Volume 1, Issue 38 FEBRUARY 16, 2024
YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE
Hart becomes new branch for ‘Purses with a Purpose’ By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
you wish. As an official branch, Hallack can donate the filled purses to local agencies of her choosing. She invites any agency wishing to receive the collected bags to contact her. “I’ve been picking up red nail polish to include too. Just because you may be at the bottom doesn’t mean you should have to feel like it. You should be allowed to feel good about yourself - ‘dress up to feel up’,” Hallack said. The official Michigan Purses for a Purpose drop-off site is 5-Star Real Estate - Hart, located at 109 E. Main St., in downtown Hart. However, because it is a real estate office, she suggests calling ahead (231-955-7355) to make sure someone is available to receive any donations. “No one should have to feel ‘less than.’ I have felt ‘less than’ in my life and doing this little thing makes me feel like I am helping someone feel better about themselves or (their) situation,” Hallack said.
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Three years ago, Crystal Hallack recalls being somewhere and seeing the State Police collecting gently used purses and toiletries for the Purses for a Purpose Inc. organization. Being a purse-lover as well as a people-lover, Hallack gladly stepped up and donated to the project. Purses for a Purpose Inc. is a 501(c) (3) based in California that accepts donated purses, handbags and backpacks and fills them with travel-size toiletries to deliver to homeless women in select cities across the nation. Wanting to do more, Hallack began saving purses and purchasing toiletries whenever she got the chance. She put the next collection date on her calendar so she wouldn’t forget. Wanting to do even more, she did a Google search to see if she could become a collection site for the organization. “I am a busy person, and I wanted a year-round option. I thought others could be involved if there was a place where people could drop off their donations anytime,” Hallack said. She is pleased to announce she recently became an official “branch” for Purses for a Purpose Inc. Michigan is one of only four states (California, Connecticut, Michigan and Washington D.C.) currently collecting for the organization. Not only that, but Hallack is the only official collection branch in Michigan. She invites community members to think about donating to this worthy cause. Monetary donations can be made, and an Amazon wishlist can be viewed at the organization’s website, www.pursesforapurposeinc.com. For those wishing to donate purses, it is recommended that purses, handbags and backpacks be arm-deep, mid-sized and in good condition. Suggested toiletry items include travel-sized soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, deodorants, first-aid items, dental hygiene products, feminine products, combs, socks, sunscreen, chapstick, hair ties, shower caps, make-up wipes, face lotions, Purse-lover and collector, Crystal Hallack can be seen etc. You can donate as much or as little as above at a purse auction. • Contributed Photo
Early voting begins tomorrow By Amanda Dodge The Oceana Echo Community Contributor Early voting for the presidential primary on Feb. 27, which is new this election cycle, begins tomorrow in Oceana County and across the state. After a constitutional amendment to allow early voting was passed in November 2022, Michigan voters can now cast their ballots in the nine days preceding any state or federal election. According to Oceana County Clerk Amy Anderson, early voting will take place in the jury room at the Oceana County Courthouse from Saturday, Feb. 17 through Feb. 25. “There will be signs in the hallway, and they will have to go through a security check,” Anderson said. “We are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, including Monday (Feb. 19), which is a holiday.” She added that the nine consecutive days do not include the Monday directly before the election, which is Feb. 26 for this primary. “Clerks are required to download their Electronic Poll Book on that Monday,” Anderson explained. Along with the primary, voters in Crystal Township have three proposals to consider on their ballots regarding its fire department and road improvements.
Fancy clothes and fun were aplenty at the first annual “Senior” Prom at Our Friends House in Hart. Top, from left, Lauryn Moore, Tracey Kurilla (volunteer), Tami Smith, Hannah Johnson (volunteer), Michelle Verschueren, Phyllis Shance (volunteer) and Jacci Smith stand behind King Duane Priese, Queen Donna Bon and Mavis Smith. The StringAlongs serenaded attendees, above, as they danced the afternoon away, below. • Sharon Hallack/Echo
Our Friends House hosts first ‘Senior’ Prom By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor Everyone was “dressed to the nines” Wednesday afternoon for the First Annual “Senior” Prom at the Oceana County Council on Aging’s Our Friends House (OFH) located at 621 E. Main St. Nearly 50 OFH clients, family members, community band members and staff joined together to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style. “Many of our clients have never attended a prom,” said OFH Manager Tami Smith. “We have regular, daily activities for our friends, but we like to hold larger events at least once a quarter.” A community member band called “The String-Alongs” entertained by singing fun, love-themed songs accompanied by their stringed instruments of all kinds. “Professional stylist Hannah Johnson did all of the ladies’ hair for today,” Smith said. “Wrist corsages and boutonnieres were donated by Birch & Blossom and the golden rose floral bouquets for our prom queen and all other ladies were donated by Shelby Floral.” Everyone cheered when Donna Bon was crowned “2024 Prom Queen” and Duane Priese was crowned “2024 Prom King.” There was certainly no shortage of smiles on Wednesday. Our Friends House, the Adult Day Service of Oceana County’s Council on Aging, is open daily Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clients can expect to receive transportation to and from the center, stimulating social interaction, regular activities, a hearty noon meal and personal care. They may also participate in outings in the community and special events, like the prom. Smith said other quarterly events include an Easter party, a Mother’s Day tea, a Father’s Day cookout and a Christmas party. More information on Our Friends House is available at www. oceanacoa.com/services/adult-day-services.