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Senior Volunteer of the Year
Jelanie Bush Honored at Governor's Service Awards
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On almost any given week or day, you’ll see Jelanie Bush making an impact volunteering with TrueNorth or Camp Newaygo programs and services.
The 69-year-old retired teacher’s commitment to TrueNorth Community Services has been steadfast for more than three decades. Her dedication, including 27 years on the TrueNorth Board of Directors, has meant more than 13,000 volunteer hours.
Bush’s dedication and efforts earned her Senior Volunteer of the Year honors at the 2019 Governor’s Service Awards. She was recognized by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission in September 5 ceremonies at the Detroit Opera House in Detroit.
“My mantra lately has just become: The world is a great place, but there’s still a lot that needs to be done,” she says. “Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something.”
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She has been involved with 52 TrueNorth programs, including the Children’s Christmas Programs, the Camp Newaygo Advisory Board, Mud Bowl Mania and working in the kitchen for events ranging from The Shindig fundraising to the Senior Thanksgiving Luncheons.
Bush’s first involvement with TrueNorth was as a new Newaygo elementary school teacher with the Camp Confidence summer program.
“Even then, it was obvious that a lot of good things were being done in the right way by people you wanted to spend time with,” she says.
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9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance
200 Grant, White Cloud students listen, learn, engage, pitch in
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| Kathy Fritz had reasons for wanting her White Cloud Elementary School fourth-graders at TrueNorth Community Services’ September 11th Day of Service & Remembrance.
“First off, I want them to know what 9/11 is,” she said of that fateful day 18 years ago, when four planes were hijacked by terrorists, 2,977 people perished and the United States was forever changed. “I want them to also understand about giving back to the community.”
Fritz’s students were among 200 White Cloud fourth-graders and Grant Elementary School third-graders taking part in the September 11 activities at the TrueNorth Service Center in Fremont. They listened to four veterans; worked on Spectrum Health Hospice and TrueNorth service projects; engaged with demonstrations by the Newaygo Fire Department and Newaygo County Sheriff's Office; and did team-building exercises.
"Today’s really about remembrance,” said Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Deputy Director Robert Near, a U.S. Army veteran from Montague.
Jodi Romero, a U.S. Army veteran who’s with the Newaygo County Department of Veterans Affairs, said: “You can do your part. Helping someone carry their books at school. Volunteering. Helping someone carry stuff out of the store. That’s where it begins.”
The event was funded by a grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation.
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Empty Bowls reaches 20-year milestone
Fundraiser for TrueNorth Food Programs fights food insecurity
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| The Empty Bowls Soup Luncheons have reached a milestone in targeting food insecurity elimination for Newaygo County.
The TrueNorth Community Services Food Programs fundraiser is in its 20th year, with a goal to raise $20,000.
Empty Bowls is Thursday, October 3, at the TrueNorth Service Center, 6308 S. Warner Avenue, Fremont; and Friday, October 4, at the Newaygo County Commission on Aging, 93 S. Gibbs Street, White Cloud. The luncheons are 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. both days.
"Over the years, Empty Bowls has raised tens of thousands of dollars that got turned into nutritious food to help thousands of our neighbors in and around Newaygo County," said Mark Kraus, Community Liaison and Development Director for TrueNorth. "We are hoping this year will be the same."
Featuring donated soups and breads by Newaygo County area restaurants and caterers, patrons can select a ceramic bowl decorated by local artists, students and supporters.
Tickets, which are $20 each or $150 for a table of eight, are available in advance at TrueNorth; online at www.truenorthservices.org/Donate-Now/Donate/emptybowls; at the door; or by contacting Donna Hren at 231.924.0641, ext. 144, or dhren@truenorthservices.org.
Empty Bowls also includes Stuff the Carts, with cases of food staples available to purchase and donate to the TrueNorth Food Pantry.
ParVox Technology is the event's primary sponsor. Other sponsorships are also available. For more details, contact Kraus at 231.924.0641, ext. 161.
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| Circles Newaygo County thanked and recognized its community of volunteers and celebrated its Circle Leaders' successes in special ceremonies on August 22 at Camp Newaygo's Lang Lodge in Newaygo. Circles is supported by a Fremont Area Community Foundation grant.
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- Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry, September 25
- Circles Big View Meeting, September 26
- Coats for Kids (& Adults) coats collection, October 1-28
- Empty Bowls Soup Luncheons, October 3-4
- Newaygo County 2019 Day of Caring at Camp Newaygo, October 4
- Fall Girlfriends' Getaway, October 4-6
- Flygirls' Getaway, October 4-6
- Friday Piano Showcase, October 18
- Halloweekend, October 25-27
- Trick or Trot 5K Run/Walk, October 26
- Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry, October 30
- Coats for Kids (& Adults) distribution, November 2
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