Tag Archives: Suttons Bay

Water exploration planned in Suttons Bay

Entertainment, , ,

By Fred Sitkins
Inland Seas Education Association

Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) invites the public to engage with water through their Going to the Water Summer Stewardship Series. Opportunities to connect with water include social distancing activities and events, a video series, a virtual fundraising water challenge, and programs aboard the ship. Every activity has a stewardship focus to encourage the protection of water.

“Research shows that being on, in, or near water has many benefits,” shared Fred Sitkins, ISEA Executive Director. “The purpose of this series is to engage people with water and, while they are there, take time to reflect on the experience.” Research referenced by Sitkins comes from the book Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols. In his book, Nichols shows how water can improve performance, increase calm, diminish anxiety, and increase professional success.

Two social distancing activities will take place in June. On June 18 at 10 a.m., families are invited to participate in an in-person Family Water Healer event. A story will be read about a little boy who overcomes his fear of water and participants will be asked to share their personal connection to water through written or visual expression. The event is free, but registration is required as space is limited. The second event is a self-guided Leelanau Trail Water Hunt. Participants walking or biking on the Leelanau Trail can look for answers to water-based clues. Once the clues are solved, a mystery word will be revealed.

In July, the Going to the Water Summer Stewardship Series includes To the Water Challenge, a virtual fundraising event where participants engage with water, reflect on their experience, and share on social media. People can boat, paddleboard, swim, scuba dive, relax, fish, meditate, or do any other activity that is on, in, or near water (e.g., lake, river, pond, fountain, etc.). Registered participants will receive ISEA multifunctional headwear and qualify for awards.

“We believe people care for the things they love,” explained Sitkins when describing the Going to the Water Video Series to be out in July. Local celebrities are being interviewed at the water locations they love and will talk about how they care for that water. “Through all the events in the Going to the Water Stewardship Series, we hope people make the connection that they need to protect the water resources they enjoy.”

ISEA public summer sailing programs aboard the schooner Inland Seas will begin in August. Capacity has been reduced by 50% to accommodate for social distancing and safety protocols will be in place for crew, instructors, and participants. Program content will continue to be the same as pre-COVID-19, but may be delivered slightly different. Tickets are on sale now.

“With the additional time people have by not attending festivals and events, we hope this Series encourages them to get on, in or near water,” said Stephanie Rustem, ISEA Program Coordinator.

Inland Seas Education Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Suttons Bay, Michigan, dedicated to STEM education on the Great Lakes. Its shipboard and shore-side education programs are designed to inspire people of all ages to provide for the long-term stewardship of the Great Lakes. ISEA offers programs to schools, groups, and the public. For further information, contact Inland Seas Education Association at (231) 271-3077 or on the web at www.schoolship.org.

Adventures in Michigan: Movie fundraiser to support young women in STEM

Entertainment,
Photo credit: Tornato Film Festival

By the West Michigan Tourist Association

The documentary Maiden will be shown at The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. to support Inland Seas Education Association’s (ISEA) Young Women in STEM program. A panel of women will follow the movie for a brief Q & A. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at schoolship.org.

Maiden is a film about the first-ever, all-female crew to enter the 1989 Whitbread Round the World Race. As the young women competed in this male-dominated race, they overcame cultural, financial, and personal struggles which is the perfect backdrop for this fundraiser. “Past Young Women in STEM participants have shared with us how this program has been life-changing for them,” Fred Sitkins, ISEA Executive Director, stated. “They have more confidence or absolutely know they want to go into a STEM career after the program.”

Maggie Oudsema, a 2000 YWIS participant, credits the program and ISEA for confirming her career choice and helping her to obtain her current job with the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) at Grand Valley State University. She has been a research assistant with AWRI since 2010 and has recently been studying microplastics in the Lake Michigan food web.

Panel participants include Paige McDowell, a former YWIS participant, and Lily Heyns, ISEA’s relief captain. Additional panel members will be announced on ISEA’s website. Paige will share her experience on a Young Women in STEM program and Lily will share what it is like being a woman in a male-dominated career field. Questions for the panel can be emailed to isea@schoolship.org prior to the event.

“This Maiden Fundraiser will allow young women to participate in our three-day Young Women in STEM program for just $300,” shared Troy DeShano, ISEA Fund Development Coordinator. Chemical Bank is sponsoring the event so all proceeds from ticket prices and donations will go directly toward the program. Program costs include lodging accommodations on the ship, food, research and sailing instruction, and professional crew.

On the YWIS programs, high school girls are introduced to careers in the freshwater and STEM fields as they sail to ports and islands around Lakes Michigan and Huron. In addition to sailing and research, they step out of their comfort zones, gain confidence, and confirm career paths. “All ISEA’s youth programs focus on helping to prepare our future scientists, mathematicians, designers, and engineers. They will be the future protectors of the Great Lakes and we are honored to be part of their learning experience,” explained Sitkins. Learn more about the YWIS program here.

The Bay Theatre is located at 214 N St Joseph Street in Suttons Bay, MI. Doors will open at 5:30 pm. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Inland Seas Education Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Suttons Bay, Michigan, dedicated to STEM education on the Great Lakes. Its shipboard and shore-side education programs are designed to inspire people of all ages to provide for the long-term stewardship of the Great Lakes. ISEA offers programs to schools, groups, and the public. For further information, contact Inland Seas Education Association at 231-271-3077 or on the web at www.schoolship.org.