GENE PEYERK is the kitchen director
at Glen Lake School. He lives with his
family in Centerville Township and has
resided in Leelanau County since 2005.

Name: Eugene (Gene) Peyerk

Town or township of residence: Centerville Township

Resident of county since: July 2005.

Birth date and place: Detroit, Mich., in 1965

Occupation: Kitchen director at Glen Lake Community Schools.

Marital status: Married to wife, Joan, with two children: Geno, 8th grade, and Kaylin, 4th grade.

You live in Leelanau County because:"It’s been one of our favorite vacation destinations for years. I had some health issues six or seven years ago which lead me to a change in occupations," said Peyerk, who had previously been a plant production manager. "We moved as soon as we had the opportunity.

Last good movie you saw: "It would have to be the last Harry Potter movie Order of the Phoenix. My wife and I took the kids over to see it in Suttons Bay.

Last good book you read: "I’m reading a collection of Ernest Hemingway short stories. I figured I should because he’s such an icon up here.

If you could trade places with one person for a day, who would that be: "I guess my father when he was growing up." His father lived on a farm in Huron County in the Thumb region of Michigan, and was one of 15 children.

Things important to you that you have accomplished so far: "I’d have to say sitting down with my wife and establishing plans and acting on them. Showing our kids that through hard work you can live your dreams."

What you hope to be doing in 10 years: "Making wine and running a bed and breakfast during the summer. I’d also like to be a little closer to my retirement at Glen Lake."

Things you lose sleep over: "Wondering whether I’ll be able to get all the things I need to get accomplished done the following day."

If you could change one thing in Leelanau County, it would be: "I’d like a decent restaurant where people can eat a good meal which is fairly priced."

Favorite dessert: "Flourless chocolate cake with chocolate ganache (dark chocolate and heavy cream mixture) and raspberry sauce."

Are you a coffee drinker: "Yes, with cream and sugar."

Favorite place in Leelanau County: "Good Harbor Beach, or on my boat on Lake Leelanau. Any day out there is a good day."

If you have more time, you would: "Walk around my property more with my wife and dogs."

The words that best describe you are: Hard-working, conscientious, "and I like to help implement change."