 From left to right, Standing: Phil Green, True North. Amy Wilson, The ASH Network. Phillip Santellan, DHD10. Chad Palmiter, Newaygo County Undersheriff. Sitting: Christina Yuhasz, NCRESA. Nicole Klomp, Arbor Circle. Shelly Klochack, Corwell Health. Liz McCall, DHD10. Kneeling: Tyler Wigent, Headway Coordinator & DHD10 Headway members sharpen skills at recent conference
Members of Headway, Newaygo Counties Substance Use Prevention Coalition, attended the CADCA conference in Chicago recently. This is a national conference providing the opportunity to expand knowledge, sharpen skills and collaborate ideas that empowers communities to make positive change. “Collaborating as a team in our community is essential to make a difference!” states Tyler Wigent, Headway Coordinator. Headway members from DHD10, Newaygo County Sheriff's Dept., Arbor Circle, NCRESA, Corewell Health, and True North, demonstrate the team effort to improve the health and safety of our communities. Shelly Klochack, a Corewell Health Community Nurse Educator states, “Sheriff Bob Mendham and undersheriff Chad Palmiter have been instrumental through the years supporting this work, including leading the Prescription Drug Action Team and Prescription Drug Take Back Program. I am always impressed with the coalition members dedication to improve our communities.”
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 Pitch North Competition 2022 held at Heritage Farm Local entrepreneurs will pitch business ideas for a chance at $5,000 during a live pitch competition being held August 7 in Hart.
NEWAYGO COUNTY, MICH. (July 19, 2024): Two Newaygo County entrepreneurs have been selected as five finalists who will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges during the annual Pitch North competition. Pitch North is the region’s first-of-its-kind entrepreneurial pitching competition where entrepreneurs living in Lake, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties can pitch their ideas for a chance at one of five cash prizes. Finalists will compete for the chance to win their share of more than $11,000 in cash and prizes to bring their ideas to life. The live pitch event will be held at The West Michigan Research Station in Hart on August 7, 2024, from 4pm to 6pm. The 2024 Pitch North finalists are:
Each finalist will be given five minutes to present their business idea followed by a chance to answer questions from Pitch North judges. Pitch North is open to anyone who would like to attend to support the entrepreneurs. To attend the free live event, register at The Right Place | Pitch North 2024 by August 5. Event creator and Newaygo County’s Senior Economic Development Director, Julie Burrell, shared “Over the last five years, Pitch North has supported 25 entrepreneurs as finalists with more than $50,000 in cash awards that have allowed them to serve our rural communities and contribute to our local economies. We look forward to seeing our 2024 finalists continue this impact.”  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. 
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] |
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