Santa, Free Gift Wrapping, Budgeting Class, and More
The Fremont Area District Library is planning to host many fun and educational events in December for the whole family. These events are, as always, free. Drop-In Gift Wrapping: Get all of your Christmas wrapping done—FREE! We’ll provide the gift wrap, gift bags, etc. Bring your presents to the tables near the Main Street entrance during the library’s open hours and wrap your gifts! From December 2nd-December 21st. Christmas Open House: For all ages. It’s everything Christmas! We’ll have Christmas books, movies, cookbooks, crafts, cookies, and cocoa in the Community Room on Thursday, December 12th from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Get first dibs on all of our new Christmas materials! Dean Ford Presents the Power of Budgeting: Start the new year right by taking control of your finances. This is the first in an educational seminar series. We will explore the power of budgeting, examine wants and needs, and talk personal spending and savings goals. Many think budgeting equals constraints. But a budget can help put you in control. It is the foundation on which a financial strategy is built. Are you ready to give budgeting a try? This will take place in the Community Room on Wednesday, December 18th from 1:30-2:30 p.m. No registration required, and coffee will be served. Children’s Events Toddler Storytime, for babies and toddlers up to age 3, will be held on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. through December 4th, and Family Storytime for children up to age 5 will be held on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. through December 5th. Christmas Crafts will be available on Saturday, December 7th from 10:00-12:00. We’ll have some fun Christmas decorations out for you to enjoy making at this drop-in event. Christmas Storytime will be held on Thursday, December 19th at 10:00 a.m. with some favorite Christmas stories. We’ll be showing a Children’s Christmas Movie on Thursday, December 19th at 4:00 p.m. Snacks will be served, and all are welcome. Domino Club: REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Register by seeing the Children’s Desk or call 231-928-0249. Join this new club for tweens to have fun with domino set up and toppling. Eat pizza and snacks while we watch some YouTube domino videos, and then work on your own skills! For ages 8-13. Meets in the Community Room on Thursday, December 5th from 4:00-5:30 p.m. 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! Tinkering Tuesdays continues this month. You bring the imagination, and we'll provide everything you need! Simple building and art concepts for kids to construct on their own or in a group. Finished creations will be put on display for a week. REGISTRATION REQUIRED - For ages 6-9 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sign up your child two weeks before each activity, until filled, by calling 231-924-3480 or seeing the front desk. See dates below. Limit of 15 children each week. Parents are required to stay in the building during this time. -Dec. 3rd: Modeling clay -Dec. 17th: Raised salt art (Breaks for the holidays) Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead also continues this month. This includes the same concepts as Tinkering Tuesdays, but for ages 10-12. REGISTRATION REQUIRED - 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sign up your child two weeks before each activity, until filled, by calling 231-924-3480 or seeing the front desk. See dates below. Limit of 15 children each week. Parents are required to stay in the building during this time. -Dec. 10th: Raised salt art (Breaks for the holidays) Even More Events! Fit for Life Exercise is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00-1:00 p.m. No class on December 23rd or 25th. This is a low-impact exercise class perfect for all adults and levels of fitness. We’ll show the movie Elf (PG; 1 hr 36 min) during Christmas Break for our Movie Monday on December 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Snacks will be provided. The Books & Bites Book Group will meet on Wednesday, December 11th at 10:00 a.m. with coffee and breakfast food to discuss The Night Swim by Megan Goldin. The Tween Book Club will NOT be meeting in December to take a Christmas break. Books for these groups are available at the library’s front desk ahead of the meeting if you’d like to check out a copy and join the groups. For more information about any of these events, please contact the library at 231-924-3480 or visit www.fremontlibrary.net.
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 Photo courtesy of USDA Forest Service Everything you need to know about cutting your own tree i the NationaL Forest
Cadillac, MICH., - Christmas tree permits have been available to purchase online through Recreation.gov since October 12, 2023. Details about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut may be found on the Huron-Manistee National Forests Christmas Tree Permit webpage. Permits can also be purchased from our district offices between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, until December 22, 2023. “Venturing into a local national forest to find that special tree is an experience that creates treasured family memories and stories,” said USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “It is through these experiences that people establish important connections to the forest that can lead to a lifetime of adventures and instill a commitment to stewardship.” To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit Recreation.gov and search for Huron-Manistee National Forests Christmas Tree Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Permits are $5 per tree with a maximum purchase of five trees per household. There is a $2.50 reservation fee applied at checkout. "For many families, bringing home a Christmas tree from Huron-Manistee National Forests is a cherished tradition carried on for generations by over 500 people annually," said Deputy Forest Supervisor Sierra Dawkins. “For families creating new traditions, a trip to the national forests to cut their own Christmas tree may be a thrilling experience as they discover the joy of hiking through the forest in search of the perfect holiday centerpiece.” Dawkins also stated that fourth graders with Every Kid Outdoors passes are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit. Kids of all ages can download, color, and decorate their tree with a Christmas tree ornament coloring page for a fun, handmade addition to their tree. “Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health, helping to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide food for wildlife.” said Dawkins adding that forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees.  Article by Donna Iverson Gardens offer many gifts in addition to food. In Georgia O’Keefe’s case, the garden grew her art. A new children’s picture book, called Gifts from Georgia’s Garden, tells the story. It offers a unique insight into the work of this artist/ gardener. The book’s subtitle is “How Georgia O’Keefe Nourished Her Art.” About 80 years ago in New Mexico, O’Keefe decided to grow a garden and paint what she grew. She grew flowers and began making oversized paintings of them. Her favorites were daffodils, irises, lilacs, poppies and hollyhocks. She said she wanted people to really look closely at the flowers. It was these oversized paintings that made her a famous artist, worldwide. O’Keefe also grew vegetables, including lettuce, leeks, chilis, carrots, leeks and chard. Garden herbs included parsley and lovage. Harvesting the vegetables, she prepared simple soups and salads for her friends. For dinner dishes, she offered tomato soufflés and chili enchiladas. While art was her main focus, it was the interplay between her garden and her painting that fueled her creativity. Born in 1887 and raised on a Wisconsin farm, O’Keefe declared at age 8 that she would become an artist. But it wasn’t until the 1940s when she moved to New Mexico and planted her garden, that her artistic career brought her national recognition. As early as 1945, she was practicing such gardening techniques as composting, companion planting, and water conservation. The book published this year was written by Lisa Robinson of Boston and illustrated by Hadley Hooper, who lives in Denver. If you are interested in gardening and or art, this is a wonderful book to share with children. And even adults will learn a lot about O’Keefe from this lovely picture book. You can likely find it in the children’s department of your local library, in the biography section.  Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette, aerial view- Photo by Steve Jessmore  An Eastern White Pine towers over the McDuffie Nature Preserve- Photo by Steve Jessmore Campaign Complete: Land Conservancy of West Michigan has reached McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve fundraising goal BITELY, Mich. (November 12, 2024) -- Thanks to a generous capstone gift from the Richard Hansen Foundation, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan has reached its fundraising goal for the new McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve in Bitely, Michigan. The campaign ends just as construction on the preserve’s trail system nears completion. “The close of 2024 brings with it some exciting milestones for McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve,” said Executive Director Kim Karn. “We are grateful to everyone who showed their support for the protection and ongoing care of this land, and especially to Richard Hansen and the Richard Hansen Foundation for bringing us over the finish line.” McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve protects 300 acres of hardwood forest and wetlands along the shores of the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River and McDuffee Creek. These high quality, cold-water rivers nurture trout, turtles and aquatic invertebrates. Porcupines, bobcats, black bears and wild turkeys are known to roam the preserve’s forests, and ruffed grouse can be heard drumming their wings among the aspens. Under the Land Conservancy’s ownership, the land is permanently protected and managed as a nature preserve. The preserve is open to the public for exploration at no cost. Over 200 donors showed their support for the permanent protection of the land and its transformation into a publicly accessible nature preserve. Nearly $700,000 was raised to fund the acquisition, protection, and ongoing care of the preserve. The project was funded in part by the Carls Foundation, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Ducks Unlimited, the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the Richard Hansen Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The purchase was also made possible with support from a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant, a donation of the property value by the landowner, several donors, and a loan from the Land Conservancy’s own Land Acquisition Fund. The Land Acquisition Fund was created by generous benefactors to help the organization act quickly to take advantage of opportunities to protect natural land. The Land Conservancy held a fundraiser to pay back its Land Acquisition Fund, cover the costs of establishing public access features and create a fund to support the maintenance and restoration of the property in the future. McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve is the largest of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan’s 20 nature preserves. Thanks to the help of many volunteers, four miles of trail are being outfitted with boardwalks to keep feet dry and protect sensitive habitat while visitors traverse wetland areas. A bridge will be installed over the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River. The trails and amenities are slated to be completed in December 2024. Land Conservancy volunteers have helped remove invasive species, clean up debris from old hunting blinds, build trails and install boardwalks. “Volunteers have made McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve a welcoming place for visitors to explore,” said Conservation Director Justin Heslinga. “We are grateful for their hard work and look forward to continuing to collaborate with volunteers as we restore and care for the land.” The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is working to restore a degraded part of the land to oak savanna habitat, which will connect with similar restoration efforts happening on neighboring U.S. Forest Service land. This rare habitat type supports diverse communities of plants, wildlife, birds and insects, including the Federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. The preserve offers explorers a variety of recreation opportunities. Visitors can hike the trails to witness views of the land’s lush forests and sparkling rivers, as well as sightings of birds and wildlife. Anglers are welcome to fish in McDuffee Creek and the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River. Beginning this year, archery hunters can hunt deer on the property through the Michigan DNR’s Hunting Access Program. Rules and regulations apply. Learn more about McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve and plan your visit on the Land Conservancy of West Michigan’s website. Make a donation to support the Land Conservancy’s efforts to permanently protect natural land here.  Sign kiosk at McDuffie Nature Preserve  Photo and article by Donna Iverson A friend and I took up guerrilla gardening this fall. We collected dried seeds from plants we liked and scattered them in waste places around town. And as guerrilla gardeners, we are always on the lookout for flowers and veggies that pop up in unexpected places. It makes our day to find a flower growing out of a crack in the sidewalk. Recently, this squash plant appeared growing out of the overflow of a compost bin in my community garden. And closer to home, a bright pink petunia appeared in my pot of geraniums on the front porch …much to my delight. On Facebook, I have joined a group called Chaos Gardeners. At a basic level, you take the seeds you have not used and throw them on the ground around your yard. And wait to see what comes up. “You let nature call the shots,” says online gardener Karen Rudd. “And lend a helping hand here and there.” It leads to “complete disorder.” Chaos gardening is the newest gardening trend and gained honorable mention in 2023 at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. It takes a lot of stress out of gardening and can be even used to seed vegetables, herbs and fruits. You don’t need a plan. The result is a more natural garden with no sharp lines or regimented beds. You can even do it in a large planter if you are an apartment dweller like me. So this fall, give it a try if you would like to see some gardening surprises come your way.
 Premier Arts and Crafts Fest provides gift ideas and holiday decor Get ready to deck the halls with unique, handcrafted treasures! The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to the 11th Annual Jingle Mingle Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, November 9th, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Fremont Middle School (500 Woodrow Street). Discover a world of one-of-a-kind gifts and crafts, perfect for the holiday season. From stunning hand-painted ornaments and illustrated children's books to cozy knitted items and delicious homemade treats, there's something for everyone. New this year: Don't miss the exciting new additions, including 3D-printed crafts and a variety of crocheted animals. Must-try treats: Indulge in fresh-baked goodies, candies, and savory snacks like tamales, dips, and spices. Returning favorites include Jane Lee's Glazed Popcorn, homemade butter cakes, St. Mark's Episcopal Church's cheeseballs, and Pam's Pantry's delicious dips. Grab a bite: Satisfy your hunger with a variety of delicious food options, including Mexican cuisine from Two Hot Tamales, hot dogs from Dodgers Doggies, soups from Camp Newaygo, and wraps from Triple C concessions. Explore Fremont: While you're here, take the opportunity to explore the charming Fremont community. Discover local restaurants, shops, and attractions that offer a unique experience. Location: The Fremont Middle School is located at 500 Woodrow Street. From Main Street, turn south onto Gerber Avenue (where Pizza Hut is located), follow Gerber south, and it will turn into Woodrow. The school is on the south side of the street. Start your holiday shopping early and experience the magic of the Jingle Mingle Arts & Crafts Fair!   Newly marked trails provide a guide to seeing our feathered friends Together with a group of local birding experts, the Newaygo County Tourism Council is excited to announce the launch of the Newaygo County Birding Trail, a new attraction designed to highlight the region's rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. This trail is expected to draw birding enthusiasts and nature lovers from across the state and beyond, offering a unique opportunity to explore the area's natural beauty while supporting the local economy. The Newaygo County Birding Trail, a collaborative effort between local birding experts Charles Chandler, Andrea and Terry Grabill and Marie Rust and the Newaygo County Tourism Council, features over 30 easily accessible sites throughout Newaygo County, where visitors can observe a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitats. Birding, one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreational activities in the United States, is a significant contributor to both conservation awareness and local economies. The Newaygo County Birding Trail is designed to capitalize on this trend, offering birdwatchers a chance to see species like the Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, and Scarlet Tanager, among many others. "Newaygo County is home to some of the most diverse bird populations in the region," said Terry Grabill, local birding expert and Newaygo County Birding Trail committee member. "The trail not only highlights these incredible species but also encourages conservation efforts and fosters a deeper appreciation for our natural environment." In addition to its ecological importance, the Newaygo County Birding Trail is expected to have a positive impact on local tourism. Birdwatchers, hikers, and nature photographers are anticipated to visit the area, benefiting nearby hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. "Tourism is a vital part of Newaygo County's economy, and the Birding Trail is a wonderful addition to our offerings," said Julie Burrell Newaygo County Tourism Council Board President,, "We look forward to welcoming visitors who are eager to experience the natural beauty and hospitality that our community is known for." The trail, suitable for beginners to experts, includes several designated birding sites, each will be equipped with informational signage and observation points. The first sign was installed this week, at the Newaygo County Welcome Center, 4684 Evergreen Drive, Newaygo, MI 49337. The remaining signs will be installed over the next few months, but the public is welcome to visit the birding sites now. The Newaygo County Birding Trail is possible thanks to collaboration from partner site locations and funding from the Fremont Area Community Foundation. Maps and guides are available online at newaygocountyexploring.com  Northern Parula photo courtesy of Darrell Lawson  Article and photo by Donna Iverson There’s a new historic herb garden in downtown Muskegon. A Herbal Potager garden has recently been planted in front of a depression-era house at 500 Clay Avenue. The house is located next to the Scolnik House near the historic fire barn museum. It is also a few steps away from both the Monet Garden and the Heritage Memorial Garden. All are Muskegon historic landmarks, open to the public. The historic house and herb garden is owned by Koryn and Troy Wyman of Grand Rapids.They enlisted Lynn Bryant of Lovage Garden to install a garden that was low maintenance, drought resistant, and in keeping with the neighborhood’s rich history. She chose to plant a potager. The word potager comes from Medieval French and literally means, "a garden that provides vegetables for the pot,” according to Bryant. “You may have heard the word "potager" at some point in gardening circles,” Bryant said. A potager garden is a French kitchen garden that traditionally combines vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs for culinary purposes. Medieval gardeners sited their potagers close to the kitchen so the harvest could be brought in and used in that day's meals. For the modern version, Bryant chose a combination of culinary herbs like savory, marjoram, oregano, thyme, lemon thyme, chives, sage, sorrel, dock, fennel, parsley, tarragon, lemon balm, lavender and basils. She also planted echinacea, bee balm, rose, yarrow, anise hyssop, and various grasses, sedges and shrubs. This herbal potager will include salad greens in the fall and spring. Currently the owners are renovating the inside of the house, which will be divided into four apartments, Bryant continued. One unit will be kept for the owners, while the other 3 will be monthly rentals. The family hopes to rent to visiting nurses. Bryant has been a gardener since she was a child. “I grew up on a farm in mid-Michigan, and graduated from Saginaw Arthur Hill High. I've always been growing something in anything that would hold soil. I am always learning, the world of plants is just fascinating.” Bryant lives in North Muskegon where she grows native Michigan flowers in addition to herbs and vegetables. “I guess I have my own potager garden! My favorite herb is...Lovage! Lovage grows deep and tall, is a favorite of pollinators and its leaves taste very strongly of celery. Every time someone tastes it, they always exclaim, "Oh Wow!,” she said. You can check out Lovage Garden at lovagegarden.com, which specializes in herb gardens and native landscapes.
Latest novel featuring Emily Hartford to be discussed
Live @ the Library, a series of events including author visits and special presentations is welcoming back local author Jennifer Dornbush on Tuesday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. to present the fourth book in The Coroner's Daughter Mysteries Series! Jennifer is a screenwriter, author, international speaker, and forensic specialist. In her newest book, Frozen Lives, Emily Hartford finds herself pulled back upstate during a wintery March when a boy goes missing on the frigid shores of Lake Michigan. Emily solidifies her role as the coroner's daughter when she puzzles out a madman's chilling machinations. Risking everything dear to her, Emily is determined to go the icy distance and end his killing spree. Books will be available for purchase at this event.  Got Plants?
By Sally Wagoner, Newaygo County Environmental Coalition The public is welcome to the Wild Ones Newaygo Region inaugural meeting and fall native plant sale on Saturday, September 28, 2 pm – 4 pm. It will be held at the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC) location, 432 Quarterline St, Newagyo, 49337 (Newaygo UCC). Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Click here to register: Wild Ones Plant Sale Register Wild Ones Natural Landscapers is a national nonprofit environmental education and advocacy organization that promotes native plants in yards, gardens, parks and natural areas. Wild Ones Newaygo Region is a new Seedling Chapter dedicated to helping local community members preserve biodiversity through sustainable landscapes. “Fall is the best time to add native plants to your yard and garden,” stated Katie Clark of NCEC. “We will have native plants from Michigan genotypes, those that are best adapted to our area, grown by Big Bluestem Farm in Bitely. We will also be able to take special orders and deliver plants to the area within a couple of weeks. And if you have questions about which native plants will grow best in your area, we will be able to help with that as well.” “At this event, you'll also learn about Wild Ones Newaygo Region. We invite community collaboration in planning the direction of our Chapter, and in creating events and programs that will help increase knowledge and practice of native plant biodiversity in our region,” added Katie. Larry Messing, the current interim Wild Ones Newaygo Region Chair, is eager to bring on members to this new Seedling Chapter. If someone is already a general Wild Ones member, or a member of a regional chapter, they can move their membership to your Newaygo Region chapter to help it grow. Wild Ones members will receive a special discount on plants at this event. Memberships can be purchased at the event. For more information, contact [email protected], or visit https://newaygoregion.wildones.org/. |
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