Cancer vs. Commitment: Harrelson Returns; Blind Students Take Over Mackinac—Plus Trip Tips!

Harrelson’s 32nd year, epic Mackinac walk, & weekend trip—see our inspiring updates!

Cherry Buzz

Sep 17, 2026

Let's Visit Boyne City, MI

Trivia Question❓

Which annual festival, celebrated in Boyne City, Michigan, is renowned for its quirky tradition of participants dressing as swans and parading through the streets?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Longtime crew leader Harrelson begins 32nd season on chains, amid cancer fight

The Norsemen football team stands as a beacon of tradition along Grand Traverse Bay, drawing devoted fans to Suttons Bay each season.

While the spotlight falls on the action, much hinges on the devoted chain gang volunteers like Jim Harrelson, who measure every play with meticulous care.

Amid cheering crowds, these unsung heroes experience every thrilling moment up close, forging a unique sense of belonging.

This fall, a surge of community spirit is evident, as families and alumni rally to support both the athletes and those working behind the scenes.

Suttons Bay football shines not just for athleticism but for uniting the Bay area, with rituals like the chain gang’s march connecting generations of fans.

Facility upgrades have only heightened anticipation for high-stakes games, bringing new energy throughout the community.

Every fall Friday, the teamwork on and off the field keeps Suttons Bay’s football legacy vibrant.

Interesting Facts

Historic mushroom houses: Boyne City is home to several unique "Mushroom Houses" designed by architect Earl Young, whose whimsical stone creations are more often associated with nearby Charlevoix but also dot the Boyne area.
Former site of Michigan's longest inland pier: In its lumber boom era, Boyne City boasted the state's longest inland pier, stretching over a half-mile into Lake Charlevoix to accommodate large ore and lumber ships in the early 1900s.
Pine tree origins: The name "Boyne" comes from the River Boyne in Ireland, but the city’s explosive growth at the turn of the 20th century was fueled by its massive white pine forests, which entirely surrounded the area until loggers arrived.
Cherry capital rival: Before Traverse City claimed its cherry title, Boyne City was a leading cherry producer, shipping its harvest across the Midwest by rail and steamer in the late 19th century.

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Weekend Trip Plan 18-20 Sept 2026

The charm of a Grand Traverse Bay weekend getaway shines brightest in September, when crisp breezes and the first autumn hues light up the shoreline.

From sunrise strolls along the shimmering bay and lively kayak rentals to bustling afternoons in downtown Traverse City, there are endless ways to savor the lakeside energy.

September brings a rush of special events, with live jazz in the parks, inspiring art fairs, and farm-to-table flavors at buzzing new eateries.

Families find fresh exhibits at children’s museums and fun new mini-golf challenges, while rainy days become a treat with cozy cafes, artisanal bakeries, and inviting wineries.

As dusk falls, bayfront restaurants offer unforgettable sunset dinners.

Locals recommend a drive along the M-22 Scenic Byway, where early fall foliage frames stunning views.

With improved trails and vibrant community spirit, Grand Traverse Bay makes every September visit a memorable adventure.

🍎 Northern Michigan Apple Crisp

A warm apple crisp is just right for those cooler September evenings. This easy recipe uses fresh apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a buttery oat topping.

Ingredients

Apple Filling

6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crisp Topping

1 cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter, softened

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar baking dish.
Place the sliced apples in a large bowl.
Add sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, flour, and vanilla. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Spread the apples evenly in the baking dish.
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the softened butter and mix with a fork or your hands until coarse crumbs form.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

🍨 Serving Idea

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Capt. Cherry's Tip

For even more Northern Michigan flavor, mix ½ cup of dried tart cherries into the apples before baking.

Perfect for: Fall weekends, family dinners, football afternoons, or a warm dessert after a day of apple picking.

AI Prompt of the Week

“Turn my class notes into a study plan.”

Act as my college study coach. I’m going to paste my class notes, assignment instructions, or textbook material below. Organize the information into the most important concepts I need to understand, explain difficult ideas in simple language, create a study guide, make 10 practice questions with answers, and build a short study schedule leading up to my test or assignment deadline. Point out anything that seems especially important or likely to need more review. Do not complete graded work for me; help me understand the material well enough to do it myself.

Paste prompt in any AI Platform to get your output.

Animal ID	61634360
Species	Cat
Breed	Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age	6 months 19 days
Gender	Female
Size	Small
Color	Black
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed	No
Housetrained	Unknown
Site	Cherryland Humane Society
Location	Cat Adoption Floor

Meet Curiosity! This adorable all-black kitten may be a little shy when you first meet, but give her some time (and a Churu treat), and she'll start showing you her sweet side. Curiosity is a very vocal little girl who always has something to say! She has an impressive purr, loves a good head scratch, and is sure to keep you entertained with her big personality. With a little patience and plenty of love, Curiosity is ready to become your new best friend!

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Bridge Brigade walks the Mackinac Bridge for the first time, highlighting work done by blind and low-vision students

The Mackinac Bridge Walk drew crowds from across Michigan, but this year’s event in the Grand Traverse Bay region held deeper meaning for those in the blind and visually impaired community.

The Bridge Brigade—organized by statewide services supporting the blind—prepared over months, with students, families, and mobility instructors training together in Lansing.

For many, it was their first time crossing the iconic Mighty Mac, and doing so as part of a determined, unified group.

Come August, over 100 participants doubled expected numbers, braving brisk winds and feeling the bridge sway beneath them.

Accomplishment and belonging dominated the day, with walkers celebrating an event truly centered around their experiences.

This record turnout not only boosted morale but also increased community awareness, challenging assumptions about what’s possible for blind residents in northwest Michigan.

Plans are already forming for even more inclusive future walks.