All That Jazz at Harbor - Ribbon Cutting

It was a gorgeous day in Harbor Springs for a ribbon cutting, as All That Jazz at harbor, owned by Nikolai Hargreaves, officially opened for business. Numerous well wishers and local dignitaries took part in the event, including Harbor Springs Chamber Executive Director Kathy Lott.

The concept of All That Jazz at harbor is "things that wrap." The store carries wraps "for fashion, warmth or just for fun," including throws, shawls, scarves and more, much more. There are picnic blanket/tote bags, "bearskin" rugs and teddy bears to wrap you in hugs. Candles and potpourri are available to wrap a room with warmth. Zulugrass jewelry, crafted by the Maasai women of Kenya, which helps to provide economic opportunity for the Maasai families, can be worn either singly or in multiple strands as a necklace, bracelet, ankle bracelet, belt, hair wrap, hat band, napkin ring, as a wine bottle topper, etc. Fragrances which wrap the senses, including Beanpod Candles made from soybeans, which are clean and healthy for the environment, and Greenleaf fragrances, including potpourri, room spray, sachet, candles, lotion, hand soap & sanitizer, shower gel and decorative diffusers and replenishment oils, are proudly offered.

What a great store! I bought my wife a vanilla scented Beanpod candle and some pink Zulugrass jewelry and she loved them both! (Big hint for all you guys out there, your wives/girlfriends love to receive gifts). :-)

Buyer's Broker of Northern Michigan, LLC was pleased to assist Nikolai with the purchase of her new commercial condominium unit, with assistance from the Law Office of Stefan J. Scholl, P.C.

Congratulations on your new store, Nikolai! What a wonderful new addition to beautiful downtown Harbor Springs. We wish you much success!

Odawa Casino Resort to Open Soon

According to the Petoskey News Review, the Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey, which is owned by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Michigan, is set to open on Wednesday, June 20, with a formal grand opening scheduled for July 25th.

The Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey will feature casino gaming to include 1,500 slot machines, 30 table games and six poker tables, a nightclub/sports bar, and an events center with seating for 1000. Dining options will include include a steakhouse, buffet and coffee shop.

Barry Milligan, the manager of Victories Casino, which will be replaced by the new Odawa Casino Resort, told the News Review, "It’s much more in line with a first class resort hotel than a casino. It’s along the lines of the Bellagio."

The casino will reportedly employ nearly 1,000 people, with 500 new jobs created. While I tried to get some pre-opening photos for our loyal readers, I was rebuffed by the casino's marketing department. Oh well, at least I tried.

Harbor Springs Summer Event Schedule

Make sure you mark your calendars for these wonderful Harbor Springs community events.

Harbor Springs Waterfront Wine Festival: June 15th
Independence Day (July 4th): Art Fair (10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.); Parade (1:00 P.M.); Fireworks (Dusk)
Harbor Springs Women’s Club Art Fair: July 11th
Blissfest Music Festival: July 13-15
4th Annual North American Indian Art Fair: July 21st
LTYC Regatta: July 27-29
Labor Day Community Appreciation/Sidewalk Sales Event: September 3rd

Crooked River Lock in Alanson Repaired

Great News! The Crooked River Lock in Alanson, which connects Pickerel and Crooked Lakes with the rest of the Inland Waterway, has been temporarily repaired, and is now open for the season. The Traverse City Record Eagle is reporting that the daily passage fee has gone up from $4 to $6, and the season pass price has increased from $30 to $45, to help defray the cost of the temporary repairs. The Crooked River Lock is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Hopefully the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will completely overhaul the lock in the near future to ensure its continued operation, but in the meantime, this is great news for both area boaters, and for the local businesses who depend on navigation between Crooked and Pickerel Lakes and the rest of the Inland Waterway for their livelihoods.

Petoskey Schools Athletic Facilities Proposal Defeated

Voters in the Petoskey School District resoundingly defeated a $15 million bond proposal to construct a new school athletic complex by a margin of 2,457 - 1473.

I was actually quite surprised late last year when the school district released the results of a survey showing that the public would support funding such a proposal, given the current state of our state and local economies. Apparently my skepticism of the survey data was warranted.

The Traverse City Record Eagle ran a story on the defeat, pointing to the weak economy as a major contributing factor to the outcome. I would have to agree with their assessments. The fact that we have lost a number of local employers recently has people concerned. In trying times like these, people are hesitant to commit to spending money on anything which is not deemed to be absolutely essential. The voters apparently saw this proposal as a luxury which cannot be afforded at this time.