 A word from the Clean-up Crew
The 8th Annual Muskegon River Clean-up, sponsored by Muskegon River Clean-up Company, LLC is scheduled for Saturday, August 3, 2019. This is a free event, however parking fees will be collected. Registration and launch is between 9am and noon at the Bridgeton Township Launch Site and culminates at the Maple Island Launch Site throughout the day. Upon arriving at Maple Island, registered participants, that have collected trash from the river, will be given a ticket for a hot dog lunch, while supplies last, and a prize ticket. At 5pm sharp, at the Maple Island Launch Site, we will give away at least 10 kayaks, along with other items. Last year 519 people participated in this event. Over the past 7 years we have removed 20,583 beverage containers, 50 to 60 tires, a few tons of green treated lumber, over 500 flip flops, and countless phones, sunglasses and lighters from the river. Some of the stranger items removed were 2 sewing machines, a bowling ball, a large electric motor, a 9.8hp outboard and a metal bed. Last year alone, we removed 4326 beverage containers, 1 chair, 1 milk can, 114 flip flops, 25 pairs of goggles and glasses, 18 lighters, 1 cell phone, 12 tires, 1 garbage can, miscellaneous animal bones, scrap iron and treated wood, along with general trash. We recycle what items we can and that money is used to help fund the following year’s event. The most discouraging thing is that we have cleaned this area for 7 years now and still continue to get a dump truck full of trash each year. We would like to thank the Bridgeton Township Board, West Michigan Wildlife Association and Muskegon Watershed Assembly for their support over the years. Won’t you join us on Saturday, August 3rd for an enjoyable day on the Muskegon River and help us keep it clean? For additional information or to donate, please contact Jerry at 231-578-5465.
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 Newaygo High School senior Sophia Frisbie waits for a fastball to drop her in the dunk tank on Wednesday, July 17, at the National Baby Food Festival. Gerber Memorial thanks community for supporting dunk tank fundraiser Money will support community health programs, from school wellness to support groups FREMONT– Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial on Wednesday, July 24, thanked the Newaygo County community for helping raise more than $350 for local community health programs, by chipping in loose change for a dunk tank at the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce’s recently concluded National Baby Food Festival. “Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is grateful for all the people who donated to the dunk tank fundraiser and support local programs that help bring health and wellness to Newaygo County school kids and families,” said Loretta Towne, Spectrum Health Foundation Gerber Memorial specialist. “We’re thankful to see people from all backgrounds and of all ages step up to support programs throughout our community to help families achieve their health and wellness goals. We had some great head-to-head matchups throughout the week and folks had a lot of fun getting people they know take a quick dip.” Gerber Memorial’s community health programs include childhood nutrition seminars, wellness education for more than 4,000 elementary students in the county, tobacco cessation classes and support groups. One of the marquee dunk-tank matchups pitted Newaygo High School Principal Brad Reyburn against Fremont High School Assistant Principal Brett Westerlund to see who would raise more money. The Saturday, July 20, showdown moments before a massive thunderstorm fell on Fremont ended in a tie: Both men, dressed in their respective school shirts, raised $35 each during their 30-minute stints in the tank. Justin Aman, Tamarac Wellness Center supervisor, raised $60 during his hourlong shift in the tank on Friday, July 19, trying mightily to catch the $62 that was ultimately the record for an hour-long one-person shift, set by Newaygo High School senior Sophia Frisbie in the tank on Wednesday, July 17, with the help of Gerber Memorial Administrative Assistant Kerri Wiseman serving as the designated “heckler” challenging passersby to dunk Frisbie. “We could not have done this without the brave volunteers who stepped into the dunk tank and took a dip in cold water for the sake of supporting our community health programs, and we want to express our deepest thanks to them,” Towne said. National Baby Food Festival Co-coordinator Sydney Baird presented Towne with the total $355 raised on Wednesday. For more information about the Foundation at Gerber Memorial, contact Towne at 231.924.3681 or email [email protected]. For questions about the NBFF or the Gerber Memorial dunk tank fundraiser, contact the Fremont Chamber of Commerce at 231.924-0770.  National Baby Food Festival Co-coordinator Sydney Baird presents Loretta Towne, Spectrum Health Foundation Gerber Memorial specialist, with the $355 raised at the dunk tank.  The celebration for the National Baby Food Festival’s “First Baby Born” included (left to right) in front, Geoff Lineberry and Kaely Jewett holding baby Lorelei; in back, Maureen Ruiter RN, Jayne Guikema of Chemical Bank, Cheryl Schuiteman of Gerber Parent Resource Center, Monica Hoffmann RN and Raul Andino MD. Gerber Memorial Welcomes “First Baby Born” in Annual National Baby Food Festival Contest
Fremont –Holding three days past her due date, Lorelei Louise Lineberry was born into stardom. Parents Kaely Jewett of Fremont and Geoff Lineberry of Muskegon welcomed their first child at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial and received welcoming gifts from the local community. Born on Thursday, July 18, at 7:22 p.m., Lorelei was awarded the National Baby Food Festival “First Baby Born” honor. Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is a proud sponsor of the NBFF First Baby Born which is awarded to the baby born closest to a random date and time selected during the four-day festival in Fremont. This year, the designated date and time was Thursday, July 18 at 10 a.m. Lorelei was born closest to that day and time. “She was born a winner,” Jewett said. “Lorelei is a very special little girl already. She is being welcomed into this world being showered with gifts.” Along with Lorelei’s award, the family also received gifts from local businesses, including the OB/GYN and Delivery teams at Gerber Memorial, Gerber Parents Resource Center, Chemical Bank, Fremont Chamber of Commerce, Joan and Co., Fairview Floral and Gingerly Cleaning.
“If you saw a heat wave would you wave back?” Steven Wright.
All kidding aside it is hot and it is going to be hot for a bit so when we received these tips from these kind folks at Spectrum of how to handle said heat (and humidity) we moved quickly (well, as quickly as one can in this weather) to bring them to our readers. 1. Don’t exercise outside during periods of extreme heat. Runners should target mornings and evenings, when it’s cooler. Exercise increases your core body temperature and decreases your level of dehydration, so hydration before and during exercise is important. Dehydration can lead to exertional heat stroke, which is one of the top killers of athletes in training-Spectrum Health Manager of Athletic Training Outreach Phillip Adler 2. Avoid sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages because they can dehydrate you. If you’re dehydrated, your body loses its ability to appropriately regulate temperature. One sports drink a day is fine, but water should be your go-to drink. -Associate Director of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Emergency Dept. Dr. Erica Michiels 3. Monitor the water intake of children. Just because you provide water, doesn’t mean they’re drinking it. Plus, children sweat less than adults, which makes it more difficult for them to cool off. For children and adults spending time outside, one solid “glug” of water every 10 minutes is a good idea. -Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Specialist Jennifer Hoekstra 4. Take a dip, or at least sponge off with cool water. Cool water can quickly lower your body temperature, so jump in a lake or pool. If that’s not an option, grab a wet towel or washcloth. The evaporation of water off your skin, especially in conjunction with circulating air, will cool you down. -Spectrum Health Injury Prevention Coordinator Meaghan Crawley 5. If you’re on medication, be extra cautious. Some medications, including those for high blood pressure, cardiac conditions and mental illness, can put children and adults at greater risk of dehydration, particularly when the heat index is above 90 degrees. If you’re taking medication, put an extra focus on staying hydrated. -Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Specialist Jennifer Hoekstra 6. Keep an eye on friends and neighbors. No one is immune from heat-related illnesses, but certain populations are more susceptible, including senior citizens, children and those who work or exercise outside in the extreme heat. Check on them twice a day. -Spectrum Health Injury Prevention Coordinator Meaghan Crawley 7. Water, water, water! Especially if you’re pregnant During pregnancy, blood volume increases 30-50 percent so added hydration is important. Dehydration in pregnancy can lead to light headedness, fatigue and lower blood pressures. Call your health care provider if you do not feel well after being in the heat and you have tried resting with plenty of water intake. -Spectrum Health OB/GYN Dr. Kania McGhee  Empowerment Network Turns Twenty
It began with a vision to get mental health consumers integrated into the community in a safe recovery focused environment, and has culminated, more than 20 years later, with the Empowerment Network purchasing their own building and celebrating a milestone anniversary. A drop in center, in which people with mental illness can have a safe place to grow in their recovery, became a goal for Newaygo County in the late 1990's. After meeting in church basements to plan the transition from day programs to a drop in center, a core group of consumers and Newaygo County Mental Health professionals moved forward to rent a space in the Hendon and Slate plaza. People in recovery from a mental illness were able to stop in for a meal and activities. The center grew exponentially, and Gabrielle Blackwell was hired in 2003 to run the program and in 2006, Jan Flinton was added to the staff as activities coordinator. When the program outgrew the small space, the Empowerment Network moved downtown to 5 E. Main, its present location. Extensive remodeling, including a kitchen, was added to the building. Later, a resale shop was added to the front of the building to provide opportunities to interact with the public, learn retail skills and generate income for the center. Today the program serves more than 150 members. It provides a safe, supportive environment for those who have shared similar experiences with the goal of helping them to live productive and independent lives. It is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of members, who are also consumers of mental health services. Many individuals have gained valuable experience through being involved with internships working in the store, assisting with meal preparation, cleaning or providing outreach. Many resources are available at the Empowerment Network, including internet access, creative activities, a family style meal, assistance with community services, physical and recreational activities and laundry facilities. Empowerment Network also runs a clothing closet and food pantry, providing needed resources for those in our community. In May of 2019 the Empowerment Network purchased the building it had rented for many years. Peggy DeYoung was added as the new assistant director and the hours have been expanded to include Fridays. An Open House was held on May 15th to celebrate the 20th anniversary and more than 60 community members stopped in to celebrate this milestone. Plans are being made to add a handicapped accessible bathroom and their Facebook page and website have been redesigned. Check empowermentnetwork.net for a schedule of activities, support groups, volunteer opportunities or ways to make a donation and help the Empowerment Network continue to grow and serve the community.  L-R Jason Wolford, Katie Wolford, Victoria Walker Gerber Memorial nurse receives award for going above and beyond Fremont – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial surprised Victoria Walker, registered nurse, with the DAISY Award after being nominated by Katie Wolford of Fremont. The award recognizes exceptional nurses – and in Walker’s case, helping bring a party to the patient’s bedside. On Feb. 15, Wolford sought care at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial. The trip turned into an admission and emergency surgery. Her youngest of three children, Kevin, was turning 8 years old just two days later. Due to her surgery and recovery, Wolford and her husband, Jason, had no choice but to cancel their son’s birthday party that was to take place the following day, on Saturday, Feb. 16. “Kevin was taking my surgery and me being gone pretty hard and I felt so bad not being there. The last thing that we wanted to do was to cancel his birthday party,” Katie Wolford said. “Jason and our children came to the hospital Sunday, Kevin’s birthday, to visit me and Victoria came in the room with a piece of cake, some ice cream and sang happy birthday to him. This made him feel so special. Victoria was not only attentive to me, but to my family. She is a great nurse and I want her to know how grateful we are for her and her care.” For Walker, bringing cake and ice cream – and a little cheer – was all part of the job. “I don’t believe my actions were going above and beyond,” she said. “From our conversations, I knew that Katie was devastated that they had to cancel Kevin’s birthday. As a mother myself, I know how important your children are and you want everything to be perfect. I couldn’t change the situation, but I could bring in cake and ice cream and turn an unfortunate situation into something memorable. I am proud to be a nurse and will do whatever is necessary to make sure our patients are well cared for, even if it means throwing a birthday party in an unlikely location.” A signature program of the DAISY Foundation, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognizes individual nurses and clinical teams throughout the year for their extraordinary, compassionate care. More than 3,600 health care facilities and nursing schools across the US and in 21 other countries participate every year. “The DAISY Awards were created to express gratitude to nurses around the world for their compassion and Victoria is a model for all of us when it comes to compassion and caring,” said Meleah Mariani, chief nursing officer with Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial. “Our nurses take great pride in their job and are accustomed to going above and beyond. While they don’t ask for any recognition, I am grateful this award has been established so we can show our nursing staff how much we appreciate their care, compassion and dedication to the patients and community we serve.” For more information about The DAISY Award and the Foundation’s other recognition of nurses, faculty and students, visit www.DAISYfoundation.org. Patients, visitors, nurses, physicians, and associates are encouraged to nominate a deserving nurse by filling out the nomination form at reception located at the main hospital entrance. Completed forms can be dropped off or emailed to [email protected].   Thursday (July 11) event aims to support the program
One of the truly great things that are indelibly attached to summer if you’re a Newaygo County kid is Summer Magic, an organized and supervised play site for kids in 3 of our towns 4 days a week. It is open ended with few requirements other than a willingness to play well with others, a desire for fun intermingled with some rather imaginative educational programs and the chance to do some very cool things like scuba dive and go on field trips. Lewis Farms is up next.The cost for this? A mere 2 bucks a day and not required for participation. The program is so popular that the numbers have exceeded expectations so there is a dire need for more staff. The problem is funding those necessary positions. Want to help? The folks at NC PCA (Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect) the organization that operates Summer Magic will be holding an event this Thursday July 11th at Brooks Park from 630-8pm. The informal gathering will include music, information and a few personal accounts to help tell the story of what puts the magic into Summer Magic. And if you know a couple of kids who have been going to Summer Magic ask them, or better yet, ask their parents, how much the program means to them. And please you can’t come down but would still like to donate? Call 231-689-5220.  Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s 19th annual golf fundraiser attracted 80 golfers on June 21. The event raised $12,500 to benefit Gerber Memorial’s community health programs Gerber Memorial golf event raises $12,500 for community health
FREMONT– On a sunny break in a week of rain, 80 golfers teed up to raise $12,500 during Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s annual golf scramble held at Waters Edge Golf Course on Friday, June 21. Proceeds from the 19th annual fundraiser are going to Gerber Memorial’s community health programs, ranging from childhood nutrition and wellness education for more than 4,000 elementary students in Newaygo County to tobacco cessation classes and support groups. “Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is grateful to all the sponsors and golfers who took the opportunity to have fun and support a great cause that aims to improve the health of our community,” said Loretta Towne, Spectrum Health Foundation Gerber Memorial specialist. “Gerber Memorial’s community health program makes the healthy choice the easy choice for the families we serve. By empowering families with health and wellness resources, Gerber Memorial is helping people live healthier lives, which can strengthen our community well into the future.” The morning started with a continental breakfast and pre-tee-off warm up tips from Gerber Memorial Rehabilitation Services Supervisor Matt Zahl, a functional golf specialist of the Gray Institute. Golfers enjoyed many hole-in-one opportunities as well as other contests. A highlight was the “mutt mulligans” where hospital therapy dogs greeted the golfers and offered some chipping assistance. After golf was completed, attendees enjoyed an outdoor lunch, catered by Lakes 23 Restaurant & Pub, where raffle prizes were drawn, and awards handed out. The overall winning team shot a 49 and was from Shoreline Vision. The team included David Rawlinson, Joshua Metzger, Nathan Gilmore and Todd Riker. Awards were also given out to the top teams in the mixed division and the women’s division. The 20th annual event will take place in June 2020. To learn more about supporting Gerber Memorial’s community health programs or the Spectrum Health Foundation Gerber Memorial, please contact Loretta Towne at 231.924.3681 or email [email protected].  Prayer Garden at Fremont UMC UMC Garden Tour this Saturday July 13, 2019 from 9 am to 3 pm.
By Ken DeLaat “The garden is a love song, a duet between a human being and Mother Nature.” -Jeff Cox Before I made any attempts at any level of gardening beyond the occasional cutting of grass, my view of gardens was somewhat indifferent. Oh, there was appreciation for the beauty to be sure, but never having really nestled my fingers in the dirt with much purpose any awareness of what it took to create that beauty just kind of evaded me. Things like marriage and home ownership (especially marriage) eventually led to more personal exposure to the challenges involved in creating a desired atmosphere in an outdoor setting. These days a walk through an impressive piece of landscaping touches a deeper admiration for the results and particularly the efforts that led to the results. And coming up is a chance to check out some local gardening gems. This coming Saturday, July 13th (9am-3pm) the Fremont United Methodist Church Garden Tour and Salad Luncheon will be providing a quintet of local gardens geared toward providing a bit of horticultural happiness to visitors. Gardens on the tour include: Eric and Judy Renouf, 5850 W. 112th Fremont Rosalie Muma, 1988 Cree Rd, Fremont Ben and Linda Landheer, 7344 W. Lake Dr, Fremont Ben Knapp, 5620 W 100th St. Fremont Memorial Garden and Prayer Garden at Fremont United Methodist Church, 351 Butterfield St. Fremont Tickets for the Garden Tour are $7.00 and include a complimentary refreshment and bar cookies at the church. Tickets for the garden tour are available at the church (351 Butterfield St. Fremont) and will be available the day of the event at each of the gardens The Salad Luncheon is a separate price of $7.00 and includes a variety of salads and a ham sandwich. In addition you will find a variety of garden related craft items for sale and (of course) what would a church event be without the traditional bake sale? This is a great event and a chance to see some of our area’s finest flora. The bonus is that all proceeds go toward the mission projects supported by the United Methodist Women and the church. Great gardens, good cause, and, from what I understand... Some truly outstanding salads at the luncheon. “A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.”-Liberty Hyde Bailey  These days health care is about making choices, and when choosing a team to help you through the healing process, a key element in making this decision is trust. The firm belief in the integrity and ability of another person or organization. The staff of White Cloud Physical Therapy and River Valley Physical Therapy have built a legacy of trust with their experience, professionalism and commitment to providing exceptional services to the people who have entered their doors over the years. With personalized care at the cornerstone of their treatment philosophy, the therapists at River Valley recognize the importance of establishing a partnership with their patients and working toward a common goal of providing relief and recovery to the issues that bring them to the facility. Personalized care means more than being a health advocate. It involves establishing an alliance with those who come to the facility seeking treatment, restoration, improvement and prevention. “I believe that our greatest asset at WCPT and RVPT is our ability to incorporate our own personal values into our work. Each and every person working with WCPT and RVPT has a passion to serve others. This means we have the ability to show greater support to the specific cause you care about as a patient or client.” No one likes to wait when it comes to health care and these days access to services can involve lengthy periods between referral and appointments. This is why at WCPT and RVPT they provide a 48 hour turnaround, meaning once a referral is made, an evaluation is scheduled within 48 hours. Whether seeking to reduce or eliminate pain, improve mobility, recover from a sports-related or other injury, their approach includes a prevention component to forestall future problems. Following therapy, patients are given a free trial membership at the workout facility in White Cloud to ensure a healthy aftercare program is available to them. We always try our best to focus on the details, accommodate any special requests and go the extra mile to show that we care. A local group with over 50 years of combined experience in providing PT services to the community, the staff has received many kudos for the work they do. Missy R. “Great people. I really like how thorough they are with therapy.“ Rene P. “Great people, great service, they have gone above and beyond to help me get ‘normal’ again." Shirleen D. “The staff is always friendly, I wouldn't go anywhere else.” Tracy R. “This place is awesome from the staff to the facility, best kept secret in the county.” The staff of River Valley PT and White Cloud PT are locally invested community members with a passion for helping others in their journey to better health and a combined commitment toward making that journey an exceptional experience. “We try and provide a caring, fun atmosphere, where healing takes place both physically and emotionally. “Oh, and the coffee’s always on.” Combine a phenomenal staff, well-equipped facilities, easy access to services, a bit of fun and consistently positive results, and you will likely find yourself at White Cloud PT and River Valley PT. And if you do? We believe you chose well. |
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