Photo Credit: Marilyn Keigley
By Don Henning, Editor, MRWA Riverview
The fall edition of the River View opens with a season appropriate photograph from one of our regular contributors, Marilyn Keigley, professor emeritus at Ferris State University. You’ll find several more beauties like this one on the website. Well worth a click.
Although a glance in any direction proves the season is in full swing right now, there are always plenty of early signs if you know what to look for. Pat Jarrett, MRWA office manager has a great vantage point to witness the transition from her office in Johnson Hall at Ferris.
Photo Credit: Marilyn Keigley
Late in August, overnight, all of the parking lots on the Ferris campus fill to capacity, a sure sign that summer is over and gone. Despite the fact that cars with Ferris stickers occupy all her favorite spots, Pat says it is good to see the students back in town along with the energy they bring. Ferris State University, the institution, has always been a generous friend to our organization, providing us with the offices we occupy and much more.
Additionally, our campus location affords us access to a deep pool of dedicated volunteers, a resource that is a necessary component of any effective non-profit. Much of what we do requires boots on the ground and Ferris students, as individuals or as members of Registered Student Organizations (RSO), always show up.
A few weeks ago, Adam Jandura and Amber Hubbard from the Bulldog Sustainability Alliance messaged us looking for volunteer opportunities. Adam’s group has supported us repeatedly, most recently in countywide recycling projects that have had a significant impact.
The Ferris Outdoor Club led by MRWA board member, Cindy Fitzwilliams-Heck, has always been willing to help us out in a time of need. If you were in Newaygo for the event on September 23rd you probably met Cindy or someone from her group. Josh Ruch, Nick Mingle, Adam Jandura, Victor Tengowski, Best Phakamad, Corbin Miller and Nate Cornell were all there giving their best effort. We have come to rely on them for all kinds of jobs from river cleanups to outreach.
We certainly do not show our appreciation often enough so let it be known now and forever after: Bulldogs rock! Welcome back.
Photo Credit: Marilyn Keigley
And welcome to the fall River View. After you have enjoyed Marilyn’s photos, you may be interested in articles from two new contributors.
Arnold Baker, a riverfront property owner in Newaygo taught science at Grand Rapids Catholic Central until his recent retirement. Early in September, he found himself in the middle of a fascinating real life science project involving lake sturgeon and sea lampreys. He agreed to share his impressions with us. I think you’ll enjoy his article.
Rick Lucas, the forester for the Mecosta Conservation District, has shared some great outdoor photography in the past and is a regular contributor to a number of outdoor publications, but this is his first article in our newsletter. No one knows more about Michigan’s forestlands than Rick and he offers some excellent advice if you happen to be in the market for some property to call your own.
As always, your comments are welcome. We love to hear from you. If you enjoy the articles, all credit to our contributors. The mistakes however, – the typos, misspellings and grammatical errors – are solely the responsibility of the editor.