 2021 My NCT artwork by Leah Yellowbird. “It’s beautiful; it’s here, it’s there, that’s the Trail.” The North Country Trail Association (NCTA) launched the My NCT program in 2020 as a means to bring art and nature together in the telling of our story, and the connection our Trail Community has with it. My NCT incorporates the promotion of the North Country National Scenic Trail and the NCTA through an artist’s visual interpretation of it. The piece selected is displayed through the NCTA for 16 months before it is retired. In 2020, the NCTA collaborated with West Michigan artist Erica Lang, founder and owner of Woosah Outfitters, who created a one-of-a-kind woodblock printmaking design. In this second year of the program, the NCTA is honored to collaborate with Minnesota painter and beader Leah Yellowbird.  Leah Yellowbird painting. Credit: Pinnacle Marketing Group “I’m Anishinaabe, Ojibwe, Algonquin, and Métis,” explained Leah. “What I do in the style I paint is nature, or my interpretation of nature, or the Ojibwe interpretation of nature. I wanted to do a butterfly because to me, it’s just floating around - it’s beautiful; it’s here, it’s there, that’s the Trail.” Limited edition products featuring it will be made available starting this September, during the My NCT 2021 Membership Drive: Join or renew your membership between September 1-30, 2021 to receive limited edition products. Consider helping us meet a match by joining or renewing on September 25 for North Country National Scenic Trail Day and National Public Lands Day. Learn more about the My NCT program and Leah Yellowbird at northcountrytrail.org/mynct. The NCTA Western Michigan Chapter invites you to get involved! Please reach out at [email protected]. 
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 Rock Renaissance artist Marshall Crenshaw plays the Dogwood Marshall Crenshaw may not have the vocal chops of his youth but his repertoire of old favorites intertwined with some songwriting stories and a firm connection with his audience charmed a Main Stage crowd Friday night at the Dogwood Center. Most of those in attendance seemed familiar with his lengthy musical history dating back to the 1980’s and he struck gold with his renditions of “Cynical Girl”, “There She Goes Again” and, the final song of a one and a half hour set, “Marianne”. Called for an encore by an enthusiastic group of patrons, Crenshaw gave us two more selections including a soulful take on the Everly Brothers “So Sad” as a tribute to the recently departed Don Everly. While steaming hot outside the air conditioned Dogwood provided the perfect venue for a Friday night filled with music delivered by one of rock’s true legends. By Ken DeLaat  This weekend….
The Farmers Markets have begun to splash out a cornucopia of good stuff as harvesting has hit full stride. Don’t be deterred by detours and support our local vendors at the Newaygo Market Friday afternoon or visit the Fremont Market on Saturday. Everyone likes these markets but if we’re to keep them around we need to patronize them. And should Happy Hog Farm be in Newaygo say hi to the Clevelands then take home some of their bodacious bacon The residents of N3 World Headquarters & Monarch Midwifery will be spending Friday evening at the Dogwood Center because it will be the scene of what looks to be an epic concert as Marshall Crenshaw, a true rock renaissance man, performs on the main stage. The skinny: https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/marshall-crenshaw-at-dogwood-center-on-august-27 Like Beer? Like the Beach? Like going barefoot at the beach with beer, bands and bunches of other stuff like local art, fun food and interesting people? Then head to Pere Marquette Park Saturday for the Burning Foot Beer Festival. Details: https://burningfoot.beer/ Like beer, music and being outside but maybe not up for a trip to the beach? How about the Guinness Brothers Band at the Driftwood from 4-8pm Saturday. Likely to be less beverage choices than the 70+ brews on hand in Muskegon, but Croton’s closer, the view at the D-wood is never a disappointment and neither are the Guiness Bros. who consistently make their appearance a really good time. And they got shade whereas the beach doesn’t. HIt The Road Joe’s Pizza on the Patio is a well spent evening and this weekend they dish up a variety of music as well. Whether your tastes run carnivorous, herbivorous, or omnivorous you’ll find their pies to be pleasantly palatable. If you’ve never been, check their fb page. If you have, see you there. These are your highlights folks. Remember this is the last weekend before that ominous, prelude to fall, 3 dayer known as Labor Day weekend when we bid farewell to summer 2021 and hello to pumpkin spice. So revel on, readers, revel on. “Summertime is always the best of what might be.”- Charles Bowden  Troop helps out Animal Shelter's Adopt-A-Pet
Newaygo Girl Scout Troop 4581 raised money through pop can drives to pay for half of the adoption fees for the first 5 dogs and first 10 cats adopted at an Adopt a Pet event on Saturday, August 28, 2021, from 12 pm to 3 pm at Newaygo County Animal Shelter. The families that adopt the first 5 dogs and first 10 cats will also receive a basket of pet supplies for their new pet. They are also collecting blankets, rugs, leashes, pet beds, toys, food, treats, cat litter & litter boxes for the animals at the Shelter. Cash donations are welcome too! Questions? Text or call 989.385.3024. The Troop would like to thank Leppinks in Newaygo for donating dog food and for providing a location for the Troop hold pop can drives in July and August. This event completes the requirement for the Troop to earn Silver Award. The Silver Award is the second highest award that can be earned as a Girl Scout.  “A direct descendant on the legendary Buddy Holly's musical tree.”
Marshall Crenshaw will perform at the Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, August 27 at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage. Over the course of a career that has spanned three decades, 13 albums, Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, film and TV appearances and thousands of performances, Marshall Crenshaw has acquired a broad and loyal fan base. Known as one of pop music’s most versatile guitarists, his music has roots in classic soul music and Buddy Holly, to whom Crenshaw was often compared in the early days of his career, and whom he portrayed in the 1987 film La Bamba. He also played John Lennon in the musical Beatlemania on Broadway and had a cameo appearance as the reunion musician in the 1986 movie Peggy Sue Got Married. Thom Bland was an integral part of the regional independent radio station WYCE for many years armed with an extensive breadth of musical knowledge spanning numerous genres. Here is his take on the upcoming show: “The similarities go beyond the framed glasses, Marshall Crenshaw is a direct descendant on the legendary Buddy Holly's musical tree. Songs about young love and forever commitment. ‘Whenever You're On My Mind’ gives me goosebumps and makes me want to swing my partner every time I hear it. Hoping to recapture that feeling by seeing Marshall live at The Dogwood. In addition to possibly thanking him for his music. I would also thank him for recognizing the youthful talent of Traverse City's very own, The Accidentals.” Crenshaw is noted for his hit single “Someday, Someway,” and other classics such as “(You’re My) Favorite Waste of Time,” and “Cynical Girl", and in 2014, he was voted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame. His songs were featured on several film soundtracks and covered by such diverse artists as Robert Gordon, Bette Midler, Kelly Willis, Marti Jones, and the Gin Blossoms. Tickets are $20 and are available by clicking here, through the Dogwood Box Office, or downtown Fremont at NCCA-Artsplace. Seating style is reserved seating. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont.   Irish Music & Culture coming to Hackley Park Sept. 18 Family Financial Credit Union presents HACKLEY HOOLEY, an event of the Michigan Irish Music Festival (MIMF), on Saturday, September 18 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon. “We are excited to produce and offer a hybrid, one-day event that is still aligned with our mission: to promote Irish culture and heritage while enhancing the community through entertainment, tourism, education, and philanthropy,” said Chris Zahrt, MIMF President. "Though we had to cancel the usual four-day festival in our traditional format due to a variety of factors - from international travel restrictions to uncertainty surrounding the pandemic - we can't wait to welcome our patrons to a full day of Irish fun at Hackley Hooley." Hackley Hooley will present live music by four outstanding bands* on the Hackley Park main stage: BLACKTHORN What makes a Blackthorn show unique is the variety of tunes, tempos and textures. Each member of the band plays multiple instruments, including wooden flute, accordion, tin whistle, five string banjo, cittern, bones and more. These instruments complement the lead vocal of Belfast native Richard McMullan and the band’s tight blend of four part harmony. ONE FOR THE FOXES This exciting and dynamic transatlantic trio presents a rousing blend of Irish and American folk music. They offer both traditional and newly composed music, presented in an energetic and engaging manner. RUNA Runa breathes fresh life into traditional Celtic music by digging into the songs and tunes to find the universal thread that binds past to present. Contemporary Celtic music at its very best. SEAMUS KENNEDY A fan favorite, Seamus’ trademark is his ongoing interaction with the audiences. Fast-paced humor is very much a part of what Seamus does, whether he’s telling a series of rapid-fire jokes or launching into a lyrical parody. *Live music lineup is subject to change Hackley Hooley will also feature cultural displays and shopping offerings from Irish vendors. Patrons can expect their favorite Irish food and beverages, including craft beer, whiskey, Budweiser, and MI Irish Stout, a Pigeon Hill Brewing Company original brew. The Schedule: Noon Seamus Kennedy 1:45 pm Blackthorn 3:00 pm Muskegon Regional Police Pipes and Drums 3:45 pm One for the Foxes 5:00 pm Muskegon Regional Police Pipe and Drums 5:45 pm Runa 7:30 pm Seamus Kennedy Along with presenting sponsor Family Financial Credit Union, major sponsors for Hackley Hooley include Budweiser, Van's Car Wash & Quick Lube, G&L Chili Dogs, and the Mart Dock.   Holton's Gail Howarth takes top honors
The award winners of the 2021 NCCA-Artsplace Statewide Photography Competition were announced on Friday, August 6. The competition is an annual event that exhibits and acknowledges some of the finest photographers in the state of Michigan. The exhibit and awards this year were selected by Dianne Carroll Burdick, a free-lance photographer in Grand Rapids. Award winners are: 1st Place – Gail Howarth of Holton for “Then She Walked Away", 2nd Place – Henry Droski of Grand Rapids for “Blue Swallow”, 3rd Place – Lori Rivera of Muskegon for "Just Winging It”, Honorable Mention – Richard Hinton of Fremont for “Produce”, and Honorable Mention – Lisa Medendorp of Muskegon for “I Will If You Won't". This interesting exhibit is a must-see and everyone is encouraged to stop in and take a stroll around the photographs on display through September 8. NCCA-Artsplace is located at 13 E. Main Street in downtown Fremont. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Simple Happy Parenting By Denaye Barahona, Ph.D.
Review by Stephani Gibson, Librarian at FADL I am a mom of two very energetic elementary-aged children. A few weeks ago, not for the first time, I was feeling particularly overwhelmed by this parenting gig and also feeling like I just wasn’t a very good parent. My kids were arguing with me and with each other a lot, and I was very impatient and yelling too much. So while we were at the library, I grabbed a book called Simple Happy Parenting. If you are a parent and your house is always perfectly clean and clutter free, you never raise your voice to your children, and you live in a happy world of unicorns and rainbows, then carry on, for you do not need to read this review or the book. But if you are like me, your house has SO. MANY. TOYS. And probably lots of other things creating clutter everywhere. I have a hard time staying on top of all of the stuff, and all of the responsibilities involved with being a wife, mom, and employee. The first section of this book is about the idea of “simple parenting.” It involves the “simple manifesto” which includes:
Next, the book discusses designing a simple family home. This was really the section that interested me the most, because it reminded me of the fact that my house has way too much clutter, and clutter stresses me out whether I’m always aware of it, and that in turn makes me more overwhelmed and impatient with my kids. There are tips for choosing furniture and housewares with children in mind, creating a capsule wardrobe for your kids, minimizing toys, and simplifying meal times. The author has recommendations for how to talk to your kids about minimizing the toys before you do it, and which types of toys to keep (hint: it’s not the flashy high-tech ones). I can say I followed this method with my daughter before we cleaned out her room, and for her, it worked well. I’ve also minimized the toys in our playroom, and other than a couple toys, my kids haven’t had a problem with what I chose to remove. According to Barahona’s research, “Children who have fewer toys are less stressed and more creative” and “Kids play better and behave better when they have fewer toys.” This section of the book also talks about her laundry routine, and I can say that her routine is working well for me. The last section of the book provides more detail on how to use the “simple manifesto” in parenting. While I can’t say I’ll be able to successfully implement all of the tips, I think some of them will stick with me, and I’ve seen some success already. This book is a quick and easy read, and I would recommend it if you are trying to brush up your parenting skills. Place a hold on the print copy here: https://bit.ly/3iwK1sZ or check out the ebook on Hoopla here: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/12376534  What’s happening this weekend We're nearly a week into the last real month of summer so beyond our smattering of suggestions there are ample opportunities to swim, paddle, pickleball, tube, disc golf, hike, or just sit someplace comfy and enjoy the lack of layering. Earth Helpers It looks to be an environmental kind of weekend. The BPW is hosting a tire collection day taking in all the used rubber you can roll in...well up to 10 that is. However, townships who earlier this year amassed a number of these potential backyard swings, race track cushions, football practice aids, etc. can haul in up to 200 for disposal. NCDC Dale Twing: "With a lot of help from the Newaygo County Road Commission, many volunteers, the board of public works, and the staff at the drain office we have successfully removed thousands of old tires from our county." This event is free, mind you, but don’t be cheap. Maybe toss a donation to the recycling efforts that help the effort to keep our community unspoiled. See the article here: https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/this-saturday-its-time-to-trash-tires Interested in helping clean up the Mighty Muskegon, the supreme stream in these parts of our bipeninsular paradise? Look no further than Bridgeton for the 10th annual Muskegon River Cleanup, a popular initiative that has produced an absolute plethora of intriguing items, objects, artifacts, and stuff. Returnables alone often dwarf the collection sites of school can drives and if you’ve ever been around the holding spot for such drives… But back to the river. These are fun folks, they’ve made a huge dent in debris and they have cool giveaways. Here’s the skinny from a photo of a flyer they sent.  Laughs on the Pond
The Driftwood’s deck is one of my all time favorite spots to spend some time on a summer afternoon enjoying a beverage and a bite (love the BLT's) with LSC Lil. On weekends they tend bring in some really fine regional cover bands filling the pond with country, rock and country/rock. Friday night starting at 7pm they’re tossing in a bit of comedy when Fresh Ghost, a duo who have been making the rounds in the West Mitten area, presents their show.. Our last exposure to local laughs of the stand up variety was during the heyday of the Marvelous Megan Wirts who has remained on a lengthy sabbatical from the stage. A high bar indeed, Fresh Ghost. Let’s see what you’ve got. Short Drive? Deb and the Dynamics will be laying down some serious tunes at the wonderfully worth the drive eatery known as the Chase Smokehouse this Sunday from 2-5pm. Good band, good food, good atmosphere and did I mention the food? Longer Drive? We consider the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival one of 5 major lakeshore events along with the Irish Music Fest, the Tulip Fest, The Venetian Fest and the short rib bourguignon dinner at Hearthstone Bistro. It’s the second weekend, it runs through Sunday and there is a lot going on in GH. And a lot of people will be there to take in the goings on as well as taking in a stroll on that epic Boardwalk. There you go. Stuff to do, things to see, places to go. If you have something going on let us know and we’ll give it a shout. -N3  Award-winning folk and Americana artist Ralston Bowles will perform at the Dogwood Center on Friday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m. Bowles is a uniquely compelling troubadour whose influence and songs reach across the United States and the globe. The musician and singer-songwriter has released several critically acclaimed albums – including “Carwreck Conversations” and “Rally at the Texas Hotel” – containing songs that have been covered and reinterpreted by a host of indie-folk artists, from Peter Mulvey to Caroline Aiken. He has frequently toured the United States and Europe, sharing stages with the likes of Bob Dylan, Shawn Colvin, Arlo Guthrie, Hothouse Flowers and many more. Bowles' compelling and insightful songs have inspired a generation of musicians, evidenced by a recent double-album (“Michigan Music”) compiled as a tribute to Bowles, a project featuring 33 Michigan bands and solo artists. He also has been a regular performer at the annual West Michigan Luthier Concert. Tickets are only $15 and are available at www.dogwoodcenter.com, through the Dogwood Box Office, downtown Fremont at NCCA-Artsplace. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont. |
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