The Lake Leelanau Lake Association (LLLA) informed its members of the Association’s continued efforts to preserve and protect Lake Leelanau at its annual meeting on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Fountain Point Resort. We already gave an update on most of the information shared at the meeting (in case you missed it), but we left out a part to give this section the attention it deserves—the Living Legends Awards.
For the first time, the LLLA named seven groups and individuals as the recipients of the Association’s first Lake Leelanau Living Legends Awards at this year’s meeting. The LLLA’s Living Legends Awards honor individuals or groups who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to the preservation and protection of Lake Leelanau. Each recipient received a framed and signed print of Marian Jamieson’s beautiful painting of Lake Leelanau from Bay Hill.
2022 Living Legends Awards Recipients
Carolan Sonderegger, Dan Mays, and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, for their partnership with LLLA in their joint battle to combat aquatic invasive plants in Lake Leelanau. Carolan (the Natural Resources Department Manager), Dan (Inland Policy Biologist), and other members of the Tribe have devoted many hours, both on and off the lake, as our partners in protecting Lake Leelanau from current and future threats. We would not be where we are without their partnership and dedication.
Wayne Swallow, who previously served as the Lake Association’s Lake Biologist, for establishing LLLA’s water quality monitoring program and for focusing on the causes and prevention of swimmer’s itch. Wayne continues to volunteer his time to collect data on incidences of swimmer’s itch in Lake Leelanau each summer and creates reports so others can reduce their risk of getting swimmer’s itch.
Steve Lindo, who led LLLA’s Community Engagement Committee, for raising the organization’s visibility and financial stability. Steve, who stepped down from his position this spring, was instrumental in increasing the Association’s presence in the community.
Annie and Bill Hostetler were among the earliest advocates of the idea of creating a public foundation to provide a long-term source of revenue to protect Lake Leelanau from its current primary threat. Their support has provided great momentum to the fundraising campaign of Friends of Lake Leelanau.
Jennie and Darren Keller, who led the charge to create Friends of Lake Leelanau, are also underwriting the LLLA’s current program to prevent, monitor, and control aquatic invasive species in Lake Leelanau. Jennie serves as President of Friends of Lake Leelanau and has put in a great amount of time and effort for the cause.
We extend our sincerest gratitude for all the time, work, and support the 2022 Living Legends award recipients have provided for Lake Leelanau. Thank you.
The LLLA also thanks its members and supporters for their continued support in protecting and preserving Lake Leelanau.