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Ahhh summer! It’s the time of year where lasting memories begin and family traditions abound. It’s the time of year when I thank my lucky stars that I live in the great state of Michigan. I grew up on the east side and have wonderful memories of sun-bleached days on the shores of Lake Huron. Weekend picnics at Lake Port State Park, fishing on the sparkling waters of Lake St. Clair and playing in the hot sand with my family on Seaway Island while watching enormous lake freighters pass us by. The summers of my childhood are synonymous with the pungent smell of lake water and the grit of sand in my wet hair and bathing suit.
Some families create lifelong traditions with lake water as their main ingredient. Along with my husband’s family, we return every year to the same spot on Lake Michigan. His relatives have been going there for over sixty years now. Someday our children’s children will hear the tales of our youth while the warmth of a beach campfire and the rhythmic pull of Lake Michigan lull them to sleep.
Not only does Michigan have the longest freshwater shoreline in the world, it is home to some of the most unique family-owned businesses around. From cherry and apple orchards to bed and breakfast retreats, wineries, small-town restaurants, gift and antique shops and art galleries are just some of the cultural fabric that weaves together Michigan’s distinctive charm.
Of course on the big business front, Michigan is the birthplace of the auto industry. Even in these challenging times we cannot forget our entrepreneurial beginnings and our contribution to the world. With the movie and green industries on the rise in Michigan, we are looking at a new and different path, one that incorporates our past while also encompassing a new vision for our future.
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In the spirit of Michigan’s transformation, on our cover this month are Jackie Victor and Ann Perrault, co-founders of Avalon Breads International. These two women opened the doors of their bakery 13 years ago and have inspired the renewal of Detroit’s Cass Corridor. Their vision for Detroit as a sustainable city is an inspiration for us all. Stop by and say hello to Jackie and Ann and try their delicious breads and sweet treats. I guarantee you will be back for more!!!! |
