Race director, Dani Geraci, welcomed runners, walkers, jogging strollers and doggies to the seventh annual running of the Vineyard at Sunrise Fun Run & 5K benefiting Leelanau Montessori School, Oct 16, 2021. A heavy storm raged across the sky on the drive to the French Valley Vineyard, north of Cedar, on French Valley Road. But guess what? As the race was starting, the sun miraculously came out and we raced under ideal conditions, following the two-circuit path along freshly mowed grassy trails and along many varieties and colors of ripe grapes, which I generously sampled as we meandered the course.
The website says ; The Vineyard at Sunrise Fun Run and 5K takes place at the beautiful French Valley Vineyard, located at 3655 S French Road in Cedar. This lovely location in Leelanau County hosted a Fun Run at 8:30 AM and a 5K race at 9:00 AM. The 5K entrance fee included a long sleeved t-shirt. Check in started at 7:30 AM at the Barn (located near the lovely tasting room). The Leelanau Montessori Forever Foundation hosts this 5K event. French Valley Vineyard has allowed us to use their beautiful property. All the funds raised from this event go directly to Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy. Leelanau Montessori School is based upon a “Hands on Approach” to learning, Early Childhood Education, Multi-Aged Education and Project Based Learning. My sons attended Montessori school. We always felt the Montessori approach gave them a “leg-up” during their ensuing education and employment as young adults.
Montessori education is based on the following principals; Toddlers 15 months – 3 years: Our youngest community members enjoy a nurturing environment enriched with activities designed to stimulate your child’s sense of independence and introduces the building blocks of intellectual development, all within a home-like setting. Primary 3 years – 6 years: In the Primary community, hands-on experiences are part of an environment enriched with activities dedicated to joyful learning and the growth of the whole child. An individualized curriculum allows each child to learn at his or her own pace. Your child can build a solid foundation of physical independence in a loving and supportive community built on respect for all. Lower Elementary 1st grade – 3rd grade: Maria Montessori spoke of the elementary years (ages 6-12) as the age of imagination and morality. Children of this lower elementary age (ages 6-9) are starting to realize that the world is an enormous, interesting place. The children were given the gift of physical independence in the primary environment (ages 3-6) and are now looking for the intellectual independence of the elementary years. These students are curious and excited to learn everything they can during this period of time. These children want to study continents, cultures, scientific concepts, great literature, and mathematical concepts. Montessori wanted the world to become their classroom. The four core subjects (language arts, math, science, and social studies) are presented in full detail to the students within. The desire of the Montessori trained adult working with this age group is for the concrete materials to lead the child to abstraction as they move into the upper elementary. Upper Elementary 4th grade – 6th grade: Maria Montessori coined the elementary years as the age of imagination and morality. While each Montessori environment reflects changing developmental stages, the elementary environment is home to the explorer who has an endless curiosity and a need to seek and find answers. The elementary child wonders not only about the vastness of the universe and the how and why of relationships, but also the nature of right and wrong. Our curriculum supports their developmental needs through: – research based exploration – peaceful conflict mediation – community service – “going out” of the classroom experiences.
No running race can exist without generous sponsors, and this race is no exception. Sponsors included Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Leelanau, French Valley Vineyard, Hop Lot Brewing, Insight Optometry a member of Vision Source, VI Grill, Suttons Bay Dental Center, Cherry Bay Orchards, and Korson Creative. Thanks to our sponsors.
Race awards were presented to the top finishers in each age division. Results can be found at the following link; Vineyard at Sunrise Fun Run & 5K Results, 2021. In addition to a unique long sleeve tee shirt, runners received tasty snacks including home-made donuts, cider, and crisp, tart fresh apples (mmmmm good).
Let’s meet runners of the Vineyard at Sunrise 5K. Why did they take time out of their busy lives to attend the VAS race? First, let’s meet our race “winners”. No they were not the fastest runners, but they surely won this game we are all in called “life”. Bethann, 53, and Jane, age 58, Hall (sisters) ran the race “because others can’t”. Bethann, originally from Ann Arbor and Metamora, lives with her hubby adjacent to the Vineyard property. She eats a banana and Cliff bar before a race. She particularly enjoys the endorphins she experiences while exercising, often by biking. She credits her good condition to genes from her dad who was always in good shape. Now we meet sister, Jane. Jane experienced no less than five reconstructive surgeries on her ankle including an ACL tear, Lateral Release and a Meniscectomy. Jane has completed a 100 mile ultra-marathon, several races of 50 miles and several times she raced in the Detroit Free Press Marathon, all on that reconstructed ankle. Today, the sisters easily beat me like a drum. Congratulations to our race “winners”, Bethann and Jane. I’ll beat you next time.
Another “winner” today is Malena Caruso, 34, of Toledo, Ohio. Malena has a marathon personal record of 3:56 in the Indianapolis Marathon. Malena’s birthday is on October 12. On year ago, she was entered into the Chicago Marathon, October 15. (happy birthday?). Not so happy. Malena had previously torn her peroneal ankle tendon. She thought the injury had healed, but just before the Chicago Marathon, she was warned by physicians to stop all exercise. She stopped running for several months and began treatment and physical therapy. As a relatively new treatment, blood plasma was drawn from her body and re-injected painfully into her ankle. Gradually, she built up her stamina and her running. This year, upon learning of the VAS 5K, she joined her friend Kelly Marks, 33, of Jersey City, New Jersey, in the VAS. Today, Our “winner”, Malen Caruso ran relatively pain-free. Congratulations to “winner”, Malen Caruso. Your bravery and your perseverance are a lesson to us all. By the way, Malena eats nothing before a race.
Another “winner” is Dawn Carlson Fisher, age 72, of Leland. Dawn holds a special place in the history of the region. Dawn was the original owner of Fishtown, in Leland. Dawn was instrumental in naming Fishtown as an official state historical site, featuring a state of Michigan official historical plaque and assuring Fishtown of continued existence as Fishtown continues to draw thousands of visitors from all over the world, each year. Dawn has nothing but respect for Amanda Holmes, executive director of Fishtown and race director of the Fishtown 5K who recently spearheaded a drive to raise money to lift the historic Fishtown buildings above the higher levels of Lake Michigan. Dawn has completed a marathon and swears she will never run another. Dawn also exercises at the gym. Many thanks to Dawn Carlson Fisher for all she has accomplished. Dawn was accompanied to this race by Steve Scales, 61, of Lake Leelanau. Steve runs for stress release and has been running over 22 years. Steve has completed four ultra-marathons and five marathons with a personal marathon best of 3:05. He has been a life-long athlete. Barry, 68, and Mimi, 67, Ransick, of Glen Arbor and Cincinnati, run to stay fit. Barry is just along for the ride, because Mimi is the serious runner, but today, he whipped me. Barry is no running slouch. Mimi, the major runner in this family, has completed eleven marathons with a personal best of 3:37. She eats energy chews before a race. She enjoys training on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trails. The Ransick’s also paddleboard, bike and cross-country ski.
Duane Amato, age 70, of Suttons Bay, was a prize winner, as usual, today. Duane, you are amazing. Duane keeps beating most competition. Louie Rasho 67, is one of the few runners who has his own 5K course on his farm. Louie owns the Farmland 5K race course. It’s always a pleasure to run with Louie. Today, we were dead even, at the start, then Louie took off. Ramon Delbusto, age 75, of Bloomfield Township and Glen Arbor, eats nothing before a race. He has always been in good health. Running keeps him healthy. Brent Parker, 62, and Lynn, 31, of Cedar, runs because it “keeps us going”. Breakfast before a race is usually a piece of toast. They ran with daughter Addie, 7, a student in the Montessori school. Daniel Webb, age 38, runs to achieve a meditative state. Daniel, from Bingham Township and Tennessee, often eats yogurt before a race. He wears “good sox” to keep his feet warm in winter. He was joined in the race by wife, Lucy, 38, and son, Jude, 5, who were in the fun run and Tess, to support the school and family as well as Maeve, 5 months old, and Micah, age three years, proving the family that runs together, stays healthy together.
Volunteers made the race possible. In addition to many course marshals many of whom were parents of Montessori students, there were many volunteers at registration and at the award ceremony. Sela Geraci, Dani’s daughter, worked registration as well as running the 5K. Sela is a graduate of the Leelanau Montessori School.
Race director, Dani Geraci, hopes you will attend this unique event next year. You will be rewarded for your effort. If you begin an exercise program, seek permission from your doctor.
Your author, Mickey Fivenson, age 79, (a Traverse City native of Munson Hospital,
class of ’42), lost over 100 pounds and has trained over 150,000 miles in 49 years of running. He completed 60 marathons (3:01 PR) and holds a marathon world record with his sons, Zack and Adam. Mickey is the former director of the National Cherry Festival Runs, ranked in the top 25 USA races. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. Mickey coordinates his Traverse City Central High School Class of ’60 reunion every 5 years (what fun). He is an ordained rabbi, an Advanced Scuba Diver and credits his running fitness and his scuba skills with surviving a fall through the ice in over 600’ of water in middle of West Grand Traverse Bay,,,,,, and saving his dog! A U of M graduate, like his kids, (GO BLUE!!), he plays a mean blues harmonica globally and with area bands. His bride of 30 years, Dr. Sally Littleton, is a retired psychotherapist, provides private Reiki lessons and is Reiki instructor at NMC and virtually on the web. If you would like Mickey to cover your race, if you need training tips, email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com. Mickey Fivenson: MBA, CEO, Ph,Text 1-231-946-2195 or email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com
Traverse City Runner 