Glen Lake Woman’s Club holds July 4 flag raising at Old Settlers Park

Photo by Don Miller

From staff reports

Join community members of all ages in celebrating the founding of our nation in a joyous and patriotic ceremony at 10 am, July 4, at Old Settlers Picnic Grounds on the western shore of Big Glen Lake. The traditional raising of the flag by the Glen Lake Fire Department will be led by Chief Bryan Ferguson and will be followed by a singalong of well-loved and familiar patriotic songs.

Gene Kelly, the featured speaker, is an author, retired business owner, and decorated Army veteran. His speech, “You Can Help!,” will explore what we can do to improve our local community as well as our country. He will open with a story by Richard “Dick” Grout about veterans and school children. Grout, a decorated World War II veteran who participated in the D Day Invasion, passed away at the age of 104 on December 19, 2024. Kelly’s most recent book, Three American Men, is available at the Cottage Book Store in Glen Arbor.

Pastor Melody Olin of Empire United Methodist Church will deliver the Invocation, and Rob Hansen, head of The Leelanau School, will read the Declaration of Independence.

Please bring your own lawn chairs. The event is sponsored by the Glen Lake Woman’s Club. After the program the chapel at Old Settlers Park will be open for tours.

The Glen Lake Woman’s Club was established in 1937 with a mission to foster social, civic, and educational projects. The Club sponsors the Glen Arbor Art Fair to raise funds for Glen Lake Schools student scholarships. This year’s Art Fair will be held July 16 at the Glen Arbor Township Hall and grounds. Other Club projects include the improvement and beautification of the Chapel and grounds at Old Settlers Park, organization of this community Flag Raising Ceremony, and a Christmas party for residents of the Maple Valley Nursing Home.