4 Beginner-Friendly Disc Golf Courses Near Kalamazoo
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With over 30 pieces of public art, musical acts performing regularly, outdoor adventure and a friendly atmosphere, Streator is your new destination you didn’t know you needed
Just a short ride from Starved Rock State Park resides the community of Streator, Illinois. Conveniently located in the middle of I-39, I-80 and I-55, this quiet surprise on the prairie is filled with worldly and out-of-this-world history.
Streator is a perfect place to enjoy an outdoor adventure as it is located just 25 minutes from Starved Rock State Park, one of the most popular destinations in Illinois. Starved Rock features 13 miles of trails to explore and the Illinois River offers fishing, boating, extraordinary views and great places to relax.
The Streator area is home to an impressive array of parks, public art and open spaces. One historic figure has a trail named after him, The Hop-a-long Cassidy Greenway Trail, which is actually a set of trails alongside the beautiful Vermilion River, one of the few rivers to run north. There’s also a canoe and boat launch for even more fun. The original trail is about 0.5 miles while the latest portion of the trail starts at Twister Hill Park and continues 1.4 miles to its end. Twister Hill Park features playground equipment, exercise equipment and bathroom facilities.
Another outdoor odyssey is Spring Lake Nature Area. Filled with flora and fauna, this land is abundant with wildlife, is a popular hiking and picnicking location and hosts the area’s only public equestrian trail. Visitors can also spend the day on the Vermilion River with Canoe the Vermilion, who provides canoe equipment, instruction and transportation, allowing guests to enjoy the pristine water.
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• Online learning tools for young children up to adult learners are available with a free library card at chelibrary.org. Residents may also apply for a free card at the website.
• Online streaming and download services are also available at chelibrary.org, including rbDigital, Hoopla, OverDrive/Libby and cloudLibrary for magazines, e-books and audiobooks, TV shows, music and more.
The library is located at 50560 Patricia Dr., Chesterfield Township.
• The Macomb County League of Women Voters will present an event about voting rights, voting bills and two ballot initiatives in the state of Michigan at 7 p.m. May 10 via Zoom. To register, call 586-226-5050.
• The South Branch will host an event in conjunction with Safe & Just to discuss Clean Slate legislation at 6:30 p.m. May 11. Participants will learn more about these laws, which created a new process that automatically seals certain non-violent conviction records, if a person has remained conviction free for a period of time. To register, call 586-226-5073.
• Disc Golf at 2 p.m. May 21 at the Main Library. Learn more about this fast growing sport. Presenter will cover the different types of discs and throws, how to find courses and even get outside to practice putting. To register, call 586-226-5050.
• Reading Challenge for Adults though Dec. 30, 2022. Readers can take the challenge to read six books from eight predetermined categories. Residents who complete the challenge will receive a completion pin and be entered to win a basket full of gift cards for a night on the town courtesy of CMPL. Join the challenge and start logging at cmpl.beanstack.org.
• CMPL is again offering the 1-2-3 program combining one topic, two communities and three age appropriate books that discuss a particular topic. This year is mental health. Programs will be offered throughout the year that focus on the importance of mental health. Books chosen are ‘Ruby Finds a Worry’ by Tom Percival; ‘The Dark Matter of Mona Starr’ by Laura Gulledge and ‘Maybe You Should Talk to Someone’ by Lori Gottlieb.
• The library is offering various virtual events that all require registration, which can be done at cmpl.libnet.info/events. A valid email address is required to access the events.
• CMPL is still offering usual book discussion groups and trivia nights online each month. Register for events online at cmpl.libnet.info/events or call 586-226-5000.
CMPL Main Library is located at 40900 Romeo Plank, Clinton Township . CMPL is North Branch is at 54100 Broughton Road, Macomb Township. CMPL South Branch located at 35679 South Gratiot, Clinton Township.To register for programs, visit cmpl.libnet.info/events.
• Author Paul Vachon presents, “Lost Restaurants of Detroit.” He talks about some of the favorite restaurants around Detroit in this program that was filmed at the library. It is available on the website cityofeastpointe.net/departments/eastpointe_memorial_library.php.
• The library is open for curbside service and phone reference service during regular hours. Patrons can place holds on items through the catalog or call to request materials. It is open to the public. Masks must be worn and social distancing practiced. Patrons will have access to library materials, computers, and copiers. Materials returned to the library must be placed in the dropbox.
• The library is offering virtual storytimes. Those and book talks for different age groups are set. Themes will change each week and videos will be posted on the Facebook page which is accessible from the library website, cityofeastpointe.net/departments/eastpointe_memorial_library.php. Anyone who comments on a Facebook post will automatically be entered into a biweekly raffle. Raffle prizes are gift cards to local restaurants. Winners will be notified via Facebook message.
• Patrons who live in Eastpointe may call the library with specific requests or a general request of a genre or author they like for librarians to make material selections. Books, movies, music and magazines are available for check out. Contact the library from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 586-445-5096 to make a request. Eastpointe residents who do not have a library card can also contact the library.
The library is located at 15875 Oak Ave., Eastpointe. To contact the library call 586-445-5096.
• Lecturer and author Sam Mihara will share his experiences in a Japanese internment camp in the presentation ‘Memories of Imprisonment’ at 6 p.m. May 11 via Zoom. Registration required.
• Friends of the Fraser Library Spring Fling 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 14 A petting zoo and other family friendly activities will be part of the event, including face painting, seed planting and chocolate basket raffle.
Library is back open and curbside service is still available. Patrons are encouraged to wear masks while inside the building. Masks are available at the entrance if needed.
• For curbside service, a librarian will assist patrons and staff will get requested items. When arriving at the library, remain in the car and call the library again to tell a staff member you are outside, along with your car model and which pick up spot you are parked in.
• Items will be on a cart pushed by a staff member. Allow them to step at least six feet away before getting out to get materials. Masks or face coverings must be worn at all times.
• Materials brought back to the library must be placed in the drop box before or after the staff member comes outside. Returns will not be accepted on the cart for safety reasons.
• The library is open for curbside pick-up Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patrons who wish to checkout materials should call the library (586-293-2055) to checkout over the phone and then call again when they’re in the parking lot.
• Tutor.com services are available for homework assistance with tutors in a variety of subjects. Visit fraserpubliclibrary.org and under the resources tab, select online databases. Students who don’t have a library card can get a virtual library card from their school that will allow access to online library services, but not to check out books.
Librarians are available from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays to answer questions regarding the library’s online databases. They are available by email at [email protected] or live chat at Google Hangouts with the username [email protected].
The library is located at 16330 14 Mile Road, Fraser.
• Knitting and Crochet Circle 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesdays May 10, 17, 24 and 31. Knitters and crocheters of all levels are welcome. Please bring your own project and supplies. Items are donated to charitable organizations and the group is also accepting donations of yarn, fleece or craft store gift cards. Group donates to charitable organizations like Beaumont Little Angels, Project Linus, Compassion Pregnancy and more to give comfort items in times of need.
• Preschool Storytime at the Library at 10 a.m. May 11, 18 and 25. Ages 2-5 are welcome for fun, stories, rhymes, dancing and more. Drop ins welcome. No registration required. Masks are suggested but not required.
• “By Her Hand: Artemisia Gentileschi and Women Artists in Italy, 1500-1800.” at 7 p.m. May 11 via Zoom. The exhibit explores the untold role of women artists in Italy from the birth of the Renaissance until the Enlightenment. Registration required.
• Creative Toddlers at 10 a.m. May 13. Creative art play time for those 18 months-3 years to explore various art materials and learn to express creatively. Registration required. Call the library for more information. Masks are suggested but not required for everyone ages 2 and up regardless of vaccination status.
• Tales with Tails for children to read to Bailey with a set up that includes appropriate social distancing and masks from 4-5 p.m. May 13. Children can get signed up for a 15 minute session by calling 586-329-1261 or stopping by the library.
• Community Shred Day 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 14. Free shredding for up to two standard size bags (grocery size bags) or boxes per person (copy paper box size). A $5 fee will be charged for each additional bag or box.
• Eat Safe Fish 7 p.m. May 18. Macomb County Health Department toxicologist will share how to select seafood that is lower in mercury and healthier for you by using “Eat 8” guidelines and choosing healthy seafood. Registration is required by calling the library or online.
• Storytime campout at 1 p.m. May 21. Bring the family for an indoor campout. Make smores, read stories around a ‘campfire’ and build reading forts in the children’s department. bring pillows and blankets to make your fort as well as book to read or pick a new one.) Registration required. Masks are suggested but not required for everyone ages 2 and up regardless of vaccination status.
• Residents can request materials be delivered to their homes. Request materials, once notified they are ready for pickup, contact the library at 586-329-1261 to set up delivery time.
While pickups are not being scheduled for library returns at the moment, returns can be given to volunteers at a scheduled drop-off. Deliveries cannot be left in common areas and residents of apartments and other multi dwellings should schedule deliveries for when they are home to accept them. Volunteers will not enter a home for any reason. Deliveries will be rescheduled during inclement weather for safety of materials and volunteers.
• The library has implemented allowing residents to check out WiFi hotspots, which will provide internet access wherever needed, expanding service beyond the walls of the library. The hotspots will allow those without Internet to check it out from the library. It’s a small device that can be used to access and connect wireless-enabled devices such as laptops, smartphones or tablets. They are portable and are available to borrow for 14 days and will carry a $1 a day late fee if not returned on time. Devices more than 24 hours late will be deactivated.
The library is located at 38255 L’Anse Creuse St., Harrison Township. Register for classes where required at htlibrary.org.
To sign up for programs or find more events, visit macdonaldlibrary.org and click on “Events.”
To contact the library, send an email to [email protected] or call (586) 725-0273. The library is open and available for visits Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The library is located at 36480 Main St., New Baltimore.
• Indian Trail Adopt-A-Road at 10 a.m. May 19. Meet in the Library parking lot and bring gloves.
• Friends of the Library and Historical Society has released its 2022 calendar titled Barns of Ray, Romeo, Washington which is available for purchase for $10 at the Ray Township offices and library as well as the Octagon House, Romeo Arts and Archives Center and Washington Museum. Proceeds from sales within Ray Township will support Phase II of Procter Cemetery Restoration Project, while calendars sold by Romeo and Greater Washington Area Historical Societies will support each organizations projects and programs. For more information, call 586-749-7130 or visit rayhistory.org.
• Blood Drive 12:30-6:30 p.m. May 12. Red Cross will be holding a blood drive in the library’s Erin Auditorium. Make an appointment by visiting online at redcrossblood.org/give. Enter the building through the entrance off of Kelly Road.
• Family Movie at 2 p.m. May 13. Everyone is welcome to attend this animated family movie. Visit rosevillelibrary.org/wordpress for movie title and more information.
• Tye Dye Day! at 2 p.m. May 21. Bring a clean white shirt to try it out for yourself. Dyes and other matierials will be supplied as well as instructions for how to care for your tye dyed shirt. Program will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Everyone welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advance as supplies are limited.
• Library is open regular hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sunday.
• Masks are no longer required to be worn by the public, though still encouraged.
• Book Bundles for children. Fill in the form that can be found on the website, social media or in the newsletter and choose up to three topics or themes and a librarian will put together five books and place them on hold for you to pick up.
• Book Match Submit a Book Match form that can be found on the website, social media or in the newsletter. More detailed responses will result in better recommendations. After finishing the form expect to receive a custom reading list within 10 business days.
• Homework Help Tutor.com offers live assistance from tutors.
• Librarians are offering chat reference on Facebook at facebook.com/RosevillePublicLibraryMI. Library patrons may continue to ask questions through comments on the library’s Facebook page and via email at [email protected] or by calling 586-445-5407.
The library is located at 29777 Gratiot Ave., Roseville.
• The Youth Services Department is looking for reliable, responsible teens ages 11 and older who might want to volunteer their time to assist during Summer Reading Club in June and July. Teens will help prepare and assemble Take and Make craft bags. Pick up an application from the Youth Services department or print it off the library’s website to become a Summer Reading Club volunteer.
• Friends of the St. Clair Shores Public Library is inviting everyone to attended their annual meeting at 7 p.m. May 12. Guest speaker Rufus McGaugh, a former Grosse Pointe teacher will take about how he has traveled to 252 countries in the world over 49 years. A business meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. prior to the presentation and will include the election of officers and board of directors for the Friends.
• 1st Stop For Tots At Home kits. Families with children between the age of birth and age 3 that reside in St. Clair Shores can request a kit starting May 2. Kits contain one board book, one Easy book, on shaky egg, once scarf, one set of bells, two rhythm sticks, one Basic Skills Practice Ring set, a rhyme booklet, a Tips sheet and TALK promotional materials for families to keep. To reserve a kit, call the library at 586-771-9020, stop at the Youth Services Desk or email [email protected].
• Children ages two and up can create a paper flower pot craft and a Spring Walk Book with two Take and Make activities. Bags containing supplies will be available starting May 2 and will be placed in bins under the overhang outside the main entrance doors to the library and are available during library hours while supplies last.
• 1st Stop for Tots will be at 10 a.m. Thursdays via Zoom. To request the Zoom link email the library at [email protected]
• The Youth Services department, with the help of grant funding, has created 14 Explorer packs for children and families to check out. Each pack contains learning tools, non fiction books, activity sheets, identification guides and other manipulatives centered on an outdoor activity. Topics include insects, bird watching, astronomy water, hiking, plants and rocks. To check out an Explorer pack or for more information, ask at the Youth Services Desk.
The library is located at 22500 E. 11 Mile Road, St. Clair Shores.
• Teen Council helps create teen displays, decorates the library and plans teen events. Earn community service hours every month for attending. Meets the first Thursday of every month at Senior Citizen Park behind the library. To join, call the library to request an application at 586-739-7414.
• Afterschool Teen Hangout for those in grades 7-12 at 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Drop by after school to pay some board and party games.
• Technology Time for adults by appointment only. Services such as setting up new devices, downloading Beanstack, learning skills for a future library event and more. Call the library to make an appointment at 586-739-7414.
• Michigan Activity Pass and Library Card Program A library card can be a pass to savings at museums and campsites across Michigan through the Michigan Activity Pass and Go Library Card program. The virtual program takes place at shelbytwp.org/library
• Pick My Books. Fill out a brief form with what you are in the mood to read and what you aren’t interested in and someone will choose three items they think you will enjoy within three days they will be available for pick up at the check out desk. To use this service click on the ‘Pick My Books’ button at shelbytwp.org/library
• Mission Read Challenge. Kids in grades K-3 can take on the mission to read for 1,000 days before grade six by reading whatever they want for as long as they wish. To start, sign up at shelbytwplib.beanstack.org. When the goal is reached, report back to a librarian and there will be a surprise out of this world reward.
• 1,000 Books before Kindergarten. Set a goal to read 1,000 books to your child before they start kindergarten. Earn digital badges as you track your progress at your own pace. Sign up at shelbytwplib.beanstack.org. Children will receive a sticker for every 100 books read and a free book and tote when the 1,000 goal is reached. Show a librarian your digital badges to earn prizes.
Library events are added regularly. Check calendar at shelbytwp.org/library or follow facebook.com/ShelbyTwpLib.
The library is located at 51680 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township.
• Lecturer and author Sam Mihara will share his experiences in a Japanese internment camp in the presentation ‘Memories of Imprisonment’ at 6 p.m. May 11 via Zoom.
• Animating in Blender at 3 p.m. May 12. Teens can be introduced to the free 3D animation software that can be used for video game design in this hands on program that is for teens only.
• Roseville Historical and Genealogical Society program, ‘History of Fairview’ at 6 p.m. May 17. NIck Sinacori is a local history buff and will discuss growing up in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood and its roots as the Village of Fairview. No registration is required.
• Teen Movie and Comic Drawing craft at 2 p.m. May 18 Tweens and teens in grades 7-12 can join for a movie and comic drawing craft. No registration required. See website for title and details of movie to be shown.
• May Flowers Scavenger Hunt will be offered all month long. Look for markers that feature Michigan native plants around the Sterling Heights city complex. Find every marker and turn in your sheet to be entered to win a raffle prize. Activity for all ages.
• Library cardholders can reserve a time to use the Maker’s Space by appointment. Look for Maker Space Lab on the program calendar.
• Biblio Book Box offered for adults and Teen Book Box for teens offered every month. Register and a librarian will will pick a book based on your preferences and include a surprise.
• Toddler Time and Preschool storytimes are both offered at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Registration is required. Check the library calendar for full details.
• PAWS for Reading 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays. The first 10 children to check in at the youth desk on Tuesday nights will be able to read to a therapy dog.
• The Upton House is open for self guided tours from 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of the month. Register up to six people in a household. Registration only required for Wednesdays.
For more information or to register, visit shpl.net or call 586-446-2640.
• Sterling Heights Public Library will continue curbside materials service, phone service, and home delivery/outreach service on Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, 24/7 digital library services are available at shpl.net. The library will be returning to virtual programming only.
•The library has 12 new hotspots that can be checked out for a week at a time with a library card. Hotspots can be reserved by calling 586-446-2665 and pressing 3 for Adult Services or through the online catalog at shpl.net an searching for “SHL HOTSPOT.” Patrons will be notified their hotspot is ready by text, email or voicemail per their library account preference and then can pick it up via curbside service. The hotspots are packaged in protected, handheld cases. Each case includes the hotspot, a charging cable and a set of instructions.
• Residents with children and those staying home with safety concerns can take advantage of contactless deliveries of library materials to their doorstep. To utilize this service, residents can call 586-446-2665 and press 4 for home delivery. A library card is required to use the service.
• Residents may call the library to place holds on items, seek help with digital services, and ask general questions by calling 586-446-2665. The library staff is also ready to receive returns of library materials in our curbside book drop as well as the book drops that are attached to the building.
• Contactless curbside pickup available. Residents can place holds by calling the library or signing into their accounts online. Once available, patrons can drive up and park in one of the designated spaces, call the library and give them your card number and the color and make of vehicle. Then unlock the trunk to have items dropped in without person to person contact.
• All electronic services will be available. Visit shpl.net/1264 to access them. If you don’t have a library card, you can now apply for one at shpl.net/1578.
• Virtual activities and storytimes will also be shared on the library’s Facebook page facebook.com/shpublib.
• Scheduled list of staff-led virtual programs available at shpl.net/610.
The library is located at 40255 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights.
• All Warren public library branches will be able to offer a telescope for patrons to check out with a valid library card thanks to being selected to be part of NASA @ My Library, an education initiative to increase and enhance science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) opportunities for library patrons. The Warren Civic Center library will offer telescope events throughout the year as well.
• Grab-and-Go Science at Busch Branch Library has science themed kits available for check out exploring topics in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with fun and kid-friendly hands on activities. Each kit also contains a related book and instructions. For children, tweens and teens ages six and up, recommended ages vary by kit and activity. More kits will be added to the collection soon. They can be checked out for 21 days and renewed up to two times and must be checked out and returned to the Busch Branch.
The library is located at 23333 Ryan Road, Warren.
• Families that are residents of Warren and has a child between the ages of 3-5 is eligible to receive a free early literacy kit to help prepare children for their kindergarten year. Kits include two activity workbooks and an early reader book to practice sight words. Kits are available for pickup at the Warren Civic Center Library and will also be available at children’s programs that are offsite. Children must be present for a kit to be issued.
• The library also has purchased Playaway Launchpads which are tablets that are preloaded with educational preschool games and are available for checkout with a library card.
The library is located at 1 City Square, Suite 100, Warren.
• Hoopla, Freegal and More at 10 a.m. May 11. Residents can learn how to get free movies eBooks, eAudiobooks, music and more. Registration is required. To register, call 586-751-5377 or use the online library program calendar.
• Library Scavenger Hunt Tween Lock In 6-8 p.m. May 13. Those ages 10-17 can compete with fellow teens and tweens to win a prize and play other games in this evening of fun. Pizza and pop will be served at this after hours parent free event. Registration is required. To register, call 586-751-5377 or use the online library program calendar.
• Baby Lapsit at 2 p.m. Wednesdays for ages birth to one year and their caregivers to enjoy stories, rhymes and songs. Registration is required. To register, call 586-751-5377 or use the online library program calendar.
• Book Tots at 10 a.m. Fridays for ages 1-3 and their caregivers to enjoy stories, rhymes and songs. Registration is required. To register, call 586-751-5377 or use the online library program calendar.
The library is located at 5460 Arden in the Warren Community Center. To register for programs, call 586-751-5377 or visit warrenlibrary.net.
All Macomb County libraries, as part of the Suburban Library Cooperative, subscribe to RB Digital which has over 100 digital magazines that can be checked out immediately. They also offer educational services through Tutor.com, which provides homework help, test preparation and term paper and resume review. Students can use their student ID number to access those services.
— Macomb Daily staff
Portland is littered with beautiful parks, bridges and open spaces. Although this may be common knowledge, it is all too easy to forget this amidst assignments, work and the roar of adult responsibilities. Here are a few places with activities that are pretty, free and force you to touch some grass—and remind you why you need to get out more.
Tilikum Crossing
The first thing you’ll notice about Tilikum Crossing is the silence. Tilikum Crossing is a pedestrian-only bridge, save for the TriMet that runs through the middle of the two walking and biking lanes. The lack of noise pollution from heavy traffic on many of the bridges in Portland gives those who walk or bike Tilikum Crossing a serene setting with beautiful views of the South Waterfront and the Willamette River.
In fact, it is the largest car-free bridge in the United States, in total around 1,720 feet. The walkway and bikeway are separated to ensure safety for both parties, and depending on which you choose, you can spend upwards of 40 minutes doing a loop on the bridge. I would highly recommend renting the Nike Biketown bicycles—free for students with Lyft—and timing your outing to catch a beautiful Portland sunset. You’ll get to experience the blissful ride over Tilikum Crossing, and watch the purple and pink haze settle with the stars over the city.
Find it at Tilikum Crossing, Portland, OR 97201.
Pier Park
Maybe it’s been a while since you played disc golf—also known as frisbee golf—maybe you’ve never done it or maybe you went yesterday. No matter your experience with this exciting sport, I can guarantee it will be a great time if you visit the Pier Park disc golf course.
Located in Northeast Portland, right across the St. John’s Bridge, lies this free, 18-hole course designed to walk players through gorgeous redwood trees around the park. The dense tree cover makes this sport shady on a sunny day and covered on a rainy day, although you should put on some shoes so you don’t mind getting muddy.
As a newbie to this sport, I found disc golfing at Pier Park to be a great time. Throwing discs into trees, bushes and anywhere-but-the-goal gave me plenty of laughs. It’s a great way to socialize with friends over something fun, harmless and outside.
Find it at 9100 N Bruce Ave, Portland, OR 97203.
Mt. Tabor
Looking for a short, beautiful hike over an extinct volcano in southeast Portland? Head over to Mt. Tabor Park and its recreation area. A staircase is front and center at the entrance of the park, and after bounding up several flights of moss-covered steps, there are many possibilities for hiking.
The reservoir is a little over a mile away from the top of the steps, and the trees surrounding the water create a wonderful reflection that is fun to walk a loop around. Mt. Tabor has many intricate trails, and once you begin your hike, it is really a choose-your-own-adventure from there.
Picnic tables are also available for a lunch break, and longboarders can be spotted along the paved pathway sections of the park. If you get hungry after your Mt. Tabor adventures, Nana’s Guilty Pleasures cafe has delicious sandwiches and cinnamon rolls I would highly recommend.
Find it at SE 60th Ave & SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215.
Rocky Butte
My favorite part of Rocky Butte has to be the name—and the view, of course. This skyline view overlooking the Columbia River and the Oregon-Washington border is fantastic for a sunny or overcast day. There are a plethora of trails and cute neighborhood streets to walk, jog or cycle around. Traversing up and down the hillside is a workout with a remarkable view.
On your drive up to the parking lot, you will encounter a daunting tunnel on the windy, hilly drive to the location. Take your friends and take some awesome skyline view pictures!
Find it at 3102 NE Rocky Butte Rd, Portland, OR 97220.
Famed golfer Greg Norman said, “Happiness is a long walk with a putter.” For those new to the area, you may be interested to learn that El Dorado Hills was founded on this notion when it was designed as a golf course community.
Newcomers to EDH may also be interested to know that the large, dead grass acreage on both sides of Serrano Parkway was not always this way. It was a beautiful, green, oak tree filled, 18-hole golf course for the community to enjoy for more than 40 years.
I recently came onto the EDH Community Services District board hoping to make a difference to a town that has been so good to me and my family. One of the main ways I thought I could do this was by helping to bring resolution to a very divisive issue … what is to become of the old golf course?
Is this land nostalgic for me? You bet. I learned to golf with my dad at this course. I saw firsthand many seniors using it daily, as well as kids learning to play. It provided jobs to teens collecting range balls and to seniors as marshals. It was an affordable place to practice at the driving range. It offered the community another location for meetings, dining, events, etc. And, perhaps most importantly, it was the opening gateway to our community.
Now, sadly, we have none of that. As a 35-plus-year resident, it pains me to see the land in its current state. Once pretty ponds dried up. Trees dying all over the property, creating a fire hazard.
A rezone vote on this land is heading quickly to our county Board of Supervisors. We need to understand what it’s currently zoned for and what that could look like, as well as what a rezone could look like. We need our EDH supervisor(s) to fight for EDH. We need a compromise that takes into account our recreation needs.
For that reason, I am bringing the community an idea I believe could strike a balance with the proposed project while also preserve the history of some of the land, provide a recreational space to be enjoyed by all ages, be an economic driver for our area, and restore some of the property to being the beautiful welcoming gateway it once was.
Golf popularity has exploded in recent years. Tiger Woods even recently worked to redesign a short course at Pebble Beach called “The Hay.” His company, TGR Design, has been putting short courses all over the country. Why? Well, short courses have quite simply reimagined the game of golf. This is not a junky pitch and putt. It’s a well-designed, exquisitely maintained course. It’s affordable (even free for certain ages), quick (rounds can be played in a little over an hour — a perk for busy families), walkable (great exercise and no need for carts) and multi-generational. Holes could be designed to replicate smaller versions of the old Robert Trent Jones course. An idea like this would preserve what this town was founded on … a golf community.
I can see a small driving range along the south side and the old clubhouse revived, becoming a great local eatery that could be used for dining, meetings, weddings etc. While the Serrano Country Club is wonderful, it’s private and we need an option the whole community can access and afford.
It can be programmed to go beyond traditional golf with footgolf NS disc golf, yoga “on the green,” senior golf lessons, night glow golf, outdoor movies and concerts, after-school/summer kids camps, First Tee and Youth on Course programs. Oak Ridge and middle school teams could practice on the course. If designed properly, it can have walking trails and use the latest irrigation technology and water saving plants/grass so it’s environmentally friendly.
The CSD, which does not own the property, is holding a special public meeting about the old golf course May 19. The next Planning Commission meeting will be June 9. I’m asking our supervisors and planning commissioners to insist it’s hosted in EDH so our residents can weigh in. I encourage you to attend both meetings.
If we work collaboratively, we could have our own version of “The Hay” — maybe even calling it “The Hills!” I’m challenging our county leaders to fight for what the residents of EDH want and I’m challenging the land owner to work directly with the CSD to bring something historical and great back for all to enjoy, while also helping the property values in EDH.
I welcome feedback on this idea. To learn more about the project visit eldoradohillscsd.org or see other short course examples by visiting tgrdesign.
This is a paid piece from Silverstar Car Wash.
Simplified: Taylor Gjertson admits she hasn’t always been the best at communicating with others. But her job at Silverstar Car Wash helped her develop those skills and learn that it’s OK to ask for help.
“It’s one of those jobs where, when they say you can move up quickly, you can actually move up quickly if you put the work in,” Gjertson said.
This segment has been edited and shortened for clarity. Answers are all from Gjertson.
Tell me a bit more about you. What do you do outside of work? I was born and raised in Tea and now live in Harrisburg. I love to hang out with my nephews in the summertime, and I like to disc golf.
What makes you good at your job? I’ve gotten really confident with the billing inquiries – customers calling with questions – and I’ve gotten a lot better at phone calls, helping customers with problems. It’s all about making sure the customer leaves happy.
What makes Silverstar unique as an employer? It’s a hands-on job. We have a lot of team meetings, so it makes it more of a family. You’re not working by yourself – you’re always working with a team.
What’s something about Silverstar that you think most customers don’t know? We fix any problems that come up with the wash. We don’t call someone to come fix it, so we’re learning a lot of new things.
What’s next for you? My next goal is to become an assistant manager.
Silverstar has 10 locations – with one more in the works – in Sioux Falls. You can learn more about their unlimited wash program here, and if you’re looking to work with folks like Taylor, find job openings here.
When Peter Asciutto was in school at South Florida Junior College and later at Troy State University in Alabama, his initial plan was not necessarily to go into business. He really wanted to pursue a career in education.
At several points in his life, he has considered becoming a teacher, including right before he opened Vac & Dash in 2004, when he spoke with several school officials about the county’s lateral entry program.
After 18 years of owning and operating his successful vacuum cleaner and running business, which has become a mainstay within the downtown Albemarle community, Asciutto is switching gears.
He will become a high school teacher at Anson High School in Wadesboro. He will begin new teacher orientation Aug. 8 and will teach either social studies or CTE courses.
With his new job comes the fact that after almost two decades at the helm of Vac & Dash, the business will soon be under new ownership. In an interview with The Stanly News & Press, he declined to go into specifics but said that come June, a new owner will be taking over.
While he’s loved managing Vac & Dash and forming relationships with his many customers over the years, Asciutto said his responsibilities as store owner, combined with his role as county commissioner and the extra stress from the COVID-19 pandemic, have gradually taken a toll on him. Little things that would usually be no problem, such as procuring an order of Oreck vacuums or getting 500 shirts printed for an event, have started to cause him some anxiety.
“It was just a lot on my plate and was wearing me out,” he said. “I was thinking, ‘Man, I’m 63 years old, not quite ready to retire, but I need to start looking ahead. And five years from now, do I still want to be doing this store stuff, where you’re working 365 days of the year?’ ”
About his new position
Wanting a “fresh environment” where he could feel re-energized but would also have more time to pursue interests like playing disc golf and visiting family in Florida and long-time college friends, Asciutto decided on teaching.
“I’m really excited and totally looking forward to doing this,” Asciutto said about his career change.
Teaching also happens to be in his blood as his son Gregory is an English teacher at Garringer High School in Charlotte. Asciutto also did some substitute teaching in the 1980s.
He did not apply for a position within Stanly County Schools because he wanted to avoid any potential conflicts of interest with his role as a county commissioner.
“Suppose I took a job teaching at West Stanly High School and then we (county commissioners) had to make some sort of decision that impacted the high schools and impacted one more than the other, it would be a huge conflict of interest,” Asciutto said.
He looked at a few different school districts before deciding on Anson County Schools as Asciutto sensed the close-knit feel of the system reminded him of Highlands County Schools in Florida.
“I wanted to teach in a community where everybody knows everybody,” he said.
And he wanted to teach older students since he worked with so many of them over the years at Vac & Dash.
“One thing I learned about the high school kids that worked with me: do not underestimate the abilities of teenagers,” he said. “You don’t underestimate how good they are and how they can produce and how they can come up with fresh ideas.”
He knows many people his age are retiring, but he is excited for his new challenge. Asciutto would like to teach for at least five years.
“I’m beginning my teaching career when most of my friends that have been in the teaching industry for decades are retiring,” he said.
‘I love everything about Vac & Dash’
Despite his upcoming 30-minute daily trek to the school, Asciutto plans to continue living in Albemarle and will remain on the Board of Commissioners.
Though Vac & Dash will more than likely be under new ownership come August, he expects nothing about the store will change in any significant way.
“With me going to teach, the business is not going away,” he said.
The store has gradually been shifting away from the vacuum and bike portion of business and focused more on screen printing, running shoes and disc golf.
“I love everything about Vac & Dash,” he said, noting he appreciates the impact his business has had on so many people, including many runners in the area. “There’s so much history behind the store after 18 years.”
The community has reciprocated the love, coming to cherish Asciutto and his dogged determination over the years to do whatever he could to help elevate and promote the downtown and its many businesses. He was even voted NC Main Street Champion by the Albemarle Downtown Development Commission in 2019.
“Peter Asciutto has been a tremendous asset to Downtown Albemarle,” said Main Street manager Joy Almond, who is also director of the ADDC. “I’ve found Peter to be very generous in the giving of his time, resources and energy to make our corner of the world a better place. His spirit for community is contagious. ”
Over the years, Vac & Dash has cultivated quite the reputation for its eclectic inventory.
“Thinking back,” he recently posted on Facebook announcing his career change, “when I opened my dream, for the first four or five years people would often say, ‘What is Vac & Dash?’ Fast Forward to today — the Vac & Dash brand is not only well known throughout the region, this little store is nationally known in both vacuum cleaner and running industries. That is pretty cool.”
When many people think of the store, they likely imagine all the many races Asciutto has organized and hosted over the years, such as the annual Fellowship of the Idiots race, where people run 19.7 miles from the YMCA to the top of Morrow Mountain and back.
Now that he will have more free time, Asciutto is looking forward to running more himself — something he’s not done as much of over the past two decades.
“For the last 20 years almost, my hobby has been my business,” he said.
He’s now looking forward to simply running in local races as opposed to organizing them.
Best Stable Fairway Drivers Disc Golf. With their slower speeds, the can be handled, shaped, and used by beginners and professionals alike. August 27, 2020 ted hegemann.
The millennium jls is a great stable dr. These discs will come in handy for straight tunnel shots or other situations on the course that require a straight flight path. Here are the best disc golf fairway drivers according to reviewers on infinitediscs.com:
Plus, this disc is best suited for drivers with slower arm speeds. The infinite discs centurion is an excellent first fairway driver. Lead the golf disc game leaderboard with discraft’s anax. Origio burst underworld fairway disc golf driver.
There are a variety of free, family-friendly public programs taking place throughout the month of May at Prince Gallitzin State Park. Some programs require registration by contacting Vinny Curtis at (814) 674-1000×105 or [email protected].
Friday, May 13, 4 and 6 p.m., at Prince Gallitzin Marina
Tag along for a trip around the lake to see what kinds of waterfowl are hanging out at Glendale Lake. We will scan the water for ducks, geese, swans, loons and grebes! If you have binoculars, please bring them. A limited pair will be available. Minimum age 5 years old.
Free program. Donations will be accepted for our Friends of Prince Gallitzin.
Saturday, May 14, 1 p.m., at Campground Beach
Bring a camera, phone or tablet to the Campground Beach and take part in a family-fun scavenger hunt! See if you can find everything on the list to take a snapshot of! Free program.
Friday, May 20, 6 p.m., at Killbuck Boat Launch
Join a naturalist for a guided paddle onto the lake. A variety of areas and topics will be explored. All participants need to supply their own equipment and have basic flat-water paddling experience. Participants must wear a lifejacket. Drinking water and sunscreen are recommended. Programs may last up to 2 hours. Free program.
Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pickerel Pond
It’s National Kids to Parks Day! Bring your kids to the Pickerel Pond Day-use Area at the park any time from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day of outdoor activities. Play at the playground, try your hand at fishing, disc golf or even geocaching with all materials provided! Registration encouraged. Free program.
Sunday, May 22, 10 a.m., at Campground Store
Come along and start your day with a refreshing morning hike on Point Trail to discover what flora and fauna we can find. Be prepared for a moderate 2-mile (possibly muddy!) hike. Meet at the Campground Store. Free program.
Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m., at Campground Amphitheater
Join us at the campground Amphitheater for a Memorial Service to honor our veterans. There will be a speaker followed by a 21 gun salute and the playing of taps. Sponsored by the Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park. Free program.
Children’s Red, White & Blue Bike Parade
Saturday, May 28, 1 p.m., at Campground
Decorate your bicycles, wagons, or anything that rolls in red, white, and blue and join us for a patriotic parade through the campground. Assemble at the dump station near the Campground Store at 12:45 p.m. The parade will start promptly at 1 p.m. and will proceed down the main road of the campground. Don’t forget to wear your bike helmet! Following the parade, door prizes for adult campers will be awarded at the amphitheater. Note that the main road will be closed for a short time during this event for the safety of our children. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park. Free program.
Saturday, May 28, 3 p.m., at Campground 2nd/Visitor Car Parking
Bring your furry friend along on an easy-moderate hike through the park. Pets must be friendly with other people and pets and must remain on a leash at all times. No pet? No worries! Come along for a hike anyway! Free program.
Saturday, May 28, 7 p.m., at Campground Amphitheater
What species of turtles live in Pennsylvania? How big can a snapping turtle get? Find out the answers and much more at this family friendly presentation. Free program.
Sunday, May 29, 9 a.m., meet at Campground Store
Come along and start your day with a refreshing morning hike on Point Trail to discover what flora and fauna we can find. Be prepared for a moderate 2-mile (possibly muddy!) hike. Free program.
Pontoon Boat Tours on Glendale Lake
Sunday, May 29, 9 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at Prince Gallitzin Marina
Take a scenic ride on the lake and learn about the historical and natural features of the park. Registration required. Free program.
Sunday, May 29, 1-3 p.m., at Campground Beach
Come along as we discover a variety of primitive devices used to create fire before the time of matches and lighters! Try your hand at flint-and-steel or a bow drill and see how fast it takes you to go from friction to flame! Stop by anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. Free program.