Leland resident Scott Craig tells the story of his life and the backstory of his public radio program “The Story Next Door” at the next “Talk About Art” interview, April 24, 7:30 p.m., at the Glen Arbor Art Association (GAAA), 6031 S. Lake St.

The Glen Lake Community Library in Empire will host a special exhibit called “Footprints in the Sand – Tracing the Path that Led to the Birth of the Village of South Manitou Island” from April 4 through May 17. The exhibit tells the story of the Village using historical photographs, maps, drawings and narrative. The display opens with a reception on Friday, April 4 from 6 t0 8 p.m. Refreshments will also be served. It then can be viewed during regular library hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

The Glen Arbor Art Association (GAAA) Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program offers two-week residencies for practicing artists who would like the opportunity for focused, creative exploration. Residencies are considered in writing, photography, sculpture, fiber, ceramics, music, painting, philosophy and creative research. Public presentations are an opportunity for the artist-residents to talk about their experience in Leelanau County, and share insights into their residency.

Next Wednesday, April 2, the League of Women Voters of Leelanau County will host a public forum at noon at the Leelanau County Government Center to discuss the risks of oil and gas development in Michigan and potential solutions. Dr. Christopher Grobbel of Grobbel Environmental and Planning Associates will address the following topics.

At the moment these words were put to paper, somewhere around 280,000 people in Michigan were barred from marriage. About 44,000 of these people have created a life together anyway. Some of them share in the task of raising children. We’re talking, of course, about gay people. At the time this article was printed, Michigan’s same-sex marriage ban, passed by voters in 2004, was still in effect. But will the law change as the ink dries? Earlier this month, U.S. District Court Judge Bernard A. Friedman heard arguments in the case of DeBoer v. Snyder, and in the coming weeks, he’ll announce his ruling on whether the state’s ban is legal under the U.S. Constitution.

Ten local, state and national organizations have joined together in endorsing a statement calling on The Homestead Resort and the Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality to work together to correct the problem of partially-treated wastewater spray blowing into a portion of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, rendering it unavailable for public use.

Come on over to Frankfort’s Stormcloud Brewing Company on Friday, April 11, from 8-10 p.m. for a spelling bee and kickoff party for the Betsie Current, a full-color newspaper that will re-launch on April 17. Enjoy a few locally made craft brews while you’re at it. The top teams will win prizes from the Stormcloud Brewery, Frankfort Community Federal Credit Union, The Garden Theater, Kilwins of Frankfort, and the Oliver Art Center. You’ll also get the inside scoop on the Betsie Current’s re-launch and be given the opportunity to suggest story ideas for this summer’s editions.

As darkness falls on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the glorious night sky becomes visible. You can enjoy special night sky experiences at the National Lakeshore this year through a series of monthly astronomy programs from April through October. Join Park Rangers and the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS) for guided explorations of the night sky and even a few daytime events as well. The first Star Party is Tuesday, April 15, 1:30-5:30 a.m., when participants can view a total lunar eclipse.

The Empire Area Community Emergency Fund’s next monthly concert will be held on Sunday, March 30, from 4-6 p.m. at Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor, and feature the amazing talent of Robin Lee Berry and Glenn Wolff. As always, these fine performers are donating their time and talent to support the relief efforts of the Empire Area Community Emergency Fund. Every dime that is collected from your free-will donation is used to assist people of need within our community.

Patients of Glen Arbor physician Matthew Houghton received the sad news last week that “Doc” Houghton is closing his practice, effective March 10 — “due to sudden personal health changes on March 1,” Houghton wrote in a recent letter to patients. He added that longtime assistants Vicki and Marion will be at the office to help with your record release for the next six months, on a limited basis.