follow her on a magical journey through our very own urban natural area.

The Joy of the Winter Ride

With the start of winter quickly approaching the commute to work becomes more interesting. Join Laura Otwell as she prepares us for our snowy smart commute with suggestions on the route, bike, and clothes needed for your next winter bike ride.

Do You Know Where You Are?
Are you an expert on the geography of the region? Can you identify mapped features and images of the community you live in? Test your knowledge using this series of GeoQuizes created by geographer Dave Frey.

Dump Day
Have you ever gotten excited about a trip to the Dump? After reading this award-winning article, by Michigan Writers Inc. member Mardi Link, we promise you will have a different perspective. Join Mardi on her adventures at the East Bay Township Dump. Do all the browsing you want but don't dump without a permit...

In Search of Traverse City Wilderness...
What did Traverse City look like in 1840? In this award-wining essay, Richard Fidler, explores the wilderness of yester-year, the original land survey, tree species, and the downtown neighborhoods in Traverse City.

Peninsula Township: A Reflection on Sense of Place
What do Preservation, Life, Liberty, the Pursuit of Happiness, and Peninsula Township have in common?  According to Gordon Hayward, the Planner of Peninsula Township, it defines our collective Sense of Place.  As a follow-up to Gordon's November Interview he reflects on his communities character, quality of life and master planning efforts. 

Black Friday: A Reflection on American Consumerism
Did you head out shopping on Black Friday?  If you are like many of the Americans that braved the crowds just to get the "door-busting" prices, this may not be the article for you.  But if you enjoy the slow-paced lifestyle of the small towns in Benzie County, join Cristin Popelier as she reflects on her Black Friday experiences in Beulah, Benzonia, and Frankfort.

An Interview with City Manager Richard Lewis
In this interview with Traverse City Manager, Richard Lewis, Cristin Popelier discusses over coffee his role in maintaining our collective sense of place, his obligation to create and protect our sense of place, his opinion of the role that an individual's sense of place has in planning and developing human communities, and some great places that he recommends visiting.

Northern Michigan Songwriters in the Round
Northern Michigan singer and songwriter, Chris Skellenger, in his catchy song Saints, shares his connection to the dancing smelt dipper and first kissers under a shining Cedar moon.