 Sherry Claflin, educator and lifelong learner WC’s Ms. Claflin earns national award
Sherry Claflin, an eighth-grade Earth science teacher at White Cloud Junior High School in White Cloud, Michigan, has been named the 2020 recipient of the Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching. Claflin earned her bachelor's degrees in Earth and space science education and journalism from Central Michigan University. In her 26 years as an educator, Claflin has received recognitions including the Michigan Earth Science Association’s Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award and the National Association of Geoscience Teachers’ Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award for Central Michigan. In addition to teaching Earth science in her current position, Claflin has served as an editor and contributing writer for Michigan Earth Scientist, an adjunct geology instructor at Muskegon Community College, a teacher at Annis Water Resources Institute, and an education and outreach consultant for the Newaygo Conservation District’s Stephen F. Wessling Observatory and Kropscott Farm Environmental Center. With her guidance, Claflin’s students recently won the Lexus Eco Air and Climate Challenge. "Ms. Claflin is an inspiring Earth science educator," said Sharon Tahirkheli, Interim Executive Director of the American Geosciences Institute. "A lifelong learner who leads both her students and her colleagues by example, she champions inquiry-based Earth science education in her school and throughout her community." Claflin will receive the award in April at the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) Friends of Earth Science Reception during the 2020 National Science Teaching Association Conference in Boston. Given annually, AGI's Edward C. Roy Jr. Award recognizes one classroom teacher from kindergarten to eighth grade for leadership and innovation in Earth science education. The award is named in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., who was a strong and dedicated supporter of Earth science education. To learn more, please see www.americangeosciences.org/education/awards/roy.
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The Fremont Regional Digester is hosting a site tour and a town hall on Thursday, March 5, 2020.
During the tour, visitors will learn about Digester operations, the types of organic materials it processes and upcoming land application plans for the organic fertilizer it produces. Following the tour, the Digester will host a community town hall meeting from 5:30 - 7 p.m. focused on land application practices and the benefits of Digester fertilizer for both soil and crops. Digester management and operations team members will discuss the Digester’s role in the West Michigan community, as well as take questions from community members who want to learn more about the facility. Here's the skinny Date: Thursday, March 5, 2020 Site Tour Location: Fremont Regional Digester, 1634 Locust Street, Fremont, MI 49412
www.fremontdigester.com/events/community-site-tour-and-town-hall-meeting  Hesperia Senate approves Bumstead legislation to expand local authority LANSING— The state Senate on Thursday approved legislation introduced by Sen. Jon Bumstead that would aid local governments with administrative duties. “The people of Hesperia are being held hostage,” said Bumstead, R-Newaygo. “Without a quorum, no local matters can be dealt with, meaning business is halted and issues remain unsolved. Local governments are responsible for many issues that affect residents, and, in this case, the job simply isn’t getting done.” Three of the Hesperia village trustees have now resigned, leaving four members on the seven-member council. Additionally, one trustee refuses to attend meetings for personal reasons, causing a lack of quorum. Without a quorum, the council has been unable to appoint temporary trustees, process the three resignations from previous members, or conduct any other official business. Senate Bills 712 and 713 amend the General Law Village Act and Michigan Election Law giving local governments certain tools to help resolve situations like this. Under Bumstead’s legislation, villages would have the general power to compel absent members to attend. The legislation would also provide additional guidelines to ensure local elected officials are held to their duties. If a village does not have an ordinance compelling absent members to attend already in place, the legislation would allow a council’s presiding officer to require absent members to attend a regular or special meeting if the village is unable to achieve a quorum for 60 consecutive calendar days. If a village fails to compel an absent member to attend a meeting under ordinary circumstances, the absent member shall be guilty of gross neglect of duty, which is a precursor for the governor to consider removal. “The situation in Hesperia has gone on long enough and it’s time something be done. Residents simply deserve better. There’s no other way to put it,” Bumstead said. “There are several local matters going unsolved and a formal meeting has not been held in nearly a year. “These are much-needed reforms that would help any local government throughout the state in a similar situation, and I was happy to see such a great deal of support from my colleagues. I’ll be working with my members of the House to get these bills to the governor as soon as possible.”  Citizens attending a quorum-less meeting last year  Sophia Fries, Regional Spelling Bee winner from Grant Middle School, posing with her principal, Mr. Lance Jones. 2020 Regional Spelling Bee Hosted by NC RESA Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency (NC RESA) hosted the 2020 Regional Spelling Bee on February 25 with 18 district-level winners and runners-up (grades 3 through 8) competing for the regional title. Congratulations to Sophia Fries from Grant Middle School, who was the overall winner by correctly spelling the word pilferer in Round 11. Sophia will now advance to The Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee on Tuesday, March 24 at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids.  We are proud to acknowledge the district level spellers (front row: L to R) Rebecca Hillary, Hesperia Patricia St. Clair Elementary; Rhoen Wade, White Cloud Elementary; Cheryl West, Newaygo Elementary; Kaden Smith, Grant Elementary; Coleman Hewartson, Newaygo Elementary; Kristy Irwin, White Cloud Elementary; Justin Aprile, Big Jackson School; Sebastion Wilkinson, Big Jackson School; Levi Kraska, Newaygo Middle; (back row: L to R) Sophia Fries, Grant Middle; Oscar Mendez, Grant Middle; Catalina Cummins, Fremont Middle; Sophia Morse, Fremont Middle; Ian Fox, Hesperia Middle; Angela Nakvos-Clubb, Newaygo Middle; Laila Weber, Fremont Daisy Brook; Garrett Hulst, Fremont Daisy Brook; Jared Conley, Grant Elementary. These students are commended for their determination in preparing for the different levels of competition at their local school District Bee, Newaygo County RESA Regional Bee, and The Greater Grand Rapids Bee. The winner from The Greater Grand Rapids Bee will have the opportunity to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee the last week of May in Washington D.C. For a detailed national competition schedule, please visit Scripps National Spelling Bee website at www.spellingbee.com.
 We had the chance to visit the Fremont biodigester Friday. You know, the place that opened in 2013 despite some pushback from neighbors, then closed amidst financial and odor issues before finally reopening a couple of years back? The new company poured $3.5 million into upgrades and the site is now managed by Dynamic Systems Management. We were with a group of media folks shown around by facility manager Leon Scott along with a few others from the American Biogas Council, a trade association advocating for biogas systems. Scott obviously takes a lot of pride in the facility and seems committed to creating an operation based on best practices. He spoke to the improvements that had been made and pointed out the steps taken to reduce any offensive olfactory experiences (bad smells). N3 received letters to the editor and Pulse pieces last year regarding the odors emanating from the lagoons, the two 10 million gallon holding sites located miles to the west of the Digester containing the material that will eventually be used to fertilize farms. Right now straw has been placed atop the lagoons to mitigate the odors but as soon as weather permits permanent covers will be installed, an initiative that according to info received on the tour should help considerably in the reduction of the unpleasantness that has been wafting over a disgruntled community of neighbors of the site. Got questions? Want a tour? They will be holding another site tour for the community on Thursday March 5th from 1-3:30pm and follow it up with a town hall meeting from 5:30-7pm. To Bridge or Not to Bridge? Last Thursday the ‘I Am Newaygo’ community held a meeting to discuss the new branding initiative (“Heart of the Muskegon”) and the proposed suspension walking/biking bridge connecting the city and Henning Park. We were there for the branding section which was met with positive feedback but missed the bridge discussion. From what we heard there were yeas and nays regarding the project which is not unusual for anything involving change, but most impressive was the turnout and the desire of those who attended to have a voice in their city’s future. Well done Newaygonians. The Newaygo Museum folks have been putting together a speakers series on a monthly basis featuring local folks discussing a variety of topics. This past week Dale Twing gave an informative presentation on the history of White Cloud with some compelling photos depicting the city’s rich past (including the famous Goat Man) and some intriguing anecdotes involving it’s earlier citizens . Dale’s family traces far back into the history of our county seat and he made sure to acknowledge the help of Pamela Miller of the White Cloud Community Library in securing the photos and helping to put together his talk. He also mentioned that anyone interested in genealogy might want to check with Pam who has assisted many in their efforts to take the journey of descendant discovery. In case you didn’t know the museum is open each Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12-3pm and if you haven't been recently you need to stop in and check it out. Got Gumbo? Yes it is indeed Fat Tuesday week. With Lent looming and the prospect of Friday fish fries becoming a weekly supper staple you may not be able to make it down to the Gulf Coast where the lengthy celebration of Mardi Gras will be culminating,.... But...Chef T. of Hit the Road Joe will allow your taste buds to travel to The Big Easy with some righteous Authentic New Orleans Style Seafood Gumbo To Go. Chef T. has never disappointed our gastronomic expectations and her gumbo will arrive over rice with a slice of what can only be described as heavenly cornbread. Tuesday 5-7pm and you better call (231)652-6020 to reserve yours for pickup because while there is no limit to the amount of celebration one can do on Fat Tuesday... There is only so much gumbo to go around. Regional Security in the Red Sea is the topic for Tuesday’s Great Decisions Global Discussion Speaker Series at the Dogwood, 12-1pm. Steve Dalzell, a Senior Defense Policy Researcher with the Rand Corporation will be the speaker. Free, informative, thought provoking, and did we mention free? And finally a favorite Kurt Vonnegut quote: "A step backwards after making a wrong turn is a step in the right direction." Keep in touch and talk soon. Ken and the staff of N3 World Headquarters  GVSU comes to the Dam to Dam Ice Fishing Tournament
The annual Dam to Dam Ice Fishing Tournament had special guests this year, as twenty-three GVSU Honors students packed the ice to collect fishing stories and to learn about the Muskegon River. The class, HON280 Making Waves: Water in a Changing World, began the day with a tour of Hardy Dam. They then headed to Croton, with students circulating among tournament participants, interviewing ice fisherman about fishing culture and practices. The interviews will be compiled into edited videos, which will be posted to YouTube later this spring. Among the GVSU participants were three local residents: Professor Tara Hefferan of Croton and students Maggie Degen and Lauren Ferris, both of Fremont.  Event Supports TrueMentors Program Photos courtesy of TrueNorth NEWAYGO— The Leinenkugel’s Presents 2020 Dam to Dam Ice Fishing Tournament raised $7,569 for TrueNorth Community Services’ TrueMentors program. The 14th annual Dam to Dam tournament was held Saturday, February 15, on Croton and Hardy ponds, with tournament headquarters and the final weigh-in at Croton Township Campground in Newaygo. There were 681 adults and children registered for the event, which also included a Leinenkugel’s beer garden, vendors, ice golfing and giveaways. “This event is crucial to TrueMentors and the kids of Newaygo County,” said Mark Kraus, Community Liaison and Development Director for TrueNorth. “Last year, TrueMentors connected 95 kids with someone to look up to and who care about their future. These kids have greater self-esteem, do better in school, and have a more positive outlook on life because of the caring mentors in the program.” Leinenkugel’s was the primary sponsor; WLAV Radio, 97 LAV-FM, was the media sponsor; and Impact Power Sports was the grand prize sponsor. Adult and children’s division honors went to the top fishing catches for perch, bluegill, walleye, pike and crappie on an overcast winter day with some snow, wind and below- freezing temperatures. “The entire Croton area comes together to help host this event,” Kraus said. “Croton Township, the local American Legion post, Anderson’s Silk Screen, The Jetty, the Driftwood Bar & Grill, and many others deserve a lot of credit for such a successful event, as well as Leinenkugel’s and WLAV.” TrueMentors' adult volunteers are matched in mentoring relationships with Newaygo County youth ages 5 to 14 years old. Discover more about TrueMentors by contacting Lisa Brown at (231) 924-0641, ext. 109, or [email protected].  Fremont Area Community Foundation is partnering with other local and state organizations to present Show Me the Money Day on March 13 at the Ferris State University Center in Big Rapids.
Show Me the Money Day is a free resource fair designed to help local individuals and families reach their financial goals. The event is open to anyone residing in Lake, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Osceola counties. The day will feature helpful financial information, resources, and workshops, along with snacks and prizes. Vendors including local banks and service organizations will be on hand to provide information on housing, financial assistance, building savings, and other available resources. Participants can also attend workshops on renting vs. homeownership, organizing important documents, budgeting, and meal planning. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 13 at the Ferris State University Center (805 Campus Drive) in Big Rapids. Gas cards are available for those traveling at least 60 miles round trip while supplies last. For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 231.924.5350 or [email protected]. For a full list of vendors expected to attend the resource fair, visit facommunityfoundation.org/moneyday  E-cigarettes and vaping devices come in all sizes and shapes, including masquerading as a wrist watch. Spectrum Health physician, tobacco expert to spotlight vaping harm, ways to fight back
FREMONT – Spectrum Health is helping shine a spotlight on vaping. Spectrum Health physician Shelley Schmidt, M.D., and Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial tobacco treatment specialist Caitlin Mitchell-Schucker, along with Karen Ripke of District Health Department #10 and a tobacco treatment specialist, will discuss vaping March 10 at 5479 W. 72nd St. in Fremont. Attendees to “Vaping 101” will enjoy a free dinner. Free childcare is available. Participants will be entered for door prizes. The event is free, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. and dinner served at 5:30 p.m. Schmidt will highlight treatments for nicotine addiction and resources for youth, and Mitchell-Schucker will share information to help parents and schools identify signs of vaping, recognize equipment and take steps to help address vaping. Using an e-cigarette is commonly called vaping and works by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaping liquid can contain nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances, flavorings, and additives. THC is the psychoactive mind-altering compound of marijuana that produces the “high.” “Vaping is just as addictive as traditional cigarettes and research shows that the ingredients in e-cigarettes are linked to asthma, lung diseases and heart diseases,” Mitchell-Schucker said. “As people – including many youth – get hooked on nicotine, we want to spread the message that e-cigarettes and vaping are not substitutes for effective and sustainable smoking and tobacco cessation methods. Our presentation aims to shed as much light as we can to families and schools, so we have the facts to address and reduce vaping.” To reserve a seat, register at http://bit.ly/vapingfreenewaygo or call 231.245.3015. In addition to Spectrum Health, cosponsors include District Health Department #10, NCRESA, Headway and Great Start.  Pictured L-R Captain Jonathan Borgman, Undersheriff Chad Palmiter, Dr.Lori Tubbergen Clark, NC RESA Superintendent & Promise Zone Chairperson; Dr. Steve Witter, Promise Zone Fundraising Chairperson; Sheriff Bob Menham; and Corporal Brian Nestle. Sheriff Bob Mendham and his team presented a check to the Newaygo County Promise Zone to support scholarships for Newaygo County students. Officers at the Newaygo County Sheriff’s department paid a fine for violating their “no facial hair” policy; which included, a donation made by Resonate Church to allow officers to keep their facial hair until spring. Some of their proceeds went to fund Promise Scholars. The Newaygo County Promise Scholarships, funded through private donations and revenue captured from the state education tax, has funded hundreds of Newaygo County students since 2017 giving students a free path to an Associate’s degree or a career credential. “We appreciate the support of Sheriff Mendham and the Newaygo County Sheriff’s department to help us remove financial barriers for families,” said Tubbergen Clark, Chairperson of the Newaygo County Promise Zone Board. “Their generosity is an investment in their future which has been life-changing for so many students and their families.”  Kelly Smith holds the award presented by NCRC Board members (L-R) Doug Harmon, Bill Gonyon and Lou Meeuwenberg Photos by Melissa Homrich The Newaygo County Road Commission held an open house for retiring Director Kelly Smith on Friday February 14th to commemorate his 35 years serving the citizens of Newaygo County. The Three member Road Commission board honored him with a plaque as Lou Meeuwenberg heaped praise on the accomplishments and advancements completed under Smith’s tenure and our local state legislators also presented an award of recognition signed by them as well as the Governor and Lt. Governor. “Kelly was a natural leader at his position of manager of the Newaygo County Road Commission,” said Board member Bill Gonyon. “He not only served the county, but also held several positions over the years on the road association of Michigan. He will be missed by us, and we all wish him well in his retirement.” Board member Doug Harmon added, “Kelly is and loves to be a problem solver.It has been an honor and pleasure working with someone that loved, had compassion and lived his job 24/7.”  State Senator Jon Bumstead and State Rep Scott VanSingel flank Kelly Smith The far reaching influence Smith has had in his 3 ½ decades with the organization was apparent as well wishers from county, township and city offices as well as members of other agencies filled the RC offices during the event. Former Road Commission board member Dale Twing: “I had the privilege of working with Kelly for 8 years as a Road Commissioner and for another 8 years as Drain Commissioner and have known him all our lives. He has a very broad set of skills which has served him well in one of the hardest positions in government. His openness for new ideas and his willingness to collaborate with and help other government agencies has truly served this county well and saved its citizens a great deal of money. I have never seen any more dedication or effort put forth by an individual for his job in my many years of being involved with many organizations.”  From our friends at MDOT:
Daily (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) lane closures for drainage work will be in effect today (Monday) through this Friday on M-120 (Maple Island Rd) between 24th and 32nd streets. The work is weather dependent. For up-to-date information on this project and others, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive. Tidbits from here and there
So… Last Thursday recreational marijuana arrived in our county for the first time when Skymint began moving beyond dispensary mode and into dual duties including cannabis presumably not prescribed for medical usage. Well, one imagines recreational pot has long been a part of our little slice of bipeninsular heaven, but they were indeed the first ones to do it under the auspices of licenses, regulation and whatnot. We drove by just before noon on Opening Day (a term generally reserved for deer hunting and baseball) and there wasn’t the anticipated line running from their doorway to just past city hall. A couple of cars per usual but not nearly the activity level one might imagine on a day that seemed to get ample attention on social media. Of course it was, as I said, before noon so lunch hour folks had not been able to break free as yet and 3rd shifters were perhaps still getting a few winks in and those not within a quick lunchtime stopover wouldn’t be getting there until later on in the day. But we heard on television later that a line formed prior to opening the doors so perhaps we just missed the rush. For now the ‘Cannabis in the Cloud’ emporium remains unique and the only (legal) place nearby one can purchase pot since the next nearest is in Evart. For now. Think the young one in your life is a special kind of cutie? Of course you do. What lovingly smitten Mom, Dad or doting grandparent thinks otherwise? Well for the 10th year parents can enter their child for a chance to become a Gerber ambassador for a year by submitting a photo and story to their online portal. The little ones need to be between ages birth and 48 months (that’s four years but NOT 4 years and a day, remember). One can only imagine how this would look on a future resume. Here’s the site: Photosearch.gerber.com. You a local history buff? Or maybe a recent relo to the area and looking for a peek into the past of your newfound region? The Newaygo Museum has been running a series of speakers (including a rambling discourse from yours truly last summer) and this Thursday is a good one because Dale Twing former owner of Sally’s and current Drain Commissioner will be delivering the historical goods on his ancestral home White Cloud. Dale knows how to spin a story, and his reflections on what the county seat used to be back in the day will deliver a vivid picture of the town during its heyday. This Thursday starting at 6:30pm at the Museum located at 12 Quarterline in downtown Newaygo. Doors open at 6pm and it is a true bargain because admission is free. More into the future than the past? Then go to The Stream in downtown Newaygo Thursday at 6pm and you can hear a presentation and participate in a discussion during the I Am Newaygo meeting where folks will be chatting up the proposed pedestrian bridge running across the Mighty Muskegon from downtown to Henning Park. Got an opinion and have a desire to express it beyond the wasteland of social media? Here's your opportunity. Apparently it’s Beer Month in Grand Rapids from February 15 to March 15 which seems odd because most named months are encapsulated in the same calendar month like Mustache Month (March) or National Pizza Month (October). Hmm. Having spent much of my first several decades in GR I always assumed every month was beer month but hey, Grand Rapidians love to celebrate everything so more power to ‘em. The centerpiece of this celebratory 29 day hoppy holiday is perhaps the 15th Winter Beer Fest held next weekend at 5th Third Park where the brews are always cold and so are you. Me? I would prefer the Burning Foot Beer Festival in Muskegon being held in August because…. well…. because it’s August and it’s warm of course. We understand one can become a Brewsader (seriously?) and get a passport and t-shirt and all but we skimmed over the details without taking action because we have enough t-shirts and our tendency is to avoid getting involved in large groups with vague objectives since that time in Mt Pleasant involving Shriners, a Rastafarian and a couple of monkeys... But we digress. Here’s the skinny if you want to join the Brewsade. https://www.experiencegr.com/things-to-do/beer-city/brewsader/ Keep in touch and as we always like to say, eschew obfuscation fellow bipeninsularians. Talk soon. Ken and the staff of N3 World Headquarters  From our high flying friends at Pilots for Christ:
Pilots for Christ, located at the Fremont Airport, is going on television! We spread the Gospel using aviation and now we are primed to send His news out via the TV. Would you like to get involved? Volunteer your time and talent? We have many opportunities for those just starting out and those that are seasoned in your craft. These are ALL volunteer positions however you can have your name added to the credit roll if you choose. Pilots for Christ is now accepting interviews for the following positions; Actor/ Actress Musical / Vocal Filming / Editing You do not need to be a Christian to be involved In the making of these Christian films, however you will find all materials are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Available audition times are February 18, 2020 from 12-6pm ; February 20, 2020 from 1-7pm and February 24, 2020 from 11- 3pm. You must call for an interview slot time. Please call Lori at 616-570-2767 for appointment.  State Sen. Jon Bumstead Bumstead legislation to aid local governments sees committee approval
LANSING — The Senate Committee on Local Government Thursday afternoon approved legislation introduced by Sen. Jon Bumstead that would aid local governments with certain administrative duties. “Elected officials should be held to a certain standard when taking office,” said Bumstead, R-Newaygo. “People place their trust in who they elect to show up to meetings and make important decisions on their behalf. When the law allows local officials to avoid handling day-to-day business in their communities, without any repercussions, it’s time for some changes.” The village of Hesperia has been unable to hold a village council meeting since May 20, 2019 due to a lack of quorum. The village is made up of a seven-member council that includes one village president and six trustees. However, three of the village trustees resigned, leaving four members on the village council. Additionally, one trustee has refused to attend village council meetings for personal reasons, causing a lack of quorum — meaning the village cannot officially take care of matters in the community. Senate Bills 712 and 713 would amend current state law and give local governments the power to compel absent members to attend. The legislation would also provide direction for local governments unable to achieve a quorum and give them tools to ensure elected officials are sufficiently conducting their duties. Under the legislation, if a local official continually fails to attend a meeting under ordinary circumstances, the absent member shall be guilty of gross neglect of duty, which is a precursor for the governor to consider removal. “The village of Hesperia is seeing a breakdown in the way the system was designed to work,” Bumstead said. “Those who remain on the council have their hands tied by our current laws. My legislation includes some much-needed changes that will help officials in my district solve a dire issue and prevent these types of abuse of power in the future.” The bills were unanimously approved by the committee and will now go before the full Senate for a vote.  Gerber FCU donates $50,000 Community Dividend to Newaygo County Museum
FREMONT- Gerber Federal Credit Union President/CEO John P. Buckley, Jr (pictured left) presented a check in the amount of $50,000 to the Newaygo County Museum and Heritage Center Executive Director Steven Radtke (pictured right) for its ‘Your History, Our Legacy’ capital campaign. “Gerber Federal Credit Union is pleased to support the Newaygo County Museum and Heritage Center,” said John Buckley. “The Museum is an essential component to the education of Newaygo County residents.”  Gerber Memorial hosts support group for new moms facing anxiety
FREMONT – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is hosting a free weekly support group for new moms and moms-to-be who face anxiety, depression and other mood changes. The group meets every Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Tamarac, Room 3, 1401 West Main, Fremont. “Gerber Memorial encourages new mothers and soon-to-be moms to join our group and meet other women who are going through what they’re going through and know that they’re not alone,” said Rhonda Byrne, a social worker who will facilitate the support group. “When you get people in a group talking, a bond happens and that helps moms resolve their challenges together. Moms can create friendships through support groups, and they find someone they can count on for a whole range of issues.” Studies show that meeting other moms in the same situation improves outcomes, Byrne said. Anxiety and depression affect 2 of 10 new mothers across the United States and is identified as a healthcare concern in Newaygo County’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment, conducted in 2017. Byrne said a range of factors can affect a woman’s sense of emotional balance just before and after giving birth. New moms may experience lack of sleep, feeding issues, loss of appetite, feelings of isolation and guilt, and other challenges – all experiences Byrne said the support group can help address. Anxiety and depression may also be brought on by factors that elevate stress, such as a sick baby, a complicated pregnancy, a miscarriage, and abuse and violence. At the same time, Byrne cautioned that anxiety and depression can occur in new moms and moms-to-be who have outwardly normal lives. Other factors include social and physical isolation. “As a mom myself, I remember having feelings of anxiety and being stressed and unsure,” said Prudi Foster, community health worker who is supporting Byrne as she facilitates the group. “We want women to know that they’re not the only ones who have these feelings. You’re not a bad mom because you’re having these negative feelings. We want women to know that with support, they can be well.” For information, contact: 231.924.3073  New WC Rotary member Tara Nelson if flanked by her sponsor Worth Stay and Club President Holly Moon White Cloud Rotary Club was pleased to welcome Prevention of Child Abuse Executive Director Tara Nelson as it's newest member on Wednesday, February 5th.
Tara was inducted into the Club by President Holly Moon and sponsored by Worth Stay, County Prosecutor and Club member. Tara's PCA Office is located in White Cloud, which made joining our Club a great fit. We are excited to have Tara's fresh ideas as well as her participation in our service projects!  State Senator Jin Bumstead testifies Bumstead Legislation Would Prevent Local Government Stalemates
The Senate Committee on Local Government Thursday afternoon took testimony on legislation introduced by Sen. Jon Bumstead that would aid local governments with administrative duties. “Local governments are on the front lines when it comes to civic engagement,” said Bumstead, R-Newaygo. “A variety of issues start at and are dealt with by local governments. Residents, along with statewide and federal officials, are expected to show up to work every day, and people ought to receive that same courtesy from those elected to serve in local positions.” The village of Hesperia has been unable to hold a village council meeting since May 20, 2019 due to a lack of quorum. The village has a seven-member council that includes one village president and six trustees. By July 2019, three of the village trustees resigned, leaving four members on the village council. Additionally, one trustee simply refuses to attend village council meetings for personal reasons, causing a lack of quorum. The village cannot appoint temporary trustees or process the three resignations because they don’t have a quorum to officially conduct business. Senate Bills 712 and 713 amend the General Law Village Act and Michigan Election Law giving local governments power in situations like this. Under the legislation, villages would have the general power to compel absent members to attend. The legislation would also provide direction for villages unable to achieve a quorum and give them tools to ensure elected officials are held to their duties. The bills remove the requirement that an ordinance must be approved by a village for them to compel absent members to attend, while also allowing the presiding officer of a local council to compel absent council members to attend a meeting. If a village fails to compel an absent member to attend a meeting under ordinary circumstances, the absent member shall be guilty of gross neglect of duty, which is a precursor for the governor to consider removal. “This is good public policy that will help restore people’s faith in government,” Bumstead said. “Some of the current requirements are overly burdensome and do not allow officials to properly conduct business or deal with officials who are not performing the job they were elected to do. My bills would change that and hold people accountable, while also allowing officials to focus on important business in their communities.”  Donna Trice, newest member of the FACF Board of Trustees Donna Trice of White Cloud was recently elected to serve on Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Trice and her family moved to the area from Detroit in the late 1980s. Her career included 29 years at Gerber Life. Trice then spent a year traveling to visit family and working on projects at home before realizing that retirement wasn’t for her. She now works for State Farm in White Cloud and is earning her license as an insurance agent. She is also very active in her community and her church, where she serves as secretary, board member, and a mentor to young women. “I enjoy helping people,” said Trice. “Giving back is very important. It’s not just about helping yourself; it’s important to reach back and help somebody else too.” As she begins her service with the Community Foundation board, Trice said that she looks forward to learning more about the organization’s work and how it impacts the community. “I thought serving on the Community Foundation board would be very interesting and that I could learn from it,” said Trice. “I’m excited about learning more about what the Community Foundation does and how I can take it back to my community. I want to be a voice for my community.” |
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