The December meeting of the Newaygo County Democratic Party will be on Monday, December 11 at the Newaygo County Heritage Museum, 12 Quarterline Street, Newaygo. Members and guests can join the Open Forum and snacks at 6pm, with the business meeting starting at 6:30pm. The meeting will have a virtual Zoom option which will be available via the Democrat Enews, or by emailing: newaygocountydemocrats@gmail.com. The Open Forum at 6pm is a chance for members and guests to discuss issues of concern, and to meet others who follow Michigan Democratic principles. The business meeting will cover community outreach, engagement and education plans, as well as fundraising activities for the rest of the year. A topic of discussion by the (S)POC Committee will be the role of the Precinct Delegate, and how that role can provide effective engagement and mobilization within local neighborhoods. How and why a community member should become a Precinct Delegate will also be discussed. To learn more about the Newaygo County Democratic Party, visit the website: https://newaygocodems.org. Sign up for Enews by contacting newaygocountydemocrats@gmail.com. Or follow on Facebook pages at Newaygo County Democratic Party, and Newaygo County Democrats.
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How can something so perfect just be waiting for me? Did the Christmas-present gods see me coming?”-Sophie Kinsella, Christmas Shopaholic The first Shopping With Ken foray found us in Fremont. A few weeks ago I showed up late for the ribbon cutting when JRC Bargain Bins opened the doors to their new facility in the building once occupied by MPH Trucking. After apologizing to Nicole Crutchfield for missing the scissors work I wandered about the place, impressed with the space after having visited their former home, a much less expansive area to say the least. Nicole and husband Conner brought this entrepreneurial concept to the area and it proved to be hit for bargain loving shoppers. Now they have moved to a place that will allow the offerings to be spread out a bit.A survey of the new surroundings made JRC the perfect kickoff to our SWK series. From stocking stuffers and decorations to a large collection of games and toys the store is a must stop for those looking to fill that list without putting a major dent in the pocketbook, all the while feeling good about supporting one of our newest local businesses. What makes JRC ideal for shoppers this time of year is how the merch involved changes every week and we don’t mean like just a couple of things here and there. We’re talking about true transformation. New items of all types huddled in the bins and ready for bargain hunters. If you are unfamiliar with the bin concept here’s our story when we visited their former location https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/you-never-know-what-youre-going-to-get What I like about this place is the gamesmanship involved. After hitting up JRC to see what’s new, maybe you gamble a bit, waiting out the price reduction in hopes the potential gift doesn’t get snapped up before hitting your planned purchase day. It tosses a little more adventure into what can be a draining present purchasing process. The other added bonus is Ms. Crutchfied herself and her staff. They make the store a fun place to browse around while being exceptionally helpful. Special assistant Jasper may be the youngest crew member and despite being a bit shy of 2, did an admirable job helping his Mom provide us with a tour of the new place. Stymied on gifts? Especially toys and games? This is your mecca for bargain gifting opportunities. And say hello to Jasper. If you have an idea for a place for SWK to visit email us at info@nearnorthnow.com The Show of Shows in Hesperia
By Ken De Laat There are few things that remain more consistent in my childhood memories than the appearance of Christmas lights. Our cul-de-sac street (referred to back then as a ‘dead end') had just over a dozen or so houses and only a few bothered with holiday lighting. My friend Hank lived across the street and his house was the most festive as his Dad put some time and effort into his display. Our house had a small collection of lights around the area by the front porch and and a couple of other homes maybe put out a string or two but just seeing them begin to pop up here and there produced a bit of Christmas spirit and more, importantly, it meant the Big Day was surely in sight.A couple streets over was house that, at the time, seemed like a massive display. There were lights along the house and even in the shrubbery and lo and behold some of them even blinked off and on. But that was as they say ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far far away’. When my kids were young house lighting had truly come into its own. Massive displays were common in our suburban neighborhood and reports of houses around and about the area that bordered on spectacular meant a nighttime drive to check out the efforts. There is still a bit of a thrill seeing the lights come up and hereabouts there are several places that utilize technology to create some impressive displays. Then there is the Deater Family show. Last year Doug Harmon did a story for us on the spectacle that piqued our interest, (https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/christmas-lights) and running into Bobbi Jo Deater a while back she hinted that husband Tim had developed a few more tweaks to the display, apparently an ongoing, ever evolving process for him. Lil and I decided to combine one of our ‘in need of a really good burger’ visits to the Brown Bear in Shelby with a stop at the Deater Show. This, my friends, is the absolute motherlode of lighting excellence. If you have not paid a visit to the Hesperia area residence of Tim, Bobbi Jo and family you are missing perhaps the hands down best show in the region if not the universe. They have put together an innovative and downright magical show that begins on the hour and runs for 45 minutes AND includes musical accompaniment that can be tuned into your car radio while you watch. It is absolutely stunning and the photos here don’t come close to doing it justice, thus we refer you to the fb page called Deater Family Light Show. However, the only way to truly experience it of course, is to immerse yourself with an up close in person viewing. The house is at 6344 E Garfield Rd and easy to locate after 5pm for obvious reasons. If this doesn’t thrust your Christmas spirit into the stratosphere, you’ve way too much Grinchiness in you. Well done, Deater Family. Well done indeed. Suggestions welcome!
“One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore. "Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.”- J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone It is indeed in full bloom and I don’t mean the Christmas cactus residing in the upper reaches of N3 World Headquarters and Endless Emporium of Decorative Christmas Spirit sometimes referred to as ‘Bronner’s West’. We’re talking gift seeking season. When you’ve Black-Fridayed, and Cyber-Mondayed all those deals on the array of electronics, gadgetry, and big items from big places it becomes time to truly shop. I mean set out on the hunt for those whose gifts might take a tad bit of thought and exploration while providing a smidge more meaning than, say, a gift card or other artful dodge. Never fear. Shopping With Ken (aka SWK) began several years back to shine a light on finding unique places for present buying pursuits. Having long been in possession of a personal prowess for procrastination, particularly when it comes to seasonal gift buying, starting SWK led to forging forward much earlier than the traditional day or two before Christmas, once an annual endeavor. Of course waiting until the clock starts ticking down is still the norm but the early exploration helps narrow the field of gifts when the “What do you mean Christmas is this Monday?” panic begins to settle in. I truly empathize with those who are mystified when it comes to finding just the right gift. I mean we all want our present to be valued if not downright treasured, right? It’s just that time seems to always be at a premium these days so this is our effort to bring a little perspective, perhaps provide a pointer or two for those in need of ideas. Thus the journey ahead. Starting this week we will explore some area options, in search of unusual, eclectic, adventurous or frighteningly useful items for gifting and follow through with checking out any reader recommendations that might sound compelling. So send suggestions via email (info@nearnorthnow.com) or through our comment section under this story and the crack SWK team will investigate and report on the grand array of gifting opportunities that thrive here in our beloved Near North. Remember, off-beat, non traditional, distinctive, quirky, novel and eccentric ideas are especially welcome. Here’s one of our stories from last year https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/shopping-with-ken-the-quest-for-creativity-brings-us-to-bitely Now send us those ideas, folks.And of course always remember…. Buy Local, Be Local, Rock the Mitten. Man, does time seem to be speeding up? I know septuagenarians as myself often speak to the rapidity of time as one ages but doesn’t it seem as though the Halloween season has morphed quickly into Thanksgiving mode? And now Christmas itself sits a mere 5 weeks away! For those of us who are staying put this winter there is hope that perhaps January and February will zip by with the velocity of September and October. However,having weathered a lifetime of those months in Michigan, I am not foolish enough to be overly optimistic. All of us here at N3 World Headquarters want to wish our readers the happiest of Thanksgiving Days with hopes that within the abundance of things to be thankful for each of us find the majority of these to be the people in our lives. A few quotes for your Turkey Day amusement: “After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations.” - Oscar Wilde “If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get. “-Frank A. Clark “I celebrated Thanksgiving in an old-fashioned way. I invited everyone in my neighborhood to my house, we had an enormous feast, and then I killed them and took their land.” - Jon Stewart “Thanksgiving is possible only for those who take time to remember; no one can give thanks who has a short memory.”-Unknown “Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants.”- Kevin James “Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” -W.T. Purkiser “Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.” -Erma Bombeck "As we express our gratitude we must not forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”-John F. Kennedy “I like football. I find it’s an exciting strategic game. It’s a great way to avoid conversation with your family at Thanksgiving.” - Craig Ferguson “Thankfulness is an attitude of possibilities, not an attitude of liabilities.” -Craig D. Lounsbrough “Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.”-Oprah Winfrey “May your stuffing be tasty May your turkey be plump, May your potatoes and gravy Have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious And your pies take the prize, And may your Thanksgiving dinner Stay off of your thighs.” -Grandpa Jones Feast on, friendly readers, feast on. By Ken De Laat Wow. Consumers Energy wasn’t kidding when they sent out word of the Reliability Roadmap initiative they unveiled in late September. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/consumers-vows-more-reliability The first step listed in their press release read… “Tree Trimming: Significantly increasing and staying at the cycle time needed to keep our lines clear of interference from trees, which is the most effective way to prevent and shorten power outages and improve system reliability.” Or in simpler language “We’re amping up the tree cutting.” Trees Inc. trucks have been seriously clearing the area around power lines. In fact their Grant office has been hustling to hire some folks to keep up with the cutting. Granted, from what we’ve seen and heard the cuts have been deep in some places and the roadsides are a feast for kindling collectors but hey, if they can achieve the #1 goal of “ No customer will be without power for more than 24 hours.”... Well… * There is an election Tuesday and on the ballot is a renewal of financial support for the Career Tech Center and county-wide Special Education services. A yes vote does not, repeat… DOES NOT increase your property taxes. This is a no brainer. Not only do these programs provide a broad spectrum of services for our special needs kids but with the trades taking center stage with an emphasis on promoting these careers to students, the classes offered at the CTC are more vital than ever. Of course you could stay home next Tuesday like somewhere around 80% of registered voters do when it isn’t a national election. When candidates are involved this inevitably leads to people getting elected by drawing something like 11% of registered voters. This opens the door for fringe candidates often leaving us with inadequate and ineffective representation. But if you care about the young people in our community you might care to get yourself to the polls this Tuesday and give them a big Yes. * Snow on Halloween? It’s been years since I did the door to door thing with kids or grandkids but I am a veteran of the white stuff during the haunted holiday along with a couple of freezing rain nights that brought about early endings to the candy collecting. And speaking of Halloween a recent broadcast on NPR explored the never ending myth of drug laced candy that persists despite no evidence of any incidents. No surprise here. I never knew of any drug user who would willingly give away any part of their stash. Ever. But given what people are willing to believe these days the ongoing survival of this conspiracy theory is all but solidly assured. * Having recently returned from Ireland where limericks are a popular genre for expressing oneself we were inspired to put this one together. There once was a bitter old bloke Who called N3 “Everything Woke!” He thought his signs wise But to no one’s surprise Most saw them as just a bad joke Gach rud dhúisigh Newaygo Dems Meet Nov 1, Election Day Nov 7
Submitted by the Newaygo County Democratic Party The November meeting of the Newaygo County Democratic Party will be on Wednesday, November 1 at the Newaygo County Heritage Museum, 12 Quarterline Street, Newaygo, 49337. Members and guests can join the Open Forum and snacks at 6pm, with the business meeting starting at 6:30pm. The meeting will have a virtual Zoom option which will be available via the Democrat E-news, or by emailing: newaygocountydemocrats@gmail.com. The Open Forum at 6pm is a chance for members and guests to discuss issues of concern, and to meet others who follow Michigan Democratic platforms. The business meeting will cover community outreach, engagement and education plans, as well as fundraising activities for the rest of the year. Local elections and local ballot measures for Newaygo County will be held on Tuesday, November 7. Residents can find out if they are registered to vote and can view a sample ballot at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/. You can also contact the Newaygo County Clerk, or your local village or township clerk. Regular Newaygo County Democratic Party meetings are usually held on the first Monday of each month. If that falls on a holiday, the meeting will take place on the 2nd Monday of the month.November’s meeting is on Wednesday the 1 st due to other scheduling conflicts. To learn more about the Newaygo County Democratic Party, visit the website: https://newaygocodems.org. Or follow on Facebook pages @ Newaygo County Democratic Party, and @ Newaygo County Democrats. By Ken De Laat Camp Newaygo was the scene of this year’s Influential Women in Leadership luncheon and the nominees and other attendees settled into the cozy atmosphere of the lodge to mingle, network and chat with each other before being welcomed by Julie Burrell of The Right Place. Ms. Burrell, who captured an award at the inaugural event two years ago, spoke to the impressive set of nominees who hailed from all areas of the county and represented a number of differing occupations. After a buffet lunch (during which my good fortune had me seated next to the indomitable Mayor Jim Rynberg allowing us to swap a few stories) Camp Newaygo Director Jalisa Danhof delivered the keynote address. This was done from her seat on a pile of pillows, an action necessitated by her recent surgery. Being seated provided no obstacle for Ms. Danhof who seamlessly delivered a multimedia presentation entitled “Raising the Next Generation of Women”. Her message was crystal clear about the need to instill confidence and develop self esteem in the girls who will be the next generation of women who will lead. A highlight of her talk was a video called “If Male Athletes Were Asked Questions Aimed at Female Athletes”. Look it up. Highly recommended for being not just enlightening but also seriously funny and it is most certainly available on youtube. Then came the awards. The first went to Mary Rangel who won the Emerging Leader Award for her advocacy work with migrant and farmworker families. Covering several of her Farmworker Appreciation Day events over the years is what introduced me to Mary. Her ability to draw on a number of resources to provide the many necessities for the long line of families who partake in the event was beyond admirable. Most impressive was how no matter how busy she is, (and believe me on that day Mary is one busy woman) she takes time to speak to people about the event and stress its importance in helping the farmworker community. And to advocate whenever possible for the people she serves. Mary-“When I think of my accomplishments I always thank God first. My children, grandchildren, family and community are the reason I do what I do. With the help of Fremont Area Community Foundation, my role at DHD #10 I am able to do the projects, events for the Migrant Community. I look forward to working closely with my community for many years to come.” White Cloud City Manager April Storms was next up as she received the Community Leader Award. Ms. Storms has been instrumental in creating a huge turnaround in the city that serves as our county seat. Forging productive relationships and bringing an innovative and creative thought process to municipal government, April has helped develop a vision for her city. The recent sesquicentennial celebration may have commemorated the town’s founding but it also showcased how far the city has come in recent years. April: “It was truly an honor to receive the Newaygo County Community Leader of the Year Award. Just being nominated among this fantastic group of women in our county was very special. No one wins an award because they are great all by themselves. A great leader is made up of a leader with a fierce supportive team working towards common goals and who work collaboratively and tirelessly to get things done. It's a privilege to be a public servant and I'm so blessed to serve a community that I truly love.” The final award for Influential Leader went to Newaygo City Police Chief Georgia Andres. Ms. Andres has been the face of law enforcement in the city of Newaygo since taking over the position in 2015. Prior to that she served as a sergeant on the city’s force for nearly 12 years. After taking an associate’s degree in law enforcement Georgia went on to obtain a Master’s Degree from Ferris State. During her tenure the department has developed many initiatives aimed at increasing safety in the community she serves. Georgia: “It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had. I still believe Lori Tubergan-CLark is amazing and definitely is my most influential leader.” And on a personal note... Each of the three were worthy recipients as would be any of the 11 others who were honored on this day for their contributions to the community. Many of those in this group are familiar to me. I’ve known Abby Watkins since she came to the county as Emergency Services Director and while being well acquainted with Lori Tubergen Clark from her years as Superintendent of NC RESA we have also served together on a number of committees and boards and she is considered a friend. I first met Georgia Andres when she was still Sergeant and Chenoa Boss grew up across the street from Lil and I and we’ve known the family since moving here a quarter century ago. There were several others I likely have encountered once or twice (or even multiple times) along the way but memory being a prized personal commodity these days… However, there was one woman in the group that I am most familiar with. My daughter Lesly. There are many praises I could sing of her personal courage, her skillful and creative hands, her acumen for landscaping design and her relentless support for the causes she believes in. But of all the qualities my daughter possesses I must admit to a personal favorite. An attribute I believe to be of the utmost importance to human beings. I am proud to say she is at heart one of the kindest people I know. And in case you were wondering… She gets this from her Mother. By Tim McGrath “I can’t be with Sandy anymore; she has hair under her arms.” Fifth grader, Bobby, lamenting the loss of his latest love interest. Well, here we are again. The yearly going-to-school ritual most of us lived through is in full swing. I can’t think of many other experiences so many of us have in common than going to school. The times and places are different, of course. But being corralled into rooms and special buildings with a wide variety of kids for about 12 or 13 years is fairly universal. The entrance into the world of geniuses, misfits, politicians, scoundrels, salespeople, comedians, princesses, and all manner of interesting characters. In the week leading up to that big first day of my early school years, there was the going-to-the-store to do the yearly gathering. That meant going to Arlan’s, because they had the best deals on EVERYTHING: pink pearl erasers, the twelve pack of pencils, notebook paper, pencil boxes to hold it all. Then there were the crayons. I coveted the Crayola big 128 box with the sharpener built into the back. There was even the color burnt sienna in there, not just blah old brown, but burnt sienna. Never mind it really was the color of something the dog left in the yard; it was something new, different, exciting. I never got that. I usually ended up with some crappy off brand box of 16 or 32. There were the new shoes from Rose’s Shoes in Galewood; PF Flyers, or Red Ball Jets if Mom was feeling generous, or if I was particularly adept at convincing her they really were the best thing for my feet. After she and old Mr. Rose had a discussion about my feet, though, I usually ended up getting a pair of clunky Stride-Rite orthopedics. Scratchy corduroys, maybe a new shirt or two, depending on if I’d outgrown last year’s model, would complete my new fall ensemble. The gear of a kid starting a new year of school. Doesn’t seem to be much different today. There’s still the gathering of stuff, the anticipation of heading off to school mixed in with the tinges of sadness on leaving the days of summer behind. September 1, 1960 through June 12, 2012 found me living in some classroom or another. From my student days in Wyoming Public Schools: the ancient halls of Boulevard Elementary to the brand-new Taft Elementary, to Wyoming Junior High and High School. After that I found myself a student roaming the halls of Calvin College, which led me to being a teacher in classrooms in Fremont Public Schools. That’s a lot of school, a lot of doors passed through. There was much stuff to be learned: some invaluable, some an exercise in learning simply for the test, some a complete waste. A handful of those kids with whom I became friends with then still remain friends. Others came and went, as life inescapably happened, and they ended up in faraway places, never to be heard from again. Sadly, some have passed on. Teachers who were dedicated, brilliant, engaging; and the ones who weren’t. Thankfully, most of the teachers I spent those blips in time with were caring and good. Through it all there were the stories: some funny, some touching, some sad, some disturbing. Here’s a few of mine…. Up until that early morning of September 1, 1960, school consisted of playing, eating, sleeping, and generally having a big time at home, mostly with Mom. If there was any formal education to be had, it was watching Captain Kangaroo, Miss Jean on Romper Room, Fireman Freddy, and Buck Barry on Buckaroo Rodeo. It was a comfy life, one I thought could probably work out favorably well into the future. So, when I turned 4, Sunday School came around, and I was hurled into my first experience in a classroom. Gathering each Sunday morning with Miss Helen, her helpers and all the other 4 and 5-year-old kids in a classroom, learning to listen, taking turns, coloring, singing songs, doing puppet shows, and flannel boards helped me get ready for the big show. September finally came; it was time for my debut. I still have a crinkly black-and-white photo Mom took of me, my friends Gary, Debbie, and Malia all lined up on the front steps of Boulevard Elementary. Gary and I in those stiff new corduroys, button down shirts, shiny black Stride Rites, Debbie and Malia in pretty little dresses, shiny black Mary Janes, and bright white anklets. Smiles all around. The beginning of our foray into the illuminating world of public school. I stood in the doorway of my new kindergarten class and, glancing into the cavernous space, there, like a priceless ruby, sat a beautiful red tricycle. I quickly walked in, and looking it over, decided this place was going to be A-OK. Without a moment’s hesitation, I jumped on, and pedaled right out the door. Imagine this, I remember thinking, look at all these hallways I can explore. So just like that, I was off. I toodled down the hallway directly in front of our kindergarten door ignoring all the stares and giggles. As I rounded the corner on my way back past the class, the shadow of a very large woman with glaring red lips, and bulging blue eyes hidden behind silvery cats-eye glasses darkened my path. Putting her ample face inches from mine she shouted, “Just what are you doing? Get back in here right this instant!” She grabbed my arm, yanked the trike out of my little hands, and pinched me, hard. “Don ‘t you ever do anything like that again!” she scolded. Welcome to kindergarten. Late in the year, the class put together a musical show for our parents. All of the boys were dressed up in white shirts and dark pants, girls in white blouses and dark skirts. We each had some kind of instrument to bang on or shake. What a horrible cacophony it must have been. We also sang some little choruses, much to the delight of the moms. To round out the show was one daring little fellow who performed a solo. He was dressed in white shirt and a bright red bow tie. A little vest completed his ensemble. And remarkably, the teacher had gooped up his lips with bright red lipstick and had rubbed rouge on his chubby little cheeks. When it came his turn to shine, he belted out the selection, then at the finale got down on one knee, arms splayed wide, Al Jolson style. The audience roared their approval. The teacher beamed her delight at the showmanship, our soloist bowed low at the waist. Another successful production in kindergarten, room 1-A. It doesn’t take long in a school setting for all the new scholars to sort themselves out into the various strata of life in school: the smart kids, not-so-smart ones, leaders, followers, the teacher-pleasers, funny kids, odd ducks, troublemakers. By about 2nd grade those murky classifications were now beginning to solidify, and everyone knew where each other belonged. Of course, with age comes wisdom, and in reality, most of us would have found ourselves in most of these categories at one point or another during our school days. But that realization was years off; not something most second graders would think much about. Life is pretty good if you find yourself in the smart kid, nontroublemaker camp, but not so much if you’re in the not-so-smart group. Heaven help you if you’re in the not-so-smart, troublemaker group. Back in my early school days there was no such thing as special education, where kids who struggled with learning or behavior problems could get help. Thankfully, today there are many ways kids who struggle can get the help they need and deserve. I had the opportunity to serve for a number of years as an elementary special education teacher. I was able to work with kids from kindergarten to fifth grade who struggled with school. It was a wonderful thing to see progress made when we could help equip the kids who struggled with the tools they needed to succeed. Often behavior issues would diminish when they were successful with their learning, as well. Those days were far in the future, however. Back in my school days, if a kid struggled in the classroom, and was a behavior problem, the results were predictable. Danny checked both boxes. He struggled in the classroom, and in getting along with other kids and teachers. Plus, he had a physical challenge – he had a wooden leg. The rumor was it had been cut off when somebody slammed a car door on it when he was little. But that was just a rumor, so who really knew. He did have a sense of humor about it, though. He used to take the foot of the leg and turn it around so the toes were pointing backward, usually as we were lining up to go somewhere. He would pull this stunt with the teacher at the beginning of the new school year, or whenever we had a sub. It was fun to see the incredulous expression on the teacher’s face when he pulled this one off. In spite of his antics, however, things were tough for him. But in all honesty, he didn’t make things easier for himself, either. When the stump of his leg was sore from the chafing of the prosthesis, he’d take the leg off and use crutches. The crutches became a way to annoy other kids and adults. Usually this involved clumping other kids in the head or rear end as he roared past. I saw him do this one Sunday morning in church, too. Poor Miss Laman, the church librarian, became a favorite target. He’d quietly sneak up behind her, stretch out the crutch and whack her on the backside. This particular Sunday she let out a loud, ”Oh my!” As Danny zoomed past her, she scolded him with,” The Lord is watching, Danny!” It was midway through our fourth-grade year. The class was to read silently in our reading books, then after a certain time, we would read the same thing out loud going from one kid to the next, up and down each row. If you were a fluent reader, this was boring, but not a problem. If you struggled with reading orally, this was misery. Everyone had to do it, no exceptions. The logic being, if you follow along enough times, you’ll improve. Danny hadn’t got that message. When it got to him, he sat there. The teacher hollered at him to, “get with the program!”. Danny couldn’t do it. He put his head in his desk and started crying. “I can’t do it, and you can’t make me!” he hollered back. The teacher pushed his chair back, got up, and stalked over to Danny’s desk. Grabbing him by the arm, he hauled him out of his seat, and dragged him to the front of the room near the door. He picked him up and dumped him hind end first into the wastebasket. Grabbing the edge of the wastebasket, he opened the door, and kicked the trashcan with Danny stuck inside out into the hall. “That’s what we do with the garbage!” he roared as he slammed the door shut. I lost track of Danny somewhere in junior high, yet he did graduate high school a year after me. After that, I heard various things of him living in Hawaii, then Alaska. Someone said they’d heard he’d travelled the country, making it his goal to visit each state. This same person mentioned he’d heard that Danny had died several years ago in Alaska. As I heard this news, it made me wonder how his life would have been if he’d gotten the help he needed as a little boy. I had the chance to attend my 50th class reunion a while back. We had 235, or so, kids in our graduating class, and about 80 attended the event. We shared tales of where life had taken us since that sultry June day in 1973 when we walked across the stage, and out the door into a new life. We spoke of children, grandkids, spouses, careers. There were the “remember whens” shared of people, events, and who’d won or lost the big games. We laughed about the shenanigans pulled, and the odd manner of particular teachers, imitating a phrase or tone of voice they had used. It was quite remarkable to see someone I hadn’t seen in fifty years and recognize immediately who they were. Or, to hear a voice and be able to conjure up images of them in school all that long time ago. It was as if we’d been transported back into the days of our youth for a few short hours. Bittersweet in a way; a time for looking back on what was, and what might have been, if only….. School, for most of us, is a universal experience. A safe familiar place some run to, for others, a miserable place to escape from. Yet, in spite of the ups and downs, wackiness, and drudgery, it is a time of discovery, laughter, tears, heartbreak, joy. Article by Sally Wagoner Photos courtesy of West Michigan Burial Forest “What is Green Burial?” will be answered on October 28, 2pm at the Newaygo Heritage Museum. The public is invited to learn about this eco-friendly, sustainable method of interment, and how it may come to our area. Annica and Peter Quakenbush of West Michigan Burial Forest will provide a free presentation in the Forest View Room of the Museum. It will begin at 2pm, right after the 2nd annual Newaygo Scarecrow Stroll. “Green Burial” is a way of caring for the dead that has minimal impact on the environment. It avoids the use of toxic embalming and vaults. It does not produce the large footprint of carbon emissions as found during the process of cremation. Green Burial allows the body to decompose in a natural way using biodegradable materials. Annica and Peter Quakenbush are striving to provide a Green Burial Forest in Newaygo County. Taking natural burial one step further, they aim to protect a local forest and its rich, biodiverse native habitat in perpetuity through a non-development management plan. The Green Burial Conservancy will be in conjunction with an established conservation organization such as the Michigan Nature Association. What would walking through this “cemetery” be like? It would be like a walk in the woods: minimal disruption to the forest, tended trails, perhaps coming across small markers at some final resting places to remind one of the sacred ground underfoot. Native flora and fauna that are unique and often endangered in Newaygo County would be protected and enjoyed: White Pine centenarians, wild Dogwood trees, Wood Betony and Birds Foot violet plants, Trilliums, and Ghost Pipes, among others plant species. Preserving a habitat that would not be destroyed for homes or industry would ensure that a variety of birds are present for viewing: Indigo Buntings, Ovenbirds, Scarlet Tanagers, Warblers, Barred Owls, and others. Like many new endeavors, Annica and Peter have hurdles to jump in order to make their dream come true. “Informing residents and civic leaders about how a Green Burial Forest would benefit our community is our first important step,” they state. The benefits of a Green Burial Forest in Newaygo County are many, according to Annica, Peter and local supporters of this burial option. It would contribute to the mosaic of protected natural conservation areas managed by such organizations as the Michigan Nature Association and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, thus providing more healthy habitats for our native plants and animals. It would offer a place of peace and solace for friends and families of loved ones who are laid to rest there. It would contribute to the local economy, as businesses would be supported through the local funeral director services, as well as restaurant and overnight lodging by visiting family and friends. And Newaygo County would be on the map as a leader in new ways of promoting and protecting our native and natural environment – as the first Green Burial Forest in Michigan. Join NCEC on Saturday, October 28, 2pm to learn more about Green Burial from Annica and Peter. Come at 2pm, right after the Scarecrow Stroll, to the Forest View Room of the Newaygo Heritage Museum. The event is free and refreshments will be provided. Registration is preferred as seating is limited. To register: go to www.eventbrite.com, and search for “Green Burial Newaygo''; or www.nc-ec.org, and click on the Events Calendar, October 28 Green Burial; or go to Facebook Events at Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC2). You can also email NCEC: buzz@nc-ec.org. For more information about West Michigan Burial, go to: www.miburial.com. |
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May 2024
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