Pigeon River Discovery Center Hosts a Presentation AboutPresident Carter’s 1986 Grouse Hunting Trip to Northern Michigan with retired PRC Unit Manager Ned Caveney
Thursday, August 14 – 7-9 pm – Pigeon River Discovery Center, Vanderbilt
As part of its 2025 Community Event Series, the Pigeon River Discovery Center is proud to welcome retired PRC Unit Manager Ned Caveny, who will share his story about the autumn 1986 grouse hunting trip with Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. The free presentation will take place from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, at the Pigeon River Discovery Center, 9984 Twin Lakes Rd, Vanderbilt.
Caveney began working for the Michigan DNR in 1966 and was hired in 1974 as the first area forester of the Pigeon River Country State Forest. He had been grouse hunting in the area since his years as a forestry student at Michigan State University. Ned’s extensive knowledge of the local landscape made him the perfect person to lead Carter and fellow hunters, including Michigan-born MSU alumnus Jack Crockford, who was a friend of Ned’s who also worked for the Georgia Game and Fish Commission during Carter’s time as president.
It was a common interest in hunting that brought these men (and a handful of others, including the Secret Service) to the Pigeon River Country in search of the elusive ruffed grouse.
During this visual presentation, attendees will hear first-hand from Ned about the experience and the chain of events that led the President to northern Michigan where he bagged his first grouse.
Experience the Old Mission Peninsula wineries and save with the annual Winter Wine Pass. Explore the rolling hills, bay views, and wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail as they sparkle with a touch of white winter wonder. The $65 Winter Wine Pass (valued at $150+) offers exclusive tastings, discounts and specials at participating Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail wineries.
Black Star Winery. Photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
“The Winter Wine Pass is an amazing way for visitors to explore our wine trail while saving money,” commented Bonnie Hardin, Marketing & Sales Coordinator at Mari Vineyards, a member of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail. “A slower and more intimate time of year, winter offers our guests the chance to explore the trail at their own pace. The Wine Pass is also a unique date opportunity, perfect for Valentine’s Day if you have a wine lover in your life!”
Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery. Photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
The Winter Wine Pass includes one complimentary wine flight, bar tasting, or glass of wine at all 9 participating Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail wineries (available offers vary by location), as well as additional discounts and specials at each winery. Complimentary wine offerings may be redeemed once per winery anytime before the Winter Wine Pass expiration (March 31st, 2025).
Mari Vineyards. Photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
Please note individual winery hours vary during the winter months. Check operating hours at each winery before hitting the trail. Some wineries also require a reservation, please contact each winery for information on reservation requirements. Gratuity is not included in the price of the Winter Wine Pass or booking fees. If you enjoy your experience at each winery, feel free to show your appreciation to your server.
Photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
For additional information on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail visit OMPWineTrail.com.
Top photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
This November, taste your way through Old Mission Peninsula during the annual Mac & Cheese Bake-Off! Spend the day with family and friends touring the rolling hills and stunning views as the OMP Wine Trail Wineries once again partner with local chefs for a favorite wine and food pairing event that’s perfect for cheese lovers on Saturday, November 30th from 10am-5pm.
The Mac & Cheese Bake-off pairs the exquisite wines of Old Mission Peninsula with deliciously unique macaroni and cheese recipes from local chefs partnered with each of the ten OMP Wine Trail wineries. Each dish will be expertly paired with an Old Mission Peninsula wine from the partner winery along with special wine features, discounts, and more. Event goers are in control of the competition—each given the important task to vote for their favorites: best pairing, cheesiest dish, and best overall. Winners will receive their rightful place in history as winners of the 2024 Mac & Cheese Bake-Off.
Arriving on the heels of Thanksgiving, this annual event lets you break the monotony of leftovers to indulge in a classic, cheesy, comfort food. “Our favorite part is the creativity that the chefs show in their interpretations of macaroni and cheese, and how each pairs with the wine,” comments Caitlin Hammond, Director of Operations at Peninsula Cellars. “We love showcasing Traverse City’s great culinary talent and feel so lucky that local families and friends continue to make our wineries a part of their holiday traditions.” Tickets for the 2024 Great Mac & Cheese Bake-Off are now available. This is a sell-out event with a limited number of tickets available.
Tickets include a souvenir glass in addition to food and wine pairings. New this year, attendees can purchase the Noodle Fanatic Package to receive macaroni merchandise along with their ticket! Designated Driver tickets are also available for purchase. (DD ticket holders do not receive a souvenir glass, but tickets do include food and non-alcoholic beverages.)
Participating wineries include 2 Lads, Black Star Farms on Old Mission Peninsula, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, Hawthorne Vineyards, Peninsula Cellars, Mari Vineyards, and Tabone Vineyards.
The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, a collection of ten distinct wineries, is an unparalleled experience on the Old Mission Peninsula of Traverse City, Michigan. Stretching 19 miles into Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, the peninsula is only four miles wide at its broadest point. Old Mission Peninsula’s stunning appellation and proximity to Lake Michigan provide not only an ideal climate for growing varietal wine grapes, but a breathtaking travel destination as well.
For your enjoyment, here’s a winning recipe and wine pairing from the past.
Winner: Best Pairing
Smokehouse Mac Shack Taco Mac & Cheese with Mari Vineyards 2016
Scriptorium Riesling
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef
1/4 cup chopped lettuce
1 chopped tomato
1/2 chopped yellow onion
2 cups of your favorite noodles
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons of flour
Salt & pepper to taste
Taco seasoning
Scallions & sour cream for garnish
Instructions
Add chopped onion to oil in a skillet. Cook until translucent.
Add ground beef and taco seasoning and cook through, and drain of oil and set aside.
Cook noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a new pan, add butter, flour, salt, and pepper to create a roux. Add cheddar cheese. Add heavy cream
until sauce is creamy.
Add noodles to cheese sauce & stir.
On a plate, layer corn chips. Add 1/3 cup of Mac & cheese mixture, and 1/4 cup of ground beef.
17s the focus of community events throughout the summer
WALLOON LAKE, MICH—In celebration of this summer’s 90th anniversary of the 17-square-meter sailboats — which were first made in Walloon Lake in 1934 — the Walloon 17 Foundationare organizing a series of public events, including:
Wednesday, July 17 (starting at 2pm) – a sail around the Village to Michigania; the public can view the activities from Melrose Beach.
Saturday, August 3 (starting at 2pm) – a 17 Regatta during the annual Walloon Woodies at The Foot of Walloon Lake
Saturday, August 17 (starting at 2pm) – a Media Race around The Foot of Walloon Lake.*
The Crooked Tree District Library (Walloon Lake branch) also has an exhibit on the 17s on display throughout the summer.
About the 17s
The first boat, 17 #1, was built on Walloon over the winter of 1933-34 by Bill Loughlin & Henry (Jordan) Cawthra and she again sails on Walloon Lake after a recent renovation. A total of 42 17s have been built over their 90-year history, first in wood and later in fiberglass. These boats still actively race 17s on Walloon Lake, the only fleet in existence, thanks to the Walloon Yacht Club and its members.
The 17 Square Meter is a one-design sailing yacht with a sloop rig and spinnaker with a fixed keel with 850 pounds of cast iron or lead and a 1620-pound sailing displacement. It is 24.9 inches in Length, 5’ 1 ½” in Beam with 17 square meters (183 square feet) of sail area, originally. The Class ensign, a red 17 in a Square indicates the vessels are a Square meter boat versus the 12 Meter Class which has a line under the 12 indicating a linear rule. The 12 Meter class raced for the Americas Cup from 1958-87 and other classes are also designed to the linear International Rule, like the 6 Meter Class. There were other popular Square Meter boats such as the 22 Square Meter.
About the Walloon 17 Foundation
The Walloon 17 Foundation was formed to protect, preserve, and perpetuate the 17 Square Meter Class. This includes the design, the boats, and the history of the 17s. The Foundation sponsors training, races and other events to promote 17s and administers the 17 Class. Members have written several articles on the 17s and in 2017 the Foundation published a coffee table book called Seventeens of Walloon Lake written by Frank Grossi and Bill Bray. The 87-page book includes stunning pictures of the boats in action over the years along with histories of the families who owned the classic sloop sailboats. It is available through the WYC website for $59, with proceeds benefitting the Walloon 17 Foundation.
The Foundation invites sailors and Wallooners who appreciate 17s to contribute their knowledge and stories as the group continues finding new techniques to share the history and legacy.
