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Dear Friend of FLOW,

As the first day of winter and year-end holidays draw near, I take joy in reflecting on advocates like you—and so many other individuals, families, businesses, tribes, officials, and organizations—who support and partner with FLOW each year and, in doing so, dedicate special skills and precious resources to protecting the Great Lakes.

I think of the environmental ethic and enterprising spirit of Lucy Jones, a Traverse City teen who makes and sells bracelets, earrings, and stickers—and donates a portion of proceeds from sales of her Up North Jewelry to FLOW to keep the Great Lakes public and protected for all. She markets her wares with the slogan, “Protecting the Great Lakes Never Looked So Good.” (Photo: Lucy Jones enjoys a Lake Michigan sunset.)

FLOW spoke recently with Lucy, who's turning 15, about her current activities and plans, her passion for the Great Lakes and other social issues, and her personal inspirations. Lucy also offers some sage advice to people of all ages about diving creatively into social activism. I am deeply heartened by the perspectives and insights that Lucy shares, and I hope you will be too.

I think—in the same spirit of doing business for good—of Cherry Republic, the thriving cherry-product retailer headquartered in Northern Michigan with a devoted online fan base and retail locations sprinkled across the Lower Peninsula, and owner Bob Sutherland. Cherry Republic just donated $10,000 to FLOW as part of the company's 31 Days of Giving annual campaign. Since Bob founded the company in 1989, Cherry Republic has donated $2 million to nonprofits that positively impact the environment and communities throughout Michigan while upholding the company's values of "Life, Liberty, Beaches & Pie."

I think of my dear colleague, Dave Dempsey, FLOW’s senior advisor and an acclaimed author of several books on Michigan’s environment, the Great Lakes, and former Michigan Gov. William G. Milliken, a noted environmentalist himself. I witness Dave each day coupling his policy acumen and persuasive prose to advance key environmental protections and oppose damaging proposals. Dave takes a look back at his 40 years of environmental advocacy, shares some lessons, and urges bold action now by citizens and officials alike, with an eye toward future generations.

Some of Dave’s closing words bring me back to you and all of us who are in this effort together: “The people lead, and the leaders follow. The business of making laws is not pretty, but it is always better when citizens are driving it and monitoring it.”

The movement to protect fresh water grows larger every day because of the many contributions of people like Lucy Jones, Bob Sutherland, Dave Dempsey—and you. Thank you for engaging with FLOW in 2022. Stay tuned and ready to act in 2023 as opportunities arise to keep the waters of the Great Lakes Basin healthy, public, and protected for all.

Onward together,



Liz Kirkwood
Executive Director

P.S.—If you have not already done so, please consider making a gift of financial support to FLOW in this season. Your generosity makes possible everything that we do—For Love of Water! 

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