 Stage Door's latest gets a casting call
There is nothing quite like being involved in community theater. Whether taking to the stage or working with sets, props, sound lighting etc. it is not only a great way to interact with friends and neighbors and to meet new people but also an opportunity to try something outside of your usual boundaries. And it just so happens one of those community theater opportunities will be opening up at the Stage Door Players theater in White Cloud. They will be holding auditions this week Wednesday Jan. 22 and Thursday Jan. 23 at 6:30pm for Nana’s Naughty Knickers. Director Summer Groenke will be looking for 5 men and 3 women for the cast as well as hoping to draw those who might be interested in working backstage. The theater is located at 1147 Wilcox in downtown White Cloud. It’s a new year right? So stretch yourself a little and give community theater a go.
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 One of the coolest things the folks at the Dogwood provide for free each year is a remote broadcast of The January Series. The Series, a collection of dynamic speakers on a number of topics is about to arrive in our parts and they could not come at a better time. Well, it could be warmer of course, but despite the cold this annual opportunity to challenge yourself with new ideas and listen to the viewpoints of others can be refreshing. Given the months we endured of mind numbing political detritus a peek at a new perspective or two can perhaps provide a nudge toward some personal growth. If nothing else a lot of us can use a little practice at listening to others without feeling the need to mount a defense. This remarkable series can be educational, inspirational, entertaining or all three at once. If you’ve been attending these for years it’s likely you are already planning on dropping in for a few.. If you're new to the Series? Please pick out one or two and give it a try. Here’s what’s coming this week. Monday Jan. 20 12:30-1:30pm What more appropriate speaker on MLK Day than Jonathan Eig who wrote “King: A Life” which won the ‘24 Pulitzer for Biography? Beyond his exploration of the man and his mission Eig will speak to how Dr. King’s demands for justice remain relevant today. Tuesday Jan. 21 12:30-1:30pm Film producer Todd Komarnicki may not be familiar to you but his movies are. Elf, Sully and more recently Bonhoeffer the true story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer come to mind and if you don't know the pastor-turned-assassin story, look it up. Mr. Komarnicki will be sharing stories of his films and the themes running through them. Wednesday Jan 22 12:30-1:30pm How about a little guidance on how to overcome differences of opinion? John Inazu wrote “Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect.” Here’s a chance to learn how to disagree better. Particularly if the other side is not only wrong but in our eyes nearly evil. Not you, you say? If you go to this one and don’t recognize part of yourself in it, you are either a highly evolved individual or (more likely) fooling yourself. Thursday Jan. 23 12:30-1:30pm Heather Templeton-Dill will speak to how philanthropic vision brought to fruition in the last century continues to impact communities, institutions and individuals. We are privileged to have a great example of this in the Fremont Area Community Foundation. If you are unfamiliar with the seemingly magical machinations of philanthropy, drop in and learn. Friday Jan. 24 12:30-1:30pm Kristjan Prikk will help listeners explore the challenges Europe faces when it comes to global security particularly in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Think you know all about this from watching the news? Attend this one and see if you might have missed an issue or two. That’s it for the week. If you wish, let us know your reaction to any of the series you might attend and we will post them in our pulse section. And here’s the skinny on the Dogwood The Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts 4734 S. Campus Ct Fremont, MI 49412 (231) 924-8885 www.dogwoodcenter.com  Luke Winslow King will perform at the Dogwood Center Black Box on Friday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m. This musician has spent his career as a guitarist, singer, producer, and songwriter, crafting a rich, soulful tapestry that blends delta blues, roots, rock, and folk. His music is a journey through the heart of America, characterized by masterful guitar work, captivating lyrics, and a voice that resonates with authenticity. After spending over 15 years in New Orleans, Winslow-King has taken his refined craft to stages across the globe, captivating audiences with dynamic performances and forming deep, personal connections with listeners. He has shared the stage with Jack White, Taj Mahal, Rosanne Cash, and many others. His original song "Everlasting Arms" was performed by Dr. John in the Playing for Change ‘Songs Around the World’ series on YouTube. His music has been featured on Anderson Cooper Live (CNN), NCIS: New Orleans (CBS), and Deadliest Catch (Discovery). Flash-A-Magic, Winslow-King's eighth full-length album, recorded in Tuscany, Italy, and Memphis, TN, is a testament to his growth and artistry. Released in September 2024, the album features an impressive lineup of collaborators. Join us for a great night in the Dogwood Black Box! Tickets are $17.50 and are available through the Dogwood Center Box Office, NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont, on-line at www.dogwoodcenter.com or just click here! Beer and wine will be available at a cash bar. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont.  “There's no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box in your lap."-Kevin James Wow, folks in our slice of bipeninsular paradise are definitely serious about their pizza. In a totally non-scientific poll, hopefully not rife with voter fraud, we took two venues from each of 4 areas and ran a bit of a competition asking our readers to make the choice between the pairs. We did not include all of the pizza places in our area and we definitely heard from a few folks about it. With apologies to Hit The Road Joe, where Saturday nights are pie night, Croton Trading Post, Brew Works, The Pig Slice, the Bitely Bar and Pine Cone this was merely a friendly mano a mano contest pitting a pair of pizza purveyors in chosen regions. The venues not part of the contest definitely have a bevy of fans given some of our mail from their disgruntled patrons as to their absence. As a matter of fact, the photo in the survey is of HTRJ’s oven from a story we did in 2020 on their plans to open up the take out window as a response to Covid, (remember Covid?). https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/are-you-ready-for-some-pizza But on to the survey… In White Cloud Schindy’s finished first and proved to be a huge favorite of our readers. Comments included: Thin crusted so many options of pizzas!! My personal favorite is the T-bird. They all have such fun names and this one is a barbecue bacon chicken ranch pizza! Great atmosphere, super friendly owners and pizza is to die for. It’s the best in the West! Real, fresh ingredients and the atmosphere is tops. Actual thought was put into every aspect of this business. Schindy's pizza is baked to perfection! The crust isn't too thick or thin; it's just right! While enjoying a "Dumpster Diver" pizza (my personal fav), you get to enjoy a cozy, friendly atmosphere. Wonderful people and even better pizza. Not just the usual pizza toppings, love all the creative pies! They are generous on toppings and I love that the toppings are chunky. They have a huge selection of pizzas. The best part is the atmosphere. They have a really good lemon drop martini too!;) Maike’s received their share of votes with these comments: Nice people, good pizza Great Service Close to home and good food Pizza peeps in the northern part of the county mostly voted for Woody’s: If you haven’t had a Woody’s pizza you don’t know what you’re missing Wood smoked! Great crust! Lots of toppings! Firebrick oven!!!❤️ Woodfired... need I say more Though Big Foot drew substantial interest as well: Best ingredients, great crust Lots of toppings and cheese Great crust Great flavor, loaded on toppings In Newaygo the Brewery finished on top with these remarks: Not only great pizza, but great beer Great the day after Fresh, unique, and reliable! Fun unique pizza choices besides the usual build your own. Good size, quality ingredients! Can pair it with good beer. Better taste, size, and price. Galaxy also had a large share of fans who said: Galaxy pizza has always been a favorite but nobody’s gluten free comes close to as good as theirs! They offer butter cheese crust which is like crack to me Great pizza at a good value. They also have a great rewards program that gets you free pizzas Crust, sauce and straight up flavor. Absolutely the best!! Amazing sauce perfect amount of toppings Then there was Fremont. Of all the races this was the most interesting. Why? Because after 232 votes cast and 2 recounts, Season’s and Spanky’s finished in a dead heat with 116 votes apiece. There is certain to be an outcry for some sort of a sudden death overtime but the ‘kissing your sister’ result means there is room for both in the hearts of pie lovers in Fremont. And here’s some of what people had to say: Season's Just love the Sicilian style! Great Cauliflower Crust Pizza They are just a tiny pizza shop, but service and pizza are great! Love the crust and the toppings are fresh. No greasy layer on top Best crust, sauce, and cheese. Their other toppings are always fresh and delicious too…but the first three are mandatory for a great pie! The flavor is so unlike all the other places. Love the sauce and the freshness of the veggies Best pickle pizza! The staff especially Nicole, the food is awesome but she has the best attitude and is always positive Spanky’s It's Delish. I don’t know what it is but their plain pepperoni is the best one in the county! It's Spanky's. Enough said! Pre-baked versions are the best! The breadsticks are amazing, the crust is wonderful and always generous with the toppings. Breadsticks (many, many times) Good ingredients and right to the point. Outshined by their breadsticks though. Our favorite survey comment came from a vote for Season’s. In the section asking why they voted for Season’s, the ballot said “Because I’m the owner.” Well done, Ken Terveer. While we are certain you weren’t the only owner to cast a ballot, at least you were honest about it. Thanks to all of our readers who contributed to the survey. We’ll be back soon with a Best Burger matchup. If you have a fave burg in the area we are open to suggestions for the competition. Send them to [email protected] and we’ll try to include your candidate.  Where's the best food in our area It is after all a New Year, and being it’s the first week we want to know what our readers reach for when it comes to local eats. Today is the first in a series where we find out what our readers relish (pun intended) when it comes to knocking down their favorite foods,starting with pizza, of course. We divided the emporiums into 4 parts of the county with two selections to choose from in each. IMPORTANT: Please don’t just tell us your choice. Tell us why it’s your fave. You have until Tuesday when we will begin tabulating the results. Later we’ll poll for the Best Burger Best Breakfast Best Burrito Best Bar Food Best Seafood Best Steak  MACKINAC ISLAND, MICH. — Mackinac Island has long been an inspiration for artists. Mackinac State Historic Parks is providing an opportunity to let it inspire you. The Mackinac State Historic Parks Artist-In-Residence Program is designed to promote and encourage the creation of artistic works inspired by the history, natural wonders, and beauty of Mackinac Island. The residencies are available to artists of all mediums, including, but not limited to, writers, composers, sculptors, and visual artists including photographers. The two-week residencies are available beginning in early June and continuing through early October. “We were so pleased to have completed the sixth year of the program in 2024 and look forward to 2025,” said Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Steve Brisson. “It was inspiring to witness how Mackinac sparked the creativity of the various artists these last six years.” The resident artist is housed in the remodeled second floor of the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center, formerly the 1915 Mackinac Island Coast Guard Station. The residence, which overlooks the Straits of Mackinac, includes a studio apartment with one full size bed with bedding and towels provided, private bath and shower, kitchen with stove, sink, and full-size refrigerator, washer and dryer, WIFI, and basic kitchen and cleaning supplies. It is an historic building, and the second floor is only accessible by stairway. The residence is provided rent-free to the selected artist. The Station 256 Conference Room is a large adjoining work/gathering space that is available by appointment for the artist when not in use by park. The artist also has access, with previous arrangement, to the workspace in the lower level of The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum for project work and/or workshops. The artist is asked to provide a public presentation (workshop, lecture, reading, demonstration, etc.) on the second Wednesday of their residency and contribute one piece of their work to Mackinac State Historic Parks within 12 months of their residency. The artist is responsible for transportation to, from, and while on Mackinac Island and is responsible for all personal equipment, supplies, and food. A jury of representatives from the Mackinac community will select from the pool of applicants. Selections will be made solely on the basis of merit and how their work can advance the program’s goal of encouraging the creation of artistic works inspired by the history, natural wonders, and beauty of Mackinac Island. Further information, such as the application and schedule, can be found here. Deadlines for applications is January 10, 2025.
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Ok. Panic time. Suddenly it’s a whisper away from the Big Day and there are holes in the gifting list you were so proud to have gotten a head start on back in late November. Never fear. We at Shopping with Ken are here to help. There are still two days but this is no time to dawdle. Here are some local choices because buying local is very cool and besides you haven’t the time nor the patience to be heading down to the nightmare that Alpine and the malls will surely be. Shop well fellow procrastinators! Market 41 is an eclectic array of goods from a multitude of vendors and it seems if you cannot find it here, it can’t be found. Of particular note there are some shirts and swag depicting the images of the three kings who peer over the hill and greet the town below as well as other Newaygo-based items. With new, not so new, repurposed and collectibly old items filling the bottom of the Muskegon River Inn in Newaygo M41 is alsoconnected to a coffee shop, never a bad idea to an aficionado of the brew such as myself. CBD Store of Michigan in downtown Fremont is a great stocking stuffing stop with products for your furry friends as well as your human ones. Got a loved one struggling with sleep? Try their tinctures. Know someone in need of stress relief? Grab a couple of their bath bombs. Proprietor Rod Glupker can dispense knowledgeable advice if you have questions about his products. Rod is a huge supporter of local events and the Fremont Chamber so here’s a way for local folks to give back while getting those socks filled. Downtown Fremont. How about something many people would never buy for themselves? Car detailing would be a great gift for those who value the look of their ride. This is from Brison Powers who has a shop in Newaygo: “When I detail, I focus on interior and exterior. For the interior I vacuum, shampoo, and do stain and spot treatment. When I focus on the exterior, I wash and wax, do paint correction, buffing, chip repair, and ceramic coat.” Call him. 231.388.2200. How about gifting a night on the town? Stop down at the Artsplace in downtown Fremont. You can surely find a gift at their always enticing Holiday Market of course, but we can see no better way to fill someone's stocking than with a couple of tickets for one of the upcoming Dogwood shows. You can buy them at checkout while paying for that perfect last minute gift from their gallery. Think creatively with steaks from R Farm in Bailley, a massage gift from Blissful Wellness in Newaygo, or Jerky from Jerkies also in Newaygo. Take a gander at fun and funky shops like Hidden Treasures in Fremont and Finders Keepers in Newaygo. SHB in Fremont and Timbered Spirit in Newaygo will offer gifting finds as well. Inspired? Good. Now get out there and lock up the last items on that gifting list. And maybe even grab something for yourself as a reward for finishing on time I’m going steaks and/or massage myself. It's been a long year.  Concert draws capacity crowd Story and photos by Tara Hefferan Newaygo Bands’ 2024 Winter Concert took place Wednesday, December 19, 2024 in the Newaygo High School Cafetorium. As always, Newaygo’s talented student musicians delivered skillful performances that left the standing room only crowd enveloped in holiday cheer. The evening kicked off with the Newaygo High School Jazz Band playing a lively rendition of A Marshmallow World. Then, Director of Bands Branden Listh, sporting a cheerful red snowman tie, greeted the audience and welcomed the first performers to the main stage, the 6th Grade Band. Mr. Listh shared how far the 6th graders have come in only a few short months, from knowing just a few notes to now playing full melodies and harmonies. The 6th Grade Band played seven songs, starting with Rain, Rain and ending with The Dreidel Song. Assistant Band Director Megan Funk conducted the 6th grade performance.
As the Jazz Band played Big Band Holiday, the combined 7th & 8th Grade Band took to the stage. They played three high energy numbers, including Deck the Halls with Chips and Salsa, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer!, and S’vivon. Mr. Listh conducted the 7th and 8th grade performance, which showcased the students’ musical growth since last year. The Jazz Band played another seasonal selection, We Three Kings, as the High School Symphonic Band took the stage. The Symphonic Band’s performance started in dramatic fashion, with four trumpeters standing at attention while launching into On This Day Earth Shall Ring! The band followed next with a spirited rendition of A Celtic Christmas, ending the evening with the showstopping finale, Brazilian Bell Carol. In all, the rich, layered arrangements highlighted the exceptional musical talents of Newaygo’s award-winning Symphonic Band.
Following the concert, Mr. Listh said, “I want to emphasize how proud I am of our students and the work they’ve done to prepare for this concert. Their energy, creativity, and perseverance continue to amaze me. I’d also like to thank our community for their unwavering support—it truly makes all the difference.” The Winter Concert, says Mr. Listh, is about leaving the audience “feeling uplifted and inspired by the students’ talent and dedication. This concert is about more than just the music—it’s about creating a sense of community and spreading holiday cheer.” Judging by the smiling faces in the audience and the proud joy of the student performers, this year’s concert did just that.
  Santa Claus will be at the Fremont Library on Friday, December 20th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. to meet your little ones. Santa Claus Meet & Greet will take place on Friday, December 20th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. This special event is for all children, and for adults who are young at heart! Kids are advised to bring their list, their best behavior, and their good cheer. Parents are advised to bring their cameras. We’ll have treats to pass out!  Stage Door Players latest production sure to charm audiences Photos by Tracy Kehr Stage Door Players in White Cloud is truly one of the hidden gems of our area. The community theater group has been delivering on a variety of quality productions featuring local folks, our friends and neighbors, who take their talents to the floorboards. This weekend Stage Door Players is pleased to present a musical version of The Sleeping Beauty as their holiday show. The delightful cast of characters is as enchanting as the story itself. There’s Chester, the bumbling Jester, (James Briggs), Typsy, the Gypsy, (Carianne Smith), who can hardly stand on her own two feet. A Royal Magician, (Art Haseleur), who is so inept he transforms himself into a frog! Evil Thornberry, (Adreann Guikema), puts a curse on the princess, (Alivia Wachter), so the prince, (Eli Briggs), battles the fire-breathing dragon (James and Aurora Briggs), to break the spell. Rounding things out are the king (Kevin Ferrell), the queen, (Debbie Ferrell), and the good fairy, Rosemary, (Delilah Moull). See this magical fairy tale on December 13, 14, at 7 pm. This show is ideal for young children and the whole family. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 students and seniors, and $30 for a family. The SDP theater is located in downtown White Cloud. |
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