Photo from Jeremy Arndt - Heavenly3lues fb site From the folks at the Center for Hope and Healing Join us for an evening of peaceful relaxing music otherwise know as a “Sound Journey”. Experience deep relaxation amidst an immersive soundscape provided by the soothing resonance of the handpan combined with didgeridoo, gong, guitar, analog synthesizers and more. A Sound Journey is a multi-instrumental experience that will induce physical, mental and emotional relaxation; cultivating a deep sense of calm and inner peace. The musician and composer, Jeremy Arndt from Pentwater, has been fusing the mindfulness based practices of yoga and meditation with his music for over a decade both as a solo artist, and as the co-founder of Settle Into Stillness. Since 2009, he has traveled the globe, with music as his guide, studying different musical traditions and finding a consistent thread of inspiration for his own music. His journeys have taken him to performance stages around the world, in 28 countries and 5 continents. He has shared over 1,000 performances and has collaborated with artists from around the world. His music currently has over 8 million streams on Spotify. The performance will be held March 7, 2024 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Center for Hope and Healing, 601. N. Evergreen, White Cloud. The cost is $35 per person. Please pre-register using the QR code or contact Beth Keloneva, bkeloneva@gmail.com Note: Older children are welcome to this experience, but they must respect the environment and be able to lay 90 minutes peacefully. Come celebrate over 12 years of leading Sound Journeys worldwide!
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STEAM, Storytime, and More at Fremont Library
The Fremont Area District Library is planning to host many fun and educational events in February for the whole family. These events are, as always, free. The Winter Reading Challenge for all ages continues through March 1st. Children can sign up in the Children’s Department and teens and adults can sign up at the Reference Desk. Each age group will get a reading log with a challenge to complete, and when finished, you can bring it in for a prize. Teens will also be entered into raffle drawings for each book read and both teens and children will be included in a grand prize drawing when finished. Winter Reading is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Fremont Area District Library. Children’s Events Toddler Storytime, for babies and toddlers up to age 3, is held weekly on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m., and Family Storytime for children up to age 5 is held weekly on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. A special Snowman Saturday Storytime, for children up to age 5 will be on February 10th at 11:00 a.m. in the Community Room in partnership with the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce. We’ll be showing the Children’s Afternoon Movie Wish (PG; 95 min) on Thursday, February 22nd at 4:00 p.m. Snacks will be served, and all are welcome. Tinkering Tuesdays continues this month. You bring the imagination, and we'll provide everything you need! Simple building and art concepts for kids to construct on their own or in a group. Finished creations will be put on display for a week. REGISTRATION REQUIRED - For ages 6-9 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sign up your child two weeks before each activity, until filled, by calling 231-924-3480 or seeing the front desk. See dates below. Limit of 15 children each week. February 6th: Free play February 13th: Artsplace at the library February 20th: Learn to write your name in braille February 27th: Mini lid banjos Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead also continues this month. This includes the same concepts as Tinkering Tuesdays, but for ages 10-12. REGISTRATION REQUIRED - 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sign up your child two weeks before each activity, until filled, by calling 231-924-3480 or seeing the front desk. See dates below. Limit of 15 children each week. February 7th: Free play February 15th: Artsplace at the library February 21st: Learn to write your name in braille February 28th: Mini lid banjos Even More Events! Fit for Life Exercise is on Mondays and Wednesdays weekly through March 27th from 12:00-1:00 p.m. This is a low-impact exercise class perfect for all adults and levels of fitness. Junk Journaling for ages 10 and up will take place on Thursday, February 8th anytime between 6:00-8:00 p.m. This is a scrapbooking and journal hybrid. Use up what you have and supplement with found, recycled, repurposed and thrifted items. Materials provided. We’ll show the movie Love Again (PG-13; 104 min) for our Movie Monday on February 12th at 2:00 p.m. Snacks will be provided. Silent Book Club: Come as you are and read what you want, with no interaction necessary! The first and last minutes can be social if you'd like--the rest of the time is silent reading. Gather by the South fireplace on Sunday, February 11th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The Wednesday Readers Book Group will meet on Monday, February 12th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss Tempest by Beverly Jenkins. The Non-Fiction Book Discussion will meet on Monday, February 19th at 6:00 p.m. to discuss Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama. The Daytime Book Group will meet on Wednesday, February 28th to discuss Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. Books for all of these groups are available at the library’s front desk ahead of the meeting if you’d like to check out a copy and join the groups. UFO Club (NEW!): UFO stands for UnFinished Object. Bring a project to work on while you socialize with other crafters. Gather by the south tables along the parking lot on Sunday, February 25th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. for this drop-in event. Tween Book Club (NEW!): Calling all magnificent Middle Schoolers! This new Tween Book Club, for 6th-8th graders will be munching on free delicious pizza and snacks in the teen area of the library while discussing books. On February 27th from 3:30-5:00, we’ll be discussing our first book, The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. Books are available to check out at the library's front desk. For more info call 231-928-0256 or email tbonk@fremontlibrary.net. New students always welcome. For more information about any of these events, please contact the library at 231-924-3480 or visit www.fremontlibrary.net. Regulation amendment for select rivers takes effect this spring
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission recently adopted regulation changes to establish a daily possession limit of one (1) rainbow trout 20 inches or greater year-round on select rivers, effective April 1, 2024. The amendment will be a new component of the current daily possession limit regulation covering Type 3 and Type 4 waters where five (5) fish, but no more than three (3) trout 15 inches or greater with only one (1) rainbow trout 20 inches or greater are allowed. The selected rivers are listed below by type regulation category. Where a confluence is mentioned, that simply means the point where two flowing bodies of water join together. Type 3 waters
Type 4 waters
The new fishing regulations came in response to public comment to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in support of lower bag limits for steelhead to increase catch and release opportunities in certain rivers that support natural reproduction of steelhead. The regulation changes will be reflected in the 2024 fishing regulations booklet, which will be available at Michigan.gov/DNRRegs in March 2024, and on the Michigan DNR Hunt and Fish app April 1, 2024 Free event open to first 30 registrants
In 1996, the Kropscott family donated an 80 acre farmstead to Newaygo Conservation District with the agreement that the site would be kept in agriculture and be used to teach and model environmental education. Today, Kropscott Farm Environmental Center contains the Stephen F Wessling Observatory, nature trails, education labs and classrooms, as well as pasture land and an agroforestry project. KFEC hosts farm visits from all 5 Newaygo County public schools and seasonal community social events. The farm’s winter 2024 workshop will take place Sunday, January 14 from 1:00 - 4:00pm. This winter’s event will be open to the first 30 registrants as opposed to the open house format KFEC has used in the past. Guests will participate in learning to build a fire, making “food art” to take home, s’mores at the fire ring, free grilled hot dogs and hot chocolate, examination of the mineral composition of rocks, and a forest hike (perhaps with snowshoes!). Registration is free and open to the first 30 community members ages 6 and up who register online. Kids younger than 6 are welcome without registration as long as they’re with a registered adult. Just scan the QR code or go to our Facebook page for a link to the sign-up website. New Clubs, Kids Events, Book Groups Galore;
Tinkering, Journaling, Movies & More The Fremont Area District Library is planning to host many fun and educational events in January for the whole family. These events are, as always, free. The Winter Reading Challenge for all ages is back this year beginning January 2nd, and runs through March 1st. Children can sign up in the Children’s Department and teens and adults can sign up at the Reference Desk. Each age group will get a reading log with a challenge to complete, and when finished, you can bring it in for a prize. Teens will also be entered into raffle drawings for each book read and both teens and children will be included in a grand prize drawing when finished. Winter Reading is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Fremont Area District Library. Children’s Events We’ll be showing the Children’s Afternoon Movie Trolls Band Together (PG; 91 min) on Thursday, January 18th at 4:00 p.m. Snacks will be served, and all are welcome. Toddler Storytime, for babies and toddlers up to age 3, will be held weekly on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. beginning January 24th, and Family Storytime for children up to age 5 will be held weekly on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. beginning January 25th. A special Snowman Saturday Storytime, for children up to age 5 will be on January 27th at 11:00 a.m. in the Community Room in partnership with the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce’s Winterfest events. Tinkering Tuesdays continues this month. You bring the imagination, and we'll provide everything you need! Simple building and art concepts for kids to construct on their own or in a group. Finished creations will be put on display for a week. REGISTRATION REQUIRED - For ages 6-9 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sign up your child two weeks before each activity, until filled, by calling 231-924-3480 or seeing the front desk. See dates below. Limit of 15 children each week. -Dec. 9th: Free play -Dec. 16th: Make kinetic sand -January 23rd: Play board games -January 30th: Make a Lego maze Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead also continues this month. This includes the same concepts as Tinkering Tuesdays, but for ages 10-12. REGISTRATION REQUIRED - 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sign up your child two weeks before each activity, until filled, by calling 231-924-3480 or seeing the front desk. See dates below. Limit of 15 children each week. -January 10th: Free play -January 17th: Make kinetic sand -January 24th: Play board games -January 31st: Make a Lego maze UFO Club (NEW!): UFO stands for UnFinished Object! Bring a project to work on while you socialize with other crafters. Gather by the south tables along the parking lot on Sunday, January 28th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. for this drop-in event. Tween Book Club (NEW!): Calling all magnificent Middle Schoolers! This new Tween Book Club, for 6th-8th graders will be munching on free delicious pizza and snacks in the teen area of the library while discussing books. At our first meeting on Tuesday, January 23rd at 3:30 p.m., we’ll choose a book to read for February’s book discussion, make an idea jar, and eat the previously mentioned yummy food. Homeschool Hangout: Are you a homeschool family looking to hang out with other homeschool families? Join this drop-in event in the library's Community Room on Friday, January 26th from 10:00-11:30 a.m. to socialize, play board games and Legos, and you are welcome to bring your own activities. We'll provide yummy snacks and drinks but you can bring your own if you'd like. Fit for Life Exercise is on Mondays and Wednesdays weekly beginning January 3rd from 12:00-1:00 p.m. This is a low-impact exercise class perfect for all adults and levels of fitness. Junk Journaling for ages 10 and up will take place on Thursday, January 11th anytime between 6:00-8:00 p.m. This is a scrapbooking and journal hybrid. Use up what you have and supplement with found, recycled, repurposed and thrifted items. Materials provided. We’ll show the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (PG-13; 92 min) for our Movie Monday on January 8th at 2:00 p.m. Snacks will be provided. Silent Book Club: Come as you are and read what you want, with no interaction necessary! The first and last minutes can be social if you'd like--the rest of the time is silent reading. Gather by the South fireplace on Sunday, January 14th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The Wednesday Readers Book Group will meet on Monday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. The Non-Fiction Book Discussion will meet on Monday, January 15th at 6:00 p.m. to discuss The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman. The Daytime Book Group will meet on Wednesday, January 24th to discuss The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Books for all of these groups are available at the library’s front desk ahead of the meeting if you’d like to check out a copy and join the groups. For more information about any of these events, please contact the library at 231-924-3480 or visit www.fremontlibrary.net. By Ken De Laat "Remember that the important thing is not what you give, or how you wrap it. The important thing, during this very special time of year, is that you save the receipt."- Dave Barry We at N3 World Headquarters & Christmas Decor Emporium have long held a soft spot for the non urban downtown areas to be found throughout our bipeninsular paradise. There are always fun little finds in the shops along the main drag of these towns and Newaygo is no exception to this rule. In fact the business landscape in downtown River City has become a bit of a Mecca for shoppers who wish to look at potential purchases up close and personal and not via a screen. Thus, after sweeping through a few suggested stores in Fremont we headed east (10 miles or so) to check out the places our readers put forward as present purchasing opportunities. Our first stop was the Downtown Threads Boutique, a fun and funky little shop with a wide variety of gifting items on display. It seemed to us store co-owner Rachelle Nausadis had sprinkled the shop with every clothing item needed what with bathrobes (a traditional Christmas gift among winterbound Michiganders), sleepwear, shoes, hats, purses, and what we learned that day are ‘shackets', a shirt/jacket cross breed that are rather popular according to Ms. N. and our other discovery was freeze dried candy. Apparently the process creates a lighter puffier texture. We were offered a sample however, when asked if we liked peanut brittle, we politely demurred without explaining the rather unpleasant encounter with pb that continues to haunt. Downtown Threads is a very cool addition to the main drag and just a message for 99% of the men out there considering a clothing item for the women in your life... Go with gift certificates.. Trust me on this. Do not guess on size or style. You can thank me after Christmas, Next we stopped into an old favorite, the New Ewe, the shoppe that has long been a destination spot drawing fiber minded folks from throughout the state. From Fat Quarters to Fabric they not only have it all in supplies, they can teach and advise folks on everything yarn or quilt or any of their other products. It’s also one of the coziest shops around and the chairs around the fireplace are comfy enough to settle in when spousal companion Lil is looking around. I will caution though, falling asleep in those chairs, while not noticeably frowned upon by the staff, is apparently seen as a bit of a faux pas by the person you’re waiting for. We wandered down to Market 41 where a plethora of items new and not so new can be found in this multi vendor space at the classic building that also houses the Muskegon River Inn. We wandered about enjoying the array of gift possibilities and were captivated by the Newaygo items including a sweatshirt emblazoned with the Three Kings on the hill and if anything says Christmas in Newaygo it’s the Three Guys. And no, it doesn’t have the annual Reid Sherwood quote “And all is well with the world” on the shirt. While looking about we were drawn to a box that had a bunch of toys sitting near the checkout. “Toys for Tots?” I asked. It wasn’t, I was told. It was Forever 6. That’s when Tina Merryman told me about her granddaughter, Emma Christine Philips who was taken from the family in a tragic automobile accident this past Spring at the oh so tender age of 6. From the flier: “Emma was fun loving, sassy and such a joy to be around and we miss her so much, especially when the holidays approach and we are unable to enjoy her smiling,laughing face as we come together as a family. “We have decided to honor Emma by creating Forever 6, a charity to help others in our community by helping with food and gifts for this Christmas season.” What a terrific way to honor Emma’s legacy. So… if you’re stumped about getting something for the people in your life that are hard to buy for because they have everything they want, and you’ve made the acquaintance of 1 or 2 sassy little 6 year olds in your life, consider donating to this cause. Stop in at Market 41 and find out what they might need and do it in the name of your giftee. They’ll be happy. You’ll be happy, and some deserving child out there will likely be very, very happy. Ok we’re wrapping up Newaygo this week so if there’s a suggestion out there let us know (info@nearnorthnow.com.)
“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.”- Eric Severeid Photos and article by Donna Iverson A lot of backyard animals, like rabbits, are hibernating. Many birds and ducks have flown south. And turtles are burrowed into the sides of creek beds. But squirrels seem not to notice that winter has arrived. Near me, numerous grey and black squirrels are hopping from tree limb to tree limb and occasionally foraging for nuts below. With leaves off the trees, their nests are visible everywhere. One tree looks like a hotel for squirrels. These nests are made of twigs, leaves, and moss and lined with grass. It’s where the squirrels sleep at night unless the weather is extremely bitter cold. In that case, they find a cavity in a tree and make a leaf-lined den. Often a squirrel will make three or four waterproof nests in different trees for easy getaways. Mostly, it is one squirrel per nest although they will occasionally double up. Their feeding range is around one to two miles from the nests. Food preferences include nuts, berries, pine seeds, and unripened corn. In Michigan, their favorite nuts are acorns and hickory nuts. And no, in my experience, no bird feeder is squirrel proof. Predators include foxes, coyotes, raccoons, cats, hawks, owls, snakes and weasels. Their life span is, on average, five to ten years. The grey and its cousin the black squirrel are the most commonly seen in our area. But it’s the fox squirrel that delights me most. (Both squirrels are native to North America).The largest of our native squirrels, it is more often found on the ground rather than in the trees. It is a solitary animal, even described as anti-social. But that hasn’t been my experience. It is the squirrel that hops alongside of me when I walk through the local park. And holds a pose for a photo while I fumble with my smartphone. The fox squirrel’s coloring is more orange and grey with white circles around its eyes. Its food choices include flowers, insects, tree buds, and bird eggs, as well as the usual grey squirrel fare of acorns and other tree nuts. Although it is more of a ground squirrel, it can jump from tree limb to tree limb, an impressive 15 feet. And the fox squirrel is smart. “I find them amusing and smart,” said a fellow admirer. “They have certainly outsmarted me.” How to sow native plant seeds in winter for spring growth will be offered on Wednesday, December 6, 5:30pm – 7:00pm. This hands-on demonstration will be hosted by Big Bluestem Farm and the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC) and will take place at the Waters Edge Golf Course – Lakes Restaurant, 1100 Ramshorn, Fremont, MI 49412. “Many native plant seeds need the cold weather of winter in order to germinate in spring,” states Ken Hoganson of Big Bluestem Farm. “We will demonstrate how you can easily sow seeds in reusable household containers so you can grow the native plants that you want in your garden and yard.” Michigan native plants are naturally adapted to live in a Michigan climate, which brings periods of freezing temperatures, Ken explains. For optimal germination many types of native seeds require exposure to cold, moist winter conditions alternating with the warming spring sun in order to germinate and grow well. This process is called “stratification”. The program will include a discussion on the importance of native plants to our local ecosystems, what winter sowing is, and the benefits of the process. There will be demonstrations on the types of common household containers that are suitable to use as “mini-greenhouses” for the seed sowing. “We may have some native plant seeds to give away,” adds Sally Wagoner of the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition. “We have some left over from the November Seed Swap. This is a great opportunity for folks to go home with some native plant seeds, turn their plastic milk containers into mini-greenhouses, and get ready for spring planting!” Big Bluestem Farm is a native plant nursery near Bitely that specializes in native plants and an expanding “seed bank”. Ken and Shelly Hoganson grow dozens of different species of native plants providing plugs, quarts and gallons for gardens and installations by appointment. They also offer sales at some of the spring and summer native plant sales in the region. Also on the agenda for the evening will be information about Vernal Pools Monitoring, and the Wild Ones Newaygo Region chapter in development. Katie Clark of NCEC is the local field coordinator for the Vernal Pools Partnership. These elusive spring ponds are highly important to our local ecosystems, yet they are not recognized or identified very much in Newaygo County. Ms. Clark will discuss how community members can become “citizen scientists” this coming spring in the Vernal Pools Monitoring Workshop. This will add Newaygo County and its vernal pools data to the national map. “Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes” is a national non-profit that promotes environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration and establishment of native plant communities. “There is a growing interest in native habitats and native plants in Newaygo County, so we are in the process of developing a local Wild Ones Chapter. This will benefit both our community members as they pursue native plants in their yards & gardens, as well as our unique native habitats throughout the County,” explains Sally Wagoner. Registration for the Winter Seed Sowing program is recommended, although walk-ins can be seated as well. The event is free, with food and beverages the responsibility of attendees. To register click here: Winter Seed Sowing. Or you can email buzz@nc-ec.org. Visit the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition website calendar to view and register for this and other upcoming events in the region: www.nc-ec.org. For more information about winter seed sowing and native plants, contact Ken Hoganson: khogansonjr@gmail.com, 630-915-7715. Find a bow, snap a photo, and win prizes at Land Conservancy nature preserves
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. (Nov. 20, 2023) -- This holiday season, busy elves from the Land Conservancy of West Michigan have hung a big red bow on one tree at several nature preserves located throughout West Michigan. If you find them, you have the chance to win some cool prizes! The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has partnered with several local artists and businesses to create a fun way for families and explorers of all ages to get outside this season. Taking part in this scavenger hunt promises participants the opportunity to discover new trails and win amazing prizes from sponsors like Brewery Vivant, REI, Querkus Creative, and many more! Event Details: The event will run from November 20-December 31, 2023. A complete list of the nature preserves where participants can search for bows and prizes will be revealed on the Land Conservancy’s website on Monday, November 20. How to Enter: Hike Explore select LCWM nature preserves any time between November 20 and December 31, 2023 to look for trees decorated with holiday bows! There is only one bow per nature preserve. Snap Take a photo with the decorated tree! Share Post the photograph to Instagram and tag @naturenearby*, or email the photo to kendra@naturenearby.org. If you correctly identify the tree species the bow is affixed to, you will be entered into the prize raffle twice! *Note: Your Instagram profile must be public for us to see and count your entries! Win Prizes – Each holiday bow found enters you into a raffle to win prizes! This year, we have grand prizes for the first two people to visit all of our preserves and for the first two people to correctly identify the most trees. If you don’t win a grand prize, you will still be entered into a raffle – every tree found and every correct tree ID counts as a submission. Bonus Prize – This year, your social media entries make you eligible for a bonus prize! This means each time you find a tree and share it on Instagram, your name will be entered into a separate raffle for a special prize (1x per tree shared). Anyone who wins a grand prize or raffle prize is still eligible for this bonus social media prize. Rules & Guidelines: • One photo submission per family per preserve • Photo should clearly show the bow and the tag indicating the preserve name • Submissions will be accepted starting at 12:00 am on November 20 through 11:59 pm on December 31. For more information, please visit our event page on our website: https://naturenearby.org/events/holiday-hike-challenge-23/ Photo and article by Donna Iverson When November arrives, my attention turns to turkey. Not the turkey I’m looking forward to on my Thanksgiving dinner plate. But the wild turkeys meandering along roads and highways in small flocks. Seemingly fearless, they waltz across the road while cars line up patiently waiting for them to pass. But get out of the car, to try to get a photo and they pick up their speed, moving at 15 to 25 miles an hour out of range. Wild turkeys are native to Michigan. They are a bird of many contradictions. Basically sociable, an individual turkey can become aggressive toward humans and attack. (If threatened, grab a broom or a hose) Spending most of their time scratching on the ground near woods, they can nevertheless fly at 55 miles per hour. While wild turkey numbers are growing and the flocks are moving into suburbia, it hasn’t always been so. In the late 1800s, wild turkeys had all but disappeared from the state. Logging had destroyed their habitat.In the 1950s, wildlife biologists began a reintroduction program in southwest Michigan. And now the wild turkey is no longer endangered. If you have wild turkeys in your yard, you are lucky. For one thing, they eat ticks. One turkey can eat 200 ticks a day. They feed on nuts, berries, insects, snails, and grains, like corn and soybean. Acorns are a special favorite. Predators include raccoons, skunks, opossums and occasionally crows and coyotes. Wild turkeys are highly intelligent and have excellent vision and hearing even though they have no ears. Scientists report they can make 20 different vocalizations which are recognized by others in the pack. They are also curious and polygamous. Surprisingly, they sleep in the top of trees. In the spring, an alpha male will mate with nearly every hen in the flock. Hens lay eggs in ground nests often near trees. Young turkeys are extremely vulnerable to prey until they can fly, about two weeks after hatching. A young turkey is called a jake. As winter approaches, the flock will break up into smaller groups ..the hens, the toms and the jakes. They have a hard time surviving in deep snow, so are mostly found in southern Michigan and not in the UP. Their home range is one to four miles in circumference. Hunting season for wild turkeys began September 15 and lasts till November 14. A state license is needed. For more information on attracting wild turkeys to your property, check out https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/publications/pdfs/huntingwildlifehabitat/landowners_guide/Resource_Dir/Acrobat/Wild_Turkeys.PDF |
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