ESCANABA — Today marks day five of Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2020-21 suspending activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. Thankfully for those of us who live in this beautiful waterfront community; the exception that allows for individuals to leave their home or place of residence, and travel as necessary to engage in outdoor activity, including walking, hiking, running, cycling, or any other recreational activity consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household; is a welcomed reprieve.

During this time of uncertainty, it is helpful to look toward the future. As we take part in our Stay Home, Stay Safe Outdoor Recreation activities, I know many of you will be dreaming of returning to the links on our various Chamber member golf courses.

As you know, summer in Delta County is filled with a multitude of charitable golf events. The season tees off with the Chamber Annual Golf Outing on Thursday, June 4, at Irish Oaks Golf Course, and nearly every Thursday that follows, our community members can support various charitable organizations.

Supporting these organizations such as Bay College Swinging for Students, Big Brothers Big Sisters Golf for Kids Sake, Northern Lights YMCA and OSF St. Francis Hospital Going for the Green allows each of us to take part in supporting the organizations’ overall missions and building up our waterfront community. Throw in a little friendly competition and business networking and how could you go wrong?

If playing golf isn’t your strength (although let’s be honest, you don’t need to be a pro to participate in a charity outing) there are many opportunities to volunteer at the charity golf events.

Speaking of volunteering, one of our biggest needs for volunteers comes from the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass. Over 300 volunteer shifts are needed during the three-day event. With our large return rate of volunteers, it is clear, there is plenty of fun to be had! The Island Resort Championship directly benefits the Northern Lights YMCA and the Delta County Commerce Center as well as creates positive economic impact thanks to golfers, sponsors and spectators. I encourage you to mark your calendars for June 19-21, 2020 and consider being a volunteer or simply plan to come out and be a spectator to some world class golfing!

I would be remiss if I did not recognize the community events that have and will be forced to cancel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the time is appropriate the Chamber will engage and work to find ways we can support those organizations as well. Today, while being aware of our current situation, let us also work to be filled with hope for the events that will happen and the way the our Community will undoubtedly come together to make sure Delta County remains a great place to live, work and play.

For a listing of upcoming events, important business resources visit Deltami.org.

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Sheila Krueger is associate director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce