 The Gerber Foundation is accepting scholarship applications! Are you a high school senior graduating from one of the Newaygo County high schools in 2024, and looking to fund your college education? The Gerber Foundation offers three scholarships to graduating seniors:
The Merit Scholarship is also available to high school seniors graduating from Holton, Muskegon, Ravenna, Hart, Pentwater, Shelby, and Walkerville high schools. Application instructions and the link to apply are at www.gerberfoundation.org. The Application deadline is Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 4:00 pm ET. Individual winners will be announced at local high school graduation award ceremonies. For questions, contact the Gerber Foundation at 231.924.3175 or by email at [email protected]. The mission of The Gerber Foundation, to enhance the quality of life of infants and young children in nutrition, care, and development, has remained the guiding beacon for Foundation giving throughout its history. Scholarships provided to local high school seniors are one avenue the Foundation uses to support local youth in furthering their education. 
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 4-H Archery Club members. Become a 4-H Archery Volunteer! 4-H Archery is a very popular shooting sport, appealing to a wide range of ages and easily enjoyed by youth of all skill levels year around. It is one of several disciplines within the Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports program which has been active for more than 20 years involving youth in more than 70 counties throughout the state. The Newaygo County 4-H Archery Club, now in its second year, is hoping to connect with other local archers to add more adult 4-H volunteers to the robust program. More help is needed to accommodate the nearly 40 youth enrolled in the Newaygo County 4-H Archery Club. 4-H volunteers can become involved by completing the Certified 4-H Archery Instructor training which is available throughout the year. Those without archery experience, but willing to learn are encouraged to participate as well. The focus of the 4-H archery club will be geared toward youth safety and shooting techniques at the very foundation of archery. Young people will learn the basics of using a bow, how to care for and maintain the bow, and how to sight the bow. Additionally, the program falls in line with the 4-H slogan “Learn by Doing” as young people will have the opportunity to handle both compound and recurve bows responsibly for target practice. They will attain knowledge, develop self-confidence and leadership abilities, and instill an appreciation for conservation, wildlife, and service. All activities are both educational and fun and open to youth, ages 9 - 19. Equipment is provided. The goal of all 4-H Youth Development programs is youth development. All project areas work toward developing skills youth need to be productive and positive adults in society. Decision making, teamwork, problem solving, being responsible and having high self-esteem are just a few of the many skills 4-H helps to develop. To learn more about the Newaygo County 4-H Archery Club and what it takes to become a 4-H volunteer, contact Laurie Platte Breza, 4-H program coordinator, at [email protected] or by calling the MSU Extension office at 231-928-1056.  Eva Barnes takes aim with instructor Tim Smith looking on.   “Love doesn't just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.”-Ursula LeGuin, The Lathe of Heaven The interesting thing about love is the sheer mystery of it all. Poets, writers, musicians, and artists of all genres have tried to capture what love means. How it happens, why it happens and what happens to us when it arrives. The above quote points to the vital cog in keeping this mysterious and compelling emotion alive. Because, as she said, love isn’t inert. It doesn’t allow for stagnation and can wither if not nurtured and cared for. Not to say love is all work, because hopefully this is also your main playmate. Your partner in crime, so to speak. The person you can trust to not just accept who you are, but who you become as the coupleship evolves. Here are the most recent twosomes who have signed on to spend their lives making and remaking that metaphorical bread Ms. Le Guin speaks to. Jorie Morton, Hesperia & Tyler Quinn, Hesperia Benn Starr, Sand Lake & Brooke Voelker, Paris, MI Nancy Hills, Fremont & Ernie Cushman, Fremont Joel Henry, Grant & Madeline Pavlik, Muskegon Gregory Schmidt, Newaygo & Kristen Love, Novi, MI AShley Taylor, White Cloud & Austin VanZyll, White Cloud “Never love anyone who treats you like you're ordinary.”- Oscar Wilde  Newaygo County Area Promise Zone Enhances Access with Adjustments to GPA Requirement
The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone, a steadfast advocate for higher education and training, is proud to announce a vital change to its eligibility criteria. Starting with the Class of 2024, Newaygo County high school graduates will be eligible for the Promise Scholarship with a 2.5 unweighted GPA or higher. This adjustment expands the opportunity for even more determined students to access their post-secondary goals and dreams. By modifying the GPA criteria, the Promise Zone aims to ensure that an even greater number of aspiring students can benefit from its invaluable support and resources. "The Newaygo County Promise Zone is excited to expand access to free higher education opportunities for our students,” shared Blake Prewitt, Promise Zone Chair. “We understand that post-high school education is not just about paying for tuition; it's about providing the support necessary for our students to thrive in their educational journey and beyond. By introducing Success Coaches, we are committed to not only covering the costs but also ensuring our students' success in their pursuit of knowledge, better job opportunities, and increased job satisfaction." The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone remains dedicated to its mission of empowering students to pursue their post-secondary aspirations without the burden of financial constraints. By easing the financial strains that frequently impede educational pursuits, the Promise Zone is actively helping to change the cultural perception that college is too expensive and out of reach. Through the availability of the Promise Scholarship, many students are now embracing the belief that higher education is attainable and are proactively preparing for their future. Nathan Biegalle, a 2023 Promise Scholar graduate, recently shared that, “Without the Promise Zone I wouldn’t even be in college. Because of the Promise Zone I have decided to go even further with my education after graduating from MCC as I have learned that education gets you very far in life and a degree is a type of badge of honor in a way.” The Promise Scholarship is available to students that:
The Promise Scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees up to 62 attempted college credits at Muskegon Community College. Books are the responsibility of the student. Students must be enrolled at full-time status and attend a mandatory orientation to qualify. The scholarship application for the Class of 2024 will open online in early January 2024. Since its inception in 2017, the Promise Zone has disbursed more than $2.5 million in tuition support, benefiting over 300 motivated Newaygo County students who have chosen to pursue their post-secondary aspirations. The Promise Zone is a forward-looking initiative committed to breaking down financial barriers for local students. By providing tuition assistance and fostering educational opportunities, the Promise Zone empowers students to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities. For more information about the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone visit www.promise.zone, email [email protected] or call 231-924-8888.  Brandon Ayers (left, Coordinator of Let’s Glow Newaygo County) presents Scott Swinehart (Promise Zone Board Member) with a check from the proceeds from the June 17 event. Event raises over $2K
The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone proudly announces a boost to its mission with a generous donation of over $2,260 from the organizers of the Let’s Glow Newaygo County event, which took place on June 17. This partnership reinforces the Promise Zone's commitment to empowering local students through financial support and educational opportunities. Let’s Glow Newaygo County was an event designed to allow all levels of runners to shine. From ultramarathons to fun runs, the 24-hour event was loaded with energy. The main event was an evening 5K glow run and also included music, food vendors, dancing and foam. Brandon Ayers, one of the event coordinators, extended heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors – including Scott Swinehart, Tamarac, Anytime Fitness, American Anchor, Gerber Life, Tire Wholesalers of Grant, YO Graphics, RiverWalk Nutrition, and Luce Mill Farms – whose support materialized the event's success and facilitated this noteworthy donation. The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone provides high school graduates with a tuition-free path to an approved apprenticeship or an associate degree from Muskegon Community College. The Promise Zone believes that every student, regardless of financial means, should have the opportunity to earn post-secondary credentials. By alleviating the financial burdens that often hinder educational pursuits, the Promise Zone is helping to shift a cultural stigma that college is too expensive. With the Promise Scholarship, many students are starting to believe that higher education is within their reach and taking steps to plan for their future. Scott Swinehart, Promise Zone Board Member, shared, “As a former teacher and current Promise Zone Board Member, it's exciting to see folks [like Brandon Ayers] land back in Newaygo County with their family, start a business and take the initiative to give back to their community. We appreciate all the efforts of the coordinators for putting on the event and their generous donation.” Since its inception in 2017, the Promise Zone has disbursed more than $2.5 million in tuition support, benefiting over 300 motivated Newaygo County students who have chosen to pursue their post-secondary aspirations. The Promise Zone is a forward-looking initiative committed to breaking down financial barriers for local students. By providing tuition assistance and fostering educational opportunities, the Promise Zone empowers students to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities. For more information about the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone visit www.promise.zone, email [email protected] or call 231-924-8888.  The Headway Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Newaygo County; a community change collaboration with a mission to reduce the negative impact of substance abuse in Newaygo County is hosting a community event: The Dangerous Truths About Today's Marijuana. Nationally recognized speaker, Laura Stack, Founder and CEO of Johnny's Ambassadors, will be at the Dogwood Center in Fremont to offer a free community event to Newaygo County parents, grandparents, and community members on Tuesday, September 12. Free Dinner and registration will begin at 6:00pm with the main presentation following from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Laura Stack’s 19-year-old son, Johnny, died by suicide on November 20, 2019, after becoming psychotic from dabbing high-THC marijuana concentrates. Soon afterward, Laura started a 501c3, Johnny’s Ambassadors, to educate parents, teens, and communities about the dangers of today’s high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide. In this session, Laura will share the story of Johnny’s marijuana addiction from a parent’s point of view. With moving candor, Laura traces the first warning signs, their attempts at rehabilitation, and his eventual demise. Through this tragic tale, Stack hopes to help parents talk to their children about the dangers of using marijuana. Laura’s real-life story is backed by recent scientific research on how today’s THC products can harm our youth. This presentation is a clarion call for parents across America to educate themselves about the risks of today’s high-THC marijuana products and to better understand the potentially devastating effects on their children. Please join us on Tuesday, September 12 from 6:00pm-8:00pm for this incredible educational opportunity! Dinner and childcare will be provided. If you have any questions, please contact Headway Coalition Member: Christina Yuhasz at (231) 245-3015 or [email protected].  “You make me want to be a better man”- Melvin (Jack Nicholson) to Carol (Helen Hunt) in “As Good As It Gets” If you’ve seen the movie and recall the character played by Nicholson this seemingly romantic quote has plenty of context. Melvin has a long way to go to be even somewhat tolerable as a human being much less a person to be in a relationship with. His statement is touching though, and maybe a bit telling about what it means to be in love. The self improvement quest described seems far different than wanting to excel at a sport or develop a talent that draws admiration or even just being well thought of by others. Perhaps the desire to be a better person isn't even aimed at wanting our partner to like us more since, hopefully, we’re already pretty assured they love us. Maybe the desire to be better is because when we love someone we feel like they deserve the best. And so we strive to deliver the best we’ve got, the absolute best we can be, to the person who most deserves it. Robert Heinlein once said “Love is the condition in which the happiness of the other person is essential to your own." Well said Mr. H. Here are the couples who have recently signed on to bring out the best in each other. Kevin England, White Cloud & Annie McCraken, Brohman Jessica Magnon, White Cloud & Marquis Coleman, Grand Rapids Hope Smithe, White Cloud & David Ciolk, White Cloud Brittany Lance, White Cloud & Jacob Elder, White Cloud Pauline Holmes, Fremont & Robert Cook, Fremont Max Henderson, Newaygo & Emily Tiernan, Newaygo Dakota Queen, Newaygo & Breanna Newton, Newaygo Michael Hills, Howard City & Jacqueline Steffes, Howard City Brittany Budd, Grand Rapids & Nicholas Sczepanski, Dupage, Illinois  Alan Neushwander (right), director of external and internal relations at Family Health Care, accepts a $1,339 check from James Barding, owner of Scrubs Plus. Barding donated a portion of his profits back to the health center from a recent uniform sale hosted at the clinics in Grant and White Cloud. |
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