MCC students Makenna Anderson, of Howard City, on left, and Sarah Rittersdorf, of Belding, will present some of their most recent pieces in the Montcalm Community College Winter Artists’ Market Art exhibit.

MCC art exhibit opens Nov. 20

Montcalm Community College presents its annual Winter Artists’ Market art exhibit and sale Nov. 20-21, Nov. 27-30 and Dec. 4-7.

The exhibit features artwork created by MCC students, the MCC Art Club and local artists for viewing and for sale. The event is from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Instruction North Building on MCC’s Sidney campus. Admission is free.

MCC students Makenna Anderson, of Howard City, and Sarah Rittersdorf, of Belding, are currently taking Introduction to Art with MCC Art Instructor Debbie Bell. 

“I never had a chance to take an art class in high school, so I figured now would be the best time to get a good underlying base for my art education before I head off to a university,” Anderson said.

Anderson is also in Drawing I with MCC Art Instructor Carolyn Johnson. 

“As the K-12 curriculum gets narrower due to budget cuts and continuous standardized testing, MCC can be the open door to quality higher education in the arts,” Johnson said. 

“As time goes on, I see more and more students like Makenna who have not had access to art classes before coming to MCC,” she added. “It’s sad to see gifted and motivated students denied opportunities, but how wonderful that we have MCC to be a leader in arts education for our community.”

Anderson and Rittersdorf both plan to create art for a living.

“Both student artists have had a passion for and interest in art prior to this class, but practice has helped them to see more and grow as artists,” Bell said.

“I want to be an artist for a living, so putting my pieces in this exhibit will be a good experience,” Rittersdorf said.

Anderson said the exhibit is also beneficial for the community.

“Art is such a wonderful thing,” Anderson added. “I think the exhibit is a great way for others to experience art created by those in our community.”

For more information about the exhibit, contact Johnson at cjohnson@montcalm.edu or (989) 328-1248. 

Montcalm Community College student Bethani Christie, of Edmore, on right, goes fishing and finds a magic talking fish played by MCC student Brendan Doolittle, of Sheridan, in “The Fisherman and His Wife,” adapted by Claudia Haas. Courtesy photo.

SIDNEY–Find out what happens when a couple strikes it rich after they find a magic talking fish and the wife’s greed brings consequences into their fairytale life. 

Montcalm Community College’s drama class presents “The Fisherman and His Wife,” adapted by Claudia Haas, Nov. 4 and 5 at 2 p.m. in the Barn Theater on the college’s Sidney campus. Admission is free.

When a fisherman finds a magic talking fish, he is grateful for the fortune but is happy to continue his way of life. However, his wife takes advantage of the situation, causing the couple to experience the perils of greed with the help of the narrator, Scatman L’Adore, and the audience. 

Cast members include Brendan Doolittle, of Sheridan, as Scatman L’Adore; Bethani Christie, of Edmore, as Jonner, the fisherman; and Jessie Tribbette, of Saranac, as Maura, the fisherman’s wife. MCC Drama Class Instructor Carolyn Johnson is the director and Katelynne Bills, of Howard City, is the light and sound technician.

“The Fisherman and His Wife” is originally a fairytale by Brothers Grimm. Haas’s adaptation is interactive fun for the whole family and is appropriate for young audiences. 

For more information or to arrange a group performance, contact Johnson at cjohnson@montcalm.edu or 989-328-1248. 

Meranda Lynn Baguss, 33 of Sand Lake, died Friday, September 15, 2017 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Meranda was born August 17, 1984 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 2003 and was attending Montcalm Community College. She had worked at Spectrum Health Butterworth on 7-South for 10 years. She was a beautiful mother, very kind hearted and always put others ahead of herself. She will be greatly missed. Surviving are her twin sons, Tony Lee Anthony III, Chauncey James Anthony; significant other, Tony Lee Anthony II; mother, Jamie Fischer; sisters, Kimberly Brassel, Jenna Worthy; grandfather, Jerry Baguss; aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Gay Baguss. The family will greet friends today, Thursday, September 21 from 5-7 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the time will conclude with a service at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to a gofundme for expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/jn5a88-meranda-baguss-tony-chauncey

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Last week we ran information on a one-day bus trip that Montcalm Community College is organizing to Stratford, Ontario, to see “Romeo and Juliet” on Oct. 6. The college sent us an email this week saying the pricing they gave was incorrect. The correct prices are $32.49 for students, and $69.24 for non-students. For more info and to register, go to www.montcalm.edu/stratford by Oct. 4. Tickets are limited.

Montcalm Community College offers a one-day cultural trip to Stratford, Ontario, Canada, on Oct. 6, to see Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

Buses depart from MCC’s Sidney campus at 6 a.m., and there is a second pick up at the Ionia Meijer parking lot at 6:30 a.m.
Student registration is $31.59 and the cost for non-students is $67.29. Registration includes the cost of the bus trip and the theater ticket. Participants are responsible for buying their own meals.

“Even though ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is one of the most well-known of Shakespeare’s plays, we can count on seeing it through new eyes at Stratford,” MCC Drama and Art Instructor Carolyn Johnson said. “The level of professionalism and creativity is always exceptional and entertaining.

“Watching live theater is an amazing type of synergy; it’s a communal experience where everyone plays a part in creating the event,” she added. “The immediacy of being in the moment with the actors, where anything can happen in the play, and the audience is swept away by the story unfolding in front of them, is a rare magic.”

Anyone planning to participate in this trip must be age 12 or older, and have an enhanced driver’s license, United States Passport or Passport Card that is valid through October 2017. Participants between 12 and 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children younger than age 12 are not permitted to attend.

To register, visit http://www.montcalm.edu/stratfordwww.montcalm.edu/stratford by Oct. 4. There is a limited number of tickets, and registration is first-come, first-served.

For more information about the trip, visit http://www.montcalm.edu/stratfordwww.montcalm.edu/stratford or contact MCC Cultural Events Coordinator Karen Maxfield at karen.maxfield@montcalm.edu or 989-328-2111, Ext. 334.

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Heritage Festival

Aug. 3-5: The 31^st annual Montcalm Heritage Festival is August 3-5 from 10 am to 4 pm daily at Montcalm Heritage Village on Montcalm Community College’s Sidney campus. The three day celebration features historical displays, events, refreshments and music for all ages. Visit www.montcalm.edu/heritagefestival for more information. #30

Marshmallow Madness

Aug. 3,7: Think you can create a giant tower using just spaghetti noodles, tape, string and a marshmallow? This will be a team challenge with a prize awarded for the tallest structure.

For teens. Thursday, August 3, 6:30 pm – Spencer Township KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen and Monday, August 7, 1:30 pm – Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #30

Family Fun Day at Metron

Aug. 4: Metron of Cedar Springs’ annual Family Fun Day will be held on Friday, August 4^th from 4 to 6 pm at 400 Jeffrey St. NE in Cedar Springs. Bring the entire family for games, food, entertainment, raffles and a balloon release. #30,31p

Community Picnic at Salisbury Park

Aug. 5: The Village of Sand Lake is having a community picnic with free games, food, and fun at Salisbury Park on Saturday, August 5^th from 1 to 3 pm. #30

Summer Gospel Music Blowout

Aug. 5: This benefit to support 2^nd Chance School will be held on Saturday, August 5^th from 3 to 9 pm at 2^nd Chance School, 810 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. Music starts at 3 pm and will feature a new group each hour with Old Time Gospel Singers, Wayne Jarvie, Stroll Over Heaven, Northwoods Brothers, Traditional Country and Gospel Singers and North Country Band. There will be food, Chinese raffle, and 50-50 raffles. Come enjoy the music and support 2^nd Chance. For information contact Mike Hubert 231-335-0726 or Harvey Becker 616-460-1318. #30,31b

Register Now For Free Hunter Education

Aug. 8: To register for firearm Hunter Safety Classes  at the Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club, call Jim Pope at 231-834-5545 after 6 pm. Classes at the Club, 7463 18 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs, will be Tuesday, August 8^th, from 6-9 pm,  Thursday, August 10^th from 6-9pm,  Saturday, August 12^th , from 8 am-4 pm. Class size limited to 50 students. #29,30b

Pet Show at KDL

Aug. 8:Your pet is a star! Every critter’s a winner in this unique show designed to put the spotlight on your furry, scaly or feathered friend. All acts must pre-register. 616-784-2007. Tuesday, August 8, at 10:30 am – Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. For more information visit www.kdl.org. #30

God’s Kitchen in Cedar Springs

Aug. 8,15,22,29: Join us for dinner every Tuesday. God’s Kitchen – Cedar Springs welcomes families from Northern Kent County and the surrounding area to a Tuesday Evening Meal. No charge – no registration required!  Served from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the St. John Paul II Parish, 3110 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. For more information, call the Church office at 616-696-3904. #30

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Mar. 12: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, March 12th at 6 pm. It will be at 2^nd Chance School at 810 – 17 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile and Olin Lakes Rd). The message and music will be shared by the group, Gospel Jamboree. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Each service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. Cowboy Church will introduce you to 2nd Chance and its vision. The school is in the building stage, which when completed, will teach troubled teens through God and the horse. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #10p

Michigan Reads: Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum

Mar. 15,16: Celebrate the 2017 Michigan Reads book, Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum by Lisa Wheeler, with crafts and activities. For ages 6 and younger. Wednesday, March 15^th at 10 am and Thursday, March 16^th at 6:30 pm at the Spencer Township KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen. #10

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

Mar. 18: The Cedar Springs Lions Club’s Pancake Breakfast will be held this Saturday, March 18th from 7 – 11 am at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, on the corner of Main and Church. Adults $8 and Family $25. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, juice, coffee. All you can eat. The last planned date is April 16^th. Proceeds to assist sight conservation. #10

Register Now For Free Hunter Education

Mar. 21: To register for firearm Hunter Safety Classes  at the Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club, call Jim Pope at 231-834-5545 after 6 pm. Classes at the Club, 7463 18 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs, will be Tuesday, March 21st, from 6-9 pm,  Thursday, March 23^rd  from 6-9pm,  Saturday, March 25^th, from 8 am-4 pm. Class size limited to 50 students. #9,10p

MCC hosts its annual Chicago trip

Mar. 25: Montcalm Community College offers a March 25^th bus trip to Chicago. Registration for MCC students is $24.20, which includes a $2.20 service fee, and it is $45.30 for non-students, which includes a $3.30 service fee. The ticket covers the cost of transportation, and participants must pay for their food and for their entry fees to attractions. Participants have time to visit one or two attractions during the trip. Available attractions include the Adler Planetarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science & Industry and Shedd Aquarium. The bus leaves MCC’s Sidney campus at 6:45 a.m., picks up passengers at the Greenville Wal-Mart parking lot at 7:15 a.m. and returns to MCC at 10:30 p.m. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/chicago-trip-tickets-28891469162. The deadline to register is March 23rd at noon. Children ages 12 to 17 may attend with an adult. Children younger than 12 are not permitted to attend. For more information, email karen.maxfield@montcalm.edu or call (989) 328-2111, Ext. 334. #10

HCNC Spring Break Camp

Apr.3-7: We’re looking forward to another week of Spring Break Camp at Howard Christensen Nature Center! Each day will have a new theme while we cover team building, archery, animals from water and land, and a whole lot of fun games! April 3^rd – 7^th from 10 am to 2 pm. Pack a lunch (except for Friday’s Pizza Party), dress for the weather and don’t miss out! $40 per student, Members $30. Register online at www.HowardChristensen.org today! The center is located at 16160 Red Pine Dr., Kent City. 616-675-3158. #10

Montcalm Community College’s Philharmonic Orchestra and Alumni & Friends Choir seek members for their upcoming performance of “A Film Fantasy: Classics from the Silver Screen.”

The two groups will join for a spring performance on April 23 at 3 p.m. on MCC’s Sidney campus, featuring selections from Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones.

Rehearsals for MCC’s Philharmonic orchestra begin Feb. 13. The orchestra is for instrumentalists with previous instrumental ensemble experience. Rehearsals are in the Greenville Middle School Band Room from 7 to 9 p.m. on Mondays from Feb. 13 through April 17, with no class on Feb. 20. The cost is $15 per person. Please contact Director Jeff Ayres at ayresj@greenville.k12.mi.us or (616) 894-1071 for more information.

Rehearsals for MCC’s Alumni and friends Choir begin Feb. 23. The choir is for students, alumni, faculty and community members who like to sing. No previous experience is required. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from Feb. 23 through April 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in room M211 in the Morford Building on the college’s Sidney campus. The cost is $15 per person. Please contact Director Valerie Vander Mark at valv@montcalm.edufor more information.

Registration is required to participate in the orchestra or choir. Please visit http://www.montcalm.edu/noncreditwww.montcalm.edu/noncredit to register online or call MCC’s Greenville campus at (616) 754-7706.

A variety of artwork by inmates in Michigan correctional facilities is included in Montcalm Community College’s “Art From the Inside Out” exhibit. Located in the Instruction North Building Art Gallery on the college’s Sidney campus, the exhibit may be viewed Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 12 through Oct. 27.

“Art From the Inside Out” exhibit Sept. 12-Oct. 27

SIDNEY—Montcalm Community College’s “Art From the Inside Out” exhibit features artwork created by inmates in Michigan correctional facilities.

Located in MCC’s Instruction North Building Art Gallery on the college’s Sidney campus, the display is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 12 through Oct. 27.

This is the third time MCC has held an exhibit like this. The idea originally came from the University of Michigan’s annual exhibit of prisoner art.

“It is an excellent way for the MCC community to see artwork they wouldn’t usually be able to view,” said MCC Visual Arts Coordinator Carolyn Johnson. “At MCC, part of our mission is to allow our students to experience different ideas and expressions. Our art students critique and analyze the artworks and expand their perspective by observing work from people who have very different life experiences from the average college student.

“We have received responses from community members, as well as from our students, expressing how enlightening it is to see artwork created by a marginalized population,” she added. “Art is very personal. How we engage with art is very personal. It helps us to see through the eyes of people who live differently from us, as well as people throughout history and across cultures. Art helps us expand our ideas. The more we know about others, the more empathetic and understanding we are toward others.”

MCC expects more than 100 artworks in 2D and 3D from approximately 75 artists from four area institutions.

“It amazes me to see how strong the creative impulse is in humans,” Johnson said. “From picking up charcoal to adorn prehistoric cave walls, to kids building sand castles, there is an innate urge to make things of beauty.

“Many of the people taking part in this exhibit have never had any art education and only started to express themselves visually since being incarcerated,” she added. “Many of the artworks express ideas of remorse and sadness. Art is a safe way to explore the entire range of human emotions.”

MCC Art Instructor Debbie Bell said this art show is meant to educate and challenge students.

“This art is very psychological and has intense emotion within it, so most pieces hold a lot of meaning and pent up emotions,” Bell said. “This art show gives viewers a connection with people who they are unable to have contact with as they would with others in society.”

Johnson said it is important to realize that most of the people in prison will one day be released.

“When someone has paid their debt to society, we need to find ways for them to fit back into the outside world. Art can help them do just that. If these artists don’t have a creative outlet or positive way to interact with the outside world, they may revert to the behavior that got them incarcerated.”

Bell said all MCC art instructors have their students observe the art, write reflection papers on the artwork and discuss what materials were used.

“Some of the participating prison artists have family members in our community,” Johnson said. “Many people in our area are employed at area prisons. How much safer might their jobs be when prisoners have a safe outlet to express their emotions?”

Most of the artwork is available for sale. The prices range from $5 to $500, based on the piece’s size and the artist’s experience. Once a piece is taken out of the prison, it cannot be returned to the artist.

Visit MCC’s Instruction North Art Gallery on the college’s Sidney campus to view and/or purchase pieces. A ballot box in the Art Gallery allows visitors to vote for their favorite artwork and People’s Choice Awards will be given to the artists receiving the most votes at the end of the show.

Contact MCC Visual Arts Coordinator Carolyn Johnson at cjohnson@montcalm.edu or 989-328-1248 for more information.

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Family Fun Day at Metron

Aug. 5: Metron of Cedar Springs located at 400 Jeffrey, Cedar Springs, would like to invite the community to our Annual Family Fun Day on Friday, August 5^th from 4 to 6 pm. Activities for the day include: Bounce House, Games for the children, Live Musical Entertainment, food/drinks and fun for all. Hope to see you August 5^th! #31

Free Lake Effect Concert

Aug. 7: Free Lake Effect Concert featuring the band “Round Brown Suitcase” will be held on Sunday, August 7^th from 12 to 3:30 pm (band starts at 12:30 pm). The concert will be held at Bostwick Lake UCC Church, 7979 Belding Rd. NE, Rockford. Donations and food sales will benefit Pause with a Cause. Contact Lisa Atchison, 616-634-6459 with any questions. #30,31p

Take off pounds sensibly

Aug. 9: Take off pounds sensibly (TOPS), a non-profit weight loss support group for men and women, meets every Tuesday at the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sand Lake. Your first visit is free so come check out what TOPS can do to help you reach your weigh loss goals! Weigh-ins 8:15-9am, meeting starts at 9:15am. Call Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #31

Rummage Sale at CS UMC

Aug. 10,11: The Cedar Springs United Methodist Women will hold a rummage sale in the fellowship hall on the corner of Main and Church Streets. August 10, Wednesday, from 9 am to 7 pm and August 11, Thursday, from 9 am to 2 pm. There will be a bag sale on Thursday. Proceeds go toward their mission projects. #30,31p

My Choice..My Health Diabetes Prevention Program

Aug. 15: This program will help you take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes. You’ll learn about healthier eating habits, ways to be more physically active and other behavior changes over the course of 16 weekly one-hour sessions. The group will continue meeting monthly, completing a full year. My Choice..My Health Program will be held at Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs starting Monday, August 15^th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. To register, visit www.nkfm.org/dpp or call the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan at 616-458-9520. #31,32p

Creating Local Herbal Remedies

Aug. 15: Join local plant enthusiast Rachel Potter for a discussion and demonstration of how to gather and use medicinal plants to make salves, teas, tinctures and other natural remedies that nourish and heal the body and keep it healthy year round. This workshop will teach you to nurture yourself with what is growing all around us. For adults. Monday, August 15^th at 6:30 pm at the Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #31

DIY Tie Dye for Teens

Aug. 16: Bring a white or light colored t-shirt to this program and try a new way of tie dye – with permanent markers! All other materials will be provided to help you create a one-of-a-kind shirt to wear. Tuesday, August 16^th at 4 pm at the Spencer Township KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen. #31

Auditions for CSCP Production of “The Foreigner”

Aug 22,23: The Cedar Springs Community Players are pleased to announce auditions for its upcoming production of “The Foreigner” by Larry Shue. This comedy has won two Obie Awards and two Outer Critics Circle Awards as Best New American Play and Best Off-Broadway Production. Auditions will be held at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church on Monday and Tuesday Aug. 22 and 23 between 6:30 -8 p.m. Needed are: 4 adult males, 1 teen male; 2 adult women, and 4 non-speaking extras, can be either male or female. Production dates are October 13, 14 and 15 at the Kent Theatre. Please like our FB page and to see details! #31,32p

Tri-County High School Annual Gathering

Sept. 10: The Tri-County HS annual gathering for 1963 – 1975 will be held on September 10^th at the Sand Lake VFW. Appetizers and dinner from 5 to 7 pm with RSVP and $20 due by August 27^th. Lou Fisk, 616-263-9054 or gfisk01@charter.net.  Social hour is from 7 to 10 pm.  Social hour only is $5 at the door. #31,32p

MCC Offers Trip to Art Prize

Sept. 30: Experience ArtPrize September 30^th in Grand Rapids with Montcalm Community College. Buses depart from the Stanley and Blanche Ash Technology and Learning Center on MCC’s Greenville campus at 8:30 am and from MCC’s Sidney campus at 9 am. Buses will arrive at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) at 10 am and depart at 5 pm. The trip is free to all who register. Admission to the GRAM is $4 per person. Anyone planning to participate in this trip must be age 12 or older; participants between 12 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult. To register, email the registration form located at www.montcalm.edu/events/artprize-trip/ to karen.maxfield@montcalm.edu or call 989-328-2111, Ext. 334, by September 15th. #31

Written by MCC Communications Assistant Samantha Mack 

Hannah Salisbury, a Montcalm Community College student dual enrolled in Michigan State University’s applied horse science program, and her horse Autumn show off their awards during last year’s Montcalm County 4-H Fair.

Sidney – Montcalm Community College and Michigan State University’s Institute of Agricultural Technology are partnering to support the 81^st annual Montcalm County 4-H Fair, which runs June 26 to July 2.

“We are pleased to partner with MSU in sponsoring this year’s 4-H fair,” MCC President Bob Ferrentino said. “The fair is a wonderful part of Montcalm County’s rich agricultural heritage and we at MCC could not be prouder than to be involved in this year’s event. Together with MSU, we are providing education and training programs in the all-important field of agriculture and bringing increased learning opportunities to Montcalm County residents.”

MCC and MSU representatives will be at the fair Sunday through Friday to support the 4-Hers and their achievements.

Samantha Plank, a Montcalm Community College student dual enrolled in Michigan State University’s agricultural operations program, shows her cow at the Montcalm County 4-H Fair.

In 2015, MCC and MSU partnered to bring MSU’s agricultural operations, applied horse science, fruit and crop management and landscape management programs to MCC. Merry Kim Meyers serves as a liaison between the colleges to support students as they complete associate degrees at MCC and receive further certifications and degrees from MSU if desired.

“MCC and MSU sponsoring the Montcalm County 4-H Fair ties perfectly to our agriculture program,” Meyers said. “We want to be there for the 4-Hers because they already know ag, and they already show the dedication and effort to be successful. They’re exactly the people we want in our programs.”

MCC Director of Alumni Relations & Development Melissa Christensen said the co-sponsorship is a fantastic opportunity for both colleges to display their agriculture partnership.

“Montcalm County is one of the largest agricultural producers in Michigan, and it is only fitting that we highlight our four agricultural technology certificate and associate degree programs during the fair,” Christensen said. “Our state offers high demand careers in agricultural technology, and the MCC partnership with MSU brings our community the right training and education for those high-demand jobs.”

Meyers said MCC and MSU embrace this year’s fair theme, “There’s no place like a county fair.”

On June 29, visitors can enjoy the “MCC-MSU Know-place” to experience hands-on science and agricultural activities from 1 to 3 p.m. in the activities tent.

“Since Friday is Kids’ Day, we are planning special treats for the 4-Hers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” Meyers said. “From 3 to 4:30 p.m., 4-H teens can enjoy a ‘Fair Survivor Celebration’ and ice cream social where we’ll hand out discounted tickets to the rodeo and door prizes.”

“MCC is especially excited about Kids’ Day,” Christensen added. “We are planning some fun learning opportunities that will demonstrate agricultural science for the younger crowd.”

MCC students who are dual-enrolled in the MSU agriculture program will be present to offer 4-Hers advice and answer questions.

“We hope to connect to 4-Hers and have them think ahead for their career futures,” Meyers said. “We hope they’re thinking ag.”

The Montcalm County 4-H Fairgrounds are located at 8784 Peck Road in Greenville.

For more information about the MCC and MSU partnership, visit www.montcalm.edu/mcc-and-msu-are-partners-in-ag-education/.

To download The POST’s 4H Fair schedule in this week’s paper click the link below:

Montcalm4H2016.pdf

Longtime One Book One County Montcalm supporter Carole Cole, on left, Montcalm Community College Library Director Katie Arwood, in back, and Carson City Public Library and Crystal Community Library Director Beth O’Grady unveiled the 2016 One Book One County selection, “True Grit,” by Charles Portis, during a May 19 kickoff celebration at MCC’s Beatrice E. Doser Building on the college’s Sidney campus.

SIDNEY – “True Grit,” by Charles Portis, is the book everyone is reading as the 2016 One Book One County Montcalm selection.

The title was announced to a crowd of more than 100 people during a May 19 kickoff at Montcalm Community College’s Beatrice E. Doser Building on the college’s Sidney campus.

Considered as a great American adventure story, “True Grit” was first published in 1968. It tells the story of Mattie Ross, who is just 14, when a scoundrel named Tom Chaney murders her father in Fort Smith, Ark. Mattie leaves home to avenge her father’s death. With the one-eyed Rooster Cogburn, the U.S. Marshal with the most “grit,” by her side, Mattie seeks retribution in Indian Territory.

One Book One County Montcalm began in 2005 as a part of a national One Book One County movement. In 2009, MCC joined the effort. This year, the public libraries of Montcalm County are hosting the program, which will include a variety of events and multiple book discussions.

Eight book discussions are scheduled throughout the county from June into August. Other events include a musical performance, a horse exhibit, free movie nights, a campfire, historical presentations and more.

“What can I say about this book that hasn’t been said before?” MCC Library Director Katie Arwood asked the crowd. “This book has been described as uncomplicated and pure. It is an adventure story; it is a thriller. It is a story of the evolving tenderness in a relationship between generations.

“Two famous films, 40 years apart, were made from this story,” she added. “My favorite description of it comes from bestselling author Donna Tartt: ‘In short, this story begins where chivalry meets the frontier.’”

One Book One County Montcalm is sponsored by Stafford Media Solutions, MCC, the MCC Foundation and the public libraries of Montcalm County.

For discussion questions or more information, visit www.montcalm.edu/onebook.