 The cougar is just behind the mailbox on the right side of the road DNR confirms presence of a cougar in Lower Peninsula;
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of a cougar -- also referred to as a mountain lion – in Bath Township, Clinton County. This is the first time the presence of a cougar has been verified by the DNR in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. On June 21, 2017, a Haslett resident took a photograph of an animal from his vehicle in Bath Township near the DNR’s Rose Lake State Wildlife Area. The individual reported that he spotted a large cat in his headlights as the animal attempted to cross a road. He captured the photograph as the cougar turned back from the road into an area of thick vegetation. The picture was made available to the DNR June 26. A field investigation ensued. DNR biologist Chad Fedewa and biologists from the DNR’s Cougar Team reviewed the photo and visited the site where it was taken, determining that the animal in the photo was a cougar. “Even with this verification, questions remain, especially regarding the origins of the animal,” said Kevin Swanson, DNR wildlife specialist and member of the agency’s Cougar Team. “There is no way for us to know if this animal is a dispersing transient from a western state, like cougars that have been genetically tested from the Upper Peninsula, or if this cat was released locally." Cougars originally were native to Michigan, but were extirpated from Michigan around the turn of the century. The last time a wild cougar was legally taken in the state was near Newberry in 1906. Over the past few years, numerous cougar reports have been received from various locations throughout Michigan. Until this time, all confirmed sightings or tracks have been in the Upper Peninsula. Since 2008 a total of 36 cougar sightings have been documented in Michigan’s U.P. To date, the DNR has not confirmed a breeding population of cougars in Michigan. Cougars are protected under the state Endangered Species Act and cannot be harmed except to protect human life. Interested landowners within the area of the recent Clinton County sighting may wish to place trail cameras on their properties. The DNR encourage citizens to submit pictures of possible sightings for verification. Observations should be reported at mi.gov/eyesinthefield. If you find physical evidence of a cougar such as scat, tracks or a carcass, do not disturb the area and keep the physical evidence intact. Please include any photos with your report. The odds of encountering a cougar in the wild are very small, and attacks on humans are extremely rare. Should you encounter a cougar:
 New FACF Board Members William Leaver and Peggy Rossler Fremont Area Community Foundation Welcomes Two New Trustees
At their annual meeting on June 15, the members of Fremont Area Community Foundation elected two new trustees to the Community Foundation board. William Leaver and Peggy Rossler were elected to join 13 other trustees who guide the Community Foundation’s operations, strategic direction, and grant allocations. Leaver grew up in Fremont and had a 40-year career in hospital administration. He retired as president and CEO of UnityPoint Health in Iowa and he and his wife Jeanne returned to Newaygo County. They share an interest in supporting vulnerable families and helping to raise local people out of poverty. Leaver noted that involvement in the Community Foundation allows him to build on his family’s efforts in a more organized way. “I see the opportunity through Fremont Area Community Foundation,” said Leaver. “I have always been impressed by the effect the Community Foundation has on the broader community. I want to contribute in a positive way and to share my expertise. My goal is to be supportive in a way that’s helpful and moves the organization forward.” Rossler came to Newaygo County in the early 1980s when her husband took a job as a school administrator in White Cloud. They raised their three sons in the area and Peggy worked in special education for Newaygo schools. She later worked as a teacher and consultant for West Shore Educational Service District. “I have a heart for education, particularly for early and special education,” said Rossler, who will also serve on the Amazing X Charitable Trust board. “I am particularly interested in supporting families with young children as they provide opportunities to develop early literacy skills.” Added Rossler, “I’m very honored and very happy to be part of this organization I’ve respected for so long. I look forward to having a voice to make a positive impact in all of our communities in Newaygo County.” Leaver and Rossler fill vacancies left by retiring trustees Dr. Robert Clouse and William Johnson. “We are so grateful for the years of faithful service given to the Community Foundation by our departing trustees,” said Carla Roberts, FACF president and CEO. “And we are excited to welcome Peggy and William. Their experience, expertise, and commitment to Newaygo County will be great additions to our board.” Board officers were also elected at the annual business meeting. Lindsay Hager will continue as chair, and Cathy Kissinger will continue to serve as vice chair. William Alsover was elected as treasurer, and Lola Harmon-Ramsey will be secretary.  Elliott and LaRissa Vanderlaan Vanderlaan’s take ownership in Grant, Croton
By Ken DeLaat Grocery stores are big news in these parts having made frequent appearances in the local headlines of late what with the looming presence of Meijer in Fremont and Leppink’s recent opening in Newaygo. And now an entrepreneurial young couple has purchased two stores that have served the customers of our area for 6 decades. N3 recently caught up with the very busy Elliott and LaRissa Vanderlaan, new owners of the Gene’s Family Market stores in Grant and Croton. The couple who met while in high school at West Michigan Christian, continued the courtship through their college years before taking their vows as husband and wife. And now they are embarking on a new journey. Pipeline Under The Straits: State Terminates Independent Contractor Analyzing Line 5 Risks6/22/2017
DNV GL failed to follow conflict of interest rule; second contractor’s alternatives report continues
Lansing-The State of Michigan today terminated a contract with Det Norske Veritas, Inc. (DNV GL), the firm preparing a risk analysis report on the Line 5 pipeline below the Straits of Mackinac. The contract was terminated prior to the draft report being delivered to the state’s project team. Within the past month, the state’s project team became aware that an employee who had worked on the risk analysis at DNV GL subsequently worked on another project for Enbridge Energy Co., Inc., which owns the Line 5 pipeline, while the risk analysis was being completed. This is a violation of conflict of interest prohibitions contained in the contract. “We took the initiative to terminate the contract based on our commitment to the complete integrity and transparency of this report. Ultimately the state will have to decide how to proceed with Line 5 and we can’t do that if there is any doubt regarding the nature of the information,” said C. Heidi Grether, director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. “The evaluations of Line 5 were supposed to be independent, not tainted by outside opinions or information, but that’s not what happened. Instead, our trust was violated and we now find ourselves without a key piece needed to fully evaluate the financial risks associated with the pipeline that runs through our Great Lakes, this is unacceptable,” said Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette. “Terminating the contract is the only option we have to maintain the integrity of the risk analysis.” DNV GL was hired by the state in 2016 following an extensive request for proposal process including review and selection by a team with diverse technical backgrounds. The contract requires that DNV GL employees working on the risk assessment maintain complete independence from any other project involving Enbridge during the term and length of the contract. At the same time it hired DNV GL, the state also hired a separate firm, Dynamic Risk Assessment Systems, Inc., to prepare an alternative analysis report on the Line 5 pipeline. “The State put strict rules in place that required both contractors to avoid any appearance of impropriety. We are disappointed that those requirements were not followed by DNV GL, as that rendered the work essentially unusable to us,” said Valerie Brader, executive director of the Michigan Agency for Energy. “That led to us making today’s decision to terminate the contract.” Dynamic Risk Assessment System’s draft report is proceeding and will be delivered to the state project team by the end of this month. Their draft alternative analysis will be posted on the Michigan Petroleum Pipeline website, www.mipetroleumpipelines.com, for public review and comment by the end of the month. “Public discussion of the alternatives analysis will help inform next steps regarding the risk analysis on Line 5,” said Keith Creagh, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Fundamental to the state’s actions is a shared commitment to protecting our Great Lakes.” Representatives from Dynamic Risk Assessment Systems will present their findings to the public on July 6, 2017, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Holt High School, 5885 Holt Road, Holt, Michigan, 48842. Later in July, the state will hold three public feedback sessions on the report: July 24 in the Lansing area and Traverse City; and July 25 in St. Ignace. The State of Michigan commissioned the two independent contractors to complete risk and alternative analyses on the Line 5 pipeline following a recommendation in the 2015 Michigan Petroleum Pipeline Task Force Report.  Looking to buy property? Interested in purchasing 5 to 40 acres? Foreclosed properties go on the auction block August 3rd Newaygo County will be holding its first auction of foreclosed property for nonpayment of the 2014 property taxes on August 3, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the Board of Commissioner’s Room in the Administration building. “We are very proud of our work in the Treasurer’s Office helping taxpayers save their properties,” stated Holly Moon, Newaygo County Treasurer. “This year marks the lowest foreclosure numbers ever in Newaygo County with 71 total foreclosures, and 41 of the total parcels are for the most part non-conforming parcels in one of our northern townships.” The upcoming auction is open to the public and registration begins at 12:00 p.m. Online registration will be available prior to the sale by linking onto the County Treasurer’s webpage. A potential buyer must bring a $1,000 deposit in the form of cash, money order or cashier’s check made out to themselves in order to register. If a person is a successful bidder, the deposit will apply towards their purchase and the balance of the transaction is due by 5:00 p.m. on the day of auction. An unsuccessful bidder will receive their deposit back in full the day of auction. There is a 10% buyer’s premium and $59 deed preparation fee added to each parcel purchased. According to State statute, buyers must pay the 2017 summer tax bill before the deed can be executed. The list of properties available for auction along with any available pictures and maps can be found on the County website at www.countyofnewaygo.com; then navigate to the County Treasurer’s page and select the “Properties for Auction” tab. Additionally, Frequently Asked Questions and the Terms and Conditions of the Sale are located there as well. The Newaygo County Treasurer’s Office also has a hard copy of the property list available for purchase for $9. All properties offered at auction are sold “as is” “where is,” and it is up to the buyer to do their homework as to the use of the property and to execute any eviction process that may be necessary. This auction is for the real property only, and the buyer will receive a Quit Claim Deed to the property. There are no liens carrying forward on any of the parcels offered, but the new buyer is responsible for all of the 2017 and future property tax bills. Any parcels not sold on August 3, 2017, will be offered again on September 21, 2017. This auction will be run the same as the August auction with the possibility of some additional parcels being added for property owners who did not pay their 2014 property taxes by the extension deadline. Online registration will also be available by linking onto the County Treasurer’s webpage for the September Auction.  From the Newaygo Police Department Regarding Recent Vandalism in the City
Graffiti occurred the evening of Saturday 6/17/2017 after 9pm and before Sunday 6/18/2017 at 0830 hours. If anyone saw anything suspicious, please call Newaygo police Department at 231.652.1655 and speak to the on-duty officer. The graffiti has caused significant damage to private residents and businesses. Officers are actively investigating leads and conducting follow up. Along with that, we are pulling video surveillance at the locations and along the route. The graffiti is on a path from the church on Quarterline to downtown city businesses.  Illegal Dumping Prompts Closure of Fremont Recycling Site BPW seeking new location From the Newaygo County Board of Public Works: The Fremont recycling location is closing. Recycling for Newaygo County ceased all operation and ownership of all county sites they once maintained on March 31, 2017 and the County of Newaygo has taken on the responsibility for all remaining sites. Recycling for Newaygo county was informed months ago of the need to find a new location by the city of Fremont. The County has been diligently looking for a alternative since we took over on April 1, 2017. The city of Fremont has worked with us to help find a site and to give us as much time as possible to relocate. However, because of almost daily illegal dumping and misuse of site it is not controllable and is closing. Users have been dumping non-recyclable items such as house siding, televisions, construction waste, used motor oil, vehicle windshields, carpet, carpet padding and toilets. Removing and disposing these non-recyclables is costly, time consuming and unsightly. We have a meeting with a potential alternative on Monday, June 19, but will take a fair amount of time to get done if at all. The one thing we know is a new recycling site will need a greater ability to be controlled through some optional means. As for now we are still looking for volunteers who can help police sites and do other minor things like site clean ups and educating users. We would also love to have people who witnessed any of the unlawful dumps at our sites to come forward so we can prosecute. We are currently pursuing one case and will go after others if and when possible.  Terry Glenn Watts Newaygo County Man Missing
The Michigan State Police Hart Post - Newaygo Detachment is attempting to locate Terry Glenn Watts, white male, date of birth: January 25, 1963. Mr. Watts left his residence on foot last evening, sometime around 10:00 p.m. He was last seen in the area of 10136 Spruce Street, Grant Township, Newaygo County, wearing a green t-shirt, gray shorts, flip-flops and socks. Mr. Watts has several different medical conditions and is without his medication. If he is located, please contact Newaygo County Central Dispatch at (231) 689-5288.  Mark Guzniczak of NCEDO, The Right Place speaking to the Board of Commissioners By Ken DeLaat
Mark Guzniczak of The Right Place and the Newaygo County Economic Development Office delivered an update to the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners at their regular meeting on June 14th. In it he outlined some of the initiatives undertaken and on tap to enhance the local economic and employment picture. Mr. Guzniczak spoketo the efforts that resulted in two major investments this past year including expansion at HWI (formerly Narco) and the new Co-op facility in White Cloud and current projects referring to the relocation of a Chicago area company to this area which is projected... Bears In Your Woods? With numerous recent sightings of our large and furry friends in our parts we at N3 World Headquarters and Ursine Avoidance Center felt this timely information from the DNR might be worthy of a glance. The Department of Natural Resources asks Michigan residents to help keep the state’s up-north icon a wild animal by keeping bears at a distance. With many people (whether they're seasonal visitors or year-round residents) outdoors and enjoying northern Michigan in the summer months, removing bird feeders is an easy answer to bear problems. “When situations occur concerning a bear, some form of food has usually attracted the bear into the area,” said DNR wildlife communications coordinator Katie Keen. “The common element is usually a bird feeder – seed, suet and even hummingbird feeders. The good news is a homeowner can choose to take control of the situation.” Michigan’s estimated black bear population is over 12,000 adult bears – 2,000 in the northern Lower Peninsula and 10,000 across the Upper Peninsula. Typically, black bears are shy animals, but they have a great sense of smell and can remember a food source. As a result, a black bear will go places it normally wouldn’t if a food reward is available. In addition to bird feeders, pet food, garbage, barbeque grills and bee hives also can attract bears. Pet food should be stored indoors, as should garbage until the time of pickup. Garbage that is set out the night before can attract bears and can have more of an impact than just an overturned garbage can. “Bear are smart, so we have to be smarter,” said Keen. “They are wild animals that are unpredictable and can travel many miles. Your habits can affect those around you, and a bear that loses its natural fear of humans because food has been introduced can end up being bold or dangerous and may need to be put down.” Michigan’s bear population generally is found in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula and across the Upper Peninsula. Bears eat most items found in the forest, including plants, berries, nuts, acorns, insects and, occasionally, small mammals. Because bears will eat most anything, their behavior and normal travel patterns will change if an easy food source is discovered. “Don’t wait for the first time a bear knocks down your bird feeder or garbage can; be proactive and don’t let a habit form,” said Keen. Learn more about living with bears and ways to avoid attracting bears to your property with the DNR’s “The Bear Essentials” video. Bear population and distribution are managed through regulated bear hunting. Michigan’s bear hunting seasons vary by bear management unit, with the first 2017 season starting Sept. 8. A total of 7,140 bear hunting licenses will be available this fall. Bear hunting licenses are distributed through a preference point system.   : Karen Nottelmann and Shari Meyer from Hope 101 showed off Anchor Home, the first of the ministry’s transitional residences. Hope 101 is a ministry of Family of God Community Church. In addition to housing, it provides mentoring and counseling and is supported in part by a grant from the Community Foundation. Fremont Area Community Foundation Awards $2.45M in Spring Grant Round
Fremont Area Community Foundation recently announced the results of its spring community grant round, awarding $2.45 million to local agencies and programs. Among the wide variety of organizations and projects receiving funding were three grants that strengthen efforts to move local residents from poverty to prosperity. Family of God Community Church in Newaygo received a $20,000 grant to support their Hope 101 transitional housing program. The congregation purchased and renovated a three-apartment home called Anchor Home in Newaygo, which now gives individuals and families a safe place to live while they set goals and work toward self-sufficiency. Renovations recently began on a second, single-family home, which was donated to the ministry. Through Hope 101, residents also have access to mentoring and counseling services. In addition to grant support for poverty to prosperity work, community grants were also awarded in the areas of community and economic development, education, and nonprofit sustainability. “We’re proud to support great organizations and programs taking collective action to solve critical local needs,” said Carla Roberts, Community Foundation President and CEO. “By connecting our generous donors to identified needs, our community will achieve much greater success.” Community grant applications are accepted in two rounds per year, with the next deadline on September 1. Eligible agencies must be located in, or directly serve, the people of Newaygo County. For more information, visit facommunityfoundation.org/grants.  Gerber Foundation Announces West Michigan Grants
The Gerber Foundation is pleased to announce $110,000 in total grants made during their 2017 Spring funding cycle to local agencies in Lake, Oceana, Muskegon and Newaygo Counties. STEM and Early Literacy were two of the major focuses during this round of grants. Camp Newaygo was granted $7,000 to support their Get Outside! Get Environmental! Go Green! (G3) program that will serve nearly 650 3rd graders annually in this one-day immersion program. Camp Newaygo’s property contains frontage on 3 lakes, 2 unique wetland areas, a sphagnum bog, an acidic pond and its own undeveloped island. Students will learn environmental ecology with hands on activities to reinforce learning and science concepts. The Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore was granted $5,000 for their CareerLaunch: STEM program which was developed to introduce young people to the “working world” with a range of services to help students develop skills essential for workforce success. The Gerber Foundation also granted Little Horses Big Smiles $1,000 to support their Reading with Charlie summer program that focuses on boosting reading proficiency through collaborative partnerships with local libraries, school districts and community organizations by creating a non-judgmental environment with Charlie the Miniature Therapy Horse. Other grants went to Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse, Catholic Charities West Michigan, and Bethany Christian Services for parenting programs; Fountain Hill Center, Harbor Hospice, and Northwest Michigan Health Services for health programs; Tustin Covenant Presbyterian Church, Newaygo County Day Care Corporation, Girls on the Run Muskegon, Newaygo County 4-H Council for general youth programming; and others. The Gerber Foundation supports youth activities and programming in Lake, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties. Deadlines for grant requests are March 15 and September 15 of each year.  Newaygo High School Participates in National Spanish Examinations
Spanish students from Newaygo High School participated in the 2017 National Spanish Examinations this spring. Sophomore Jacqueline Torres earned a bronze medal in the Spanish 3 level (with outside experience). Students must score between the 75th and 84th percentile to receive a Premio de Bronce (Bronze Award). Sophomore Elizabeth Huerta received Honorable Mention for Spanish 3 (bilingual) and Freshman Kyla Rounds received Honorable Mention for Spanish 2 (classroom experience). Mención Honorífica (Honorable Mention) includes scores from the 50th percentile through the 74th percentile. Other students received Certificates of Participation for their efforts on the exams. The National Spanish Examinations are administered each year in grades 6 through 12, and are sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. “Attaining a medal or honorable mention for any student on the National Spanish Examinations is very prestigious,” said Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, National Director of the Exams, “because the exams are the largest of their kind in the United States with over 157,000 students participating in 2017.” Students from Newaygo were taught by Spanish teachers Gena Dietz, Alexis Mercer, and Susan Gross.  Bobby McGee takes his turn driving a remote control car Newaygo County Kids Day A Giant Success
Photos and story by Alexis Mercer Summer for many Newaygo County students has officially started. What better way to celebrate than by playing games, eating great food and winning prizes? The Newaygo County Kids' Day took place on Saturday, June 10 in Brooks Park from 12:00-3:00. The sun was shining and the people were plentiful. Kids of all ages laughed, played and enjoyed the festivities...  Newaygo Fire Rescue Dive Team upon completion of certification on Sunday, June 4. Front (left to right): Travis Kroll and Rob Pope Back (left to right): Buck Buchannan, Dive911 Insructor, Dave Otteren, Matt Baker, Jason Wolford, Cody Cunningham, Jason Cunningham, Sara Bird, Andrew Bird, Carlos Escalante, PJ Fetterly and Pete Larsen, ERDI Instructor Local Firefighters Complete New Lifesaving Training
Newaygo Fire Department forms Dive Rescue Team NEWAYGO– In 2016, members of the Newaygo Fire Department started laying the groundwork to expand their technical rescue level to the community by establishing a Dive Rescue Team. On June 7, 2017, that vision became a reality as the team went into operation after nine months of intensive training. “We had been discussing this for several years,” said Jason Cunningham, deputy chief of Newaygo Fire Department. “After the tragic drowning on June 25, 2016, on the Muskegon river, we decided that it was time to put our efforts into making this happen.” The dive rescue team is comprised of nine emergency response diving (ERD) level 2—technician public safety divers, and three ERD Level 2—technician tenders. Combined, the team has logged almost 2,000 hours of cumulative training during the last nine months. “I am very proud of each and every person on this team,” says Cunningham. “These members have given up numerous weekends, holidays and time with family in order to make this a reality, and provide our communities another potentially life saving service. In Brooks Township alone, Newaygo Fire Department covers around 1,500 acres of water. It also covers approximately 14 miles of river that runs through Brooks Township, City of Newaygo and Garfield Township. During the summer months, the population in the City of Newaygo and surrounding areas more than doubles with fishermen, tubers and kayakers. Newaygo Fire Department looks forward to working for our community and with our mutual aid partners, Newaygo Police Department, Newaygo County Sheriff's Department and anyone else who may need our help.  Lining up for Leppink's “I’m Just So Happy They’re Here”
Leppink’s Food Center opens in Newaygo By Ken DeLaat They got there early. With the opening of the doors promised at 7am folks from throughout the community lined up for the much anticipated new arrival, stretching far down the sidewalk area of the shopping center. Cinda Simons was first in the long line of folks waiting to make their initial visit to Newaygo’s newest store, arriving at 6:15am. “I wanted to be here early to get the goodies they’re handing out,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve been shopping at their place in Howard City and am glad to see them come over this way.” "On behalf of the Leppink family and all of our associates, we would like to welcome you to our, and your, new Leppink's Food Center!" said Richard Cole as he and co-owner John Leppink performed the ribbon cutting ceremony. Then the doors came open as associates scrambled to their appointed posts and...  Leppink’s Hosts Preview Gathering Store will open its doors 7am Wednesday Story and photos by Ken DeLaat Tuesday night on the eve their much anticipated Newaygo opening Leppink’s Food Centers put on a little soiree giving guests a glimpse of the newest addition to the business landscape. And an impressive preview it was indeed. When word began circulating about a new owner coming into the building where the community had spent years filling their grocery needs, people were hoping for a store that would go beyond the basics. A facility that would house a substantial and pleasing to the eye produce section, a wide variety of both popular and hard to get items, and all the accoutrements that make grocery shopping a more pleasurable experience. And believe me folks, Leppink’s has delivered. Here are a few photos from the eve-of-opening gathering.  West Michigan ER Doctor Announces Run For Congress
Will fight for healthcare for all SPRING LAKE, – Dr. Rob Davidson, an emergency physician in Fremont and a resident of Spring Lake, has announced that he is running for the Second Congressional District of the U.S House of Representatives. "As a doctor, I serve patients from all walks of life in West Michigan and I hear again and again that they're tired of career politicians in Washington putting wealthy corporations, insurance company profits and Wall Street bankers ahead of ordinary families," Davidson said. "I'm not a professional politician and I'm running because my family and I love our community, our neighbors and the natural beauty we have been blessed with. As a born and bred Michigander, I learned...  Accident Hospitalizes 4 year Old
Deputies from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office were called to the intersection of 1 mile and Dickinson just after 6 pm Monday where a 4 year old boy had been injured. The deputies reported the child had entered the roadway and been struck by the westbound vehicle driven by a 62 year old man from Fremont. The boy was brought by aero-med to Spectrum Hospital where he was listed in critical condition. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the accident, which remains under investigation by the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Pro-Med Ambulance, Aero-med and the Hesperia Fire Department.  A sneak peak of the newly renovated Peggie Stone Center at Camp Newaygo Peggie Stone Center at Camp Newaygo Unveiled
NEWAYGO, MI – Like everything else at Camp Newaygo, the Arts & Crafts Lodge is steeped with rich history. First built in 1949, the lodge has seen countless girls and community members create within its walls; pottery, tie-dyed shirts, paintings, drawings, and even more importantly – memories. Camp’s use has grown by an amazing 128% over the past six years since the renovation of Lang Lodge, and with the seemingly non-stop increase in summer resident camp attendance, and year-round use, it became readily apparent that they had outgrown the Arts & Crafts Lodge. As part of the “Building a Healthy Future” capital campaign, for which to date, 355 donors have given nearly $1.4 million, a renovation and expansion of the Arts & Crafts facility has been underway for the past eight months. As things are wrapping up with the expansion and renovation, in what is phase two of the Capital Campaign, Camp Newaygo is pleased and proud to announce the grand opening of the Peggie Stone Center, named after longtime TrueNorth and Camp Newaygo supporter and lead donor for this project. Peggie Stone was raised in Fremont, and after returning there after some time living in both Florida and New York, became an avid supporter of the Youth Programs that TrueNorth and Camp Newaygo offered, recognizing the need for enrichment and mentoring opportunities for local youth. In fact, TrueNorth presents the Peggie Stone Award to a volunteer or group each year that are particularly committed to and involved in the issues surrounding youth. Preservation and enhancement of the vintage craft shop makes this nostalgic building a centerpiece for both community and camp activity and provides four seasons of use and enjoyment. The original wooden structure featured the beautiful craftsmanship of the time period, with its stone fireplace, open plank ceiling and hardwood floors. It was a mere 1,230 square feet though, and was bursting at the seams. Camp Newaygo has now expanded the building to 1,837 square feet, which includes; a new lakeside room with cathedral ceiling which hosts a wall of windows overlooking Pickerel Lake from camp’s ridge setting, its own restroom, and a covered front porch off the fireside room. All of the original shiplap, plank ceiling and hardwood floors have been preserved, and the expansion shares an esthetic which blends perfectly. While it will obviously better serve the girls of Camp’s summer resident camps, the new facility will also offer the local community a new, beautiful meeting space. There will be a Ribbon Cutting and Open House honoring community involvement, donors, and supporters on Friday, June 9th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. (program and ribbon cutting at 4:30), and an Ice Cream Social and Casual Drop-in Open House on Sunday, June 11th from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Contact Camp Newaygo at 652-1184 for details on either of these events or for more information on the rental options available for this space. |
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