Around the County

Shorty's. Photo by Alicia Jaimes

A festival, Hoop hoopla, a couple of interesting factoids, and mammoth cones

By Ken DeLaat

A pair of big events highlight the coming days as the NBFF will be in full swing from Wednesday through Saturday and the latest version (#4) of the Newaygo County Macker Tourney is being played in White Cloud this weekend.  If you have never been to a Macker do yourself a favor and go. It’s high level entertainment for the whole family and you will be more than surprised at the level of play. When I was younger a threesome of short guys who liked to shoot from outside asked me (6’4”) to be part of their team. I had already witnessed what went on down near the basket and declined due to a desire to remain intact. Yes, it can get a tad rough.

While wandering about downtown Fremont this week taking in the festival scene, remember to pay a visit to the local merchants, most of whom help sponsor the fest. There will be sidewalk sales with good deals up and down main street so show them some support by taking advantage of the deals.
And don’t forget about the car show starting downtown at 8 am Saturday. Love seeing those classic rides spiffed up for the admiration of car buffs  

Two interesting things I learned while looking up something else.
In 1970 Newaygo County's population was 27,992.
For every 100 seniors (over the age of 65) there were 334 kids (under 18.
Fast forward to 2023. The county population is 50,414.
And for every 100 seniors there are 109 kids.
With an ever increasing aging population the NC Commission on Aging and other local efforts aimed at assisting seniors are focused on helping to keep people in their homes as long as possible  by providing meals, activities, respite care and more. 

ALICE stands for asset limited, income constrained and employed.
Basically means you’re getting by but just barely. When a loss of income due to circumstances could push you into the level of poverty.
For a family of four the ALICE level is $29,00 for an individual and about $74,500 for a family of four
The federal poverty level is$14,580 for an individual and $30,000 for a family of four.
Of the 19,428 Newaygo County families, 5,661 fall into the ALICE level, living paycheck  paycheck. Another 2,607 families fall within the poverty level.
11,160 families are above the ALICE level .
This translates to 43% of our county’s families at or below what is considered ‘getting by’.
This is likely no surprise to anyone who volunteers at a food bank. The lines are lengthy, and the need is great.

And by the way, seeing it's Ice Cream Month, take a run out to Shorty's in Ensley Center. By a long shot the biggest bang for the buck when it comes to a cone. The small is huge, the medium is gigantic, and I don't even want to think about what a large looks like. Tell them I sent you and they will undoubtedly say "Ken who?"

Ok folks no reason to miss out on a boatload of fun on tap locally. Get out there and mingle. And remember to always eschew obfuscation.

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