The Commission on Aging is a bevy of activity these days and recently they have modified their newsletter to better reflect what the COA is all about and, more importantly, the range of services they provide to the community. Here is a link to their newsletter, The Evergreen. Take a look and see what you just might be missing at the COA. mycommunityonline.com/publication-page/newaygo-county-commission-on-aging?pid=cb0424b7-4c24-44ea-bb7c-bab8e78863b3&type=Community&acc=15-0739
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N3 World Headquarters crew poses a few challenges
“Hope Smiles from the threshold of the year to come, Whispering 'it will be happier'...”Alfred Lord Tennyson We at N3 World Headquarters like Al’s imagery here, seemingly speaking to how the advent of a New Year can deliver an unwavering optimism going forward. It feels like a fresh beginning, a way to start a streak of something positive. The possibility could be hanging out there that this might be the year where you wind up sitting around next NYE saying,”Man, now That was a good year.” Then of course there are the resolutions that accompany the new calendar. For the overly ambitious group this might take the shape of something like “We’re going to be smarter when it comes to decisions, take charge of any remaining shortcomings and enter a veritable renaissance period in our personal lives.” For others the bar gets set a little lower. Lose some weight, exercise, or maybe stop pointing out to your spouse each and every one of the lone, abandoned shoes spotted alongside the roadsides…that kind of thing. While personally the list of needed changes among the denizens of N3WH is more than a tad cumbersome it certainly doesn’t stop us from passing on suggestions as to resolutions that might be put forward for those in the community at large who might be in search of a challenge to go with their New Year. Doing More To Support Local While we hope folks did at least a part of their holiday shopping at the variety of shops our area is pleased to enjoy, most of our local businesses are entering the toughest part of the year. We’re not asking for people to engage in the kind of buying generally reserved for November/ December, but hey, maybe visit a few of our local establishments now and then and see if anything catches your fancy. Believe me any action at the main street stores in Newaygo and Fremont will be greatly appreciated and help allow them to continue to be part of our increasingly vibrant downtowns. And remember these folks get hit up for every fundraising initiative that comes along so maybe give them a break if they aren’t thrilled to contribute to the latest worthy cause Listening To Others Start with catching at least a few of the lunchtime Calvin January Series the Dogwood will be hosting. The topics are generally compelling and the speakers present ideas in an easy to relate to manner that promotes listening. And if there is anything we need more these days it’s the ability to listen. Note: Is it me or do you find the people who fancy themselves good listeners rarely even come close? Do yourself a favor and look through these. Then pick at least one you’re really interested in and another that sounds like you wouldn’t be quite so eager to see. See them both. Trust us on this. Oh, and they are FREE. https://calvin.edu/january-series/speakers/ https://dogwoodcenter.com/ Gaining Perspective Now combine this with taking breaks from not just social media but any news program that includes opinions. In fact if you must see the news, try restricting it to local stations.Give it a shot for a month with no cheating by sneaking in a few minutes with your favorite opinion person or station. Sounds scary if you’ve been caught up in what is happening in the world and have a compelling need to know, but anything really big ends up being referenced locally because they also need to fill time between commercials. And it is only a month. A month to focus on the news that might actually have an impact on our day to day lives. Like weather. Gauging the difficulty of doing this is a good self measure of how attached one is to the programming and the weight of its influence. As a bonus if you are going with the Dry January thing it’s likely a good month to wean from the all-news all-the-time stations anyway since their coverage can certainly send one to the liquor cabinet. Like most resolutions these are likely to be forgotten long before any snow we accumulate this year has melted (or even arrived). But should you join us in giving one or more of these a shot we applaud your efforts. If not, carry on citizenry. Our hope is that we all find some achievement, some growth, some laughter and a dollop or two of kindness as we venture out into 2024. “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”-Ben Franklin Gerber FCU Colleagues & Members donations support local program
FREMONT, Mich.-Gerber Federal Credit Union employees raised a total of $1,495.22 for donation to the Newaygo County Compassion Home for the Terminally Ill. Gerber FCU President/CEO John Buckley and Marketing Officer Heather Wiersema presented the check to Newaygo County Compassion Home Executive Director Diane Rudholm and NCCH Board President Dr. Douglas Johnson. Each year colleagues donate their own funds, collect funds and hold fundraisers such as Squeegee days in our drive-ups or Bake Sales in our lobbies to raise funds for the Compassion Home. Colleagues Patti VanDyke and Sue Carter organized a donation drive in October. Gerber FCU colleagues and members donated items needed to supply homes available to individuals in our community who are nearing the end of life. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Joins Family Health Care
GRANT, Michigan – Family Health Care is pleased to welcome Amanda Weber, DNP, BSN, CPNP-PC, to its team of medical providers. Weber will see pediatric patients from newborn to age 18 at the Family Health Care clinic at 11 N. Maple St. in Grant. Weber received her Doctor of Nursing Practice, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Grand Valley State University. She is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and is board-certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Weber brings more than ten years of nursing experience to Family Health Care, having most recently worked at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. “I’m passionate about providing care for children,” said Weber. “At Family Health Care, I’m able to fulfill this passion alongside an amazing team whose goal is to expand access and provide quality care to everyone. I hope to help bridge the gap to access of care for all children in the community, so that every child has access to quality, integrated, and comprehensive health care.” Weber provides a full array of primary care services to pediatric patients. To schedule an appointment, call (231) 834-0444. By Coach Stephen Smith Splish splashing into quiz bowl action over the weekend, the White Cloud Varsity Quiz Bowl team competed at the Swim N’ Win Tournament held at Kalamazoo Christian High School on December 9, 2023. The invitational featured 24 teams hailing from Michigan and Indiana. The White Cloud Indians posted a record of 5-3 against high caliber teams with experience at both the state and national level. While the team finished in 6th place overall, the defending state champions remained in 1st place amongst Class C-D squads, qualifying for NAQT Nationals yet again in the process. In morning pool play, the quintessential quartet vanquished White Pigeon D 240-10, triumphed over Ionia A 255-55, and dismantled DeWitt B 185-90. The contingent faltered against East Grand Rapids B 145-195 in an incredibly tight match and Grand Ledge 80-210, the eventual tournament champion. Pool time in the afternoon matches started with a tough loss to Saint Joseph A 100-310, a top-rated power from Indiana. The energetic ensemble bounced back and quickly dispatched Holland A 285-70 and secured victory against White Pigeon A 170-120 on the final question. Senior Captain Brian Schaefer drenched the competition with an impressive 245 points, which led the team. Sam Viher added a cannonball of points with 165, his best performance of the season, and Jarrett Warlick soaked into a groove of 150 points. Wyatt Karnes splashed in with 70 points, providing an amazingly well-balanced team effort for the outing. Look to see the formidable foursome back in action for the CSAA League on January 24, 2024, where they face off against Kent City, Newaygo, and Reed City. The team would like to thank Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie, parents, staff, donors, and all the good people in the community for their support as well. County ROD Office Offers Free Fraud Alert The Newaygo County Register of Deeds Office is making it easier for residents to help protect their most valuable asset, their home and property. Through the free Property Fraud Alert service, residents can sign-up to be notified by email if a document is recorded in Newaygo County under their name. With scams on the rise, now is a perfect time to sign up going into the new year. Consider the service as an early warning system for homeowners to stay up to date about their property and take appropriate actions if they determine fraudulent activity has taken place. “Having the ability to be notified immediately should a fraudulent or predatory document be recorded against your property is invaluable. The faster something like this is discovered, the faster it can be reported to the authorities to get resolved,” says Newaygo County Register of Deeds Stewart Sanders. The Property Fraud Alert is a free service provided by the Register of Deeds Office that requires no up-front or monthly fees. This service is a great tool for those with aging parents to ensure that their loved ones don’t fall victim to scams or fraud. To sign up, simply visit www.newaygocountymi.gov.,where you will see the Home Page of Newaygo County. Click on the Elected Officials tab and in the drop down click on Register of Deeds. Scroll down and you will see the tab labeled FRAUD ALERT, click on the tab, and simply fill in the template following the directions provided. Once you submit this the Register of Deeds Office will notify you when your information has been entered into the system, usually within 24 to 48 hours. If residents have any questions, they can contact the Register of Deeds Office at (231) 689-7246 or email stewarts@newaygocountymi.gov or karent@newaygocountymi.gov. The Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary, 6935 Spruce Ave, Newaygo, is having a volunteer work day on Sunday, December 3rd. Volunteers are needed to help cut and haul brush between 9am – 1pm. Volunteers can show up any time and stay as long as they like. It is recommended that volunteers dress for the weather, wear closed toe shoes or boots and work gloves. Some tools will be provided, but it would be helpful if volunteers could also bring pruners, loppers or pruning saws. Water and refreshments will be provided. Brush cutting is important at this time of year for Newaygo’s sensitive and unique native habitats. Clearing out brush gives room for new native plant growth and deters invasive species growth. It also helps to prepare the area for future prescribed burns. Cancellation notice due to weather or other schedule changes will be posted by December 2nd at noon on the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition Facebook Page and their website Calendar of Events (www.nc-ec.org). Stuart Goldman, Conservation Coordinator for the Michigan Nature Association, will lead the workday. He can be contacted at 517-643-6864, or by email: sgoldman@michigannature.org. I don’t want a just a memory Gives me forever Don’t even think about saying good-bye Cuz I want just one love to be enough And remain in my heart till i die- Renae Olsterad “A Love That Will Last” My Lifetime Spousal Companion Lil and I recently returned from a trip abroad that found us sharing a coach with a couple of dozen other travelers. We were one of three couples celebrating their anniversaries including a 50th (ours), a 35th, and a 20th as well as a pair of newlyweds who were just embarking on the wondrous journey of marriage. 4 couples in vastly different stages of their relationship and yet each celebrating the day they decided to say “I do.” There was a rather enjoyable symmetry to it all. Marriage is such a cool thing when it works. Growing together and displaying an elevated regard for one another allows the relationship to be nourished in a positive manner. As a result the marriage doesn’t merely survive, it thrives. Here are the most recent couples who have signed on for their own journey. Tabitha Buck, Fremont & Dean Robeck, Newaygo Mary Rake, White Cloud & Brian Royston Sr. Wyoming, MI Ron Wawsczyk, White Cloud & Shelley Barton, Newaygo Felicity Faye Schlink, Newaygo & Brian Allen Crooks, Newaygo “Come and be empowered”
On Tuesday, Nov 14th, from 6-8:30pm Rebekah Thompson of New Life Doula Services is hosting the 3rd Birth and Beyond Expo at the Fremont Rec Center South Commons. The event provides women with an opportunity to meet providers before scheduling an appointment with them. From homebirth midwives and birth doulas, to hospital midwives and lactation consultants, women in Newaygo County and beyond can access the information they will need moving forward. This is a great time to learn about patient rights/birthing rights and about options for creating a supportive birth team. "Women in this county have much more power than they realize," says Susan Wente, CNM. "Midwives have always advocated for women, but change will never happen until the women (consumers) stand up and question what they are told. Many medical interventions are warranted, but only you are responsible for your birth. Through the Birth and Beyond Expo women in Newaygo County can learn how to support each other and take back their power and responsibility in birth." This year there are also other awesome local resources that will be sharing their knowledge and services at the exposuch as Shalom Woods Company elderberry kits, Peacefully Clean postpartum cleaning services, Health Smart Nutrition, Beyond Wellness LLC, and many more vendors. Katherine Hamlund, RN will have a short presentation on natural ways to increase fertility, and Jules Carpenter of Your Health, Your Healing will also have a presentation on Minerals, Nutrition, the Brain, and Postpartum Mood Disorders. To see everyone that will be there, either as providers or services, you can find the event page on Facebook by searching for Birth and Beyond Expo https://www.facebook.com/events/1001043431159734/ or by going to the New Life Doula Services page. (link for NLDS page https://www.facebook.com/newlifedoulaservices/ ) Samantha Kauffman, RN, IBCLC, and Certified Childbirth Educator, highly encourages women to “come and be empowered with knowledge for both yourself and your baby. Meet other women in your community who can help you on your journey, learn more about pregnancy and postpartum, and leave with an enlarged support system!” This event is perfect for women who want to be able to connect with other women in their community who are in the same season of life. Whether just thinking about trying to start a family, actively trying to conceive, currently expecting, or postpartum or breastfeeding, come enjoy a cup of tea of coffee and light refreshments, gain knowledge, win some cool prizes, and talk with skilled providers and birth and postpartum experts. Happy Hearts Naturals is offering a luxurious foot bath to the first five women through the door. Doors open at 6 PM and the event will conclude around 8:30. First Methodist Church at its former site, 115 E. Dayton St., Fremont. Tabernacle building was built in 1874, then remodeled and enlarged in 1894, again in 1911, and the basement enlarged in 1922. Pipe organ was installed in 1946. The congregation moved to its current building at 351 Butterfield, Fremont, in 1956 and is known for its popular Ark Park play structure. Painting by Robert G. Woodring By Sara Wolfsen The roots of Fremont United Methodist Church were planted by Reverend William J. Swift during the warm summer of 1868. The Methodist movement began as part of the Hesperia circuit in the Brookside area (near the corner of 72nd and Green Street). Logs were rafted across Fremont Lake from the Darling Mill (now Branstrom Park) to establish a small church building. A few years later, as Fremont Center expanded, church leaders moved the congregation to town and erected a Tabernacle on Dayton Street (across from the current city offices). Several building additions were made to accommodate a growing congregation and, in October of 1956, the current church building on Butterfield Street was dedicated. Over the years, the Methodists were known for their local service and global mission work, and its members were active in several community organizations including the Lions Club, Rotary and Young Life. And the church is proud to hold the Boy Scout Charter for the local troop. Our congregants have always held a strong emphasis on music, Christian education, mission and service. We delighted in hosting Chicken BBQ dinners during Old Fashioned Days, a Garden Tour each July, traditional Midnight Christmas Eve worship services, and, in 2014 erected an Ark Park area on church property for the community to bring a picnic and enjoy the playground and gaga pit. We continue Rev. Swift's dream and God's work in the world today and will celebrate on Sunday, October 29th beginning at 9 a.m. with joyful worship and song through historic music, prayer, memories and special greetings from friends of the past. A collection of wedding photos will be on display during the day, and a tasty breakfast, prepared by our Men's Group, will be served following the worship service. If you were part of our past or would like to be part of our future, please join us Sunday, October 29 at 9 a.m. and stay for breakfast. To kindly RSVP for breakfast, contact the Church Office at (231) 924-0030. |
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