Near North Nuggets- 4 Newsmakers

Departing NC Parks Director Nick Smith with son John

Lori Atwood a Moon Dance fixture for 20 years

Iris Herrera in pre-Voice days belting out the anthem for the Lion faithful

The Wawsczyk group on stage with Flip Orley at the Dogwood Center- Photo by Marianne Boerigter

Who's going, who has stayed, whose star is rising and who knows a good time

By Ken DeLaat
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We understand County Parks Director Nick Smith will be leaving his position soon to share his skills with another county. Newaygo County parks have been transformed  during his tenure here, and they have become highly desirable destinations for campers from across the Midwest and beyond.  
And then, of course,there is The Dragon Trail, a multi-year project that came to fruition this past August. Not only has the trail drawn an incredible amount of users to its unique design and location, it has already received accolades from national publications. If you know a mountain biker just bring up the Dragon and watch their eyes light up.
Kudos to Nick for his contributions to the NC tourist industry and particularly  the emphasis he placed on increasing accessibility at our parks and good luck to him in his new position. 

This past week the Moon Dance Cafe held an open house for Lori Atwood who for 20 years has been serving up smiles, kindness, and a caring attitude along with the MD offerings. If you have ever had the opportunity to have Lori as your server, you know. She exudes a warmth that makes you feel glad you came in. Being one who is somewhat challenged when it comes to organizational skills I admire the trait in others  and there is a quiet efficiency in how Lori performs her job. Nicely done Lori.
And a shout out to MD owner Cathy Martins who goes the extra mile to show her appreciation for her staff.

We’re scheduled to interview Iris Herrera this week following her success on the Voice. What has become apparent is how many people and places Iris  touched before her recent rise to fame. Congrats on social media have come in from the high school teams she competed with, her involvement in the Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, weddings she sang at as well as events where she performed and organizations she helped with. We interviewed Ms. Herrera 3 years ago after hearing her blast out the National Anthem in her Newaygo Varsity Basketball uniform before playing in the game. Once she began, I recall how the entire gym seemed to turn their heads to see who that powerful voice was coming out of. 
And now she’s turning heads on national television.

Our friend Kelly Wawsczyk recently took over as Director of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce and this past weekend organized a group of friends and pulled off a double Chamber member social media splash. The group combined a pre- show meal at the Harrington Inn’s Lounge  before aseeing Flip Orley at the Dogwood Center. A fun time while serving to promote Chamber folks. It will be interesting to see the positive impact  Kelly’s enthusiasm will have on the FACC.

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