Traverse City Record-Eagle

Our Views

August 20, 2012

Cheers and jeers: 08/20/2012

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n To Traverse City West grad Marc Allen, 29, now a software engineer who worked on the Mars Curiosity Rover Mission. Allen, who earned degrees in computer science and space system engineering from the University of Michigan, works at National Aeronatic and Space Admnistration's Jet Propulsion Loboratory in Pasadena, Calif. He created software that helped interpret radar readings during the landing. He also helped develop a backup computer and software system for Curiosity.

n To the region's grape and wine industry, which has grown into an important Michigan wine-growing area over the last four decades. The number of grape farms in Northwest Michigan grew from 85 in 2006 to 110 in 2011, and acreage involved in wine grape growing from 1,040 to 1,450 acres, according to Department of Agriculture statistics.

n To the four northern Michigan wineries that brought home "Best of Class" awards at the 35th Annual Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition. The four are Chateau Fontaine, Shady Lane Cellars, L. Mawby Vineyards and Chateau de Leelanau.

n To the Buckley Old Engine Show and the Northwest Michigan Engine and Thresher Club for hosting its 45th annual event last week. Machines came from Maine to California and everywhere in between, said Jim Luper, one of the many club members who make the show happen.

n To the State Theatre in downtown Traverse City on the start of its two-month facelift to replace 1949 red tiles with similar, historically accurate ones. Water damage caused rot and decay behind the tiles. The State launched a fund-raising campaign last year and raised $500,000 for community programs and building repair and tile replacement.

n To the organizers, volunteers and 140 to 150 children who celebrated another successful season of growing and learning at the Grand Traverse Children's Garden at the Traverse Area District Library.

n To organizers and participants in the Port Oneida Fair in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District of the Sleeping bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

n To all who participated in the 11-Legged Lake Ride and Walk around Torch Lake this year in honor of Ryan Giannini, who died in 2002 of a rare disease called Gorham's Disease or vanishing bone syndrome. The event benefited the Chalfonte Foundation and Michigan Donor Family Council. The local tour included 15-mile, 30-mile or 57.5-mile rides. Six of Ryan's friends rode from Lansing to Elk Rapids and called it the 11-Legged Tour in honor of one participant, a single amputee.

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