“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?”-Lewis Carroll’s Mad Hatter
When Amanda Acheson (a.k.a. A. Madhatter) opened her shop on the ground floor of The Stream in Newaygo there was no time to have a grand opening. After all it was the Christmas season and the mother of two, full time college student, artist/musician had her hands full managing the time it took to get her newly christened business A. Madhatter Salon rolling. Then she was struck by inspiration. October 6th, as nearly everyone knows, is National Mad Hatter Day. A day aimed at celebrating silliness, mirth and a dash of the comical confusion the Lewis Carroll character embodies. In this spirit the funky and chic salon will be rolling out the red carpet to welcome all comers to their UnGrand Grand Opening this Friday beginning at 10am and running through 6pm. The event features local entertainment throughout the day, giveaways, an exotic petting zoo (3-6pm), and food including a Mad Hatter cake created by the folks at Bluebird Bakery and what Ms. Acheson describes as ‘amazing cupcakes’. And really, who can turn down the opportunity to sample amazing cupcakes? The shop itself is riddled with references to the intriguing character from Alice in Wonderland and provides the kind of respite from the busy world one seeks when pursuing a trim, some styling or perhaps that ever elusive ‘new look’. Ms. Acheson and fellow ‘Hatter’ Rose Contreras have developed a loyal following and see the event as a way to thank folks for their patronage. “We want to give a little back to our existing customers and maybe make a few new friends along the way,” said Acheson. The shop is yet another part of the vibrant business atmosphere that has been created in downtown Newaygo. “I Love Newaygo,” said Ms. Acheson. “ The city is truly growing. Sometimes I feel like I am watching a child grow up as it blossoms into something so amazing and beautiful. “I am very grateful that I get to be a part of that.” A. Madhatter Salon can be found near the north entrance to The Stream. And remember….cupcakes. Amazing cupcakes. New family health provider at Gerber Memorial clinic FREMONT– Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial today announced that its newest family health provider, Jennifer Hudson, DO, is accepting patients at the Family Medicine Clinic in Grant. A graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hudson was most recently a family practice physician in Idaho. She was previously a nurse tech at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. Hudson completed her family practice residency in 2014. Hudson is a recipient of a National Health Service Corps scholarship. She is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians, among several professional organizations. For an appointment or for more information, please call the Grant clinic at 231.834.5995. The clinic is located at 230 S. Maple Street, Grant. More information: https://findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org/ On September 22, nearly 70 Newaygo County women gathered for the 18th annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon. The luncheon was hosted by Fremont Area Community Foundation and held at the Dogwood Center’s Black Box. Attendees heard from Marsha Smith, who has served as the executive director of Rotary Charities of Traverse City since 1997. Smith focused her talk on the idea of “women in philanthropy in power.” “I had never really thought about it as power,” said Smith, admitting that even in her own mind power was too often associated with being hard, ruthless, or controlling. “I think it was a fear of the word ‘power.’ But to be a catalyst for community improvement, to help people change their lives is powerful.” After sharing stories of her early experiences with service and giving, Smith encouraged the women to discuss their own first memories of giving with others at their table. She also spoke about how she plans to introduce her new granddaughter to philanthropy. “What I want to give to my granddaughter is the ability to think outside herself,” said Smith, who then asked attendees to share ideas for how they could teach the next generation about philanthropy. “The real power of philanthropy is in sharing it,” said Smith. Prior to her work with Rotary Charities, Smith was the executive director of Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation and a development officer for several institutions in northwest Michigan. She was one of the founders of the Women’s Resource Center of Traverse City and has served in a variety of community leadership roles. Currently, Smith serves on the board and executive committee of the Council of Michigan Foundations. She is also a member of an active women’s giving circle and a charter member of Impact 100 Grand Traverse, a high-impact membership giving program that will be awarding over $250,000 in its first year. Editor Note: The White Cloud Rotary is a splendid group of folks who congregate weekly and perform a number of projects to benefit the community. I have had the honor of speaking there a few times, generally rambling on a variety of subjects while trying to stay somewhat on topic.
During the recent Trail Town celebration the Rotary held a (rubber) duck race with a slew of the little yellow floaters taking to the White River in competition for the cash prizes being offered up. Admittedly I was a little hurt, a bit dismayed and even perhaps a little piqued that not one of my brood (four little darlings named Huey Dewey Louie and Howard) finished in the money. I had expected more out of them, but, hey, I also expected more out of the Tigers this season and got what? A wretched season of despair drudgery, and downright dreadful baseball that led to a dismantling and destruction of a recently successful team right? But I digress. Rotarian (and Newaygo County Treasurer) Holly Moon has kindly provided us with the following recap of the event along with the official, albeit a bit personally disappointing, results. The 1st Annual White Cloud Rotary Duck Race was run during White Cloud’s Trail Town event at WC Rotary Park, and it was a great race! The ducks were bunched up a bit coming out of the tub, but quickly spread out. There were a few hang ups along the banks and a bit of bumping down the stretch, but the leaders were "bill to bill" at the finish line. A big "Thank You" to Chairpersons Julia Bird and Chris Wren as well as all the Duck Wranglers! 2017 Winner’s Circle 1st Place Duck – Owen VanderStelt - $500 2nd Place Duck – Grace Jacobs - $250 3rd Place Duck – Mark Guzniczak - $150 4th Place Duck – Jessica Pieri - $50 5th Place Duck – Patti Guzniczak - $25 6th Place Duck – Jennifer Fry - $25 If you missed the White Cloud Rotary Duck Race this year, mark your calendars for next year's Trail Town event. The ducks will return! |
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April 2024
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