Out on the open road

Summer may be ending, but there’s still enough time for one more vacation. Pick a place less traveled or one where the souvenir shops sell out. Either way, load up the car and see what Michigan has to offer.

Student makes ninja finals

Hundreds of hopeful athletes sent videos to compete in the first G4 American Ninja Challenge, but only 10 finalists were chosen.

Cool down, stay fit in local swim facilities

Young minds bloom in garden

Families wandered amid the alphabet-labeled plants and the Alice in Wonderland maze while middle and high school students read children's stories in a garden Tuesday.

'FRESH' choices for less

Greasy chips and candy bars may be a cheap buy, but some farmer's markets provide low-income families and seniors with healthier alternatives at a lower cost. The Meridian Township Farmer's Market, 5151 Marsh Road, in Okemos, offers Project FRESH, a program that provides $20 coupons redeemable for fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. "It's rewarding to be able to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to several people who might not be able to get them otherwise," said Earl Threadgould, a Mason farmer and vendor at the market. "The second advantage is, by having them get fruits and vegetables Michigan-grown, it helps people get accustomed to having fruits and vegetables, and they improve their eating habits," Threadgould said. Project FRESH began in 1986 and provides eligible families with coupon booklets to be used from until through Oct.