Eric Walter eating fire at a festival in downtown Adrian. Photo courtesy Denise Walter.

by Marsha Chartrand

Eric Walter, a graduate of Manchester High School and a famed performer at local fairs, festivals, and parades, was recently awarded as a Hall of Fame national track star at Siena Heights University in Adrian.

The March 21 ceremonies recognized the final awardees, since the University is set to close in June.

But even so, this recognition just adds to Walter’s laurels, which begin in high school track as the track team captain, current record holder of the 4×800 and, until recently, the 800m record in Manchester Track & Field. During college, he and a few friends decided to ride their bicycles from Adrian to Key West, a 37-day trek, to raise money to fight cancer. He ran cross-country and indoor and outdoor track and field during his college years at Siena Heights university, for which he received the Hall of Fame award for National Association Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) — a six-time national qualifier for NAIA and four-time All-American.

After college he began juggling and fire eating and is well-known as “Eric the Juggler.” And now he has been listed as a three-time Guinness World Record holder for “Joggling,” which is running and juggling at the same time. He continues to juggle at local festivals.

Walter resides in Adrian with his wife and three children and works as a firefighter and paramedic in Canton. He continues to run marathons, and his children are following in their dad’s track tradition.

Congratulations, Eric, on your most recent achievement. We fully expect to see more in the future!

On their 37-day ride from Adrian to Key West to fight cancer. (Courtesy Denise Walter.)

Still “joggling”! Eric running for the Siena Heights team. (Courtesy Denise Walter.)

by Sara Swanson

Destination Ann Arbor is coming to Manchester.

Destination Ann Arbor is working with communities across Washtenaw County to create a Tourism Impact Plan, a comprehensive 10-year tourism plan that will serve as a strategic roadmap for tourism development in Washtenaw County from 2027 to 2036. It is important that they hear from Manchester residents as it will be used to identify destination priorities and create tourism investment strategies.

Jennifer Chizek from Destination Ann Arbor states, “We’re examining how tourism shows up in our communities and how it can best support local businesses, neighborhoods, and the quality of life of residents in the future. As part of this process, we want to hear directly from residents, business owners, and community members like you.” If you don’t live in Washtenaw, but do work here, they are still interested in what you have to say.

There are multiple ways for you to participate. Join the Manchester Community Listening Session on April 15 at 5pm at Dragon Fly and Birch, located at 115 E Main St. Snacks and drinks provided. If you can’t make the listening session, complete the Resident Sentiment Survey, available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2PVW66Z. This will take fewer than 10 minutes and you will be entered to win a prize. Email your feedback or questions directly to tourismimpactplan@annarbor.org

Destination Ann Arbor is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the economy of the Ann Arbor area, and Washtenaw County in general, through the promotion of the area as a destination for day and overnight visitors. They are funded through a countywide tax on hotel stays.

by Sara Swanson

State senator Jeff Irwin will be holding his April Coffee Hour in Manchester on Saturday, April 18, from 11am to noon, at Millie’s Coffeehouse, 227 E Main St. In the Manchester area, Sen. Irwin represents the City of Manchester, Manchester Township, and Bridgewater Township. For more information please call 517-373-2406 or email SenJIrwin@senate.michigan.gov.

“We won’t just be featuring an awesome group of local crafters, creators, and businesses at our upcoming Craft Show,” says Katelyn Packard. “Horning’s Farm Shop will also be open throughout the event. You can support our farm and family by purchasing some of our delicious products!” Photo courtesy of Facebook.

by Marsha Chartrand

Horning Farms, located at 11834 Pleasant Lake Rd, is hosting its fourth annual Spring Craft Show on Saturday, May 9, from 11am to 3pm. Stop by to view booths featuring local artists and craftsmen. Admission is free. From delicious baked goods to lovely silk flower arrangements; fresh local honey to beginner rocket models, there will be something for everyone. Duck Fat & Bacon, a popular local food truck serving up southwest and regional American cuisine will be on site. Cheese, cheese curds, butter, ice cream, beef, chicken, and pork will be for sale at the farm shop.

Organizers are seeking new crafters, creators, and vendors to be part of the event. Both indoor booths located inside the cement floor barn and outdoor booths in a grassy area are available. Registration is due by April 24. Vendor booth fees start at $20. If you are interested in being a vendor, visit the Eventbrite site to register at https://horning-farms-craft-show.eventbrite.com.

submitted by Laura Wohlgemuth, Manchester District Library Event Coordinator

Join Madison from the Environmental Health Bureau in this entertaining yet educational workshop on Tuesday, April 21, at 3:30pm. The MI Water Source! Enviroscape Learning Lesson aims to raise awareness of the importance of water and protecting your health. This lesson uses an interactive 3D model to demonstrate how everyday activities can contribute to water pollution and contamination. The Water Quality Bracelet Activity is a fun way to learn about protecting the environment. All ages are welcome. Meet in the City Room. Advance registration is requested. Sign up at the circulation desk, by phone at 734-428-8045, or use our online registration form found at https://forms.gle/TVKy7Th1Npc3YPHh9

Stop by the library or visit the event calendar for information about this and other great programs for all ages at the Manchester District Library (MDL). MDL regular hours are Monday–Thursday, 10am–8pm, Friday, 10am–6pm, and Saturday, 10am–2pm. The most up-to-date hours and the latest news are always available on the MDL website. MDL is proud to serve the City of Manchester, Manchester Township, Bridgewater Township, and Freedom Township. Village of Clinton and Clinton Township residents are also eligible for MDL library cards and welcome to use all MDL resources.

Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve. Mirror file photo.

submitted by Sarah Cripe, Friends of Watkins Lake State Park 

Friends of Watkins Lake State Park (FoWL) invites you to an Earth Day celebration on Sunday, April 19, from 12:30pm to 3pm, at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve. Come enjoy the beauty of the park and adjacent preserve, learn about area organizations, and join us for a hike. There will be a kids hike and an all-ages hike, along with lots of children’s activities. The event is free and open to the public; it will proceed rain or shine. The park’s parking lot is located at 14801 Arnold Rd. 

FoWL is hosting this event to bring the community together in support of nature and wildlife and to raise awareness for the park, as well as FoWL’s mission and goals. FoWL aspires to provide stewardship, education, and advocacy for the park in coordination with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 

Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve became Michigan’s 103rd state park in 2016 encompassing over 1,200 acres straddling Jackson and Washtenaw counties. It includes a waterfowl refuge that is used by thousands of migratory waterfowl spring through fall. The park is also home to many vulnerable aquatic and terrestrial species of wildlife and many state and regionally significant plants. FoWL’s goal is to foster an appreciation for Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve and to help sustain its many natural and historical attributes for people and wildlife. 

To find out more about FoWL, join our email list and learn about ways to get involved. You can email friends@watkinslake.online or check out our website at protectingwatkinslake.org or Facebook.com/WatkinsLakeSPCP 

submitted by Laura Wohlgemuth, Manchester District Library Event Coordinator

Stop by the Manchester District Library Upstairs Lounge at 3:30pm for After School Art on Monday, April 20, to create multiple crafts using a variety of beads, including perler beads to make fused creations, pony beads for beaded animals, and, of course, jewelry-making supplies. All ages are welcome.

Stop by the library or visit the event calendar for information about this and other great programs for all ages at the Manchester District Library (MDL). MDL regular hours are Monday–Thursday, 10am–8pm, Friday, 10am–6pm, and Saturday, 10am–2pm. The most up-to-date hours and the latest news are always available on the MDL website. MDL is proud to serve the City of Manchester, Manchester Township, Bridgewater Township, and Freedom Township. Village of Clinton and Clinton Township residents are also eligible for MDL library cards and welcome to use all MDL resources.

Eastern bluebirds. Photo credit: Paul Danese/Wikimedia commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

by Sara Swanson

Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation (WCPARC) will be holding a Birding Basics hike in the Sharon Mills County Park, located at 5701 Sharon Hollow Rd, in the North Lot on Saturday, May 9, from 1pm to 3pm, led by Kelsey Dehring. This program is intended for people brand-new to birding! WCPARC states, “The magic of birds is they seem to be everywhere you go. Local parks, backyards, apartment balcony railings, quiet forests, and city streets. Birding can be enjoyed just about anywhere, but with so many species it can seem like a daunting hobby. Join Dehring to learn tricks to identifying birds based on habitat, markings, and sounds.” No equipment needed. They provide binoculars for you to use and discuss what to look for in binoculars if you are interested in purchasing your own. Space is limited to 15 birders.

Earlier in the day they will also be holding a Migratory Bird Day program from 8am until 10am for all levels of birders, but it is currently full. You can get on a waitlist for this program.

To register for birding basics or get on the waitlist for migratory birds, go to parksonline.ewashtenaw.org, click on “831009 Spring Adult Nature Hikes,” and select “Migratory Bird Day” or “Birding Basics”. Email Dehring at dehringk@washtenaw.org with questions.

Photo courtesy of Margaret Shaw.

submitted by Margaret Shaw, gathering organizer 

Safety nets, humanitarian systems, and America’s reputation worldwide are being destroyed. We as individuals must hold our elected officials accountable and demand change. Stand with your neighbors and community to say “No more!”

Share your voice the first and third Fridays of the month, 5 to 6pm, at the four corners, the intersection of M-52 and Main Street here in Manchester for non-violent protest. Our next opportunity is this Friday, April 17. First protest? We welcome you —  just come, we have extra signs. We are a friendly group and encourage peaceful action.

Can’t make this one? Many communities hold space for free speech and protest weekly. Find one you can attend; be visible; let others know they are not alone.

submitted by Jill Lada, Washtenaw County Conservation District

Every five years, the Washtenaw County Conservation District surveys Washtenaw County residents about their conservation concerns to guide our work. Responses help us focus resources on the conservation issues that matter most to residents. Residents may take the survey and read past reports at washtenawcd.org/survey. Paper copies can be mailed by request by calling the office at 734-302-8715. Responses will be accepted until June 15.

What is the Washtenaw County Conservation District? 

On April 27, 1935, the Soil Conservation Act was passed as the Dust Bowl raged across the Great Plains. This led to the creation of the Soil Conservation Service, now NRCS. As president, in 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt prioritized soil and water resource conservation. The USDA joined forces with the Civil Works Administration to extend conservation assistance to farmers. Today there are more than 3,000 conservation districts across the nation. 

The Washtenaw County Conservation District was established in 1948. Its mission is to assist residents and landowners with the conservation, management, and wise use of natural resources. Our programs include countywide conservation needs assessments, conservation resource distributions, conservation education, and one-on-one technical assistance for residential and agricultural land.

The Washtenaw County area currently has six primary stakeholder groups with four top resource concerns. First, is the preservation of natural areas and farmland, while also allowing for growth through zoning. Next is the management of invasive species, pollution, and disease from fragmentation or lack of management. Third is the management and protection of surface and groundwater quality. Finally, there is education regarding solid waste and its reduction, reuse, and recycling; along with composting, microplastics in soil, water, and food.

To achieve these goals, we are using the strategies of partnering to protect land, increase community resources, and develop educational opportunities. We deliver these services based on either residential or argi-based focuses.