Glen Young

Swimming in the Great Lakes is perhaps the ultimate perk for those who spend time Up North, but some precautions are wise to heed. Your mother might have told you to wait an hour after eating before swimming, and while this is no longer standard advice, there are other precautions to take: Enjoy t...
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Let’s hear a cheer for the rain. Not only will the spring rains wash away winter’s accumulation of dirt and debris, but also with some warmer temperatures followed by more sunshine, we will soon see the season’s first morel mushrooms. Whether you are a first-time hunter or a veteran, it’s t...
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Okay, so the jury might still be out on the question of waffles versus pancakes (waffles), but regardless of where you fall on this question, there is no disputing that pure Michigan maple syrup makes all your breakfast treats taste better. With the warming days of spring at hand, the sap is...
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Because my son is a musician who plays largely original music, I’m a big fan of other up and coming bands that do the same.  With no musical talent of my own, I marvel at the innately heartening sound of an original song, appreciating the process of creation. Turns out National Publi...
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Sunshine and warmer weather means biking season is upon us.  Northern Michigan is of course a great place to pedal, with bike trails, off-road routes, and plenty of blue highways stretching north and south, or east and west from lake to lake. Riding can be dangerous, however, particular...
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All around us now, sunshine and rain are greening up our lawns and our woods, making this a great time to appreciate all the natural beauty of the area. Another a perfect way to appreciate all that beauty is to celebrate National Love a Tree day, which comes around May 16,  smack in th...
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My son, the movie buff, and I were discussing the latest movies, which got me thinking about all the films either made in Michigan or with an active Michigan theme. It makes us proud to live here. There is a rich vault of Michigan films, a couple of which are particularly noteworthy. Th...
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There is not necessarily a season for sandwiches, but for several reasons, summer is the best time to grab a sandwich from your favorite deli. You can easily find a comfortable spot outdoors, and enjoy a quick bite in between all of hustle and bustle of our busiest season. Below is a list of the be...
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There may not be a more democratic institution than the public library. There is access for everyone, and titles that run the gamut from fantasy to fan fiction and everything in between. As old as books and reading, libraries are a worldwide institution, recognizable to all. Perhaps an even ...
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While it can be easy to overlook sometimes what is just in front of us, I hope that like me you will mark your calendar for Monday, April 22, as we all get ready again to celebrate Earth Day. Its beginnings traced to 1970, Earth Day is nearing the half-century mark, and there has never been ...
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