Nature preserve offers outdoor fun for kids

By Kalsa Parker Browning, Education DirectorMarguerite Gahagan Nature

ROSCOMMON COUNTYSummer is the time for outdoor adventures, fun in the sun, and playing games with new friends! After a couple-year hiatus, we are happy to be hosting Nature Camp again at the Gahagan Nature Preserve in Roscommon. Nature Camp is for children entering grades 1-6 and is a great opportunity for youth to stay active this summer while learning about the great outdoors. Campers will spend the morning playing games, completing nature-inspired crafts, and exploring the forest at Gahagan.

Nature Camp is held July 25-27 from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. Cost for Nature Camp is $60, additional siblings can be registered for $40 (must be members of the same household). A morning snack will be provided. Register before July 14 at www. gahagannature.org/calendar or by contacting the preserve at info@ gahagannature.org or 989-275-3217.

Not a youth but still looking for fun? Gahagan is hosting summer events for all ages too! Check out our website for upcoming events. From pond studies to astronomy nights, we’ve got many new events going on. Please come out and support your preserve, we hope to see you there!

AuSable River Canoe Marathon just around the corner

GRAYLING- "Anticipation is building among AuSable River Canoe Marathon fans everywhere and that feeling of excitement is almost palpable here in the communities of Northern Michigan's AuSable River Valley," says Phil Weiler, spokesperson for the Consumers Energy 75th AuSable River Canoe Marathon.

One of the toughest, fastest paced, most grueling and competitive professional marathon canoe races anywhere, The Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon - Sat. and Sun, July 29-30 - is the middle leg of the prestigious Triple Crown of Canoe Racing. The iconic, ultra endurance event is widely recognized as "One of the Greatest Races on Earth!" and “The World's Toughest Spectator Sports". Tens of thousands of devoted fans follow the race in person or online every year, but according to Weiler, “this one is extra special.”

“Because this is the 75th running of the event, the buzz is already building, and it will continue to do so over the coming weeks. Paddlers from throughout North America and beyond will soon begin arriving in Northern Michigan with their stealthy, sleek carbon fiber racing

▪ See CANOE MARATHON on page 31

Crawford County Library

July announcements

CRAWFORD COUNTY – The board meeting for July is Thurs., July 13 at 8:30 a.m. Please note, the library will be closed on Tues. July 4.

July’s Book Club selection will be “The Comanche Kid” by James Robert Daniels. This book is available on our e-readers. Ask clerks at circulation desk for more details. The meeting will take place on Wed., July 26 at 1 p.m. If you have any questions, call 989-348-9214.

Radiant Child Yoga will take place on Tues., July 11 at 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a relaxing yoga session which includes music, stretching, stories, movement, and meditation. This is great for all ages!

D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) sessions are now held on Mondays at 1 p.m. Visit the Facebook page for more information. Space is limited, you can sign up at the Devereaux Memorial Library.

Tuesdays at 11 a.m., the Devereaux Memorial Library has partnered with 4H to bring a variety of fun, engaging, and educational activities to the community for our younger patrons to participate in.

Thurs., July 6 at 2 p.m. they will be hosting an author signing for

Keith Gabes.

Every Thurs. at 3 p.m. we will have Flowers with Nancy, fun for all ages.

Check out some of our long-time running programs; Genealogy every Mon. from 9 a.m. to noon, Let’s Get Fit every Tues., and Thurs. at 1 p.m., Coffee Klatch every Tues., at 11 a.m., and Sit-N-Knit every Thurs. at 10 a.m.

Bring your littles to our story time! Every Wed. at 11 a.m., come enjoy stories, themed crafts, and snacks. They also have story time with Sue Mondays in Frederic at 11 a.m.

Need help with a device? Let one of the tech advisors help you one-on-one with your laptop, e-reader, or phone. Call 989-3489214 to make an appointment. Requests for 3D printing now available.

Utilizing the conference rooms? Stop at the desk and check-in using our sign-in notebooks! You can also find a link to our Meeting Room Request Form on our website if you need a quiet place to study or a private room to hold a meeting.

See answer on page 31

NEW HIGGINS BUSINESS -

The Higgins Lake community has a new market. With its own brand of coffee. 200 Market Café is owned by Al and Jane Spencer, the market is located at 1857 West Higgins Lake Drive, next door to Country Corners. It features home-made pastries, smoothies, essential staples such as milk, bread and eggs, syrups, and honey, as well as shirts, hats, and other Higgins Lake merchandise. However, the market specializes in coffee. Whether you call it Mocha. Cup a Joe, mud, or liquid of the gods, just call it good. A staple of the market is their own blend from the Higgins Lake Coffee Company.

The café also has outside seating, as well as a high-top coffee bar. Wi-Fi is available and there are charging stations for electronic devices such cell phones and laptops. The café is open Tuesday-Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday