01/04/2007

Northern Notes

Acme Kmart works with church to provide winter clothes

By Stephanie Beach
Local columnist

Martha Scarborough of Elk Rapids wrote on behalf of the members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Elk Rapids to thank the Acme Kmart and manager, Andrew Brasington, for their outstanding support of the church's recent coats' program.

"The Kmart staff was incredible. Not only did we receive a generous discount, we had two department managers to help us find sizes, ample space on their floor to 'stage' our operation and extra help with checkout,” Martha wrote. "They couldn't have been nicer. In large part because of their support, we were able to provide winter outerwear for 26 needy area children.”

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Dedicated volunteers of the Fresh Food Partnership were honored at a recognition luncheon recently for their role in making the 2006 season a great success.

The Fresh Food Partnership is a non-profit organization that manages a comprehensive program linking local fresh food sources with people in need through a volunteer-supported distribution system. The Partnership consists of the Land Information Access Association, Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency, United Way of Northwest Michigan, Michigan State University-Extension, and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.

With the hard work and enthusiasm of more than 35 volunteers, who use their own vehicles, the Fresh Food Partnership delivered nearly 35,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables to 29 area pantries, shelters and community meals programs. Purchased from more than 20 farms in five counties, the fresh food helped reduce the hunger and hardship of more than 7,700 children and adults throughout the Grand Traverse region.

The volunteers also were recognized with a "special tribute” from local state congressmen and the governor. The tribute states, in part, "We are truly indebted to all who have worked hard to provide assistance to people in times of need, enhance their quality of life, and promote a brighter future for our region.”

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After 38 years, the Northwestern Michigan Volunteer Firefighters Association is disbanding.

The association's officers wrote to say that through the years they have been committed to helping dozens of fire fighters and their families in illness, death and hardship. The association's goal has been to help improve training, advocate department cooperation, fire fighter safety, public education and volunteerism and they deeply regret that the organization has to disband.

President Bea Houghton also wrote that the officers and membership would like to make sure everyone in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Wexford counties are aware they are disbanding, because so many businesses and individuals have supported the association since it was founded.

"We want them to know how much we have appreciated their help and donations,” Houghton wrote. "We would not have been around so many years without them (and) we have enjoyed the many friendships and helping the membership and families in need.”

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Michigan Community Blood Centers recently acknowledged blood donors who received new gallon levels.

One gallon — Kori Anderson, Jason Borchert, Cheryl Flees, Ann Fouchey, Barbara Gauthier, Christina Gray, Wilbert Heinzmann, Tara Jewett, Gerhart Johnson, Donna Koontz, Joyce Koehler, Victor Lane, Christopher Lange, Laura Lautner, Debra Marsh, Jacci Martin, Eric McCumber, Martha McPheters, Kenneth Miles, John Rackow, Jordan Riness, Justin Shattuck, Linda Simerson, Kathy Spalding, Marlene Steider, Allyn Strouse, Susan Truelove, Thomas Warnock, and Liana Wilson; two gallons — John Hojnowski, Eve Howe, Esther Lawson, Thomas Rice, and Michael Wells; three gallons — Lois DeHart, Michael Ellis, Levi Gaskin, Kevin Hildebrand, Juston Korson, Mary Matlis, Leroy Ostlund, Peter Ostrowski, Carrie Robbins, and Michael Salata; four gallons — Marilyn Buteyn, Doug Cobb, James Palmer, Timothy Hamilton, and Jeffrey Krol; five gallons — Lorne Dickinson, Joseph Lane, Ann Mapes, Arlene O'Brien, Betsy Shinneman, and Sandra Sieting; six gallons — Bruce Beebe, Charlie Johnston, Gary Money, Loren Newton, Charles Scott, Darlene Steinberg, and Susan Zenner; seven gallons — Diana Roubal; eight gallons — Dorothea Goodson and Donald Pratt; nine gallons — Ann Miller and Harold Quigley; 10 gallons — James Haveman and Beatrice West; 11 gallons — Charles Watling; 12 gallons — James Miller; 13 gallons — Margaret Mahaffy and Robert Thoreson; 14 gallons — Rick Watzel; and 20 gallons — D. Edward Emenheiser.

Items for this column may be sent to Northern Notes, Record-Eagle, P.O. Box 632, Traverse City, MI 49685-0632; e-mail sbeach@record-eagle.