 Photo credit: Jason VanDort NCTC Announces New Board Members, Celebrates Record Breaking 2022
The Newaygo County Tourism Council (NCTC) held its first meeting of 2023 on Jan 10, inducting Genji LeClair of The Product Greenhouse and Brandmark Goods; MaryAnn Gasper of The Harrington Inn and Gabe Slominski of Newaygo Nationals as new board members. “We are excited to welcome new collaborators to the Tourism Council,” said returning Board President Julie Burrell, “the momentum we’ve achieved over the past few years would not be possible without our committed volunteers, and we are thrilled to add these talented individuals to our team.” Additionally, the end of 2022 marked the end of terms for Colleen Lynema, who has retired from River Country Chamber of Commerce and Lizz Reid, formerly Executive Director of the now dissolved Newaygo County Convention & Visitors Bureau. They served on the board for 7 and 2 years, respectively. NCTC leadership is appreciative for their many contributions to the success of tourism in Newaygo County. 2022 marked the best year in NCTC history, in terms of web traffic. Newaygocountyexploring.com boasted over 84,000 visitors throughout the year. While about 60% of this traffic hails from the Great Lakes State (mostly Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor & Detroit areas), NCTC is proud to share that individuals from every state in the US visited our website, learning about the amazing assets we have to offer in Newaygo County. The new year marks the launch of another big year for tourism. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation estimates tourism contributes $120M in Newaygo County annually, and the NCTC wants to capitalize on that spend. With a $72,000 marketing budget in 2023, NCTC plans to continue growing our digital marketing & email campaigns, developing additional mapping assets and expanding into new segments through influencer marketing. To support this robust plan, the NCTC has revised two of their existing programs, aimed at partnering with additional Newaygo County businesses. The NCTC is interested in partnering with lodging facilities, restaurants, lifestyle and retail businesses. For more information, contact council@newaygocountyexploring.com Additionally, the Newaygo County Tourism Council has created a program, partnering with local photographers! More is in store this year, keep your eyes peeled for additional announcements coming later in 2023! The Newaygo County Tourism Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and would not be possible without support from our volunteer board members and generous investors. Board Members: President: Julie Burrell, The Right Place Vice President: Kelly Wawsczyk, The Right Place Secretary: Marianne Boerigter, NCCA-Artsplace and Dogwood Center Treasurer: Nick Smith, Newaygo County Parks and Recreation/Dragon Trustee: Mark Kraus, Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce Trustee: Reuben Tucker, Big Prairie Township Parks Trustee: Kelly Rider, River Country Chamber of Commerce Trustee: Karen Baird, Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce Trustee: Carmon Kolenbrander, Tucker Benner Realty Trustee: Genji Leclair, The Product Greenhouse, Brandmark Goods Trustee: Gabriel Slominski Trustee: Maryann Gasper, The Harrington Inn 2022/2023 Investors & Partners: Fremont Area Community Foundation, County of Newaygo, NCCA-ArtsPlace, Big Prairie Park , City of Fremont, City of Newaygo, City of White Cloud, Consumers Energy, Croton Township, Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Harrington Inn, Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce, Newaygo County Parks & Recreation, River Country Chamber of Commerce.
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 By Ken DeLaat Are you ready for some lakeside dining Near Northians? Things have been rocking at the site of the much anticipated Smuggler’s at North Shore eatery, a venue soon to take their place in the dining landscape of our region and committed to providing a unique dining experience. The groundbreaking in late September was welcome news to lake dwellers who have sorely missed the waterfront restaurant that has seen several incarnations at the site. Four and a half years have gone by since the fire that resulted in the closing of what was then called Smuggler’s Cove. After a lengthy process to gain approval, work began in earnest and the project has moved along steadily. We checked in with co-owner Raeanne Huskey for an update. “We are thrilled to see the progress at the future site of Smugglers at North Shore. CopperRock Construction is working hard at making our dreams a reality. We now have the framing completed and our contractors are beginning to work on the exterior and interior work. “Our teams are working diligently on making the restaurant an absolute showstopper. The interior design is going to be beautiful. We are excited to soon announce some of our future management team. Follow us on facebook for all the latest and greatest! “We can't wait to welcome guests to enjoy lakeside dining right here in Newaygo!” Coincidentally, we can’t wait either so we asked about a possible opening date and Ms. Huskey replied, “We are optimistically hoping for July.” Ah yes, Midsummer. A truly righteous time in our bipeninsular paradise and with the addition of a new establishment featuring top notch culinary creations? Life in the Near North looks to get a bit better.  Groundbreaking ceremony in September  The start  Spending a summer in our beloved bipeninsular paradise might lead the uninitiated to wonder why everyone doesn’t choose to live in a state that possesses so much natural beauty. With pristine beaches, extensive forests, and a treasure trove of inland lakes and waterways the state has to offer (to say nothing of missing out on the consistent intensity of summer heat found in other regions) there has to be a reason we have maintained a rather steady population over the years rather than a burgeoning brood of wannabe Mitten dwellers. One factor? Winter. We’re not saying everyone who calls Michigan home loves winter. Snowmobilers and ice fishing aficionados aside, few look for the arrival of the Old Man with fervid anticipation. But for we lucky ones it is little price to pay for three seasons of often idyllic meteorological magic. Knowing this, instead of doing the hibernation thing people find ways to not just endure the season, but to revel in it. The best of this approach to the ‘dark months’ are the winter-related festivals held throughout the state. A chance for residents to shake off a little cold-weather doldrums with some outside fun. And on Saturday January 28th Winterfest III arrives in Fremont. Organizers have put together an enticing array of events throughout the town. Some are inside and some are outside but all are part of celebrating the layering season that is upon us. We caught up with Fremont Chamber of Commerce Board President Genji Leclaire to pose a few questions. Why Winterfest? This was originally an idea from The Fremont Recreational Center - Dawn was thinking of ways to get people out of the house during 2020-2021 when we were all staying inside due to Covid. How did it come together? Dawn reached out to the Chamber and Boom - everyone loved the idea. The first event took place in early 2021 so this is our Third. The Rec Center championed 2021 and 2022 with lots of fun activities like Snow Mini Golf at Veterans Park, Cardboard Sled Races, Hot Chocolate Truck, Corn Hole Contest, and downtown we posted Poems in the shop windows and invited people to go on a poetry walk. Inside the Rec Center there was a Lions Club pancake breakfast and lego contest. Pretty soon, the Chamber got more involved, looking for ways to add more activities and bring people into shops and restaurants downtown. This year, we are collaborating - Rec Center, Chamber and Fremont Library. There is a mini golf tournament this year put together by Lakes 23 Golf Course. 10 businesses are building unique golf holes for a Holy Moly style golf game. Then the public can golf all day on the course and try their luck at the hole in one game to win free Top Tracer and Food from Lakes and Water's Edge. We are also holding a Soup Contest - sponsored by Camp Newaygo - Ridge Catering. 15 chefs in 3 categories will compete for fame, trophies and having their soup featured in local restaurants. We have 5 Junior Chefs, 5 Home Chefs and 5 Pro Chefs will present their soup for the community to taste and judge. Tell us about the snow/dodgeball event. Anyone who wants to have some fun playing dodgeball can join in. If there's snow - that will be great, but if not, the grass is perfect. We will divide into 2 teams and play until the last person is standing. The winner will receive the annual Snow Dodgeball Trophy (: What is the Olaf Costume? Olaf is the famous Snowman character from Frozen. Olaf will be down by the rec center saying hello to people and posing for photos. A word or two about the poetry and storytelling? The poetry walk is a wonderful way to spend time downtown in our shops and restaurants between Monday the 23 and February 4th. This is our 3rd year. We've included a word puzzle to solve as people read the poems. Anyone who solves the puzzle can drop their card off at the Chamber for a drawing held on Feb 7th. Winners will receive gift cards from our local shops and restaurants. Why should people attend? To enjoy a fun filled family day in downtown Fremont. Have fun - play some mini golf, taste some soups, visit the FireHouse to touch a truck, stop in shops up and down main to read poems and partake in the snowman scavenger hunt. The Rec center is having a polar dip and people can enjoy a bonfire and hayrides at the FairGrounds. There is so much fun to have and lots of fresh air to enjoy. There you have it folks. Winter fun in Fremont courtesy of the Chamber, Rec Center and Library. A chance to get in some wintertime reveling. And we could all use a little of that
 Flying Bear Books co-owner Eric Johnson Photo and article by Donna Iverson N3 note: Ms. Iverson's name can usually be found in our Leisure section where her popular 'Hands in the Dirt' column delivers gardening guidance in an ever-appealing manner. In a recent visit to Newaygo she found literary refuge in FBB and was inspired to write this most welcome piece for us. Not every Michigan city has its own local bookstore on its main street, but Newaygo does. Flying Bear Books is located at 79 State Road and it came under new management about 10 weeks ago, according to its new owners Krystal and Eric Johnson. Both Krystal and Eric are long-time Newago residents. “We grew up in downtown Newaygo,” said Eric in a recent telephone interview. Eric was previously employed in advertising and worked for the state Department of Health and Human Services. Krystal most recently served as president of the Friends of Newago public library. In addition to 6000 children’s books, the book store carries best sellers, classics, art books, westerns, books for teens and adults, Michigan nature and culture books, and shelves and shelves of used books for your perusal. Soon, the bookstore will offer coffee and crepes from its newly renovated kitchen, Eric continued. The book store also features open mic night on Fridays from 6 to 9 pm, with local musicians taking to the stage. Rotating art exhibits are on display. The most recent is one by Newaygo artist Gabe Schillman. The shop also holds local author book signings and seminars. The last seminar on Veterans Day featured the book “Out of Albania.” The book is a true account of an WWII underground rescue mission. The authors are Lawrence and Clinton Abbott of Newago. Next up is a new book club which will meet for the first time on Wednesday, January 18 at 6 pm. “There will be an open discussion of all books people are reading,” Eric said. There will also be a featured book, George Orwell’s 1984, available at the store. A poetry reading night is being scheduled for next month, he added. For more information about the books and events, check out their Facebook page at Flying Bear Books or call 231.414.4056. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 6 pm.  Zindle and The Ragbirds at Dogwood on January 13
Erin Zindle and the Ragbirds will perform in the Dogwood Center Black Box on Friday, January 13 at 7:30 p.m. Zindle is the songwriter, fiddler, and leader of the nationally-touring folk-rock band Erin Zindle and The Ragbirds. With a genre-bending hybrid of indie-pop melodies, global-infused beats, rock guitar riffs, conscious lyrics and virtuosic fiddling, the band delivers music that is danceable, intelligent, and vulnerable. At the band's performances, Erin transforms into a seemingly-mythical creature who dances with graceful arms outstretched, hand-made wings glued to her shoulders, recklessly digging into her fiddle strings with her bow. Her voice is both earthy and ethereal, full of character and texture with lyrics that point to the daily paradox of intentionally cultivating hope in the midst of a crazed and jaded world. She skillfully switches between violin, kalimba, piano, and accordion, never losing her infectious smile. Zindle’s songs are laced with edgy guitar riffs and solos, played by her brother T.J. Zindle. T.J. is an energetic force, armed with both electric and acoustic guitars, playing each with grit and intensity. Shannon Wade (bass) and Loren Kranz (drums) make up the rhythm section. Both are dynamic masters of their instruments and together they make a tight-knit groove factory over which Erin & T.J. can improvise with ease. Touring for nearly 15 years from their home-base of Ann Arbor, MI, Erin Zindle and The Ragbirds have developed a well-deserved reputation as one of the most dynamic, hard-working, high-spirited live bands in roots music. Tickets are $15 and are available online at www.dogwoodcenter.com, at the Dogwood Box Office, or at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont or 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 Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont.  Lined up at the start line of the North Country Trail 50K  Our visit to the lighthouse the day before the race On the Run: Right, Left, Right, Left By Alexis Mercer 5.95 miles showed remaining on my Coros watch face. I had been forced to stop as my left hamstring and inner thigh cramped up and I had to just stand and watch it painfully contract. I had covered 25.25 of the 31.2 miles and even if it took crawling, I was going to finish. This wasn’t one of those “I felt amazing. Everything clicked. I was perfectly ready.” kind of race days. Instead it was a “Pull out of yourself every last drop of effort and be proud you finished” race day. And I am. Very proud. So few challenges in life are epically difficult AND chosen. This was both of those things. I made the conscious decision to push ‘Register’ last fall on the North Country Trail Run website. From the very beginning of this, I knew I was choosing to suffer. Most of the hardest things in life have come without that conscious decision: loss, health issues, and intensely undesired change. Not a 50K. This was on me. As for a level of epically difficult? I knew without question it would be hard. A 50K distance (31.2 miles for those of you who refuse to accept the metric system as the superior way of measurement) is challenging on its own, but not impossibly more so than a marathon. 5 miles, when compared to 26.2 previous miles just isn’t that many more. The fact that this 50K was a trail run (think 1-2 minutes per mile slower training pace automatically) and the race website boasted 4000 feet elevation gain over that distance? Epically challenging category in my brain. To finish would truly be a feat. I still wonder why I decided that 50K would be the distance for my first ever trail run as an adult. Cross country in high school at 1/10th the distance per race doesn’t really seem to be in the same category. What I do know with certainty is that once I was registered, I was excited. Plus I was back in training with my friends from high school, David and Megan. Even if the miles would be run alone getting ready, I would have them to commiserate with via group text. My mind was ready for a challenge that would push me past any limits I had previously conquered.  David cooking breakfast over the fire May 1 marked the first official day of training. Building up really went well. I had enough miles on my left from previous consistent daily running that nothing felt too hard. Fitting miles in after teaching a full day, coaching track and getting our three kids to all their sporting events, was no small feat. May is definitely one of the busiest months for educators each year - but I was determined, so I prioritized the miles. Two training runs stand out in my mind from the summer running. The first was a relatively “easy” weekend where I would only need to run 8 miles on Saturday followed by 8 on Sunday. Both easy pace, just getting miles on the legs. This was about a month before the race. Which means it was early August. The humidity? I’m not sure I wasn’t swimming rather than running. Saturday I slogged through the mileage, knowing I would have to rehydrate if I was going to make it through the next day. I tried. But apparently not enough. Sunday’s run rolled around and I bravely set out, going as early as I could while it was still light for safety. I had water, electrolyte drink and some energy gummies. None of which could get me through the 8 miles with enough liquids in my body. With 3 miles left to go, I ran (ok, fine, I slowly trudged) into Hilltop Convenience Store, and got a Coke and a package of pickles. The cashier took one look at me and asked if I needed ice with a concerned face. Yes, that. After a long pause to down the pop, I took off running again with my half eaten pickle in hand, and shuffled my way to the end. I knew if the humidity was that intense on race day, I would be in big, big trouble. The second stand-out training run was when David was passing through and we were able to run together. We were scheduled for a 20 miler, so we hit the North Country Trail. The plan was to go 10 out and just turn back around. We laughed, talked, took it easy and enjoyed the rare chance to run with someone. We got to mile 8 and all the laughter stopped, as did we in our tracks. There were people shooting guns right next to the trail. We didn’t stick around to find out what, exactly, they were shooting at, or why they were adjacent to the trail. Plan changed. We would do 16 out and back then 4 out and back again just to avoid certain death. Despite the mid-run scare, it was the confidence we needed that we would be able to handle race day under the 9 hour cutoff time. We hoped. Race weekend was upon us. (Did I mention the race was the day before school started? Whyyyyy)  We found a great campground a few miles from The Big M, where the race would start and finish, called Twin Oaks Campground. We headed up Friday night to give ourselves some time in the area before we would be running. We made spaghetti and meatballs over the campfire and laughed so hard about so many things our cheeks hurt. Friday night we spent well over an hour just enjoying the magnificently starry sky. It was dark when we crossed the start line. We were off (no, we didn’t bring headlamps…rookies say what). Quickly, though, we were in the light and settled in to the even pace we planned on. Slow and steady would hopefully get us across the line. Mostly we were worried about the mile long hill that previous finishers kept warning us to walk up. When would that be there? We found it. And then kept finding it….the whole mile as promised. The course was beautiful. The hills were as advertised. Lots of them. But it was relaxing to see the sunlight shining through the trees for miles and miles. We found a rhythm and hoped it would be enough. One of the best parts of the race - not surprising to those of you who might know us - was the food stations. Ahead of time we studied which stations would have what kind of food as if our lives depended on it (they kind of did, actually). Then running up to them, we were so excited. The options! Grilled cheese, chips, cookies, burritos! How to decide. Nearly every station I took pickle juice. I wasn’t interested in a training run redo. The volunteers throughout the whole course were rock star status. They smiled, encouraged and totally made the experience for every runner (and the one man who gave me his last two sodium pills at the last aide station - I’ll never forget you). We made it to 20 miles without any trouble. Things were going as planned. It was at mile 24 I started to enter the pain cave. Badly. Which I expected, so I was ready. But what I didn’t anticipate was the guilt I would feel for slowing David down. I told him to go ahead since he was feeling fine. But we were in this together, so he would run ahead and then wait or slow down for me. The moment at mile 25.25 mentioned at the beginning of the article was the lowest point of the race. I was at the bottom of another hill wondering how I could convince my body to keep going. But somehow I managed and we made it all the way. Our families were waiting for us at the finish line. I know I smiled. I also cried. I was so happy to have finished. Without question, this was the hardest thing I have ever put my body through. That includes birthing my children. My oldest son was 72 hours of labor that ended in emergency c-section after hours upon hours of pushing. I still feel this way months after being done. Yes, still harder than that. It wasn’t the finishing. After the first few hours of running we knew we would make the cut-off. Instead it was the battle with my brain to continue to run rather than walk (even though my pace was snail-like). Refusing to give in to the desire to take the easy way and just walk. Right. Left. Right. Left. Run. It may have taken 7 hours, 20 minutes. But the pride of finishing this race came from the mental side of it. I moved my body for 31.2 miles. As quickly as I could that day. The next morning I got out of bed: slowly. I got myself to school. I managed to stand up most of the day. Walking wasn’t really easy, but I did it. I found myself explaining to the freshmen who knew nothing about me that I promise I wasn’t always this slow. Months later, there are some memories that stand out. They don’t really have much to do with the running, but instead the memories with my dear friends. In no particular order, I cherish:
Thinking back to our high school days… Though I did foresee us still being friends in our 40s, I never could have predicted this friendship full of adventures that include a 50K trail race in the hills of Northern Michigan. I will choose another adventure with my friends. I’m still not ready for another 50K trail run with that much vert. Maybe I won’t ever be ready for that particular challenge again. But I will choose a challenge that pushes me to the edge of my limits so I can enjoy the process of pushing myself in the buildup to a level I haven’t before. And I’ll certainly choose to do it with friends who are just crazy enough to want to choose the same for themselves.  Friday night's starry scene, captured with just a cell phone camera  Race morning! Minor details we didn't have headlamps.  Jack Jr. - the first of two highlighted accommodations in Near North Now (photo credit: Stacie Berenbrock) Quaint, Unique Accommodations in Newaygo County By Alexis Mercer Newaygo County offers so many options to those looking for good eats, shopping at some of the greatest small businesses in the country and outdoor adventure galore. Many of these draws to our area we have highlighted in the pages of Near North Now over the years. (Have you read Shopping with Ken? You should.) What we haven’t focused much on thus far? Accommodations! Once we did run a review of the gem in downtown Newaygo: Muskegon River Inn (don’t remember that…check it out here). But what was recently brought to our attention at N3 headquarters, and our substation too, was the abundance of magical locales listed on VRBO and AirBNB that all have something special the owners take pride in. They are tucked away in the neatest of spots, often undetectable as a place to stay to anyone passing by, but disguised as a normal residence, or like we will describe today, as a garage. Looking to stay on one of the many lakes in the county? There’s a place for you to stay lakefront. Wanting a quiet little cabin in the woods to spend a weekend getaway to drink coffee, read a book, and watch the snow fall? There’s a one room cabin waiting for you. Ready for a girls’ weekend spent tubing on the river followed by a night around a fire pit reminiscing about days gone by? Guarantee you can find one of those. We are featuring two properties in this article. One within the city limits of Newaygo and another in Croton. Do you have family or friends looking to come visit but not sure where to suggest they stay that isn’t your basement? Look no further. Do you have a property that you’d like us to feature in Near North Now? Contact us at info@nearnorthnow.com or at the contact us button at the bottom of this article with your listing information and we could include you in a future edition. (We do reserve the right not to post every one we get…but we promise to check them all out.)  The kitchen area in Jack Jr. Jack Jr. - a little place in the woods This stunning one room, one bath location listing on AirBNB looks like a dream escape. Dusty Linsley, the owner who just listed last week, finished off this apartment on her own. As she describes on her blog, she continued the renovation of the space she started with her late husband Mark, who passed away last year. The details are what makes this place special. Such attention went into every decision. Here are Dusty’s words about just some of the decorations and furniture: “Let me tell you a few things about it (you can also follow it on instagram @Jackjr413 ) The Hoosier, was my grandmothers and now is back in a kitchen where it belongs. The sink…I bought for the main house…FINALLY finding a high back corner sink…and it didn’t work out so I put it in there. It shows all its flaws. I did buy a refinish kit but the directions got lost when help unpacked my house :(. But its still an option. The sink base was for the main house but I found something better. The cabinet above the kitchen sink my mother made for one of my birthdays…from barn wood off the no longer existing barn at the Studer farmhouse on Kenowa, which was my first house renovation. The wing frame above is from a Taylorcraft airplane… The cabinet that hosts the microwave, fridge and water heater I made completely from leftover wood I had stored. Don’t look too close. I’m not a millwork carpenter. The moving island was a porcelain table belonging to my grandmother’s sister, Grace. I’ve had it forever and it was our first dining table at the Studer house.” Looking to book this gem? The link is below. Indicate in your booking that you read about her accommodations in Near North Now! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/725514494902003909?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=a13339ee-7338-46ea-b01b-90b5177da55a  Custom woodwork and native Michigan stone and tile work make the Croton Pond Getaway beautiful Croton Pond Getaway The waterways of Newaygo County are destinations for people across the country. Fresh water, clean air, sunsets that will stay with you for years. This VRBO listing is meant to provide the visitors with the best of what Croton pond has to offer. Described as a “Hansel and Gretel style cottage” in its listing, this 2 bedroom, 1 bath cottage is cute and original. Its location noted as close to Croton public beach, less than a mile from Croton Dam, less than 5 miles from Hardy Dam and The Dragon biking trail! This house even comes with two beach cruisers for you to enjoy while you stay. A Near North Now suggestion: if you stay here, make sure you mosey on over to Hit the Road Joe to enjoy a latte and the stuffed French toast. You won’t be sorry. https://www.vrbo.com/2574424?unitId=3144710&childrenCount=0&arrival=2023-01-11&departure=2023-01-13&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=earned:vrbo:sharecopylink:USA&utm_content=2574424&oc=glvJhLYFBe24ax4cdCGDV  Beach cruisers for guests' use at the Croton Pond Getaway  My Year in Reading: A List of Ratings
By Alexis Mercer Time is a funny thing. The year 2022 brought many games, practices, and commitments for my kids during the day, not to mention my job and all the other things that come with life in general that can’t be avoided. Which left me less time than ever to read and write for pleasure. We all have to make choices about how to spend those minutes that seem to keep ticking on ever quicker with each passing year. I did, however, manage to keep my eyes open (sometimes much too late despite knowing the consequences for the next day) to read 27 books between January and December. One or two I even ignored said responsibilities to finish due to their magic pull of literary genius. The reviews? I just didn’t get to enough of those. But in lieu of individual reviews, I thought it might be worthwhile to just publish a list of all the books I read this year. With each book I read and list in my notebook, I add a star rating. Between one and five stars. Every once in a while a book so wonderful that five stars doesn’t seem enough, I’ll add a heart or two for emphasis. For comparison, in 2021 I read 26 books (hmmm maybe I am just always this busy and forget from year to year?) and only two books received the elusive five stars plus a heart rating: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn and The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. I read some epic books in 2022, as a whopping five books earned five stars and hearts. One though? One book exceeded all expectations and earned a new category never before recorded in my notebook since I started keeping track four years ago. This book was so abysmally terrible it earned zero stars. I even wrote zip, zero, zilch after the lack of stars to ensure I remember it not a mistake. You’ll see a pattern in my reading and likes, I’m sure. I love a well developed character. I enjoy a unique story without it being bizarre to the point of confusion. Historic fiction gets me hooked, especially with a strong female lead who found a way to break barriers in her own way. And some of the titles are “beachy” reads for those times when I don’t have much brain power, but want to laugh or follow a character I have been reading for years. As soon as I finish reading the book I write its title and author down. I also rate it quickly, so the stars and hearts listed below were my initial reactions after closing the book for the last time. Certainly there would be changes to the ratings were I to go back and think about the lasting memories of the stories. But there is something to be said for that first thought after finishing a book. So here it is. Hopefully you’ll find something you might put on your list for 2023: with endless possibility to up the book total above the previous year’s tally. (Chronological in the order I read them.)
  The award-winning January Series of Calvin University is once again coming to Newaygo County! From January 9 through January 27, the Dogwood Center will be one of the remote webcast locations worldwide to broadcast one of North America’s leading lecture and cultural arts series. The 2023 lineup includes New York Times best-selling authors, a former speechwriter for three U.S. presidents, and the holder of the longest winning streak on Jeopardy! For a full list of speakers and topics just click here. A few of the world-renowned speakers on the 2023 docket, include: Ken Jennings, the current host of Jeopardy!, who is also the highest earning American game show contestant ever; Kate Bowler, a New York Times bestselling author and host of the popular podcast Everything Happens; and Peter Wehner, who served in three presidential administrations in the roles of Deputy Director of Speechwriting and Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives. This is a great opportunity to listen to nationally acclaimed speakers surrounding a variety of interesting topics. The Dogwood Center, a remote site for the Calvin University's January Series and supported in part by the Fremont Area Community Foundation, is pleased to bring the Calvin University's January Series to Newaygo County. The January Series lectures will be video streamed live at the Dogwood Center, 4734 S. Campus Court, Fremont, from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, January 9 - 27. The lectures are free and open to the public. The Black Box will be available for seating and attendees may bring their lunch. View the speaker schedule at www.dogwoodcenter.com and pick out which ones you will be attending!  SWK continues to hit the road to provide readers with those close-to-last- minute opportunities for finding that almost perfect gift for that nearly perfect person. Having found a treasure in Bitely (https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/shopping-with-ken-the-quest-for-creativity-brings-us-to-bitely) we visited a favorite spot a bit closer to N3 World Headquarters (AKA Bronner’s West these days), a shop that has never failed to possess some of the most intriguing wares to be found.We’re talking the Holiday Artist Market that arrives at the Artsplace in downtown Fremont each year during the gift hunting season. When it comes to gifting many like to take the easy way out. You know, grab a gift card, write a check or maybe hit a big box outlet for the standard fare and what not. However, if you are looking to be a gifting champion with the person on the receiving end not only adoring the present but escalating their opinion of your thoughtfulness, this may very well be the shoppe for you.  There are a multitude of reasons to make this stop one of your destinations, not the least of which is the opportunity to support the artisans among us who have put their works on display here.The goods available are incredibly varied with a sea of little discoveries to be made while browsing. Many of the artists have been showing their wares for many Christmas seasons and others are newer to the Market. One new collection this season is the remarkable leather work of Gerad Sarb of Grindstone Leather and for years SWK has been particularly fond of the imaginative ceramic pieces created by Rita Shields, particularly those that have her signature reptilian touches.  Beyond the wonderful collection of uniqueness at the HAM there is the opportunity to give the gift that keeps on giving by getting a certificate to one or more of the many classes offered on site. And beyond the wonderfulness of the art works on display,the people who operate this magical menage of artistic imagination are extremely cool folks who can deliver the skinny on the items and their creators while delivering some of the best customer service to be found anywhere. Time's a wastin’ so make a trip to this downtown Fremont gem soon. And if you tell them Ken sent you the chances of their reply being “Ken who?” is likely to be pretty good.
The NCCA-Holiday Artist Market will be open through December 30. Regular hours are Monday- Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 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 or check out www.ncca-artsplace.org. With time ticking down, if you know of a place suitable for last minute yet unique gifts to be had, let us know via email at info@nearnorthnow.com  |
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January 2023
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