  News Advisory Fremont-based Great Lakes Bee Company to provide honey products for Whole Foods When Whole Foods opens its first West Michigan store in Kentwood, on Wednesday, August 17, it will feature a variety of local products including Hasselman’s Honey brand and honey infusions produced by Fremont’s Great Lakes Bee Company (GLBC). GLBC has been in operation for nearly 50 years. All GLBC honey is collected from hives around Newaygo County, a region that specializes in honey production due to its unique environment that GLBC bees forage on, producing 150,000 pounds of Michigan honey each year. As a local Whole Foods vendor, GLBC will have its original Hasselman’s Honey and 3 oz. flavored honey infusions available for purchase inside the new store. Whole Foods is set to open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, in the Radcliff Plaza shopping center, 2897 Radcliff Ave SE, in Kentwood. Genji LeClair, co-owner of GLBC, can be available onsite between 2-4 p.m. during the store’s opening day to share about bringing GLBC’s Hasselman’s hometown honey into the world’s leading natural and organic grocer.
0 Comments
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Announces Change to Laboratory Hours at 211 W. Pine Lake Drive in Newaygo Newaygo, Mich., August 12, 2022 – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is changing the laboratory hours at its Newaygo draw station at 211 W. Pine Lake Drive beginning on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. The current hours at the laboratory in Newaygo are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The new hours beginning September 6, 2022 will be Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and on Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The laboratory at this location will be closed on Labor Day, September 5, 2022. These new hours will begin that week on Tuesday, September 6. About Spectrum Health Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides care and coverage, comprising 31,000+ team members, 14 hospitals (including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital), a robust network of care facilities, teams of nationally recognized doctors and providers, and the nation’s third-largest provider-sponsored health plan, Priority Health, currently serving over 1 million members across the state of Michigan. People are at the heart of everything we do. Locally governed and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we are focused on our mission: to improve health, instill humanity and inspire hope. Spectrum Health has a legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Through experience, innovation and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness.  Consumers Energy to Conduct Siren Tests Near Rogers, Hardy and Croton Dams August 18
Consumers Energy announced the emergency public warning siren systems near its Rogers, Hardy and Croton hydroelectric generating plants on the Muskegon River will be tested on Thursday, August 18, at about 9 a.m. · The test will include a voice message, a 30-second siren and a second voice message. The public does not need to take any action during the test. The siren systems are tested each August and December. · The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requires hydroelectric facilities to be able to quickly notify residents and visitors of any developing emergency at the plants. · In an emergency, the sirens would be used only if the threat of a dam failure is imminent at one of the facilities. At that time, anyone on or near the river should evacuate at once to high ground. Additional information would be provided on local radio and television stations.  Fremont Area Community Foundation recently awarded nearly $2.5 million in its first community grant round of 2022. Grant support was awarded to a variety of organizations serving Newaygo County residents, including programs addressing economic growth, literacy, housing, food insecurity, and more. Most grant awards concentrated on the Community Foundation’s three focus areas of community and economic development, education, and poverty to prosperity. More than 40 grants were awarded in total, including a $25,550 grant to The Right Place Foundation. The grant will support the development of a strategic plan to preserve and showcase the communities of Woodland Park and Idlewild and promote economic development. An experienced consultant will be hired to lead the collaborative project. In addition to the grant, three donors contributed a total of $4,450 from their donor advised funds. Grant Public Schools received a $3,809 grant, along with contributions totaling $1,500 from two donor advised funds, for their Salmon in the Classroom program. This hands-on learning opportunity will allow Grant third graders to observe and study the life cycle of salmon, raising them from eggs until the fish are released into the Muskegon River. A $39,200 grant was awarded to Hope 101 Ministry’s transitional housing program. The organization serves individuals and families in Newaygo County experiencing homelessness and provides mentors and case management to help residents set goals and achieve self-sufficiency. The Community Foundation accepts community grant applications online twice each year. Applications for the second grant round of 2022 are due on September 1. View a full list of grants awarded, as well as information on how to apply for a grant, at facommunityfoundation.org/grants.  Photo by Rob Schuitema “Public input will be an important component in our long-term strategic planning regarding the future of our dams.” JACKSON, Mich., Aug. 9, 2022 – Consumers Energy is starting this month to gather opinions from the public about the 13 dams they own and operate on five Michigan rivers to help guide their decisions about the future of those electric generating facilities. “We need to perform due diligence now as the licenses to operate our dams begin to expire in 12 years. We do not want to assume we know how individuals and communities feel about our dams as we develop plans to either continue investing in or remove any of our river hydro facilities,” said Norm Kapala, vice president of generation operations at Consumers Energy. “We are keenly aware dams have great significance for local communities and impact recreation for Michigan residents and visitors statewide. Public input will be an important component in our long-term strategic planning regarding the future of our dams.” The energy provider hired Public Sector Consultants (PSC), a Lansing-based nonpartisan research and consulting firm that specializes in public engagement, to develop an adjacent property owner survey and conduct public meetings near each of Consumers Energy’s dams from August through October this year with the goal of collecting unbiased feedback regarding the facilities. Anyone is welcome to attend any of the public community meetings. Owners of property adjacent to the dams should expect to receive the survey in the mail the week of August 15. For community meeting details, to provide comments, and more information about the process access: ConsumersEnergy.com/HydroFuture. Consumers Energy makes decisions based on the Triple Bottom Line that ensures benefits for people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity. Factors Consumers Energy considers in determining the future for its dams include regulatory compliance, safety, community impacts, operating costs and environmental impacts. These topics will be covered at the public meetings by PSC and Consumers Energy dam experts. Community feedback will be solicited, as well, during a facilitated discussion. The 30- to 40-year federal licenses to operate the dams Consumers Energy owns and operates on the Muskegon, Manistee, Grand, Kalamazoo and Au Sable rivers are set to expire beginning in 2034 through 2041. Schedule of public meetings: (All meetings begin with an open house at 5:30 p.m. and the public meeting will begin at 6:00.) Hardy Dam Wednesday, August 24 Newaygo High School Cafeteria 360 S. Mill Street, Newaygo, MI Croton Dam Thursday, September 8 Newaygo High School Cafeteria 360 S. Mill Street, Newaygo, MI Rogers Dam Tuesday, September 20 Mecosta Township Hall 19729 11 Mile Road, Big Rapids, MI 49307  Photo courtesy of Consumers Energy  From our friends at MDOT Newaygo to White Cloud- See maps Lane closures for road work are scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday) from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on M-37 from Evergreen Drive (Old M-37) in Newaygo to the White River bridge in White Cloud. On Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-37 will be CLOSED between 40th Street and the White River. Detour- East on 40th Street, north on Laurel Drive, stay left to continue north on Oak Avenue, then west on M-20 to M-37. On Thursday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-37 will be CLOSED and detoured between Evergreen Drive and 40th Street. Detour- Head SW on Evergreen Drive, north on Centerline Road, west on 48th Street, north on Gordon Avenue and east on 40th Street to M-37.  MDOT and county maintenance forces are working together to patch and seal this section before winter. A $30 million reconstruction investment is slated for 2028.
The work is weather dependent.  By N3 News
And another primary election is in the books. In Newaygo County the turnout was predictably low with 72% of registered voters sitting this one out. The result? Well, if you don’t mind your governmental leadership being decided by a small group of voters or perhaps you remain apathetic about who is sitting in those decision making seats there is no need to read on. However… Let’s say you belong to a condo co-op, or maybe a pickleball club. There are 100 voting members. Unfortunately only 28 are allowed to vote, thus a majority of 15 people get to make the decisions for the 100 members. Of course it feels frustrating because quite often the votes go drastically against what you want. Suddenly the condos begin to allow weekly fireworks and couches on porches while banning visits from grandkids Or maybe the pickleball group has decided to require 4.5s to partner with 3.0s or lower for all matches (It’s a p-ball thing) while also opting to restrict players over the age of 60 from all morning play. You’re not happy, right? We get it. But there’s nothing you can do because you agreed to allow 15 voters to dictate the rules. As was done in this recent election, you ceded the authority to them. By not voting. Home Township had the best turnout at 41% with 93 of their 225 voters finding their way to the polls. Big Prairie Township (18%) and the city of Newaygo (19.5%) were the lowest. Here are the unofficial results of contested races. Numbers are from the Republican side with the Democrats on the ballot running unopposed. You can find all the Newaygo County results at https://www.electionreporting.com/county/4f8490f1-1fd8-4a80-bf1d-2d18783f32fa County Commission District 1 Paul Mellema 816 Amber Wakefield 436 Burt Cooper 67 District 5 Ken DeLaat 503 Lavern Willett 460 Thomas Smith 181 District 6 Brenda Bird 788 John Clark 659 Unopposed D2 Brian Kolk D3 Chuck Trapp D4 Jim Maike D7 Mike Kruithof 101st District State Representative- Republican (Numbers on right side are Newaygo County votes) Joseph Fox 5011 3404 Kelly Smith 4840 2739 Diane Schindlbeck 4082 2365 Chad Pierce 1119 499 101st District State Representative-Democrat Amanda Siggins ran unopposed 33rd District State Senator Rick Outman (R) and Mark Bignell (D) ran unopposed Governor- Republican (Numbers on the right side are Newaygo County votes) Tudor Dixon 134,438 3083 Kevin Rinke 68,466 1436 Garrett Soldano 63,250 1563 Ryan Kelley 51,937 2654 Ralph Rebandt 13,641 352 Governor-Democrat Gretchen Whitmer ran unopposed US Representative-Republican (Numbers on the right are Newaygo County votes) John Moolenaar 77,391 5399 Thomas Norton 41,272 3397 US Representative- Democrat Jerry Hilliard ran unopposed  Organizer Mary Rangel (L) answering questions at FAD
Organizations, volunteers come together for FAD By Ken DeLaat, N3 News While Farm Workers Appreciation Day has been going on for some time, the past few years the event has become a drive thru due to COVID concerns. But in pre COVID days it was an extravaganza with music, games, food and giveaways that greeted the hard working families who are the backbone of the agricultural economy in our region. Mary Rangel works for District Health Department #10 in the Women’s Infants and Children (WIC) Division and also serves as chair of the Sparta Area Migrant Resource Council. Her office is in the Community Center in Grant. She also gathers the support and volunteers necessary to put together this annual doings where hundreds of farm worker families are able to access needed items for their children and themselves. We caught up with a busy Ms. Rangel during the Sunday event after an extensive search of the Grant Middle School campus where scores of cars lined up to take advantage of the gifts of appreciation. Volunteers we asked reported sightings of her here and there as she moved about the area ensuring the operation was going smoothly and answering a boatload of questions. Having corralled her for a moment or two she kindly agreed to answer a few more questions from N3. Tell us a little about FAD. “This is an event where we celebrate the migrant and farm working families who come into our community to work with our farmers. Some of these families come in every year, some from different states and some who go from one farmer to another and stay here all year round. They do the apples in the winter, then the strawberries, the blueberries, the cherries and so on. They’re people who we know and they know us,” How did this get started? “About 20 years ago a lady named Luvy Rodriguez worked for the state of Michigan and she started this event. She did it for a couple years then passed the baton on to me. Since then I have chaired it and gotten it organized with all the volunteers who come from the community to make it possible.” Support? “We get funding primarily from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, Choice One also gives a donation toward the shoes and we get smaller donations from other sources as well.” Why FAD? This helps our migrant families. They don’t qualify for food stamps or a lot of the stimulus packages aimed at small children because they don’t have social security numbers. They don’t qualify for unemployment. So let’s say a packing company closes down because of COVID or some other reason. They get nothing and are out of work until it reopens. This is a way of helping.They come here and help us so we’re trying to give back.” Why are you involved? “Coming from a migrant background my passion is for the migrant families that come through here. Being a child in a migrant family the simplest things in life meant so much. If you go through the line you’ll see we’re providing backpacks, clothing and shoes for the children. We also give out socks and underwear and a grocery bag of culturally friendly groceries and then add a small door prize. “To you and I the door prizes would mean nothing. Like a fan or an Igloo for carrying water. We might use the cooler to take to the beach but these people use it every day. Everything we provide here is a necessity and to me it means a lot that we can help our families in that way.” We recall sitting down with Mary 5 years ago, our first time at FAD. The atmosphere was bright and smile producing as traditional music and dance blended splendidly with the games for all ages, food items and the giveaways that are now dispensed by car. It was then that Mary told me of her upbringing in a migrant family. “When I was 9 years old my Mom and Dad had a baby and I stayed home taking care of the 6 week newborn baby, Thea, and my 8 year old sister Irma. When I was 11 years old I started working for the same farmer my dad worked for. We worked in the fields for many summers, my sister Irma and I. I remember going back to school in the fall and listening to all the other kids talk about their summer family vacations. “We never knew what a summer vacation was.” I do this because it’s my passion to help others, but especially the migrants and farm working people because I know what it’s like to have very little. I have a beautiful memory of my Mother taking my sister Irma and I to an agency in Fremont to get new coats for school.. The memory of feeling like a "Queen" with my new coat is one I will never forget. Well done Ms. Rangel. And well done to the FACF, others who contributed, the sea of volunteers and all who helped make this not so random act of kindness happen. .“A good half of the art of living is resilience.”-Alain de Botton  Lindsay Hager, one of the volunteers from the Fremont Area Community Foundation  Michigan Works! West Central invites job seekers to Hiring Party
NEWAYGO – There’s something about food that always seems to bring people together. In an effort to connect job seekers with employers looking to hire, Michigan Works! West Central is hoping a free lunch will attract community members looking for work to one of its upcoming Hiring Parties. The team at Michigan Works! West Central has held Hiring Parties this summer at its Baldwin, Big Rapids and Reed City service centers, and is organizing its next one on Aug. 1, at its Newaygo office. These large-scale job fairs are set up like block-party-style events, where attendees can stop at each booth to grab a portion of their meal, as well as talk to employers about open positions they have available. “We feel these Hiring Parties are a great way to bring job seekers and employers together in a more relaxed, casual setting, all while sharing a meal together,” said Michigan Works! West Central Executive Director Shelly Keene. “We will be providing hot dogs, and participating employers are encouraged to provide side dishes, snacks, drinks, etc. We also have invited area service organizations to talk to attendees about any support services they have that may benefit them.” Michigan Works! West Central will be hosting its next Hiring Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, at its Newaygo service center, located at 9075 S. Mason Drive. Additional events are being scheduled in August at the organization’s Ludington and Shelby offices. So far, 15 employers and service organizations are expected to participate in next week’s event. Employers still are being added as the event gets closer. According to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, Michigan’s unemployment rate in May 2022, was 4.3 percent (the most recent data available), which is slightly higher than the national average at 3.6 percent. Unemployment was 4.4 percent in Newaygo County during the same period. “COVID-19 case numbers continue to hold steady and unemployment rates are at pre-pandemic levels,” Keene said. “However, there still are employers across all industry sectors struggling to hire. We encourage all those looking for work or to advance their career to come to our Hiring Parties to help bridge the hiring gap. Our staff also will be available to help assess job seekers’ individual circumstances to potentially enroll them in programs and services we offer that may be able to help them advance their career.” For more information about Michigan Works! West Central’s programs and services, visit MWWC.org, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Be sure to check the organization’s social media profiles for the most up-to-date list of employers participating in the upcoming Hiring Parties. UPDATE: MEETING TIME CHANGED TO 8:30am. Same Date, Same Location   Todd DeKryger, Ken DeLaat, and Julie Tatko are the newest trustees elected to the FACF Board Fremont Area Community Foundation recently held its annual meeting where members elected three new trustees. New board officers were also elected. Todd DeKryger, Ken DeLaat, and Julie Tatko were each elected by the members to join the Community Foundation board. Members of the Community Foundation are chosen by virtue of their leadership positions in the community, and their primary responsibility is to meet annually to elect trustees. DeKryger is the regional manager for sustainable agricultural development at Nestlé Nutrition North America. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Michigan State University, including a PhD in resource development. “I’m excited for this opportunity to serve the community,” said DeKryger of joining the board. “I’ve always been impressed with the Community Foundation and what it has been able to support. I look forward to serving.” DeLaat is a freelance writer and creator of Near North Now. He has also spent his career working in mental health in various capacities and leadership positions. “I worked in nonprofit organizations for most of my life,” said DeLaat. “Coming from the nonprofit sector, I always admired the work of the Community Foundation. It’s a real honor to be asked to serve. I hope I can be part of the solutions for issues we face in our community.” Tatko has a background in community health. She is currently president and CEO of Baldwin Family Health Care, which has facilities in White Cloud and Grant. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we can look at healthcare as part of the Community Foundation’s poverty to prosperity work,” said Tatko. “I am excited to get to know other people and sectors here. I love the area and appreciate how people here work together to improve the community.” The new trustees were elected to fill vacancies, including those left as Joseph Roberson and Carolyn Hummel retired from the board. Roberson was first elected in 2012 and most recently served as chair of the board. Hummel was elected in 2013. She was formerly chair of the Community Foundation’s Education Committee and continues to serve on the committee. Following the members meeting, the Board of Trustees met and elected officers. Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark was elected chair of the board, with Lola Harmon-Ramsey named vice chair and Mikhail Salacina named secretary. Bill Alsover will remain as treasurer and Dr. Susan Wente will serve as trustee-at-large.
 Lake residents gathered for the ceremony A month or so after Hess Lake Board President Rich Bosowski passed away in a tragic boating accident last summer Jerry Swendrowski and John Van Dam talked about how they and other lake residents needed some sense of closure after losing their long-time neighbor and friend so suddenly. “I think it was John who came up with the idea for a stone like the one that sits by the boat launch now,” said Swendrowski. “In September I went to the Hess Lake Improvement Association meeting and presented the idea to the membership there that night. It was met with open arms. ‘Of course when you volunteer for something it tends to fall your way,” he added with a smile. From there he set out to make the arrangements for the tribute stone and on Saturday July 23rd the stone was unveiled in front of 60+ folks who came to the dedication ceremony. At the event Jerry Swendrowski spoke of his long time neighbor highlighting the word ‘Give’ as he referenced his late friend’s propensity to lend a hand whenever and wherever it was needed. Jerry then gave way to Rich’s wife Betty Bosowski who, along with her niece Jamie Holbrook, unveiled the stone for all to see. Afterwards the many who attended milled about having the conversations lake people have and enjoying the refreshments donated by the Hess Lake Party Store courtesy of store owner and lake resident Raeann Husky. We asked Jerry how the funding for the tribute was secured. “Eight generous people,” he stated.”8 people who all said, ’Of course we will donate. Rich was my friend.’ One person said ‘Rich wasn’t just my friend, he was my best friend.’” The stone rests at the foot of the Hess Lake sign on the corner of 88th and Redwood Dr.  Hess Lake Party Store donated refreshments after the unveiling.  Newaygo County Register of Deeds Stu Sanders Free service at ROD office protects your property
Newaygo County Register of Deeds Stu Sanders would like to remind property owners in Newaygo County of the free property fraud alert service offered by the Register’s Office. Since our first press release 2 months ago we have had a tremendous response of residents signing up for this service. As property fraud and real estate cybercrimes have become more prevalent, it is important to provide all the safeguards that we can, and we are excited to do so. Signing up for this service will keep property owners informed of any recordings that come through our office. To sign up for this free service use the following steps:
Again, I would like to encourage all property owners to become a part of this free service to help safeguard a person’s home and property.
Saturday ceremony to begin at 11am
Just over a year ago the Hess Lake improvement Association lost their President Rich Bosowski. Well known among the lake’s year-round and weekend residents he had long been involved in the organization and also chaired the Hess Lake Board for the county. “Rich’s dedication and efforts to better Hess Lake will always be remembered,” said Association board member Mary Spicer. As a tribute to his years of service to the Hess Lake community, local residents came together to have a memorial created. A stone bearing his name now graces the area near the Hess Lake boat launch. On Saturday July 23rd there will be an official unveiling held at the boat launch beginning at 11am. All are welcome to attend. Below is a link to a letter we received following the untimely death of Mr. Bosowski https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/letter-a-tribute-to-a-friend-of-hess-lake-a-salute-to-those-who-serve  Michigan PFAS Action Response Team Community Meeting Announcement
District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is reminding residents of Newaygo and Oceana County of the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team’s (MPART) upcoming community meeting to discuss their investigation of PFAS contamination in private drinking water wells at the “Eagle Ottawa Newaygo Farms PFAS Investigation Site.” MPART representatives from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) along DHD#10 will host an in-person public meeting on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm at Walkerville Wesleyan Church. There is also an opportunity to watch the meeting via Facebook Live: https://fb.me/e/1zw1Cp9W3. Walkerville Wesleyan Church 144 176th Ave. Walkerville, MI 49459 An open house and time for community members to ask questions will be held from 4:30-5:30pm, followed by the PFAS presentation from 5:30-6:30pm. For questions about the Eagle Ottawa Newaygo Farms investigation, contact Aaron Assmann, EGLE, at AssmannA@michigan.gov, or call him at 616-430-5275.  Photo by Doug Harmon County Collection program sends nearly 2500 for recycling
In cooperation with Newaygo County Board of Public Works, Newaygo County Drain Commissioner and Newaygo County Road Commission , Saturday June 18th resulted in a very successful tire collection day. Newaygo County Commissioner Chuck Trapp headed up the small group of volunteers. A limit of ten tires, not on rims and no tubes allowed was the policy per person that was set. Approximately 2,469 tires were collected. Tires collected came from all of the townships throughout the county with the exception of Barton, Grant and Troy Townships. Their residents did not use the one day tire collection service. Denver Township brought in the most tires at 371. Home Township the least amount of 10. The tires have been loaded into enclosed trailers and were shipped to Environmental Rubber Recycling, downstate all per required permits. Currently there are no more scheduled tire collections for Newaygo County in 2022.  At the start of the regular meeting of the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners, Phil Deur was appointed to serve as District #1 Commissioner filling the seat left vacant by the recent death of Commissioner Burt Cooper. Deur previously represented District#1 before leaving office at the end of his term in 2018. He will also chair the Public Safety Committee. County Clerk Jason VanderStelt administered the oath of office and Commissioner Deur took his seat on the board for the remainder of the meeting. During commissioner comments Deur expressed his condolences to the Cooper family and recalled having encouraged Mr. Cooper to consider running as he was leaving office in 2018. Two candidates are currently seeking the Republican nomination for District #1, Paul Mellema and Amber Wakefield. In other business, the board interviewed Michelle Petz, nominee for the Mental Health Board, heard a presentation from West Michigan Adult & Teen Challenge of Muskegon regarding their substance abuse services, and gave the go ahead for a grant submission to the Ice Mountain Fund at the Fremont Area Community Foundation. If awarded the grant will be used to assist in the completion of the Michigan Dragon, the 47 mile non motorized trail that will encircle Hardy Pond.  Jessi Lucas: "Harm Reduction means someone cares." Panel discusses local issues, efforts. On Tuesday, July 12th, a community forum was held at the Board of Commissioners meeting room in White Cloud. Representatives from a multitude of agencies took their turns at the podium in hopes of increasing awareness of the magnitude of the drug problem in Newaygo County while also presenting information on the efficacy of harm reduction programs such as the Red Project initiative in White Cloud. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/harm-reduction Robert Sheehan Executive Director of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan moderated the event. Dr. Jennifer Morse of the District #10 Health Department and Dr. Josh Vander Lugt, an emergency room physician at Spectrum Gerber spoke to the need for such harm reduction programs to help prevent the spread of disease among not just people who use drugs but their families and the community. “Every school has a drug issue,” stated NCRESA Superintendent Blake Prewitt who provided some insight from his years as an administrator but also from his days as a counselor in the schools as well as with substance users. “One-third of our students live in a home where addiction is a problem.”  Undersheriff Chad Palmiter referencing deadly drugs resulting in recent deaths in Muskegon-"If it's in Muskegon it's coming here. Someone will die here nthis weekend." Law Enforcement also weighed in as Newaygo County Undersheriff Chad Palmiter described the challenges faced with the burgeoning increase in methamphetamine use in the county while speaking to the number of jail residents who require detoxification after going through withdrawals after being lodged. He also talked of the frequency of officers using Narcan, a medicine used to treat opiate overdoses that literally saves lives. Palmiter expressed his compassion for those suffering from addiction and emphasized that the officers that serve the county share that feeling. “No one with this uniform has the attitude of ‘just let them die’. These may be people we arrest and lodge in our facility but they are still human beings with families and loved ones.” “Half of our Protective Services cases are due to addiction.” He also sounded a cautionary note after hearing about a bad batch of Meth being discovered in Muskegon the past week. “If it’s in Muskegon it will be here this weekend and someone here will die this weekend.” Brian Vaderzalm from the Department of Health & Human Services gave info on the challenges of working with families hit by addiction and listed some resources where help can be found.  Donna Mazurek spoke while holding photos of her late daughter Then came a pair of presenters who shared their personal stories. Jessi Lucas tentatively approached the front of the gathering and introducing herself as a person in recovery from addiction she delivered a heartfelt testimonial to harm reduction. “What an addict needs is knowing someone cares. That’s what harm reduction is. It means while it seems no one else cares about you, they do.” She was met with a resounding round of applause. Ms. Lucas was followed by Donna Mazurek who founded the group Paige’s Promise after losing her daughter to an overdose of fentanyl laced heroin. https://www.facebook.com/paigespromise2015/ She reiterated the need for harm reduction programs to help keep the addict alive until they are ready to seek help, all the while holding a collection of photos of her daughter, lost too soon to addiction. She also received applause from the group.  Dr. Jennifer Morse showing a map of safe syringe programs available in the state Following the presentations the panel members took questions from the audience that had been delivered in writing during the program and presenters were available afterwards to respond to audience members individually.
“It was amazing to see this community come together and care so much about people with addiction,” said Newaygo County Mental Health Executive Director Carol Mills who organized the event in response to concern from some members of the community about the Red Project. “We learned from those on the front line helping people overcome addiction and helping families through crisis. There are incredible providers in this county who care a great deal for those who suffer from various forms of addiction. “We look forward to working with the providers to develop treatments that meet the needs of this community and work together to reduce addictions in Newaygo County.” "The opioid crisis forum was right on point, demonstrating the collaborative and science-driven nature of Newaygo county's work on this front,” observed moderator Robett Sheehan. ”The forum allowed those in attendance to get a sense of the cross-organization vision of the community's leaders in the use of best practices - in prevention, treatment, and harm reduction - to combat this crisis. While, as is always the case when addressing complex health and law enforcement issues, on-going community dialogue and adjustments will be a part of this effort, this forum provided all in attendance with the science and data behind the Newaygo county efforts." Carol Mills added, “Thank you to the members of the community who came out to listen and learn, and talk about ways to solve the addiction crisis in our community. Newaygo County is an amazing place to live and work. This forum showed how much this community cares about others.” |
CategoriesArchives
August 2022
|
RSS Feed