“Hey, I’ve got an idea.” Any conversation with Cedar area resident Marco Dedenbach will most likely include these buoyant words. For many people, ideas are ephemeral wisps that flicker and die. For the bearded redhead with the ready smile, they’re a call to action. He doesn’t spend much time wondering and worrying about the “ifs” or the “yeah, buts.” For him, it’s all about the how—and most importantly, the who.
Board members of the Cedar Polka Fest decided during their meeting last night to cancel the annual festival, which had been moved from mid-June to September in hopes that the COVID-19 global pandemic would be under control by then. Instead Coronavirus infections are rising in much of the United States and spreading through parts of Leelanau County.
The son of Iranian immigrants, Cyrus Ghaemi shares his experiences with racism and Islamophobia, his struggle to assimilate while also honor his roots, and what recent interactions with law enforcement reveal about racism in Leelanau County. This series is inspired by the #BlackLivesMatter movement, which is provoking conversations nationwide about racial inequities. Check out our previous stories by and about people of color and how they are treated here in Leelanau County, including profiles on African-American Marshall Collins, Jr., and Mexican-American Bea Cruz.
Nic Welty, farmer and owner of 9 Bean Rows, is one of the key people behind the emergence in 2015 of the MI Farm Cooperative which brings together 12 different farms to collaboratively meet the needs of schools, restaurants, caterers, and as of this past fall, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box purchasers.
Leo Taylor, age 1 from Huntersville, North Carolina, floats over the outstretched arms of his cousin Ava Anderson, 12, during an evening family bonfire at the end of Bay Lane in Glen Arbor on June 29. Leo’s parents, Teresa and Jason got married at The Homestead six years ago and returned with family this year. […]
Burdickville-based La Becasse recently signed the MI Restaurant Promise, which commits to “uphold the guidelines set forth by the State of Michigan, local Health Departments, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We view them not as infringements on our rights, but rather precautions we can all take to allow for our industry to re-open safely for our staff and our guests. In return, we ask for your commitment to carefully follow the guidelines posted in our establish- ments and communicated to you by our team members.”
Between July 4 and July 15 there have been 16 young people between the ages of 15-23 linked to the Leland community who have tested positive for COVID-19. These individuals are all connected through work, family, and social gatherings and between them there are many close contacts (close to 100 known contacts) who have been exposed and potentially infected. Some are still some waiting for test results, and it is likely that there are others who not yet been tested or identified.
The Glen Lake Association (GLA), which turns 75 years old this year, is advocating for the creation of an “Overlay District” to protect the Glen Lake and Crystal River watershed. The initiative, three years in the making, is modeled after the Crystal Lake Overlay District in Benzie County, which took effect 25 years ago. A consultant hired by the GLA also championed the Crystal Lake district in the mid-1990s.
Come see the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s (GAAC) Members Create exhibition. This annual exhibition showcasing members’ talents runs July 24-August 27 at the GAAC gallery, located at 6031 S. Lake St., in Glen Arbor. On display are 25 works in both 2D and 3D from northern Michigan artists and beyond.
In spite of current restrictions, or perhaps because of them, the Leelanau Outdoor Center (LOC) never closed its doors, and has in fact been busier than ever during the last few months continuing to support the local community in new and expanded ways.