Welcome to Families First Monthly

From The Heart

I was trying to figure out how to start this editorial and then I saw the wonderful winter photo I took of the Olsen Farm in Port Oneida (my computer screen saver) and it inspired me. It is one of my favorite places and I am so happy it is open to the public for exploration. This is due in part to Historic Sleeping Bear and their efforts to preserve and protect many of the buildings and farms throughout Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Our page 5 story is about their organization and features a side bar with upcoming events they sponsor.

There are dad stories in this issue and stories written by dads as well. I like to include these in our summer issue as we recognize our fathers on the third Sunday in June. Don’t let the title of “Cheers to Dads who don’t help” baffle you for long, it will be clear after you read what local mom Caroline Thomas has to say.  I also like the message about TNT Dads on page 11.

Our family will have a busy Northport summer. We are involved in our local community theater production of The Wizard of OZ and our family size increased as we have the Director (Scott) living with us through the beginning of August. He is from NYC and a long time friend of my husband Joe who will be serving as Assistant Director. I was cast in my dream role –The Wicked Witch of the West/ Almira Gulch and I am thrilled. What a wacky and happy (Munchkins) thing to be a part of.  And during times when we are not busy with the musical we have to show Scott our beloved area and our usual summer plans- Interlochen Shakespeare Festival, kayaking the Platte with Riverside Canoes, Family gatherings, picking cherries and visiting farmers markets, beaches and rock hunting, and of course going to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Know matter how busy things get you need to take time to have fun and enjoy things because –There’s no place like home.

Thank you for reading

Laura Lee Kalchik