By Eileen Freed
For six days, from September 13-18, over fifty cycling enthusiasts joined together for an Inaugural group ride on the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route #1 from South Haven to Port Huron. The ride was a celebration of the grand opening of Michigan’s first fully-marked destination trail traveling from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron.
Philanthropist Mike Levine, the major benefactor and driver of this significant effort, was joined by riders from Ann Arbor including Chuck Newman, Joelle Abramowitz and Eileen Freed. This achievement is a point of great pride for Mike, and he was delighted fellow community members were able to participate with him and enjoy the trails. “It was gratifying to ride with Mike Levine, as his vision that he worked so hard for became a reality,” said Chuck.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor was a sponsor of the ride. Chuck expressed appreciation that the riders and others associated with the trail now understand the contribution of the Ann Arbor Jewish community and one of its most prominent members. “We can all kvell a little,” he said.
At a ceremony held during the ride, Representative Ann Bollin of Livingston County presented Mike with a legislative tribute signed by the Governor honoring his work on the trail and his significant contributions to the State of Michigan. The ceremony was attended by local Jewish community leaders, and former Executive Director of the Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Center, Nancy Margolis, extended congratulations and gratitude to Mike for his crucial role in the development of the Great Lake-to-Lake trail. “Our entire community, which benefits from Mike’s passion and generosity, is honored to share in this much-deserved recognition of Mike’s efforts on behalf of the State of Michigan.”