FROM STAFF REPORTS
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New state police commander chosen
WILLIAMSBURG — Russell Smith has been named captain and commander of the Michigan State Police 7th District.
Smith replaces Capt. Tim Rod, who retired.
As district commander, Smith oversees 19 counties in northern Lower Michigan, ranging from traffic patrols to criminal investigations to staff and special investigations.
Smith has served in West Branch, Bay City, Flint, Bridgeport, East Tawas, Sault St. Marie and Gaylord; he enlisted with the Michigan State Police in 1978.
Benefit for Women's Cancer Fund
TRAVERSE CITY — The "Lope for Hope" Classic Horse Show and Auction will benefit the Munson Healthcare Women's Cancer Fund.
The Women's Cancer Fund is dedicated to helping women with cancer. It provides financial help for such items as prosthetics and wigs, transportation, child care, groceries and utility expenses.
The event will be held Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds on Blair Townhall Road, off M-37. It will include English and western-style competition for all ages, a lunchtime riding demonstration, and a silent auction of services and goods. Cost for competitors is $5 per class, with a $2 office fee per horse. Stalls are available for $15 each.
In addition to the riding competition, there will be horse-drawn wagon rides, classic cars on display and food. The public is invited.
For stall reservations, call Megan Ryan-Kessel, 383-3298. For details about the event, call Ryan Kessel, or Sue Booth, 263-3906.
Boat show supports cancer research
BELLAIRE — The second annual Torch Lake Classic & Antique Wooden Boat Rendezvous-Cruising for the Cure will feature more than 40 original and restored wooden boats.
The event was started by Rick Thie of Metamora, whose mother, Jane, died of pancreatic cancer in 2007 at age 69. Proceeds go to the Jane H. Thie Memorial Fund, a non-profit organization that benefits the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit to fund pancreatic cancer research.
The fundraiser will begin with a "Party on the Pier" on July 23 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Dockside Restaurant, 6340 Old Torch Lake Dr. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. The $20 cost includes two drink tickets and hors d'oeuvres. There also will be a silent auction.
The boat show will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 24, in the water at DeWitt Marine, 6509 Crystal Springs Road, and from 8 a.m. to noon at the Dockside Restaurant. There also will be an outboard display on land from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Butch's Tackle & Marine, also on Crystal Springs Road. New this year, a Parade of Boats will depart at 3:30 p.m. from the docks at DeWitt Marine, proceed through Clam River and out onto Torch Lake. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
For details or tickets for the July 23 party, contact Thie, (810) 441-4792 or cruisingforthecure@prodigy.net, or visit www.cruiseforcure.org.
Performing Arts Camp stages production
TRAVERSE CITY — The Traverse City Children's Theatre's Summer Performing Arts Camp will present "Hat Trick."
The production is the culmination of the four-week day camp and features 35 area young people. It will be staged at the Old Town Playhouse, 148 E. Eighth St. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets may be purchased at the door. Call 947-2210 for more information.
