 Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse) And yes, that’s the right photo The Fremont Area District Library is proud to partner with the Fremont Area Community Foundation to bring bestselling author Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse) to the Fremont Library this Wednesday, June 4th. The presentation begins at 6pm. An Evening with Author Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse) - Wade Rouse is the USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly and #1 internationally bestselling author of 20 books, including five memoirs, 12 novels and three holiday novellas. His novels, including The Charm Bracelet, The Hope Chest, The Summer Cottage, and The Heirloom Garden, have been translated into over a dozen languages and become international bestsellers. 2025 will be a big year with three books being published, including his latest Viola Shipman novel, The Page Turner. This new novel celebrates how books and reading change and save us – takes readers inside the world of publishing today and asks why we judge one another and the books we read by our collective covers. Wade chose his grandmother’s name, Viola Shipman, as a pen name to honor the working poor Ozarks seamstress whose sacrifices changed his family’s life and whose memory inspires his fiction. The evening will include a moderated conversation with the author, and Wade will take questions and sign books. Books will be available to purchase, and this event will take place in the library’s Community Room on Wednesday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m.  This and other Shipman novels and memoirs will be available at the event
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 Story and photos by Charles Chandler Odd isn’t it, how we feel better when we are in one of our happy places with friends and family nearby? For just a moment of time, the weight of the world lifts and we experience the joy of community and our better humanity. The Dogwood Center for Performing Arts is one of my happy places. It is a cultural and community treasure and the beating heart for the performance arts in Newaygo County. You could write books about Dogwood. We can often recall our favorite performance we enjoyed there. Chapters could be written on the history of the building. Or the performance bookings and operations that are professionally managed by the Executive Director, Marianne Boerigter, and competent staff. Or the Dogwood’s appeal because it draws the best from the community for supporting volunteers, board members and gracious donors. This is not a story about Dogwood proper but a recognition of the story within the Dogwood. A story that has been told or experienced by others but as we know all things old can become new again. For example, I can watch The Lawrence Welk Show or Gunsmoke on my Smart TV or Mobil phone. For sometimes now I have had this little niggly curiosity about something that resides in the Dogwood. The light bulb came on Sunday, March 2 at 3:00 p.m. at the Dogwood Center’s Black Box! I was attending the Grand Valley Piano Chamber Series. This excellent series of classical piano chamber music is funded by the Fremont Area Community Foundation and is free to the public! Being in the Black Box I was able to sit up front and watch and listen to pianist Sookkyung Cho perform beautiful pieces by Franz Schubert, Antonin Dvorak, and Leos Janácek. An amazing and emotional performance. Once I thought I saw the Foundation’s CEO Shelly Kasprzycki quickly dab her eyes. On several occasions Ms. Sookkyung commented on how wonderful the Dogwood’s Piano was and how she enjoyed playing it. I also recalled having heard several other performers comment on the Dogwood Piano. Then I had that moment we all have experienced. The one where you have bumped around something or someone for a while and then for some reason saw it or them clearly for the first time. That usually results in “well I’ll be, look at that”, or “till death do us part” , or sometimes, “what did I ever see in him.” I was watching a talented pianist play a Steinway and Sons Model D Concert Grand Piano. Holy smokes, the holy grail of pianos. In our practical world we most often go straight to the value of something. I knew that in terms of USA dollars you could buy a county in Arkansas, or that Piano I was listening to. The marketing literature proudly states that the “Steinway and Sons Model D Concert Grand Piano is a majestic musical instrument. It is said to be the pinnacle of concert grand pianos. The overwhelming choice of the world's greatest pianists and for anyone who demands the highest level of musical expression.’ So here is the mystery. How did a Steinway and Sons Model D Concert Grand Piano make its way to this Newaygo County community? To here in this exemplary Performing Arts Center located within a stone’s throw of corn fields, fruit orchards and dairy barns. The nearest place you can buy a Steinway is at the factory in Astoria, NY. Being an invasive species here, I have learned over time that Newaygo County is a complex and wonderful place that has many treasures and mysteries.  Fast forward and a month later. This time it was a stop at another one of my happy places, the NCCA-Artsplace on Mainstreet in Fremont. I was hoping for a chat about the Piano with the always extra busy Director, Marianne Boerigter. She was on her way to another meeting but as always had a few minutes to give. She quickly agreed that there was truly a great story about the piano and that maybe in the Dogwood archives there was something, a file or document that if found she would send to me. Perfect, a good mystery must have a search for lost documents. A couple of days later I received an email from Marianne with a one-page attachment. It was an interview with Ms. Becky Jansma that was published in the Dogwood News on 06/22/02. According to this brief article Ms. Jansma was tasked with finding a piano for the Dogwood. Her search team included Ms. Bernadine Johnson and Ms. Thea Hoekman both members of the Newaygo County Area Piano Teachers Association. (Who knew this?) The team located a Model D Concert Grand Piano at Reeder’s Piano in Lansing. It was built in 1955, and Readers had restored it to new specifications. Price $40,000. The search team went down to Reeder’s and “auditioned” the piano. They found the piano worthy and were “amazed by its clear and clean sound.” They could buy a like new Model D Concert Grand Piano for $40.000 that would last many years and complement the performances at the Dogwood. To complete their mission, they had to raise the money, purchase the piano and get it delivered to Fremont. To add to the challenge, they wanted to have the Piano in place for the Grand Opening on July 21, 2002. I would have loved to have been in that car on the return trip from Reeder’s in Lansing to Fremont. You certainly would have heard some serious campaign plans. This intrepid team soon organized and hosted a “Center’s Keys to the Grand fund raiser. The fund-raiser included singers, dancers, jugglers and of course all accompanied by piano. They raised $28,000 at that event. Bummer, well short of the list price. As a former board member of the Dogwood, you never underestimate the determination of the Dogwood supporters or the generosity of the folks in Newaygo County. An anonymous donor stepped up and the Model D Concert Grand Piano came home to Fremont. For the Grand Opening of the Dogwood the Model D made its debut in the musical “Man of La Mancha.” The people of our community, musicians and all performance fans owe Ms. Jansma, Ms. Bernadine Johnson and Ms. Thea Hoekman a huge debt of gratitude for their good work. I had a chance to chat with Mr. Peter Wagner, the Factory Direct Representative for Steinway and Sons, and it would cost about a quarter million in today’s dollars to replace our Model D Concert Grand Piano Thanks ladies, well done. To be continued, maybe. I love a good story and feel there is much more to this one. Maybe we could find some of those good folks that were involved in the purchase of the Model D Concert Grand Piano and the Grand Opening of our beloved Dogwood Center for Performing Arts. I would love to hear their “you should have been there” side of the story   Our favorite singer flanked by Amy and Chad Walenga Singer to perform live tonight Ready to toss a little support to our hometown songstress Iris Herrera? Then tune into The Voice Monday night to see if she will continue her melodious journey.Iris has reached the Elite 8 of the competition and we're hoping she continues to move forward. Here’s the skinny on how to cast your ballot courtesy of Chadwick Walenga, a long time supporter and musical mentor to Iris. Iris is going LIVE tonight on The Voice!!! Please support her journey with your VOTE and let’s keep the celebration rolling. Be sure to download The Voice App onto your device! Use this link to vote IRIS HERRERA and tune in at 8pm on NBC The Voice!!! PLEASE SHARE!! https://voice.vote.nbc.com #TheVoice #TeamIris   L-R Fremont Area Community Foundation President and CEO Shelly Kasprzycki, FACF Community Investment Office Greg Poches, Birding Trail Committee members Charles Chandler, Terry Grabill, Andrea Grabill, and Marie Rust, NC Tourist Counci President Julie Burrell, NC Administrator Chris Wren and State Rep Joseph Fox Grand opening draws birders, wannabe birders and the curious to the event Photos by Lil DeLaat The Newaygo County Birding Trail took flight on Saturday at the Newaygo County Welcome Center’s John Graves Lodge where Julie Burrell, Board President of the Tourism Council opened the event and spoke to the growing popularity of the sport and its far reaching influence on tourism. She also thanked the Fremont Area Community Foundation for their support and gave a shout out to the committee members before finishing with,” As we celebrate today’s grand opening, we recognize this isn’t just about birds—it’s about people, place, and purpose. Let’s keep building a Newaygo County that thrives on conservation, connection, and creativity.” State Representative Joseph Fox offered a few words about his lifetime interest in birding followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony. After the symbolic opening Terry (Birdgoober) Grabill delivered a bit of Birding 101. Grabill explained some of the birding basics including tools such as binoculars and handy apps available to help identify birds by sound as well as sight. Marie Rust followed up with a presentation that guided attendees through the nearly 40 sites that make up the trail. The well-designed trail maps made an impressive debut showcasing the dozens of sites throughout the county. While many are part of familiar landmarks some of the locations may surprise people. Terry and Andrea Grabill, Charles Chandler and Marie Rust were the foursome on the spearheading committee who brought this idea to fruition. A quartet of birders who recognize the tourism opportunities birding provides given its ever-increasing popularity and sought out the support needed to make it happen. But the main course for the four was the opportunity to help bring the sport they love to others. To provide easily accessed guidance aimed at enhancing the experience for newcomers or even first timers. Learn more about the trail: https://newaygocountyexploring.com/birding-trail/ The Birding Trail maps are available at the Newaygo County Welcome Center.
 The Birding Trail Committee, Back Row: Marie Rust, Andrea Grabil Terry Grabil and Charles Chandler. Front row: Ruby.  Acclaimed Musician Mark Lavengood to Perform at Dogwood Center
The Dogwood Center is proud to present an unforgettable evening with award-winning multi-instrumentalist Mark Lavengood on Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box. The performance will feature two distinct sets: Lavengood's original compositions followed by a special tribute to legendary songwriter John Prine. Mark Lavengood, winner of the prestigious 2012 Rockygrass Dobro Competition, is celebrated as one of the most quintessential modern American songwriters. Known for his resonant energy and sparking smile that light up every venue, Lavengood has captivated audiences at renowned festivals including Telluride Bluegrass Festival, ROMP, Blissfest, and Wheatland Music Festival. The evening begins with Lavengood and his band performing original music showcasing his masterful dobro and steel guitar work. For the second half, audiences will experience "Prine Time," a heartfelt tribute to the late John Prine, recreating the timeless compositions of this iconic American singer-songwriter who influenced generations of musicians since his debut in the early 1970s. "Some audiences remain unfamiliar with the work of this revered American singer-songwriter," notes Lavengood. "Our Prine Time Tribute aims to change that by bringing these timeless tunes to new and longtime fans alike." Tickets are $20 and are available online at www.dogwoodcenter.com, at the Dogwood Box Office, or at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont or just click here! The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For information, phone 231.924.8885.  The NCCA-Artsplace Statewide Photography Competition is an annual event with the goal of exhibiting and acknowledging some of the finest photographers in Michigan while encouraging greater growth and achievement in the photographic community. With an entry deadline of May 17, photographers across the state are shooting and printing their favorite subjects for their entries in this year’s competition. Michigan photographers, 18 years or older, are encouraged to take part in this juried competition. All photographic processes are accepted and each photographer may submit up to two pieces of work for the entry fee of $30. Members of NCCA-Artsplace may submit two pieces for a reduced entry fee of $25. All entries must be framed and ready to display. Selected works submitted to the competition will be exhibited in the NCCA-Artsplace Ray and Phyllis Jansma Exhibition Gallery May 28 through July 12. The award announcements will be held on June 14 at 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Photographers awarded first, second or third place will be provided a cash prize. Honorable mention pieces will also be selected. The juror for 2025 is West Michigan photographer, Richard Hinton. Competition guidelines and entry forms are available at NCCA – Artsplace, 13 East Main Street, downtown Fremont or by calling 231.924.4022. The guidelines and forms may also be printed from www.ncca-artsplace.org or click here!  A Birthday, Some Birding, A Good Walk and A Play (and maybe BBQ?)
And On To Decade 2 Newaygo Brewing Co is celebrating their 10th anniversary with lots of music, lots of great food and lots of their epic beers. Music throughout most of the day both Friday and Saturday with Jack Leaver 17° South Perry Jill and Autumn Brown Nate Dill and friends Velvet Mushroom Syndicate Backwoods Express And there are always surprises at a NewBrew event. And there's beer. Did I mention the beer? And here is an interview with the owners https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/newbrew-turns-10 Birding Trail Birding is big. One of the fastest growing activities around and Saturday the Newaygo County Birding Trail is launched with an event at the Newaygo County Welcome Center. And what great timing. We are entering the peak season of migratory winged wonders cruising through on their way to their summer homes. Here’s the skinny: https://www.nearnorthnow.com/leisure/upcoming-event-is-for-the-birders Walking With a Purpose On Saturday the Autism Community of Newaygo County is holding their annual Walk for Autism at the Pine Street Athletic Field in Fremont. Registration starts at 9:30am. Here are more details: https://www.nearnorthnow.com/living-well/a-walk-with-a-purpose5661689 Guys and Dolls at Frauenthal If you fancy the joy of a well performed musical and are up for a bit of a drive the Muskegon Civic Theater is performing the classic Guys and Dolls Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and a Sunday matinee at 3pm. Our favorite ex-comedian, former N3 columnist and theater veteran Megan Wirts is in this one and if you’ve seen the divine Ms. Wirts perform you already know this will be a good one. Frauenthal Theater in Muskegon is a great place to see a performance in case you have never been. Here’s how to get tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1046560/guys-dolls-muskegon-muskegon-civic-theatre-at-frauenthal-theater Bonus for BBQ fans is the chance to have a pre show bite at Dr. Rolf’s just a block from the theater. If you're lucky they will still have burnt ends available. If they do, order them immediately and prepare for a bit of BBQ heaven. |
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