Children have a natural sense of curiosity about living things in the world around them. Building on this curiosity, students from both Pathfinder and Daisy Brook Elementary Schools of Fremont and along with community members of the Holton Library (Branch of Muskegon Area District Library) participated in the Michigan 4-H Embryology program learning about embryonic development and life cycle during the 21-day incubation process of chicken eggs. 4-H volunteer, Kathy Alford worked with Kristen Christoffersen, 1rst grade teacher from Pathfinder Elementary, Christina Mazeikis, Library Administrator from Daisy Brook Elementary, and new this year, Julie Vanderboegh, Library Assistant of Holton Library to bring the Michigan 4-H Embryology Program to the schools. As a result, nearly 700 students from both schools and 75 people from the Holton Library learned about the developmental stages of chickens, observed the eggs, and witnessed the hatching process. The 4-H Embryology program was made possible by a grant from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
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Hiking enthusiasts once again take to the trail “When all else fails, go hiking.”-T.J Burr Last year we ran an article about this rather amazing event that got its roots from a group of women who years ago joined together for hiking as well as other outdoor activities such as kayaking or snowshoeing. Last year's inaugural Sally Forth drew hiking enthusiasts and novices who put in the miles and came out with smiles. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/local-hikers-meet-the-challenge This year I was again privileged to be at the culmination of the hike. To witness both the camaraderie of those who participated and their collective pride in what they had accomplished. Watching these remarkable women reach the final hill and seeing them express that intriguing combination of exhaustion and exhilaration was truly inspiring. If you participated in this year's version of Sally Forth, kudos to you all. If you decide to join in next year, chances are real, real good you will never regret it. On Friday May 3rd the second annual Sally Forth, a hiking challenge on the North Country Scenic Trail, saw dozens of women take to the woods in an inspiring event that culminated in a finish line celebration at John Graves Lodge. The celebration that ensued was a lively one as the group shared food and stories of this hike as well as some of their other adventures on trails. Among the hikers were those who had long enjoyed the health benefits such activities bring and novices who have recently discovered the pure joy of hiking. Particularly when the hike is completed. Somewhat exhausted but nonetheless exuberant with their accomplishment, the group followed up their meal with a group photo or two, a great deal of hugs, and finally a stirring anthem this impressive ensemble performed to perfection. We caught up with Peg Mercer one of the original Wander Women and part of the committee who put the event together Can you give us a few words about this years hike. We had a great turnout for this year’s Second Annual Sally Forth Hike Challenge. Women participated from Newaygo County and as far away as Lansing and Ludington. We started in a light rain but ended in glorious sunshine. The women were excited to stretch their boundaries to hike longer distances, which is what this event is all about. Women discover a great deal of camaraderie spending time together trekking through the woods. How many hikers and what distances? The Sally Forth Committee designs the event to suit many types of hikers. We were excited to have 50 women hiking their choice of 23, 15, 8 and 5 miles. The 23-milers started at 7 am to reach the finish line in time for the celebration which was held at the John Graves Lodge of the Newaygo County Welcome Center. Speaking of the Finish Line Celebration, we are so proud to have not only the support of many spouses, but the men totally created the party. They grilled, put out all the food & drinks, set the picnic tables, made a bonfire, provided a guitar singalong, greeted all the hikers, and did clean-up. Apart from all this, the men handled all the check-points, making sure all hikers were accounted for. Next year? anything different? Still planning on Sally Forth III? We’ve had lots of feedback to have the event in 2025. Our dedicated committee is onboard with continuing this annual event. We have seen a great deal of satisfaction, exhilaration and accomplishment. What better way to utilize our own portion of the North Country Trail? Engaging youth from Oceana and Newaygo County at Camp Tall Turf Tall Turf Ministries has been in business since 1968 and has operated Camp Tall Turf since 1969. This camp located in Walkerville sits on the shores of Campbell Lake and owns 245 acres. Our overnight camp has a mission to equip youth and families for lives of reconciliation in God’s world. In efforts to achieve our goals, campers build positive relationships with people from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds in a safe, Christian environment. Throughout their time together, youth engage in a variety of activities that seek to break down barriers and foster a sense of unity and reconciliation. These experiences and relationships help to equip youth with communication skills and an appreciation for diversity that is vital in our increasingly global society. Additionally, participants learn new skills and try new things, which leads to developing an enhanced sense of self-esteem. Furthermore, team-building activities and small group times allow campers opportunities to develop leadership and cooperation skills, as well as creating space for individual and group reflection thereby strengthening self-esteem and unity among program participants. Through traditional camp activities such as swimming, kayaking, arts and crafts, archery, basketball, hiking, and outdoor education, staff and campers are preparing to be the next generation of Christian leaders. Through a generation donation from a local foundation, scholarships (some at 100%) are available for local families. Sessions are almost full so please register as soon as possible at tallturf.org. For more information, please call 616.452.7906. Gerber Federal Credit Union’s Annual Essay Scholarships
FREMONT, Mich. Gerber Federal Credit Union awarded a total of $4,500 as a result of its Annual Essay Scholarship program. This is an increase of $1,750 over the prior year. Entrants were asked to explain their “decision-making process for deciding on a career choice” in 300-500 words. Entries were accepted from Gerber Federal Credit Union members currently attending their senior year of high school and planning to attend an accredited technical school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university, or an apprentice program. Carson Foondle from White Cloud High School is the First Place winner. He was awarded $2,000 and publication of his essay at www.gerberfcu.com. Katie Ackerman from Fremont High School is the Second Place winner and was awarded $1,500. Victoria Ekkel from Fremont High School is the Third Place Winner and was awarded $1,000. Gerber Federal Credit Union President/CEO John Buckley and Marketing Officer Heather Wiersema awarded students in the attached photos. Essays were submitted by email and mail. Our panel of judges included 4 educators from various school districts in Newaygo County. Judges evaluated the essays on Topical Relevance and Quality of Writing after all identifying information was removed. The First Place Essay: Growing up, an abundance of adults have given me advice on which career paths to get into and which ones to avoid. I’ve heard scenarios of people who hate their job with a burning passion, but nevertheless work through a grueling eight-hour shift to pay the bills and support their family. On the opposite side of the spectrum, I’ve heard of situations where a person absolutely loves their job. Their work is galvanizing to them and they adore being on the clock. For me, I would like to be placed in the latter category. I want to enjoy what I do on a daily basis. Finding a career path that interests me would be the next task. I’ve been lucky enough to see a lot of different landscapes throughout my childhood. During my late elementary school years, my family lived in Orlando, Florida. In Florida, space science was quite a talking topic. Thus, I thought that I would become an astronomer as that job involved mathematics, science, and computers, three things I was fascinated with. However, my family moved back to West Michigan as I entered sixth grade and as time went on, my perspective on space slowly declined. Over the course of my teenage years, my hobbies and interests shifted drastically. I began to develop a passion for distance running. Also, finance particularly piqued my interest. Yet, I couldn’t quite place my finger on the occupation I wanted. The first set of people I’d look to would be my parents, who were both teachers. We’ve had numerous discussions about how working in education isn’t a bad gig. I remember them telling me about how you can be a key role model for several kids of the next generation. Not to mention, the time I would get to spend with my own kids in the future. So, entering high school I believed that I was going to follow in my parents footsteps and become a teacher. Still, something just didn’t quite click. I felt that teaching was just a bit off for me. To describe it best, the job felt like getting a “B” on an exam. You’ll take the grade, but it’s not exactly what you were looking for. At the time I realized this, my dad had just become a school business manager. We’ve had conversations about his job and I feel this occupation would be something that I would enjoy. This job would tie my interest in finance and distance running. I could work as a school’s business manager and simultaneously coach both Cross Country and Track & Field! As of today, this is the job I envision myself doing over the next few decades. My plan is to attend Muskegon Community College next fall to continue my athletic career and pursue a degree in finance. In the future, I hope to stay in West Michigan and become a school business manager. Carson Foondle - White Cloud High School Story By Coach Stephen Smith In an existential quest to earn their rightful place among the hallowed ranks of our program's lore, the White Cloud Quiz Bowl team ventured to Chicago to face off against the nation's fiercest competition. The NAQT Small School National Championship Tournament comprised three divisions, boasting 826 players from 143 teams, representing 127 schools across 35 states. More specifically, the White Cloud Indians competed against teams hailing from Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Smashing into the competition during the preliminary rounds, White Cloud (8-4 overall) demonstrated their academic excellence by shattering Happy Valley, TN (325-180), crushing Homer Center, PA (330-60), pounding Evansville B, WI (370-70), thumping Casey County, KY (290-205), and ended the morning matches with a drubbing of Salem, OH (270-130). With the commencement of the afternoon session, the sensational squad clinched a playoff berth with an impressive victory over Butler, MO (285-165). In an excruciatingly tight match with the closest of margins possible, the exquisite ensemble faltered against New Berlin, IL (230-235). The Indians were bested by Weston, MA (155-380), who finished 5th-place in the nation. With grit and tenacity unknown to mankind, the persistent players bounced back against Riverside, IA in a thrilling match that ended 275-275 in regulation. In overtime, Samuel Viher immediately provided a 15-point power and Captain Brian Schaefer followed with a 10-point grab to conclude the match, brilliantly winning 300-285. Remaining resolute and determined to win, no matter the obstacles, the terrific team gutted out a victory in walk off fashion by answering the last three tossups to go ahead of Skyline, MO (280-270). Heading into the playoff rounds with one of the best preliminary records in program history, the terrific team valiantly battled against in-state rival Roscommon, MI, coming up short 210-280. In their final contention of the tournament, the fearless foursome combated Weaubleau, MO, faltering 160-290. The team finished the national competition in 33rd place overall, posting a laudable 3,205 points while averaging 246.54 points per game. Leading the team in scoring was First-Team All-State, Senior Captain Brian Schaefer with an impressive 505 points, averaging 38.85 ppg. Samuel Viher, All-Conference recipient, compiled an additional 395 points and averaged 30.38 ppg. All-Conference Jarrett Warlick contributed 220 points with 16.92 ppg. Wyatt Karnes, who received All-Conference honors as well, totaled 205 points, averaging 15.77 ppg. The well-rounded team effort and camaraderie exhibited during adversity is a hallmark of this group, which gained invaluable knowledge for next year. Throughout the entire 2024 season, the White Cloud Quiz Bowl team experienced a tremendous amount of success, most notably winning the CSAA Conference Championship. In the television circuit, White Cloud finished as a WCMU Quiz Central Division Champion. Moreover, the Indians were the highest rated Class C-D school at Holland’s Quiz Bowl Invitational, Kalamazoo’s Swim & Win Tournament, and the inaugural LIQBA Mitten Cup in Mount Pleasant. Of significance, this team continued the winning tradition and legacy of White Cloud Quiz Bowl by qualifying for the NAQT Small School National Championship Tournament for the 27th-time in school history and qualified for state competition for the 35th-occasion, an all-time Class C/D record in Michigan. Coach Stephen Smith and the team would like to specifically thank Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie, Assistant Coach Allison McPhall, Assistant Coach Arnie Baker, Assistant Coach Dallas Dowling, Ms. Stephanie Karnes, and Ms. Amber Viher for their unwavering support. Special thanks and gratitude from the coaches is extended to seniors, Brian Schaefer, Samuel Viher, Andrea Feldpausch, Anna Mohr, and Samantha Kukal, who are departing the team with many awards and accolades during their respective tenures with the program. In addition, the team would like to thank all the parents, teachers, administrators, board members, staff, alumni, financial donors, and community members who have supported the team throughout the entire year. None of the team’s success would be possible without assistance from the entire community. Next season, White Cloud returns 21 of 26 veteran quiz bowl players as follows: Wyatt Karnes, Jarrett Warlick, Andi Gordon, Tyler Higgins, Charlotte Karnes, Liam Povey, Arysn Balke, Landon Edwards, Jay Fessenden, Zeke Hensley, Kacie Kailing, Trysten Tancock, Rhoen Wade, Annabelle Bird, Mason D’Lamater, Brian Loveless, Brayden Perdue, Cora Sharp, Lily Ulmen, Leah Vining, and Quin Rose. Stay tuned for the future! Recent County Marriage License Applicants
“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” Frederick Nietzsche I think old Fred was onto something there. Friendship in a marriage certainly gets you through those inevitable times when the frustrations of day to day life seem to have a decided edge on good times enjoyed together. After all, what better way to experience a friendship than to have the opportunity to spend your life together? To create countless memories that can be revisited over and over. To be in a relationship that has the opportunity to grow even closer as time goes by. And to know that no matter what comes down, the other person has your back. Here are the latest couples who have made their way to the County Clerk’s office and signed on for the adventure of marriage. Kohlby Hasselman, Fremont & Lydia Anderson, Fremont Kameron Wilson, Hart & Timothy Bowman, Hart Jason Himebaugh, Charlevoix & Stacey Himebaugh, Grant Pre registration recommended, certification offered
Lilley Township will host a program called Stop the Bleed, an opportunity for citizens to learn the techniques to help save a person’s life before they bleed out. We caught up with Scott DeBruyne, chief of the Lilley Township Fire Department, to pose a few questions about the event. How did this come about? Helen Berghoef who is Region 6 Trauma Coordinator happens to have a cottage in Lilley township had heard about the need for first responders and contacted the township supervisor with an idea of hosting a “Stop the bleed” class in an effort to educate the community and use it as a way to get people talking about and hopefully joining our department. What is the goal? As with the rest of the county, our department is a paid on call department which means the station is not staffed. Any skill that could be gained to provide care while emergency services are responding may play a huge role in the preservation of a life. Also, we want to use this as a way to generate interest in joining our department. Who should attend? The class is open to anyone 17 yrs of age and older. Why should people attend? What will they learn? As mentioned earlier, our area is very rural with many of our members having to leave the area to work. This class is designed to teach the skills of how to “stop the bleed” while waiting for emergency response to arrive. Anything to add? Pizza and refreshments will be provided and we are as long that people register by contacting Hellen Berghoef at Berghoefh@michigan.gov Deputy Chief Randy Price Jr stated “We have a unique opportunity coming up! We have used community contacts to get this class to our area and would love to see everyone there. We hope to fill the building, get the community educated, and help you understand what to expect from a phone call to 9-1-1. Everyone is welcome and there will be food and drinks. Please follow the instructions to pre-register so we can have enough instructors and food for everyone.” It is a great time to think about what we can do for trees and the earth, recognizing their importance to community health and well-being. Newaygo Conservation District along with Newaygo County 4-H marked the 152nd Celebration of Arbor Day this week by providing white pine seedlings to 2nd grade students in participating school districts throughout Newaygo County. Nearly 600 seedlings, which were grown at the Newaygo Conservation Nursery in Newaygo, were given out along with planting instructions to youth to take home and plant with their families. Michigan Works! West Central selects Brandon Nowak for award after earning his GED, CDL
LANSING – Success for Brandon Nowak came later in life than expected. In his mid-30s, Brandon Nowak came to the very hard realization his life was not where he wanted it to be. He never completed his high school education, had limited skills and was incarcerated for 18 months. “Everything that’s happened to me, I’ve done to myself. I always remember that,” Brandon said. “I’m doing what I’m supposed to do, I just did it later on in life. … I’m here because I made my bed, but places like Michigan Works! West Central, they give you a second chance.” After exiting incarceration, Brandon’s parole officer referred him to Michigan Works! West Central. Working with a Talent Specialist, he was able to set short-term and realistic goals. Earning his GED was the first on the list. Through adult-education provider Quest High School, which co-located in three of Michigan Works! West Central’s six service centers, he was able to finish his high school education. “I studied every night; I really wanted to get it done as quickly as possible,” Brandon said. “The program fit with my schedule. They would give me packets to study, which made it a lot easier. … After learning I passed, I was excited, but still focused on what I had to do next. So, I couldn’t get too excited because I wasn’t at my end goal.” Michigan Work! West Central enrolled Brandon into WIOA Adult and MiLEAP programs, which were able to pay for training at FCG Truck Driver Training in Byron Center. Within six weeks, he earned his Class-A commercial driver’s license (CDL), achieving his next goal. “Brandon, being a hard worker and fast learner, was an excellent candidate for the CDL truck driver training program. It was obvious that he wanted success,” said Bill Baareman, owner of FCG Truck Driver Training. “Partnering with Michigan Works! West Central is the perfect match for a new and challenging career path in a field that’s in high demand. This partnership is opening new doors and opportunities for anyone with a desire to obtain a Michigan CDL.” It didn’t take long for Brandon to reach his final goal of obtaining a job as a full-time over-the-road driver. He was hired at Coopersville-based Foreway Transportation in July 2023, and began driving across the U.S. His personal outlook is miles away from where he was just over a year ago. “My life has changed quite a bit. I’ve got a new outlook on everything. I’m healthier and I’ve got a new set of goals. (My life) is nothing like it was five years ago,” Brandon said. “I never thought I’d go to prison, but I did, and that’s what needed to happen in my life to get me on the right path. … The only reason I was able to do all of this is because I was realistic about little goals. Michigan Works! makes it really easy. I was surprised at how involved they were, and I never felt like I was judged while I was there. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today and as happy as I am, without Michigan Works! I’m very grateful for this place.” Michigan Works! West Central is proud of Brandon’s accomplishments, so far. “We see participants from all walks of life come into our service centers. Brandon came into our Newaygo service center after 18 months of incarceration with the motivation to turn his life around. He set several short-term goals to get where he wanted to be, and he got to work,” said Michigan Works! West Central Executive Director Shelly Keene. “We are so proud of Brandon’s accomplishments and perseverance in earning his GED and commercial driver’s license. We can’t wait to see where his career takes him next!” National Volunteer Week, April 21—27, is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to build stronger communities and the force that transforms lives. With over 15,000 4-H volunteers across the state contributing to the success and expansion of the 4-H Youth Development program, volunteers are very much an intricate part of Michigan 4-H. They are, undeniably, the “heart and soul” of the program. Through their efforts young people experience new projects, leadership experiences, and engage in their communities. Leadership in 4-H doesn't depend on the amount of knowledge you have about a project. It relies on your willingness to help youth learn. While a young member's project might be photography, horses or sewing, the leader's project is always the YOUTH. Leadership is the ability to get along with people; to tackle a job and see it through. 4-H volunteers are valued partners and the key to the success of a member's learning, experience, and continuing interest in 4-H. A 4-H volunteer is many things - mentor, advisor, friend, teacher, referee, role model, pacesetter, and much more. Most importantly, a 4-H leader genuinely cares about young people and wants to help them learn and grow. 4-H volunteers volunteer for many reasons. Some want to work with youth, or pass along skills, and others just want to help out. Whatever the reason, 4-H leaders right here in Newaygo County play a vital role in the ongoing growth and development of youth within our county. When 4-H youth and adults work together, young people become more educated, independent, and responsible. This prepares young people to take their rightful place as caring, competent citizens and leaders in their community and the world. A special thank you to all of our 4-H volunteers and to all of the past volunteers that have built the Newaygo County 4-H program!
To become part of the Newaygo County 4-H program, contact Laurie Platte Breza, 4-H program coordinator, at 231-928-1056 or email at platteb1@msu.edu. |
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