Yes the bridge over the River is open at long last. As we have mentioned before we remain impressed with the patience and fortitude most of the Newaygonians, Fremontians, Crotonaires, White Clouders, etc. have put on display during this prolonged project. The very fact that it began at the height of our tourist season, carried on through the beginning of the school year then was extended a month beyond the original ETA would frustrate less forbearing folks into a frenzy. But not the majority of peeps from this section of bipeninsular beauty we inhabit. They rise above and carry on. And we want to give a shout out to the MDOT folks who kept us informed via email of developments in the project and answered each query we presented. Note: We reference most and the majority because we realize there were some out there who got a bit, uh, testy at times. You know who you are and so do we. Lighten up a little and when there’s construction just plan to leave a little early. Both will do wonders for your peace of mind. * Speaking of bridges… One of the coolest online publications (this side of N3) is Bridge Magazine. If you want a good read about the political wranglings in our state, the hot button issues and what in the world might be going on in our capital city, this is the place for you. They have covered the Enbridge (bridge again) Line 5 controversy extensively including a recent story that involved the company’s assurance that they would be able to muster the resources should the unthinkable happen-a leak or malfunction that would likely devastate the straits and beyond. Enbridge has paid $1.2 billion for cleanup and restoration due to the line that broke in the Kalamazoo River in 2010 spilling over a million gallons of crude oil. They termed the possibility of a rupture in the dual pipelines crossing the tip of the Mitten as ‘unlikely’. Hmm. Your thoughts folks? * Toys For Tots has begun so when you see those boxes spring up around town pony up folks. Apparently the original TFT was started in 1947 by a marine corps reserve officer who was inspired by his wife when she tried to donate a homemade Raggedy Ann doll to a needy child but couldn't find any organization to do so. At her suggestion, he gathered a group of local Marine reservists who coordinated and collected some 5,000 toys for local children that year from collection bins placed outside movie theaters. So what were the hot toy items? Well, Slinkies had been around a few years by then and Tinker Toys came into being in 1941 but Mr. Potato Head hadn’t sprouted yet and you couldn’t yet access the ‘educational’ game Cootie. But that was the first year you could get your hands on a John Deere cast iron toy tractor. And that is likely still a prized possession as is the Raggedy Ann doll that got the whole thing going in the first place. Granted those aren’t perhaps at the level of Rizmo or a Demo Duke… But they still can bring a smile to little ones at Christmas time. * Body soap, conditioner, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, tampons and pads, toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, towels and washcloths. No not a shopping list but a list of items that are badly needed by folks in our community who struggle to meet basic needs like food and housing and have little left for these ‘extras’. “While we might know women, men and families who can’t put food on their tables, we probably don’t realize they also can’t afford personal hygiene and basic care items,” said Melissa Geroux, a Self-Sufficiency Specialist with TrueNorth Community Services. “That puts them at great risk for their own health and well-being. That’s why we decided we needed to do even more to help.” Thus… From November 16th (that’s next Saturday) to November 24th the fine folks of TN are collecting personal hygiene and feminine care products to help women and their families. And our favorite local haunts (the libraries) are where you’ll find the collection boxes including Croton Township, Fremont, Grant, Hesperia, Newaygo and White Cloud libraries. Ok, maybe grabbing a six pack of Charmin doesn’t have the same Christmas feel as an Etch a Sketch or Slinky but hey… It provides a service no amount of Lego’s could possibly match. Comments are closed.
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February 2025
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