y g have resources that can benefit our 60 & older crowd in Newaygo County?
We get together once/month to chat about how we can help utilize all of our resources and make sure that age group is taken care of!
The tradition of Newaygo Elementary School students decorating the Tree of Hope continued on Wednesday, November 30th. Each class, Kindergarten through 4th grade, created ornaments to be displayed on the tree for all of us to enjoy! This year did not disappoint! There are so many creative and unique ornaments proudly placed in the perfect spot by Beaver Tree Service. Santa Charlie greeted the students, answered a million questions and captured a photo with each class!
We'd like to thank Santa Charlie, Beaver Tree Service, Newaygo Elementary School, the City of Newaygo, the Newaygo Police Department and the Department of Public Works for making this event possible. (And for bearing the cold temperatures!)
Photo Credit: JB Photography, Nicole Klomp
Maya Angelou is quoted to say, "I have found that among it's other benefits, Charity liberates the soul of the givers." Words that definitely matched the vibe of our annual auction held on December 1st. The venue, NCPCA at The Center for Hope & Healing, was decorated with twinkling lights, stunning holiday décor and smelled amazing thanks to the spread from Pere Marquette Catering. Mike Anderson, of Anderson's Screen Printing, kicked off the night with his emcee skills enticing guests to join in on the fun and bid. Michael Burns and Kelly Wawsczyk played Vern and Vanna by displaying live auction items. Just look how helpful Kelly is in the photo holding the potted tree! Maddie Thompson & Bev Kerr helped keep guests hydrated, which is clearly the best way to keep those bids going!
Patriot Farms: A Warrior Respite & Retreat was present and overwhelmed with gratitude. Not only did we have record breaking attendance, we also had record breaking revenue! Thank you to all those who helped, donated, showed up and purchased, we are able to donate approximately $20,000 to this amazing organization!
From obtaining donations, decorating the venue and running the event, our committee and bonus helpers made this a successful night of giving and fun. Thank you to the following:
Colleen Lynema - Retired
Del Hirdes - Southwick Agency
Denise Anderson - Anderson's Screen Printing
Jean Hirdes - Southwick Agency
Jen Koopman - Smart Energy
Jennifer Espinoza - Newaygo Plumbing
Jessica Hawley - Bellwether Harbor
Lisa Lightfoot -Coldwell Banker Schmidt
Tara Nelson - NCPCA
Tashina Kerr - NCPCA
Newaygo's annual "Hallmark Moment" had the streets and businesses packed on December 2nd with help from favoring weather conditions. NHS Jazz Band kicked off the night while guests stood over the warming fire, provided by Beaver Tree Service. Horse and wagon rides took guests from Brooks Park to Timbered Spirit, 37 North had a talented ice carver, Market 41 had fan fav, The Grinch. Santa was spotted at a few locations, plenty of hot cocoa to keep hands warm and the smell of chestnuts roasting thanks to Sportsman's Bar. Families enjoyed the new seating and fire pits in the Outback with the soft twinkle from the solar lighting
Huge thank you to our volunteers, NHS Varsity Cheerleaders, Newaygo PD and DPW for all of the behind the scenes work that make this a safe and successful community event!
The 12th annual St. Nick Kick presented by Velocity took place on Saturday, December 3rd at Newaygo High School. This 10k,5k, 1 Mile Walk/Run benefits Newaygo High School Cross Country Team. Coach Alexis Mercer, her team and the event committee worked hard to make sure the 103 participants had a great time in Newaygo! The team raised nearly double what they did the previous year and will be getting a check for approximately $3,000.
We revamped Christmas in Croton this year thanks to our main sponsor, Millie's Farms Market! Hosting it at the Walter F Howarth American Legion in Croton kept Santa & Mrs. Claus warm inside. Shorter horse and wagon rides on a paved path decorated with holiday inflatables (Thanks to Nicole Klomp's stash!) with Bill VanAndel gave families time to thaw out while doing crafts with Grant Library and Croton Township Library. We had a reindeer food making station, too! Hot Cocoa & Cookies provided by the venue. Smore's were roasted over the fire thanks to 'Papa' Rider and Beaver Tree Service. We stuffed over 100 ornaments with candy and tossed them out for kiddos to find. The Legion ended the night with an official Tree Lighting with Santa. We were pleasantly surprised at the amount of families that came out, participated and even stayed to learned about Legion Membership. Can't wait to make next year even better!
