Author: promotemi

The Turkeyville story began in 1943 in Marshall, Michigan. Grandpa (Wayne) Cornwell was from the city and when he married Grandma (Marjorie), he decided to try his hand at farming. They decided to raise cows, but 1943 was a difficult year – things weren’t going very well and the cows got sick and many died. A neighbor then gave Wayne12 turkeys to try and raise, and he was successful with all of them. In the early 60s, the Cornwell’s joined together with a group from the church and went to the county fair to sell their fresh-made, local turkey sandwiches.

More than 60 West Michigan artist studios, galleries, farms and restaurants – nearly double the number from last year – are participating in the 2nd Annual Arts & Eats weekend, Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21, throughout portions of Allegan, Barry and surrounding counties. The tour is made possible with support from Hastings Mutual Insurance Company.

The weekend of October 6 will be among the most colorful, recreational and flavorful on Beaver Island.

Beginning at 10 am at the historic Print Shop, the Island Boodle 5k Run takes participants through scenic St. James, along the waterfront and back through wooded trails during one of the most beautiful times of year. Benefitting Island Sports Boosters, the event draws serious runners as well as families, many with babies in strollers and four-legged friends.

My first visit to Chelsea was in 2005, when I somehow found myself volunteering for a charity golf event hosted by award-winning actor Jeff Daniels, as a benefit for his Purple Rose Theatre. I mean, really, given the opportunity – wouldn’t you?