Some of the participants of the 2025 Manchester CROP Hunger Walk. Photo courtesy of Lon Nordeen.

by Sara Swanson

An opportunity to help reduce hunger around the world while also supporting those in need right here in our community is coming up on October 4. The CROP Hunger Walk is an opportunity to contribute both by donation and/or by walking 1 to 3 miles around our community.

CROP Hunger Walks are community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by local congregations and groups to raise funds to reduce hunger around the world and at home. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised by the Manchester CROP WALK this year will be used to support programs run by the Community Resource Center, Manchester Family Services, and the Manchester Senior Citizens Council.

To participate in the walk or to donate, contact Cathy Moore at 734-649-7431 or Marlene Uphaus at 734-341-7170, or online at . Sign-in begins at 1pm on the day of with the walk taking off at 1:30pm. The walk will be starting at the Manchester United Methodist Church, 501 Ann Arbor St. Both one mile– and three mile–routes will be marked. Rocking chairs will be available for anyone who would prefer to “rock their mile.” Pets on leashes are welcome to join the Walk.

A Manchester CROP Walk has been held every year over the past 31 years, and local contributors have raised more than $126,000. Manchester organized its first CROP Walk in 1995 under the leadership of Laura Sutton. That year, 182 walkers participated and raised $9,040.

Organizers state that last year there were 39 walkers here in Manchester, raising $4,581, and that their goal for this year will be to raise over $5,000.

CROP stands for Christian Rural Overseas Program, which was started as an agency for Christian World Services in 1946 to help starving countries in Europe after WWII. The CROP Hunger Walk began in 1969, 55 years ago. Last year, 14,000 participants around the United States raised $3,330,947 million.

2025 Manchester CROP Hunger Walk aid station. Photo courtesy of Lon Nordeen.

The CROP Hunger Walk is a longstanding event in the Manchester community. Photo courtesy of Lon Nordeen.

Historical photo of Doll Farm in Sharon Township. Photo courtesy of Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission.

by Sara Swanson

What does a sixth-generation family farm have to do with wildlife habitat, clean water, and the future of Washtenaw County landscape? Participants can explore that connection firsthand during the Washtenaw Conserved Farm Tour on Saturday, October 10, from 9am to 12:30pm. This event will showcase two neighboring farms while highlighting the important role that farmland conservation plays in protecting the county agricultural heritage, natural resources, and rural landscapes.

The tour begins at Doll Farm in Sylvan Township from 9am to 10:30am, where participants will learn about the farm poultry operation and tour its facilities. The group will then travel to Irwin Farm in Sharon Township from 11am to 12:30pm to learn about its conventional crop operation and explore the property.

In addition to visiting the farms, participants will have the opportunity to hike through natural landscapes that are otherwise unavailable to the public, including a prairie fen and tamarack swamp—increasingly rare ecosystems that provide important habitat for wildlife.

Ann Ziolkowski, Communications Manager for Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, states, “The tour will explore how protecting these two farms contributes to a larger vision of connected greenways that support wildlife, improve water quality, and strengthen the connections between agricultural lands and natural areas. Participants will also learn about Washtenaw County rich agricultural heritage and the community efforts to protect these important landscapes as development pressure continues to grow.”

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Participants should wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for walking on natural terrain.

The event is free but registration is required. Register for the Washtenaw Conserved Farm Tour at https://washtenawcd.org/ (click on “events” and scroll down to “”).

Benny the Beard Fisher sitting along the Manistique River in Germfask, Michigan. Benny measures about 30 feet long and 14 feet tall. Photo credit: Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association.

submitted by Della Smith, Bethel Church

This month Bethel Church UCC Memory Café event at the Manchester Senior Center will be Wednesday, September 23, at 1pm, and will feature Pat Vailliencourt describing her many trips to see the carved trolls of Thomas Dambo, a Danish sculpture artist.

Vailliencourt talked about the trolls:

Thomas Dambo is a Danish sculpture artist that grew up exposed to troll legends.

Early in the 2010s, Dambo started his “Trail of a Thousand Trolls” project with a goal to build a thousand trolls from recycled materials all over the world. Today he has built about 200.

After approval and the design is created, the heads and feet are created in Denmark and shipped to the location. Dambo will bring his crew of about 11 to oversee the creation but depends upon local volunteers to actually build their troll. Utilizing downed trees, plastic, and other recyclable material, the 25-30–foot “creature” is created.

ĚÇĐÄĘÓƵ four years ago my dear friend in the UP took me and some friends to see “Benny the Beard Fisher.” We were hooked. Now each year our group of five gals plan a troll-hunting trip. So far, I have seen about 20 in eight states and one in Denmark. Each troll is named and has a story to tell about protecting mother earth and being kind to each other. It is hard to imagine the size and scope of these amazing trolls until you have actually stood beside one or sat on one of the toes.

Some are out in the open while some are hidden in the woods and you must follow the clues to find them. All are amazing. I am excited to share my troll stories at the Memory Café.

This event is open to all Manchester seniors and residents, and there is no cost to attend. Coffee and refreshments will be provided. Bring a friend—the more the merrier. Come reminisce, learn something new, and enjoy an afternoon celebrating how creativity can enrich your life. We’d love to see you there!

The Manchester Senior Center is located at 912 City Rd. Questions about the Senior Center? Call them at 734-212-3080.

Every fourth Wednesday of the month through October 2026, at 1 pm, Bethel Church UCC provides a Memory Café event at the center. For more information about the Memory Café, leave a message at the church office (734-429-8530) or call the Hands for Local Missions lead, Betty Harper, at 734-218-2988.

Guests exploring the 1840s cabin on the Mottice homestead during a previous MAHS event. Mirror file photo/credit Ray Berg.

by Sara Swanson

As Heather Rathburn, organizer of the now-annual Let Gather event at the Mottice Homestead in Sharon Township, prepares for this weekend, the Manchester Area Historical Society (MAHS) is preparing, too! They will be providing docent services and demonstrations at what is a combination craft show and an opportunity to explore a small living museum.

Let Gather will take place Saturday, September 19, from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free (parking is $5 per vehicle) andĚý includes access to the grounds, live demos, more than 35 local artisan vendors, food trucks, and live music from Amy Grace and Marcus & Tiffany Shelton. The Mottice homestead is located at 20830 E Pleasant Lake Rd and includes an 1840s log cabin, functioning blacksmith shop, and a restored 1870s Sharon Township schoolhouse.

MAHS members will be serving as docents for the 1840s log cabin and providing blacksmithing demonstrations, as well as weaving and spinning demonstrations, and providing activities for kids. They will also have their 2027 calendar for sale.

Luminarias for a previous Relay For Life fundraiser. Money raised is used for cancer research and to promote cancer awareness. Public domain image.

by Sara Swanson

Relay For Life of Grass Lake is coming up this Friday, September 18, in conjunction with the Grass Lake vs. Manchester varsity football game in Grass Lake, and organizers are inviting Manchester residents to come and participate.

Organizer Mandy Otto states, “This year marks 20 years of Relay For Life in Grass Lake, and we’re celebrating survivors, remembering loved ones, and supporting everyone still fighting cancer.”

The evening starts at 3pm with a survivor lap around the track, celebrating cancer survivors, followed by a spaghetti dinner at Grass Lake High School from 4pm to 7pm.

The meal includes spaghetti, salad, mixed veggies, bread, and a cookie, and will cost $10 per person or $30 for a family of four. You may also pre-order meals for pick-up through SignUpGenius by following a link on their Facebook page. Registered survivors receive a free meal. During dinner there will be a silent auction also taking place.

At 6:45pm, the Bechtel family, who started Grass Lake Relay for Life 20 years ago, will be honored prior to the National Anthem.

The Manchester vs. Grass Lake game starts at 7pm. Tickets to the game are $6 each and can be purchased online ahead of time at https://gofan.co (search “”). After the game, Grass Lake players will swap their special purple jerseys with their sponsors.

Following the jersey swapping, the Luminary Walk will occur. You can register for the walk by calling 1-800-227-2345. You can also purchase a luminaria to be used in the luminary ceremony for $10 to honor a survivor or remember someone by calling John Bristle at 517-206-4976 or Judy Parzych at 517-206-4425.

Otto adds, “Come hungry, wear your purple, and help us fill the stands with support from both communities! Whether you’re cheering for the Flying Dutchmen or the Warriors, we’re all on the same team in the fight against cancer.”

All proceeds benefit the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

by Sara Swanson

Zion Lutheran Church, located at 3050 S Fletcher Rd in Freedom Township, is hosting their Fall Kickoff on September 20. Zion kids’ and family ministry co-director, Courtney Nichols, stated, “Here at Zion Chelsea-Manchester, we’re celebrating our ministry year kickoff on Sunday, September 20, with a celebration worship at 10:15, followed by a yard party that includes so much food, fun, and fellowship, you’re never going to want to leave!”

They are extending the invitation to the community to join the celebration that will include the Fed-Up Food Truck, Hannah Hawaiian Shaved Ice, a dunk tank fundraiser, a bounce house, cornhole tournament, face painting, a selfie station, and a reusable gift bag. Learn more about the church and what other upcoming activities and events they are holding at .

Name being added to the memorial plaque last year. Photo courtesy of the Manchester Men Club.

by Sara Swanson

The Manchester Men Club will be gathering before their member meeting on Wednesday, September 16, in Chi-Bro Park to honor three members who have passed away, Gregory Stewart, James Mann, and Gerald Ahrens. At 6pm they will be dedicating a memorial plaque, sharing stories, and taking photos. Friends and family are invited to attend. A posthumous certificate will be presented to a family member or friend who attends.

Chicken of the Woods. Photo credit: Andreas Eichler/CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.

Editor note: The Eddy Discovery Center has announced its public programs for September 2026, sponsored by the Waterloo Natural History Association. The Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center is located at 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea, Mich., just 10 minutes north of Sharon Township, in the Waterloo Recreation Area.

submitted by Patrick Muldoon, Waterloo Natural History Association program coordinator

FALL MUSHROOM HUNT: 2pm–3:30pm, Sunday, September 20. Come search the woods to find and collect fall mushrooms!ĚýAfterward, mushroom experts Phil Tedeschi and Kirk Coppernoll will look at your collection and identify those that are edible and those that are poisonous. Bring a basket or paper bag and waxed paper for collecting. Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Members are free. Program limited to 35 participants. Please register for this program by emailing waterloonha@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and number of people attending.

MICHIGAN MOSSES: 2pm–3:30pm, Sunday, September 27. There are hundreds of moss species in Michigan! In this outing, attendees will learn the basics of moss (and liverwort) field identification using a hand lens and the general patterns of moss ecology—such as which species grow in upland or wetland habitats, and which species are likely to be found on wood, soil, or rocks. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn with Jeremy Hartsock, a faculty member in the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. This walk will take place on the Bog Trail located near the Eddy Discovery Center. This hike is about a mile each way (two miles total). Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Members are free. Program limited to 15 participants.ĚýPlease register for this program by emailing waterloonha@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and number of people attending.

Schistidium apocarpum. Photo courtesy of Patrick Muldoon.

submitted by Laura Wohlgemuth, Manchester District Library event coordinator

Manchester District Library journey through The 13 Original Colonies continues on Thursday, September 24, at 2pm, with a trip north to New England.

In this class, participants will follow the Pilgrims to Plymouth, Mass., in 1620 and discover how early settlers soon made their way into neighboring New Hampshire. Along the way, they’ll learn about the people, places, and events that helped shape these two important New England colonies.

Participants will also create two new pages for their colonial scrapbooks, filled with interesting facts and colorful details from Massachusetts and New Hampshire. To make history even more memorable, the program will include a tasting of several New England–inspired foods connected to the region.

The 13 Original Colonies: Pilgrims of Massachusetts & Pioneers of New Hampshire will be held in the Council Chambers and is open to ages 11 and up.

Join us as we continue traveling through early America—one colony, one story, and one taste at a time!

Stop by the library, contact the library at 734-428-8045, or visit theĚý for information about this and other great programs for all ages at the Manchester District Library (MDL). MDL regular hours are Monday–Thursday, 10am–8pm; Friday, 10am–6pm; and Saturday, 10am–2pm. The most up-to-date hours and the latest news are always available on the MDL website. MDL is proud to serve the City of Manchester, Manchester Township, Bridgewater Township, and Freedom Township. Village of Clinton and Clinton Township residents are also eligible for MDL library cards and welcome to use all MDL resources.

submitted by Laura Wohlgemuth, Manchester District Library event coordinator

Manchester District Library invites the community to get creative during Afterschool Art: DIY Glitter Pen on Monday, September 21, from 3:30pm to 5pm, in the City Room. Participants can make note-taking a little more memorable by creating their own sparkly, customized glitter pen. The program is open to all ages. Stop by, get creative, and leave with a glittery pen that uniquely yours!

Stop by the library, contact the library at 734-428-8045, or visit theĚý for information about this and other great programs for all ages at the Manchester District Library (MDL). MDL regular hours are Monday–Thursday, 10am–8pm; Friday, 10am–6pm; and Saturday, 10am–2pm. The most up-to-date hours and the latest news are always available on the MDL website. MDL is proud to serve the City of Manchester, Manchester Township, Bridgewater Township, and Freedom Township. Village of Clinton and Clinton Township residents are also eligible for MDL library cards and welcome to use all MDL resources.