The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 8, July 21, 2023

Shelby Benona Fire Department hosts its first School Supply Drive to benefit Maxine’s Closet

By Amanda Dodge

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Shelby-Benona Fire Department

Firefighter and Medical First Responder Matt Gilland was named firefighter of the year by his peers last year, but he didn’t even bring that up when asked about his most recent community service endeavor, and that is probably one of the very reasons why he was given that honor.

“When I joined the fire department almost three years ago, my intention was always to give back to the community and help the community,” Gilland said. “Unfortunately, most of the time when we as firefighters interact with the community, it is on the worst day of their lives.”

So in the spirit of community, Gilland thought about the needs in his own family and how they might be reflected in this area. This sparked his idea for the fire department’s first annual School Supply Drive to benefit local charity Maxine’s Closet.

Maxine’s Closet was started in 2009 by sisters Laurel Sawyer and

Kristen Bisard in memory of selfless community volunteer Maxine Martin. For more than a decade now, Maxine’s Closet has given away thousands of school supplies and clothing items to area children in need. Last year was their largest ever, with nearly 700 children served. “We are blessed with a community that is willing to come together to help kids and families fill needs, especially in this ‘back to school’ season,” Sawyer and Bisard said.

“This, to me, was an opportunity to have a positive impact outside of the worst circumstances possible,” Gilland explained. “I’ve got four kids myself, so when school supply time comes around, it gets expensive.”

He added that he came up with the idea in early June, and the department was able to secure more than a dozen community partners to help with the School Supply Drive.

Advanced Architectural Sheet Metal supplied the boxes, which were placed in the following businesses July 1:

• The Brown Bear (Shelby)

• Cherry Hill Super Market

• Cherry Point Farm & Market

• Country Dairy, Inc

• Deb’s Cafe Shelby

• Fresh Point Nutrition

• Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo

• Oceana Builders Supply, Inc.

• The Pizza Factory

• Shelby Floral

• Stony Lake Market

• Tri County Feed Service. Inc

• Veltman Hardware

Gilland said that the large boxes will be collected August 5, and the supplies will be consolidated into

smaller boxes and then delivered to Maxine’s Closet.

“It was their idea to do this community project, and we are so grateful that they chose us,” Bisard said. “The need there is so great.”

Donations have been coming in slowly, and Gilland said that businesses are trying to help with that. He said that The Pizza Factory is offering a 10 percent discount on pizza orders to anyone that donates school supplies to the drive.

Items that the fire department is specifically looking to be donated include: Binders, divider tabs, folders, pens, pencils, composition books, notebooks, loose leaf paper, highlighters, Sharpies, Post-its, crayons, markers, rulers, paper clips, pencil cases, lunch bags and reusable water bottles.

“I would love to volunteer on distribution day,” Gilland said. “This has been a pet project that I have been passionate about and I would like to see it all the way through.”

Maxine’s Closet will be a drive-thru again this year and is set for Friday, Aug. 11 from 9:30-11 a.m. at Shelby High School.

Potterymaking in Pentwater

Humans have been baking clay objects for about 30,000 years. About 150 years ago, Charles Mears’ Middlesex Brick & Tile business dug lime-rich clay out of the banks of Pentwater Lake, shaped it into bricks, and then fired them for either export or use in local construction. And today, in the nonprofit Pentwater Artisan Learning Center’s pottery studio, enthusiasts gather to either create something of their own or share their skills with other PALC members.

“It’s like Disney World here,” said Patti Townsend of Whitehall, while describing how members are happy to teach others. “If you know how to do one thing, they will teach you to do other things.” On a recent day, she and two other members were busily working on their various projects. Townsend, a PALC member for eight years, also oversees the PALC’s garden at the front door. She described how she’s had to do damage control after deer, rabbits and squirrels recently feasted on plants she had brought in from home and planted in the garden. So she came up with a clever way to thwart the hungry critters while still adding color to the front entrance - replace the

edible plants with textured, painted pottery butterflies.

Sara Bolan was working on one of several bowls she is donating to the Lakeshore Food Club’s “Empty Bowls” fundraiser in Ludington on September 21. The Club is a nonprofit grocery store offering a wide range of food options for low-income families. Over 200 bowls will be available for purchase by the public, with proceeds going to support this food pantry serving Mason County.

The PALC is an 11,000-square-foot, well-equipped workspace for metal and woodworking, painting, pottery, glassmaking, crafts, weaving, basket making, sewing and more. Its members from Pentwater and the surrounding area work in a safe environment where they create, socialize, learn, and share their knowledge with others who want to learn new crafts. The annual cost of membership is $150. More information is available at https://pentwaterartisan. org/, or by calling (231) 869-5323. Information about the PALC’s “Equipping for the Next 20 Years Campaign Fund” can be found at https://oceanafoundation.org/give/our-funds.

Katie Murphy of Pentwater, above left, works on what she jokingly referred to as “a hopeful masterpiece.” Murphy looks at an assortment of bowls created by Sara Bolan from Ludington, at right, that Bolan will donate to the Lakeshore Food Club’s upcoming fundraiser.   • Contributed Photos

School Supply Drive boxes are located at 13 area businesses in Oceana County. The above box is located at Cherry Hill Super Market. • Amanda Dodge/Echo

New Era Farmers Market celebrates Christmas in July

Donations for Roy’s Kids to be Collected

The New Era Farmers Market is back Tuesday, July 25, from 4-7 p.m. with a Christmas in July celebration. There will be miniature pony rides for kids up to 60 pounds. A presentation will be made by a local Christmas Tree Grower, Justin Adams. Organizers will have 25 Fraser Fir seedlings for the kids to take home. There will also be fresh produce, baked goods, and artist creations including paintings and origami, to name just two. MSU Extension’s Michigan Fresh Cooking Show will feature zucchini and tomatoes. To be included in the class, please call Lisa Fleury at (231) 873-2129, ext. 6866, to pre-register by July 21. If Lisa doesn’t answer, please leave a message.

Dinner selections will be provided by Deb’s Cafe, Country Dairy and The Aristan. Deb’s Cafe will bring sloppy joes along with delicious homemade chips. Country Dairy will have something fresh off the grill, and they always bring their famous chocolate milk. The Artisan will offer wraps, nachos and burritos. They also make delicious fruit waters. A market favorite is the cucumber-lime water.

Donations for the local charity “Roy’s Kids will be collected. Roy’s Kids distributes toys at Christmastime to area families in need. There will also be a Giving Tree, and organizers are asking for toys to be placed under the tree for Roy’s Kids, or cash donations can be clipped to the branches. The band Truck Driver Bingo starts at 5 p.m. Markets take place in the parking lot of The New Era Christian Reformed Church. 1820 Ray Ave.

Paul Erickson/Echo

News and Notes

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

As promised, this week debuts the “News & Notes” column for The Oceana Echo. If you have an interesting note or bit of news to share, please email theoceanaecho@gmail.com. It doesn’t have to be “earth shattering” (all that news has already been posted and printed all over the place!). “Every day news” or upcoming events are just fine. We’ll try to include it in a future column or article. We’d love to hear from every corner of the county and look forward to seeing what comes about!

• Longtime Shelby resident Mary Morningstar celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday, July 19, with a birthday open house at her current residence, Whitehall Assisted Living. Mary was a nurse anesthetist at the Shelby Hospital for years. She and her husband, Norm, were known for riding the Rail Trail every morning into their 80s.

• The Oceana County Fair is just 32 days from today! Time to start planning for your fair entries. Have you made a quilt this past year? Taken some amazing photos of your vacation, flowers or grandchildren? Perhaps your garden is filled with all sorts of delectable produce yet to come. Kids are also welcome to enter a wide variety of items and animals. While being in a 4-H club is helpful, it is not required. Plan now and help fill up the Youth and Adult Exhibit Buildings. The fair was created as an opportunity for community members to gather and share (show off) the “fruits of their labors”. Let’s not let this rich tradition die. Everyone is passionate about something, and just about anything can be exhibited at the Oceana County Fair to be enjoyed by others. Please contact the Oceana County MSU-Extension Office for entry details. Setup day is Tuesday, Aug. 22.

• Trinity Lutheran Church of New Era is hosting Vacation Bible School from Sunday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 3 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Operation Restoration - Mending God’s World.” This is open to ages Kindergarten through Adult Bible Study. Dinner will be provided. Please register by contacting the church before July 22.

• The City of Hart offers residents and visitors a unique way to learn about city happenings or report issues to the city offices through the TextMyGov app. Sign up for alerts by texting 91896. In the message, add the text group name you would like to subscribe to. Popular group names are: “HARTEVENTS” which texts info about fun events in Hart and “HARTGARBAGE” which communicates service delays as well as a heads-up for recycling day. If community members wish to bring attention to an issue within the City of Hart, reports can be submitted by texting the number 231-721-2777 and in the message type “Hi.” Prompts will guide users through the steps to let the city know what is needed.

• Hart Mayor Vicki Platt attended the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus June 24 and 25 at the Oceana County Fairgrounds. She and her husband, Mark, were honorary co-ringmasters at all four shows. They enjoyed welcoming the crowd, and Vicki enjoyed hamming it up with the clowns.

• Ferry Township Summer Dump Days will take place Saturday, Aug. 26, Tuesday, Aug. 28 and Thursday, Aug. 31. This is for township residents only. Residents must pick up a “Load Ticket” at the Ferry Township Hall during regular business hours or township meetings. Check out www.oceana.mi.us/services/ transfer-stationrecycling-center for more information.

• Grace Adventures in Silver Lake wrapped up its “Discovery” Youth Camp program today. Discovery camps are designed for 7- to 9-year olds and offer an introductory experience to overnight camp for kids and moms alike. This year’s 3-day, 2-night camp ran from Sunday to Tuesday and Wednesday to Friday. Campers were able to enjoy great activities, campfires, meals and lots of other memory-making opportunities.

• Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ will host another of its 5th Saturday of the month breakfasts on Saturday, July 29. Breakfast is free, served from 8-10 a.m., and ALL are welcome.

(231) 854-2377

Cell: (616) 821-9109

• The City of Hart has also been installing new signs this month to help lead visitors to all of its attractions. The signs were suggested from the data compiled by the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources visitor assessment survey that was completed last year.

Dates: Sun. July 30 Th.

3

Daily: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Trinity Lutheran Church of New Era is hosting a Vacation Bible School called Operation Restoration: Mending God’s World.

During this exciting weeklong program, kids learn to be menders of the Earth as they explore the daily themes of Feed, Heal, Forgive, Pray and Rest.

TLC is located at 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd. in New Era This VBS is open to ages K through Adult Bible Study Dinner Provided. Register by July 22nd.

To learn more or register, call: 231-861-4059, email: office@tlcnewera.org or visit: www.tlcnewera.org

Visit

The

114 Dryden St. in Hart , Mich. 49420

(231) 873-2600

The story of the Souvenir

By Caleb Jackson

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

Of the seven brave men who manned her, only one now trod the deck, When upon the shore she drifted, an unsightly, shapeless wreck;

And he, too, when home seemed nearer, when the help of man seemed nigh, Bruised and crippled, chilled and helpless, he could only gasp and die. (Hartwick & Tuller, 1890, p. 78)

The above verse is taken from a poem written by a Pentwater professor called “The Loss of the Souvenir.” It covers the tragic end of a Pentwater-owned schooner that was delivering 800,000 shingles to Chicago one day late in November 1872. Interestingly enough, the Souvenir wasn’t the only schooner to depart from Pentwater that fateful day, as another ship named Minnie Corlett also set sail for Chicago, loaded with lumber and square timbers. Two ships set sail on the same day, bound for the same destination, and encountered the same storm, yet one vessel emerged without casualties while the other saw a total loss of life.

Hartwick and Tuller tell us the weather was “mild and pleasant” on the night of Nov. 26 when the two ships set sail. Professor A.J. Woods’ poems seem to be at odds with this, claiming that

“Fierce and still more fierce the west wind beat against our wave-washed shore; and the lake gave fearful warning none must tempt its dangers more.” Whatever the case may be, both ships set sail, and by 11 p.m., “the wind veered suddenly to the northwest…increased to a terrific gale…and the mercury dropped to zero.” We have no knowledge of what happened to the ship throughout the night, only that it was sighted the following morning south of Ludington with only one man on deck.

According to Hartwick and Tuller, people on shore tried to help save the man by signaling that he should “tie a line about his body and let the other end float ashore.” He refused, “either being unable to make the effort or thinking it useless.” It wasn’t until noon that some brave soul was able to reach the vessel and offer aid. That man was William Girard, keeper of the Ludington lighthouse. He braved the stormy sea alone in a small boat, as no one else was brave enough to accompany him, and yet, his efforts were all in vain. “He found the man yet alive,” Hartwick and Tuller wrote, “but unconscious, he breathed but a few moments afterwards.” That man was Frank Whitcomb, the first mate, and the last of the seven-man crew to perish. The other crew members included captain Chas. Craine and the steward John Perry, along with Charles Dagle, Peter Hallene, Richard Moore and Thomas Thayer. Meanwhile, the Minnie Corlett “washed high and dry

upon the shore.” The entire crew was able to disembark with their lives, although some were badly frostbitten.

Mourn we for the loved departed, taken in their pride away;

Mourn we with the stricken kindred who are with us here to-day.

May we be by grace enabled, as our hearts with anguish swell, To take home the warning given, knowing “God doth all things well.” (Hartwick & Tuller, 1890, p. 78)

Check out the exhibits at the OCH&GS

The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society has more to discover by just climbing the stairs at the Chadwick-Munger House in Hart. This painting, seen at right, is on the upstairs wall right across from the postcard room. Ask to see it the next Wednesday you visit.

The Oceana Echo © is published weekly at P.O. Box 194, Mears, MI 49436 • All rights reserved. theoceanaecho@gmail.com • July 21, 2023 • Volume 1 • Issue 8

Plenty of green thumbs in Pentwater Community Garden

Now in its third growing season, Pentwater’s Community Garden is thriving once again. Dedicated in May of 2021 by the Pentwater Service Club, the project was suggested by Laurel Howell, wife of member Jim Howell, as a way for the club to celebrate its 50th anniversary of service to the people of Pentwater. Her idea was chosen from among 14 candidate projects that club members were considering. Taking all the necessary Covid precautions, more than 30 PSC members worked tirelessly outdoors during the pandemic to make the garden something that residents would use for generations to come.

And boy, the raised garden

help keep the bugs away.”

When the gated garden opened three years ago, it exceeded everyone’s expectations because of the generous sponsorship by Beckman Brothers, Inc., Great Lakes Pet Fencing, Inc., and Dan and Jodi TerHarr, who donated decking material they no longer needed at their home. Howell continues to be in charge of leasing beds and other operations. Anyone with questions should consult the information on the Community Garden sign, or ask at the Pentwater Township Library about how to reach her.

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Ongoing

Shelby Area District Library to host Open House

The Shelby Area District Library Board of Trustees, library staff and Friends of the Library will host an open house Monday, July 24, from 5-7 p.m. The public is invited to learn about library services, tour the newly reopened Local History Room, register for a library card, meet library staff, board members, and Friends of the Library and enter a drawing for a chance to win book-themed prizes. Light refreshments will be served. The library is located at 189 Maple St. in Shelby. Questions can be directed to 231-861-4565 or tifhaight@shelbylibrary.org.

The Steely Experience Tour 2023

Popular singer/songwriter/performer Ravon “Steely” Rhoden is returning with his steel drums from his Orlando base to our beautiful slice of west Michigan on tour the last week of July. Steely has developed a dedicated following among the fortunate individuals who have experienced his upbeat steel drum music in our area over the past several years, and he is eager to share his energy and music again interactively with all who come to hear him.

Steely has established himself as one of the most innovative and vital voices in modern reggae. Born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica, his music pays tribute to legends like Bob Marley and Dennis Brown while pushing the genre into bold new territory. He is the first major reggae artist to accompany his vocals on the steel drum, an instrument that gives him his signature sound. He delivers unforgettable performances that will appeal to music lovers of all kinds. He is also the founder of Steely Records, which provides a wide variety of services for like-minded artists. With a steady stream of new content expected this year and beyond, Ravon Rhoden is poised to become one of the biggest names in reggae. More information, a sampling of his music, and social media links can be found through his website, www.ravonrhoden.com.

Steely’s performance schedule for this year’s tour includes appearing in the summer concert series at Golden Township Park in Silver Lake on Tuesday, July 25 from 6:30–8:00 p.m.; Kristi’s Pour House in Hart on Wednesday, July 26 from 5-8 p.m.; “Sunset Bonfires on the Beach” summer concert series at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington on Thursday, July 27 from 8-10 p.m.; Legacy Plaza in downtown Ludington for the “Farmer’s and Artisan Market” event on Friday, July 28 from 5-7 p.m.; Silver Lake Chicken Shack in Silver Lake on Saturday, July 29 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.; and at Barnhart’s Marina north of Ludington later the same day on Saturday, July 29 from 6-9 p.m.

Hart High School class of 1956 reunion planned

The Hart High School class of 1956 will be having a reunion Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. at Open Hearth Grille in Mears. Reservations are not necessary. Those that come will be order off the menu and pay for themselves. Attendees are asked to let Charlene Birkman or Lois Greiner know they will be there a few days before the reunion.

12th Annual Blueberry Fun Festival set for July 29

The Fruitland Evangelical Covenant Church will host its 12th Annual Blueberry Fun Festival in Whitehall Saturday, July 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be the Fruitland 5K Trail Run/Walk and Free Kids Run, and participants can register at runsignup.com/fruitland5K. This fun family event starts with an allyou-can-eat blueberry and plain pancake breakfast with sausage, orange juice and coffee. Adults are $10, youth 6-12 are $5 and those 5 and under are free. Cash or credit cards will be accepted, and advance ticket sales are available online.  There will also be free children’s activities  from 9 a.m. to noon featuring inflatables, a petting zoo, balloon twisters, face painting and a foam penny scramble put on by the White Lake Fire Authority after noon. The event will also have live music and entertainment from 8:30 a.m. to noon in their Chapel in the Pines.

Local artists and artisans will be selling their creations. The fun festival will also have baked goods for sale, gift basket raffles, craft and vendor booths, a popcorn and beverage tent and fresh blueberries available for purchase. For more information on how to purchase breakfast tickets in advance, please visit the Fruitland Covenant Church website at www.fruitlandcovenant.org or check out its Facebook page. The church is located at 4238 N. Weber Rd. in Whitehall.

July

July 21- 22 - Oceana Center Grange to host “God’s Helping Hands”

July 24 - SADL Open House, 5-7 p.m.

July 24 - Hart Community Blood Drive, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

July 25 - Ravon “Steely” Rhoden, Golden Twp. Park, 6:30-8 p.m.

July 26 - Ravon “Steely” Rhoden, Kristi’s Pour House, 5-8 p.m.

July 27 -HAPL Summer Reading picnic, 5:30 p.m.

July 28 - Pentwater Gallery Stroll , 4-7 p.m.

Oceana Center Grange

The Oceana Center Grange will host “God’s Helping Hands” mission weekend for high school and middle school students beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, July 21 through 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22. Activities will include spreading mulch and painting tables at Gales Pond County Park. Games, crafts and meals are included. All costs have been sponsored by the Grange. Elementary school students are welcome to attend as well, but must be accompanied by an adult.  For questions or to register, please call Char Vanderstelt at 231-301-1678.

HAPL Summer Reading wraps up July 22

The Hart Area Public Library encourages all summer reading program participants to make sure they have turned in their reading log sheets by Saturday, July 22. Everyone who finishes will receive a T-shirt, local coupons, and the chance to win one of HAPL’s great grand prizes. There will be a hot dog picnic for all participants and their families Thursday, July 27 at 5:30 p.m. outside the library. Prize pick-up begins at the picnic. If anyone can’t make it to the picnic, the library will hold their prizes for a later time.

Hart Community Blood Drives planned

The Hart Community Blood Drive, as part of Versiti Blood Centers, is planned for Monday, July 24 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the West Michigan Research Station located at 5185 N. Oceana Dr. in Hart.

Appointments are preferred by calling 1-866-642-5663 or by scanning the QR code here. Those interested in donating can also contact Kathy Roskam at 231-861-6535 or by emailing krcmom@ hotmail.com. Walk-ins are welcome as long as the schedule allows.

Before donating blood, everyone is encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water. There will also be a chance at the July 24 drive to win $1,000 in e-gift cards to stream movies or download games for an entire year.

A second blood drive will take place Thursday, Aug. 3 from 2-6:30 p.m. at the same location, and those that donate will have a chance to win $1,200 in e-gift cards for a new TV, computer or any new home entertainment device.

For more information, visit versiti.org.

Oceana MSU Extension plans Summer Sale

The Oceana MSU Extension announces a new Oceana County 4-H vendor event with its new Summer Sale Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. a the Oceana County Fairgrounds. This event will be taking the place of their annual community yard sale. Organizers are wanting to incorporate a yard sale for the community in a different way. Vendors, businesses, crafters, yard sale, tack booths, ‘mom to mom sales’ and more are welcome. All monies raised via booth rentals will be for Oceana County 4-H. There will also be a bake sale for The Crystal Valley Care Fund.

The registration form is available at https://www.facebook.com/ events/892875025108299/. They are taking registrations until July 24.

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• Remember the stunning green Versace gown worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards ceremony? Not only was it a sartorial feat of engineering, it inspired the creation of Google Images: The search engine added that function because so many people were looking for pictures of the outfit.

• To bring out the natural sweetness of corn on the cob, try sprinkling a little bit in the pot after the water has come to a boil.

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Historic farming operation is building things the old fashioned way

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Follow Warren Road east of York Road in Shelby for about a mile, and you’ll find historic Eisenlohr Farms. The former dairy operation - owned and operated by Dolphie Eisenlohr, named after his grandfather Dolphie - now raises asparagus, along with a few hogs .

In 2018, he diversified his farming operation and began selling Amish-constructed utility sheds from his farm property. The little side business grew, and in 2020, Eisenlohr decided to do the building himself. The buildings can be seen at the farm at 2600 E. Warren Road or on Eisehlohr’s Facebook Marketplace site.

Eisenlohr and his small crew use rough-sawn white pine to create a variety of structures, including animal shelters, feeders, deer blinds, storage sheds, playhouses and even 12-foot by 20- or 30-foot cabins. He said most of his business is within West Michigan, but he has delivered a couple as far away as Traverse City and Detroit.

Eisenlohr encourages anyone who may be looking for a deer blind to order soon. He said that sometimes people wait until the last minute, and inventory gets sold out and there isn’t enough time to have one made.

More information can be found at Eisenlohr’s Facebook page or website at dolphie-eisenlohr.ueniweb.com.

• The beloved Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie were named for a police officer and taxi driver in Frank Capra’s holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

• Biologists named a species of ants unique to New York City “ManhattAnts.”

• If the scar of a cantaloupe is rough or has a stem attached, the melon was picked too early and won’t ripen as good as one with a smooth scar. Also, check the net pattern over the outside; it should be even and an overall tan-yellow color, not green or mottled.

• Due to a shrimp’s open circulatory system, it has no arteries, and its organs just float around in its blood.

• Spain’s national anthem, the “Marcha Real” (“Royal March”), is one of only four such anthems in the world (along with those of BosniaHerzegovina, Kosovo, and San Marino) to have no official lyrics.

• You can remove berry stains from your fingers with lemon juice. Got berry juice on your tablecloth? Here’s E.B. of Mississippi’s suggestion: “Pour a generous amount of milk on the spot, let it soak for 15 minutes or more. Then soak in cold water with soap for an hour or more. Wash, rinse and dry.”

• British military tanks are equipped to make tea.

• Soak raisins in cold water before chopping so that they won’t stick to your knife.

• The longest walking distance in the world, from Magadan in Russia to Cape Town, South Africa, is 14,000 miles. Be sure to take plenty of extra shoes!

• “Use celery ribs lined up to create a base for your roast. This way, the juices move around more and the roast never sticks to the pan. I serve the celery with the roast, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” — A.T. in Tennessee

• On the other hand, if you’re more in line for a much quicker journey, hop on the world’s shortest commercial flight, from Westray Island to Papa Westray Island in Scotland — it’ll take all of 90 seconds.

• IKEA rugs were used for the Night’s Watch cloaks in Game of Thrones.

• Abraham Lincoln remains the only U.S. president ever to have held a patent. While his invention was registered as a device for “buoying vessels over shoals” in 1849, it was never actually used on boats or made commercially available.

• Need to chill some drinks for a party fast? Pile on the ice, of course, then add the secret weapon: water. Icy water chills drinks quicker than placing them in ice alone. The heat is transferred from the warm drinks to the water because there’s total contact. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

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• Hellmann’s, anyone? In some countries, mayonnaise is a popular pizza topping.

• Remember the stunning green Versace gown worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards ceremony? Not only was it a sartorial feat of engineering, it inspired the creation of Google Images: The search engine added that function because so many people were looking for pictures of the outfit.

• The beloved Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie were named for a police officer and taxi driver in Frank Capra’s holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

• Biologists named a species of ants unique to New York City “ManhattAnts.”

• Due to a shrimp’s open circulatory system, it has no arteries, and its organs just float around in its blood.

• Spain’s national anthem, the “Marcha Real” (“Royal March”), is one of only four such anthems in the world (along with those of BosniaHerzegovina, Kosovo, and San Marino) to have no official lyrics.

• British military tanks are equipped to make tea.

• The longest walking distance in the world, from Magadan in Russia to Cape Town, South Africa, is 14,000 miles. Be sure to take plenty of extra shoes!

• On the other hand, if you’re more in line for a much quicker journey, hop on the world’s shortest commercial flight, from Westray Island to Papa Westray Island in Scotland — it’ll take all of 90 seconds.

• IKEA rugs were used for the Night’s Watch cloaks in Game of Thrones.

• Abraham Lincoln remains the only U.S. president ever to have held a patent. While his invention was registered as a device for “buoying vessels over shoals” in 1849, it was never actually used on boats or made commercially available.

• Hellmann’s, anyone? In some countries, mayonnaise is a popular pizza topping. ***

***

Thought for the Day: “Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.”

Thought for the Day: “Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.” — Theodore Roosevelt

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© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Located: 8016 E. Garfield Rd. Hesperia, MI. 49421

Directions: 2 miles W. of Hesperia on M-20 to 192nd Ave., then S. 1 mile to site. Watch for signs.

Beyer Auction has been commissioned to sell the following personal property including 2 brand new Coleman 200 Power Sport mini bikes, 14’ Starcraft alum boat, 10’ Alumcraft flat bottom boat, 16’ alum canoe, Pelican paddle boat, Long & hand guns, Coins, Woodworking tools (most like new), Carpenter & Mechanic tools, Power tools, garage & outdoor items, Household furniture & furnishings. Plus much more. No Mins. No Reserves!

Auctioneers Note: Licensed FFL Dealer

Ice Cream Shop

Thought for the Day: “Great thoughts speak only to the thought

be charged. Not responsible for accidents or loss. Lunch available. Beyer Auction Service Inc. Hesperia, MI 49421 Wade Schuberg 231-855-8555

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Beckman trio lend knowledge to local youth

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Reporter

SHELBY – The basketball courts at Shelby High School were full of life last week as it played host to the annual summer basketball camp hosted by Rick Zoulek and some special guests as well.

This year, a trio of Beckmans led the camp that started on Monday, July 17 and ran through Thursday, July 20. Jeff, Danny and Jason Beckman –all former Tigers – led two sessions per day, helping teach young athletes fundamentals of the game.

“It’s really special to have (the Beckmans) here,” Zoulek said. “Danny is still local, but to get all three of them to come back without asking is a really great thing.”

All ages were represented at the camp as high school and middle school kids kicked off the day with a two hour morning session. Elementary age kids had their own two hour session in the afternoon as well.

Jeff took the reins of the camp, which comes as no surprise due to his coaching background. After winning an NAIA National Championship with Spring Arbor University in 2019, Jeff went on to be an assistant coach for the Cougars. Now, Jeff is beginning a new venture as a high school coach for Western High School in Parma, Mich.

The camp allowed Jeff to give back to the community, get a taste of coaching in a high school gym and pick the mind of his former mentor all in one go. As for brothers Danny and Jason, it was a chance to return to their roots.

Danny spent time playing at Hope College alongside Jason. Since moving on from the college ranks, Jason has been playing professionally overseas and was recently inducted into the Shelby High School Athletics Hall of Fame.

Shiny new technology

• Brendan Samuels/echo

Jeff, Danny and Jason Beckman all spent time coaching the next generation of basketball hopefuls in Oceana County at Shelby High School. The Beckmans, led by Jeff, put on another basketball camp for two seperate age groups to help foster fundamentals of the game.

• Brendan Samuels/Echo

Teeing ff

The top shots from local golf courses

Benona Shores:

• Gary Blohm (7/11)Hole in one on No. 12 from 120 yards with a pitching wedge.

• Craig Johnson (7/15)Hole in one on No.13 from 183 yards with a five iron.

• Mike Birkman (7/18) - Eagle on No. 1 from 386 yards with a driver and a 60 degree wedge.

Shelby got a pair of new scoreboards in their High School Gym courtesy of Peterson Farms. The new tech comes with a massive display screen as well. The old scoreboards also found a new home as they will now be utilized at the middle school.