• At Mills House Forum, Dems Agitate for Snyder Recall over Emergency Manager Bill

    By Susan Koenig BENZONIA – On Wednesday, May 18, the Benzie County Democrats sponsored a community forum on state budget proposals and Public Act 4 (known as the Emergency Financial Manager Bill; see “Show Us the Money,” Elberta Alert, April 29) at the Mills Community House in Benzonia. Presenters were former State Representative Mary Valentine and her legislative assistant, Anne Pawli. Ms. Valentine presented an outline of Michigan’s state governmental and economic history over the past 30 years, including a detailed explanation of Public Act 4, and Ms. Pawli explained how to use various internet sites to stay informed. About… More

  • Chaotic Harmony: Dancing Gwen Frostic’s Legacy

    IN 1978, GOVERNOR Milliken proclaimed May 23 Gwen Frostic Day, and in 1986, Benzie County’s own artist-naturalist was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. A dancer, choreographer, and founder of the Northwest Michigan Folklife Center, Gretchen Eichberger considers Gwen Frostic an icon of northern Michigan culture. In collaboration with the writer Anne-Marie Oomen, who adapted the script from Frostic’s writings, and Breathe Owl Breathe, who created the score, Eichberger and a team of dancers will bring Frostic’s work to life in a new way this summer. The Alert spoke with Eichberger about the production, and talked to Elbertians… More

  • A Tribute to Those Who Served

    For Memorial Day, the Alert reflects on the sacrifice of Elbertians living and dead who have dedicated themselves to our national security and fought to uphold our freedoms. Below is the only known image of the monument that once stood in Veterans’ Park. Parks and Rec is currently at work on a plan to create a new memorial. If you would like to add a name, donate funds, or help out in any way, please contact Arthur Melendez at 616-446-5340. Art is the author of a beautiful piece on our living vets for the May issue, which will be distributed… More

  • Foghorn: Garlic Mustard Pull Follow-up

    Liz Padalino led an intrepid group of six for a little over an hour’s worth of garlic mustard pulling this morning in the misty rain on Elberta Dunes Park (still in the hands of the Conservancy for a little bit longer). She said it was one of her most successful pulls, even though we didn’t even fill one garbage bag. Looks like the Conservancy has been doing a very good job of eradicating the mustard in the Dunes Park, leaving just a few small patches here and there of mature plants, the ones with those nasty white four-petaled flowers. “Even… More

  • Garlic Mustard Pull in Elberta Tomorrow!

    Tomorrow, May 28, we will be pulling garlic mustard from South Elberta Dunes. This conservancy property is soon to be transferred to the village of Elberta, along with the task of pulling garlic mustard. The conservancy has been pulling garlic mustard at this site for several years now, and the garlic mustard is sparse and patchy. There are flowering plants scattered along deer trails on the backside of the dune. With your help, the pull should not take very long at all. [And garlic mustard is supereasy to pull. And you can eat it. And Liz is superfun to hang… More

  • Benzie County Transition Town Study Group Film Series

    Tonight at the Darcy Library, Beulah, the Benzie County Transition Town Study Group continues its film series with “No Impact Man,” a documentary about Colin Beavan, who tried to live as sustainably as possible for a year, dragging his family kicking and screaming along with him. 6:30 pm. Discussion to follow. More