 Senior Expo: Information, Entertainment and a Free Lunch to Boot
The 13th annual Senior and Caregiver Expo will take place on Thursday, June 15, 2017, from 8:30am to 2pm. The free event, organized by the Newaygo County Senior Coordinating Council, will take place at Newaygo Middle School at 850 E. 76th St., in Newaygo (also known as Quarterline St.). The information, classes, and services provided at the event will benefit seniors who need assistance for themselves, along with the people and caregivers who look after seniors. Think of it as a one spot stop for getting answers to seniors questions and needs. This year’s Expo is presented by The Brook, Spectrum Health at Home, and Community Home Health Care and already has more than 47 vendors planning to participate. The event will include a light continental breakfast and lunch, classes on a variety of topics, vendor booths, health screenings, entertainment, and door prizes. "We will also have vendors for Veterans," said Charlie Johnson, one of the planners for the Expo. ”This is our 13th consecutive year of presenting the Expo, and the Senior Coordinating Council puts this on in hopes of getting as much information to our seniors as possible to help them have a quality life.” Limited transportation will be available for people aged 60 or older. To see if transportation is available call the Newaygo County Commission on Aging at 231-689-2100.  Free Fishing=Family Fun Good Stuff To Know About
By N3 Information Team June is going to be chock full of stuff to do, stuff to see, stuff to get rid of, and stuff to buy. It starts this weekend and though we will highlight the chosen few via the Suggestion Box in a few days we at N3 World Headquarters and Holiday Haven want to give folks a bit of a heads up. What with the number of happenings cranking up along with the advent of summertime here in the upper palm of the Mitten it’s going to take some organizational skills if one hopes to find there way to their desired destinations. Let’s start with stuff to get rid of. The Board of Public Works will be holding their annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Saturday at the Road Commission. See our home page for their ad to get more info. And the getting rid of doesn’t stop there. The same day Brooks Township will be hosting their Clean-up Day and a week later Garfield takes their turn at township tidying with their Junk Day Next is a chance to both get rid of and buy since beginning Friday and continuing Saturday the nearly famous Hess Lake Yard Sales will roll out a number of venues circling the lake and offering up a wide ranging (and often quite interesting) selection of previously owned items. Stuff to see? High school District tournament action comes to Newaygo Saturday with softball and baseball games being played all day. Local favorites White Cloud and Newaygo will be vying to emerge as champs and punch their card for the regionals. Fremont and Grant fans will have to head to Remus to see the Tigers and Packers take the field. And stuff to do? Like animals? Like to run? Saturday at Branstrom Park is Run Forrest Run a fun fundraiser for the fine work being done at Bellwether Harbor. There’s a 5k and a one mile fun run. And of course there is the ever-popular Kids Free Fishing Day this Saturday at the Mill Pond in White Cloud. This is an N3 favorite and if you’ve ever been you know why. Also on the horizon? The much anticipated Leppink’s landing in Rivertown occurs a week from Wednesday (June 7th) when they will toss open the doors to the newest addition to the Newaygo business landscape. Saturday June 10th is Newaygo County Kids Day at Brooks Park in Newaygo, a raucous romp of kid friendly fun. And another outstanding family fest returns to Fremont when NCCA-Artsplace brings forth this year’s version of Art in Action next Saturday June 10th. So here’s your early warning system. Lots happening in this early segment of summer and from what we gather things i don’t look to be slowing down anytime soon here in the Near North. "In the summer, the days were long, stretching into each other. Out of school, everything was on pause and yet happening at the same time, this collection of weeks when anything was possible."- Sarah Dessen ‘Along For the Ride’  Amber Korytkowski smiling as the graduates leave the stadium  Newaygo High School's graduates Newaygo High School Graduates Class of 2017 By Alexis Mercer Newaygo High School’s 129th graduation ceremony was held outside this evening despite a dramatic skyscape threatening rain. But the drops held off and the celebration was enjoyed by hundreds of friends and family of the excited graduates. Bridget Grant earned the right as Valedictorian to speak first to her classmates. The Newaygo Band played, much to the delight of the crowd. Teacher Mark Wright, chosen by the graduates to speak, reminded the students to “find your niche” in life. Danielle Durst gave the “Farewell Speech” as Salutatorian and the Newaygo Jazz Band finished off the entertainment with a song. Dr. Peggy Mathis gave her official recommendation and the Class of 2017 walked across the stage one by one to receive diplomas. The night ended for the seniors as they gathered around the victory bell, chanting for one last time as a class the Fight Song, and they tossed their hard-earned caps high into the air.  Principal Jackie Knight giving her final commencement address before retirement  L-R Instructor Mike Maksimchuk, competitors Lukas Wolff (with robot) and Josh Moore Grant Seaperch Team Travels To Georgia Tech
The National Seaperch Challenge at the Georgia Tech Aquatics Center took place on May 20 and the Grant duo of Luke Wolff and Josh Moore came away from the U.S. Navy sponsored competition eager to use what they learned to improve their model for next year. “There was a lot of time for the boys to watch other robots running, and check out their designs as well,” said Instructor Mike Maksimchuk who initiated the interest in the project. “They learned a lot at the national competition and it definitely stoked the fire in them to ‘build a better mousetrap’. “They came home with a lot of ingenious ideas, and ways to approach obstacles for next year. This experience definitely helped open their eyes to the idea that there’s more than one way to solve a problem.” To read the previous article on this please go to: (http://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/grant-hs-seaperch-team-heading-for-atlanta  Fire Won’t Dim Eagles’ Resolve To Help Others
Food Truck To Arrive As Scheduled Monday “The Fraternal Order of Eagles, an international non-profit organization, unites fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills, and by promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.” F.O.E. Mission Statement With last week’s fire leaving the White Cloud Aerie without a building and their quarterly food truck distribution on tap for Monday the Eagles, true to their mission, have decided to go forward with the event despite the devastating destruction that has rendered the group without a home “This puts a positive spin on the negative event that happened and let’s the community know we haven’t forgotten them,” said F.OE. member Donny Corbett. The food truck will be parked near the site of the building and will open at 10am just as it has during previous distributions. “Even though we’re down we can’t abandon the people who count on us,” added Corbett “We are Eagles #4170 and we are people helping people”  Familiar White Cloud Landmark Destroyed
Eagles Lodge lost in fire Story and photos by Charles Chandler, White Cloud Mayor Back in the early days of SNL Gilda Radner’s character Roseanne Roseannadanna would often say ‘It's always something. If it isn't one thing--it's another! It's always something.’ Friday around the lunch hour a fire started at the White Cloud Eagles Aerie #4170 located at 461 North Evergreen Dr, White Cloud. The building was soon engulfed and a total loss. Five fire departments from Newaygo County municipalities responded quickly and made every effort to contain the fire but...  Tonya Pell addressing the Fremont Recreation Authority Board Thursday night. “A Most Unfortunate Situation”
Rec Board to donate monies from sale to theater program A simmering controversy regarding the removal and sale of items from the Fremont High School theater group’s property area known as ‘the pit’ by decision of the Fremont Community Recreation Authority Board was aired out during the board’s regular meeting on Thursday. The ‘Pit’ long served as the storage place for theater materials and the removal came as a surprise to members of the group past and present causing a stir within the community and creating a good deal of buzz on social media A number of attendees expressed dismay, disappointment and distrust toward the board for...  High School Participants (not in order) included Mark Alyea (Newaygo CTC) Hannah St. Arnold,A.J. Decker (Grant) Selena Papp (Grant/CTC); Misty Reister,Aiyana Haggerty (White Cloud/CTC); Luke Wolff (Grant); Aramis La Clair (White Cloud); Austin Richardson, Trenton Doan (Newaygo/CTC); Madison Scurlock, Achsah Butchart (CTC); Maggie Francis, Leandra Mackenna (Newaygo) Newaygo County Students Impress at NC RESA’s 5th Annual STEM Expo Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency (NC RESA), in cooperation with The Gerber Foundation who provided financial support, honored students at the 5th Annual STEM Expo on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 . The purpose of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Expo is to engage middle and high school students in a variety of technologies to solve real-world problems with the help of an adult mentor (parent, teacher, or another adult).Students were prepared by planning a study or designing a solution using one or more technologies that identify and solve a problem. Three overall projects each received $500.00 scholarships awarded by The Gerber Foundation. Students were judged by The Gerber Foundation trustees, educators and scientists within the community. Overall scores were based on the following criteria: •Knowledge/Process: demonstrate achievement of core knowledge related to the project. •Demonstration/Evidence of STEM- related Technical Skill: show clear evidence of STEM -related technical skills through demonstrations, products, presentations and other related skills. •Presentation Skills: demonstrate appropriate mastery of skills in communication, answering questions, and explaining processes related to project. •Overall Effect: complexity of the project should be appropriate to the nature of the project and well organized. Pictured below presenting the awards are Randy Puff and David Joslin Trustees for The Gerber Foundation  Fire Claims Centennial Barn Story and photos by Jessie Stout A family landmark, gone. Tuesday morning as Eric Stout was heading for work he noticed smoke coming from the centennial barn owned by his uncle Dave Stout. Eric went to the house and began banging on the windows and doors to wake up Dave and 911 was called. The two proceeded to attempt to rescue items from the barn before the Hesperia Fire Department and assisting departments from Ferry Township, Fremont, White Cloud and Newaygo arrived at the property. The fire lasted for over 3 hours and you could see the black smoke for miles. Family members are devastated over the loss of the barn. Years ago it was the Stout’s dairy farm where Dave and the family worked along with many community members and a lot of great memories were made. The barn had no livestock nor any animals, and no one was hurt. Just heart broken. Thursday, May 11 at Marshall Memorial Park in Newaygo a solemn annual ceremony honored those who have fallen while serving to protect the community.  Commissioners OK Cabins,Select Board Members
By Ken DeLaat The Newaygo County Board of Commissioners voted in board members for the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan (Cynthia LaBelle) The Commission on Aging (Gordon Oosterhouse) and the Mental Health Board (Susan Twing) at their regular meeting on May 10th. Commissioners also accepted a grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation to continue the partnership between the county and the Career Tech center to build cabins for use at the county parks. Two cabins per year for the next three years will be constructed by the students in skilled trades program. Commissioner Jim Maike reported that District Health Department #10 released a list of restaurants in the region who received their Food Merit Award for going well above health department requirements and receiving no violations. Newaygo County venues receiving this recognition included...  Newaygo Store Manager Charley Zeldenrust Leppink’s Food Centers Arriving June 7th
By Ken DeLaat Area residents will be welcoming a new grocer to Newaygo on Wednesday June 7th when a 7am ribbon cutting ceremony will precede the doors opening at the latest addition to the family of Leppink’s Food Centers In a recent interview with Newaygo Store Director Charley Zeldenrust and Marketing Manager Arianna Leppink, N3 gathered a bit of history on Leppink’s Food Centers and talked about the upcoming unveiling while touring the Howard City store where Zeldenrust has served as assistant Director under the tutelage of Tom Grypma Leppink’s Food Centers comes to town with a solid reputation for excellent customer service, competitive prices and a substantial range of products The business was born in 1928 when Arianne’s great grandfather John who had been a meat cutter for years decided...  Gerber Foundation Awards Over $300,000 in Scholarships to Local Students
This spring, The Gerber Foundation presented scholarship awards to the following students in Muskegon and Newaygo Counties. We wish all of the high school graduates our best. Daniel Gerber Sr., Medallion Scholarships (worth $10,600): Fremont HS: Gina Boeskool, Kayli Holmes, Charlotte Mayworm, Noah Wyn Grant HS: Arabelle Konrad, Lyndsie Proctor, Halley Robinson, Braden Wells Hesperia HS: Olivia Erlewein, Collin Nielsen, Olivia Prado, Alissa Tracy Newaygo HS: Danielle Durst, Bridget Grant, Emma Holmes, Faith Smith White Cloud HS: Gabriel Becker, Conner Dakin, Cole McGowen, Alyssa Venema Newaygo Home School: Hudson Allen The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarships (worth $2,600): Fremont HS: Sierra Baird, Cooper Kukal, Joshua Powles, Bryar Vasquez Grant HS: Alyssa Bearup, Mason Ferguson, Bailee Gorecki, Alecia Heaton Hesperia HS: Gabrielle Fredrickson, Hallie Greiner, Josie Tinkham Holton HS: Caitlyn Giddings Muskegon High School: Israel Hall, Rahmeen Hamilton, Keshyra White, Latrice Williams Newaygo High School: Ashlyn Beemer, Bodi Pratt, Brace Pratt, Jennifer Wigent Ravenna High School: Samantha Edwards, Raquel Guevara, Brooke Potes, Emma Snook White Cloud High School: Abby Gray, MacKenzie Jordan, Tiffany Ringold, Meghan Sutherland Gerber Foundation Newaygo County Career Tech Center Scholarships: Kyle Gabriel (Auto Service), Zechariah Bradfield (Construction), Brittany Gleason (Cosmetology), Tea VanRooyen (Culinary Arts), Shannon Corbett (Graphic Communications), Jacob Koos (Health Sciences), Brandon Baker (Heavy Equipment/Diesel), Calbin Boluyt (Heavy Equipment/Diesel), Alex Fekken (Welding), Ryan Geeting (Welding) Congratulations to these scholarship recipients and all the graduates of 2017!  TrueNorth CEO, Bev Cassidy receives a Tribute from 34th District State Senator, Goeff Hansen. TrueNorth Presented With Special Tributes in Lansing
NEWAYGO COUNTY, MI – TrueNorth CEO, Beverly Cassidy and Director of Strategic Research, Dr. David Wingard regularly spend time in Lansing, making sure State Legislators are aware of the needs of the rural poor. On a recent visit, they were presented with two Tributes, recognizing the agency’s 45 years of efforts on behalf of the rural citizens. The first, signed by twenty members from the State House of Representatives was presented to Cassidy by Scott VanSingel. The second, signed by Governor, Rick Snyder and nine members of the State Senate was presented by Senator, Goeff Hansen. “This was a genuine surprise for us and we’re honored and humbled to be recognized by our esteemed state legislators in this manner,” said Cassidy. The Tribute from the State House said, in part; “Since its founding in 1972, TrueNorth Community Services has provided youth, families, and those in need in our region with various educational opportunities, assistance, and promoted individual and community enrichment…” The Tribute from the State Senate said, in part; “We are grateful for this opportunity to praise and applaud all of the TrueNorth staff and volunteers as they celebrate this milestone. TrueNorth has been a leader in implementing innovative mission-based business models in rural communities, and serves as role model for other organizations.” TrueNorth is celebrating 45 years of service in 2017. To learn more about their history, visit www.truenorthservices.org and take a virtual walk down their interactive anniversary timeline.  Veteran's and service providers hearing details of the study Study Points To Accessing Services For Vets
Veteran Community Action Team to meet June 13 Working with multiple regional partners, the Fremont Area Community Foundation recently commissioned a study of veteran services in our area, specifically Michigan Prosperity Region 4A. The study was conducted by the Altarum Institute—a nonprofit health systems research and consulting organization—and involved interviews with veterans and service providers to get a true picture of what services are available for local veterans, how veterans access those services, and what gaps exist. The study was funded by the Community Foundation and local partners in Osceola, Mecosta, Lake, Oceana, and Mason counties. On March 29th The Fremont Area Community Foundation organized the Veteran’s Leadership Forum held at the Dogwood Center’s Black Box where results of the study were presented to service providers throughout the region during the day long program. Results showed that while there are many resources available for veterans in our community, individuals and organizations are not always aware of them. In order to connect veterans to services, work has begun to form a Veterans Community Action Team for our region. A major responsibility of the team will be to create an online platform to allow service providers to quickly connect veterans and their families to a wide array of services and resources. The West Michigan Veterans Coalition Region 4 VCAT meeting will be held on Tuesday June 13 from 9:30am-Noon at TrueNorth Community Services 6308 Warner in Fremont. You can read the full survey report here. For more information, contact Maria Gonzalez at 231.924.5350. Gerber Foundation Awards Career-Tech Scholarships Ten students from the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center were recent recipients of scholarships from The Gerber Foundation. Awardees included Brittany Gleason (Cosmetology), Zechariah Bradfield (Construction Trades), Tea VanRooyen (Culinary Arts), Shannon Corbett (Graphic Communications), Jacob Koos (Health Sciences), Kyle Gabriel (Auto Service), Calvin Boluyt and Brandon Baker (Heavy Equipment/Diesel), and Alex Fekken and Ryan Geeting (Welding) The Career-Tech scholarship program began two years ago to help students in these programs obtain advanced education beyond high school or to complete advanced certifications or licensure. The aim of the program was to help pay for some of the extra expenses that these students encounter in their training programs that typical scholarship programs do not support. The scholarships will help pay for up to half of the cost of tools, equipment, uniforms, materials, and licensure or certification exams that students need to complete their technical or trade post-secondary education. The funds will help fill a gap in funding for the unique needs these students have to gain certification or licensure to improve upon their job prospects. Because the scholarships are based on individual costs for each program, scholarship amounts vary. Recipients this year are expected to receive between $150 and $2,660 each. The Gerber Foundation is honored to be able to provide these scholarships to students from the Career-Tech Center programs. Scholarship recipients are pictured below with Catherine A. Obits Gerber Foundation Program Manager  Tami Michele, DO was recently named to the state midwifery board. Dr. Michele has been with Spectrum Gerber since 2009 Dr. Tami Michele Named To State Board
Gov. Snyder appoints Gerber Memorial maternity doctor to state midwifery board Fremont-Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s Tami Michele, DO, board certified OB/GYN and chief of obstetrical services, has been appointed to the Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery by Gov. Rick Snyder. "I am honored to accept this position appointed by the Governor,” Michele said. “I have always believed that collaboration of physicians and midwives leads to safe practices in prenatal care, birth, and results in healthy moms and babies. My work with the Board of Licensed Midwifery and policymakers will create positive change to serve the families in Michigan. The maternity care provided by the OB/GYN team at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial has received national recognition, and I will bring the same patient-centered approach into my work for the State of Michigan." The 12-member board is situated within... 
Lions United
By Alexis Mercer 46 years ago, John Lennon wrote a song that has survived the ages. It is the best-selling song of his solo career. On Friday, all students at Newaygo High School participated in a day that accentuates the idea in Lennon’s song that everyone can live as one...  Speed Dating With Local Nonprofits
Nonprofit Speed Dating to Match Local Nonprofits with People Looking to Learn and Serve Local residents looking to become more involved in their community are invited to Nonprofit Speed Dating on May 16 at the Stone Lodge in Fremont. Through a series of informal chats with nonprofit organizations in a fun atmosphere, individuals will get a better picture of what each nonprofit does and where their personal skills and talents might be needed most. Refreshments will be provided and attendees will rotate among tables staffed by representatives from... School Elections All Precincts Reporting Fremont Public Schools Sinking Fund Millage: YES 1,438 61.80% NO 889 38.20% Total 2,327 NCRESA Special Education Renewal Millage: YES 3,069 71.49% NO 1,224 28.51% Total 4,293  School Election Update
With 9 of 11 precincts reporting voters were supporting the Fremont Public Schools Sinking Fund Millage by a 62-38% margin. Countywide in the Special Education Renewal Millage ‘Yes’ votes held a 71-29% advantage with 24 of 27 precincts reporting.  Newaygo Band Performs at Hastings, Big Rapids Photos By Barb Bull and Katie Baynes This past Thursday the Newaygo Jazz Band traveled to Hasting’s Michigan to participate in the annual Thornapple Arts Council Hasting’s Jazz Festival. The festival draws over 10,000 people throughout the weekend, and 150 jazz bands from all over the state. After their performance, the Newaygo students were given the opportunity to work with professional jazz musician and clinician Mark Greer. The students received excellent feedback from their high energy performance, and spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the jazz festival downtown. “The Hasting’s Jazz Festival is something the jazz students look forward to every year,” said Bamd Director Katie Baynes. “The festival affords students the opportunity to perform for and work with professional jazz musicians and experience other Michigan jazz ensembles.” Following their Hasting’s performance, the Newaygo Symphonic Band traveled to Big Rapids for MSBOA State Band Festival on Friday. The Symphonic Band received straight 1’s on stage and in sight reading, capping off a fantastic festival season. This is the third year in a row the Newaygo Symphonic Band has progressed to State Festival and received a 1 rating. “I am exceptionally proud of the Newaygo band students and all of their hard work this year,” added Ms. Baynes. “ The 2016-2017 school year has been a year of success for the Newaygo Band program and I’m sincerely looking forward to the upcoming marching season!” |
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