 Everly, Wyatt top baby names at Gerber Memorial in 2020
FREMONT, Mich., Dec. 31, 2020 – Last January 28 hours and 12 minutes into the new year SHGM’s first baby entered the world and greeted parents Cassie Moore and Mark Golliver as well as the staff on duty that night. His name? Gabriel. Since then more than 300 babies have been born at the Fremont hospital and while the name Gabriel cracked the top ten of boys names it was outnumbered by 7 others including the top choice of 2020, Wyatt On the girls side of things the No. 1 name was Everly. Rounding out the Top 10 names at Gerber Memorial for baby boys this past year: 2. Oliver 3. James 4. Grayson 5. Aiden 6. Elijah 7. Emmett 8. Gabriel 9. Maverick 10. Tied: Andrew, Braxton, Dakota, Eli, Everett, Ezekiel, Giovanni, Henry, Ian, Jack, Jameson, Jaxson, Leland, Logan, Luke, Maxwell, Micah, Noah, Owen, Paxton, Ryder, Ryker, Ryland, Sebastian, and William Rounding out the Top 10 baby girl names for 2020: 2. Isabella 3. Adeline 4. Ella 5. Brinley 6. Hazel 7. Kinsley 8. Olivia 9. River 10. Tied: Aaliyah, Avery, Charlotte, Emma, Ivy, Kylee, Lilly, Mary, Natalee, Paisley, Raelynn, Scarlet, and Willow 20 years ago? In 2000? Well the top names in Michigan that year were Emily, Hannah, Madison, Alexis and Olivia on the girl side and for the boys it was Jacob, Joshua, Michael, Nicholas and Andrew. This year only Olivia and Andrew made the cut.
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 Newaygo County Career-Tech Center: The Value of Career and College Readiness
It is no secret that there is a skills gap in our workforce. Employers are concerned about the ability of graduates to think critically, communicate well, and perform basic tasks. High school graduates with no further education will be unprepared for the expectations that they face in today’s highly technical entry-level jobs. At the same time, employers find themselves unable to fill open positions. That is where the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center (NCCTC) training programs fill the gap and train our high school graduates for high-skill, high-wage careers. The simple fact is that education matters, and a high school diploma is rarely enough to ensure access to 21st century jobs. Our high school graduates need to be prepared for the additional training and education it will take to succeed. NCCTC provides academic and career technical skills to prepare students for life after high school with the readiness for employment, higher education, or a combination of both. NCCTC’s ultimate goal is to empower students to become productive employees, citizens, and leaders within our community. To meet these needs, NCCTC has a clear employability expectation framework to teach and reinforce the skills that employers want in a new employee. To help our learners, we have supports in place to assist students in the many challenges they may face. Through these supports, our hope is students will learn how to meet deadlines, have reliable attendance, and earn industry-recognized credentials. NCCTC students are held to the high standards our workforce needs to be a viable part of our county. The NCCTC training center goes beyond a “voc” school, as they prepare students for skills that keep them viable in their chosen career field.  Carol Lambert, DHD#10 Public Health Nurse in Missaukee County receiving her COVID-19 vaccine DHD#10 Begins Administering COVID-19 Vaccine
On Monday, December 21, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) began receiving the allotted shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine designated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and quickly initiated vaccination efforts for Phase 1A of the priority group. “We were pleased to receive the vaccine a couple days earlier than anticipated and we activated our plans right away to get the vaccine out to the priority groups,” stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. As of Tuesday and Wednesday, December 22-23, DHD#10 vaccinated 80 frontline staff members, 128 residents and staff at Manistee County Medical Care, and 8 EMS workers in Manistee. Vaccination efforts will continue with EMS workers and Medical First Responders throughout our ten-county jurisdiction on Monday, December 28. DHD#10’s COVID-19 vaccine planning committee is working diligently to coordinate vaccination clinics for the priority groups and will contact employers and organizations in Phase 1A directly to notify them of the time and place to receive the vaccine. At this time, there is no sign up or waiting list. DHD#10 will continue to keep the public informed as plans evolve. For COVID-related questions, email us at [email protected] or call our COVID hotline at 231-305-8675. Also visit our website at www.dhd10.org/covid-19-vaccine where you may find answers to your questions.  L-R Ruth Hetherington (NCEC) , Nazar Kluchkovskiy & Andy Starr (Science Teachers), Jacklyn Rodriguez (Science Club Member), Megan Cruzan, (Science Teacher), Sally Kane (NCEC)  Teacher Rachel Jaunese, Principal Wes Zerlaut of Fremont Middle School Fremont Middle and Grant High Schools receive Green School Awards Two of Newaygo County schools have received certification from “Michigan Green Schools” this past school year. Both plan to pursue the award again this year in spite of the current challenges being faced by teachers and students due to school closures and virtual classes. Michigan Green Schools is a non-profit 501(c)3 agency dedicated to assisting all Michigan schools to achieve environmental goals. These include protecting the air, land, water and animals of our state along with world outreach through good ecological practices and the teaching of educational stewardship. Grant High School was awarded the “Green School Environmental Stewardship” designation by participating in a total of 10 activities from four categories. Some of their activities included: paper recycling in the classrooms; hallway, classroom, and parking lot lights upgraded to LED bulbs; environmental protection by inserting a catch basin at a local lake near the school to prevent water run-off erosion; starting a Science Club that focuses on environmentally friendly practices at the school; and observing Earth Day with outdoor garbage collection and other activities. Jacklyn Rodriguez is an 11th grade student and a member of the Science Club. When asked why she participates in the Green School activities, she answered, “A friend told me about pollution and the environment, so I became interested that way. Last year we asked the teachers if they had recycling bins in their rooms. If they didn’t then we provided bins for them.” Science teachers Megan Cruzan, Nazar Kluchkovsky and Andy Starr support the activities, providing guidance yet letting the students take the lead on ideas and projects. “We sponsor a Science Club,” stated Mr. Kluchkovsky, “and let the students decide what projects they want to do. Michigan Green Schools was one option. Last year was the first year we pursued it.” “We have done other projects in the past,” added Mr. Starr, “such as rain gardens behind the tennis courts, where run-off created erosion into the lake. We worked with Sarah Pregitzer from the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative.” Future projects will depend on how schools continue to be impacted by the Corona Virus pandemic. But these teachers and students have big plans for the future. “We want to get reusable cafeteria trays and silverware instead of the disposable ones we have,” said Jacklyn hopefully. Fremont Middle School was awarded the “Emerald School Environmental Stewardship'' designation by participating in 15 projects. Some of their activities were: school wide paper and cardboard recycling; kitchen metal and plastic recycling; hallways equipped with motion-sensor lights to save energy; bird feeders in the courtyard to provide an observation platform that allows students to participate in the Cornell Lab Ornithology Program; field trips (pre-pandemic) to the Amazon Rain Forest and to Beaver Island, MI, Central Michigan University’s Biological Station; raising salmon eggs from the MI DNR to smolt phase and then releasing them into the White River; among others. Teachers Rachel Jaunese and Tim Grabill provide the passion and leadership for student participation in many of the projects, with support from Wes Zerlaut, Principal. The projects listed above, and others not mentioned here, require extra time, energy and dedication from the teachers that go above and beyond their regular classroom requirements. “We do this because we have a passion for our environment, and so do many of our students,” stated Ms. Jaunese. “They just need some guidance, and projects that they can relate to in our local landscape.” Bringing environmental stewardship close to home is one goal of Michigan Green Schools. Thus Ms. Jaunese and Mr. Grabill’s students honor Earth Day in conjunction with Packer Pride Day, where students participate in community yard work, city beautification, recycling and cleaning projects. But Michigan Green Schools also has a broader, global focus with regards to good ecological practices. This is mirrored in the Middle School’s 8th grade science “Climate Change Unit”, which follows the new Michigan Science Curriculum (Mi-Star). In this unit each student completes seven lessons. At the end the students take what they have learned from each lesson and create a presentation, in a format appropriate to address a city council. Students must utilize what they have learned using claim, evidence and reasoning to support their findings. “Students have to be prepared to be the future leaders in caring for our environment,” affirms Sally Wagoner, Newaygo County Coordinator for the Michigan Green Schools Program. “The Michigan Green Schools Program is a great way to inspire both students and teachers in working together for both local and global stewardship.” Although the CoronaVirus pandemic has taken students and teachers out of their classrooms this year at various times, both Fremont Middle and Grant High School still plan to pursue certification for 2020-21. Some qualifying projects are already in place at their schools, such as recycling and energy saving lighting. Other projects can be done by students at home or virtually with their classmates. These may include students performing a home energy audit; composting food waste at home as part of a teaching unit; establishing an eco-reading program; joining and participating in one of several teacher approved, youth oriented environmental education websites; and many others. Teachers, school administrators and students can learn more about Michigan Green Schools and how to pursue certification by visiting: www.michigangreenschools.us/. Contact Sally Wagoner, Newaygo County Michigan Green Schools Coordinator for more information: [email protected]. Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC), formerly 3R Education, is the local supporting organization for Michigan Green Schools. A 501c3 non-profit, NCEC’s mission is to “promote the environmental health and sustainability of Newaygo County through information, education and advocacy”. NCEC plans an official announcement and public unveiling of its new website and programs in the near future.   By BreatheWell Nicotine Reduction Coalition
You don’t have to quit smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco on January 1st. But you can make a great start by getting the information, nicotine replacement or medication, and the support that you need! Here are some choices, all provided by trained Tobacco Treatment Specialists (TTS):
Nicotine is addictive, so it is not easy to quit. A Tobacco Treatment Specialist can help find the best ways for you. They will help you chose the best nicotine replacement or medication for you to reduce urges, and give you tools to help break your nicotine routines. Take your first step today! Call or email the Tobacco Treatment Specialist resources above. Get your breath back, get your life back. Be nicotine free in 2021! (BreatheWell is the nicotine reduction taskforce of the Headway Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Newaygo County).  L-R Scott Rumsey, Lacy Stoneburner, Kristen Worcester, Santa, Mrs. Claus Hesperia holiday helpers brighten Christmas for many Through their love for community, two Hesperia alums raised money to feed 100 families in their hometown for the 2nd year. In 2019, Lacy Stoneburner was volunteering at True North, and she noticed how many people in her hometown were dependent on food pantries. She immediately called her best friend Kristen Worcester and owner of Ed’s Orchard Market, Scott Rumsey to see what they could do. Through the power of social media, they challenged their networks to come together and raise money to provide holiday meals for the Hesperia community. They fed 100 families for Thanksgiving in 2019. This year, the need was bigger for Christmas, so Lacy & Kristen went to work again. Thanks to donations from across the USA, $2,500 was raised in just a few days. Bundles of eggs, pie, turkey, potatoes, veggies, stuffing & more were distributed December 19th to 100 Hesperia families. “Lots of people ask who puts this together.” Lacy said, “We always say two moms and a very generous hometown grocery store”   Health Dept encourages using COVID alert app
December 17, 2020 – It has been a month since the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the new MI COVID Alert app and they announced today that there have already been nearly 500,000 downloads. The success of this app depends on all Michiganders utilizing it, and District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is encouraging everyone in our ten-county jurisdiction to download and utilize the app to help slow the spread of COVID-19. MI COVID Alert is a free, easy to use, anonymous mobile app that provides fast alerts to let you know whether you may have been exposed to COVID-19. It works like this:
No personally identifiable information is collected and shared with other users.
MI COVID Alert CAN:
“We are excited to have this technology at our fingertips to assist with potential exposure notification,” stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “While it does not replace contact tracing or following all necessary prevention strategies, it is an additional tool to notify individuals quickly if they have been exposed to COVID-19.” The more people who use the app, the more effective it will be in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is still important to remember:
If you receive an alert that you may have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, get tested and consider quarantining. There are easy testing options, including no-cost testing.
 Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears in early childhood and can impact a person's social skills, communication skills, relationships and self regulation. It is a spectrum condition and affects people differently and to varying degrees. Research shows that early intervention can lead to positive outcomes later in life. Did you know? * Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability. * The prevalence of autism in the U.S. is 1-54 births. (CDC 2020) *It has increased by 119% from 2010 to 2011. *Boys are 4.5 times more likely to have autism. Newaygo County statistics *14.6% of special education students in Newaygo County have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).The state average is 10.7% *Newaygo County Community Mental Health serves 73 persons ages 0-adult. What services and supports are available in Newaygo County? *Newaygo County public schools and NCRESA (Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency) provide educational supports. *Newaygo County CMH provides diagnostic testing and Applied Behavioral Analysis services for children up to the age of 21. They also provide case management, therapy, psychiatric services, Community Living Supports, Respite and other mental health services to both children and adults with autism. * The Newaygo County Autism Community is a nonprofit organization made up of family members and professionals who promote awareness and raise funds with a yearly walk, provide educational workshops, sponsor autism friendly events such as a monthly family swim time at Tamarac and offer grant opportunities for individuals and families living with autism. Donations are always appreciated and may be sent to: P.O. Box 26 Fremont, MI 49421 Resources: Newaygo County Autism Community Facebook page NCRESA: ncresa.org Autism Speaks: autismspeaks.org Autism Society of America: autism-society.org  New Executive Director Samantha Perysian The Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Newaygo County have selected Samantha Perysian to lead the affiliate organization. “Samantha comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge in working with nonprofits. She has a long history of commitment to our Newaygo County community. We look forward to her leadership, vision, and community focus. We are very excited to introduce Samantha to Newaygo County and Habitat for Humanity of Newaygo County”, says Stephanie Gustman, President of the Board. Perysian brings nonprofit leadership experience from both sides of the nonprofit sector – the doing and the giving. As a director of afterschool and mentoring programs, Samantha developed high-quality programming along with writing and receiving grants to sustain the programs. Diving deeper into the world of philanthropy, Perysian reviewed community nonprofit grants and made recommendations for funding. Rounding out her ability to lead HFH of Newaygo County into a brighter chapter, she brings human resources and organizational development expertise. “The opportunity to work for Habitat is a little bit of a pinch-me feeling. During my AmeriCorps*NCCC service project, my first assignment was with Habitat for Humanity of New Orleans. I fell in love with service, nonprofits who do good work, and seeing what true impact looks like with that experience.” Perysian says, “Housing in our area isn’t affordably available. Stable housing can have a tremendous effect on one’s employment, health, and ability to contribute to our community. HFH will work diligently to create homes for those that need one in Newaygo County.” Ms. Perysian will start her role of Executive Director on January 4, 2021.  DHD#10 asking for help from those undergoing testing
: From our friends at DHD#10 December 4, 2020 - In the span of seven days from Thanksgiving through Wednesday December 2, District Health Department #10 reported a total of 1,019 COVID-19 cases in our ten- county jurisdiction. As we continue to witness a rapid increase in the number of new daily cases, there continues to be a strain on the resources to respond timely. The capacity of the public health system to keep up with case investigation and contact tracing shifted last month to address the highest priority populations for case investigation. Priority is being given to school aged children, residents and employees of long-term care facilities, hospitals, schools, large group settings, other higher-risk situations, and the elderly. “We recognize that we also must meet the needs of those that fall outside the priority populations,” states Kevin Hughes, Health Officer. In order to both gather and share important health information as quickly as possible, DHD#10 has adopted a new online survey to conduct case investigations with individuals that receive positive COVID-19 test results and fall outside the current priority populations. “This is another tool to support our public health response in order to initiate isolation and quarantine as soon as possible because any delay to this process can result in unnecessary spread” explains Hughes. Starting today, DHD#10 will be uploading new COVID-19 cases into our electronic survey system which will then send a text message to the individual. The survey only asks for information that is allowable under the Public Health Code and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) Privacy Act, such as demographics, symptoms, occupation, attendance at public events or gatherings, and people with whom they may have been in close contact. The survey does not gather any private information like social security numbers, personal passwords, or banking details. Individuals between the ages of 23 to 64 years will receive an electronic message asking them to fill out a confidential survey. Individuals aged 22 and under and those 65 years and older will continue to receive a phone call from the health department to complete case investigation. DHD#10 urges residents to participate in the notification survey. Once the survey is complete, a link is provided where the participant can go to review COVID-19 education resources on isolation and quarantine as found at: http://www.dhd10.org/covid-19-now-what/ DHD#10 is working very hard to reach out to individuals as quickly as possible, but we do not want you to wait to be contacted prior to taking action. DHD#10 is asking the public for patience and to follow these guidelines: If you were notified that you tested positive for COVID-19:
If you were notified that you were a close contact to a positive case:
“Cases of COVID-19 are higher than they have been at any point in this pandemic and continue to increase at alarming rates. We urge everyone to be empowered and choose to do the right thing by following isolation orders if positive, follow them if you’re seeking testing due to symptoms, and quarantine if you’re identified as a close contact,” stated Dr. Jennifer Morse, Medical Director for DHD#10. “Now is the time for all of us to take personal responsibility for ourselves, our families, our friends, and our communities to slow the spread of this virus.” For more information on COVID-19, go to www.dhd10.org/coronavirus . You can also send questions to [email protected]. |
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