Shopping with Ken: NCCA Holiday Artists Market
If you’re reading this let’s assume you’re not someone who has the whole shopping for gifts thing down, am I right? I mean, seriously, it’s not that easy if you want to do it well. Anyone can bail and spend a chunk of cash on whatever hot item is currently plugging up the airwaves with ads. But is that how it goes? Shouldn’t a gift, particularly a Christmas gift, say a little something to its receiver?
The staff at N3 World Headquarters & Decoration Destination is here to help. Here’s our latest opportunity in the quest for gifting greatness.
There is something special about the Holiday Artists Market now open at NCCA Artsplace in downtown Fremont. While always filled with treasures created by artists from our region, the seasonal run of their holiday inspired transformation showcases a plethora of presenting possibilities.
Handmade functional or decorative pottery, unique paintings, prints, textiles, candles, photography, woodturning, sculpture and jewelry are just part of the gifting opportunities that await at this intriguing shop.
Look, friendly reader, time is slipping away as we speak and you’re still in total denial that The Big One is looming larger while the days get shorter. You’ve no time to dawdle about and if your gift is to be a special one (as all gifts should be, one would think) picking up on a creation by a local artist is a way of saying you went the extra mile. You took time out of your day. You could have punched a few buttons on a keyboard or phone during coffee break and then awaited its arrival on your doorstep, but you didn’t because it meant more than that.
Yeah, be that person.
And should you truly want to go for a home run?
Give the gift of creativity.
NCCA Artsplace holds a variety of classes for all ages and you will be a bit amazed at the wide range of interests they encompass. This is one of those gifts that reminds your giftee long after the tree is down that you cared enough to provide a present that will be enjoyed down the road once again.
And there are gift certificates.
The NCCA-Holiday Artist Market will be open through December 29. Regular hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For more information stop by or call NCCA-Artsplace, 13 E. Main, Fremont, 231.924.4022. www.ncca-artsplace.org
When you get there make sure you check out the window display, an annual array of artistic wizardry.
But for pity’s sake get a move on! Time is definitely a wastin’.
The staff at N3 World Headquarters & Decoration Destination is here to help. Here’s our latest opportunity in the quest for gifting greatness.
There is something special about the Holiday Artists Market now open at NCCA Artsplace in downtown Fremont. While always filled with treasures created by artists from our region, the seasonal run of their holiday inspired transformation showcases a plethora of presenting possibilities.
Handmade functional or decorative pottery, unique paintings, prints, textiles, candles, photography, woodturning, sculpture and jewelry are just part of the gifting opportunities that await at this intriguing shop.
Look, friendly reader, time is slipping away as we speak and you’re still in total denial that The Big One is looming larger while the days get shorter. You’ve no time to dawdle about and if your gift is to be a special one (as all gifts should be, one would think) picking up on a creation by a local artist is a way of saying you went the extra mile. You took time out of your day. You could have punched a few buttons on a keyboard or phone during coffee break and then awaited its arrival on your doorstep, but you didn’t because it meant more than that.
Yeah, be that person.
And should you truly want to go for a home run?
Give the gift of creativity.
NCCA Artsplace holds a variety of classes for all ages and you will be a bit amazed at the wide range of interests they encompass. This is one of those gifts that reminds your giftee long after the tree is down that you cared enough to provide a present that will be enjoyed down the road once again.
And there are gift certificates.
The NCCA-Holiday Artist Market will be open through December 29. Regular hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For more information stop by or call NCCA-Artsplace, 13 E. Main, Fremont, 231.924.4022. www.ncca-artsplace.org
When you get there make sure you check out the window display, an annual array of artistic wizardry.
But for pity’s sake get a move on! Time is definitely a wastin’.
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Christmas Tales
We have asked people in the community to share a favorite story, poem, or recollection in celebration of the season.
If you would like to join in send your story to info@nearnorthnow.com.
Looking for a previously posted story? Click on the author's name to be directed to the archive of the Christmas tale!
James Kelly
Chris Wren
Charles Chandler
Darlene Bogner
Today Jan Figa and Mollie Jo Swendrowski share their Christmas tales for Near North Now readers to enjoy.
If you would like to join in send your story to info@nearnorthnow.com.
Looking for a previously posted story? Click on the author's name to be directed to the archive of the Christmas tale!
James Kelly
Chris Wren
Charles Chandler
Darlene Bogner
Today Jan Figa and Mollie Jo Swendrowski share their Christmas tales for Near North Now readers to enjoy.
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FEARLESS CHICKADEE
Jan Figa BALL OF LIGHTNESS PUFF OF FUR HELD IN HAND DEAD OF WINTERS HARDY SWIVER STILL AS SNOW HOWLS YOU WAIT BLACK-CAPPED FEATHERED WARRIOR SOFT ELEGANT SWOOSH ONTO SPACIOUS BUFFET LANDING SITE SEED DISH FORMERLY BIRD BATH ALOOF AMONG SKIRMISHES OF BLUEJAYS AND DOVES DARTING DAGGERS OF BEAKS SORTING AND SNORTING STEALING SEEDS IN PLAIN SMEARED WINDOW VIEW ROCKET PROPELLED UPTO YOUR LEAF STRIPPED BRANCH YOU ARE MY SUPER HERO |
MJ Meets - The Holidays
Let me start by admitting right off the “bat” that Halloween is my favorite holiday. Give me all things spooky, all of the time (like the stuffed crow which I still have on my desk at work in protest of the witching season being complete for 2018). With that being said, there is something wonderfully magical about the days that fall between Thanksgiving and the New Year. The lights, the music, the movies—all classic staples of my childhood. The holiday season always brings with it a deluge of memories, and with this season being my first without all of my grandparents, I am especially grateful for these recollections. Traditions run deep in my family, and I often have a difficult time with swallowing change. The Christmases of my entire childhood followed the same schedule: Christmas Eve with my mom’s side of the family, Christmas morning with my parents, and Christmas Day with my dad’s side of the family. Always the same food (lasagna on Christmas Eve, kielbasa and homemade cheesecake on Christmas day), and, for the most part, the same locations. You could always count on my Grandpa Little to wear his infamous Garfield Christmas sweatshirt on Christmas Eve (Garfield in a stocking cap holding lumps of coal saying “There must be some mistake.” Classic grandfather sweater.) My Grandma Little would inevitably give one of us extra plastic bags or another random household gift. On Christmas Day my Grandma Della was always the peacekeeper, and prevented our family from falling apart over an argument over whatever Trivial Pursuit we happened to be playing. On February 9, 2013, we lost my Grandma Della. There was not a lot of time to prepare for it, and with me living in Florida, it was even more difficult to cope with. The first Christmas without her was strange—it felt like the traditions would never be the same. Instead, our family rallied, and while we still argue over trivia, we now also participate in a family game of BINGO—Grandma’s favorite. Kielbasa is still served, and my aunt has exceeded expectations at making the famous cheesecake. On February 8, 2014, we lost my Grandma Little—almost exactly a year apart from my other grandmother. Traditions had already begun changing on that side of the family—with my cousin’s family growing, it was too hard to meet in any of our houses on Christmas Eve, so we had already moved the date and location. We didn’t get plastic bags or boxes of tea that year, but we still had lasagna (her original recipe), and my grandpa still wore his Garfield sweatshirt. Finally, on August 8, 2018, we lost my Grandpa Little, four years and six months after his sweetheart. This coming Christmas will be the strangest yet, without his re-telling (and re-telling and re-telling) of stories, and the smell of black coffee. We will still have lasagna, though, and I will be wearing that Garfield sweatshirt with a huge smile on my face. A shift in tradition can be hard during the holiday season, but that’s not necessarily bad (or sad) as this story implies. The change my family has endured has also allowed growth for new traditions, some of which aren’t limited to the holiday season. Changes will always keep coming, but each year we find ways to embrace them and create new memories while treasuring the old ones more and more. |
Newaygo's Christmas Walk
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Christmas Trivia
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So you say you know a lot about Christmas?
Well, we plan to challenge you this season with a few teasers from songs, traditions, history, books, movies and cartoons. More to follow so stay tuned. 1.Did Scrooge have a brother or a sister? 2.In the song Jingle Bells who was 'seated by my side'? 3. When he was a child who did George save from drowning in It's A Wonderful Life? Answers found elsewhere on this page |
Community Events
Review: Eileen Ivers Delivers A Joyful Christmas Show
By Ken DeLaat
Photo by Faune Benson Schuitema
Wow.
Just wow.
Eileen Ivers and a quintessential quartet of talent took to the Main Stage at the Dogwood Thursday night for a Christmas Show that would absolutely knock the socks off a grateful crowd.
The imminent fiddler walked out alone to begin the show with a mournful rendition of a couple of classic carols and soon was joined by her strong supporting cast as they took the audience on a musical journey amply sprinkled with the Christmas Joy Ms. Ivers had promised.
The versatility of the musicians driven by the astounding expertise the Grammy award winning Ivers displays on the fiddle proved to be a worthy show in itself. Her dueling duos with band members were captivating to say the least.
Two standouts of an evening providing many were an imaginative and charming delivery of Mary Don’t You Weep and a version of Gabriel’s Message a song familiar to fans of Sting that was poured out beautifully.
When they looked to bring it home with a rollicking Go Tell It On The Mountain the Dogwood crowd wasn’t ready to leave and enticed them back for a lengthy This Little Light of Mine accompanied by a rather large backup choir of folks still standing in appreciation for the evening’s entertainment
It was an epic night at the Dogwood . One attendee described the evening as being one of the finest shows they have seen on this stage, a stage that has witnessed some pretty amazing performances in this past year and many years before.
Kudos to the Dogwood for hosting such fine festive fare and give a little up to HS&C Wealth Management and H&S Companies for sponsoring the visit by Ms. Ivers & Co.
Photo by Faune Benson Schuitema
Wow.
Just wow.
Eileen Ivers and a quintessential quartet of talent took to the Main Stage at the Dogwood Thursday night for a Christmas Show that would absolutely knock the socks off a grateful crowd.
The imminent fiddler walked out alone to begin the show with a mournful rendition of a couple of classic carols and soon was joined by her strong supporting cast as they took the audience on a musical journey amply sprinkled with the Christmas Joy Ms. Ivers had promised.
The versatility of the musicians driven by the astounding expertise the Grammy award winning Ivers displays on the fiddle proved to be a worthy show in itself. Her dueling duos with band members were captivating to say the least.
Two standouts of an evening providing many were an imaginative and charming delivery of Mary Don’t You Weep and a version of Gabriel’s Message a song familiar to fans of Sting that was poured out beautifully.
When they looked to bring it home with a rollicking Go Tell It On The Mountain the Dogwood crowd wasn’t ready to leave and enticed them back for a lengthy This Little Light of Mine accompanied by a rather large backup choir of folks still standing in appreciation for the evening’s entertainment
It was an epic night at the Dogwood . One attendee described the evening as being one of the finest shows they have seen on this stage, a stage that has witnessed some pretty amazing performances in this past year and many years before.
Kudos to the Dogwood for hosting such fine festive fare and give a little up to HS&C Wealth Management and H&S Companies for sponsoring the visit by Ms. Ivers & Co.
Answers: 1.Sister 2. Miss Fannie Bright 3. His brother
Shopping with Ken: 37 North
By Ken DeLaat
What strikes you first about 37 North is not merely the volume of merchandise to be found. Nor is it just the wide variety of items that range from an extensive collection of outdoor gear to an ample array of top quality clothing and accessories.
It is the manner with which these items find your eye. The shop is laid out in a way that offers surprises at every turn. An intriguing item that catches your eye when you’ve just been checking out something completely different.
There’s a little intrigue involved after entering because a saunter past a collection of kayaks can find you suddenly swept up by some fine looking Bogs in the elevated footwear foyer. A perusal of the outerwear drifts you along through a path revealing cleverly displayed t-shirts and the periodic peek at one of their Stormy Kromer racks.
Sidebar: If you don’t know about Stormy Kromer hats...well… suffice to say that Stormy spottings become far more frequent the farther north you go in this fine state until reaching their pinnacle in our peninsular pal to the north. They are fun as well as functional and a must have for those of us who embrace our wondrous winters but wish to keep our ears warm.
These hats are one of the store’s most popular items and a classic Christmas gift.
Oh and should your canine friend need a bit of head covering (or even a coat) during wintry days?
There’s Stormy gear for them as well and 37 North has it.
Owner Greg Slominski is an outdoor enthusiast who makes sure the items he sells are personally product-tested, which we kind of suspect is not much of a sacrifice given the amount of really fun stuff he has on hand. There are any number of possibilities for outdoor good times on display and he has likely tested these products as often as possible.
Asked what items he might want to find under his tree this year Greg mentioned snowshoes and a Kuhl down coat.
For us?
N3 World Headquarters & Shopping Research Center is located on a lake thus one of their stand-up boards would seem to rate as nearly a necessity….or so went a recent narrative after being asked about gift suggestions.
But we digress.
Those familiar with the Kuhl brand of clothing or Keen and Oboz footwear recognize the quality associated with such lines where style and comfort intertwine seamlessly.
From watercraft and paddles to the car racks used to carry them and from hiking packs to the boots and apparel needed to make the trip more pleasant 37 North has it covered.
And the biggest bonus of all for a guy like me whose wrapping attempts come out looking like well taped and frequently torn disasters?
Gift wrapping. Free gift wrapping.
So if anyone out there shows a lot of love to someone by purchasing one of those standup beauties as a really special gift? Give us a call.
We want to be there when they wrap it.
If you’re a regular at 37 North we are probably ‘preaching to the choir’ as they say, and you are likely to be making a visit or two this season.
But if perhaps you have not ventured into this treasure trove of presenting possibilities?
We at N3 World Headquarters and Shopping Research Center highly recommend a drop by.
Sale items abound throughout the store, it’s really good stuff, the staff is knowledgeable as well as customer service driven and just in case you happen to be in need?
They also rent tuxedos.
What strikes you first about 37 North is not merely the volume of merchandise to be found. Nor is it just the wide variety of items that range from an extensive collection of outdoor gear to an ample array of top quality clothing and accessories.
It is the manner with which these items find your eye. The shop is laid out in a way that offers surprises at every turn. An intriguing item that catches your eye when you’ve just been checking out something completely different.
There’s a little intrigue involved after entering because a saunter past a collection of kayaks can find you suddenly swept up by some fine looking Bogs in the elevated footwear foyer. A perusal of the outerwear drifts you along through a path revealing cleverly displayed t-shirts and the periodic peek at one of their Stormy Kromer racks.
Sidebar: If you don’t know about Stormy Kromer hats...well… suffice to say that Stormy spottings become far more frequent the farther north you go in this fine state until reaching their pinnacle in our peninsular pal to the north. They are fun as well as functional and a must have for those of us who embrace our wondrous winters but wish to keep our ears warm.
These hats are one of the store’s most popular items and a classic Christmas gift.
Oh and should your canine friend need a bit of head covering (or even a coat) during wintry days?
There’s Stormy gear for them as well and 37 North has it.
Owner Greg Slominski is an outdoor enthusiast who makes sure the items he sells are personally product-tested, which we kind of suspect is not much of a sacrifice given the amount of really fun stuff he has on hand. There are any number of possibilities for outdoor good times on display and he has likely tested these products as often as possible.
Asked what items he might want to find under his tree this year Greg mentioned snowshoes and a Kuhl down coat.
For us?
N3 World Headquarters & Shopping Research Center is located on a lake thus one of their stand-up boards would seem to rate as nearly a necessity….or so went a recent narrative after being asked about gift suggestions.
But we digress.
Those familiar with the Kuhl brand of clothing or Keen and Oboz footwear recognize the quality associated with such lines where style and comfort intertwine seamlessly.
From watercraft and paddles to the car racks used to carry them and from hiking packs to the boots and apparel needed to make the trip more pleasant 37 North has it covered.
And the biggest bonus of all for a guy like me whose wrapping attempts come out looking like well taped and frequently torn disasters?
Gift wrapping. Free gift wrapping.
So if anyone out there shows a lot of love to someone by purchasing one of those standup beauties as a really special gift? Give us a call.
We want to be there when they wrap it.
If you’re a regular at 37 North we are probably ‘preaching to the choir’ as they say, and you are likely to be making a visit or two this season.
But if perhaps you have not ventured into this treasure trove of presenting possibilities?
We at N3 World Headquarters and Shopping Research Center highly recommend a drop by.
Sale items abound throughout the store, it’s really good stuff, the staff is knowledgeable as well as customer service driven and just in case you happen to be in need?
They also rent tuxedos.