The Last Time You’ll…
I give up. I’ve been in denial for the past five years, but it’s time to acknowledge what has been apparent for some time now. Marquette is finally Traverse City North. Unlike us, they don’t have a bypass, and without ours, traffic jams downtown would be similar to those in the Cherry City. Our streets, sidewalks, and bike paths are finally being pushed to their limits. With no end in sight.
Okay. I might be exaggerating to make a point, but let’s say my hyperbole isn’t all that far off. That we really are turning into that city below the bridge we’ve been warned about. You’ve probably noticed waits at traffic lights are slightly longer than we’re used to, and sidewalk traffic bustles more than normal. And the party line is always busy. (old reference)
Here’s the problem. Some of our more popular pursuits, like enjoying time on the bike path or jumping off Black Rocks, might be in danger of extinction. Or at least… restrictions and limitations. Is there a “last time” in our future?
When it gets to the point where traffic on Presque Isle becomes so heavy that it comes to a standstill, and something like an emergency vehicle can’t get through, changes might be considered. Like… no more jumping off Black Rocks. Or a limit to the number of cars that can be on the island at any one time. Or close the place to vehicle traffic altogether.
Our bike paths… or “all-purpose” paths, are also being pushed to the brink. Though, just like jumping off the rocks, I haven’t heard of a serious accident or injury yet, but it’s bound to happen. And when it does, city leaders will have decisions to make about who and how people can use the paths.
Will your next time be your last time?
I predicted a while back that we would never become another Traverse City. It pains me to say it, but… I might have been wrong.
Back to School
September 3rd. That’s the date circled on the calendars of both parents and teachers, but likely for different reasons. For mom and dad, the first day of school means someone else will be looking after their kids for a while. For teachers… a few of them I imagine, it’s the first day of the long slog to next June, when they get their reprieve. That might be a misleading generalization, but I’ll stand by it.
A couple notes before we get there…
First, parents wondering how they’ll come up with school supplies for Dick and Jane (another old reference) might want to check out the 18th annual Backpack SOS program at the Silver Creek Church in Harvey.
Tomorrow, from 9am to 11am, church volunteers will Support our Students (SOS) by handing out backpacks for school-aged kids filled with school supplies, hygiene kits, and clothing vouchers for the Silver Creek Thrift store.
They’re going to give away close to a thousand backpacks, so where does all that stuff come from? According to program coordinator Kay Bammert, “We apply for grants and work with organizations like Delta Dental Foundation, Convoy of Hope and the Sock It To ‘Em Sock Campaign. Our church family donates items, money, and time, as do community members.”
For SOS and other Silver Creek Church programs, like their food pantry and clothing distribution, they also rely on local contributors like the Community Foundation of Marquette County, Marquette Noon Rotary, TOPS, the Walmart Foundation, State Farm / Kara Applekamp, and the Zonta Club of Marquette.
Drive thru pickup is available and the kids don’t have to be there. If you go, make sure you give a sincere “thank you” to those making it happen.
More school…
Parents and guardians, make sure you talk to your young’uns about bullying. It’s not acceptable and can’t be tolerated. The schools do what they can to discourage it, but lessons about civil behavior have to start at home. Just remember, it’s the opposite of the Nike slogan… Don’t Do It! Simple as that.
And here’s something Dick and Jane didn’t have to worry about… phones in school. According the MAPS administrators, they’re still allowed, but each school and teacher may have different rules regarding their use.
I’ve seen the news that some schools in other districts are banning phones. Early reports indicate some students initially protest, but they get used to it, and actually favor the ban. Though there’s value in everyone having a phone, they can also be a tremendous distraction. Even more so than mini-skirts and hot pants! (yet another old reference)
Apparently a MAPS policy change that might lead to a cell phone ban isn’t currently on the table, but I would imagine the idea might come up at some point in the future. Whatever the implications, it’s not an easy call. (Ha.)
Something Good to Do Tomorrow
The Marquette Downtown Development Authority is collaborating with the Women’s Center of Marquette County to put on the seventh annual “Classic Cars on Third Street” car show. The car show will commemorate Jessica Drummond, and all proceeds from this event will benefit the Women’s Center of Marquette County.
The car show will take place on North Third Street, between Ohio and Park, from 11am to 3pm. I’ll be looking for a ’66 Pontiac LeMans, my first car. (final old reference)