For Immediate Release
August 3, 2011

Contact:
Shauna Fite, Policy Specialist
Michigan Land Use Institute
Phone: 231-941-6584 ext. 25 • Fax: 231-929-0937
Email: shauna@mlui.org • Web site: www.mlui.org

FRANKFORT—The Michigan Land Use Institute’s Main Street Film Series continues with Dr. Suess’ The Loraxand family-friendly shorts on Monday, Aug. 8, at the Garden Theatre, in Frankfort. The evening also features hands-on art, a hot dog roast, and a very special musical event preceding the films.

In Dr. Suess’ timeless fantasy, the greedy Once-ler ignores the warnings of the wise old Lorax and kills the Truffula forest to get rich. The animated version of the classic children’s book offers a real-life lesson about striking a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

The Loraxis only part of an evening full of family fun, all sponsored by the John N. Barnes Environmental Education Fund.

At 6 p.m., Amalia Fernand, founder of Nature Explorers International will lead a hands-on art project with kids in Mineral Springs Park. Fernand is known for her travels, teaching environmental education to children from across the globe. We’ll also be roasting up local hot dogs from Rice Centennial Farm.

And at 7 p.m., inside the theater, Chairman Derek J. Bailey of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will welcome moviegoers, and then perform with the traditional Native American Medicine Lodge Singers.

The film series will conclude on Monday, Aug. 15 with The Economics of Happiness, a film illustrating why going local is such a powerful strategy for repairing our fractured world—our ecosystems, our societies, and ourselves. The film explains why investing in our local businesses and food systems is key to our future happiness.

There is a suggested donation for each film, $5 per person and $10 for families. For more information, contact Shauna Fite at 231-941-6584 ext. 25 or shauna@mlui.org.

About the Institute

The Michigan Land Use Institute is an independent, nonprofit research, educational, and service organization founded in 1995. More than 3,000 households, businesses, and organizations have joined the Institute in support of its mission to inspire citizens, businesses, and government to take action to protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and enhance our quality of life.