 By Kathy Sather
We know that small, locally owned businesses serve as economic engines on which communities can succeed and thrive. They account for 65 percent of all new jobs and nearly 50 percent of all employees nationwide. I hope you will join me in urging lawmakers to invest in one of our own economic engines – Family Health Care with centers located in Baldwin, Cadillac, Grant, McBain and Cadillac. Here in Michigan, community health centers employ more than 6,000 people of all education and ability levels, generating more than $1.3 billion in economic activity. As the President and CEO of Family Health Care, I am proud of the personalized approach we take to provide quality, affordable health care. We are a community institution, welcoming and providing care for all our neighbors, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or their ability to pay. We make sure our grandparents can afford their prescriptions; we provide dad with cancer screenings; we provide mom with the best prenatal care; and, we nurture their newborn’s development at every check-up. At Family Health Care, we proudly care for nearly 26,000 community members right here in West Michigan. We provide our patients with not only medical care but also dental care, behavioral health, pharmacy, radiology, laboratory and vision services to ensure they can navigate the complicated landscape of health care. Our staff consistently go beyond the medical chart to ensure that families have access to essential resources and a warm, comforting space. Today, community health centers across the country are facing an uncertain future. Even though we comprise the largest primary care network in the country, solidifying the backbone of the health care safety net, Congress has yet to pass our long-term funding. As a result, health centers are forced to operate on short-term funding patches, making it difficult for us to provide consistent services, plan for the future, and recruit and retain our best employees. Small businesses cannot survive without stability in funding. We can only continue to provide quality health care for people in our community if Congress acts – and acts now. This holiday season; please consider supporting businesses like mine in other ways. Call or email your member of Congress and remind them how integral health centers are in our community. Remember: community health centers are local businesses that are keeping us healthy. Kathy Sather President & CEO Family Health Care
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 Marijuana making a mark in WC By Charles Chandler How can cities like White Cloud compete for regional and national business? Good question, and most residents will quickly tell you that we need to attract new businesses and residents to our City. Yet that can be a challenge according to one former White Cloud business owner. “The State of Michigan has set the bar low for developing 501(c)(3) enterprises. Some of these entities can operate like a business, yet, they have different oversight, operating rules and don’t have to pay taxes. Given this advantage starting and successfully operating private and family-owned businesses in small municipalities like White Cloud is daunting. Considering that many of these municipalities have high taxes, restrictive zoning and a population with limited disposable income.” These challenges are often magnified when you have a demographic with reflective nostalgia who only want to talk about the good ole days and see change as something to be feared or resisted. Common themes heard in many public meetings and hearings follow; ‘you can do whatever you want as long as it doesn’t cost me anything, not in my neighborhood and it must not affect my comfort zone.’ Given these inherent barriers and limitations, how do the Chambers of Commerce, City Officials, and entrepreneurs go about starting and supporting new business in these small municipalities? They market their assets, take advantage of new opportunities, face up to opposition and take risks to become a business-friendly community. White Cloud does have marketable assets and strengths. The obvious is location, location, location. The City rest at the corners of M 37 and M 20. It also has abundant recreational assets and opportunities with trails, the White River, local parks, and nearby Huron-Manistee Forest. Its biggest asset is land with. large tracts of both Brownfield and undeveloped areas. The new opportunity is the Michigan Marijuana Business. The voters in the State of Michigan, Newaygo County and the City of White Cloud approved the production and sale of medical and recreational marijuana. White Cloud’s Legislative body, City Manager and the Planning Commission took that voter approval and drove a stake in the ground. They discussed the risk, listen to the opposition speak, and sought counsel from experts and the City Attorney. After deliberation, they assumed the risk and hung out the shingle, believing the marijuana business to be a niche market where the City could compete. City Manager Lora Kalkofen assumed sales and marketing and met with potential marijuana businessmen. The City Planning Commission, composed of Mayor Jamie Denslow, members, Charles Twing, Keith Payne, Lori Shears, Becci Kolenda, and Manager Kalkofen, did the heavy lifting. They ensured that City codes and ordinances were developed to align with the State of Michigan PA 281 of 2016, the Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act, MCLA 333.27101, et seq., and IL 1 of 2018 the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, MCLA 333.27951, et seq. Additional, they conducted reviews with the city’s attorney , posted public notices, held public hearings and presented the documents to the City Council for review and final approval. White Cloud now has the option to allow the licensing, and permitting of marijuana Growers of any class, Processors, Retailers, Secure Transporters, Safety Compliance Facilities, and Micro Businesses to operate within the City Limits. “We get calls almost daily about opportunities to open a Marijuana business in White Cloud,”Kalkofen stated. She suggested that while the early focus has been on the Medical Marijuana business she expects that future growth in White Cloud will be Recreational Marijuana production and retail sales. All businesses will meet State and City codes and ordinances, particularly the 500-foot setback limits from schools and churches. Mayor Denslow will seat a seven-member Marijuana Board to provide oversight of the licensing and permitting functions. White Cloud has one successful Medical Marijuana business on M 37. All the lots in the Washington Street Industrial Park have been sold to a potential marijuana business. The ground has been broken for two grow facilities with construction to begin as weather permits. Construction of the large NWM Organic Farms, LLC Marijuana Grow facility located at 183 N. Webster in White Cloud is well underway. That company is solely owned by Mr. Rick Ziehl and operations are expected to begin in the spring of 2020. On December 1st, it became legal to sell recreational marijuana in the State and a limited number of retail shops opened their doors for business. Marijuana and Hemp production is a new business for the State, County and the City and how it will shake out is anyone’s guess. Let’s hope that market economics determine the outcome of this venture and not the bureaucrats and politicians. Hats off to the White Cloud voters, the legislative body, the City staff, and the Planning Commission and other supporters for facing the opposition, taking risks and allowing City to attract these much-needed new businesses. This is one time you did not snooze and hopefully won’t lose. Mr. Chandler is a regular contributor to our pages, a White Cloud City Council Member and a rather avid fisherman.  NWM Organic Farms, LLC Marijuana Grow facility located at 183 N. Webster in White Cloud  An N3 Editorial
"So you watch yourself about complaining. What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it.”-Maya Angelou Maya always seemed to be able to capture deep concepts into her wonderful weaving of words. So what is it about change that unsettles us? Not all change of course. Anything altered out of our own doing or desire generally suits us better but when the unexpected, unprepared for, unknown and unwanted arrive we resist, reject, and refuse to consider any level of acceptance. We get it. Change is tough. Don’t believe us? Here’s an experiment. For the next week when you wake up in the morning and it becomes time to get dressed? Think about what leg you always start with when putting on pants. Then put in the opposite leg first. Small change right? Easy? Well, chances are you’ll find it’s awkward as hell and soon you’ll return to the familiar way of hitching up the leggings. Recently Newaygo City Council member Eric Johnson shared his thoughts about the alteration in the downtown traffic lanes along with some other projected changes in the near future. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/guest-column-changes-in-newaygo He noted the several meetings that have been held over the past couple of years involving increasing the town's ‘walkability’. Numbers at these meetings weren’t bad for such gatherings however they were mostly attended by the same folks and none of the crowds came close to the amount of people in attendance at the average freshman basketball game. And now it looks like downtown travel will change. There will likely be voices who bemoan such moves claiming to not have heard anything about the initiative and even sometimes feeling betrayed by those making the changes. This seems to happen a lot and interestingly enough even in these days of instantaneous interaction, prolific local social media, and the ever grinding rumor mill (see fireworks store) some folks just don’t seem to get the memos. Others who did indeed hear of the doings may not take the time necessary to attend the meetings. Thus the city’s attempts at inclusiveness while admirable don’t always generate the dialogue desired. Other towns in our fair county have been experiencing change as well. The County Seat of White Cloud is looking at the possibility of a Hope Network housing initiative that has drawn some pushback from the townsfolk and the burg is bracing for the burgeoning cannabis businesses beginning to blossom in the city limits. Fremont recently completed their bypass, an effort that met with some ongoing resistance, and they are dealing with a change at the top of their police department while Hesperia would like to make some changes but they can’t field a team (quorum) to do so. Don’t like what’s happening? Go to the next meeting. Try to bring along an open mind and be prepared to listen. The city seems to be trying to gain input from the citizenry which is a commendable effort so take the offering and get engaged. Try to remember that change, while not always comfortable, is surely inevitable. And should the decisions made and the initiatives put forth end up not working out? They can always be changed, right? “I put a dollar in one of those change machines but nothing changed.”- George Carlin  By Eric D. Johnson, Newaygo City Council
First and foremost thanks everyone for their valuable input regarding the changes around the City of Newaygo. Many City of Newaygo officials do see your posts for considerations. Change can be difficult. The City of Newaygo is working with MDOT engineers to initiate pilot programs to help with many challenges our City is faced with. These challenges, come from many public engagement meetings that have been held for over the past two years and are continuing. Most of these challenges come from the obvious fact that we have a highway that cuts through the City of Newaygo. Consider this, before the more current changes downtown, we had four lanes of highway traffic cutting through a populated residential, shopping district, and recreational areas. The current changes affect just over two blocks of this populated area cutting it down from four lanes to two lanes which also includes turn lanes. Looking at that just from a driver’s perspective might not make much sense, but as a family walking to enjoy our river and parks then it starts to make sense. It is understood that there will be many learning lessons during this pilot period so we need everyone’s input and involvement. MDOT is hosting a meeting December 12th between 5pm - 7pm for the much needed and appreciated public engagement. However, it is understood that there are those that might not be able to attend. For this very reason the City of Newaygo has created the "I am Newaygo" initiative to help members of the community connect with their officials. First please join the I am Newaygo group @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/iamnewaygo/ You can also email @ iamnewaygo@newaygocity.org You can write a letter and mail or drop off to City Hall. You can also attend public meetings as well which you can find at the City of Newaygo website @ https://www.newaygocity.org/ So let’s all enjoy the 3 Wise Men that made their appearance again in 2019 and thanks for being involved!  Front Row: Rigby Back Row: Megan Photo by Jackie Frey A story of puppy love
By Megan Wirts I was with friends the other night and they remarked on how I seem to be happier lately, content even. That may not seem like a big deal to some, but for me it is. The past few years have been a series of lessons in perseverance, change, control, patience, and finding my purpose. I have tried to figure out who I am inside a body that doesn’t like to cooperate with what I want most of the time. For those of you that may have just found me here at N3, I was diagnosed with a neurological movement disorder called Dystonia a few years ago and it changed my life. It has caused me much pain, grief and sorrow. It has also given me time, new experiences and a new perspective. I have always been driven and a goal oriented person. When I started to show symptoms, my goal was to fix it. When it couldn’t be fixed with not one, but two brain surgeries, weight loss, multiple medications and therapies as well as begging, pleading, praying, bargaining, positive thinking, oils, herbs, potions and magical spells? It was time to accept that I have this and I need to learn to live with it. Some of my friends and family stopped messaging me, calling and/or visiting. I was feeling isolated, lonely and depressed. I was desperate for attention and for people to see me. I was desperate to feel like my old self. I dabbled in stand up comedy, baking cheesecakes and trying to do all the things my heart wanted despite them being more than my body could handle. I pushed and pushed until I was so run down and physically hurting that I couldn’t get out of bed. Everything was starting to hurt me more than help me. Besides, there is only so much terrible open mic comedy that a human can endure and believe me I was over it. That’s when I quit everything. I stopped pushing and fighting for things and people that were no longer good for my health, mentally and physically. Making that decision put me in a bit of a funk for awhile. I once again had to grieve the idea of what I thought my life should be like. I once again had to find out what makes me feel purposeful. I am a wife and a mother and that is a wonderful and fulfilling part of my life, but my children are getting older and they don’t really want me all up in their business all the time (even though I am super nosy and I love it when they “spill the tea”) . I need to have a life of my own beyond motherhood and being a spouse. That’s just who I am and having a physical disability isn’t changing that. Then I decided that I needed a puppy. That’s where I am friends. I quit everything and I got a puppy. Is my new purpose in life, to be utterly obsessed and in love with my new furry friend? Probably not. Will I still try to pursue new dreams and set new goals? Yes, like writing my dream show called “The Megan Wirts Christmas Spectacular” (Maybe in 2020?). Am I currently happy and feeling content? Absolutely. This puppy has got me. His name is Rigby and he’s a 4 month old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He’s adorable and I love him. Now, I am not saying that getting a puppy is the solution to everything. Some people should not have puppies or can’t have one due to where they live, the amount of time they have or allergies, among other things. (If you are in that situation, you can look at cute photos and videos my puppy on Instagram @rigby.thecorgi). Did I sleep the first week or two that we brought Rigby home? No, but it was worth it. He has melded right into our family. Our 5 year old Poodle Mix, Bosco, loves him and is the best dog brother, our cats are indifferent as cats usually are and the kids adore him. My husband was reluctant about getting a puppy at first, but after some powerpoint presentations, long discussions and reasons that he could not say no to, it was puppy time. He is now almost as obsessed with him as I am. He won’t even deny it now. We are all in love. I have learned that it’s okay to stop pushing, stop fighting and stop doing things that are not serving you in a positive way any longer. If something is sucking the life out of your soul, quit. If people in your life are thieves of your joy, let them go. Surround yourself with people that love and respect you as much as you do them. The holidays are upon us and I know that many people struggle with family drama and uncomfortable situations. You can say no, if you want to. You can set boundaries that protect your heart, mind and spirit. You are in control of your own happiness. Puppies help too. “Happiness is a warm puppy.” - Charles M. Schulz  To The Editor:
Disrespect and continued elimination of Native American Indigenous People in the US by our current Federal Administration is occurring: “President Trump proclaims November as National American History and Founders Month”. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-proclamation-national-american-history-founders-month-2019/ In this proclamation it encourages citizens to learn about and reflect upon how this country was created, from its successes to its “challenges” such as the Revolutionary War and sending a man to the moon. And although November was not rescinded as “Native American Heritage Month”, nowhere in this new Proclamation were Native American Indigenous people, history or US early policy of termination, or 20th century policies of assimilation, mentioned. To learn about the true history of our country is important - including histories and stories told from the voices of people who were not included in our textbook narratives. So why create this proclamation in this month of the Thanksgiving Holiday which continues to rely on a tainted recreation of history; where the original Tribes who did help the first colonizers survive when close to starvation were subsequently massacred; when school children still color pictures of happy pilgrims and smiling “Indians” sharing a bountiful fall table; when Native American kids in our own communities have to face ongoing stereotypes of their People to the point of self-silencing their heritage and ancestors to their peers, and sometimes even to themselves. Why, when Native American Indigenous People finally obtain a month of recognition in the 1990’s, is this month now proclaimed to reflect on this country’s founders? This proclamation attempts to overshadow, belittle, demean and once again erase from US history and from our dominant culture the lives, traditions and truths of this land’s Tribal Nations. I am grateful to be living in this country, and will share this Thanksgiving Holiday time with friends and family in gratitude for all the people who create this unique and often troubled greater community. But I am saddened that my country’s Administration can be so insensitive to the implications of this proclamation. I am outraged that it seems to not be due to ignorance, but out of a purposeful act against Native American Indigenous People, their place in US history and in our current wider culture. I am embarrassed, and once again have to apologize for the actions of some of my people. Thank you. Sally Wagoner Newaygo
By Julie Burrell and Ken DeLaat
Many young people cannot wait to leave the towns and communities they grew up in. It is truly a growth experience to live in a larger city, attend school in a different state, and perhaps live for awhile in parts of the country previously unexplored. And yet often there is at some point the lure of returning home. To embrace the same familiarity that propelled the departure. The Right Place is getting things ready to host ReThink West Michigan an initiative that seeks to entice former residents back to our area and secure the talent necessary to fill available jobs and grow our communities. The event (Free drink, appetizers, door prize, etc) is held the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, a time when many return to their hometown to celebrate the holiday. There will be 5 events held simultaneously across West Michigan, each providing a casual setting where former residents can connect with community advocates and hiring employers. We caught up with a couple of former ‘expats’ who returned to the area and asked them about their decision. Sammi Anderson grew up in Hesperia then moved away in 2003, first to the Rocky Mountain region of Breckenridge Colorado and later to the Disney dominated city of Orlando. “In February 2011 my Grandma called me and asked if I could move back home to Hesperia. I didn’t think about it for a second and was back in town by the middle of March. As we were driving in to town my eyes began to tear up. The water tower came into view and Miranda Lambert was on the radio singing The House That Built Me”. “I was home.” We asked Sammi if her return held any surprises. “The thing that struck me the most when I moved back home was how much I had overlooked the real beauty of this place. From the rivers and lakes to the trails in the woods I couldn’t believe how much I hadn’t noticed how lucky I was. “This is an amazing place to live. Best decision I’ve ever made.” Lacy Stoneburner reconnected with her boyfriend from high school days and in 2009 flew across the country to the state of Washington, got married and began life as a military wife. “When my husband reached his 20 year mark in the military, we decided to move back "home" to be closer to family. We had lived all over the country and decided we wanted to see our friends and family much more often. Every vacation we took over the years, was always back home and we would spend his block leave (military vacation) in Hesperia. We always knew we wanted to raise our family here. “When I left Michigan I was working for Gerber Life Insurance. During my exit interview the HR manager told me, "If you ever come back to Michigan you have a job here". I loved my job and was really good at it. The company was always very supportive and I had the feeling of "family" at Gerber. “ Lacy has returned to Gerber Life where she works full time. “I loved all the places I have been. I have lived next to the ocean and in the heart of rocky mountain country. “But Michigan will always be my home.” Wednesday, November 27th in Fremont at Lakes 23 from 5-7pm. Check it out here: Rethinkwm.com/fremont  Doing the 'Deer Dance' to celebrate Opening Day?- Photo courtesy of Jim Maike Hunting Shopping & Kudos
“The old man used to say that the best part of hunting and fishing was the thinking about going and the talking about it after you got back.” Robert Ruark Speaking of hunting season, there are always a bunch of “Deer Widow” events around and about whether they be shopping evenings or Girls Night at a local bar. In a 10 year period ending in 2013 the number of women who engage in firearm hunting increased by almost 30% and those who bow hunt more than doubled. This data begs a question or two such as: Are there many women who are in relationships with men who hunt while their s.o. Does not? If so why are there no Deer Widower nights? Perhaps a brewery or tavern offering free rides home, maybe a sale at some men's clothing stores, etc.? Just saying… Quadruple Kudos to Newaygo Family Dental Care for their free clinic for Veterans and we understand Dr. Leyder in Croton did the same. Our article https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/these-people-have-been-terrific heaped well-deserved praise on NFDC and their staff and we want to acknowledge the kindness shown by Dr. Leyder and his peeps for joining in. Makes one proud to be part of this compassionate community we enjoy. The Jingle Mingle got things rolling and now there are almost as many Christmas gift and craft events around as there are breweries in our Metro neighbor to the south. But should you choose to eschew such shows in favor of experiencing an artistic array of inspired creations from the hands of local and regional innovators? Perhaps point your purchasing preference toward unique and one of a kind gifts that you won’t find anywhere else? Check out the Artsplace Holiday Market in downtown Fremont. Great stuff in an atmosphere exuding charm. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/ncca-artsplace-holiday-artist-market-opens-november-16 Or maybe you want to check out the always fascinating selection in the quaint little shoppe where the quest for just the right gift rarely goes unachieved? That cool little place we’re referencing is located smack dab in the hallway of our local hospital. Small and yet loaded with ideas for the hard to buy (or the easy to buy) person on your list. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/looking-for-unique-gifts How about stocking stuffers toys games and such for all ages? Try the Fremont Library Gift Shop where with a $5 purchase you can take home one of their gently used books for free and curl up with a good read while serene in the knowledge the socks will indeed be stuffed and stuffed well. (see ad on home page) Back in the day while writing for the nearly world famous Rich Wheater at the TI we did a series called Shopping With Ken. The series included yours truly checking out some local haunts and providing a bit of a guide for those looking for local and regional options to fulfill your gifting obligations and/or desires. Some ideas might have been a bit offbeat at times (one year we went with all meat gifting) but it got me out of the house for awhile which LSC Lil appreciated and it was fun doing a bit of exploring. Keep an eye on the pages of N3 because it’s high time for a return of SWK. Despite the hue and cry to keep the damn thing dormant. Got an idea for SWK? A shop you own, a place you like, an idea to help broaden the shopping options for our local gift questers? Send your idea to info@nearnorthnow.com and the extensive staff of N3 World Headquarters & Hallmark Movie Marathon Site will check it out. Until then…. “Ever wonder about those people who spend $2 apiece on those little bottles of Evian water? Try spelling Evian backward. ”-George Carlin  By Tim McGrath “Hey, don’t be stupid. Experience life; go out and have some fun, Curtis….” Freshman Hop scene from American Graffiti The Big, Beautiful world… Spain was on my short list of places to travel. Flamenco, olive oil, paella, intriguing art and architecture, cycling in and through beautiful countryside, the chance to hone my Spanish speaking chops; what’s not to get excited about? So, when we put our dinero down on the trip to first visit Sevilla, then bicycle the Andalusian region, and end our trip visiting Barcelona, I conjured images of being completely immersed in the culture and geography of this faraway place. And, as the trip unfolded I was not disappointed. Our group of nineteen wandered, explored, and visited the beautiful city of Seville at the outset of our little adventure. As we picked our way through winding narrow streets and lanes, we enjoyed the life and rhythms of this ancient European city, sat at outdoor cafes eating rich paella while sipping icy cold cerveza and Sangria. We marveled at the architecture of places in the city, asking: “How’d they do that?” when visiting the Cathedral of Seville and the adjoining Alcazar. Buildings that were begun in the fifteenth century, still considered engineering marvels all this time later. I’ll tell you, that’s something to experience, my friends. Grinding our way up the endlessly winding hills, then swooping down the backside for kilometer after kilometer through ancient and beautifully tended vineyards, and olive and orange groves on bicycles became the next leg of nuestra aventura. Cycling through small towns and villages, trying to find a servicio in a place where the town is silent as the locals enjoy a mid-day siesta during the heat of the day. Visiting unique places in towns that trace their history to the Romans. All of this, and more, became our lives for a week. Warm, cobalt-blue sky days, olive oil and wine tasting, mixed in with the discovery of a castle just around the next twist in the ever changing landscape was at the heart of each day’s riding. Then, at the end of a long day cycling, winding up in a richly unique hotel. It was a “pinch-me-is-this-for-real?” experience. But, alas, those idyllic days came to an end, and we said our goodbyes to the bikes, our estimable guides, JC and Alex, and eleven of our compadres who elected to skip the post-cycling trip to Barcelona. So, Thursday came, and on to Barcelona we went. Friday: a no-good, very bad, but interesting day They warned us every time we stepped out of the Hotel Olivia in the heart of Barcelona. “Senoras, you must carry your bags in front, never behind you. Senors, you too, must not carry valuables in back pockets.” Ah, Barcelona, the pickpocket capital of Spain. And, as we’d soon find out, it lived up to its reputation. The Metro, Barcelona’s subway, was more packed than usual this Friday morning due to a general strike in the region, giving the phrase “cheek-to-cheek” a new and somewhat awkward meaning. But, since we only had a couple of days to explore the city, we got tickets and headed through the turnstile, ready to face the crush. An older woman stepped in front of our group, once again warning the senoras to keep bags in front, even demonstrating the correct positioning of said bag. We stood out like sore thumbs. As the door closed on the mass of humanity crammed in the train, we huddled together, bags in front, nothing in back pockets. That’s when I saw the young guy slide up behind one of our group, getting very close, weirdly close. I looked down and noticed our companion had taken his zippered money pouch, tied the lanyard to his belt loop, then jammed the pouch into his front pocket, heeding the warning about back pockets. I glanced away for a moment, then looked back. The pouch was out of his pocket. “Gary, your wallet!” I yelled grabbing the pouch, which dangled pathetically from its lanyard. “I think that kid got you!” And, just like that the kid disappeared; a zephyr vanishing into the crowd. The doors opened, the crush of people spilled out onto the platform, and as we all stood there, it was painfully evident: our little friend had disappeared with mucho dinero from the money pouch. In seconds he had taken the pouch out of the pocket, unzipped both pockets on it, got the money and disappeared out the door. Thankfully, no credit cards were gone, but we all stood slack jawed in disbelief at what had happened. A couple wide-eyed young Barcelonan kids came up to us: “Are you OK?” one of the kids asked. “We saw him come up to you, and worried he would steal from you. We are sorry this has happened; this is not who we are. But, there are very many pickpockets in Barcelona.” Right on. As maddeningly frustrating as it was, though, it was only a bit of cash. And, no one had got a knife in the back. But, wait, there’s more The general strike had been called in the region this Friday in protest of the trial and jailing of the very popular leaders of a large separatist movement in Catalonia, Barcelona being its capital. As a result, many massive demonstrations were occurring throughout the city, most of which had been peaceful and orderly. It was interesting to observe them as we moved around the city, and learn the reasons for the protests: part of the cultural experience that comes with international travel. After the pickpocketing fiasco, though, we’d have settled for calm and touristy. Miguel and Rosa, native Barcelonans whom we’d met through some interesting circumstances as they were hiking the North Country Trail in Newaygo late in the summer, came to the hotel late in the afternoon to show us around a part of the city that had wonderful architecture and history. Later, we’d then travel to their neighborhood for a late dinner. We’d heard a large protest was set to begin at 6:00 in the city center, which also just happened to be directly across the street from our hotel. “Yes, we’ve heard this, also”, Rosa said. “But, it will be fine; this is Barcelona. There will be loud protests, but nothing to worry about”. Michael agreed with a flourish of the hand. “It’s all OK, not to worry”. OK by me, then. So off we went. As we toured the section of the city they’d taken us to, it became apparent the action was already heating up in the city center. Police helicopters, swarms of small Spanish police cars, their blue lights flashing and the peculiar HEE-HAW sirens wailing, roared around us from different directions. “Ha, ha, not to worry, we’ll be fine!” our hosts assured us. Dinner with Miguel, Rosa, their two kids, and a friend from the city was magnificent. Paella, assorted fish dishes, and richly sparkling Spanish wines made pickpockets and protests a dim memory. And, then… The plan was to take taxis back to our hotel after dinner. “The taxis do not want to take us back into the city”, Rosa calmly commented. “There are many demonstrations there, and riots are breaking out. But, I will keep trying.” Five minutes later: “ I have found one that will take us, but you will have to walk maybe a kilometer to your hotel. The driver will not risk trying to get to your hotel, as that’s where the riots are happening. Miguel will go with you to show the way.” When the taxi arrived, half of the group hopped in, and the friend of Rosa and Miguel’s offered to take the rest of us. So, off we went into the unknown. The last little bubbles from the wine sadly popped and disappeared…. Getting out of the car at the drop off, we immediately found ourselves in a chaotic scene. Protesters now turned rioters were running everywhere. An acrid haze hung in the air from trash fires burning in the streets. A newspaper kiosk set ablaze was crumbling into rubble just down the block. Loud bangs from riot police shooting foam bullets added to the charged atmosphere. Miguel got us all in a group. “Stay together, and follow me. I will get you to your hotel!” Miguel said. Up one street, then down the other our group went. We ran with the tidal wave of protesters escaping from the police. Huge sanitation trucks with plows roared through the streets shoving smoldering piles of garbage out of the way. A water cannon truck sprayed bursts of water into the crowds, the smell of tear gas permeating everything. On we went, like mice in a maze trying to find the treat at the end. In a way it was comical. A group of older American tourists running along with the rioters trying not to get caught by the cops. There was a Three Stooges quality to the whole thing. Turning a corner we spotted it through the haze: the Hotel Olivia less than a block away. And, there was also a line of riot police in full gear waving batons and riot guns at us warning us not to come closer. Our futile gestures about getting to the hotel only agitated one of them, who started toward us ready to use the ugly looking baton. But, in the next instant, the entire line of them backed up, riot–police-style, into their cars and whizzed off in another direction leaving the way clear for us to get to the Hotel Olivia. The hotel doorman let us in through the barricaded entrance into the calm of the lobby. We thanked Miguel for risking his safety for leading us here. The reality is, of course, if it hadn’t been for him, I’m not sure how we would’ve found our way back in all the chaos. We offered to put him up in the hotel, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Said his goodnites, see you tomorrow, and off he went into the night. Rosa and her friend connected with him several blocks away. So… What a magnificent experience it was. The beauty of the country as seen from the seat of a bicycle, the history, art, architecture, food, wine, and the people. Oh, the people. So welcoming, accommodating, and helpful. So there you have it. Taking the good with the bad, the ugly with the beautiful, the calm with the chaotic; just part of the journey.  By Ken DeLaat
Did you hear it? The collective sigh signifying the end of our denial about what is to come? Or was it more of a groan? After being lulled into complacency by a spate of fairly warm (if unceasingly wet) weather this fall November arrives and its early snow and cold is greeted by many with all the enthusiasm a restaurant staff might give a customer who pops into their eatery just before closing on a slow weekday night and wants to start with an appetizer. Oh, and he has his kids with him. November is not in any way the cruelest month. In his epic “The Waste Land” T.S. Eliot said it was April but his metaphorical journey decribed the relative malaise of his generation rather than the weather and to us there exists no month in the Mitten possessing more pitilessness than February, though its predecessor certainly makes a case for the top spot. But nonetheless November can be a tad annoying weatherwise. Oh, I've witnessed brilliant November days when the sun brings a softness to the crisp air and you revel in the relative warmth during a short span that feels almost like a second summer. But not a lot of them. And I’ve been around quite a few Novembers. Of course beyond the seemingly instantaneous shift in weather providing previews of the months of meteorological madness yet to come there are other factors that might make November more appealing to you. Sports If you like football November generally finds the Lions on the outside looking in when it comes to an invitation to the playoff party and this year is no exception as prognosticators currently give them a 6% chance of making the postseason. And we think they’re just being kind. But they are, after all, our beloved Lions and will win some, lose some and miss the playoffs. Again. At least we have the Pistons and…(Pardon? Really? Mediocre again huh?)... I mean the Red Wings who…(What’s that? Wow. That bad eh?) or maybe if we wait til Spring there’s...uh...there’s… Never mind. Of course we also have the MSU/Michigan matchup a game when afterwards about half of bi-peninsular football followers will be happy at the result while the other half will cite the obviously prejudicial officiating if the game is within 20 points. And later in the month Michigan fans get to see if the Buckeye-induced bleeding (OSU has won 7 in a row and 14 out of 15) can be stopped. One hopes the defense will yield a few less than the 62 the Bucks put on the board last year. TV A fair warning, should the inundation of Christmas cheer not be your bag you might want to avoid the Hallmark channels in month 11 since they are knee deep into Christmas 24/7 and will be rolling them out for the next seven weeks. However, should you be one of the many who embrace the season with these holiday themed films this is a boon. And one needs never fear about them running out of movies since with the addition of 40 (yes, 40) new ones this year Hallmark is estimated to have over 200 options which is incredible when you think of that many movies with barely a half dozen plot lines. The Hunt Of course for some this is the best of all months because The Opener comes mid November, a golden time for hunters and the people they live with and/or like who are fond of venison. You can already feel the fever pitch growing and the local eateries who serve up breakfast will be opening their doors extra early for hunters while one imagines the local bars might be hosting some serious storytelling later on. The Rest Finally, Thanksgiving arrives later on in November followed by Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday, Cyber Monday and my personal favorite, Why Did I Buy So Much Tuesday. It's the month that straddles the seasons in these parts creating a connection between the best of fall and the early stages of winter. And while for many non hunters the decreasing daylight combined with continuous cloud cover and plunging temps that mark the beginning of the snow-centered siege of a season that will long be with us might prove a bit of a trial… There’s always the Lions. “November is usually such a disagreeable month as if the year had suddenly found out she was growing old and could do nothing but weep and fret over it.” -Anne Shirley |
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December 2019
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