4-H Days at Legends Ranch returned for the second summer on May 28, July 8, and July 9! 4-H youth from Lake and Newaygo Counties enjoyed a day at Legends Ranch in Bitely exploring the nature trails, observing the wildlife, trying out the archery range, and of course, fishing for bluegill, perch and bass which was the highlight of the day for many of the kids! In addition, the youth had the opportunity to learn how to leather stamp and build duck boxes as well as tour the Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch, 24,000 square foot facility displaying nearly 3,000 animal exhibits from around the world. The center offers a unique opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation. 4-H Days at Legends Ranch was made possible through a grant from the Gerber Foundation and a donation from Legends Ranch. For more information about the Newaygo County 4-H Program, contact Laurie Platte Breza, 4-H Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or by calling the MSU Extension office at 231-928-1056.
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Partners collaborate for drowning prevention program
The Newaygo County Autism Community recently partnered with the Fremont Community Recreation Center to present the Safe Swim Academy. This program, funded by an Amazing X Grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, provides swimming and water safety instruction for Newaygo County residents living with autism. According to the Red Cross (April 2023), drowning is the number one cause of death among children and adults with autism. Children with autism are 160 times more likely to experience fatal and non-fatal drownings than their peers. Studies show that people with autism have a natural affinity with water and drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children with autism. With 121 lakes and countless other bodies of water in Newaygo County, the Safe Swim Academy addresses this extremely important safety issue for our autistic population and their families. Dana Simon, who is a special education teacher who is also a highly qualified swimming and water safety instructor, provided lessons for 11 autistic students ranging in age from 4 to 16 years of age. After an initial assessment, Dana was able to program for each student’s individual needs, taking into consideration prior swimming experience, general levels of anxiety, communication ability, sensory concerns, and overall comfort in the water. Each student made individual and unique progress in 10 sessions throughout a 4 week period in June and July. The Newaygo County Autism Community provides support to Newaygo County residents and families living with autism. Find them on Facebook or newaygocountyautismcommunity.org Little Ones Day Care recently opened a new center in Everett Township near White Cloud after operating in Fremont the past 3 years The center is housed in the former Christian Builders Mission Church which has been completely renovated. We caught up with Owner and Director Corissa VanderStelt to pose a few questions. This is your second venture into the Child Care world with your first center in Fremont. Why the expansion? We decided to expand because of the need for childcare in Newaygo County and throughout the state. Newaygo County is considered a desert area for Childcare. If a parent needs care most parents would have to wait up to a year for a spot, especially infants. Knowing this I felt it would benefit the community to open another location. Opening a Daycare in White Cloud laid very heavy on my heart. Another reason I wanted to expand is because of my love for children and to make sure children have a safe, loving and high quality center to come to everyday while their parents go to work. What is your general philosophy on child care? Our philosophy/vision for Little Ones is to provide the greatest care for children in our community. Having an outside Christian-based program that helps children develop the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical skills necessary for all aspects of life and growth. We want to have a talented and well-educated staff that can build strong relationships with the children and their families too, for life. What is the daily schedule or routine? Here at Little Ones our Preschoolers Day is filled with activities from music & movement, and free play (hands on learning with a purpose) small group time, exploring our all-natural playground and a lot of love and hugs. Our sweet little babies and toddlers daily schedule is on demand, but still filled with a lot of fun age-appropriate activities What are your hours? We are open Monday – Friday 6:30-6:00 We are closed for all major holidays. What are the tuition costs? Is there a sliding scale? Do you accept DHHS? If you would like more information on Little Ones rates, please call 231-519-7302. We do accept DHHS! Anything to add? Our Core Values at Little Ones -Teach children with an open and understanding heart and mind. -Service all of the children’s needs. - The children will know that they are special, loved, and able to do anything. - A welcoming and safe classroom environment. - Our teachers are loving, friendly and educated! I am very grateful for this opportunity that God has given me to serve families in Newaygo as their childcare provider. I love meeting all the different families in the community and providing them with safe, loving and high quality centers for their child care needs. Recent Newaygo County marriage license applicants
Well, the summer wedding season is in full bloom as evidenced by the lengthy list of love connections signing on for the journey known as marriage. “To love is to accept a soul entirely, not wishing that the person was otherwise, nor hoping for change, nor clinging to some ideal past. To love is to cherish the individual standing before you presently―charms, quirks, and all. To love is to give someone a piece of your heart that you will never, ever reclaim.”-Richelle E Goodrich, Smile Anyway Carla Wood, Fremont & Derek Steibel, Fremont Kelsey Bunker, Newaygo & Tanner Denhof, Newaygo Kayla Elmer, Fremont & Matt Haywood, Fremont Kasi Ostyn, Grant & Andrew Casteneda, Grant Josephine Shelton, Reed City & Andy Wright, Reed City Jacqueline jones, White Cloud & Ethan Osborn, Newaygo Kristin Webber, Newaygo & David Rizzo, Newaygo Brian Workman, Cheboygan & Gracie Muraske, White Cloud Stephanie Krizov, White Cloud & John Fockler, White Cloud Jennifer Brown, Fremont & Steve Waite, Fremont Kinley O’Brian, Coldwater & Thomas Bahr, Coldwater Jessi Troyer, Newaygo & Carolyn Miller, Newaygo Allison McPhall, Grandville & Chad Fetterley, White Cloud Newaygo County to host new cohort of MSU Extension’s Conservation Stewards Program this fall
Michigan State University Extension’s Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) is now enrolling participants for its Fall 2024 programs, which will span 8 weeks in September through November. In 2024, CSP will be offered across 4 new cohort locations, including one in Newaygo County. During each week of instruction, the hybrid program will combine virtual, self-paced lessons with in-person evening sessions at various locations within Newaygo County. This cohort will host their weekly evening sessions on Monday evenings, 6-8:30 p.m., from September 9 to November 4, 2024. Additionally, 2 Saturday in-person field trips within the region will be held at Fremont Lake and exploring the North Country Trail ecosystems. Participants will also complete applied capstone projects related to restoring and conserving Michigan’s ecosystems with guidance provided by a local mentor. Partner organizations for the Newaygo County Cohort include:
The last date to register will be Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, with scholarship opportunities available for all. For additional details of the 2024 Conservation Stewards Program and to register, please visit events.anr.msu.edu/micsp2024. For cohort and content related questions, please reach out to Sarah Pregitzer at [email protected], or Sally Wagoner at [email protected]. For general questions and registration assistance, please contact Shelby Warner at [email protected] or (517) 884-7076. by Katie Clark, Newaygo County Environmental Coalition The enchanting landscapes of Newaygo County are about to become the classroom for an extraordinary workshop aimed at unveiling the hidden treasures of the wild. Scheduled for Sunday, July 14, 1:30-3:30pm, "Wild Food Wisdom: A Foraging Workshop" invites community members to delve into the art of foraging, learning to identify, harvest, and utilize the wild edible and medicinal plants thriving in our backyards. The field foray will take place on the beautiful grounds of the Newaygo Welcome Center, starting in the John Graves Lodge, 4684 Evergreen Drive (M-37) Newaygo, 49337. A post community discussion gathering will then take place at Flying Bear Books, 79 State Rd, Newaygo. Registration is required as space is limited. Cost is $10 for the field foray, and $36 will include the field guide book. Refreshments at Flying Bear Books will be individually purchased. The Foraging Workshop is a collaborative event between Joyful Wildcrafting and the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC), promising an afternoon of education, exploration, and community building. Leading the workshop are two of the area's passionate foragers, Lea Sevigny of Joyful Wildcrafting and Katie Clark, a board member of the NCEC. Lea brings her profound knowledge and enthusiasm for wildcrafting, and is eager to share her insights into the sustainable harvesting of nature's bounty specifically found in Newaygo County. Katie Clark, known for her deep commitment to environmental education and innovative teaching methods, will share the many benefits of plants found right outside your front door. A highlight of the workshop will be using Sam Thayer's Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern & Central North America, a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to explore the world of foraging. This guide, celebrated for its detailed descriptions and accessible identification system, will serve as a companion for participants as they embark on their foraging journey. This workshop offers more than just a learning experience: it is an invitation to adopt a sustainable lifestyle and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. Attendees will gain practical skills in foraging while contributing to the conservation of local ecosystems. The event also aims to cultivate a community of foragers in Newaygo County, with discussions continuing at a cozy gathering at the Flying Bear Bookstore post-workshop. Presenter Lea Sevigny states, "Foraging in community is a special experience. Whether it's for a communal meal or for our individual tables, having an opportunity to be with the plants and gathering as a group has an energy unlike any other.” “I envision a group of people who help each other learn and experience the wonders of nature and all she provides,” added Katie Clark. “Join us as we unlock the secrets of the natural bounty that surrounds us. Let's embark on this adventure together!” For more information and to register, click here: Wild Food Foraging Eventbrite. Or contact NCEC: [email protected] By Ken DeLaat The Farmer’s Markets are open and while we haven't yet hit up the Newaygo Friday afternoon version (2-6pm) we made it to Fremont Saturday (9-5pm) in search of strawberries. The quest was successful and the little red beauties have transformed into a mashed up bowl of delight waiting to be smothered atop Lil’s wonderful shortcake. As a bonus we were surprised to see our ride-along deputy from a few years back and current co-proprietor of JRC Bargain Bins, Nicole Crutchfield. She was hawking some fine looking baked goods with the assistance of 2 year old Jasper whose seemingly infinite curiosity is a wonder to behold. As for the remainder of the venue, it is that time of year when each week brings out more of the home grown goodies we have been waiting for, so get thee to the markets and channel your inner locavore. Recent County Marriage License Applicants
Man, there is no doubt that June is the #1 time for couples to perform their nuptials in these parts. Since fall it’s taken weeks to get 2-3 couples signing up on our sheet at the County Clerk’s office. We hit June and the sheet reads like a novel. Well, maybe a novella. Picking the month to begin a life together is likely easier once you’ve picked the person to share the day with. There are doubtless couples in the group below who have known each other a long time as their relationship progressed from dating to exclusivity to engagement and now nuptials. Others may have met more recently and decided fairly quickly to put a stamp of permanence on their coupleship. Love remains a wonderfully mysterious and compelling emotion. Songs, movies , books, plays, TV shows all seek to explore the many facets of love. Words have been written about love since writing began. Studies have been done on the subject of how and why and who we love. And yet when it comes down to it, love is as unique as the stars since each twosome experiences the emotion in their own way. Couples create their personal brand of love. They own it. And while it can be altered, modified, refined, tweaked and amended it remains theirs and theirs alone. Here are the latest couples to book passage on the adventurous journey known as marriage. Jimmy Brasher Jr., Rosenberg Texas & Janie Christofferson, Rosenberg Texas Naw Bawk Kareng, White Cloud & Bawm Yung, White Cloud Anthony H Keith, White Cloud & Mary Jo Tibbe, Fremont Kelly Henderson, Fremont & David Lilly, Grant Megan Enes, Howard City & Colin Scholtens, Howard City Adam DeShano, Howard City & Danielle Ferkinstad, Howard City Ally Harper, Rockford & Zach Julien, Rockford Nicole Mitchell, Grand Rapids & Nicholas Davis, Fremont Nathen Dewey, Howard City & Ashlee Lucy, Newaygo Melanie Magoon, Newaygo & Scott Fisk Jr. Newaygo Adam Ward, Fremont & Klayre Callison, Fremont Cassandra Fowle, Fremont & Mark Babich, Fremont Paige Foster, White Cloud & Caleb Wilk, White Cloud Brittney Bonnell, Newaygo & Jacob Doneff, Newark Ohio "We're all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness — and call it love — true love. "~Robert Fulghum, True Love, 1997 Free clinic coming June 22nd
Most of us have known someone affected by Parkinson’s. Some of us are well acquainted with the neurological disease slowly robbing loved ones of their control over their movements. As with any chronic affliction there is a tendency to yield to the illness, to accept its progression and adjust to the medical curve life has tossed at you. Or not. For John Durham, a pickleball aficionado who was caught up in the phenomena that has driven the popularity of the sport, there was no notion of giving up the game he loved. Certainly not being nudged from the sport by Parkinson’s. This is a story about perseverance. How one man’s decision to bring his love for the sport to others and give those who are afflicted the chance to participate in a little physical competition, while flipping a bit of the bird to the wretched intrusion Parkinson’s makes on our lives. We received this from the Durhams. Saturday, June 22, will be a free Pickleball clinic called: Pickleball, Parkinson's and Pals. It will focus on introducing Pickleball to those with Parkinson's and their pals, as well as others who are hoping to increase healthy activities. The idea for the clinic was started by John Durham who was diagnosed with Parkinson's 5 years ago. He has discovered how Pickleball has helped slow down the progression of his disease. The clinic is in partnership with the Newaygo County Pickleball club and the Parkinson's Foundation. We are thankful for support from Tamarac and the Fremont Community Recreation Center as well. The registration is scheduled at 8:30 am. with the clinic running from 9am-10:30am. Following the clinic there will be open play for new and experienced players until noon. The location will be at the outside Pickleball courts at 201 E Maple St. If there is rain, we will be in the gym at the Fremont Community Recreation Center - 201 E Maple St. Fremont, MI 49412. Feel free to come as a single or bring a pal to learn the game with you . The clinic is offered from Free, although donations to the Parkinson's Foundation will be accepted. To register, Please sign up at: bit.ly/DurhamPickleball4PD For more information or to sign-up, call John or Pat Durham @ 231 349 5460 or email, [email protected] Intrigued, we decided to pose a few questions to the Durhams. Can you take us from the idea to the plan of action? John was at a Parkinson's Symposium in Grand Rapids and met people at our table who were interested in learning Pickleball. We were sitting with another couple from Fremont whose husband also has Parkinson's and he has played Pickleball as well. We were talking about Pickleball and the others at the table showed interest in learning how to play. John thought about how he could share his knowledge of the game with beginners. John's neurologists have commented several times on how his level of activity ( mostly through Pickleball and biking) have helped with the slow down of the progression of his disease. Did John play PB before being diagnosed? Yes, John started playing Pickleball in 2014. He was diagnosed in 2019. How does pickleball help with Parkinson’s? The activity of Pickleball helps with staying active. It encourages a person to move, and use both sides of their body. It keeps the muscles working and helps with reaction time and focus. It is also great for socialization and connections with others. Depression and isolation can be a result of Parkinson's and Pickleball helps to combat those things. Who should attend the workshop and why? We started this for people with Parkinson's and their Pals. It could be a friend, a spouse, a child etc. This will give support for future play as well as for that day. We are also including anyone who would like to learn who may be challenged by other health issues. A project like this needs partners. Who has stepped up to help put this together ? The Parkinson's Foundation has helped with the planning of the event. Volunteers from the Newaygo County Pickleball Club will help with the clinic. We have had support from Tamarac with fliers and getting information out to the community. The Fremont Community Rec Center is a supporter by sharing their courts. We have had donations from Selkirk and Paddletek for door prizes. Anything you would like to add? Registrations for the clinic can be made at : bit.ly/DurhamPickleball4PD This was started as a clinic, is free to participants although donations are accepted. All donations will go to the Parkinson's Foundation. N3 Note: The Parkinson's Foundation has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the US. This rating means that the foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its cause. As of April 5, 2024, Charitywatch.org also rates the foundation's program percentage at 79%, which is the percentage of its cash budget that it spends on programs relative to overhead. The Gerber Foundation awarded $363,300 in scholarships to 66 local graduating seniors from select high schools in Newaygo, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties. Since 1953 the Foundation has remained committed to providing local youth opportunities to pursue post-secondary education through its competitive merit-based scholarships: The Daniel Gerber Sr. Medallion Scholarship, the Merit Scholarship, and the Newaygo County Career Tech scholarship. Each scholarship can be used toward qualifying educational expenses at colleges or universities, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs. This year’s graduating seniors from Newaygo County receiving a scholarship are as follows: The Daniel Gerber Sr. Medallion Scholarship FREMONT HIGH SCHOOLAmelia Foster Bree Grove Grace Christoffersen Jillian Balcom Natalie Storms Stetson Vincent GRANT HIGH SCHOOL Avary Losee Camryn Stroven Julie Ashbaugh Madison Brooks HESPERIA HIGH SCHOOL Mia Milner NEWAYGO HIGH SCHOOL Abygail Lauryssens Elaine Chen Jaxon duChemin Lauren Bull Madison Christensen Olivia DeJohn WHITE CLOUD HIGH SCHOOL Andrea Feldpausch nna Mohr Mason Cruzan Andrew Weaver The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship FREMONT HIGH SCHOOL Amelia Foster Bree Grove Grace Christoffersen Jillian Balcom Natalie Storms Stetson Vincent GRANT HIGH SCHOOL Charles Atwood Edward Frye Hannah Marshall Kara Geerdink Sara Aguilar HESPERIA HIGH SCHOOL Ellie Lotz Garrett Van Avery Kayla Rumsey NEWAYGO HIGH SCHOOL Harley Palmiter Madelyn Garbrecht Mercedes Melle Sadie Cameron Taya Timmer WHITE CLOUD HIGH SCHOOL Courtney Plotts Jorja Baker The Newaygo County Career Tech Scholarship SERVICE CAREER FIELD Aamori Paz Emily Haney Emily Peterlein Josiah Long Julie Horning Kadence Nickoloff Maizy Swinehart Mayte Ceja Montano Tanayah Klammer Tru Petersen BUILDING AND DESIGN CAREER FIELD Trace Scarlavai INDUSTRIAL CAREER FIELD David Francis |
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