 By Ken DeLaat Searching For Subs No, this has nothing to do with the rumors of foreign underwater vessels patrolling our Great Lakes, nor is this a search for the best Hoagie type sandwich (The Italian one at Season’s in Fremont tops our list since Northern Trails inexplicably discontinued theirs). This is about being a preschool proxy. A substitute to help staff the wonderful preschool classrooms our community is blessed with when the regulars are unable to be there. It’s the kind of part time gig worthy of your time and even puts a little cash in your pocket and who doesn’t like that? Here’s the skinny: https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/preschool-subs-sought Shelter Gets a Roundup The Animal Shelter is a haven for lost, abandoned, abused, and sometimes just downright ignored quadrupeds looking to find a forever home. Under extraordinary circumstances given the number of unpartnered dogs and cats out there, the Shelter folks provide for these forsaken felines and deserted dogs. The Shelter also brings out some of the prime examples of human kindness with the number of adoptions that secure homes for prospective pets and the donations of food, litter, etc. our community has ponied up. Then of course there are the volunteers who donate their time and love for animals to the facility Now we hear Houseman’s Foods the Cloud’s grocery store is doing their part for our furry friends by hosting a Roundup event. Customers will be given the opportunity to round up their bill to the nearest dollar with the proceeds going to the Shelter. It started November 22 and ends on December 22 so maybe you could forgo the coins that likely end up under couch cushions anyway, and put them to good use for the county’s critters. And nicely done, Houseman’s. Secret Shopper Time The Shopping season is upon us and we will soon begin visiting local establishments so send us your ideas for places we should visit…particularly if you have a unique gifting idea for us to check out. Send your suggestions to [email protected].
0 Comments
 To the Editor: It’s been nearly a week since the election, and I’m still processing the shock and devastation. I feel both embarrassed and ashamed that our country has chosen to elevate a convicted felon and sexual predator to a leadership position—a person meant to represent the values of what many consider the greatest nation in the world. I’m not naive. I understand the political leanings of this conservative community, where FJB flags fly openly, and a local business has been rotating divisive propaganda on its digital marquee since 2020. Knowing this, I initially chose to stay home for a few days, avoiding public spaces. But when I finally ventured out, my first experience was jarring: a couple in a pickup truck aggressively tailgated me, honked as they passed, flipped me off, and yelled “F Kamala,” clearly reacting to my bumper sticker. At first, I felt unsafe and rattled. But then I reminded myself of my privilege as a white, cisgender, post-menopausal woman—a level of security and freedom that many others in our community do not share. That moment clarified something for me. Instead of isolating myself or fantasizing about moving away, I realized my responsibility to stay and support those in my community who face even greater threats. Transgender and queer individuals, people of color, and women fighting for the right to make their own reproductive decisions need allies and safe spaces now more than ever. As a local therapist, I am committed to being that safe space. I will continue to advocate for those who need resources and support, offering a refuge where they can find strength and solidarity. Together, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive community, even in the face of adversity. Michelle Petz, LCSW |
Letter to the Editor PolicyNear North Now welcomes original letters from readers on current topics of general interest. Simply fill out the form below. Letters submissions are limited to 300 words. Archives
December 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed