Leelanau County cemeteries contain numerous early European settlers and their families, representing an important historical record and an integral part of the local heritage. These graves and monuments are the last and often only record of their life.

While I am enjoying this beautiful spring season, it does seem like things are picking up speed as we head into summer. Cherry and apple blossoms have been in full bloom for the past two weeks, and now beehives are in the orchards. Farm vehicles are appearing in the fields and on the roads, as is more traffic from returning residents and visitors. Snowbirds are heading north, and the seasonal residents are making appearances to open up their homes.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes will host at training day for volunteers at the Lakeshore on Saturday, May 18, at the Empire Township hall. Park-partner, Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes (Friends), is hosting a training day from 1 to 3 p.m.

We had a great time in Illinois, seeing and staying with our best buddies that unfortunately we don’t get to see much. The traffi c makes me very happy that we live here.

Main Street Gallery and the Old Art Building in Leland announce a celebration of the artists and history of the gallery on Friday, June 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event also highlights the opening of the “Artists of Main Street Gallery” exhibit offered at the Old Art Building, June 14 through 18.

Glen Lake students will host a “Hike for Hope” at the Glen Haven Cannery Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A backyard composting workshop is planned Wednesday, May 29 at the county Poor Farm Barn Gardens. The Leelanau County Solid Waste Council will host the hands-on composting education program aimed at diverting organic material from kitchens and backyards and building rich compost for many home planting projects.

The Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce will host a “Spring Chamber Connect” event Thursday, May 30 at M22’s Wine Patio in Glen Arbor. Members of the community, local businesses and organizations are invited to gather, from 5 to 7 p.m., for a social hour hosted by the Glen Lake Chamber.

Jay Wholihan of Suttons Bay has been named to the Kalamazoo College winter 2024 dean’s list. Dean’s list recognition is earned with a grade point average of 3.5 or better..

Suttons Bay Township hired a new “parks manager,” Jared Pontius, at their regular board meeting May 8. Pontius will play an analogous role to Parks Supervisor Bill Drozdalski, who stepped down back in October.