This weekend, some folks with TC 350 headed out to the Dune Climb at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to help raise awareness about a very important number for Michigan and the rest of the world. It’s set to the music of Getdown to 350 by May Erlewine. The song will probably tell you all you need to know, but if not, check the info below the video!

What is 350?

350 is simply the number of parts per million that scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere. For all of human history until about 200 years ago, our atmosphere contained 275 parts per million of carbon dioxide. Right now, we’re pushing 400 and all that CO2 is trapping heat, melting glaciers, contributing to the spread of disease and in general, screwing things up to a point where we could very well create our own demise. But 350 is more than a number–it’s a symbol of where we need to head as a planet. You can get much more information at 350.org (including this nifty animation that makes it simple).

Right now, the 350 movement is focusing on a planetary day of action on October 24, 2009 to send a clear message to world leaders that the solutions to climate change must be equitable, grounded in science and meet the scale of the crisis. Have a look at the October 24 map to see some of the events that are slated for Michigan.

On Saturday September 26th at 3:00 p.m. a group photo will be taken at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Dune Climb in support of the international 350.org campaign to stop the global climate change crisis. The number 350 is the amount of carbon – in parts per million – that the world’s leading climatologists have determined to be the maximum to sustain a climate that will support life on earth. Everyone is invited to participate in this photograph by standing on the dunes in the shape of a “3-5-0″.

Saturday’s gathering at the Sleeping Bear Dunes is a precursor to a massive worldwide action on October 24, 2009, the International Day of Climate Action. On this historic day, literally thousands of communities from more than a hundred countries will unite in what will likely be the largest international environmental action in history. The idea is to register the 350 goal with world leaders as they prepare to meet this December in Copenhagen, Denmark to reach a new global climate treaty.

People interested in participating in the September 26th photograph at the dunes should arrive at 3:00 p.m. at the Dune Climb parking lot on M-109 north of Empire. Participants are asked to wear bright clothes; greens and blues are preferred. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is supporting this event by issuing a Special Use Permit and participants are invited to help with the Lakeshore’s annual beach cleanup as a part of National Public Lands Day, also on the 26th. Volunteers for the beach cleanup will meet at the Visitor Center at 12:00 p.m., and will conclude their work by 3:00 p.m. to allow them to participate in the photograph.

In northern Michigan, Traverse City is the place to be on October 24. A huge public gathering is planned at 1:00 p.m. at the Open Space, featuring a large group photograph followed by an indoor rally at the Traverse City Opera House. The September 26th photo at the world’s largest freshwater sand dunes is designed to get people involved in the 350 movement and build momentum for the bid day on October 24th. Photographs from both events will be disseminated internationally through the 350.org Web site as a statement of support from northwest Michigan to make 350 the global target for carbon. More information is available at www.TC350.org.

The 350 movement’s lead organizer Bill McKibben had the idea for a dunes photograph when he visited Traverse City in October of 2008. McKibben spent two days in the region, and spoke to more than 700 people at Lars Hockstead Auditorium. As part of his visit, he hiked the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, and was struck by the beauty and global significance of that place. He then requested a photograph of people standing in the shape of 350 to help raise awareness about the global climate movement. McKibben’s visit sparked tremendous excitement within the Traverse City region, mobilizing the TC-350 citizens movement.

Photo: Ibarra, Ecuador by 350.org

Elberta

Lakeside Shakespeare
When: August 7th, at 7:30 pm
Where: Waterfront Park
What: Professional Actors from Chicago travel to Benzie County to perform Love’s Labours Lost.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life
When August 8th and 9th, from 10 am Saturday to 10 am Sunday
Where: Waterfront Park
What: Benzie County Relay for Life teams participate in a yearly walkathon to raise money for the American Cancer society. Food, games, live entertainment and prizes. Come to participate or just to see what the relay is all about.

Onekama

Onekama Days
When: August 6th through the 9th.
Where: Onekama
What: Annual community gathering, featuring a car show, live music, steak fry, fireworks, parade and much more.

Thompsonville

Summer Sounds 2009 at Michigan Legacy Art Park featuring Laith,
When: August 7th, at 7 pm.
Where: Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain Spa and Resort
What: Detroit musician Laith Al-Saadi performs at Jessie Frohlich Amphitheatere. Tickets are sold only on the day of the concert. Sales start at 6:30 pm. For more information, call 231-378-4963 or visit www.michlegacyartpark.org.

Frankfort

Crystal Lake Art Center’s Preserve the Arts!
When: August 7th, from 6 to 7:30 pm.
Where: Former U.S. Coast Guard Station
What: Silent and live Auction. Dinner packages at Arcadia Bluffs, private cooking classes, golf outings and original artwork will be auctioned off for the benefit of the CLAC. Drinks and hors d’oeuvers will be provided, along with live music by classical guitarist Carol McAnulty. Tickets are available in advance at the CLAC as well as on the night of the event. For more information, call 231-352-4151.

Frankfort Farmers Market
When: August 8th, from 9 am to 1 pm.
Where: Open Space Park
What: A traditional famers market where local growers bring fresh produce, hand-crafted foods and locally raised meats for the public to purchase.

Benzonia

Benzie Bass Kids Challenge Fishing Event
When: August 8th, from 9 am to noon.
Where: Vacation Trailer Park
What: Children 16 and under can learn how to fish and may take part in a fishing competition. Parents or guardian must accompany and care for children during the entire event. Any species of fish are allowed. Prizes and hot dogs provide for children. Contact Ray Stark at 231-882-4291 or visit the website at www.starkswater-woods.com for more information.

Arriving Tuesday afternoon in downtown Traverse City, the shops and restaurants were already buzzing with business. The streets were alive with a playful spirit, filled with children and families enjoying Tuesday night’s festivities, participants of the 5th Annual Traverse City Film Festival. Oscar-winner and Festival creator, Michael Moore, infused the listeners with his passion and commitment for the event and the people who make it happen, year after year. A thick crowd gathered to celebrate the beginning of this year’s festival and to see Traverse City’s own Rich Brauer receive the 2009 Michigan Filmmaker’s Award.

The evening evoked an ambiance as potent as votive candles warming a dinner party and transformed a charming little affair – a night at the theater – into a night of magic. Bold red letters hung on the marquee; a stage was set in lights; the streets were busy with shuttering cameras and ticket clad tourists. Separated by only a city block, a stunning foreign film, Troubled Water, explored themes of forgiveness and redemption. The film was screened for two theaters filled perfectly full. Concluding the shows, a question and answer session occurred with the film’s director who had traveled from Norway to present and speak.

Shop keepers and locals were embracing the opportunity to participate in Tuesday’s Festival events, which drew attendance from far and wide. The Festival films this season span a wide range of topics, but those passionate about supporting local communities, independent films and the visual arts, were naturally drawn to the scene. Northern Michigan residents hungry for “big city” culture to satiate quaint “little city” life, praised the event. Many young people stationed in the area found an oasis for their creative inclinations. Others simply love film and devour the opportunity to participate in the screenings of documentaries, obscure films, classic, political, and comedic films–just some of the genres represented throughout the week. Along with panel events, lectures, and free family films, the calender of any attendee could be completely filled!

Driving home I noticed Will Smith’s head–the size of a truck–looming against the backdrop of night sky, as adventurous viewers reclined at the Open Space to entertain aliens for a night by the Bay. Though I could not see the audience, I imagined children and parents snuggled up beneath the stars, feeling a warm breeze off the lake, their hearts filled with laughter. Who could resist a night so fine?

Explore many more photos, videos, blog posts and tweets from the 2009 Traverse City Film Festival and also check out Absolute Michigan: On Location at the Traverse City Film Festival.

Flareup was taken by cmu chem prof. Visit flickr to view more of cmu chem prof’s work or to view the Betsiebay.net flickr pool.