In every successful community, there are people who work hard and volunteer harder. These are the movers and shakers who work their day jobs, and then go on to serve on boards or committees, secure grants, mentor our youth, or quietly place flags where our war heroes have been laid to rest. They build on our shared foundation and continue to enhance our community. Several more will publish randomly. Send us the names of the faces you'd like to see here.

ALLEN PECAR - (1925-2014) After his semi-retirement from Pecar Electronics in Detroit in 1974, Allen Pecar moved his family north to Mancelona, where his passion for education, the environment and gardening flourished. For years, Allen and his wife, Rose, hosted elementary school student field trips in spring, teaching children about glaciers, gardening, the environment and how Maple Syrup is made. He served on the Mancelona School Board for 20 years and on the Antrim County Parks and Recreation Board for more than 30 years. Allen wrote computer programs for Antrim County, Mancelona Police Department and the Elementary School. In 2012 the Board of Commissioners adopted a Resolution of Appreciation to Allen, recognizing him for his service to Antrim County, his enthusiasm and passion that led to the preservation of natural wetlands owned by Grass River Natural Area, and his countless hours to park issues while utilizing his knowledge of computer databases to assist the County with tracking revenues and expenses.      /2023