Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for kids (under 5 free) and Saturday is Kids Day - 14 & under get in FREE before noon. Discount coupons and more information are available online!

As you start thinking about home improvement & gardening this spring, don't forget to check Absolute Michigan for great businesses specializing in furniture & appliances, home decor & interior design, home improvement & repair and landscaping & gardens from all over the state who can help you take your home to the next level!

Share this:

Approaching Spring by mayerdavid1978

(sorry this update is a little late!) Our Michigan event calendar for the month of March features all kinds of signs that spring is just around the corner with some cautious reminders that objects around the corner may be further off than they appear.

Quotes

"March is a tomboy with tousled hair, a mischievous smile, mud on her shoes
and a laugh in her voice." - Hal Borland

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." - Charles Dickens

"Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn." - Lewis Grizzard

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." - Doug Larson

"Spring is nature's way of saying, Let's party!" - Robin Williams

Fast Facts
March's birthstone is Aquamarine and Bloodstone. They symbolize courage.

Its birth flower is the Narcissus.

March in the Southern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of September in the Northern Hemisphere.

Daylight-Savings time occurs on March 13, 2010, at 2:00 AM - time to spring ahead!

Think spring! The vernal equinox occurs on March 20, 2011, at 11:21  PM EDT.

Things to Do, Places to Go

March 1 - April 30
Foremost's Butterflies Are Blooming - Grand Rapids
Foremost's Butterflies Are Blooming is Meijer Gardens most popular annual exhibition and the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the nation. March 1–April 30, visitors can escape the Michigan winter and mingle with more than 6,000 tropical butterflies flying free in the 15,000-square-foot Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

March 3 - 4
Kalkaska Winterfest - Kalkaska
Date changed for 2012! One of the largest races in the Midwest. Longest continuous running race in Michigan -- Since 1965. Largest purse in Michigan -- $6,000. The only race in the state with an Unlimited/Open Class.

March 11 - 12
Uptown Film Festival - Birmingham
The inaugural UFF is a two- night celebration of the Michigan film industry, and in particular, productions created entirely, or in part, within the state. It was established by leaders in the Michigan film industry and will be held annually to recognize the industry and individuals' accomplishments within the state. (visit on Facebook)

March 12
Annual Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon - Calumet
A laid-back, skier-oriented weekend in Calumet on the beautiful Keewanau Peninsula. You can choose between 26-km and 50km distances including a separate category for 26-km classic skiers. The Junior Bear Chase is a youth Nordic ski race for skiiers up to 16-years-old.

March 12
Brew-Ski Festival - Harbor Springs
Suds and snow. Is there a better combination? Our first annual Brew-Ski Festival features 100+ craft brews, entertainment and an evening of parties. We'll be pitching a big ole' tent at the base of the slopes where you and friends can purchase tickets and sample a variety of brews. The frothy samples are served up by brewery representatives while you enjoy music, brats and spring conditions.

March 11 - 13
Flushing Walleye Festival - Flushing
The event features:

• Outdoor Show Exhibits
• Fish Fry
• Trout Pond
• Outdoor Show
• Firefighter's Pancake Breakfast
• Guest Speakers
• Texas Hold'em Tournament/Poker Night
• Youth Group
• Chili Cook-off

March 17 - 20
Lansing Home & Garden Show - East Lansing
The strongest Home & Garden show in the Mid-Michigan area fills the MSU Pavilion on the campus of Michigan State University. Incredible gardens, extensive landscaping projects, a Standard Flower Show and three free seminar stages surround hundreds of exhibits featuring construction, remodeling, kitchens & baths, retail garden centers, pools and spas and home services.

March 17 - 20
Ultimate Sport and RV Show - Grand Rapids
Michigan's finest tradition for the avid fisherman, hunter or outdoor loving family! Over 350 exhibitors will be at the show with the latest outdoor gear, travel information and fishing boats. The features are famous: World Class Taxidermy, Antique Lures, Trout Pond, Woodcarvers, Pellet Range, Fishing Simulator, Rock Wall and Fly Casting Instruction. Nearly 100 fishing and hunting semainrs will be held on 4 stages, including "Lake Ultimate," the 110,000 gallon indoor lake. Michigan sportsmen never miss it!

March 18 - 20
Carnival Weekend at Boyne - Boyne Falls
It's party time once again. Boyne Mountain pulls out all the stops as Mardi Gras moves north for the weekend. How can I get some of those beads you ask, come to Boyne Mountain and find out. Bands, costume competitions, the slush cup and parties all over the resort make this a weekend to remember. You might want to plan on using a sick day for Monday.

March 19 - 20
Kalamazoo Living History Show - Kalamazoo
The largest, nationally recognized, juried show in the Midwest devoted to pre-1890 original or reproduction living history supplies, accouterments and related crafts. More than 10,000 historical re-enactors from pre-Revolutionary through the Civil War, history buffs, collectors, and the general public from 18 states and Canada come together for a festive weekend to buy, sell and trade. The event attracts over 270 of the finest craftsman and dealers of living history supplies and related crafts from throughout the United States.

March 22 - 27
Ann Arbor Film Festival - Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is internationally recognized as a premiere showcase for creative, inspiring, and influential films of all types: avant-garde and experimental, story-based narratives, documentaries, and animation. As the longest-running film festival of its kind in North America, the AAFF is steeped in a rich tradition of ground-breaking cinema.

March 25 - 27
Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival - Kalamazoo
Come to the Kalamazoo Museum for a celebration of Kazoo's legacy of stringed-instrument design and manufacture. This free event invites visitors to meet instrument designers and learn about their trade, to hear live performances from area musicians, and to attend a variety of workshops for guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele and more!

March 25 – April 2
Royal Oak Restaurant Week - Royal Oak
A nine-day event celebrating the delicious diversity of the City's dining establishments. Held from Friday, March 25 through Saturday April 2, this annual event features special fixed price three-course dinner menus for either $15 or $25 from  almost two-dozen restaurants.

Did we get them all? Not likely!! Add ones we missed (with links) in the comments below!

Share this:

Enrico Fermi 2 by daryl.larkin

Michigan Solar Solutions says that Michigan is Poised for 'Solar Explosion' in 2010:

According to company President Mark Hagerty, the year is shaping up to be "a perfect storm for solar" in the state.

"Many people think that solar won't work in Michigan because it's too cold and it doesn't get as much sun as other places, but that's misconstrued," Hagerty said. "Michigan has an average of 4.2 hours of peak sunlight per day each year. Florida, the 'Sunshine State' only has about five hours. Solar panels are less efficient the hotter they get and actually produce more power when it gets cooler. While the Southwest may get more hours of sun, the panels produce less voltage per peak hour because of the heat." He added that in 2008, his company's solar panels produced 1.2 times the rated output at 10 degrees below zero.

One reason Hagerty says Michigan is the place for solar power in 2010: rising electricity prices and increasing state and federal incentives mean that renewable energy has never been cheaper.

Now you have to figure that a company called Michigan Solar Solutions is going to be pretty bullish on solar energy, but we did a little checking and found that Michigan is a lot better than you might think for sun power:

• Solar Power Rocks lists Michigan State Solar Power Rebates, Tax Credits, and Incentives (there's a lot of them)
• The Michigan Dept of Labor & Economic Growth's Wind & Solar pages are packed with info including the Michigan Renewable Energy Program and this Solar Power Tour of Michigan (pdf)
• Michigan Advantage lists some success stories and talks about Solar Incentives for businesses
• If you're looking for someone to help you explore solar at your home or business, try the Solar Energy Businesses in Michigan (almost 60 listed).
• ...and every June there's the Michigan Energy Fair.

I'll bet there's a lot more solar energy info for Michigan out there - share it in the comments!

Share this:

The Mason House c 1872 in Carriage Town by mansardroofsf

The New York Times has taken note of an area in Flint called Carriage Town that is making a comeback due to some industrious and motivated homeowners. In the midst of an otherwise impoverished area and dire economic circumstances these people are taking advantage of real estate deals and restoring the beautiful old homes that make up the area. The article Faded Glory: Polishing Flint's Jewels also notes that as people move in businesses follow and once again becomes a community.

In a city that is synonymous with faded American industrial and automotive power, Carriage Town's success is both unexpected and inspiring. A persistent group of long-term urban homesteaders — along with newer arrivals eager to live near a downtown showing signs of life — has restored dozens of Victorian-era houses and buildings in the last 20 years. While many Flint neighborhoods feel all but abandoned, in Carriage Town home ownership has increased 10 percent over the last decade, according to Census data.

In a worldwide recession, development projects with more than $47 million in public and private financing are in progress or recently completed in the 30-square-block Carriage Town area, including the conversion of the derelict Berridge Hotel into lofts and the ongoing renovation of the long-vacant Durant Hotel into 93 apartments and commercial space. There are even plans for a neighborhood grocery store.

But there's no denying that Carriage Town is a work in progress, and that those who call it home must deal with challenges like speculators, abandoned houses and lack of code enforcement by the cash-strapped city.

For more images of Flin't Carriage Town check out this slideshow from Flickr...

Share this:

Weird Wednesday already? Nope. Huge piles of ice were pushed by NE winds into homes along Linwood Beach (just north of Bay City), forcing evacuations and causing damage. Linwood Beach residents return to find ice piled around, inside and atop their homes from the Bay City Times begins:

"I was making a grocery list in the kitchen and the next thing you know, we had this," said Angie Hughes, nodding at the ice resting inside her kitchen.

"Once we saw the first two piles of ice coming over the seawall, we just ran," Steve Hughes said Monday, returning to assess the damage. "I just remember hearing the kitchen window explode and the kitchen table getting thrown back.

"It was just incredible to see. It's got to be about 50 tons of ice that came up here in less than a few minutes."

It has some great photos from this latest ice incursion from Saginaw Bay and also from a similar incident in 1946 when Lake Huron ice devastated homes along the bay.

Share this:

Starting October 1st these light bulbs will be available at an unbeatable price: 99 cents at participating Meijer, Kroger, and Menard's stores, as well as seven Lansing-area and three Upper Peninsula Ace Hardware stores. At that price, these bulbs are sure to fly off the shelves.

Thanks to grants by the Michigan Public Service Commission to various organizations, these discounted light bulbs will get into the hands of more and more Michigan homeowners. That will mean lower bills for customers, reduced need for additional electric generation, and a cleaner environment.

Governor Granholm has gotten into the spirit, too, by declaring today “Change a Light Day.”

The folks at Energy Star are encouraging people to "change a light." Be sure to take the pledge and visit their Web site. And remember to give the "State of Michigan" credit as the pledge drive-sponsoring organization. It's a friendly competition that Energy Star hopes will generate more energy savings and enthusiasm.

Share this:

Spinners 1 by n8xd

The 3rd annual Michigan Energy Fair will be held June 27-29, 2008 at the Manistee County Fairgrounds in Onekama. Billed as "one of the most comprehensive expositions of renewable energy generating equipment, home and business energy efficiency techniques, and technical workshops in the state".

The 2007 Michigan Energy Fair hosted over 4000 attendees who viewed the products and services of over 100 sponsors and exhibitors. Check out the video below in which fair organizer Jeremy Wittrock talks about the 2007 event

The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association is bringing in several noted speakers including Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Dr. Richard Blieden, and David Konkle. Workshops will address topics including wind energy, green building, geothermal heating and cooling, home energy efficiency and energizing Michigan's economy.

Michigan send $18 billion dollars to other states in energy costs. With activities for kids, food, music and a wide range of exhibitors, the Michigan Energy Fair is a great place to learn about how we can go about reversing this drain on our state's economy.

Energy Fair Links

Recap of the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair

Recap of the 2006 Michigan Energy Fair

The Michigan land Use Institute reports on the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair (with video) and also on the 2006 Michigan Energy Fair.

Check Absolute Michigan keyword energy for a gigawatt more related links and articles.

Share this:

grand rapids art museum by chadâ„¢

When the topic of 'green building' comes up many still think of images such as earthships, built from recycled materials including used tires. Although efficient and intelligently designed, they didn't necessarily appeal to the maintstream home owner or developers. Today green buildings appear much like any other home or building. They are designed to save money, use energy and water efficiently, reduce waste and create over all healthier environments for living and working. Faced with increasing energy costs and the impact we place upon the environment the climate is ripe for the green building industry.

Perhaps surprisingly, Michigan is among the green building leaders in the nation - trailing only Oregon and California. As of April, 2007, 212 buildings in Michigan were registered or certified under LEED, placing Michigan in the top 10 states with registered green buildings. Within the state the west side is outpacing the east, with Grand Rapids out in front having the most LEED certified buildings.

Standing out is the newly built Grand Rapids Art Museum which recently received the distinction of being the world's first Gold LEED certified art museum. More stories from The Chicago Tribune, New York Time, Architect and ARTnews can be found here. In Lansing, General Motors has built the only auto assembly plant in the world to receive LEED certification. General Motors' new Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant has received a gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The building is the only automotive manufacturing plant in the world -- as well as the largest facility and the most complex manufacturing site -- to ever receive any level of LEED certification. MSNBC covered this in 2006 in their feature GM builds a eco-friendly assembly plant - $1 million-a-year energy savings touted at unveiling

OK, time to grab the popcorn...

A video over at YouTube from Medialink titled "Buildings Are More Responsible For CO2 Emissions Than Cars" was produced for General Motors and is an interesting watch.

Even more below the fold...

Other notable Michigan green buildings, projects and programs:

S.T Dana Building Renovation - University of Michigan

The S.T. Dana Building is a 100-year-old academic building that houses the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) at the University of Michigan. In the 1990s, SNRE began planning for a major renovation to the structure. This project had two primary goals: to create a comfortable place to learn and work and to demonstrate state-of-the-art green design. The renovation resulted in a building where environmental principles are not only taught but also upheld and demonstrated to the community.

The Green Roof Research Program at Michigan State University

Green roofs involve growing plants on rooftops, thus replacing the vegetated footprint that was destroyed when the building was constructed. Germany is widely considered the leader in green roof research, technology and usage.

The green roof research program at MSU was initiated in collaboration with Ford Motor Company during 2000 in an effort to advise them on the installation of a 10.4 acre extensive green roof on a new assembly plant in Dearborn, Mich.

Kresge Foundation Headquarters

Our state-of-the-art facilities, which were completed in 2006, serve as a model of sustainable design and an educational resource for us and our community. The headquarters integrates a 19th century farmhouse and barn - part of our offices for many years - with a new contemporary two-level 19,500-square-foot glass and steel building. The construction process and day-to-day maintenance provides valuable new knowledge, lessons that inform our grantmaking.

Residential Buildings in the Copper Country

This residential guide to designing and building a green home was developed as part of the Sustainable Futures II course offered at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI. With so much information available about green buildings, it can be a daunting task to sort through the material to obtain specific aspects of green buildings that a home builder might be interested in. The purpose of this guide is to act as a resource for home builders in the Copper Country area to provide a base for green building practices. Due to time constraints of the course, this guide does not include all aspects of green buildings. Instead, the most relative aspects of green building to the Copper Country were chosen and included in this guide.

Bissfield Michigan Home, Model of Sustainability, Earns LEEDS Platinum

Michigan's first platinum-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) award has been given to “Burnside's Inn,” a home designed by Riverbend Timber Framing, Blissfield, and built by Robert Burnside's Fireside Home Construction, Dexter.

Is green building costly?

Most people think that building green will break the bank when in reality green building is an affordable alternative.

The Natural Resources Defense Council tell us:

Green building skeptics sometimes argue that it's difficult or even impossible to build green without paying a big cost premium. But real-world examples show that you can complete a LEED-certified green building project for an average of 2 percent more in upfront costs, and sometimes even below standard market construction costs.

Industry experts say homeowners who toss about $3,000 extra into building green can expect to make up for that in a few years with lower utility bills.

Attend Great Lakes Green 2008

Coming up in on August 21-23 is the Residential Green Building Conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, DeVos Place - Grand Rapids, MI. Their website tells us:

The world of homebuilding is going green! More and more homeowners are realizing the impact that environmentally friendly building can have on their world. Learn what green building is, what standards constitute green building and how you can put it to use for your home building business. Green building makes sense - from an environmental and a fiscal perspective.

If you are or know of a student interested in green building you may want to check out the "Student Home Design Competition". There is an entry fee for each educational bracket but the payoff for winners is nice.

Competition - Green home building is exploding across the U.S. and the Great Lakes region. Are you interested in the fastest growing sector of the construction industry? Do you care about the environment and want to help create sustainable homes? If you are or are interested in pursuing a career in the building sciences, architecture or any construction-related field, here is your opportunity to learn, have fun, and earn some cold hard cash for school. Gather your classmates, form a team, and develop drawings that show off your vision for the future of green home construction.

For more on green building check out the following resources and articles:

Michigan Green is a group of energy companies and energy consultants, together with government agencies and schools, colleges, and universities, has joined forces to champion the cause of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Michigan and throughout the Nation.

The Alliance for Environmental Sustainability, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was founded in 2000 as a vehicle to bring the residential construction industry into the 21st-century. The goal of the founders was to provide training to builders and homebuyers for environmentally friendly, healthy and energy efficient building practices and products.

Green Built Michigan, an independent 501 (C)(3), was created in 2006 as a statewide green building certification, professional development and education organization. Initially housed in Grand Rapids, Green Built moved its headquarters to Lansing in 2007.

The Green Revolution from the Northern Express

Blueprints go green- Environmentally friendly buildings gaining popularity, certification - via Metro Times

'Green' elements huge at builders show - via Ann Arbor Business Review's Michigan Environmental Issues, Great Lakes' Environmental & Conservation News

Share this:

Their service is free, and after getting some information about your project, they will work to match you with a plumber, electrician, roofer, painter or any other home service professional you're seeking. They research companies licensing and insurance, financial and legal background, customer references, and pricing - taking a lot of the hassle out of finding a contractor.

At the core of their service is Handy's Rating, an unbiased rating system under which service professionals can not pay a premium fee to increase their listing rank, rating or which type of jobs they receive.

If your businesses or organization would like to help to support what we do on Absolute Michigan (and reach an audience that loves Michigan), please consider Absolute Michigan sponsorship!

Share this:

Homes along East Ferry Avenue - Detroit MI by pinehurst19475

For the month of March, Absolute Michigan will be featuring Homes with stories about historic Michigan houses, home & home design blogs, green building and other new trends in construction and redevelopment, and some of the great neighborhoods across the state for buying and renting. We'll also take a look at Michigan's real estate market and seek some answers for home buyers and sellers in how to get through this difficult time. Where we can, we'll feature some Michigan businesses who can help you make your home better through home improvements and enhancing your decor and furnishings.

As always, we recognize that there's so much to know and talk about and we really hope you'll help us with comments and emailed tips for stories!

Regarding the photo, pinehurst19475 says that the East Ferry Historic District began as an exclusive residential area in the late 1880s, after serving as an experimental seed farm for the Ferry Seed Company. Building continued through the 1920s, and today the area is a mix of well maintained structures used for residential, commercial and institutional purposes. The district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It's part of a great Residential Detroit set of photos.

Share this:

well red by suesue2

For the whole month of March, we'll be featuring Homes on Absolute Michigan with features about historic Michigan homes, green building and other new trends in construction and some great neighborhoods across the state. Because you can't tune in any media without hearing how terrible the housing market is, we'll also talk to some people about the whys, wherefores and how that can be overcome.

Our Homes & Real Estate section can probably give you some other hints about topics we'll feature including home improvement and interior decorating. However, if you're hot to get in the garden, you'll have to wait for April when we feature gardening & Michigan flora!

Have ideas for topics? All you have to do is post a comment or send an email!

Share this:

The annual Michigan Energy Fair will be held June 22-24, 2007 at the Manistee County Fairgrounds in Onekama. Billed as "one of the most comprehensive expositions of renewable energy generating equipment, home and business energy efficiency techniques, and technical workshops in the state" the Fair features over 100 exhibitors and 60 workshops promoting energy efficiency, biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power, and techniques for living sustainably.

The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association is bringing in several noted speakers including Eric Larsen, William Cooke, Jim Nichols, and Dr. Chris Schilling. Workshops will address topics including making gasoline from waste plastics, creating jobs, reducing pollution through renewable energy and energy efficiency, local government or school district green power project, and energizing Michigan's economy.

Michigan send $18 billion dollars to other states in energy costs. With activities for kids, food, music and a wide range of exhibitors, the Michigan Energy Fair is a great place to learn about how we can go about reversing this drain on our state's economy.

Energy Fair Links

The Michigan land Use Institute took a look back at the 2006 Michigan Energy Fair.

The Energy Fair model house pictured above was designed by Image Design, LLC and built by Hybrid Homes LLC and you can see some pictures of the home in process at those sites.

Check Absolute Michigan keyword energy for a gigawatt more related links and articles.

Share this:

Bathroom by Jurgen Nation

Editor's Note: I have been sitting on this story so long I am tempted to make a joke about it. I won't though.

Remember when someone told you that you could find everything on the internet? Well, we just found "everything".

It's called "Flush TV" (PG for mild language), and it's a show that follows the plumbers of Levine & Sons through their day as Detroit-area plumbers ... along with some great music. It's probably best begin at the beginning and meet the crew in Episode 1: It Ain't Easy Being a Plumber but frankly you can probably start anywhere with Flush TV ... Just be sure to watch Episode #6. And #8.

Share this:

The current version of Introduce Your Michigan Business or Organization is right there.

Share this:

Quixote by Lantern Waste Studios

A new documentary produced by Northern Michigan University professor Dwight Brady, Michigan's Green Energy Economy highlights how different Michigan businesses, utilities and everyday people are making the switch to different forms of energy, through wind, solar power, and biofuels. The half-hour documentary was featured on a recent episode of the WKAR-TV series Michigan at Risk, followed by a panel of Michigan experts discussing how alternative energy could help Michigan's economy recover from the slump caused by the collapse of the auto industry.

For instance, did you know:

• As a customer of Consumers Energy, you can opt to heat your home via green energy.
• A farmer can make up to $6000 a year by allowing a wind turbine to be built on just an half-acre.
• Or the personal favorite, that stuff that gets flushed down your drains at home can actually power your neighborhood businesses.

Staying true to its roots, the film even offers hope for Michigan's automakers, describing how the Big Three and other companies are working on innovative, cleaner ways of fueling the fleet of America.

Hat tip to Dr. Brady and his production crew (Grant Guston and NMU student Alex Hansen) for their extensive travels all over our great state, and interviews with folks from Governor Granholm, Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, and entrepreneur Rich VanderVeen of Mackinaw Power.

Cleanly shot, with excellent insight into the world of Michigan's Green Energy Economy, the film is visually rich and eye-opening to the most die-hard of fossil fuel fans. Brady and crew show that Green Energy isn't just for the tree-huggers anymore, especially if you've got a home to heat, a car to drive or a business to run.

Interested in other Michigan Alternative Energy info?

• A great place to get started is Michigan Renewable Energy Success Stories, published by Urban Options. This excellent guide offers practical examples of all kinds of residential alternative energy projects.
• Learn about going Green with energy and saving on your taxes (plus lots more!) from the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. Every June, they also host the Michigan Energy Fair.
• Let's not forget about the state government. The Michigan Public Service Commission has established their own program about renewable energy, and thanks to the State Legislature there's also the new Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission.

Share this: