  Take Back Event Saturday 10am-2pm
The United States is currently experiencing an epidemic of prescription drug misuse and abuse. Opioid overdose deaths in Michigan have almost tripled in five years. To help turn the tide on this epidemic, The Headway Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is partnering with the Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network (Michigan OPEN) and Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office, Newaygo Police Department, Fremont Police Department, Grant Police Department to host four medication take-back events on Saturday, April 27 from 10-2PM. Ryan Doornbos Newaygo City Officer: "Improper drug disposal can lead to many problems for people and the environment. Proper disposal of drugs can prevent the negative and toxic effects on our environment that can take place if the drugs are not disposed of correctly. Safely disposing of drugs can also prevent them from getting into the hands of people who shouldn't have them. By participating in drug take back days you can keep unused medication literally out of your own backyards, and make Newaygo County safer for all". Did you know?
Community opioid and medication take-back events provide a safe process for disposing of unused medications while protecting our communities, children and environment. Please, remove the risk from your home and bring your unused opioids to the Headway Coalition medication take-back events at: Hometown Pharmacy – Newaygo Grant Fire Department Fremont Fire Department Family Health Care – White Cloud For more information or to find other take back event locations throughout Michigan, please visit http://michigan-open.org/
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 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.  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. |
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