Michigan
Great Michigan Read authors coming to East Lansing next week – City Pulse
Seven prestigious writers, including a National Book Award winner, will gather in East Lansing next week for an author reunion of the Great Michigan Read program, which has annually picked a book for the whole state to read starting with Ernest Hemingway’s “The Nick Adams Stories” in 2007.
I will moderate the Michigan Humanities event at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts’ Pasant Theatre at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24. It’s free but requires registration. (See box.)
The authors and their books are Bich Minh Nguyen (“Stealing Buddha’s Dinner: A Memoir”); Kevin Boyle (“Arc of Justice,” which won the 2004 National Book Award for nonfiction); Steve Luxenberg (“Annie’s Ghosts: A Journey into a Family Secret”); Mary Doria Russell (“The Women of the Copper Country”); co-author Kekla Magoon (“X: A Novel”); Mona Hanna (“What the Eyes Don’t See”); and Angeline Boulley (“Firekeeper’s Daughter”).
Each of them brings a different orientation to their award-winning books, from a doctor, a journalist, a young adult author, a Vietnam War boat person, a history professor, an indigenous Sault Tribe member and an historical fiction writer.
Six of their books are based on real-life stories. The exception is Boulley’s thriller mystery, which draws from her personal experiences of reservation living as a member of the Sault Tribe of Sault Ste. Marie.
Nguyen tells the intimate story of an immigrant family from Vietnam that escapes the ravages of war and grows up in the Grand Rapids area.
Russell, a noted sci-fi and historical fiction author, writes passionately about “Big Annie” Klobuchar Clemenc, who at 25 led the 1913 copper strike in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
In another memoir, Luxenberg tells the emotional story of another immigrant family, this time in Detroit. His account reveals a deeply held family secret of mental illness and special needs.
In an unusual departure, Magoon, who partnered with Ilyasah Shabazz, Malcom X’s daughter, gives a creative nonfiction interpretation of X’s life as he comes of age in Lansing, Harlem and Boston.
In her startling debut novel, Boulley creates a complex teenage protagonist who gets caught up in a murder that takes place against the backdrop of Indigenous life in the heart of Michigan’s Indian country.
Two writers, Boyle and Hanna, delve into true-life tales that read like fictional thrillers.
Boyle drops back in history to mid-1920s Detroit and retells the dramatic story of Ossian Sweet, a physician who was tried with 10 other African Americans for the murder of a white man who had joined a mob protesting Sweet’s crossing the color line to live in an all-white neighborhood. The story is told against the backdrop of the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan, the Great Migration and a family’s desire to join the American dream of home ownership. Boyle’s deft skills are at work here, and the outcome of the trial is never a given as it comes to a dramatic denouement led by defense lawyer Clarence Darrow.
Hanna’s contemporary memoir is a day-by-day retelling of the Flint Water Crisis and the lead poisoning of the children of Flint in 2019. Hannah, a young pediatrician, became a crusader in bringing the nation’s attention to this horrific contemporary disaster, all the while standing up to the medical political establishment.
The next Great Michigan Read book will be announced at the program’s end. Michigan Humanities is a statewide organization headquartered in Okemos that is partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. It is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
“I have been impressed how timeless these books are and how people relate to the books on a personal level,” Jennifer Rupp, Michigan Humanities’ president and CEO, said. “Since the launch of Great Michigan Read, more than 300,000 people have read or listened to the books on audio.”
For each book, Michigan Humanities prepares a reader’s guide to help lead to “deeper conversations,” Rupp said.
Regional committees propose and review books leading to the selection. The books then become the focal point for book club discussion groups, with author appearances across the state.
“It’s been amazing to see standing room only at author events,” Rupp said.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Hello, is it an awesome event you’re looking for? Well, you can see some great options not in a pair of eyes or a smile, but in this weekend planner.
Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of May 15:
Acrisure Amphitheater Grand Opening
It’s been a long time coming, but finally, the Acrisure Amphitheater is set to welcome in its first guests with not one, but two shows this weekend.
It kicks off Friday with a grand opening performance by Lionel Richie. And then on Saturday, catch several local artists as part of the Community Celebration.
Click here to grab tickets while you still can.
Heritage Hill Tour of Homes
Saturday marks the start of the 58th annual Heritage Hill Tour of Homes, where guests can explore some of the historic homes in the historic neighborhood.
One of those homes includes the Voigt House, which was built in 1895 and has not been open to the public in 17 years.
For more information, click here.
Puppies on the Patio at Harmony Brewing
What’s better than a cold one after a stressful week? How about sharing a cold one with your best friend?
You and your dog can enjoy a frosty beverage this Saturday at Harmony Brewing Company with a Puppy Pool Party. There will be kiddie pools, activities for dogs and humans and plenty of aforementioned beer.
Click here to learn more.
WestFest
Spring is in the air and you can tell not by the pollen closing in on us, but by the fact that WestFest is happening for another year.
For more than three decades now, the carnival has served as a way for those living on the West Side of Grand Rapids to come together and celebrate the changing of the season. The funds raised by the event will also go towards servicing families of Sacred Heart Parish & Academy.
Details can be found here.
Creston Neighborhood Pancake Breakfast
On Saturday, the Creston Neighborhood in Grand Rapids is inviting the community to partake in its free pancake breakfast and resource fair.
The event will provide plenty of resources from local organizations, a chance for folks to meet their neighbors and also enjoy some delicious pancakes for free.
More information can be found here.
Butterfly Release in Paw Paw
A special memorial butterfly release will be held Saturday in the village of Paw Paw to help those deal with their grief and loss.
Attendees are asked to arrive before 10 a.m. That is when the memorial service will begin, followed by the butterfly release.
For details, click here.
The Kite Festival at Grand Haven
One of the most visually stunning events returns to Grand Haven State Park Saturday and Sunday with the Kite Festival.
It’s your chance to check out dozens upon dozens of kites soaring through the sky. The best part is that it’s completely free to attend.
You can get more information by clicking here.
Kalamazoo Toy Show
On Saturday, head on out to the Kalamazoo County Expo Center for this year’s Kalamazoo Toy Show.
Kids 12 and under get in free to check out some incredibly preserved antique toys like cap guns, action figures, Pez dispensers and more.
Details can be found by clicking here.
Prom with a Purpose
The signature event of the Momentum Center in Grand Haven is Prom with a Purpose and it’s back this weekend.
The event gives folks a chance at reliving the glory days with a night of dancing, eating and fun. The event helps raise funds for the Momentum Center’s initiatives.
Click here to learn more.
Michigan
Michigan DNR confirms black bear roaming Downriver communities in furthest southeast sighting ever
FLAT ROCK, Mich. (WXYZ) — A black bear has been confirmed roaming the Carleton, Rockwood, and Flat Rock area — the furthest southeast the Michigan DNR has ever recorded a bear sighting in the state.
Watch Jeffrey Lindblom’s video report:
Two black bear sightings confirmed in southern counties
Residents near Woodruff Road first spotted the animal on a trail camera, with many initially mistaking it for a large cat. The Michigan DNR has since confirmed two black bear sightings in the area since Sunday, along with tracks to match.
Dale Hicks, a Rockwood resident, was among the first to spot the animal.
“I looked, and I said there’s a big cat by the double gate,” Hicks said.
WXYZ-TV
Neighbor Carolann Foerch said she was surprised to learn the animal had passed through her property.
“It was here and apparently walking through our back yard. He says, there’s a bear out there!” Foerch said.
WXYZ-TV
Foerch, who is originally from northern Michigan, said she welcomed the unusual visitor.
“I love the bear, you betcha,” Foerch said.
Fellow resident Corry Stanley summed up the reaction many neighbors shared.
“Guess it was a real bear,” Stanley said.
WXYZ-TV
Jan Saintamour, another Rockwood resident, called the sighting “kind of cool. Kind of odd.”
WXYZ-TV
What the DNR says
Cody Norton, a bear specialist with the Michigan DNR, said the sighting is unprecedented for the region.
“This is the furthest southeast we’ve seen,” Norton said.
WXYZ-TV
Norton described southeastern Michigan as far more developed than other parts of the state, making the bear’s appearance in the area without any reported sightings along its path especially unusual.
The DNR reports approximately 12,000 bears living across Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Norton said the lower peninsula bear population has grown significantly in recent years.
“Our bear population in the lower peninsula has grown about 60-percent,” Norton said.
As bear numbers have risen, the animals have begun moving into areas further west and south. Norton said younger male bears in particular tend to wander in search of territory not already claimed by dominant males.
“They are able to survive and make a living in habitats we previously thought wouldn’t be suitable for bears,” Norton said.
Norton said bears would have historically inhabited this area before development pushed them out, and that as populations continue to grow, sightings in unexpected places like southeastern Michigan are likely to increase.
“Their world revolves around food,” Norton said.
What to do if you see the bear
The DNR says residents do not need to be overly concerned.
“I don’t think anyone should be too worried about this individual bear roaming around in this area,” Norton said.
Norton said there has not been a bear-related human fatality in Michigan since 1930. He added that residents do not need to worry about walking pets or letting animals outside.
However, there are steps residents can take to avoid unintentionally attracting the bear to their property:
- Secure garbage cans
- Manage bird feeders
- Do not leave pet food outside
If you do encounter the bear, the DNR advises against running. Instead, make yourself appear large, make noise, and slowly back away to a safe location.
As of now, the bear does not appear to be bothering anyone or displaying aggressive behavior. The DNR says it will continue to leave the bear alone unless it begins acting aggressively or causing property damage.
Hicks, for his part, said he plans to keep an eye out.
“I’m going to look at it and take pictures of it,” Hicks said.
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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
NOVI — Surprise! Sakura Novi is getting yet another Michigan premiere store with the opening of TESO Life at 42688 Grand River Avenue on May 15.
The 12,000 square-foot store offers thousands of Asian-themed beauty products, collectibles, snacks, beverages and more.
“Hopefully people will like us,” said store manager Jackal Saw. “I’m excited about the whole new culture here and I see a lot of excited customers. I have faith in Michigan.”TESO Life was founded in 2017 and while the company offers mainly Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Taiwanese products that cater to a “global consumer,” it is U.S. based, with headquarters in New York City and stores sprouting up across the east and west coasts, as well as in Texas, Florida and Chicago.Novi is the 27th location for TESO Life, which has a loyal following among Asian populations, but which has fun finds for anyone with an interest in Asian culture, food and fun collectibles.
Among the most popular items are “blind boxes,” in which there are mystery collector items that Saw describes as similar to Popmart, but with different brands, including Care Bears, Lucky Emma, Maltese, Smiski and more.A wide variety of do-it-yourself kits from Rolife line shelves, offering creative challenges.
Snack aisles abound with sweet treats, including freezers full of ice cream specialties seen on TikTok and plenty of refrigerated beverages.
TESO Life in Novi has about 30 employees waiting to greet you and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
On opening weekend from May 15-17, spend any amount and get a free pin. Guests spending $50 or more will also get a free snack and those spending more than $100 will receive a free gift bag.
Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com
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