 Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial offers free cooking classes with focus on flavor, nutrition and budget
Fremont, Mich., Aug. 20, 2021 – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is offering a free four-week cooking series in September. Cooking Matters for Adults classes will be held every Wednesday, Sept. 8 through Sept. 29, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Tamarac, 1401 W. Main St. in Fremont. During each 90-minute hands-on class, participants will learn how to prepare and shop sensibly for healthy meals on a limited budget. Participants must commit to attending all four classes. The series includes free take home groceries to practice the recipes taught in class and an information packed Cooking Matters manual. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, call 231.924.3073. “Gerber Memorial is excited to offer free cooking classes that anyone can join to get some important tips and tricks so they can make tasty, nutritious and affordable meals anytime,” said Erica Jordan, Gerber Memorial community health program specialist who will help lead the classes. “Our Cooking Matters classes are ideal for families that want to learn how to quickly make healthy budget-friendly meals on busy weeknights or make better choices when they go to the grocery store. We encourage everyone in our community to sign up for these helpful free classes.”
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 Photo courtesy of Mich. DNR From our friends at DHD#10 August 24, 2021 – District Health Department #10 was notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that algae blooms were detected on Hardy Dam Pond in Newaygo County. After learning about what looked like algae blooms on Hardy Dam Pond, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) took samples on August 11 which were sent to the MDHHS lab where results came back positive for microcystin, an algal toxin released by some types of algae in lakes or rivers. Algae blooms can form when there are high nutrient levels within bodies of water along with warm temperatures. Additional testing will take place again the week of August 23rd and MDHHS is notifying homeowners about the initial test results. “Algae blooms look like a green mat right on top of the water that smells bad and has a gelatinous texture to them,” stated Tom Reichard, Environmental Health Director for DHD#10. “The algal toxins that are released can be harmful to aquatic life, pets, and humans so it is very important to avoid these areas.” Below are some steps to take when near waterways:
Contact with algae blooms can cause minor illness in humans but can be fatal to pets. Therefore, it is also recommended that people keep their pets out of the water that shows any signs of algae blooms. People and pets can experience the following symptoms after exposure to algae blooms:
If you think you have been exposed to algae blooms, take the following precautions:
 “I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”- Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally Great scene from one of the better rom/com offerings. But as with many movies with such upbeat finales I eventually ponder how things went beyond the happy ending. There never seems to be a flash forward when 2 kids, a dog, a house to maintain, jobs to attend to, school functions, day care issues, money problems and other circumstances unite in an attempt to wrest away the final vestiges of romance. Because while falling in love seems relatively easy, staying in love can be a tad more challenging depending on how a couple responds to the stressors life brings. In this case I give Harry and Sally a good shot. Mainly because their relationship was cemented in friendship before discovering they were in love. And when it comes to marriage, friendship gets you through a whole lot of things Love is (hopefully) always there but when things begin to get tough it’s more than likely to be Friendship carrying the load when needed. Here’s to the most recent applicants for marriage licenses courtesy of the Newaygo County Clerk's Office. May their love and friendship continue to thrive. Curtis Muma, Fremont & Amber Wakefield, Fremont Kenneth Wert Jr., Grant & Alicia Rowland, Lakeview Channing Gaffney, Grant & Amanda Gregory, Grant Ryan Whetzel, Fremont & Nicole Veenstra, Fremont Stephanie Wilson, Newaygo & Aaron Dirette, Newaygo Felicia Wooley, Newaygo & Colton Christopher, Ravenna Erickah Kansankiewicz, Grant & Nathan Crandall, Grant Makayla Borgman, Fremont & Jordan Brandt, White Cloud Cy Frankenhouser, Hesperia & Melissa Maddox, Fremont Jennifer Vis, Grant & Nico Rodriguez, Grant Chris Root, White Cloud & Tori Lauer, White Cloud “A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.”-Dave Meurer  L-R Carolyn Bloodworth, Sherry Mauer, Shirley Poll, John Broschak, Adam Monroe, and Rich Houtteman “A No Brainer”-CE Veep Photos by Lil De Laat It was an evening of celebration and recognition as the vision of a renovation for the Croton Community Church took a giant leap toward becoming a reality. On Monday, August 9th, The Consumers Energy Foundation stepped up big time to give this initiative some serious traction by awarding the Croton Historical Society $25,000 toward the refurbishing efforts. The church was filled with folks from the Croton community and beyond as the big check presentation culminated efforts to provide this venerable house of worship with a well deserved facelift. The Croton Community Church was built in 1871 and is a landmark for Croton Township. This year is the 150-year anniversary of this historical building, one of the first entities to receive electricity when the Croton Dam was put into service in 1907.The original 1871 bell is still sounded before services on Sundays. The First Congregational Society was organized in 1871, but by 1911 that congregation had ceased to exist. The Croton Religious Society was deeded by George Erwin, who had earlier established the Croton power plant and had purchased the Church building. In August of 1942 the steeple was hit by lightning during the night. It was decided to dismantle the steeple and plans were drawn up to put a roof on the cupola. With funds gathered from around the area and a Bingo party at the Croton School the resources were secured to fix the damage. Ernie Whitmore (who worked for Consumers and lived across the street on Division) temporarily secured boards with a rope until they could start restoration. And now, thanks to the added support of the Consumers Energy Foundation a new restoration is soon to begin. During the presentation Consumers Energy VP John Broschak expanded on the long relationship between Croton Township and Consumers, stating that while they get thousands of grant requests a year, this one was a “no brainer”.  The Gerber Foundation supports grants for youth programming (from 0-18 years of age) within a four-county area in West Michigan that includes: Lake, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties. A special emphasis is placed on projects focused on:
The Gerber Foundation grant guidelines can be found at: www.gerberfoundation.org/west-michigan-grants-youth-services/. All grant applications must be submitted online at https://gerberfoundation.smartsimple.com by September 15, 2021, at 4pm ET. If you have questions about the West Michigan Grant application process call the Gerber Foundation office at 231.924.3175 or email tgf@gerberfoundation.org.  Strongly recommending universal masking, promoting vax
From our friends at MDHHS: LANSING, Mich. - Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued updated recommendations for schools designed to help prevent transmission of COVID-19 within school buildings, reduce disruptions to in-person learning and help protect vulnerable individuals and individuals who are not fully vaccinated. Because many students have yet to be vaccinated and students under age 12 are not yet eligible, layered prevention measures, including universal masking, must be put in place for consistent in-person learning to keep kids, staff and families safe. The guidance has been updated to reflect the most current recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on masking and prevention strategies to help operate schools more safely. Mask use has been proven to substantially reduce transmission in school settings. "We are committed to ensuring Michigan students and educators are safe in the classroom, including those who may not yet be vaccinated," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. "MDHHS is issuing this guidance to help protect Michiganders of all ages. We continue to urge all eligible residents to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible as it is our best defense against the virus and the way we are going to end this pandemic." MDHHS recommends that all schools adopt policies to:
The key strategies recommended by the CDC to keep schools safer are outlined below: 1. Promoting Vaccination against COVID-19 for eligible staff and students. Vaccination has proven incredibly effective as the leading public health prevention strategy. Promoting vaccination can help schools more safely maintain in-person learning as well as extracurricular activities and sports. 2. Requiring Consistent and Correct Mask Use for all a) Schools should mandate universal masking for students, staff, teachers and visitors. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. This prevention strategy is crucial to allowing students to maintain in-person learning. b) Local health departments should work with schools to adopt universal masking policies. c) Mask use has been proven to substantially reduce transmission in school settings. d) CDC has recommendations for proper use of masks. e) CDC’s order requires all persons – regardless of vaccination status – to wear masks on public transportation, including school buses. 3. Physical Distancing CDC recommends schools maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor mask wearing by students, teachers, and staff, regardless of vaccination status. a) A distance of at least 6 feet is recommended between students and educators, and between educators/staff who are not fully vaccinated. b) Mask use by all students, educators, staff, and visitors is particularly important when physical distance cannot be maintained. c) Because of the importance of in-person learning, schools should not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement. When it is not possible to maintain a 3 foot physical distance, it is especially important to layer multiple other prevention strategies, such as indoor masking, screening testing, and improved ventilation, to help reduce transmission risk. 4. Screening Testing identifies infected people, including those without symptoms who may be contagious, so that measures can be taken to prevent further transmission or outbreaks. a) To support schools that incorporate COVID-19 testing into their safer school prevention plans, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering rapid antigen testing to Pre-K-12 schools through the MI Safe Schools Testing Program. 5. Ventilation a) Improving ventilation by opening multiple doors and windows, using child-safe fans to increase the effectiveness of open windows, and making changes to the HVAC or air filtration systems. b) Avoiding crowded and/or poorly ventilated indoor activities (e.g., engaging in outdoor activities when possible). c) Open or crack windows in buses and other forms of transportation to improve air circulation, if doing so does not pose a safety risk. 6. Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette: Promoting handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes. 7. Staying Home When Sick and Getting Tested a) Encouraging students and staff to stay home if sick or having COVID-19 symptoms. b) Encouraging students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to get tested for COVID-19 if having symptoms or if they are a close contact of someone who has COVID-19. 8. Contact Tracing, in combination with quarantine, and collaborating with the local health department. 9. Cleaning and Disinfection: cleaning once a day is usually enough to sufficiently remove potential virus that may be on surfaces. Disinfecting (using disinfectants on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency COVID-19 list) removes any remaining germs on surfaces, which further reduces any risk of spreading infection. CDC has information on routine cleaning to help maintain healthy facilities. Together with local public health officials, school administrators should consider multiple factors when they make decisions about implementing layered prevention strategies against COVID-19. Since schools typically serve their surrounding communities, decisions can be based on the school population, families and students served, as well as their communities. Robust layering strategies will consider the following primary factors:
 We had 96 classmates, including spouses, respond to our committee's invitation to celebrate our 50th year after graduation. The Reunion Committee was Randy Puff, Dawn Millis Stroven, Vonda Harrington, Marcia Johnson, and Holly Moon. Pretty impressive attendance with class members coming from as far away as Arizona, Florida, Minnesota and Arkansas! Lakes 23 was a beautiful venue for all to get re-aquainted and catch-up on everyone's families and lives. If you missed this one, we are planning the next reunion in 5 years. More pictures can be found on Facebook: Fremont Class of 1971 Reunion - Hollie Schipper, photographer. In honor of the Class of ‘71 here’s a peek back at their graduation year.
TV How about the debut of All in the Family, a show that grabbed the top spot and stayed there for years? It was the year Flip Wilson introduced us to Geraldine while Marcus Welby was everyone's favorite doc and Mary Tyler Moore led a cast of characters that would charm viewers for 7 more years. News Charlie Manson and many of his family members were found guilty inn the Helter Skelter case and the U.S. shook off the drama of Apollo 13 and took two trips to the moon and back. Disney World opened in Florida, the first Starbucks opened in Seattle and skyjacker DB Cooper opened a parachute and dove off a 727 in the Pacific Northwest with 200 grand never to be found or heard from again,. A compelling case the FBI finally gave up investigating….in 2016. Sports Joe Frazier took the heavyweight title from Muhammed Ali in the first of their 3 epic battles and Jack Nicklaus won the PGA the 10th of his 18 majors. The Pirates, with Willie Stargell and Roberto Clemente on the field, won the World Series. The Bucks took the NBA title behind Lew Alcindor who would soon to change his name to Kareem Abdul Jabbar and the Baltimore Colts defeated the Cowboys in Super Bowl V then 13 years later changed their first name to Indianapolis. Film The movies brought us Billy Jack, Dirty Harry and Popeye Doyle, Gene Hackman's Oscar winning character in The French Connection. Rom Coms were rare at the time but A New Leaf and the cult classic Harold and Maude were quirky yet had their romantic moments. Music While Joy to the World, Maggie May, and One Bad Apple topped the charts it was How Can You Mend a Broken Heart that couples slow danced to and Take Me Home Country Roads was the top sing along tune. And every girl with a stereo had Carole King's Tapestry album. Congrats Class of 1971! Carry on.  Service Above Self Award Winner Carolyn Hummel honored by Rotary By Lola Harmon-Ramsey On June 28, 2021 the Fremont Rotary Club hosted its annual picnic at Lakes23 in Fremont. Part of this annual event is honoring a community member with a “Service Above Self” award. Service Above Self is one of the highest honors a Rotary club can bestow to an individual. This year, Fremont resident Carolyn Hummel was the individual recipient of this award. What Carolyn thought was an invitation to speak to the local Rotarians about the Newaygo County Pickleball Club turned into a stealth undercover presentation about Carolyn herself and her contributions to Fremont and other non-profit organizations. Carolyn’s leadership and selflessness goes far beyond pickleball. Carolyn attended The Ohio State University, which, if you meet Carolyn in person, cannot be looked past as she is usually proudly decked out in Buckeye gear. Carolyn had a rewarding career in education and retired as the Principal of Fremont Middle School. Her former coworker and current superintendent of Fremont Public Schools, Ken Haggart, said of Carolyn, “As the Middle School Principal for 11 years, Carolyn was a leader, teacher, role-model, friend and confidant. She helped many families in need with money, food and other assistance as needed. She loved all kids and believed every middle student could be successful.” Even in retirement Carolyn has found many ways to stay involved with her community. You can often find her baking her famous rolls or buckeyes in her kitchen and sharing them with her friends and family. Previously you could find her volunteering at a number of local organizations such as the Fremont Methodist Church, Kids Hope USA, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, and Friends of the Fremont Library. Carolyn is currently a board member of the Ohio State Alumni of West Michigan and chairman of the Scholarship committee. Carolyn is also currently serving in many roles at the Fremont Area Community Foundation. At the Community Foundation, Carolyn has held a number of roles such as Trustee of the Board, Youth Advisory Council advisor, Distribution Committee member, Kickstart to Career liaison member, Chairman of the Education Committee and most recently accepted the Trustee at Large position on the Executive Committee. Carla Roberts, Fremont Area Community Foundation President and CEO remarked of Carolyn’s involvement at the Community Foundation, “Carolyn is the quintessential trustee. She shows up when expected, she reads up to be well prepared, she speaks up to share her perspective, and acts in the best interests of the agency she is representing. She brings her wisdom to the table, her financial resources to support the need and her homemade chocolates to nourish her colleagues.” While Carolyn will end her service next year at the Community Foundation her servant heart will most likely continue to bless Fremont with whatever she chooses to do and will most likely include her famous homemade buckeye candies in tow.  Carolyn with frequent pickleball partner and husband Mike Hummel |
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