Editor’s note:This article was published in the Record-Eagle’s “Momentum ’23” special publication. For more stories from northern Michigan’s economic engine, click here to read Momentum in its entirety online.
The pandemic-influenced surge in outdoor recreation is showing signs of slowing, but if you’re looking to reserve a campground spot for your new RV over a summer holiday in northwestern Michigan, you better get to booking.
Campgrounds and Michigan’s parks and recreation division report another early year of high interest among reservation seekers as factors brought on by the global health issue persist.
People who sought socially distant outdoor recreation made an investment in and found an appreciation for not just camping but also hiking, biking and kayaking, among other similar activities. And while sellers of RVs, hiking boots and other gear aren’t seeing the record sales of 2020 and 2021, the natural beauty of the area and scores of new converts are encouraging, despite how inflation and rising interest rates are affecting consumer attitudes.
“Camping in general has really seen a resurgence of interest,” said Joe Cooper, owner of Kalkaska RV Park and Campground.
The great interest in the great outdoors
That camping as an outdoor getaway experienced a surge in interest amid the pandemic isn’t surprising. People who were told to keep their distance from others were looking for some recreational outlet. Gyms were closed. Restaurants were closed. Flights and their distant destinations raised worries of health risks.
A campground in many ways was a COVID oasis, a welcome reprieve from the staid confines of our homes and the outsized attention we focused on our cellphones and television screens and their continual updates of an uncertain future.
“2020 was really off the charts,” Cooper said. “2021 was much the same. Just people looking for any way to get out and about and do something besides sit at home, especially little children.”
What is perhaps less apparent is how the pandemic continues to fuel camping’s popularity despite the restaurants and movie theaters and trips to the Caribbean being back on. The rise of remote work, for instance, allowed people to work from nearly anywhere, including a campground. Supply chain troubles helped spur high…
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3:30-5 p.m., Carnegie Room, Stoughton Public Library, 304 S. Fourth St.
Would you like to help plan and present teen library events? Join the Stoughton Teen Advisory Board, a super fun group of teens who love to laugh and get creative! Afterwards, the art cart will be out to create and explore. New members are always welcome to attend. Ages 11-16. No registration required.
Adult Craft Club: Sew Write Sashiko Journal
6:30-8 p.m., Stoughton Fire Department Training Room, 401 E. Main St.
Learn some meditative Sashiko stitching and create a cover for a journal. You know you need to write it out and get started on your memoirs or a notebook to keep you on track with your goals! Thread, fabric, journals and stitch patterns provided. Registration is required and begins April 20 at 9 a.m.
Friday, May 5
Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts in concert
7:30-10 p.m., Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St.
Led by free-wheeling frontman Miles Nielsen, The Rusted Hearts have been wowing audiences for years with the diversity of their sound, the tightness of their 4-part harmonies, and the quality of their songcraft. Equally comfortable in a compact 3-minute pop song and an epic 10-minute jam, the band has toured incessantly since their inception in 2011, amassing an army of hardcore followers that have dubbed themselves the Rusted Herd.
Their new album “OHBAHOY” finds the band venturing into a sphere of Americana that feels both familiar and excitingly new. Tight drums, rich guitar tones, gorgeous woodwinds, and sweeping harmonies provide the perfect complements to Nielsen’s immense storytelling gifts and impeccable vocals. The album’s name comes from an imaginary friend Nielsen had growing up, a fitting reminder as we get older to hold tightly to the noble ideals of freedom and creativity that seem so natural to us as children. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit milesnielsen.com
Saturday, May 6
Kiwanis Disc Golf Rally
8:30 a.m. registration with tee off from 8:30-9:30 a.m., Kiwanis Disc Golf Course, Amundson Park, Stoughton
Stacy Thames, James Tarbox, and Ella Hogan have been named the Enterprise Woman, Man and Youth of the Year at the Enterprise Pilot Club’s annual Civic Night reception Thursday night at the First Baptist Church of Enterprise in the Fellowship Hall.
Thames is Altrusa of Enterprise’s nominee for the 2022 Woman of the Year. Thames is a native of Enterprise and a graduate of Enterprise High School. She and her husband Berry have two children. Thames works for M1 Support Service and owns her own small business, AccountAble Tax and Finance.
Thames attends Grace Place Church and has served in a variety of roles throughout the church. She is a member of the Finance Committee, organized the church’s Vacation Bible School, and currently teaches the junior and senior high Sunday School class each week.
While completing her MBA in 2022, Thames was also an active member of many civic organizations in Enterprise. She currently serves as a director on the board of Altrusa International of Enterprise, and she serves on the M1 Management Club Board of Directors which blessed more than 600 families with gifts and food items through partnerships with local agencies this past holiday season. She is a member of the Main Street Alabama Organization Committee which is tasked with recruiting volunteers from the community and fundraising for the organization. She is the president of the Dauphin Parent Action Team which supports both teachers and students at Dauphin Junior High. Thames can also be found supporting the Enterprise Expressions, a combined choir of Coppinville and Dauphin Junior High students traveling to competitions and also traveling to state and national BETA Club conventions. She has also served as a Girl Scout Leader for several years and has received multiple awards for her tireless work to support the girls of her troop and those across the region.
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Tarbox was nominated by the Oscar Club to be the Man of the Year for his dedication and commitment to selfless service and the Enterprise community. He is married to Mallorie Tarbox and they are expecting their first child in June, a daughter they have named Mary Helen. They…
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JMU’s University Recreation Center (UREC) is most known for being a gym, but it can offer so much more: a park, a pool, a cooking class, all of which are available on campus at no cost.
Full-time students and staff should take advantage of these valuable resources while they’re readily available.
The University Park (UPARK) is another resource available to students and a great way to spend time outdoors. Within the park, there are a variety of things to do. For example, there’s the team challenge course, which offers a custom program for adventure team building, including leadership, communication, trust and community building.
UPARK also has an event lawn, a pavilion, 18-hole disc golf course, a gatehouse and a multi-activity turf. Even the turf has more to offer with four tennis courts, two basketball courts and two sand volleyball courts.
Don’t like being outside? UREC Aquatics Center features a lap pool, hot tub, sauna and a secondary pool with a resistance track that also provides water volleyball and water basketball. The Aquatics Center is supervised by three lifeguards who are on duty at all times for safety and provides certified courses for adult and pediatric first aid, CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator); CPR and AED for professional rescuers and a lifeguarding certification class. Log rolling, swim fitness and swim lessons can all be done through UREC too.
According to a poll done on The Breeze’s instagram, when asked “Have you used UREC’s Aquatics center?” 60% said yes. This leaves a significant amount of people not using or taking advantage of reliable and resourceful resources.
Enjoy or good at lifting? UREC has a weight club. If the sum total of your one-rep max for bench press, deadlift and squat meet or exceed 400 pounds for women and 600 pounds for men, then you can be a member of the UREC Weight Club. Within the club there are several levels ranging from 400, 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 pounds.
You can even benefit from UREC without even going with its podcast, “Well Dukes..” It’s a health and wellness podcast aimed at providing JMU students with programming, information and services to help them lead productive and healthy lives. Every other Wednesday, a new episode is released with a conversation that may change how you think, what you know and what you…
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Because this section is free of charge, community events are subject to run based on available space. Religion items are published on the Saturday church page. Email events to [email protected].
TODAY, MARCH 16
ADULT ARTS AND CRAFTS: Let creativity shine to create a cute craft or inspiring art piece from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Ruby B. Archie Library auditorium. Ages 18 and up. No fee. Registration is required by calling, 434-799-5195.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17
FAMILY GAME NIGHTS: Relax with family and come out for a fun night of board games, sports and outdoor games at Coates Recreation Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. No fee. Registration required by calling, 434-799-5150. Sponsored by Parks and Recreation.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 18
CARS & COFFEE: Old Dominion Classic Sports Car Club will hold Cars & Coffee from 9 to 11 a.m. at Crema & Vine, 1009 Main St. For more information, call 434-548-9862.
JAPANESE CULTURAL EVENT: George Washington High School Japanese class and club will host the third annual Japan Day free event in the GW auditorium from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be Kendo, Taiko Drumming, a tea ceremony, prizes and more. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/yse2tj2z.
CLASSIC MOVIE CLUB: Enjoy a classic movie with discussion following at the Ruby B. Archie Library auditorium from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “The Adventure of Robin Hood” (1938) for ages 18 and up. Registration required by calling, 434-799-5195. No fee.
ARCHERY 101 WORKSHOP: Learn the basic safety, anchor points, draw and release, care of equipment and essential safety skills with a USA Archery certified instructor for ages 5 to 17 at Coates Recreation Center from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $12. Registration required by calling, 434-799-5150.
HOMESTEADING 101: Learn from local homesteaders Ben and Amber Martin at Glenwood Community Center from 10 a.m. to noon. No fee. For ages 5 and up; registration is required a week prior.
MONDAY, MARCH 20
PRESSURE CANNER LID TESTING: Virginia Cooperative Extensive Office, 19783 U.S. 29 South, Suite C, Chatham, will check pressure cooker lid and gauge used for canning at no cost from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call 434-432-7770.
TUESDAY, MARCH 21
THE WRITE…
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The 24HR Access System has been changed to an APP-based system at River’sEDGE. Original key fobs that were given out prior to 2023 will no longer work. All memberships must be renewed and paid in full at River’sEDGE to receive 24HR Access. River’sEDGE TEAM YEARLY MEMBERSHIPS- $150 Single, $175 Duo, $200 Family & River’sEDGE NON-TEAM YEARLY MEMBERSHIPS- $155 Single, $180 Duo, $210 Family. 24HR Access is a $25 one-time fee with a paid yearly membership.
24HR ACCESS to the FALCON CIVIC CENTER AVAILABLE TO YEARLY MEMBERS… Falcon Civic Center Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm & Sun- 12-4pm
Our access system is an APP based system, so interested members must have an updated smartphone to download the app and use the system. Cost is only $25 (one-time fee w/ paid in full yearly membership) on top of your Yearly
2023 Falcon Civic Center Yearly Membership Fees:
Family $215 Adult $155 Student & Seniors (60+) $130
Memberships and/or 24HR access must be purchased at the Falcon Civic Center. Once paid and the form filled out completely, Bob will email you the link (from POSTMASTER, not from BOB BEATTY) to download the APP.
If you are member with 24HR access and would like to bring a friend who does not have 24HR access, the cost is:
$4 per person regardless of membership status. You must be at least 16 years of age to come alone or if you are under 16 years of age, you must come with a responsible adult. Drop box for admission is located @ the front desk at the Falcon Civic Center. 24HR access at the Falcon Civic Center does NOT transfer to 24HR access at River’sEDGE or vice versa. You must purchase separately. REMEMBER YOU ARE ON CAMERA!!!!
ATTENTION MEMBERS & PATRONS of the FALCON CIVIC CENTER~
Winter weather means that our facility is a lot busier than it is during warmer seasons. This is especially true after school, on early out days, and non-school days. Please keep this in mind when you come out to walk in the gym. We have youth programs, rentals, and fitness classes that run in the gym which in turns shuts the gym down to public use at various times. Please feel free to call 319-334-6711 to check if the gym is open or when you are in the building you may look at the calendar at the front desk.
Our 2023 IPRD ACTIVITIES GUIDE is COMPLETE!!! Hard copies have been delivered to Kindergarten- 3rd Graders in the Independence…
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A major Republican victory in Lynchburg politics, a damaging tornado in Bedford County, a brighter outlook for the old Central Virginia Training Center property and more: Here is a selection of some of the top local news events from 2022.
1: GOP sweep in Lynchburg City Council elections
Three Republican candidates claimed victories in the at-large Lynchburg City Council elections, ousting two incumbents and paving the way for a Republican majority on the governing body.
Stephanie Reed, Martin Misjuns and Larry Taylor were the top three vote-getters in the November election. The three were on the ballot alongside incumbents Treney Tweedy and Beau Wright plus newcomers Patrick Earl and Walter Virgil Jr.
This marked the first year the council election was held in November rather than May, following a law passed last year by the Virginia General Assembly that moved local general elections to November.
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Misjuns, Reed and Taylor were endorsed by the Lynchburg Republican City Committee. With Republicans Jeff Helgeson of Ward III and Chris Faraldi of Ward IV already on council, the GOP will have a…
Earlier this year, the Dalton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) installed two practice disc golf baskets outside its visitor information center that is in the old freight depot at 305 S. Depot St., just off Morris Street.
“We are trying to share with our visitors things made in Dalton and Georgia grown,” said Margaret Thigpen, director of tourism for Dalton and Whitfield County, who directs the CVB and the Dalton Convention Center.
Prodigy Disc, a Whitfield County-based manufacturer of disc golf equipment, donated one of the baskets and sold the CVB the other.
“They (the practice baskets) are getting a lot of use,” said Thigpen. “They are not only being used by our visitors, but by our locals, especially those living in the Belk building.”
“We took that idea and expanded it,” Thigpen said. “We thought it would be great to have something throughout downtown. We got with the DDDA (Downtown Dalton Development Authority), Prodigy, the Dalton Parks and Recreation Department and Whitfield County. Voila, we now have a par 2 disc golf course downtown.”
The course, which is open for play, has eight baskets in four locations: the Burr Performing Arts Park, Dalton Green, the county-owned greenspace across from the courthouse and the freight depot. Discs will be for sale at the freight depot.
“To our knowledge, this is the only permanent downtown disc golf course in the nation,” said DDDA Executive Director Candace Eaton.
“I think it’s a huge deal because it will bring a different market downtown,” Eaton said in a press release from the city. “As they walk the course they’ll see local businesses downtown or stop and eat lunch or dinner, or maybe grab a beer or shop.”
“From a tourism standpoint, it absolutely opens our downtown for visitors to have something more to do, to keep them there a little longer,” Thigpen said in the press release. “For all of our tournaments and events coming into our community, just to have something else for the visitors to do when they’re waiting for their next game or their next event, that’s a great addition.”
The Greater Dalton area has several full-sized disc golf courses.
The Whitfield County Parks and Recreation Department’s Westside Park Disc Golf Course was voted one of the top four courses in the United States in 2020 by the readers of Connect…
Researchers from the University of Nebraska and Creighton University are continuing to assess individuals’ perceptions living in proximity to the AltEn ethanol plant near Mead.
A survey designed by the University of Nebraska Medical Center to measure the perceived health risks related to AltEn has been put online to help reach a greater number of people living in Saunders County.
Smaller funding package for AltEn research study advances
Dr. Eleanor Rogan, the interim chair of the Department of Health Promotion in UNMC’s College of Public Health, said the questionnaire is modeled on the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response created by the Centers for Disease Control.
“This is a common way to get some insight into what kinds of health problems people are experiencing, to narrow down the search for adverse health effects that may actually be caused by the exposure, or an event,” Rogan said.
It’s also “much faster and less expensive than actually medically examining everyone for everything,” she added.
The 40-question survey, which takes about 15 minutes to complete, asks for basic household information, the level of awareness and feelings residents may have about AltEn, as well as physical and mental health conditions they have experienced since the plant started operating in 2015.
Residents who respond to the survey will also be asked to identify when any symptoms may have started, and if they believe their health conditions could be connected to the biofuel plant’s activities.
AltEn used seeds coated in pesticides to manufacture ethanol, leaving behind toxic solid and liquid waste products. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy ordered the plant to shut down in February 2021 for numerous violations of state environmental regulations.
More than 215 people of the 1,000 who received the survey by mail earlier this year have returned it, Rogan said, and more than 150 people have signed up to provide a blood or urine sample to be analyzed for any of the chemicals found in high concentrations at AltEn.
The samples will be taken at the Saunders County Medical Center in Wahoo and analyzed at the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory in Omaha.
The survey will remain active through the end of May, Rogan said. UNMC plans to analyze the data and make the aggregated, non-identifiable information public at a later date.
Individuals whose blood or urine samples show the presence of toxic compounds will be provided specific advice for contacting a physician, Rogan added.
No funding for AltEn study in state budget packages; researchers say work could end prematurely
If an ongoing funding source can be secured, individuals will also be asked to participate in a medical registry which will track any health issues they develop for years to come.
The massive project to study AltEn’s affect on air quality, surface and groundwater, and the health of humans, wildlife and pollinators was first proposed a year ago.
At that time, UNMC pegged the cost of the study at $1 million per year for 10 years. Earlier this year, the cost of the study was reduced to $7.8 million.
Private donors helped get the project moving forward last year as the research team sought other funding to keep it going, and Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue introduced a bill (LB1048) this year appropriating $10 million in federal funds to put toward the research.
The Legislature’s Appropriations Committee did not include Blood’s bill in any of the budget packages it forwarded to the floor for debate.
But last week, lawmakers advanced another bill (LB1068) with an amendment from Blood attached appropriating $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to continue the study over the next year.
LB1068, introduced by Sen. John Stinner of Gering, will need to pass two more rounds of consideration in the final seven days of the 60-day session before it can be sent to Gov. Pete Ricketts’ desk for his signature.
Meanwhile, Rogan said a town hall in Mead is being planned to communicate next steps in the research study, which includes ongoing sampling of soil, surface and groundwater, and air to study their movement in the environment.
The perceived health risk survey can be found at www.unmc.edu/env-pollution.