Volunteering at NCCS

I just started volunteering a couple of weeks ago at NCCS.  I help out at the Food Pantry check-in desk in the lobby on Wednesday mornings.

It's not super hands-on like I imagined, but it's nice to have an opportunity to work with people and be polite to them.  Just because you're receiving public assistance doesn't mean it has to feel like a trip to the DMV; I'm sure things are hard enough already.

They are always looking for volunteers - especially long-term ones, even if it's just a few hours a week.  Services to the community have increased a lot lately because of the economy, and it's hard to keep up with the expansion without the help of volunteers.

www.nccsCARES.org

Critters in the Compost

The dogs had a major freakout just now - there was a possum rooting through the compost pile behind the garage. I shined the flashlight on him, he blinked at me a few times, then went back to snacking.

NOW HIRING - GM Wood Products in Newaygo

NOW HIRING - GM Wood Products in Newaygo. Seasonal wood working positions. Apply online at www.trilliumjobs.com or call 231-796-0666.

Newaygo County Online - useful website

 Newaygo County Online is a good website that has been around for a while.  It has a free classified ad section, info on local parks and recreation, and a discussion forum.

http://www.newaygocounty.com

I usually go there for the classifieds - buy/sell/trade etc - much more reliable than Craigslist for local stuff.

Now Hiring - Fremont Rapid Lube

On west Main Street across from the farm co-op. Their marquee says they need a part time lube tech. Inquire within.

As always, don't forget to check for other jobs at the Michigan Works website or http://www.indeed.com/ (search in the 49337 ZIP Code).

Tamarac - low income discounts

Tamarac is great for exercising and becoming healthy, but the monthly cost can be out of reach for many people.

The Fremont Area Foundation will help low-income individuals pay some or all of the monthly fee. They offer income-based scholarships twice during the year from March 1st - 31st and September 1st - 30th.

During those times, you can apply for the scholarship by going to Tamarac and filling out a form at the main desk.  You may also call 924-1790 for information.  Thanks to the Fremont Area Foundation and Tamarac for teaming up to provide this!

Local businesses interested in providing memberships for their employees can contact Shannon Shatney, RN, MSN at 924-1464 for more information.

Source: Tamarac website, http://www.tamaracwellness.org/

Newaygo Junior Lions PTO Auction - Sat March 6

The Newaygo Junior Lions PTO (Velma Matson & Vera Wilsie) is holding an auction on Saturday, March 6 at Velma Matson. Each of the elementary classrooms is putting together a gift basket or working on an art project to be auctioned off. There are also a record number of donations this year from local businesses, businesses in MI (Mariott in GR) and some from Chicago and possibly Florida. There will be raffle drawings as well. There will be a movie available for children during the auction. If anyone wants more information they should email newaygopto@hotmail.com.

There is also some time left if anyone local wants to donate an item to the auction. (It could be a good way to advertise local businesses.) Email newaygopto@hotmail.com, ATTN: Laura, ASAP!