Around the Near North

Birds, Bones, a Poet & Well-Earned Praise
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By Ken DeLaat

Lots of goings on in and around the county these days. We recently did a story on the ribbon cutting at the Dragon, the hike/bike trail surrounding Hardy Pond and now a birding trail has been added to the many opportunities visitors to our fair county can enjoy.
 For the Birds…and Their Watchers - Near North Now
For those not yet swept up in this avian pursuit you might be surprised to learn that it is estimated some 96 million folks in the U.S. of A. participate in some type of bird watching. Terry (Bird Goober) and Andrea Grabill did a column for us awhile back  and Terry chronicled his Birding Big Year in our pages. Charles Chandler has taken me on my ever elusive hunt for a peek at a snowy owl which as yet remains elusive and Dr. Ross Nelson has a very cool bird feeder cam that has captured some intriguing shots of the hungry winged ones that he has shared on social media.
One might even say the popularity of bird watching rivals pickleball in these parts but one of life’s lessons that came to me hard was ‘Don’t poke the bear!”

The Dogwood Center is really putting it out there this month with an intriguing slate of shows beginning with The Mad Angler and Mad Cellist at the Dogwood on October 12 - Near North Now
Michael Winslow (if you saw Police Academy, you know) is bringing his comedy show to town later this month and the renowned Celtic trio Kalos will be paying a visit as well.
For over 20 years the Dogwood has been providing top level entertainment at a fraction of what the same shows cost in our metro neighbors. It is truly the entertainment gem of the Near North and our county community is enriched by its presence.

The story about Bob Walker is a fave. Living Well - Near North Now
In lieu of political signs (perhaps the most annoying of all yard ornaments) he has created a nightmarish wonderland in his yard in Newaygo. Stopped by to take a few snaps and spoke with him briefly as he was preparing yet another prop for the dazzling display of daunting decor. Great guy, big heart and, one would surmise, a very patient spouse.

April Storms is one of our county’s true leaders.  We have written before of her ability to procure support for some major projects and she continues to strive for her city as you can see here: A Safer Streetscape With Benches to Boot - Near North Now
 White Cloud has a visionary thinker in the Manager’s office who has provided the county seat with some of the community’s long desired projects via grants and collaborations with other organizations. The city also received funding from the Fremont Area Community Foundation to repair the ORV bridge and now we understand some badly needed signage is on the horizon.
Well done, Ms. Storms.