Community giving 2017

LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS Friday, Dec. 15, 2017

CANDIDATES FOR 2016 • VOLU

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Ludington daily newS/COMMUNITY GIVING

| MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017

Hosting business after hours this past summer at Larson Landscaping in support of the Ludington/Scottville Chamber of Commerce

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231.845.1481 Ludington - 119 S. Rath Ave. 231.757.4743 Scottville - 201 S. Main St. 231.723.3500 Manistee - 1554 US-31 South

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2017 Volunteer of the year

A true animal lover

Teresa Swist: Passion, dedication

By Brooke Kansier Daily News Staff Writer

T

he 2017 Volunteer of the Year didn’t get one nomination, and she didn’t get two or three — she got 13.

For those who know Teresa

‘She is passionate about the cause she works so diligently for. She’s a gogetter, she sets goals and accomplishes them. She really just has a heart of gold, especially when it comes to animals.’

Sara Lutz Co-founder, Mason County Mutts Swist, a daily volunteer at Mason County Animal Control and member of the Mason County Mutts, it’s not surprising news.

“This woman volunteers countless hours at the local shelter making sure each and every cat and dog is walked and cared for,” said Jamie Killips, one of several locals who nominated Swist. “She promotes these animals and the adoption rate at our local shelter has doubled because of (her and the Mason County Mutts). This all on top of endless volunteer projects — parades, Friday Night Lives, the local dog park.”

Swist splits her time between MCAC and at home with her fam-

Courtesy photo

Volunteer of the Year Teresa Swist, above, helps out daily at Mason County Animal Control and is an active member of the Mason County Mutts. ily — the two tend to overlap, though. Her children, Emily and Nick, can often be found volunteering at MCAC alongside her, and Swist’s home is a regular haven for fosters that need time before they can be adopted.

“Teresa is the epitome of volunteerism — the ‘Saint Francis’ of Mason County. She has fostered many animals and is a volunteer fixture at Mason County Animal Control,” said Christy Bowcamp. “She is selfless with

her time when it benefits any animal, and she also helps neighboring counties with their animals in need.”

Swist’s dedication has become well-known among Mason County’s animal lovers.

“Her dedication to and love for animals is beyond measure,” said Mary Bourdage. “There is not a day that goes by that Teresa doesn’t do something that involves the welfare of animals.

She will tell you (rescuing) ani-

mals is her passion and that she is lucky to be able to help — I believe the animals are lucky, also.”

“Teresa does a ton for animals in Mason County and beyond,” added Nick Lascari, who also nominated Swist. “She is selfless and spends lots of time and effort on volunteering for Mason County Mutts, Mason County Animal Control and anything else that comes up.”

Fellow Mason County Mutts member Sara Lutz also sent in a nomination for Swist.

“She is passionate about the cause she works so diligently for.

She’s a go-getter, she sets goals and accomplishes them,” Lutz said. “She really just has a heart of gold, especially when it comes to animals.”

Others who nominated Swist include Beth Smith, Rochelle Armbruster, Stacey Juers, Yvonne Rasmussen, Sabrina Sisson, Beth Keson, Ariel Preston and Sheryl Utemark.

Notes included with the nominations highlighted Swist’s dedication to local animals by giving energy, time and even finances to help. Swist’s deftness at outreach — including posting animals in need of homes on social media regularly to give them exposure and highlighting programs and ways to help on the radio and in the paper — was also commended.

Swist regularly goes out of her way to pick up strays or lost animals in need of help, providing food, water and medical treatment before finding the animals a longtime home.

Swist also walks dogs for those who need a hand and works to upkeep the Central Bark Dog Park, supplying water, bags and tennis balls for attendees to enjoy.

“She is the first one to pick up a stray animal,” Rasmussen said.

“She is at animal control cleaning, walking, socializing and loving the animals.”

Sara Lutz: MCM founder

S

ara Lutz — a member of Mason County Mutts who can often be found volunteering alongside Volunter of the Year Teresa Swist — received several nominations as well. “(Sara and Teresa) have helped save hundreds of dogs and have volunteered endless daily hours, day and night. When an animal is in need, Teresa and Sara are there no matter the time or day,” said Jamie Killips, who nominated both of the volunteers.

Lutz herself is a founding member of the Mason County Mutts and was instrumental in putting together Central Bark at Cartier Park and other major projects. “(Lutz) is so instrumental in organizing events and fundraisers for Mason County Mutts, she truly feels very passionate towards helping cats and dogs,” said Christy Bowcamp.

Killips cited a first-hand account of the pair’s efforts from an incident this summer, in which Swist and Lutz stepped in to help an injured kitten found near Vacation Station. “(The kitten) was filled with maggots, one leg almost severed completely. She was near death and emaciated. I didn’t know what to do or have the resources to take care of this kitten,” Killips said. “I contacted both Sara and Teresa, and within two hours, both were there, taking the kitten. Within 12 hours, the kitten was in surgery and had an adoptive home lined up. The kitten is now thriving with three legs in a wonderful home. Never did they hesitate — they made it happen.”

“They do an awesome job helping the animals, educating the public and improving the pet friendly areas,” added Karen Daily, who also nominated the duo. “Kudos to them for all they do.”

For many fellow volunteers and community members, Lutz and Swist were easy choices for Volunteer of the Year.

“They are amazing in everything they do,” said Beth Smith.

“Their volunteer hours outweigh any others, spending hours a day helping strangers and helpless animals and people in need of help with their pets. No judgement, no questions asked — when an animal is in need, they help,” Killips added.

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Ludington daily newS/COMMUNITY GIVING

Where Champions Are Made!

Thank you to our

LIFE CHANGERS... supporting COVE Kids!

Providing an avid sports program consisting of Poly Hockey, Snowshoeing, Cycling, Basketball, Track & Field, Aquatics, Horseshoes, Bowling, Bocce and more.

Our Goals are to provide a competitive atmosphere for our athletes to compete at these sports on a Regional and State level, supporting Competitive Sportsmanship and Fair Play. We also provide a social atmosphere for our athletes and families so we are all a part of our fantastic community that supports us throughout the year as our sole purpose of existing is by the support of our community.

We also have an “Area 24 Facebook page� that has events of Area 24 Special Olympics with pictures and results of these events.

Donations and volunteers are greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

AREA 24 Special Olympics

Area Director - Jerry Shangle (231) 233-4365 1932-2017: 85 years of Girl Scouting in Mason County, building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place!

Since 1953 Girl Scout Ludington Little House has been the home for troop meetings, day & overnight camps, and welcoming GS from other states.

It is time to renovate the GS Ludington Little House to continue offering every girl a chance to do something amazing.

Thank You for helping Girl Scouts

| MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017

This message sponsored by

Special Olympics 2449470

COVE Kids spent 5,064 nights in shelter this past fiscal year.

Thanks to the donations and services of caring individuals, families, and businesses in the three-counties we serve (Mason, Oceana and Lake), COVE is able to provide more than just shelter for kids and their families facing Domestic Violence and/ or Sexual Assault; they are able to start a journey to a new beginning.

A few of the ways your generosity helps includes providing: school supplies, new clothing, experienced child therapists at our weekly support group and ongoing support to help begin healing emotionally. COVE services also provide families with someone to believe in them and give them hope for a bright future. Thank you again for being a Life Changer by supporting COVE! To learn more about getting involved with your time, talents and finances, contact COVE by calling 231-843-2541 or by email: sfrancis@callcove.com.

Share our 24-Hour CRISIS Line Number

800-950-5808 For Ludington Little House Donations are welcome at:

GSMISTS/Ludington Little House, PO Box 442, Ludington, MI 49431 Questions? Email gsmasoncty.plh@gmail.com

Proudly brought to you by

Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters

John & Anita Wilson

906 E. Ludington Ave.- Ludington, MI 49431

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Volunteer-of-the-Year nominees Chris and Judy Dunn

C

More than dedicated

hris and Judy Dunn are among the nominees for this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

“We have many volunteers here that do so many different things, however, (the Dunns) are without a doubt, across the board, super volunteers,” said Sandy Francis, COVE development and public relations manager.

“Chris is more involved with COVE specifically, but Judy most of the time comes with him. They are an amazing team. Chris does everything from handyman, to hauling stuff, moving clients, installing deadbolts on client doors. He built our play sets in the courtyard, he’s the vice president of our

Courtesy photo

Judy and Chris Dunn are regular volunteers at COVE. board, he does some public awareness events for COVE, and he and Judy make cotton candy, which,

if you have ever had to do that for three hours on Ludington Avenue during Friday Night Live, in swel-

tering heat, sometimes rain, wind …it’s a thankless job.”

The couple is a real team, Francis said.

“They both volunteer for numerous organizations in Ludington and Pentwater, she said.

“I’ve seriously called them last minute to do this or that ... or to haul this or that. They always come through for me, always. I know they have given countless hours to COVE, Parrotheads, Knittin’ at the Mitten, LudRock, Pentwater Service Club (Chris), they were bellringers outside the post office just last week. On top of that, they are just very generous, giving people and great friends.”

Mary Burden

J

Jim Clark

A Jack-ofall-trades

im Clark was nominated as volunteer of the year

by A Few Friends for the Environment of the World President Julia Chambers.

“Jim Clark has been an exceptional volunteer with AFFEW for 10-plus years,” Chamber said. “Since the beginning, Jim started collecting household batteries from drop off sites around the county. Then, he became our treasurer and webmaster.

“Jim also sends out our annual letter electronically and makes name tags for board members and speakers. Jim is still doing all this and more, and never complains

about all the work.”

However, AFFEW is not the only group he volunteers for.

“He does things for his church and Hamlin Jim Clark Lake Preservation Society,” Chambers said. “He probably is involved in other groups I don’t know about.

“Jim is truly a person that gets involved and pitches in areas he believes in. He should be recognized for all his work.”

Will Fortier

An exemplary Jaycee Helping local seniors

M

ary Burden has been nominated as a candidate for Volunteer of the Year for her efforts as a Ludington Area Jaycees senator.

“She is extremely passionate about our community,” Kandi Fugere wrote in nominating Burden. “She shows it through her work as a Jaycee senator. She did so much this year with getting the mini golf completed.

She worked endless hours Courtesy photo to make sure every piece of Mary Burden, above, is one of the nominees for the title. the mini golf was perfect.”

Not only does Burden Catholic. ning her class projects and work hard for the Jaycees, “She goes above and be- events,” Fugere said. “I can’t she also gives her all as a yond with her teaching, say enough about Mary and teacher at Ludington Area helping others, and run- how amazing she is.”

W

ill Fortier’s first act of volunteering at the Ludington Area Senior Center was even before he retired.

He was working at Dow Chemical when then senior center Director Diane Vanderbilt asked him to come in and explain a software program to an employee.

Fortier knew that after retiring, the Ludington Area Senior Center would be his home away from home and a place to fulfill his eagerness to serve his community.

“Will is our in-house data entry expert,” said Rayma Burgett. “He tracks the tire-

‘The Ludington Area Senior Center

appreciates Will’s hard work and would be lost without his dedication.’

Rayma Burgett Will Fortier less hours our volunteers’ work, which helps the center operate without any glitches.

“Will is a member of the Traveling Pool League that is comprised of the Ludington, Tallman and Scottville senior centers; as well as being a member of the Luding-

ton Area Senior Center Advisory Board.”

The center relies on Forier to keep records updated and accurate.

“The Ludington Area Senior Center appreciates Will’s hard work and would be lost without his dedication,” Burgett said.

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Looking to give back?

Mason County charities and how to give AAUW

Beginning in 1935 with just six members, the Ludington Chapter of the American Association of University Women has been in operation for nearly 80 years.

The AAUW is a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, with 1,000 branches and 600 college/university partners. The organization’s mission is to advance equality for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

The Ludington Chapter of the AAUW provides scholarship funds to students and sponsors a number of monthly events, including public debates, informative open meetings regarding community education and mental health and presentations from other organizations and local agencies. The group assists with the Petunia Parade and Fourth of July Freedom Parade.

The AAUW has an elected board of directors and holds meetings monthly, and also sponsors young women to attend leadership training. Funds for the group are raised largely through an annual book sale in the summer and a sugar plum auction in the fall.

For more information or to make a donation, contact (241) 843-9471.

AFFEW Good environmental stew-

Daily News file photos

The AAUW hosts an annual book sale fundraiser, above. The organization raises funds for student scholarships and other causes.

At left, AFFEW President Julia Chambers leads a beach sweep at Stearns Park beach. ardship, recycling and mitigating ecosystem damage are just a few priorities of Ludington nonprofit AFFEW, or A Few Friends for the Environment of the World.

The group’s mission is to provide Mason County’s visitors and residents with information on environmental issues by promoting public awareness, recognizing good environmental practices, hosting panels and sponsoring events like beach clean-ups and invasive species removal days.

The organization also awards local businesses who support green practices, hosts forums and speakers and sponsors an annual Earth Day seminar at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, which features speakers on organic farming, native landscaping and the importance of recycling and sustainability. The group also participates in planting for the Petunia Parade, hosts an annual Haz-

ardous Waste Day and performs monitoring of local waterways.

To learn more, get involved or donate, check out www.affew.org or contact Julia Chambers at earthmuffin56@gmail.com.

often performs in ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The legion also offers the opportunity to consult with a VA officer every Wednesday.

Membership is open to those who have served in any branch of the armed services during specific years.

American Legion The legion is run by Post Founded in 1919, the Ed- Commander Lou Wolven.

For more information on win H. Ewing Post 76 was named after a decorated how to join or to make a donation, contact Wolven WWI veteran.

The post is based at 318 N. at (231) 843-2718, or (231) James St., Ludington, and is 845-7094. open to members and guests for social events and meet- American Red Cross ings throughout the year.

Several groups are part of Blood drives are just one the Legion, including the program the local branch of Auxiliary, Sons of the Ameri- the American Red Cross ofcan Legion, Legion Riders, fers. the Honor Guard and the The Red Cross offers and Color Guard. The legion also installs smoke detectors for offers a PTSD group that free for both homeowners meets the second and fourth and renters, and hosts first Monday of each month. The aid and CPR training classes.

Honor Guard takes part Another Red Cross program, in funerals and memorial Pillowcase, teaches secevents, and the Color Guard ond- through sixth-graders

how to prepare for fires and home disasters.

Along with financial contributions, those looking to help are encouraged to donate blood.

Nationally, the Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, along with shelter, food, funds and other support to victims of disasters. The organization also provides support to military members and their families.

For more information on services, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS to make an appointment. A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

For information on upcoming blood drives, call (231) 256-3624.

Area 24 Special Olympics The mission of the Area 24 Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with disabilities. Programs span a variety of sports and activities — those starting now include basketball and winter sports, like cross-country skiing. The program is free to participate in and includes food and room and board while traveling.

Athletes are given continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness and athletic skill, demonstrate courage, experience joy and share gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

For questions or to make a donation, contact Area 24 Director Jerry Shangle, (231) 843-4416, or Assistant Director Gary Boerema, (231) 845-7604.

Financial help and

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donations of equipment are welcome, Shangle says, as well as volunteers.

Church Women United Church Women United is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the community.

Founded nearly 70 years ago, Church Women United supports causes like monthly birthday parties at Oakview and Tendercare, a May friendship luncheon, continued donations to the Salvation Army, collecting items for the food pantry and for local children and sleeping bag and blanket collections.

The organization also hosts an annual Mitten Tree event.

To get involved, donations can be made to participating churches or to Church Women United directly by calling (231) 843-2901.

Circle Rocking S Children’s Farm At Circle Rocking S Children’s Farm, special needs children are in the spotlight.

The farm, at 5487 N. Tuttle Road, Free Soil, offers the chance for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities to learn more about farm animals and participate in events tailored for them, including sheep-shearing demonstrations, a Blessing of the Animals event that welcomes pets, a barn dance and potluck and the annual farm olympics.

Circle Rocking S is dedicated to providing animal touch therapy and recreation to people with disabilities — always free of charge. Each year, the farm welcomes more than 3,000 guests for public events and tours.

Tours are available by appointment every weekday, and last about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on group size. One chaperone is required for every five children. For more information, see www.circlerockingsfarm.org.

The farm’s programming is funded solely through do-

5 percent of their estate to a Foundation fund, more than $136 million will be invested in Mason County by 2055.

COVE COVE has been the safety net for women, men and their children who are experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault in Mason, Oceana and Lake Counties for 40 years.

The nonprofit, located at 906 E. Ludington Ave., offers a temporary shelter for those who need to leave dangerous situations, a crisis hotline, a sexual assault nurse examiner unit, victim resources and speakers and events to raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and how to help friends and family members in those situations.

The organization operates in Mason, Lake and Oceana counties, and offers support groups and other resources, including clothing and necessities. All money donated to Daily News File Photos COVE stays in west Michigan.

COVE serves men, women An Easter egg hunt and bonnet contest is one of the popular community events hosted by Circle Rocking S Children’s Farm. and children in need.

Right now, the organinations. To donate or learn vide fresh water and shel- cats and prevented the birth the organization helps to zation is looking to raise more, contact Nancy Supran ter to homeless cats, before of 103,000 kittens. ensure that communities re- $250,000 to cover services.

For more information or main vital and strong. at circlerockingsfarm@att. trapping them and bringing COVE is accepting tax-denet or see www.circlerock- them to a veterinarian for to donate to the cause, see Every year, the foundation ductible donations of funds www.communitycatstnr.org awards grants and scholar- — one-time and recurring — ingsfarm.org. treatment.

The next event at Circle Community Cats works or contact Joanne Kelley at ships that benefit student appreciated stock and items Rocking S will be held Tues- with the help of two local (231) 845-7888, (231) 590- education, the arts, commu- like clothing. day, March 7 — a special veterinarian’s offices, Coun- 7175 or fivecats@frontier. nity development, the enviContact COVE in person or needs Easter egg hunt and try Veterinary Clinic and com. The organization is in ronment, health and human by mail at 906 E. Ludington bonnet contest.

Animal Hospital of Lud- need of donations of funds services and other emerg- Ave., Ludington, MI 49431.

The farm also holds a spe- ington. Each cat receives a and cat food. Building ma- ing community needs. Proj- Make donations by credit cial needs music therapy/ general health check, para- terials for winter cat shel- ects the Community Founda- or debit, or get more inforchoir program at United site treatments, vaccines ters are also welcome. Do- tion has supported include mation by calling (231) 843Methodist Church in Manist- against rabies and distem- nations may be directed to the City of Ludington Pick- 2541 ext. 8, or by emailing ee at 10 a.m. each Monday. per/respiratory virus and P.O. Box 384, Ludington, MI leball Courts, an accessible sfrancis@callcove.com.

All ages welcome.

See www.callcove.com for pain medication. The tip of 49431. state park playground, Lakethe left ear is clipped so the shore Resource Network, Ro- more information, and check cat, once returned to her Community Foundation tary Park, an early childhood out COVE’s Facebook page Community Cats TNR caregiver, can be identified museum discovery zone, for upcoming events.

If you or someone you regional recreational trails, Community Cats TNR is as a TNR (spayed/neutered) for Mason County a local, nonprofit group of cat. After surgery, cats are At the Community Foun- backpack food and near- love needs help, call the 24volunteers, caregivers and cared for by volunteers. dation for Mason County, ly $50,000 in scholarships hour crisis line at 1-800-950After TNR, cats are health- collaborating with donors, continue to enhance life 5808. veterinarians working to reduce and stabilize the ier, there is less fighting and grantees, advisors and indi- throughout Mason County. number of free-roaming, less spraying. Their quality viduals to identify issues that Gifts from community mem- Custer Veterans abandoned, homeless and of life is improved and the are important to local com- bers support these projects.

Donations to the Commu- of Foreign Wars feral cats in Mason County distressing signs of domes- munities is the goal. By bringthrough a humane program tic animals suffering from ing people together around a nity Foundation are invested neglect are curtailed. called Trap-Neuter-Return. common mission and creat- for long-term growth, providThe Custer VFW Gold Bar Since October 2012, Com- ing links between resources ing grants back into the com- Post is based off U.S. 10 in Volunteers work with caregivers to feed and pro- munity Cats has TNR’d 740 and a vision for the future, munity. If everyone leaves Custer. Social events open

8| to the public, such as steak dinners and Thursday night dances are fundraisers for the post, and all are welcome to attend — see times in your daily community calendar.

In addition, the post houses an Auxiliary group for those who have a parent or grandparent who was a veteran and an Honor Guard, which provides military honors at veteran funeral services.

For more information or to make a donation, call Post Commander Lyle Hanson at (231) 757-3353, or (231) 757-9665.

Disability Network West Michigan Disability Network West Michigan helps provide independent living resources for people with disabilities in Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo, Lake, and Mason counties.

Walkways from the Stearns Park beach parking lot to Lake Michigan are in place thanks to community members who gave donations toward the cause, through Disability Network (formerly Disability Connections).

The organization is based in Muskegon. Call (231) 7220088 for more information.

Fin & Feather Club of Mason County The Fin & Feather Club of Mason County is a local conservation club.

The club was founded in 1937 and was one of the founding organizations of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. The Fin & Feather Club has about 800 members.

Among the club’s activities are funding a college scholarship to a person studying natural resources sciences, two scholarships to the West Shore Community College law enforcement training program in the name of Trooper Paul Butterfield and numerous fully paid scholarships for youth to MUCC summer camp. It

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nage and more. Donations and a returnable bottle and can collection effort in the park make all this possible.

This year, FLSP is in the midst of raising funds to build a family friendly, highly accessible, two playscape playground at the Hamlin Lake picnic area in June 2018. Designed with the help of Sinclair Recreation and Mason County accessibility champions Jamie Spore and Shelby Soberalski, the $202,000 playground will feature poured-in-place surfacing, extensive ramping and other features that will make it the most accessible playground in Mason County at a site used extensively, year-round, by locals as well as visitors. Fundraising continues.

To learn more, join or donate to the cause, see www. ludingtonfriends.com or look for Friends of Ludington State Park on Facebook.

Daily News file photo Donations for the playThe Friends of the Ludington State Park works to support the state park in any way it can, including hosting events like snowshoe ground or for other activities can be mailed to Friends tours and donating toward park projects. of Ludington State Park, also contributes to outdoor nomical and social indepen- zation has helped fix more in 1994 with the mission of P.O. Box 123, Ludington, MI education programs in lo- dence. than 5,000 animals. helping the Ludington State 49431.

Playground donations cal schools and presents a To learn more or make a Park in any way it can.

FiveCAP acts as an advosafety-oriented Eddie Eagle cate, catalyst and admin- donation, see www.fixingFLSP is a volunteer, 501(c)3 may also be made by credit program, developed by the istrator of more than 40 furryfriends.org or call (231) charitable organization ded- card through the CommuNRA. It provides a basic mes- programs to promote indi- 757-9219. icated to preserving, enhanc- nity Foundation for Mason sage for young children — if vidual and family self sufing and promoting the park. County’s website, www.maLook you see a gun, Stop, Don’t ficiency, utilizing federal, Free Soil Senior Center It has about 100 members son-foundation.org. for the Friends of Ludington Touch, Tell an Adult. The state, and local resources to and/or volunteers. club also contributes funds, assist in the group’s efforts.

Friends of Ludington State State Park under donor opSenior citizens from Free aid and facilities to the area FiveCAP, a private nonprof- Soil and all over Mason Park provides volunteer sup- portunities.

Email FLSP at ludington4-H shooting programs and it 501(c)3 corporation, is County are invited to come port and funding for imoffers facilities for use by one of 29 Community Ac- to lunch and other activities provements the Michigan stateparkfriends@gmail. area law enforcement free of tion Agencies in the State of at Free Soil Senior Center. Department of Natural Re- com. charge.

Michigan.

Senior activities take place sources is unable to provide Fin & Feather Club offers FiveCAP is located at 302 Tuesdays and Thursdays for. FLSP works closely with Friends of the Mason hunter safety classes, ba- N. Main St. in Scottville. To from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the Ludington State Park’s sic pistol training classes donate to the cause or learn at the Free Soil Community management team to identi- County Sheriff’s Office and concealed pistol license more, contact Yvonne Dicus, Center, 8480 N. Democrat fy needs and seek solutions. training. The club operates executive secretary at (231) St. in Free Soil. Hot home- In the past couple years, Keeping Mason County’s skeet, trap, pistol, rifle and 757-3785 or fivecap@five- cooked meals are served volunteer activities have in- youth safe is the goal of the both 3-D and indoor archery cap.org. for lunch at noon. A nurse cluded planting trees, pull- Friends of the Mason County ranges for the use of memcomes to the center once ing invasive species, hosting Sheriff’s Office. bers and the public. a month to give free blood lantern-lit snowshoe hikes The organization is still Fixing Furry Friends For more information or in January and February and raising funds to complete pressure checks. to make a donation, contact For more information, or roadside, trail and beach its Adopt a Door Boot CamFixing Furry Friends works Tom Sheppardson at (231) in Mason County by provid- to rent the venue, call (231) cleanups. FLSP sponsors the paign, which successfully 757-3829. summer music, nature and installed a door boot, which ing certificates to local resi- 464-5885. entertainment programs, protects students from dents who have dogs or cats split with the DNR the cost school intruders and in an to help with some of the cost FiveCAP Friends of the of an accessible walkway at active shooter situation, on of spaying and neutering the Lake Michigan beach, every classroom door in MaThe purpose of FiveCAP, their companion animals. Ludington State Park paid for a cross-country ski son County.

Inc. is to motivate the poor All pet owners are welcome The organization works through public and private to request assistance.

Friends of the Luding- trail groomer, beach wheelSince 2001, the organi- ton State Park was founded chairs, wildlife mounts, sig- under the umbrella of the resources to achieve eco-

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Community Fund for Mason County, with the purpose of fostering a relationship between the community and local law enforcement.

It tries to distribute funds mainly toward causes impacting the community’s youth.

City and state police are also involved with the organization, and can request funds from the organization for projects.

The Friends are also currently raising funds for a pole barn to store equipment for the sheriff’s office.

Donations can be payable to “Friends of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office” and mailed to P.O. Box 10, Ludington MI 49431. For more information, contact Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole at the sheriff’s office, (231) 843-3475.

Gateway to Success Gateway to Success Academy, Mason County’s newest school, offers a second chance to students who struggle with traditional learning environments. The charter school, at 526 S. Scottville Road, houses students from sixth to twelfth grade, offering innovative, handson learning. The school offers lessons in engineering, cooking, robotics, electronics and agriculture, to name a few. Attending G2S is free, and transportation services are provided.

The staff works closely with students to form relationships and guide children through their lessons. Counselors, a gym, meals and laundry services are available to students.

To donate to the school or learn more, call (231) 8450922.

tion to create a Neighbor to Neighbor neighborhood revitalization program. The program identifies neighborhood with owner-occupied homes in need of exterior home repairs, and in the spring and fall, volunteers work to complete these reHabitat for Humanity pairs with the help of the hoof Mason County meowner.

In 2018, a new program Habitat for Humanity through Habitat for Humanworks with local communi- ity will allow homeowners ties to improve, maintain to earn credit toward repair and build housing for those work by participating in fiin need. The organization nancial education classes has partnered with the Pen- the organization will host. nies from Heaven Founda- The program is a sibling to

tion with area social service agencies and churches. The group also helps with minor home repairs, including the construction of handicap ramps, and provides transportation for medical purposes.

HELP is a non-profit, faith At left, Gatebased service ministry. The way to Success primary focus of HELP is to Academy offers meet needs in cooperation hands-on leswith other agencies, minissons like cooktries and churches in Mason ing classes, County. engineering Volunteers of HELP are the and gardening. greatest asset of the ministry, and are the key to meeting needs. People with many and varied talents willing to a ReStore, which sells donat- share their time and resourced, used furniture and build- es, are the “unsung heroes” ing materials at low prices. of our community. In showTo volunteer or donate ing the love of God in their to the cause, contact Jamie unselfish acts of kindness, Healy at hfh.masoncounty@ they are demonstrating their gmail.com or (231)843-7888. faith by putting feet to it, says Director Larry Lange.

To learn more, volunteer HELP Ministry or donate to HELP, contact HELP Ministry, or Hands Lange at (231) 843-6811, or Extended Loving People, see www.help-ministry.org. works to provide furniture, appliances and household Hospitality in goods to families and individuals in need. As resourc- the Name of Christ es allow, HELP assists clients with rent, utilities and Hospitality In the Name of medical bills in collabora- Christ, or Hospitality INC, is Daily News File Photos

Habitat for Humanity Mason County, above, helps local families with home projects and to build new houses in the county.

the Financial Education Program started in 2017, which partnered Habitat and local banks to offer classes on credit, saving and budgeting, and allows financial assistance via one-on-one credit counseling. The classes are free and open to all.

Founded in 1996, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 23 homes in the Mason County area by partnering with individuals, congregations, businesses and other organizations to lend a hand up, not a hand out to those in need of better housing.

The organization also runs

a rotating men’s homeless shelter that operates during the winter months.

The organization’s first priority is to make sure that guests have a safe place to go for food and shelter, and to give its struggling guests love and respect. The ministry also provides opportunities for shelter attendees to connect with religion, if they so choose.

Pastor Henrick Lidman, of Bethany Lutheran Church, is a big supporter of the program.

“Being a Pastor, I am thrilled that my church turns into a homeless shelter a couple of weeks a year,” he writes on the organization’s website. “Our nursery becomes sleeping quarters and our fellowship hall fills up with people that we usually don’t hang out with. Instead of crossing the street to avoid the different looking person coming at them, now my church members run up to them and call them by name. Instead of being afraid, we now embrace, we become led by love and not by fear. No sermon in the world could ever teach the lessons that are being taught by the guests that Hospitality INC brings in to the churches.”

For more information or to donate to Hospitality in the name of Christ, contact tammyandtim78@gmail.com or see www.hospitalityinthenameofchrist.com, or call (231) 510-4591. The shelter is open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. from Nov. 1 to April 28.

Jericho House of Mason County The Women’s Jericho House of Mason County (under J&J Mission, Inc.) is a non-profit home for single, homeless women.

The organization provides free room and board for women that are homeless and works with them to deal with the issues that led them to homelessness.

Women are welcome to stay in the house for up to one year. The women come from

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all over Michigan and sometimes out of state.

Women housed at the shelter range from 18 to older. Past guests have been as old as 77 — all above 18 are welcome. For more information or to make a donation, stop by 912 E. Ludington Ave. or call (231) 843-3044.

Lakeshore Animal Friends For 25 years, Lakeshore Animal Friends has been advocating for Mason County’s animals.

The nonprofit provides spay/neuter services for animals adopted from Mason County Animal Control, lends a hand and raises funds for the shelter and fosters dozens of local animals in need. Lakeshore Animal Friends has sponsored projects like roofing over the shelter’s outdoor kennels.

The organization raises funds through annual events like a Memorial Day weekend yard sale, a Best Friends Fun Fest in October and a Home for the Holidays open house and Christmas bazaar at Mason County Animal Control, held earlier this month.

Lakeshore Animal Friends also provides educational materials on animal care for school-age children and adults and participates in local activities where animals, animal adoption and animal care are featured.

The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Ludington Library. New members are always welcome.

Lend a hand by volunteering at Mason County Animal Control, fostering or giving a donation to the group by contacting Kathy Beimer at kbeimer@yahoo.com.

Lakeshore Animal Friends helps hundreds of cats in need each year.

Daily News File photos

The Lakeshore Pyrate Heads, above, can often be seen in local parades with their Pyrate ship, The Adventure.

Food Club.

A subsidiary of the Lakeshore Resource Network at 920 E. Tinkham Ave., the food club offers $10 monthly memberships to those in need. Set up like a grocery store, shoppers are able to spend weekly points on different items — healthy items, like fresh fruits and vegetables, cost fewer points than snacks like cookies and granola bars.

The food club focuses on education, nutrition and financial literacy, and the buy-in and point system are ways to give shoppers more control.

Contact Sarah McMahon at (231) 480-4334 or sarah@lakeshoreresourcenetwork.org to donate or get involved. Financial contributions and food donations are welcome, as well as non-food products like hygiene items and cleaning supplies. Those looking to donate food are encouraged to consider things like hot chocolate, tea, coffee and soups. Diapers, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushLakeshore Food Club es are also needed.

The next volunteer trainHealthy, balanced food options are a vital need in ing sessions will be held any household. For those Tuesday, Jan. 9 from 5:30 struggling to make ends to 7 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. meet, there’s the Lakeshore 11 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.,

both at the Lakeshore Resource Network. See more at www.lakeshorefoodclub. org.

Lakeshore Pyrate Heads Since 2002, the Lakeshore Pyrate Heads — formerly the Parrot Heads — have been doing justice to their motto of “partying with a purpose.”

The organization is a group of Jimmy Buffet fans who seek to emulate his laid-back lifestyle, love of tropical music and the beach and support for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The club holds a Buccaneer Bash each July to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association, Great Lakes Chapter, and also hosts fundraisers for the Salvation Army. Other causes taken up by the Pyrates include homeless shelter breakfasts, Salvation Army bell ringing, supporting the library and Sandcastles Children’s Museum’s reading programs, a Lakestride water station and collection donations for Toys for Tots.

The Pyrates and their ship, “The Adventure,” also take part in many downtown Ludington events and hold pyrate programs at

Lakeshore Resource

schools.

For more information Network or to make a donation, call President Becky Riggs at The Lakeshore Resource (231) 233-1475.

Network is Mason County’s largest hub for services.

MASON COUNTY

The building, at 920 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington, houses several service organizations under its roof, including the American Red Cross, Lakeshore Food Club, AARP Foundation, Habitat

MUTTS

Making Mason County more dog friendly through community oriented projects, education and animal welfare.

What we do:

Community Projects Education Events Rescue/Foster/Adopt Lost/Found Pets Adoption Stories Animals Available for Adoption Volunteer at Animal Control

Our Projects:

Pet Oxygen Masks, Dog Friendly Downtown Ludington, Pet Waste Stations, Calming Music for Animals at Animal Control, Dog Park (along with MANY other community members).

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME! Donate: www.paypal.me/MasonCountyMutts www.masoncountymutts.org 231-794-2757

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for Humanity Mason-Lake Adult Education, Michigan Works! West Central, the Pennies from Heaven Foundation, Staircase Youth Services, True North Community Services and the United Way of Mason County.

“All tenants are moved in, and it has been great to see operations up and running,” said Pennies from Heaven Foundation Executive Director Monica Schuyler. “The Chemical Bank conference rooms and West Shore Bank consultation rooms have been full of activity from classes and trainings, to meetings that bring the community to solve issues and challenges.”

The LRN has been open and running since September.

For more information on the project or to make a donation, contact Monica Schuyler at monica.schuyler@pfhf.org.

Ludington Area Center for the Arts

sales, to name a few.

The center, at 107 S. Harrison St., is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.

Call (231) 845-2787 or contact info@ludingtonartscenter.org for more information or to donate to LACA. Coming up at LACA is a Haitian art reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 5, a collage workshop with artist Linda Sandow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 6 and an adult open mic night at 7 p.m. on Jan. 8. For a full list of events, see www.ludingtonartscenter.org.

Ludington Area Charter Boat Association Year after year, Ludington ranks as the No. 1 salmon fishing port in Michigan.

Daily News file photo To champion that title is the The Ludington Area Center for the Arts hosts a variety of programs for both children and adults, as well as art groups, speakers, Ludington Area Charter Boat Association, a chapter of the craft shows and gallery displays.

Michigan Charter Boat AssoThe primary purpose of for the Arts is to promote To do this, LACA offers formance and dinner events, ciation. The group brings lothe Ludington Area Center Ludington’s art scene. gallery displays, music, per- craft shows, concerts and art cal charter captains together

CHARITY TOY DRIVE

Thank you At West Shore Community College, we’re grateful to the individuals and organiza-

tions that bring out the best in us. Thanks for all that you do, every day, to bring us together for the good of our community.

Give this season to make Christmas morning great for every child

West Shore Community College 3000 N. Stiles Road, Scottville, Michigan 231-845-6211 www.westshore.edu

Proudly brought to you by

URKA AUTO CENTER

3736 W. US-10 • (TOLL FREE) 888-462-8752 • (231) 845-6282 www.urkaauto.com

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LAKESHORE FOOD CL What is a Food Club Model?

What is the membership application process?

The food club offers a grocery store experience and requires households to purchase a 30 day membership for $10. Points, which spend like cash, are given to each member household based on household size. Grocery items are assigned points and are labeled accordingly. Membership allows households to visit as often as they choose within that membership period until all points are used.

Members can wander through the supermarket-style set-up and personally select their desired items. Multiple options for fresh fruit and fresh vegetables are avai able on a consistent basis.

Healthier items, such as fresh produce, have lower point values than pre-packaged snack foods.

Who is eligible to be a member?

Any Mason County household earning 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or below is eligible to become a member of the Lakeshore Food Club. Households are classified as a single person or a group living as one unit. For example, a husband and wife, domestic partners, or parents and children would be covered under the same membership.

• Complete a Membership Application (A new application is required every 12 mo • Provide photo ID • Provide proof of address or connection to Mason County, such as a utility bill, b proof of employment, or student enrollment • Pay 30-Day Membership Fee of $10 per household at the Food Club. The membe 30 days a member wishes to shop.

• As part of the membership agreement, Complete a short survey at the first and The membership fee covers a 30-day period. Members can pre-pay for the next m not purchase 2 memberships to apply to the same month, or “double up” points. U next 30 days. If a member runs out of points, no new points can be issued until th

Volunteer Shifts

• Volunteer opportunities are scheduled Monday through Friday in 2 hour shifts urday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Member access is Monday- Friday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and • Volunteers can sign-up for sporadic shifts to meet changing schedules or for reg days from 10-12. Groups are able to register for shifts as a team.

• Sign-up through online registration via VolunteerWestMichigan.com, in our offi business hours at 231-480-4334.

• Check the Lakeshore Food Club website or Facebook page for upcoming trainin

The focus of the Food Club is to: Love Our Neighbors…

LOVE. FEED. CONNECT.

By providing stability and support to our Members; while fostering dignity and respect through the promotion of personal choice and habits of self-sufficiency.

Feed Hearts, Minds, and Bodies…

By working in partnership with the other community organizations to provide meaningful training and education to assist Members in leading a healthy lifestyle. It’s about “teaching a man to fish for a lifetime.”

Conn Sustai

By having tive netwo which are of Membe sources an

920 East Tinkham Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431 • (231) 480-4334 • LakeshoreFoo

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017

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LUB

onths)

business mail dated within 30 days,

ership fee must be paid for every

d sixth months of membership. month. However, households canUnused points do not roll into the he next month.

between 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Satd Saturdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) gular shifts, i.e. weekly on Mon-

EXAMPLE: 90 Points worth of food

Shopping Hours of Operation Monday - Friday: Saturday:

11am – 6pm 9am – 12pm

Members must arrive in time to both shop and checkout no later than 6pm on weekdays and noon on Saturday.

CLOSINGS LFC is closed on the following holidays:  New Year’s Day,  Memorial Day,  Independence Day,  Labor Day,  Thanksgiving Day,  Day after Thanksgiving and  Christmas Day. *LFC reserves the right to change hours or close due to unforeseen circumstances and inclement weather. Such changes will be reported to the news media and will be posted on our website and Facebook page.

ffice, or by calling the office during

ng sessions.

nect Households to inable Resources…

access to a centralized, collaboraork of community service providers, able to address the immediate needs ers and connect them to other rend opportunities for lasting solutions.

odClub.org

EXAMPLE:

Member Guidelines At the beginning of each shopping trip, please check-in at the Member Services Station and present your ID. This includes both Members and Authorized Shoppers.

To ensure that everyone has a positive shopping experience, please:  Respect the store and fellow members.  Supervise children at all times.  Bring bags to transport your groceries.  Return cart inside after loading groceries.

60 Points worth of food

Member Eligibility Requirements Members must certify that Household Income is at or below 200% of the 2017 Federal Poverty Level: # in Household (HH) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 For each additional add:

Annual

Monthly

Weekly

$24,120 $32,480 $40,840 $49,200 $57,560 $65,920 $74,280 $82,640

$2,010 $2,707 $3,403 $4,100 $4,797 $5,493 $6,190 $6,887

$464 $625 $785 $946 $1,107 $1,268 $1,428 $1,589

$8,360

$696

$160

*Limit one account per household per month.

Application Process

Shopping Guidelines  Points, which spend like cash, are assigned to each member household based on household size. Below is a table showing the number of points assigned depending on the household size. # in Household 1 2 -3 4 -6 7+

Points 60 90 120 150

*Point values are subject to change.  Grocery items are assigned points and are labeled accordingly. Points typically range from 1 for items like produce to 8 for items like meat. Certain food categories may have a maximum number that can be acquired per day or month.  Unused points cannot be carried over to the next 30 days.

 Complete a Membership Application (a new application is required every 12 months).

 If a member runs out of points, no new points can be issued until the next month.

 Provide photo ID.

 If orders are over the point limit, you may remove items from your grocery selection.

 Provide proof of connection to Mason County such as, a utility bill, business mail dated within 30 days, proof of employment or student enrollment.  Pay 30-Day Membership Fee of $10.00 per household at the Food Club (cash only). The membership fee must be paid for every 30 days a member wishes to shop.  As part of the membership agreement, you agree to participate in a short survey during your first visit and at the sixth month of membership.

 Members can shop at the Food Club, as often as needed, during the 30 day membership period until all points are used; with the exception that only one shopping trip can be made per day.

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and is involved closely in the Department of Natural Resources’ fish stocking plans and other programs.

More than 45 captains belong to the association.

For more information, contact info@ludingtonsalmon.com or call 1-800927-3470.

Ludington Area Schools Oriole Foundation The Ludington Area Schools’ Oriole Foundation was established in December 2003 with the goal of enriching the LASD tradition of excellence. The mission of the Oriole Foundation is to raise public support for innovative programs and activities sponsored by the school district, enhance and strengthen the education of all individuals and groups within the school district, find resources to assist the development of exceptional educational programs not normally funded through regular fiscal resources and help to fill the community’s unique educational needs.

The foundation raises money through donations as well as fundraisers like Dancing with the Local Stars.

To learn more about the foundation or make a donation, visit www.lasd.net/district/oriole-foundation.

Ludington Area Senior Center The Ludington Area Senior Center aims to promote healthy aging by providing an opportunity for the productive and satisfying use of leisure time, create an environment where individual differences and needs are recognized, develop quality programs and services and serve as a bridge to other services for those 55 and older.

The center’s goals are to provide opportunities for socialization and a sense of belonging, and develop recreational activities. Developing educational programs

Daily News file photos

The Ludington Petunia Parade, above, has the community come together to plant petunias along Ludington Avenue.

The Ludington Area School District Oriole Foundation supports school programs and offers mini-grants. and creative activities, and develop programs to facilitate self-expression.

Volunteers are welcome to lend a hand at the center.

For more information on the center and volunteering, or to make a donation, contact Director Vickie Collins at (231) 845-6841. Donations of funds are welcome, along with coffee, Kleenex and paper towel. See a weekly schedule of events on page A5 every Friday in your Daily News. A schedule can also be found at the senior center’s Facebook page.

Ludington Area Jaycees The Ludington Area Jaycees is the premier leadership organization for young professionals ages 21-40 in Mason County. Celebrating its 70th year in 2017, the Jaycees have always been dedicated to offering community service opportunities, personal and professional development, networking, and social activities to their members.

The group hosts the Fourth of July Freedom Festival celebration which in-

cludes the Children & Pet Parade, Grand Parade and Fireworks over Lake Michigan. The group’s other community events include their annual Easter Egg hunt, providing school supplies to children in need, working with local businesses to provide low-income families with complete Thanksgiving meals, and hosting monthly bingo for the residents of Oakview Medical Care Facility.

The club also owns and operates a mini golf course at Stearns Park with 30 percent of proceeds donated back to local non-profit causes and organizations every year.

The facility celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and was recently completely renovated. The mini golf business is solely run to support other community needs and the club garners no profits from its operation.

The club also provides members with social and networking opportunities, as well as personal and professional trainings both locally and through the Michigan Jaycees.

Donations to the Jay-

cees can be made by visit- forms. ing www.ludingtonareajaycees.org/resources/donate. Ludington High School Those interested in joining the Jaycees are encouraged Resource Center to contact 2017 President Lexi Alvesteffer at (231) 425The Ludington High 7768 or info@ludingtonar- School’s Resource Center ofeajaycees.com. fers neighbor-to-neighbor hospitality to struggling lofamilies.

Ludington Baseball Club calStruggling students are The mission of the Luding- welcome to come to the centon Baseball Club is to pro- ter for food for their famivide advanced training and lies, clothing and other neplay for boys interested in cessities. Other students playing baseball outside of volunteer to keep the cenLudington. The organization ter running, donating outparticipates in a travel base- grown clothing and food ball league, offering four items. Food, clothing, toiletteams: 15 and under, 17 and ries and household items are under, 13 and under and 11 free to those in need. Some struggling students are able and under.

Training for this sum- to shower at the school mer begins in February. Play and have clothes washed runs April through July. This through the program, as year’s tryouts are already well.

Students and families that closed. For next summer’s teams, tryouts will be held in need help with basic necessities can access the cenAugust 2018.

For more information or ter by contacting LHS’ Mark to make a donation, con- Boon through www.lasd.net tact President Dan Mesyar or calling (231) 845-7303 for at (231) 233-5350 or dan- more information.

Items in need at the center mesyar7@yahoo.com. Donations go toward equipment, right now include shampoo tournament fees and uni- and deodorant, blankets,

laundry soap and canned meat, like tuna and chicken, Boon says.

Ludington Petunia Parade The Ludington Petunia Parade has been an annual tradition since 1988.

Each year, hundreds of volunteers join together for the community beautification project, which involves planting and nurturing 30,000 petunias along some downtown streets.

Project planning for the event begins in the fall and winter seasons with soil testing, ordering the petunias and recruiting block captains and crews. Planting day is a community celebration of spring.

To get involved with the Petunia Parade, call (231) 843-9225 or (231) 794-9023, or email ludingtonpetuniaparade@gmail.com Each planting season costs about $10,000. Donations can be directed to Ludington Petunia Parade, P.O. Box 5, Ludington, MI 49431.

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This year, block captains, planters and weeding assistants are needed. The group encourages donations of time or funding in lieu of equipment — a truck repair last year drained the group’s general fund.

The Ludington Optimist Club each summer hosts a lemonade stand fundraiser for its Childhood Cancer Campaign.

Natalie Northrup is a past recipient of the donations.

Ludington Optimist Club The Optimist Club of Ludington combines the efforts of its community-minded membership to bring out the best in kids.

Membership offers opportunities to mentor students and provide safe and positive experiences for children in the community.

Through strength in unity, the club provides increased benefits to the youth of the community through combined thinking and manpower. The organization includes the Childhood Cancer Campaign. To donate to that cause, contact Tom or Patricia Ezdebski.

The Optimist Club meets

Daily News File Photo

weekly on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. at the American Legion, 318 N. James St., Ludington.

Meetings will not be held if the Ludington Area School

District is closed due to lan@yahoo.com. weather. The next meeting will be held Jan. 2, 2018.

Ludington Soccer To donate to the club, contact Annette Quillan at (231) Ludington Soccer is a non690-7670 or annettequil- profit organization that sup-

ports the community and its children through the game of soccer.

The group aims to give every child the opportunity to get out and learn to play the

game, as well as learn teamwork and respect for each other.

Each season, Ludington Soccer has 300 to 400 players from four to 19 years old. Roughly 30 to 50 volunteers help out with coaching, concessions and other various tasks. The organization is largely volunteerbased, and relies heavily on help from parents and the community. The goal is to increase player participation, player and parent knowledge of the game of soccer, improving skills and increasing opportunities to play year-round. During the past two years, Ludington Soccer has added new goals and equipment from the help of the community.

To make a donation, the mailing address is PO Box 455 Ludington, MI 49431.

Volunteers are also welcome.

To volunteer, email wendtc13@hotmail.com or ludingtonrecsoccer@gmail. com.

www.mccschools.org

Mason County Historical Society would like to thank the following organizations for their support of our special projects and events.

Stan Duggin of Pro-Painting Bulldog Tree Service West Michigan Old Engine Club Ludington Paint & Glass Many Blessings Market Ludington Lowe’s Twisted Sticks RC Club

Custer American Legion 76 Battery D Civil War Re-enactors Walmart Meijer The S.S. Badger United States Forest Service Occidental Chemical Corp.

Small Enough to Care

Mason County Central Schools

Large Enough to Compete

Scottville elementary

• In lieu of gifts for each other, the children will be choosing another charity to bring donations for again this year

Upper elementary

• Students creating holiday cards for service people overseas

middle School

• Staff donations to take children shopping for family gifts • Toys for Tots/Gift for Teens collection • STAND canned food drive and Thanksgiving Baskets

high School

• Canned food drive to benefit MCC Student Services food pantry • Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens collection bin

victory early childhood center

• Food drive for MCC Student Support Services Food Pantry

Scottville Senior center • Christmas Angel Tree Project

SPARTAN PRIDE!

300 W. BROADWAY AVE. | SCOTTVILLE, MI 49454 | 231-757-3713 | www.mccschools.org

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Foreign Wars is housed at the Delbert E. Brimmer VFW Post 6842. It was started in 1987.

As the name indicates, members have served in wars around the globe. Meetings are held monthly at the American Legion. To join, get more information or make a donation, call (231) 8457094.

Ludington Writers Ludington Writers is a nonprofit organization founded by the late George Dila. The group is dedicated to enhancing access to the literary arts in Ludington and the surrounding area, working closely with the Ludington Area Arts Council.

The Ludington Writers gather every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts for events like movie viewing and discussion, writing workshops and education nights, hosted by Mary Wickwire. Anyone interested is welcome to stop by — there are no formal memberships or dues, but a $2 donation is requested for each attendee to cover the cost of copying, coffee and tea.

The group also supports a Carol Bennett Memorial Scholarship, which it offers each year to local high

| MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017

Ludrock

Daily News File Photos

Ludrock each July brings local musicians together for a weekend of jams and fundraising for Mason County causes.

school seniors. Events like an annual Writer’s Rendezvous, Writer in Residence and other workshops are also sponsored by the Lud-

ington Writers.

Ludington Writers welcomes donations, which will be used for educational activities and scholarships.

Donations can be made in person at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts or by contacting westshorewords@gmail.com.

Ludington Veterans of Foreign Wars The Ludington Veterans of

Ludrock is more than one of Ludington’s biggest musical extravaganzas — it’s a community.

Ludrock Nation includes its namesake festival in July, Girls Rock — which will return on April 7, 2018 — Night of Fright and Ludrock All Stars.

The nonprofit started as a crazy idea between cofounders Ed Santarelli and Jess Stubs, who used to hold a similar, multi-band jam session in friends’ garages.

Now, the events grace downtown spots and raise money

Start Your New Year’s off right by participating in our many activities.

Yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba Toning/Gold, Line Dancing, Stretch and Balance Or join us for mind challenges!

Duplicate Bridge, Mahjongg, Cribbage Just for fun of it!

Art Class, Craft Quilting Class, Cards, Billiards, Bingo, Special Events Support Services Matter of Balance Class, Diabetes Self-Management Class, Tech Help, Diabetes Support Group, MMAP, Quarterly Information Forums, Tax Help

Ludington Area Senior Center “Active For Life – Expo”

308 S. ROWE, LUDINGTON

y you b o t t h g u dly bro Prou

231-845-6841

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and many more.

The Boy Scouts also contribute to activities such as Relay for Life and the annual Memorial Day parade in Ludington.

Donations to Troop 1190 can be made through the Community Church of Ludington at 109 N. Harrison St. Contact the church at (231) 843-9275 for more information about donating.

For information about joining the scouts, call Troop 1190 Scoutmaster Richard Boes at (231) 843-3369.

for local nonprofits, including Hospitality in the Name of Christ, Sandcastles Children’s Museum, the Ludington Area Center for the Arts and the Lakeshore Resource Network.

For more information or to donate, see the Ludrock Facebook page or contact edwardsantarelli@hotmail. com.

You can also mark your calendar for Ludrock 2018 — July 7 and 8 at Waterfront Park in Ludington.

Mason County Allied Veterans Council The Mason County Allied Veterans Council is an umbrella organization that includes the American Legion, Ludington and Custer VFW posts and Amvets.

Each organization serves veterans in a different way, with the group overseen by council President Michelle Hemmer. For more information or to donate to the council, contact Hemmer at michelle.hemm@gmail.com.

Mason County Animal Advocates Mason County Animal Advocates was brought together in May and officially formed with a full board on July 2. The group’s mission statement is to protect and serve the animal community by connecting them with loving fosters, families and veterans. Since organizing in May, Animal Advocates has rescued more than 20 cats in the community.

Some were pulled from Mason County Animal Control to help with over-crowding and others were rescues straight from the public contacting the group. The group prides itself in helping the animals in the community with friendly, considerate board members so everyone feels welcome.

Animal Advocates is currently accepting donations to get a 501(c)3 certification and to continue rescuing the cats and dogs in the

MCC Educational Foundation

The MCC Educational Foundation, created in 1989, works to preserve and enhance educational and extracurricular opportunities to Mason County Central students. Led by a board of volunteer directors, the foundation’s objectives are to give funds in the form of grants and scholarships to create new educational opportunities, bring in new equipment and facilities, advance student education and assist the community and school to develop a higher standard of education.

The foundation meets these goals primarily through donations. Donations and gifts can be given to the foundation for any specified purpose, or as an unrestricted donation. For more information or to donate, see www.mccedfoundation.org or call (231) 757-3713.

Daily News File Photos

The Mason County Boy Scouts help out with the Mason County Relay for Life every year, lighting luminaries and raising a flag.

Mason County Animal Advocates host events like a dog wash and other fundraisers.

community — every little bit counts.

Mason County Animal Control Mason County Animal Control works to provide the area’s lost, abandoned and surrendered pets a second chance.

The shelter, at 305 N. Meyers Road in Amber Township, is Mason County’s only animal shelter.

Mason County Animal Control urges those who

lose pets to check the shelter first. It also provides advice and tips for pet owners on its Facebook page.

Unwanted animals can also be surrendered to the shelter, and Mason County Animal Control provides euthanization for ill or old, suffering animals.

Complaints of neglected or abandoned animals can be made to the shelter as well.

Pets available for adoption are listed on the organization’s website, Facebook page and at www.petfinder. com. Volunteers are always

welcome to stop by and walk dogs, socialize kittens and, if you feel adventurous, clean up after the dogs and cats.

For more information or to donate, contact Joe Marion at animalcontrol@ masoncounty.net.

Donations of paper towels, laundry detergent, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, dry sheets, bleach, cleaning products and dog and cat food, including kitten and puppy chow, are always welcome.

Mason County Boy Scouts The Boy Scouts of America is an organization devoted to serving the community and turning young men into future leaders.

The two Boy Scout troops in Mason County — troop 1190 and troop 1193 — contribute thousands of volunteer hours to local services and organizations, including the American Legion, Church Women of Mason County, Historic White Pine Village

Mason County Eastern Athletic Boosters The Mason County Eastern Athletic Booster program supports the school’s sports and athletic programs. All money raised goes directly into the athletic programs for supplies, uniforms, travel to state tournaments.

Grades 5-12 are served. The boosters meet on the first Monday of each month and anyone can join by contacting the school. Volunteers from the boosters help organize the fundraisers, in-

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cluding a craft bazaar, silent live auction and baked good sale. They also help take tickets at athletic events. For more information, see www. mceschools.com.

MCE Educational Foundation The Mason County Eastern School District’s Educational Foundation supports scholarships for students and funds teacher classroom grants. This program runs through MCE schools and meets quarterly. Schedule vary, so contact the administration office for details and to make a donation. The Foundation accepts monetary donations that can be specified to either the grant program or scholarship program. In the scholarship portion, scholarships can be set up for specific types, like students entering the medical field, attending a particular college or general scholarships for students. For more information, see www. mceschools.com.

MCE Robotics Program The Mason County Eastern Robotics Program supports the school’s first robotics club.

This club serves ninth through twelfth grade students. The volunteer advisors are Sarah McDonald and Mike Dilworth. Any high school student at Mason County Eastern is eligible to join. This club is part of the very first robotic competition through the Michigan Department of Education.

Volunteers are welcome, and monetary donations to help students participate at the state competitions throughout the state for travel, lodging, entry fees and parts for the robot are vital in keeping the program running. For more information, see www.mceschools. com.

Mason County Family Events

Daily News File Photos

The Mason County Girl Scouts are well-known for their cookies.

The Mason County Historical Society manages the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.

Whether it’s horseback riding, knitting lessons or learning to cook, the nonprofit Mason County Family Events aims to give local children opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have.

The group hosts several classes, including horseback riding, which includes two horse shows at the Mason County Fairgrounds every year for children to show their skills. MCFE also offers a domestic arts program, which includes sewing and crafts.

The organization hosts fundraisers for those in need in the community as well, and participates in Scottville’s Summerfest and Harvest Festival.

Programs are free or lowcost.

Volunteers and financial donations are welcome — community donations and grants are the sole supporters of MCFE programming.

For more information, see www.mcfamilyevents.org or email mcfamilyevents@ gmail.com. Donations can also be sent by mail to P.O. Box 64, Scottville, MI 49454.

Mason County Girl Scouts The Mason County Girl

Scouts have 15 active troops, from Daisy — kindergarten through first grade — through Ambassador — high school juniors and seniors.

With around 150 girls and more than 40 active adult volunteers, the Girl Scouts are a formidable charity organization that believes in backing and supporting its community on local and global levels.

Troops work together wrapping gifts for the Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots program, collect socks for seniors and group homes, march in local parades for Memorial Day and the Scottville Harvest Festival. They also contribute to the annual Aglow on the Avenue Christmas celebration in Ludington, and acted as greeters when the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall came to Ludington in 2014. The girls have also raised funds for COVE, the Shop With a Cop pie auction and the American Red Cross.

Troops are supported by product sales and cookie sales in the fall. Some troops collect dues, while others are supported by a sponsor.

For more information, visit www.gsmists.org or contact Pamm Huether at gsma-

soncty.plh@gmail.com.

annual Landscape Design and Civic Beautification awards are given to several Mason County businesses.

Garden Club The garden club holds a spring and fall plant exFor 90 years, the Mason change/sale and an annual County Garden Club has Garden Walk, showcasing been more than a way to local home gardens, and a trade tips — the organiza- bi-annual Standard Flower tion also takes on dozens of Show.

For more information or to local beautification projects.

Starting by planting Iris on join the Mason County GarIris Road in Pere Marquette den Club, contact Gig Rose Township to now caring for at grose@charter.net.

Leveaux Park in Ludington and Historic White Pine Vil- Mason County lage, club members focus on what they love — gardening. Historical Society A group of flower arrangers meets monthly to fill cofMason County is an area fee cups with flowers and with a rich history. The goal take them to nursing homes of the Mason County Historiand assisted living facili- cal Society is to preserve and ties, and members also host honor that history, by engagregular meetings that all are ing the community and visiwelcome to attend. tors with experiences that A Garden Therapy pro- will enhance understanding gram has volunteers meet of the county’s past and help monthly at Ludington build a better future.

Woods to help residents In accordance with this with garden-related crafts or mission, the society mainoutdoor gardening. The club tains and runs Ludington’s has also adopted a block to Historic White Pine Village, plant and maintain for the an interactive, educationPetunia Parade. al historic turn of the cenTo recognize area busi- tury village housing more nesses that have gone “over than 30 buildings, includthe top” in landscaping and ing a trapper’s cabin, the beautifying their locations, original courthouse of Ma-

son County, a general store and a farmstead. The village hosts historical events and demonstrations during its summer season. The Society also operates the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, which documents the area’s seafaring history, including replicas of ships and lighthouses, authentic artifacts from local carferries and other vessels, and offers visitor-rich, interactive exhibits. The historical society also houses an extensive research library covering West Michigan and Mason County history.

The Mason County Historical Society welcomes new members and volunteers. It also seeks donations toward its continued projects.

To donate, volunteer, join the society, or learn more, call (231) 843-4808 or email Rick Plummer at rick@mchshistory.org.

Mason County Jail Ministry The Mason County Jail Ministry hosts weekly worships, Bible studies and oneon-one visits for inmates of the Mason County Jail.

Chaplain Jerry Thorne leads

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a Rejoice and Reentry Bible study and worship time Sunday night and visits men on Thursdays one-on-one. Laurie McKinven-Copus coordinates worship and Bible studies for female inmates.

The organization also runs a reentry program to prepare those incarcerated for release.

The Mason County Jail Ministry also recently implemented programs to follow up with inmates once released.

The programs are offered to inmates at minimal cost, but donations are greatly appreciated. Local churches are also encouraged to make donations.

The Mason County Jail Ministry is a project implemented by the Oceana County Jail Ministry.

The Ministry is working on implementing a family worship program as well. Those interested are encouraged to reach out.

For more information, or to get involved or donate, contact Jerry Thorne at (231) 425-3693.

ally and women age 17 to 24 from Mason, Manistee or Oceana Counties are eligible to compete. The next pageant will be held on Aug. 3, 2018 at the Waterfront Marina Park in downtown Ludington. Contestants will take the stage and compete in interview, talent, fitness and evening wear categories for a chance to win the title of Miss Ludington Area and take home scholarship money and awards. The program is funded through generous sponsors and donors who believe in investing in our area young women. To learn more, visit www.missludingtonarea.org/ To make a donation, email missludington@gmail.com Daily News File Photo

The Rotary Club of Ludington works to provide services and enhance goodwill.

son County Mutts encourages local owners to post lost and found animals, as well.

To raise money, the group sells car decals and magnets.

Donations to the organization go toward furthering rescue efforts, medical care, Mason County Mutts food, education materials The Mason County Mutts, and community projects.

For more information a group of volunteer pet lovers, have one goal — to make or to donate, masoncounor Mason County more pet- tymutts@gmail.com aralutz7@gmail.com, and friendly. www.masoncountyThe nonprofit works to see provide community-orient- mutts.org. ed projects, education and animal welfare. Its latest Mason County project has been working to install waste stations down- Sports Center town to encourage people to clean up after their pets. The The Mason County Sports Mutts are also collaborating Center is a nonprofit educawith the Lakeshore Resource tional institution dedicated Network to create a pet food to honoring those who have pantry. made outstanding contribuThe Mason County Mutts tions to sports. Still in progalso volunteer regularly at ress, the sports center will the local shelter and foster be housed in the former PNC and rescue animals in need. Bank building on the southIt also works to promote the west corner of Harrison dog-friendly opportunities Street and Ludington Aveand establishments in the nue. county, through an interacThe sports center will add tive online map guiding pet a new element to the charowners to dog parks, dog acter of the Ludington area, beaches, veterinary offic- giving residents more reaes and pet-friendly walking son to be proud and visitrails. tors more reason to visit the On its Facebook page, Ma- area. The central theme of

the sports center will be “life lessons” told through memorable sports stories, woven through the design and content of the center. Professional concept designer Terry Healy, of HealyKohler Design, and architect Kendra Tompson are creating the exhibit space.

A soon-to-be addition, the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame will be relocated to a special area in the new Sports Center. It is currently housed at the Historic White Pine Village.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Vburwell@floracraft.com.

Mason County Veterans Endowment Fund In 2009, Budde Reed and Rick Plummer, both Vietnam veterans, established the Veterans Endowment Fund.

Since then, Michelle Hemmer and Gary Ferguson have also become board members.

The fund helps veterans and their families who have “fallen through the cracks,” and been unable to obtain help through other agencies.

Through the program, funds are available for emergency needs to Mason County vet-

Pere Marquette Watershed Council

The Pere Marquette Watershed Council is a grassroots conservation organization founded in 1970 dedicated to preserving one of Michigan’s priceless natural resources.

The organization’s mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the inherent Mason County natural values of the Pere Walleye Association Marquette River Watershed through gathering and disEach spring, the Mason semination of information County Walleye Foundation and by working with other cares for thousands of wall- organizations or agencies to eye fry before they are intro- accomplish mutual goals.

For more information or to duced into local lakes.

In 25 years, the Mason make a donation, see www.

County Walleye Association peremarquette.org. has raised more than a ton of walleye for the Michigan Quality Deer Department of Natural Resources, planting more than Management 3.5 million of the fish in area lakes.

The goal of the local chapFor more information on ter of Quality Deer Managehow to support the associa- ment is to maintain good tion, contact Carter Koles at hunting through practices (231) 357-1557. that promote good deer gender ratios and size.

Deer age is an important Miss Ludington Area factor — older deer have Scholarship Pageant better racks and are generally larger. It’s one of the The Miss Agrea Schol- organization’s bigger goals arship Pageant is an offi- right now, which it hopes cial preliminary pageant to achieve by promoting the to the Miss Michigan and hunting of two-and-a-half, Miss America Organization. three-and-a-half and fourdeer, The pageant is held annu- and-a-half-year-old erans faster and with less red tape. Money for the fund is raised primarily through donations. If you are a veteran in need of help, or wish to donate, contact Rick Plummer at (231) 852-0685

compared to one-and-a-halfyear-old bucks.

The organization works for research and advocacy to improve hunting, and includes dozens of members throughout the area.

To learn more or make a donation, contact President Don Schwass at (231) 7948447.

Rotary Club of Ludington The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through its fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.

The club meets at noon every Thursday at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.

Those interested in the club are welcome to stop in for lunch.

The club’s goals are to focus on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club, using vocational service to encourage Rotarians to serve others and practice high ethical standards and perform community service to improve life in the community.

For more information or to donate, see www.ludingtonrotary.org or contact Linda O’Brien at lindaobrien@hotmail.com.

Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association operates Big Sable, Ludington North Breakwater, Little Sable, and White River Light Station, all along Lake Michigan.

They are open to the public seasonally.

During this holiday season, SPLKA offers an opportunity to “Leave a Print in the Sand” in a campaign to raise funds for major repairs which need to be done at our four lighthouses. Personalized walkway boards cost $100 and are installed to help improve access to the light all while raising money

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The proceeds are added to the SPLKA Capital Campaign Fund at the Community Foundation for Mason County, which has been set up to collect funds needed at all four lighthouses. Funds this year will be used for the restoration of the exiting 14 porthole windows at the Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse and to fund 4 more replacement portholes that have been missing and boarded up.

Each board can be engraved with up to 25 characters on one line, including commas and spaces with a two-line maximum. These could also be holiday gifts for anyone who has an interest in lighthouses. A tax donation slip for a portion of the gift will be provided to the donor as SPLKA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. Boards ordered by March15 will be installed by the May 7, 2018, the opening of Big Sable Lighthouse.

Order forms can be picked up at the SPLKA office located at 905 E. Ludington Ave., downloaded on line on at www.splka.org or by calling the office at (231) 845-7417.

Sandcastles Children’s Museum Sandcastles Children’s Museum, at 129 E. Ludington Ave., lets little imaginations grow.

The nonprofit offers a variety of programs and interactive exhibits for children of all ages.

The organization, established in 2006, offers a three-story recreational facility for children, including a musical stage and instruments, a real airplane and dozens of games and interactive elements. The facility also hosts events like Messy Mondays, runs crafts and things like ukulele lessons, holiday events, indoor tennis and children’s concerts.

Admission is $6, with children under one getting in free. Memberships are also available.

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cal transportation, respite care and support groups.

The Scottville Senior Center also runs activities like bingo, crafts, day excursions and entertainment, among others.

For more information or to make a donation, call (231) 757-4705, or contact Marcia Visscher at director@scottvilleseniorcenter. com.

Second Chance Humane Society Daily News File photos

Sandcastles Children’s Museum offers a wide array Second Chance Humane Society is dedicated to givof activities for children.

The Shoreline Cycling Club hosts events like the annual Singletrack Showdown and offers education and health/environmental responsibility programs. The club also builds and maintains local cycling trails.

There’s plenty of fun coming up, too — the museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 26 through 30, and on Dec. 31 will offer a New Year’s Eve Party, complete with a balloon drop, from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10 each or $35 for a family of six.

The New Year will also bring new exhibits — in February, Sandcastles will reopen with a new toddler exhibit for children ages one to four, and a Lite Brite Exhibit, sponsored by Great Lakes Castings.

Kid for a Night will also make a return on Saturday, Feb. 17. The adults-only fundraising event offers a chance to explore the museum and act like a kid again.

Summer offerings at Sandcastles are still in the works, but will include a stop motion video class, along with digital photography and editing.

To learn more about Sandcastles or make a donation, contact Kristin Korendyke, executive director, at sandcastleschildrensmuseum@gmail.com or (231) 233-9326, or see www.sandcastleschildrensmuseum.com.

Salvation Army

foster care homes in Scottville.

The homes, with six residents each, are at 309 James St. and 409 N. Main St. Donations are appreciated.

The residents can use donations of twin sheets, pots and pans, Corelle dinnerware, men’s and women’s shoes and socks, dog and cat toys and food and cat litter. At the James Street home, art supplies are needed, including crayons, markers and stickers, as well as games and puzzles.

Most items can be dropped off at either home, though pet items are only needed at the Main Street home and should be dropped off there.

To learn more about the organization, visit www.samaritas.org or call (231) 7570194.

The Salvation Army, an international organization, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church.

The local branch of the organization serves Mason and Oceana counties.

Ludington’s branch was first opened in April 1894, and has worked to serve struggling residents ever since.

The organization’s mission is to meet human needs and lend a helping hand without discrimination.

The cause helps struggling locals with food and personal care items, utility bills, emergency shelters, rent and mortgage assistance, medical expenses, furniture and clothing.

The Family Social Service Center is located at 114 E. Melendy St., Ludington. For Scottville Optimist Club more information, to donate, or to get help see www.saluThe Scottville Optimist dington.org or contact Tam- Club formed in 1953 with my Miller at (231) 843-3711. the goal of supporting community and youth programs — and still does today.

Samaritas Club activities include Samaritas, formerly Lu- providing a free Thanksgivtheran Social Services of ing dinner for area seniors, Michigan, operates two adult hosting track and wrestling

meets, offering sports-related scholarships to youth, operating as a Toys for Tots distribution center and hosting a Christmas party for area children. The Optimists support other groups in need as well.

The organization welcomes new members and financial contributions to support its ongoing commitment to support area youth.

Learn more at www.scottvilleoptimistclub.com. For membership and donation information, contact Diane Watts at (231) 462-3623.

Scottville Senior Center The Scottville Senior Center, located at 140 S. Main St., is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The center’s mission is to provide a place where seniors can meet, receive services and participate in activities that will enhance their dignity, support their independence and encourage their involvement with the community. The center has been in operation since 1973.

The center provides a homemaker program, medi-

ing local animals another chance at life, through fostering and other efforts.

On the organization’s Facebook page, animals available for adoption and looking for homes are listed to increase exposure.

The group is also dedicated to creating a no-kill shelter, to prevent any healthy cat or dog from being euthanized in Mason County. SCHS intends to fill the gaps and develop an active, working volunteer base and a fostering community.

To learn more or donate to the cause, contact Jacklyn Osgood at osgoodjm@ hotmail.com or call (231) 757-9219. The group is currently seeking volunteers and board members.

Donations can be sent by mail to P.O. Box 132, Scottville, MI 49454.

Those looking to help — and for a way to spend New Year’s Eve — can attend the organization’s Fur Ball Fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 31.

Shoreline Cycling Club Shoreline Cycling Club seeks to educate cyclists, elected officials and the general public of the benefits of cycling, including health and environmental responsibility.

The club works with land managers and municipalities to help maintain and increase access to cycling opportunities and holds

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fun events/rides in Oceana, Mason, Lake, Manistee and Benzie counties.

The club offers regular activities for riders of all levels, with information available at both bike shops in downtown Ludington.

The club has become very active in grooming for winter fat biking. Volunteers groom the Ludington School Forest, M-55 Trail Park and two loops at Big M near Wellston, and they post trail conditions on their website during the winter grooming season.

In recent years, the club has taken on projects like building trails, grooming fat bike trails, teaching bike safety to children and promoting the area as a cycling destination. The club is funded through memberships, corporate sponsors and the Singletrack Showdown mountain bike race held annually in Ludington each Saturday after Thanksgiving.

To learn more about the

tance funds. All funds stay local and directly impact our greater local community. The foundation team is committed to building longstanding, meaningful relationship with patients, and donors. Funds are raised through a variety of means including memorials and tribute gifts, planned giving, pledged donation, sponsorship, events and endowments. All gifts matter and make a difference. Currently the funding priority is the Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Cancer Patient Assistance Fund. A local fund that is used to help cancer patients experiencing financial hardship and in need Daily News File Photo of support for items like Stage Left Theatre Co., Ludington’s newest acting troupe, specializes in improv and modern takes transportation, food assistance, medication costs, utilon Shakespeare’s classic plays. ity bills, and other financial club, join or make a donawas founded in 2003 and stressors. To make a donaFoundation tion, check out www.shoresince its inception generous tion and learn more please linecyclingclub.org.

The Spectrum Health Lud- donors have helped direct- visit www.spectrumhealth. ington Hospital Foundation ly impact local health care org/foundation/ludingtonis a non-profit organization through the funding of new foundation or call the office Spectrum Health and the charitable arm of facilities, programs, equip- directly at (231) 845-2233.

Ludington Hospital the hospital. The foundation ment, and patient assis-

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St. Simon Bargain Center The St. Simon Bargain Center, 5782 W. U.S. 10, offers those in need a way to shop for gently used clothing and household items. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday.

This is a Christian service opportunity to share proceeds with those in need.

Donations of clothing and appliances are welcome.

Stage Left Theatre Co. The Stage Left Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which strives to provide a variety of unique theatre experiences to the community and acting opportunities and education to people of all ages. By January 2018, the company will have performed five productions in Ludington and is currently building a new youth theatre program that will provide kids of all ages

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with workshops to learn acting skills from professionals in the field.

The company produces its annual Stratford on the Avenue Theatre Festival to benefit another non-profit organization each year. The production’s 2017 beneficiary was the Lakeshore Food Club.

The company is always seeking new actors as well as sponsors for the organization. Contact Stage Left at stageleftheatreco@gmail. com, call (231) 480-1590, or find the group on facebook at facebook.com/pg/ stageleftcompany.

Daily News File Photos

Adam and Christine Lamb are heading the United Way fundraising campaign.

The West Shore Wolves Amateur Hockey Association offers a hockey league for local children of different age groups.

Staircase Youth Services Staircase Youth Services is dedicated to assisting atrisk, runaway and homeless youth in west Michigan.

The organization, founded in 1979, takes referrals from friends, family members, teachers, police or any member of the community with genuine concern for an atrisk youth. Staircase works with youth from 12 to 21 years of age.

Wth early intervention, the organization’s staff can help youth and their parents prevent the trauma that a crisis or runaway situation creates, through counseling services, helping to develop effective coping skills and offering a safe place to discuss problems in confidence.

To donate to the organization or learn more, see www. staircaseyouthservices.org.

Tallman Senior Center The Tallman Senior Center, at 6765 E. Marshall Road, in Fountain, is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Among the center’s activities are Bingo Thursdays, an exercise room, a Wii console, holiday celebrations, pool table, shuffleboard and auxiliary classes. The Tallman Center also provides blood pressure and blood sugar screening, a hot meal and salad bar at noon, flu shots and medical equipment loans.

For more information on

| MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017

the center or to make a do- U.S. 10. nation, call (231) 757-3306.

United Way of Mason County

West Shore Community College Foundation

The West Shore Community College Foundation works to support the college’s students and surrounding community.

The foundation provides resources like scholarships, program development funds and activities.

The WSCC Foundation was established in 1971 to promote, establish, conduct, maintain and operate educational activities, including the annual Muddy Fox Trot, Alumni Picnic, Donor/Student Breakfast and College for Kids.

Western Michigan This year, the foundaFair Association tion presented 202 scholarships, totalling more than While a blanket of snow $140,000.

To learn more about the covers the West Michigan Fairgrounds, the Western foundation or give a donaMichigan Fair Association is tion, see www.westshore. edu/about/foundation/our_ plenty busy.

The greatest need on the purpose.html.

WMFA Christmas list would be additional volunteers. West Shore Pregnancy Anyone who wishes to learn more about what opportu- & Family Support nities are available or where the greatest need is, see the West Shore PregnanWMFA website at www.ma- cy & Family Support is a soncountyfairgrounds.com non-profit organization or contact the volunteer co- that seeks to protect life, ordinator at (231) 843-2280. strengthen families and eduThe Mason County Fair- cate the future. This is done grounds is located at 5302 W. by partnering with women

Adam and Cristine Lamb are again leading this year’s United Way Fundraising Campaign, with a goal of $365,000.

Those funds aid community members in need, by offering job searching services, help with financial planning and success coaches.

To learn more about United Way or make a donation, see www.unitedwaymasonco.org.

and families in the community with children four years old and younger. WSPFS offers material assistance (diapers, clothing, baby items, etc.), parenting classes, and peer mentoring to help lead parents to positive, life affirming choices for their children.

The organization, formerly known as West Shore Pregnancy Care Center, is located at 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington, MI. The P.O. Box is 364. The center also provides support for those who have been impacted by abortion. The center’s services are not limited to mothers — fathers and grandparents raising a young child are also welcome to contact the center. All services are free and confidential.

For more information, see www.wspcc.org or contact Executive Director Heather Bush at (231) 843-7094.

West Shore Wolves Amateur Hockey Association The West Shore Wolves Amateur Hockey Association collaborates with the West Shore Community College’s Community Ice Arena to offer a hockey league for local children. Age groups available span three to 14 years old.

“West Shore Community

College is home to an incredible ice arena that provides our surrounding communities affordable ice time,” said association Vice President Ted Malt. “The association’s mission is to provide our young skaters the opportunity to play hockey in a safe and enjoyable environment.”

Under 6, under 8, squirts, pee-wee and bantams age groups are available. All players are welcome to try out during the try-out season.

More information can be found at www.westshore. edu/community/recreation/ice_arena/youth/index.html, or by contacting Ted Malt at (231) 499-7693.

Western Michigan Old Engine Club The Western Michigan Old Engine Club is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Scottville’s Riverside Park.

The club includes about 180 members and their families.

The Old Engine Club began on Feb. 10, 1974 for families interested in restoring and running old gas and steam engines, or tractors and equipment. The club hosts an annual show every August.

It also puts on an educa-

tion day each fall for fifthgraders in local schools, and the club is currently looking for funding to sponsor that endeavor. To volunteer or to become a club member, contact Sharon McCumber at (231) 898-3518.

Donations can be sent to the Club address, 5443 S. Custer Road Custer, MI 49405. See www.oldengineclub.org for more information.

Zonta Club The Zonta Club of Ludington is a service organization that aims to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women worldwide.

Ludington is one of the club’s 1,200 international chapters. The organization was founded in 1919 in New York, and takes its name from the Lakota Sioux Indian word meaning “honest and trustworthy.”

Locally, the club hosts events like seminars, a Ladies Night Out, the Zonta Sneak Peek and an annual retired women’s reception.

To learn more, see www. zonta15.org/ludington. html, the organization’s Facebook page or call or email (231) 245-3500 or ludingtonzontaclub@yahoo. com.

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Ludington daily newS/COMMUNITY GIVING

Stuff yOuR CRuSt AnD yOuR StOCkIngS

oUr flavorEd CrUSt® Can now bE fillEd witH 100% rEal mozzarElla!

| MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017

meal dealS for any size budget

5 $ 10 $

Sm. 2-topping

lg. 1-topping deep dish, or lg. 2-topping round or thin crust

15

$

2 med. 1-topping pizzas and a howie Bread® or 2 liter Pepsi®

20

exclusive online offer

99

$

CHEESER ¢ 3HOWIE BREAD

2 lg. 1-topping pizzas and howie Bread® with dipping sauce

®

with any online order of $12 or more

USE Promo CodE:

99cHeeZ

fEAtuRED flAvORED CRuSt®

order online or get the app. Having online ordering issues? Go to hungryhowies.com/help

Open Christmas Day! 5485 W. Hwy. 10, Ludington

(231) 843-6363