Cherry Republic supports Early Childhood Development millage
From staff reports
Cherry Republic will host a free informational event on Monday, Oct. 28, at its Cherry Public House in Glen Arbor to discuss the upcoming millage election in Leelanau County.
Experts from the Leelanau Early Childhood Development Committee — including Maggie Sprattmoran and Jenifer Murray — will be on hand to answer questions and explain the purpose of the 0.253 millage request, which would net approximately $728,000 annually to support early childhood development services from 2020 through 2024.
“Leelanau County is a very expensive place to live, and not having early childhood support makes it even more difficult for families that want to live here,” Leelanau County Commissioner Patricia Soustas-Little stated at a recent League of Women Voters public forum. “And also, if you don’t have a strong early childhood program, you can’t attract clean industry to support the economy.”
Cherry Republic supports the millage, and President Bob Sutherland said he feels it’s important for community members to be well informed before heading to the polls on November 5.
“It’s been shown that 90 percent of a child’s brain develops before they start kindergarten,” Sutherland stresses. “That’s why it’s so important for our young families — as well as other caregivers and grandparents — to have access to these much-needed resources.”
The event at Cherry Public House, 6026 S. Lake St., Glen Arbor, will run from 5 to 8 p.m., with presentations at 6 and 7 p.m. Free coffee and cherry pie will be provided. Reservations are not required.
