Inaugural Blue Water Sandfest is underway in Port Huron

Master sand sculptor Brett Stocker of Los Cabos, Mexico.

Judging by the crowd attending Friday's Blue Water Sandfest it is likely to become an annual event at Fort Gratiot Lighthouse in Port Huron.

"It's a great idea. I think they should do it every year," said Erica Chilcutt. "We brought three kids up here for something inexpensive to do and they're loving it. I'm loving it."

The event features five master sand sculptors and five professional advanced amateur sand sculptors who, over the course of the weekend will create works of art out of buckets and buckets of wet sand. There's frogs and princesses, a candle in the wind and of course castles. On Sunday, judges will choose the best of the lot for prizes including one from each category chosen by people visiting the festival.

The idea for the sand sculptor competition and festival came to members of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse last September. 

"We wanted to come up with something that would raise some major dollars for funding," said David Brooks, chair of the Sandfest. The idea for this event came after one of the members told the group about the sand festival in Fort Meyers, Fla. However, while Michigan has plenty of sand -- it's not the same as the white stuff packed against the shores of the ocean.

Porter Duncan, 4, left, of Chesterfield Township and Ian
Chilcutt, 8 of Port Huron create their own work of art.

"Michigan sand is very young," Brooks said, repeating what he was told by the sand-sculpting experts. Older sand as in the case of Florida and California -- is sand that has been pounded by the waves over and over agin. So, instead of using the sand on the beach in Port Huron -- 150 tons of old but very clean sand was donated to the event by Mid Michigan Materials in Jetto and delivered free of charge by Burgess Contracting. Besides creating a community event that is fun for all ages -- all of the sand that is being used for the sculpting competition will be donated to the Community Foundation of St. Clair. The Foundation plans to use it in the construction of the riverfront project.

"Our target is to raise $20,000 to match the grant from the Michigan Lighthouse Assistant Program," said Brooks, adding the funds will go toward the upkeep of the lighthouse, which offers tours to anyone interested and overnight stays to large groups.

"We all went to the top of the lighthouse," said Cheryl Duncan of Chesterfield Township, who attended the Sandfest with her family. "It's beautiful, what a view."

Master sculptor Brett Stocker -- the title applying to sculptors who have been at it for more than 15 years and won awards for their work -- said he travels all over the world for competitions when his wife is willing to mind their resort business in Los Cabos, Mexico. 

So far, Stocker said he's very impressed with the Blue Water Sandfest. 

"The sand is great. Very clean and easy to work with," said Stoker, who is creating an architectural piece.

Visitors to the festival can watch the sculptors work -- and give it a try. A small area of the festival offers children the opportunity to get their hands wet. There's also an art village, live entertainment, food, tours of the lighthouse and a gorgeous view of Lake Huron.

Admission to the Blue Water Sandfest is $5 per person, children 4 and under free. 

The event is hosted at the Fort Gratiot Light Station County Park, at 2802 Omar Street, Port Huron, Michigan 48060. For more information visit: www.bluewatersandfest.com.

A few and affordable home improvements go a long way to improve your home’s air quality.

As if asthma and allergies aren't bad enough.

To make matters worse, a lot of homes have poor indoor air quality caused by smoke, odors, dust and other contaminants including cleaning products. People spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors where air quality can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

My son has asthma so my husband and I are always looking for ways to improve the air quality at home. Over the winter we had the ducts cleaned and this spring we did a thorough cleaning of his room and removed a lot of dust-grabbing décor. 

Since other members of our family suffer with sinus problems, I removed a lot of the dust-collecting knickknacks in other rooms as well. Then I dusted and cleaned anything that remained. In a report from researchers at Sherwin-Williams, getting rid of objects that are prone to dust such as rugs, upholstered furniture and infrequently moved accessories was one of several tips recommended to improve indoor air quality.

While asthma and allergy sufferers, children and the elderly are particularly sensitive to indoor air quality, everyone is impacted by it,” notes the  Sherwin-Williams report. Fortunately a few and affordable home improvements can go a long way to benefit your home’s air quality.

Here are some suggestions:

• Don’t rely on synthetic fragrances. However nice it might be to walk into a home smelling of fresh-baked apples, synthetic air fresheners and even laundry products designed to make your clothes smell like they’ve been dried on a clothesline can emit dozens of chemicals. If you love the smell of linens dried on a clothesline, invest in a real one and use it. Look for fragrance-free or natural products such as fresh cut flowers and skip aerosol sprays.
• Open the windows. Especially at this time of year – after a heavy rain or in the early hours of the morning before the sun heats things up – there is nothing nicer than a fresh breeze coming in from an open window.
• Go natural. Add a fern or aloe Vera plant to help purify the air.
• Take advantage of technology. Consider investing in products designed to improve air quality. There are linens made to decrease the risk of dust mites, those nasty microscopic creatures whose feces are known to be a potent allergen that cause asthma-like symptoms and chronic sinus problems. The cost of a good night’s sleep is about $20 for a pillow cover and between $80 and $120 for a mattress cover.
• I love fish and chips but hate the smell that lingers in the air after cooking it. Sherwin-Williams’ Harmony paint helps reduce common indoor odors such as those from cooking and even smoke. The company claims that the new paint, available in flat or eggshell (a finish between flat and satin) finishes, also can help to reduce indoor air pollutants caused by insulation, carpet, cabinets and fabrics. Now I have an even better reason to change the color of my kitchen from guacamole green to sky blue.
• Clean your air ducts. It goes without saying that the ducts in a house are bound to be filled with dust mites, pet hair, and a host of other nasty things. Look into having them cleaned at least once a year.
• Stay cool and dry this summer. Besides dust mites, excessive moisture can attract mildew and mold, which are not good for anyone. Experts recommend keeping rooms at a safe 30- to 50-percent humidity level. This can be achieved with the dehumidifier on your furnace or a portable product.
• Vacuum, vacuum whenever you can. One of the features we looked for when buying our vacuum is a HEPA filter, which is a high-quality and very dense filter designed to trap tiny particles that cause havoc to the air. When vacuuming, remember areas under furniture or even the window blinds. Also important is the power of the machine and its rotating brushes. A good vacuum sucks, plain and simple. A bad vacuum blows dust or dirt out in the exhaust. All floorcoverings should be cleaned, not just carpets. Homeowners with hardwood floors may want to use a microfiber mop to clean the floor and opt for a natural cleaning product instead of chemical-based solutions.

Gina Joseph is a reporter and columnist for The Macomb Daily. Send comments to gina.joseph@macombdaily.com, follow her on twitter @ginaljoseph

Howell's balloonfest rises to the occassion

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest photo by Susan Pominville

One day I will rock through the blue skies of Michigan in the basket of a hot air balloon. 

For now I’ll just watch other people do it at the 29th annual Michigan Challenge Balloonfest held at the Howell High School complex June 28-30.

“It’s the end of a big decade, and we’ve grown through the years,” said Michelle Tokan, Michigan Challenge director and the gal handling requests from the media to fly. My opportunity was deflated by the weather and other engagements. “Highlights of our 29th year include the balloon launches, three entertainment venues, four national touring displays and an increased social media presence. I think our guests will agree the committee has planned a spectacular party.”

The party was hatched during a meeting in a restaurant.

Dick Rudlaff, a nationally known hot air balloon pilot, was passing through Howell on his way to Battle Creek when it occurred to him that the area would be the perfect place to stage a state championship. He and other pilots had been looking for a location for some time. So, Rudlaff met with Lee Reeves, the then Howell Area Chamber of Commerce president, at a restaurant and pitched the idea for a championship as a major community event.

His hook? The event could really put Howell on the map.

As the group prepared to leave the diner, a woman sitting in the next booth stopped them saying she had overheard the balloonfest plans. She applauded the idea and told the group they should do it. “Reeves laughingly admitted it was like a good omen, boding well for the success of the event,” Tokan said.

In 1985, not long after the meeting, the board of directors – having secured the cooperation of the Howell Public Schools -- inflated their plans for the balloonfest. Today, Rudlaff remains a part of the event and is competition director for it.

“I love the balloon launches,” Tokan said. “I have seen many of them, yet each one has its own personality and character. At the Michigan Challenge, spectators are very close to the launch field and can see the entire inflation process. It’s amazing to see the crowd’s reaction when the balloons lift off the ground.

The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest succeeded in putting Howell on the map and has grown since that first year, adding many other attractions including a carnival and arts festival. Still, Tokan said the centerpiece and drawing-card of the event remains the beautiful ballooning competition.
 
“The Michigan Challenge attracts some of the best pilots from around the world. Several are from Howell, many from Michigan and others from out of state,” Tokan said.
However, balloons wait for no man, or woman or child. It’s the sun and the weather that dictates their launches. To see the balloons take off on Friday, June 28, you’ll want to be at the launch field by 5 p.m. The mass balloon launch takes place between 6 and 8 p.m. The following morning between 6 and 8 a.m. is the balloon fly-in and actual competitions. If you missed the mass balloon launch on Friday, there’s a second one on Saturday, also between 6 and 8 p.m. The same goes for Sunday: Balloon fly-in between 6 and 8 a.m. and mass balloon launch between 6 and 8 p.m.

“While guests wait for the balloons, there are many family attractions and activities on site,” Tokan said. “A schedule and more information can be found at Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, updates on Facebook and Twitter @balloonfestMI #balloonfest

No rides going on this weekend but Tokan assured me there will be companies providing information on where/how I can learn more.
 
Up, up and away I go.

Summer ushers in another chance for an outdoor bash extraordinaire

Once again I am writing a column about hosting an extraordinary outdoor bash. Not a backyard barbecue -- although you could serve ribs and barbecue chicken - but a small formal dinner for close friends or family.

My editor is rolling her eyes. Every year I do this column and every year summer passes without anyone seeing the cool outdoor chandelier that I made in anticipation of such an event.

My desire to host such a party spawned following a trip to Napa Valley where even a lunch of bologna sandwiches and red wine was a memorable event. Due in part to the California countryside but also the details attended by the vineyard staff: placing a rustic picnic table under an ornamental tree and setting the table with white linens, crystal glasses and votive candles. 

Whether you have a large backyard or an apartment with a small balcony -- the key to this kind of party is to let the natural elements set the mood and then expand upon that.

First, consider where to dine. Under a tree is nice but only if the branches are high and out of harm's way. A picnic table is great but you could also use a round card table. A patio set would also work provided you kept the décor formal. 

Once you've got a spot pick a theme and run with it - using linens and placemats - as the canvas for whatever picture you hope to create. Whatever you do don't forget the fresh flowers.

"There is something about flowers that instantly makes any gathering feel special," said a spokesperson from Pfaltzgraff. "Place several large sunflowers into a vase for the center of the table - or trim the stems off your favorite blooms and float them in a large serving bowl. For another simple centerpiece, line several glasses or small bowls down the center of the table and place a single blossom in each. No flower arranging skills required."

As the maker of formal and casual tableware - Pfaltzgraff has no shortage of ideas for those of us hoping to host an extraordinary outdoor affair. Their decorating staff also suggests enhancing the mood created by your natural environment with themes like alfresco created with decorations, lighting and tableware. Pfaltzgraff’s Pistoulet dinnerware features colorful renderings of flowers, vines and vegetables set against wide watercolor washes, which for example is reminiscent of the light and colors of Southern France. For an Americana theme consider using a red linen tablecloth with blue linen napkins wrapped with a whimsical cowboy boot napkin ring. You could also gather the napkins with a piece of rope but keep it formal with white china dishes. If you’d rather go country kick it up a notch with a red-checkered tablecloth.

See why I’m keen on such a party? There are all sorts of fun ways to do it. Below are a few more ideas courtesy of the decorating team at Pfaltzgraff:

• Music plays a big role in setting the mood of any party. Be sure to keep it light and uplifting. However, keep it low enough so that your guests can carry on a conversation without shouting.
• The problem with having a party outdoor is some elements are beyond your control like the wind for example. A gentle breeze makes it cool but can topple centerpieces and peel off tablecloths. Use small bowls or serving pieces around the table to keep the cloth secure.
• Another nice touch is to slip in dried flower twig or a long-stemmed rose insides the folds of the napkin along with your cutlery to keep the linens from blowing off the table.
• Incorporate earth elements such as pebbles, sea shells and fresh flowers in decorative bowls or glass vases.
• Look around the area and see if you can add lights to bushes, trees or decking. You might also use candles in luminary bags weighted with sand.
• For place cards use a Sharpie to write the name of each guest on a smooth stone. The stones make for organically chic place cards and memorable party favors.

“The secret to great entertaining is to keep things simple,” according to the experts at Pfaltzgraff. “Parties should be uncomplicated, easy and just as much fun for the hosts as it is for the guests. Start with a simple menu and then get everyone outdoors to enjoy the splendor of Michigan’s warm breezes, lush trees and colorful flowers.”

Gina Joseph is a reporter and columnist for The Macomb Daily. Send comments to gina.joseph@macombdaily.com, follow her on twitter @ginaljoseph and visit her beat blog at macomblife.blogspot.com.

Tickets for Lady Antebellum's sold-out concert just released

Fans of Lady Antebellum who do not have tickets for tonight's performance have a second chance.

Promoters of the show at Freedom Hill Amphitheater in Sterling Heights have just released great seats for tonight's sold-out concert featuring the American pop music trio composed of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood.

They can be purchased at Freedom Hill or by calling 1-888-929-7849.

Lady Antebellum’s platinum third CD, “Own The Night” debuted at the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Top 200 in November and earned the trophy for Best Country Album at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. That in addition to the success of songs, “We Owned The Night” and “Just A Kiss.”

The ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year also have sold more than 6 million albums worldwide and scored seven Grammys along with more than a dozen other award show trophies.

Freedom Hill concert goers will hear their current hits and other exciting songs released on the trio’s fourth album “Golden”.

“This is a group that could play any of the big concert venues - but they chose to be a part of our opening kickoff,” said Kevin Cassidy, general manager at Freedom Hill.

Tickets are: $35-$12.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Opening act is Stewart Francke.

Freedom Hill is located at 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. For more information visit  Freedom Hill 

Ashton Kutcher's 'Jobs' movie to be released on August 16

Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs in the movie "JOBS." (Open Road Films)

It’s official. 

Studio executives have announced that Open Road Films will release JOBS - the highly anticipated film chronicling the story of Steve Jobs' ascension from college dropout to one of the most revered creative entrepreneurs of the 20^th century - nationwide on August 16, 2013. 

The new movie gives audiences a detailed look at the major moments and defining characters that influenced Steve Jobs daily business from 1971 through 2001. By plunging into the depths of his character filmmakers hope to create an intense dialogue-driven story that is as much a sweeping epic as it is an immensely personal portrait of Steve Jobs' life.

The film is directed by Joshua Michael Stern (Swing Vote and Neverwas) and written by Matthew Whiteley. JOBS also features the work of Oscar-winning cinematographer Russell Carpenter and was produced by Mark Hulme. 

JOBS stars Ashton Kutcher, Dermot Mulroney, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas, J.K. Simmons and Matthew Modine.  

JOBS Facebook