 Drain Commissioner Dale Twing to address group
2019 Annual General Meeting of the Board of Directors for 3R Environmental Education will be held April 29 at 6 pm at Brooks Township Hall, 490 Quarterline Street, Newaygo. Highlights will include the election of directors, a guest speaker, annual reports, and the presentation of Earth Alive Awards for exceptional dedication to a green community. Guest Speaker is Dale Twing, Drain Commissioner for the Department of Public Works for Newaygo County. Twing will report on the state of recycling and the county’s developing waste management plan. In October, 2018, 3R launched the Citizens' Environmental Watch and Action Coalition (CEWAC) as its environmental action committee. The diverse group of concerned county residents meets the 2nd Thursday monthly at 6 pm at Brooks Township Hall, 490 Quarterline St., Newaygo. Every other month, the group brings in a guest speaker. On May 9, CEWAC will host at least two guest speakers. Luke Cotton, Newaygo County Conservation District Director, will share his vision for a healthy local environment. Randy Butters will introduce the Newaygo Invasive Plants Project (NIPP), and talk about the problem of invasive plants escaping from residents’ gardens into woodlands, meadows, and waters. A third speaker is in the works to talk about favorable native plant options. CEWAC’s current focus is on water issues; invasive species; chemicals used along public throughways; recycling education and support; and business and governmental policy at local and state levels. Former 3-term Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, who retired to Garfield Township, is a boon to the coalition with his depth of experience and knowledge about environmental issues. 3R this month launches its “Heroes Program for Eateries” under its EARTH ALIVE Awards series. Heroes promotes green practices in local restaurants, for example: biodegradable takeout containers, cutlery, and straws; energy efficient appliances; eco-friendly cleaners; and recycling bins for use by employees and customers. 3R volunteers are already out visiting local eateries.
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 Powerhouse coalition hosting free event on May 3 to empower local communities to act
FREMONT – LiveWell Newaygo County is hosting a free summit and information exchange on May 3 that will focus on major health and human services issues affecting local communities. The summit will be held at the Regional Center for Agri-Science and Career Advancement, located at 5479 West 72nd Street in Fremont, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The keynote speaker at the summit is Anneshia Freeman, author of “The Adult Reenactment of the Childhood Script“ and “The Lies that Bind” workbooks for service providers. The summit will feature workshops on hot topics affecting rural communities, such as opioid addiction and treatment; human trafficking; trauma; suicide prevention; supporting at-risk youth; and homelessness and housing. The summit is geared toward case managers, counselors, social workers, pastors and church leaders, medical staff, program staff and community volunteers. “The LiveWell Newaygo County summit and information exchange is a terrific opportunity for organizations and individuals across West Michigan working to improve the health and wellness of local communities to learn, network, and explore what frontline staff can do to reach more people, maximize resources, and impact outcomes,” said Mark Petz, Collaborative Coordinator for the Newaygo County Community Collaborative (NC3), a LiveWell Newaygo County member and a key event organizer. “LiveWell Newaygo County strongly believes that a healthier community can reduce cost and lead to better hires for local businesses. Healthier kids are more likely to perform better in school and on tests, which benefit the child and local school districts. The LiveWell Newaygo County Summit on May 3 is a step toward building a healthier, more resilient community.” To register for the free event and learn more about workshops and speakers: bit.ly/LiveWellSummit. LiveWell Newaygo County is a collaborative action group working to improve the health of Newaygo County citizens. LiveWell Newaygo County focuses on chronic health conditions and underserved populations, delivering long-term solutions to make Newaygo County the healthiest in Michigan. LiveWell Newaygo County members are: District Health Department #10; Family Health Care; Fremont Area Community Foundation; Fremont Public Schools; Headway: Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition; Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; Michigan State University Extension; Newaygo County Great Start Collaborative; Newaygo County Mental Health; Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency; Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial; Tamarac; TrueNorth Community Services; and WE CAN! Newaygo County.  By Ken DeLaat It’s just not funny anymore. And it has to stop. Sunday my snowblower was jammed into the corner of the garage with all the care from one who seems to believe that somehow it will never be needed again of course. Extrication proved tricky. It had quickly become buried under tarps and various utensils one often finds in garages but rarely sees in use. Those varied items that tend to find themselves there by virtue of the statement “Just put it in the corner, I’ll take care of it later.” By the time the blower was freed, some gas was located and an extension cord found that required some serious untangling and then plugged in to start there appeared to be an additional foot of the crud in a wet and heavy incarnation. Despite a great deal of slipping and sliding a partial path was accomplished and shoveling the rock-heavy crap was required as well. Then the substantial mountain of snow on the vehicle we park outside (mine) was broomed off. Normally during the winter months I really don’t mind shoveling. Especially the part about being outside on a starlit cold night with some fluffy stuff requiring a bit of a push to the side. When completed there’s that sense of accomplishment that comes with dusting off those small tasks. This was different. It was a Sunday afternoon in April for pity’s sake. Palm Sunday at that. A day when we should have been walking around the yard enjoying the new sprouts emerging with a promise of a floral future. Perhaps climb aboard the pontoon for a little early spring boat ride. But no. Instead the budding beauties were buried under an avalanche of cold white intruders and the dock looked like a frozen slip and slide. And any personal sense of good humor about it has long since departed. I know I’ve made snide remarks about Old Man Winter and perhaps there was a little ‘Nyah, Nyah, Nyah’ a week or so ago when it looked like he had departed for good. Then he blows back in. Like the long overdue for departure house guest who comes back for a forgotten toothbrush and stays another day. So here’s a message to OMW We’re done. We give. You win. Yes, you can arrive any time you want and put a stop to Spring. Very impressive. Now, please, get along with you. We’ve all got things to do, you know.  From Vicki Kavanaugh of Arbor Circle
We need your help!! The Total Trek Quest(TTQ) team at Newaygo Elementary School is in DESPERATE need of coaches—we have a team ready to go—but no coaches!! TTQ has had 2 great seasons at NES—last spring, and this past fall- and we want to keep our streak going! If we don’t find coaches soon, we will have to cancel our spring season. TTQ is a fun, high energy after school that incorporates strength and stretching exercises with training for a 5K. Boys in this program will develop positive peer relationships and feel a part of a team while working toward individual goals. Additional practice activities focus on developing a healthy lifestyle, social/relationship skills, how to make healthy choices, and resisting peer pressure. Coaches can be men or women; we are looking for a positive attitude and a passion for helping kids reach their full potential. Coaches do not need to be an experienced runners, just be willing to move/walk/run with your team. High school juniors/seniors can be assistant coaches too! We need at least 2 coaches per team. We provide all the training and supplies needed to make this season great. Our teams practice 2 times –but even if you can coach for only 1 day a week, that is great!! This is a fun, powerful and inspirational way to get to know the boys in our community can promise you that being a TTQ coach is an experience you will NEVER forget! If you are interested, please contact Vicki at vkavanaugh@arborcircle.org. More about TTQ: https://www.nearnorthnow.com/living-well/finishing-the-first-one  Fundraiser is scheduled for June 21 at Waters Edge
Fremont – Spectrum Health Foundation Gerber Memorial will host a golf scramble fundraiser on Friday, June 21, at Waters Edge Golf Course in Fremont to support the hospital’s local community wellness programs. These programs range from free cooking classes and support groups to diabetes education and a countywide program that promotes nutrition and physical activity to more than 3,000 elementary students. The 19th Annual Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Golf Scramble kicks off at 8 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9 a.m., and ends with a lunch at 2 p.m. Fee is $150 per person, and includes continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch and prizes. The cost for a foursome is $600. Waters Edge is located at 1100 Ramshorn, Fremont, 49412. “Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is committed to improving the health of our community, so we’re really excited to offer programs that directly impact the families we serve from before a child is born to students and all the way to adults and seniors,” said Loretta Towne, Spectrum Health Foundation at Gerber Memorial specialist. “Gerber Memorial’s annual golf outing is one way members of our community can come together and support programs that benefit our friends, family and neighbors. We’re grateful for our sponsors and to our supporters for being our partners in building a healthier community right here in Newaygo County.” Registration is now open online: give.spectrumhealth.org/gerber-memorial/golf. Interested parties are encouraged to register early and sponsorships are available, starting with tee sponsors at $200 and up. The 2018 golf scramble raised more than $26,000 for the Gerber Memorial Cancer Center. These funds have been used to make upgrades to the oncology department’s patient rooms. In addition, a new bone marrow biopsy procedure table, white noise machines for patient areas, smoking cessation education materials and shower cards for self-breast exams have been purchased. The outdoor lunch following play at the golf scramble will be catered by Lakes 23 Restaurant and Pub at Waters Edge. Further questions about registration or sponsorship opportunities can be directed to 231.924.3681 or email loretta.towne@spectrumhealth.org.  TTQ participanys getting ready to run Stepping up for youth
If you’re a runner, more than likely you vividly recall the first time you finished a road race. Whether you tackled a 5k or went out for a more daring distance a unique kind of feeling arose when you completed that first one. In a way, it kind of changed things and allowed a new perspective on what was possible and what could be accomplished. So, here is an opportunity for you to share in that experience by taking on a 9 week commitment toward helping a young person capture what you felt after finishing your first. Prevention programs are aimed at helping to develop healthy behaviors early on to help impact substance abuse and mental health issues during adolescence and beyond.. Arbor Circle’s Total Trek Quest (TTQ) is one such prevention program and involves boys from 3rd to 5th grade. TTQ is a fun and interactive 9-week program. combining the physical activity of training for a 5k run and a curriculum focused on learning to set goals, building strong relationships, and making healthy choices. This is a very cool activity and a great way for volunteers to help make a difference in our community and they really need Coaches for the upcoming start of the Spring program. Our area boasts a boatload of runners, walkers, bikers etc. and the attendance consistency at our local fitness sites is impressive. We have a community of people dedicated to becoming healthier. And this is a way to step up for a group of young people. “In order to have a great season, we need to find some great coaches for our teams!” said Vicki Cavanaugh of Arbor Circle. “Coaches can be men or women; we are looking for a positive attitude and a passion for helping kids reach their full potential.“ “You do not need to be an experienced runner, just willing to move/walk/run with their team. High school juniors/seniors can be assistant coaches too! We need at least 2 coaches per 5-15 boys on a team. “We provide all the training and supplies needed to make this season great. Our teams practice 2 times a week –but even if you can coach for only 1 day a week, that is great!! “I can promise you that being a TTQ coach is an experience you will NEVER forget." For more information on becoming a TTQ coach, please contact Kimber Wager at kwager@arborcircle.org. “The best part of TTQ is hanging out with the boys, getting to know them, teaching them the love of running and helping them become better people”-TTQ Coach  Campsite set-up complete with the accompanying refreshment A Conversation with a Winter Camper By Charles Chandler Photos by Keith Payne Enough of this winter already. After the Freezing Season Winter Carnival, we were going to say goodbye to this long draw out mess. Winter was going to be over for good. (Note to your family, next year try and catch this Winter Carnival. Newaygo County Conservation Collaborative hosted their first ever Freezin' Seasons Winter Carnival at the Newaygo County Sports Park located behind the Newaygo County Welcome Center. This was a free family event that had been created to get everyone out to enjoy Michigan's magical winter months and try different winter activities. Standing by the warming fire at Graves Lodge and looking out over the snow-covered hills and the ice fishermen on Twin Lakes was as pretty as anything you will see up around Kalkaska. Burning hot dogs over the fire and the chili cookoff were my favorite parts. By the way, your Senator Jon Bumstead makes a tasty pot of chili.) Now as most Michiganders know winter is not over until it is good and ready to be over. We had a little temperature tease and then winter storm Ulmer dropped a cyclone bomb on us and we are right back in the thick of it. A few days ago, I was headed down slipping and sliding into the White Cloud Post Office when I saw Keith Payne loading a sleeping bag and a big alarm clock in his Toyota 4 X 4 truck. It was howdy and then Brew the resident Australian Cattle Dog started barking to be let out, and a big petting session was on and one thing led to another. Keith and Brew extended the invite and soon we were out of the wind and in the cozy Brick. The Brick is that building next door to the Post Office and the home and business of newcomers Keith and Darcy Payne. Back in the day, it was an old main Abstract Office. Now after a lot of hard work and a big makeover, it is a lovely, interesting space that you would expect to see in Colorado or Jackson Hole, Wy. The front end of the building is the office of Keith’s ZZ Wild Company. It appears to be a business office and a Patagonia retail camping gear store. The back end is a cozy functional home similar to those industrial lofts that you see in edgy architectural magazines. We settled around the coffee table with hot beverages, the table being an old refurbished railroad baggage dolly and the centerpiece was a small self-contained fire that flickering softly. Brew had been banished to her bed over by the old vault. Gym, the black rescue kitty was poised behind Darcey’s yellow Forsythia arrangement getting ready for a surprise attack on her pal Brew. Keith and Darcy are extreme recreational buffs and moved here to enjoy the year-round activities this area provides, be it hiking, kayaking, running, ATVs, cross-country skiing, fly fishing, you name it they are all in on the adventure. The Payne’s, and the N3 correspondent are gear heads and soon the conversation turned to the camping hammock that was hanging across the front of the Brick. I knew Keith was a winter camper because recently he was camping along the nearby White River in the Huron - Manistee National Forest and had sent a photo of his camp thermometer. It read – 13 degrees. Not being a seasonal camper, I asked him to talk a little about winter camping here in Newaygo County. To specifically focus on the folks that would-be first-time winter campers or those that were summer campers and wanted to extend their camping season. Keith: "I truly enjoy winter camping. The crisp days and those cold clear nights around a campfire in our snow-covered Michigan woodlands are indescribable and can only be experienced. We are exceedingly fortunate to have access to an abundance of winter camping opportunities. I do have a few tips that I can pass along to those folks looking for a new adventure or camping experience. For your first winter adventure I would suggest picking a camping location that has easy access and is close to a road. If things didn’t go as planned, you can retreat and hike back out to your car. One of my favorite winter camping spots is near White Cloud and where the North Country Trail (NCT) crosses Echo Drive. You can park off Echo Drive then hike north for about a half mile on the NCT until you reach the iron bridge that crosses the White River. At the iron bridge you can hike west along the high ridge. Along this ridge you will find some nice winter camping spots. You’re in the Huron- Manistee National Forest at this location and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted 'No Camping'. Stay well back from the White River as camping is not permitted within 200 feet of any body of water, except at designated sites. "I like to camp in stands of hemlocks or other evergreens and near water. I like the hemlocks because they provide an over shelter from snowfall and a windbreak. It is not the cold but the cold and the wind that will often be your challenge in winter camping. I also like to camp near small creeks because I like the taste of the fresh cold water better than snowmelt water. And I don’t have to carry stove fuel to melt snow for camp water. You have to be careful when getting water especially if there is shelf ice on the larger streams like the White. You never want to break through and get wet. When camping near water in the winter, you often get a chance to see a mink, otter or muskrat, all pluses because the animals are not as cautious in the winter season. The other reason that I like to camp near hemlocks is that in February the owls start nesting and are often in these hemlocks. At night you can hear them interacting with their neighbors and they are curious, and sometimes will drop down to see what your doing. Another one of my favorite camping areas is along Second Cole Creek and the NCT. You can park at the M 20 and NCT trailhead and then hike north along the trail for about a mile or so until you come to Second Cole Creek. There are some high banks and ridges there with stands of hemlocks. This spot is great for first timers because it too is in the National Forest, is near water and has easy access to the NCT and the road. "My favorite time to camp is during the full moon, right now my company, ZZ Wild, is sponsoring Mena Moon (hangs) camp outs every full moon in 2019. We like those winter full moon nights because the days are short and you will spend a lot of time in camp. On those full moon nights, it is often so bright until you won’t need a headlamp when in camp, sitting around the campfire, or going for short walks. Also, you will hear many sounds on winter nights that you would not at other times. The trees will pop and ice in the creeks move and crack. On those moonlit nights the deer are so much more active than in other seasons. Recently I actually had one bump into my hammock when I was camped along the White River. "As for that hammock, with any camping you always need gear to match the environment and season. For first timers I recommend trying out your winter camping gear in your backyard. Get a feel for the challenges of setting up your camp in the cold while wearing gloves. If you are trying a new piece of gear for the first time, or if you have a failure you want that to be in your backyard. Know before you go on your first winter camp out. I like the camping hammock because I am older and they are very comfortable and quick and easy to set up. There is a learning curve to using one, so I suggest that you learn to use one during your summer camping trips. Don’t make your winter camp out your first experience with a camping hammock. If you are comfortable with a tent, you can certainly use that as well. With a tent, you will need to take a shovel and clear the snow from the tent footprint. When sleeping on the ground you must use a quality sleeping pad like a Thermarest. "You will also need a top-quality sleeping bag. I recommend that is if you don’t have a four-season winter sleeping bag you can layer two bags. If you have a synthetic three season bag then you can use a smaller lighter down bag as a liner You will perspire when you sleep and the moisture will wick through the down bag and collect on the outside of the synthetic bag. When you get up in the morning all you have to do is shake the frost off the outer bag. Ensure that the sleeping bag is large enough so that you have some warm air around your body. A good tip is to not wear many clothes to bed and try to create the same environment that you have when you sleep at home. "For winter hiking and camping clothes, you have to dress in layers. I recommend that when you get out of your car you want to start out cold because when you hike and or snowshoe you will expend a lot of energy and will sweat if you are overdressed. Never get your base layer wet or go to bed damp because that increases your changes for hyperthermia or an uncomfortable night. Again, I start my hike slightly chilled and uncomfortable and then I don’t have to worry about sweating and having to change out my base layer when I set up camp or go to bed. I like to start with a one-piece base layer of Merino Wool for hiking and then layer up with a breathable windproof jacket and pants. When I am inactive in camp, I wear a heavy down Jacket and down pants. "For footwear, I wear my regular tail hiking shoes with a sealskinz waterproof liner and Merino Wool socks. Then over my shoes, I will wear a lightweight gaiter. My shoes aren’t Gore-Tex so they will get wet but they will dry out faster. Rubber boots won’t get wet but aren’t breathable and your feet will be wet from sweating. The same goes for leather hiking boots. When they get wet the often will freeze solid so that you can’t get them on in the morning. And most often if it is really cold, I will use one of the chemical toe warmers. I also carry a small waterproof bag and will put my shoes in the bag and inside my sleeping bag. In the morning they will be warm and almost dry. "Another great thing about winter camping is that you can take perishable foods. Generally, you aren’t going very far and you don’t have to worry about pack weight. Quite often I will take a T-bone steak and grill it over the campfire. I also recommend that before you go to bed have a bit of warm food, maybe some carbs but not something heavy and drink warm liquids. This will help you stay warm throughout the night. As a caution, you should drink plenty of liquids during winter hiking and camping because it is easy to get dehydrated in the cold weather. You often won’t be thirsty but you will need to drink plenty of liquids. Winter camping is not complicated and the rewards are many. Just take a few precautions and then take pride in being a four-season Michigan camper.” Along about this time Brew came over for another petting session and someone offered an adult beverage and the interview trailed off into questionable stories about fishing and other outdoor adventures. I also forgot to ask Keith about that alarm clock? You can follow Keith, Darcy, Brew, and Gym on the ZZ Wild Facebook page where Keith post videos of their adventures and he also teaches the occasional camping class at the Brick. Click on the following link for more details about camping in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hmnf/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=18536&actid=34  The perfect sleeper for campers?  Jermaine Galloway a.k.a. Tall Cop Tall Cop came to town last week. Jermaine Galloway who has spent the past 15 years delivering valuable information on how to impact underage drinking and drug abuse among youth to communities across the nation made a stop in Newaygo County to help spread the word on the latest drug trends. Over 200 people attended the presentation including school and hospital personnel, law enforcement. social workers and lots and lots of parents.They came to learn about those recent trends in the world of youth drug and alcohol abuse and from the reaction of the crowd they came away with an increased awareness of the subtleties and intricacies involved in the drug culture. In addition to the presentation a mock room was set up to help demonstare hidden clues that might indicate drug usage and clothing used innthe drug culture was on display as well. “The event had a great turn out!”said Rachel Uganski Project Coordinator of the Drug Free Communities. “It really demonstrated how much the Newaygo County community cares about their kids.” “Understanding the latest trends is key to preventing substance abuse for youth in Newaygo County. Prevention starts at home. Parents have the ability to talk often with their kids about the risks. Parents also have the ability to limit access to prescription drugs, tobacco, and alcohol in their homes” The biggest takeaway? “How vigilant we have to be in making sure our kids are safe from substance abuse. Drug Trends are constantly changing. You must know what you are looking for, the drug culture makes devices and substances discrete to evade detection.” Sponsored by Great Start Collaborative, Newaygo County Families Against Narcotics, and the Headway Coalition and held at NCRESA’s RCASCA site, the program helped to make attendance easier for parents by offering a free dinner as well as free child care. Newaygo County Undersheriff Chad Palmiter has been involved with the Headway Coalition prevention efforts for many years and was pleased at the number of community members who took the time to attend the event. “This was a great presentation for parents and families to learn about these trends, the way they are being used, and how the are constantly changing. Sometimes we tend to push these problems off, believing they affect only other areas of the state or country, however these issues occur right in our backyard and need to be taken seriously.” Concerned about local substance abuse issues in our community? Contact Headway at 231.652.3619 or via email at info@headwaynewaygo.org. They also have a facebook page. The sponsoring organizations would like to thank the following organizations for their help in making this presentation possible: White Cloud Church of God Ministry Center– for providing the cookies Sui Generis Home Furniture – Mock Room Set Up NC RESA – Technical support, and space Food Provided by: Mid-State Health Network Fraternal Order of Police Newaygo County Families Against Narcotics Great Start Collaborative  Gerber Memorial’s new urology practice is now open
FREMONT – Max Rizer, DO, a board-certified physician specializing in urology, has begun serving patients at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial. He will be at Gerber Memorial two days a week, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For the remainder of the week, Dr. Rizer will be at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. “Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is excited to welcome Dr. Max Rizer to Newaygo County and bring his expertise in urology to our community so our patients can get quality care close to home,” said Randy Kelley, Gerber Memorial president. “Dr. Rizer’s addition to our team of professional health providers is another way Gerber Memorial strives to meet the needs of our patients and the families we serve.” Dr. Rizer earned his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing. He completed his general surgery residency at Ingham Regional Medical Center in Lansing, Michigan and his urology residency at Michigan State University/Ingham Regional Medical Center in East Lansing. His clinical interests include urologic problems in men and women, including BPH (enlarged prostate), urinary incontinence, kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, elevated PSA evaluation, hematuria (blood in the urine) evaluation, urinary-related cancers, hydrocele treatment and vasectomy. Dr. Rizer began at Gerber Memorial on March 6. For further information, referrals or appointments, please call 231.924.1607.  Got questions about your lake? Want to hear about the options available for lake management? This Newaygo County Drain Office sponsored event looks to provide a little enligtenment toward helping us all become good stewards of our waterways. And the price of admission? Just a desire to obtain clear and accurate information from knowledgeable sources.  |
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