Council Meeting This Week

The agenda, the Chamber newsletter, potluck Saturday, stars, and volunteer on the beach

Everyone has recovered from their bouts of illness, and the office is back open for regular hours. BS&A training took place today, and things appear to be running smoothly.

Does anyone know anything about the illegal dumping that was reported April 7 to the Sheriff Dept.? Just curious—you can tell me about it off the record if you know. Justin Towle said he didn’t know about it and was not the one who called it in. There’s an exciting legal dumping opportunity coming up soon!

Social Security Retirement Benefits

These are confusing times, and things may have changed by the time you read this, but as of April 14, seniors applying for Social Security retirement benefits or who need to change their bank information must either go online or to the nearest social security field office, which is here:

Applications for disability, SSI, and Medicare can still be made by phone. If you know someone in the Village who doesn’t have reliable internet or a way to get to Traverse, let me know and we’ll try to arrange something.

4/17 Meeting Agenda

Short and bittersweet meeting agenda, including the formal resignation of Brett McGregor from council, but two (2) applicants for the open planning commission slot. The Agenda is seen here resting on the rag rug I bought at last Saturday’s World Central Kitchen fundraiser, which according to Suz McLaughlin netted $3,423 for that organization. The rug is by Rita and Vikki and I can pass you their number if you’re interested in their wares.

Potluck This Saturday, April 19, at Bill Soper’s House

You probably have a lot going on this Saturday, since it’s a holiday weekend for many. It’s also the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution! Will the United States wake up and see its shadow on Sunday? There are some pop-up protests planned for the 19th in Traverse and elsewhere. If you’re sticking closer to home, stop by Soper’s house with a plate to share around dinnertime for some neighborhood fellowshipping. He’s on the corner of Bigley and Lincoln.

ICYMI, the Record-Patriot did an article on the large April 5 protest in Benzonia that took place April 5. Jacob Wheeler of the Glen Arbor Sun also covered area demonstrations.

The Frankfort-Elberta Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

You should definitely sign up for the Chamber’s newsletter! Brenna Nugent sent it my way, along with many lovely new subscribers to the Alert! Thanks, Brenna! Through their newsletter and on their site you can get wind of upcoming events.

If I had already been on their list, I would have known about the Peeps Diorama Contest at Benzie Shores Library. It’s not too late to secure your place in the annals of shoebox literary-and-sugar-high jinks by creating a three-dimensional advertisement for your favorite book and everyone’s favorite Day-Glo Easter treat. I hear there’s a kids’ level and an adults’ level, so if you’re an adult, you’ll have a leveler playing field. Otherwise the competition would be as stiff as those Peeps will be in about four days….

4/26 Artifactory Part 4 at the Oliver Art Center

After you’ve slid your diorama submission over the transom on April 26, you can bear witness to an amazing-sounding synergy of history and poetry at the OAC: the culmination of their National Poetry Month collaboration with the Benzie Area Historical Society, with a reception, exhibition, and readings from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The participants were inspired by objects of local historical significance at the museum to create their poems. No Peeps here, probably.

Dark Sky Week: The New Moon Is April 27

International Dark Sky Week is always held the week of the new moon in April, when it’s likely, if skies are otherwise clear, to be a good time to look up and see the stars. The Record-Patriot recently ran an article on the health benefits of so-called “star bathing.” If you like a hot meteor shower or a nice Milky Way, you’ll be happy to know that at the April Planning Commission meeting, Megan Gray led a detailed discussion of rules within the new zoning ordinance meant to comply with standards for responsible outdoor lighting. The rules involve requirements that lights be warmer (meaning a color temperature of 3,000K or less), that they point down rather than up (including flag pole lights), that they’re shielded to illuminate only what is necessary, and that businesses turn off lights at closing time. The Dark Sky movement advocates lighting that creates adequate nighttime safety for humans without creating hazards for insects, migrating birds, and other animals, or interfering with everyone’s ability to be inspired by the heavens. In collaboration with Susan Schankin, who visited our council last year to speak on lighting, I hope to organize an event for Dark Sky week in 2026, which will be the week of April 17. If you’re interested in helping with that, please let me know!

May 7: Volunteers Needed to Make Like Sandworms

Justin has asked for volunteers to help with a workbee on May 7, which is a Wednesday, starting at about 8 a.m., to dig sand off the new mobi mat walkway out to the pier. Text Justin at 231-651-9626 to RSVP so he knows how many people to expect. Bring your own shovel.

May 17: Spring Cleanup Heads-Up

If you have anything unwieldy to dispose of, you can do that Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. See details in this flyer, or call Justin with any questions.

Elberta Is the Centerfold

We made the Spring Issue of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s publication Landscript—two full-color spreads! Check us out on pages 10 to 13.