The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 3, June 16, 2023

A“spear-ited” showing!

Veterans, at left, march down State Street at the start of the Joan Glover Royale Parade as part of the 50th National Asparagus Festival. Police, fire and emergency personnel, above, also joined in the parade, with Sheriff Craig Mast passing out candy to the children there. Emma Woller, the 2023 Asparagus Queen, waves to the crowd along with First Runnerup Chelsi Walicki, below left. More than a dozen past Mrs. Asparagus winners and Asparagus Queens, below, turned out for the parade. They were driven by Carl Wiegand. More photos from the parade can be seen on page 11. • David Dodge/Echo

Wesco wins zoning approval, $1 million renovation planned

By Nathan Kroon

The Oceana Echo

Volunteer Correspondent

At its Monday, June 12 meeting, the Shelby Village Council gave per-

mission for Wesco Inc. to proceed with renovation plans for an expansion of the store located at 241 N. State Street. Wesco Co-President JJ Westgate attended to answer questions. Drawings and proposals had been submitted to the village around May 12 and were reviewed by Village Administrator Brady Selner.

Wesco No. 53 is now free to undergo a renovation estimated to cost

$1 million. An extension of the northeast wall by 13 feet and the northwest wall by 16 feet will make room for new hot food and refrigerated drink displays, a public restroom and an additional entrance. Bruce Veinnstra of Holland Engineering described the changes that would take place. The changes are designed to improve both safety and crowding in the building. A block-

house on the north end of the property will be demolished to add parking, screened by a privacy fence.

Members of the public were permitted three minutes each for questions and comments. A letter from Shelby resident H.H. Shaw was read, voicing concerns over traffic flow and parking at the station. Administrator Selner vouched that the requirements for a zoning variance were met by the proposal submitted by Wesco and engineering representatives. Councilors voted on the issue six times; each vote confirmed that one of the six standards for a variance had been met.

Before Westgate left, he discussed the possibility of employing local contractors to complete the project. Contractors are invited to watch for bids posted online. “We

look forward to reinvesting in the community. This has been on our radar for quite some time. We are excited to grow with Shelby and Oceana County,” he said.

Meeting minutes are available from village staff upon request.

Gene LaDoux and Ada Rogers, who are both employed at the Wesco in Shelby, reacted upon hearing the news that their workplace was

soon to be reconstructed. LaDoux was invited to mark the occasion with a comment. “I would like to thank the community for all their support for our little gas station these many years. Being a new employee, the store and staff have really stepped up and supported me in learning this job,” Assistant Manager Tami Johnsen summarized the situation succinctly with a single word, “Yay!”

The Shelby Village Council approved a zoning variance for a planned explansion at the Wesco in Shelby at its June 12 meeting. • Nathan Kroon/Echo

A $1 million renovation at the Wesco No. 53 in Shelby will be able to proceed. • Nathan Kroon/Echo

Oceana Community Foundation awards over $323,000 in scholarships, sets new record

PENTWATER – Congratulations and best wishes to the class of 2023!

The Oceana Community Foundation is excited to support 197 new and renewing students and five Complete Your Degree adult scholarship recipients as they pursue higher education. The Foundation’s scholarship program continues to grow to better meet our graduates’ interests in post-secondary education. This year’s program surpassed last year’s record amount with a total of $323,545 in 280 awards from 60 different scholarship funds! Recognizing the value of long-term support for students pursuing higher education, over a third (38 percent) of this year’s awards are renewable in future years, including the Hart Public Schools Robert E. Diman Scholarship, the Shelby Rotary Club Scholarship, the Michael W. Malburg Sr. Memorial Scholarship and more.

Of the 115 Oceana students that applied to this year’s scholarship program, 87 percent received an

award. For scholarship recipients, 27 percent identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color. Over a third (38 percent) are first-generation college students, and 40 percent are TIP eligible, a state program providing college tuition assistance for eligible Medicaid recipients. Most recipients (86 percent) are planning on attending an in-state college or program. Almost a quarter (22 percent) will attend a trade school or community college. The most popular areas of study among recipients include science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM at 44 percent), business (10 percent), and agriculture and trades programs (13 percent). A majority (88 percent) of awards support students recently graduating from high school. To view the full list of scholarship recipients (incoming freshmen, college students and adult learners), check out the foundation’s website.

“We are incredibly excited for this year’s recipients to start their journey towards a degree or skilled

trades certification,” Oceana Community Foundation CEO Tammy Carey shared. “The generosity of so many individuals and groups provides our students both a financial and moral boost, knowing that their community cares about their success.” The foundation currently houses 54 scholarship funds, representing the support of numerous families, individuals, organizations and businesses for Oceana County’s graduates.

Two new scholarship funds were established this year: the Gene Davidson Engineering and Skilled Trades Scholarship and the Clancey Aerts Skilled Trades and Healthcare Scholarship. Both funds granted their first awards to Ali Townsend of Hesperia and Carla Estrada-Navarrete of the University of Michigan.

The Gene Davidson Engineering and Skilled Trades Scholarship was established by the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center (PALC) and Gene’s wife, Barbara, in memory of a great engineer, friend, and artist. Gene and Barbara established PALC in 2002 to create a space for Oceana makers to connect and collaborate. He was a passionate wood- and metalworker, helping build the collaborative ‘Michigan: A Great Lake Love Affair’ sculpture adorning the outside of PALC Center, amongst a

great many items built for friends, family and community spaces. Gene’s memorial scholarship celebrates the ingenuity of future artists and craftspeople – like Ali – and the great works they will create.

Rita Aerts established the Clancy Aerts Skilled Trades and Healthcare Scholarship in memory of her husband and his long-lasting career in agriculture. After graduating from Hart High School, Clancy earned his Bachelor of Science in Dairy Manufacturing from Michigan State University. After serving in the military, he spent his career at the USDA’s dairy division before retiring as the Assistant Market Administrator, Federal Order 40. Outside of the office, Clancy was a loving father, volunteer EMT, dedicated Oceana County Fair President and leader throughout Hart. Rita established his memorial scholarship to support students sharing Clancy’s interests in skilled trades and healthcare, beginning with Carla Estrada-Navarrete, a future physician’s assistant.   For more information about making a gift, now or through an estate plan, creating a named fund at the foundation, or to learn more about our scholarship programs, call Tammy Carey at 231-869-3377 or visit the foundation’s website at www.oceanafoundation.org.

PALC to host special Open House June 19

The Pentwater Artisan Learning Center is an 11,000 sq. ft. workspace for metal and woodworking shops, as well as artistic spaces for painting, pottery, glass crafts, weaving, basket making, sewing and more. Members bring their own supplies and enjoy an environment in which to create, socialize, learn, and share knowledge.

The nonprofit’s mission is to “transfer knowledge from Artisans to other Artisans and to those with little experience who have the desire to learn new crafts. These groups can work at their specialties in a safe, clean, healthy environment; using safe, dependable equipment in a responsible manner. All of this will be accomplished through mentoring and partnership.” Membership is open to anyone and more information can be found at either pentwaterartisan.org or www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100086370397501.

Gene Davidson Memorial Fund

The late Gene Davidson co-founded the PALC with his wife, Barb. Every cent given in Gene’s memory went to a fund to honor his memory. A committee from the PALC board set up the Gene Davidson Engineering & Skilled Trades Scholarship in January at the Community Foundation for Oceana County. This fund will grow with future interested donors for its mission. Eligible students from Oceana County can apply for a scholarship through the foundation.

In March, PALC received the first applicant. A scholarship for $500 was awarded to Ali Townsend. She received her scholarship at the Hesperia High School award night May 16, 2023. Townsend will use the skilled trades scholarship to further her education in construction, with her sights set on

owning her own business.

There will be a plaque in the PALC office honoring the scholarship recipients.

PALC Accomplishments

Members are busy preparing for the fall festival, September 23 and 24, 2023. Many new projects have been added to our roster. Pentwater Junior High and High School art students have been spending time with mentors at PALC. They use their talents to design and make wooden bowls, segmented wood serving trays, stained glass hearts, pottery, and others learned the art of acrylic painting. PALC volunteers have been designing poles for the pole vaulters at PHS. A project for the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) was granted to PALC. Eleven wood and glass awards were designed and completed at PALC. A perpetual  award was designed in the shape of Michigan out of butternut wood and will pass from recipient to recipient for the next 20 years. What an honor to be awarded this job!

When visiting the PALC, you will see upgrades in equipment. An anonymous donor gave $10,000 for a new dust collector. The lighting has been updated with energy-saving bulbs. A huge thank you to our volunteers who managed and installed the dust system and lighting upgrades. These two changes are significant to the operation, cleanliness and safety of the PALC.

Securing the Future

As they assess the necessary ingredients for another successful 20 at the PALC, it is apparent that the number one opportunity that they as an organization face is aging equipment and tools. These assets, along with the wonderful members

and volunteers that contribute so much to the organization, are the essential assets of PALC’s mission.

It is with this in mind that the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center is embarking on a capital campaign to replace and/or repair existing equipment and tools. It is critical that they continue to have current technology and safe equipment to conduct their mission for all to enjoy.

The PALC board has assessed the current inventory of tools and equipment and identified a very detailed replacement and repair strategy so that the next 20 years will be equipped with safe and productive artisan tools. An extensive inventory of their equipment assets, the life left to replace or repair, and the expected life have been assessed. Based on this data, the costs of repair or replacement, they have prepared a plan to ensure they can meet the financial needs to fund the PALC equipment for the future. As this is not an issue of replacing or repairing today, they know what to gradually replace as needed and not disrupt the ongoing operation of the excellent work of the PALC.

Jeff Elhart is PALC co-founder Barb Davidson’s son. He has wanted to give something special to PALC, not only to honor Barb and Gene, but to give the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center longevity for another 20 years. The PALC said they are honored to have Elhart join them in leading this cause in equipping the PALC for the next 20 years.

Members and those interested are invited to hear more about this important campaign to secure the future of the PALC for the next 20 years at a special open house set for Monday June 19 from 4-6 p.m. The open house will be at the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center, 780 Park St., in Pentwater.

Royal Ambassadors represent the National Baby Food Festival

By Nathan Kroon

The Oceana Echo Volunteer Correspondent

As skies darkened with rainclouds Saturday afternoon following the 50th National Asparagus Festival’s Joan Glover Royale Parade, bright smiles were captured on camera. The Oceana Echo was granted an audience with three of four visiting dignitaries from an adjacent county where the festival comes in a different flavor. Queen’s Court Chair Summer Groenke made the introductions.

“The National Baby Food Festival Queen’s Court is a group of young ladies from Newaygo County who spend over 200 hours volunteering throughout the year. We

participate in parades, including the Baby Food Festival. We collect money during [that] festival, which we donate to good causes. Last year we supported Helping Hands, which builds hygiene kits for children in the area. We sponsor kids to attend Camp Henry in Newaygo. We’ve bought books for libraries including Fremont library, White Cloud, and Newaygo Area District Library.”

The title of queen is not inherited or arranged in neighboring Newaygo. Queen Eden Gedmin disclosed the process of selection. “We sent in a picture and an introduction letter about ourselves [concerning] why we wanted to be on the court and what we

can do to help our community. We were picked from these [applicants].”

Queen Rhyan Essebaggers described the 200 service hours involved. “[We staffed] a 5K walk/run check-in and handed out shirts. We [assist in] Harvest Festival arts and craft fairs in Fremont Memorial Park. We host many kid’s days for children with autism and special needs. These kids spend a couple of hours with us on rides [arranged] just for them because sometimes they cannot stand loud noises. The Queens meet and greet with them to share special moments with these special kids.”

Queen Ivy Delo cherishes “all the little kid’s smiles.” As the audience drew to an end, she explained how the greatest aspiration of a queen is to be a role model. “What makes me really happy is seeing all the little kids we come up to, [who understand] oh, I can achieve that too.”

• Nathan Kroon/Echo

Queen Aubrey Hummel was not present for the interview. The National Baby Food Festival of 2023 will be in Fremont

from July 19-22. The festivities feature the Baby Crawl, Baby Food Eating Contest and Grand Parade, a car show, arts and crafts, a carnival and other sources of “good clean family fun” according to the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce. Delo, Essebaggers, Gedmin, and Hummel participate in the finest tradition of philanthropic queens. We wish them well, and await the return of this delegation in 2024.

The Birth of a Festival

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

It has been well established that asparagus has been growing in Oceana County since at least the 1930s. By the 1970s, farms everywhere had added the crop to their operations, with several making it the main crop. It provided not only farmers, but individuals and business people alike, some much-needed income after a long winter. By 1972, Oceana was leading in asparagus production statewide, and it was the topic of much conversation.

At that time, the Shelby Chamber of Commerce did what every chamber of commerce does: they discussed what more they could do to promote the area. Chamber member Sam Bucher is credited with the idea of using “asparagus” as a way to draw people to town. Then chamber president Mike McGovern, who’d recently moved to the area from Alma, Mich., suggested an asparagus bake-off as a fun way to promote the crop and get the whole community involved. As a former chef for Alma College, he remembered being involved in that area’s annual bean festival. In 1972, the chamber had its first “bake-off” competition. It was so successful that they decided to have an asparagus smorgasbord a few weeks later.

When community members were asked to elaborate on those first celebrations, memories were a bit hazy, but there was a common thread: everyone was on board with doing something to showcase asparagus and the area. “What sticks with me is how the business people worked together. They were very supportive of the idea and wanted to see Shelby and the county grow,” McGovern said.

McGovern recalls that in 1973, a one-day event was organized in Shelby that included the bake-off, a small parade, and a car show during the day, with a talent show and smorgasbord in the evening.

Julie (Fleming) Tate, who had been crowned the Great Lakes Vegetable Queen as a junior in high school in the spring of 1973, remembers attending the chamber bake-off and parade. “It’s hard to remember much else; it was so long ago,” she laughed.

A year later, a committee of 25 people selected from all corners of the county was gathering, and sub-committees were formed to create a more formal event. Ed Bauer, of Silver Lake, is credited with suggesting the county host an annual “National Asparagus Festival,” and the idea stuck.

The group discussed the possibility of selecting an asparagus queen later in the summer, with the idea that the queen could enter the Great Lakes Vegetable Queen contest the following spring. Initially, that idea was put on hold due to the fact that the timing didn’t sync well with the recently established Oceana County Cherry Queen pageant that was taking place in June at that time.

Joanne Lound, of Shelby and Mrs. Asparagus 1976, who has been involved with many Asparagus Festivals in the past, remembers that for the 1974 parade, teen daughters of local asparagus farmers were asked to ride on a special float as “Asparagus Princesses.”

In 1974, the Oceana Herald and the Hart Journal jointly published a special section to their papers called the “Asparagus Times’’ to publicize the “2nd Official” Asparagus Festival. Included in the full-size section were informative articles, schedules, photos and recipes. One thing was evident: nearly every business advertised, many taking out full-page ads.

The 1974 week of events really didn’t look a whole lot different than the festivals of more recent history. A listing of events included a golf classic, a recreational vehicle exhibit and an asparagus bake-off Saturday, June 1.

Monday, June 2, featured an Asparagus Contest at the festival’s information tent (for one cent, entrants could guess the number of pieces of asparagus in a large container). On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of that week, processing facility and farm tours were available, with the farm tours utilizing Bill’s and Mac Woods Dune Scooters as transportation to and from area farms. Asparagus preservation demonstrations were also provided by the county extension office.

The festival ended on Saturday, June 8 with a pro-golf demonstration, a parade through Shelby (with an estimated 10,000 people in attendance), and an asparagus smorgasbord costing just $3.50 for adults and $1.75 for children under 12. A talent show at Getty Field rounded out the night.

The committee did eventually decide to have a “Mrs.” Asparagus contest in the fall of 1974, giving the new queen a few months to promote the 1975 festival being planned. Mrs. Maxine Huggard of Shelby was named the first Mrs. Asparagus and would be the first of many lovely, intelligent and energetic women ambassadors of the festivals to come.

Five decades of celebrating Oceana’s premiere vegetable include many wonderful stories, people, activities and more. Whether it was your first or your 50th festival, may you continue to appreciate the rich history and vibrant community spirit behind it all.

Note: This piece was part of The Oceana Echo’s National Asparagus Festival 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition and further illustrates the countywide efforts behind its origins. It was also discovered that last week’s article about the founding of the festival included errors about the locations of the parades in 1974 and 1975. The Echo apologizes for these errors.

Whisky Creek and the County Seat

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

Last week I talked a bit about the burgeoning society of Oceana County during its infancy. In keeping with that theme, I would like to talk about the development of the local government and a bit about that community, which we now know as Whisky Creek.

By 1855, aside from Whisky Creek, there were two more blossoming communities: Pentwater and Stony Creek. What a fine selection of creeks we seem to have in Oceana! Hartwick and Tuller, the authors of our beloved, “Oceana County Pioneers and Business Men of ToDay” recount the election of the first board of supervisors that occurred in February 1855, in the words of one of our earliest setters, Harvey Tower.

“Just how our county machinery was put in motion, I presume very few ever heard. In February, 1855, the Act to provide for the organization of Oceana, Mason and Manistee Counties was passed by the Legislature, and the first election of our county officers was held at Stony Creek…on the first Monday of April following.” (Hartwick and Tuller, 1890, p. 32)

He then names who was elected to what offices and states that the Clerk, Register, and Treasurer-elect all needed to file their oaths by a certain day for the county to begin “having a legal existence.” This, however, seems to have been put off until the deadline arrived, at which point the officers-elect and several other citizens gathered to debate whether or not it was even worth it to establish their own county. The short and skinny is that supporting a separate county would be costly, and it may have been easier to remain attached to Ottawa County instead. But it would seem that this idea was unappealing to most, and it was finally decided that the elected officers should file their oaths after all. However, there was only one little snag. The nearest officer qualified to officiate their oaths resided in White River, and it was already 2 p.m.

The men took an hour to locate some horses, took off, had their oaths officiated and made it back to file their papers just 10 minutes before midnight. To quote again from Harvey Tower’s account of the journey, “To say that the rain fell in torrents, would give but a faint idea of the storm encountered on the ‘home stretch’ of that romantic ride. I doubt if it ever rained harder since the time of Noah.” After filing their papers in the nick of time, the new county treasurer, Amos R. Wheeler, reportedly remarked, “Tower, I don’t

believe a little good Bourbon would hurt either of us.” Tower, who was elected county clerk, wrote this of the matter, “What could Tower do but take a little? Ye teetotalers, say, say, ye severest, what would ye have done?”

The first board of supervisors met June 1, 1855, and according to Hartwick and Tuller, “it required no trick to establish the county seat at Stony Creek which was done.” This, however, only lasted a short time before the board of supervisors met again and moved the county seat to Whisky Creek, which is where it would remain until it was finally moved to Hart in 1864.

Lastly, I would like to leave you all with a brief side note regarding the naming of Whisky Creek. Doubtless, many of you who have been there were disappointed to learn that the creek actually contained nothing more than plain old water. Well, the reason for calling it Whisky Creek seems to have been addressed, albeit indirectly, in Hartwick and Tuller’s book. “As far back as 1849,” this is the same year that the settlers arrived, mind you, “whisky had been sold on Sec. 17, Claybanks, and occasionally at other places since, but only spasmodically and surreptitiously.”

It is interesting to read about the attitudes regarding alcohol in Oceana during this time period, as the temperance movement almost always crops up. Even in the above tale recounted from Harvey Tower, he addresses the “teetotalers” when commenting about accepting the bourbon. Hartwick and Tuller also tell us that by 1860, “No regular saloon had been established… and no organized temperance effort made.” To think that someone was regularly producing and selling whisky on Whisky Creek in this time period with no interruption… well, I think the settlers probably appreciated it greatly.

A Royal Legacy

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

A couple of years ago, I said to myself, “I should write a book for the 50th Anniversary of the National Asparagus Festival.” Well, you know what they say about life happening when you have other plans. The book hasn’t materialized yet, but stay tuned. I’d still like to write one someday.

After spending several months, researching, interviewing and writing for this year’s 50th NAF celebration, I’ve gained a new appreciation for all those who have been so instrumental in bringing the NAF to life every year over the past five decades. From the committees, queens and sponsors to the activity coordinators, farmers, participants and festival goers, each one has been instrumental in making each festival fun and memorable.

yelling, “Mrs. Asparagus?” and then bursting into laughter. Mom just kept smiling, waving, laughing, and talking to the crowd. She was in her glory, and I have to admit, I was glad she was “Mrs. Asparagus” and proud to call her my mother.

Following the parade, it was bumper-to-bumper traffic heading north out of Holland. At one point, we were waved down by another car inching along and asked, “Can we get some of those recipes?” And right there on Business 31, dad pulled closer to them so mom could hand over the requested packet.

I’ve been asked over the years if I would ever consider running for Mrs. Asparagus. While the vote of confidence is flattering, as a former Oceana County Cherry Queen, I had my share of waving from a float and greeting the public at all sorts of functions. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t share just a bit about my life as the daughter of Mrs. Asparagus 1977 Phyllis

Slocum AND the mother of Mrs. Asparagus

2011 Megan Roskam.

My mother - the Queen

I was one of the first to awaken, just like many Sunday mornings before. As I descended the stairs, looking over the banister into the dining room, on the buffet I saw a vase of red roses, a crown and a sash that spelled “Mrs. Asparagus” in green felt letters. I exclaimed to myself, “What? She won? How could this be? I was in eighth grade; she’s too old to be a queen!”

It was March 1977, the fourth year of an annual banquet and pageant to select the new Mrs. Asparagus, an ambassador for the newly-formed National Asparagus Festival. I can vaguely remember Mom making preparations for the event. I have no idea who asked her to run, however, knowing her, she probably volunteered. She looked beautiful that night, as she always did when going out. She wore a green gown she’d had altered from her college days, a white crocheted shawl and a beautifully styled wig. Yes, a wig...they were all the rage in those days.

Dad looked dapper in his pale green suit and probably would have teased her as she got ready, not in a mean way, but out of a sense of pride. My little sisters were probably giddy and excited about their mother possibly becoming a queen. I seem to remember not being too sure about the whole thing. I mean, for heaven’s sake, my twin brother and I were in junior high. What would our friends think? I’m sure we smiled and said good luck as they walked out the door, never dreaming she’d be chosen as queen.

Fast forward to May of that year. Even though we were a busy farming family, my dad agreed to pull the parade float in numerous parades that summer using a new, bright red Jeep Wagoner he’d recently purchased. The very first major event for my mom was the Holland Tulip Festival Parade. Negotiating weekend traffic, with a float in tow and through the crowded backstreets of Holland, was not for the faint of heart, but dad kept his cool.

I was embarrassed when, prior to the parade, mom knocked on someone’s door and asked if she could change into her gown. But what was she to do? There was nowhere else to change, and she met some really nice people as a result. She enjoyed the two-hour wait, greeting passersby and handing out asparagus recipes. During the parade, us kids rode in the cargo area of the vehicle and watched her through the open back window. Spectators were

I was beginning to understand what all the excitement was about. Oceana County was becoming known as the Asparagus Capital of the World. My mom’s “job” as Mrs. Asparagus was to do her very best to promote this delicious and nutritious vegetable across the state. Wearing green attire and a perfectly coiffed wig everywhere she went, she would attend a parade nearly every weekend that summer, cook an asparagus dish on the local television station, be interviewed on the local radio station, and hand out asparagus at the state capital and on the exit ramp in Hart. She would take her title all the way to New York City, when she applied for and was selected to be a contestant on the well-known game show, “To Tell the Truth”. I remember her feeling torn when she had to fly to New York for the show’s taping the same week as my 8th grade graduation. But I don’t remember being resentful that she wasn’t there. I knew that’s who my mom was, and I just remember being proud.

My daughter - The Queen

Fast forward 34 years. I was again surprised when our newly married daughter Megan announced that she was planning to run for “Mrs. Asparagus” 2011. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, she did come from a family of queens! By this time in mom’s life, she had been suffering from vascular dementia for about 10 years. With her dementia, mom remembered very little from one moment to the next. She would ask a lot of the same questions over and over. But being the fun-loving, socially adept person she’d always been, she enjoyed every minute. I was glad she was able to attend, and we were all thrilled when Megan was named queen.

I doubt she even remembered running for Mrs. Asparagus 30 years before, but it was priceless watching mom when Megan was crowned. As she was getting pictures taken, mom couldn’t stop waving, blowing kisses, clapping and telling her granddaughter how happy she was for her. As a former photographer, I think she was also telling the photographer how to pose the girls! It was a bittersweet moment.

This time, instead of questioning the honor as I did when my mother won, I was instantly proud of our daughter. It was a chance to exclaim, “She won! How exciting! I guess I’m now the mother of a queen!” I couldn’t wait to tell everyone I knew. It would be a busy year for Megan, as she participated in many of the same events her Grandma Slocum had back in 1977. Coincidentally, she was on TV too! Chef Lynn Crawford of the Canadian Food Network show “Pitchin’ In” was a guest at the 2011 festival. Her crew filmed the entire festival and later cooked a gourmet dinner at an asparagus farm in Big Rapids with Megan and several members of the committee attending (Season 3, Episode 6 of the show is available online).

So no, my book about the 50 years of the NAF didn’t get written in time to be available for this year’s festival. But in writing this column, I just might have the first chapter done. What do you think?

events calendar summer

Ongoing

June - August - Hart Farmers Market, 6-9 p.m. Thursdays in Downtown Hart. Visit takemetohart.org for more.

June-August - Music on the Commons, 7-9 p.m. Thursdays in Downtown Hart. Visit takemetohart.org for more.

June-September - New Era Farmer’s Market, 4-7 p.m. June 27, July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22 and September 12.

June Live Music

*All live music runs from June through August*

Tuesdays - Silver Lake Community Concert Series

Little Sable Lighthouse

Thursdays - Downtown Hart

Hart Commons Park

Pentwater Civic Band Concerts

Fridays - Hart Historic District

Fox Barn Winery

Chicken Shack

Saturdays - Village Pub & Cafe

Chicken Shack

Sundays - Golden Sands Golf Course

June 17 - Hart Historic District Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hart Historic Village & Museum. Visit harthistoricdistrict.com for more information!

June 17-18 - Spring Fest Arts & Craft Fair, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Village Green in Pentwater.

June July

June 18 - Father’s Day Celebration, all day at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo. Go to visitlewisfarms.com for more information!

June 23 - Pentwater Chamber Golf Outing, 12 p.m. at Lakeside Links. Visit pentwater.org for details.

June 29 - Late Night Shopping, visit takemetohart.org for more details.

July 1 - Country Dair Super Social, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

July 2 - Hart Sparks Fireworks, 6-10 p.m. in Downtown Hart, visit takemetohart.org for more.

July 2 - Stony Lake Sparkler 5K Run, 8 a.m. at the Stony Lake Inn. Visit stonylakesparkler.com for details.

July 3 - Pentwater Fireworks, 10 p.m. at Charles Mears State Park. Visit pentwater.org for information.

July 4 - Thunder Over the Dunes! Fireworks, 10 p.m. Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park. Visit thinkdunes. com.

July 8 - Fine Arts & Crafts Fair, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Village Green in Pentwater. Visit pentwaterjrwomensclub.com.

Living Legacies: The 50th National Asparagus Festival Joan Glover Royale Parade

• David Dodge/Echo

O bituaries

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

Alice Marie Cunningham

June 26, 1936 ~ June 10, 2023

Alice Marie Cunningham, 86, of Hart, passed away Saturday, June 10, 2023. She was born June 26, 1936, in Suttons Bay, the daughter of Ferdinand and Marion (Wahl) Eckerle.

Alice attended St. Michael’s Catholic Elementary and graduated from Suttons Bay High School in 1954. She attended Central Michigan University and earned her B.A. in Home Economics and Education in 1958. She also attended the University of Wyoming in 1967. She was employed as a Home Economics teacher for 35 years, starting for Hart High School in 1958 and retiring in 1993.

Alice was very involved in the local school system, including as a Junior Class Advisor, responsible for the Jr-Sr Banquet, Jr-Sr Prom, Sweethearts Ball, homecoming floats, (FHA) Future Homemakers of America advisor, a sponsored FHA State President, Sports Program support, and ticket taker for football and basketball games. She was also involved with the Michigan Education Association, serving as President of the Hart Education Association for several years, Chief Negotiator, a Bargaining Team Member with several multi-year contracts, and chairperson of MEA retired 13-B which serves Oceana, Mason and Manistee Counties. She was a lifetime member of the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association, and she attended the MEA Representative Assembly as a retired member and the NEA convention as a delegate numerous times.

Alice received many awards, such as MEA Outstanding Education Leadership Award in 1993, Hart High School Athletic Department Award for Dedicated Service in 1975, Hart High School Student Body Recognition Award upon retirement in 1993, the Hart Education Association Recognition Award for 35 years of service, and the Michigan Education Association Recognition Award for 35 years of service.

For 34 years, her Home Economics classroom was right next to her husband’s history classroom at Hart High School.

Alice was also active in the local Hart community, serving as Assistant Voter Clerk responsible for voter registration rolls, and as head of poll workers responsible for all Hart City elections for over 10 years. She was also a member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church since September of 1958, and was head of the funeral luncheon committee for many years.

Alice also had many interests, including Christmas and everything that went with it; she would decorate not only her home, but also her classroom at school. She also liked working outdoors with her flowers, especially her many rose bushes, and traveling; she and her husband, Jim, traveled throughout the U.S., from Miami to San Francisco, Los Angeles to New York City, and many points in between.

On Aug. 21, 1965, she married James “Jim” Cunningham, and he survives her after 57 years of marriage. She is also survived by: her brothers, Albert Eckerle, Jim (Shirley) Eckerle, and Tom Eckerle; sisters-in-law, Donna Eckerle and Mary (Howard) Sand; nieces and nephews, Leisa (Andy) Hankins, Chris (Gretchen) Eckerle, Jeff (Lisa) Eckerle, Brian Eckerle, Kirk Eckerle, Emily (Matt) Howell, Stephanie (Matthew) McFadden, Jeff (Sue) Attwood, Dale Attwood, Laurie (Jeff) Bensen, Sherry (Doug) Teggatz, Julie (Brad) Boyle, and Doug (Janna) Sand; and 31 great nieces and nephews; and four great-grand nieces and nephews.

Alice was preceded in death by: her parents; brothers, Gerald and Edward; sisters-in-law, Bernadette Eckerle and Margery Attwood; and brother-in-law, Donald Cunningham.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023, at St. Gregory Catholic Church, 214 S. Peach Street, Hart, MI 49420, with Fr. Phillip Sliwinski presiding, The family will receive friends one hour prior to Mass, with a luncheon immediately following. Visitation will take place from 5-8 p.m., Friday, June 16, 2023, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI 49420, with a praying of the Holy Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Interment will be in Hart Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oceana County Community Foundation, St. Gregory Catholic Church or the Crystal Valley Care Fund.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com

Obituary Information:

We, at The Oceana Echo, offer our deepest condolences for your loss and are here to help you tell others about your loved one’s life and the plans you have made to honor, celebrate and remember them

If you would like to place an obituary with us, please tell your arrangement specialist or email us at theoceanaecho@gmail.com.

New Era Farmers Market begins June 27

New Michigan Fresh Cooking Show to serve up Spicy Asian Roasted Asparagus

The New Era Farmers Market kicks off its season June 27 from 4-7 p.m., which is right around the corner. The market is located at 1820 Ray Ave. in New Era. Our mascot, Raye the Scarecrow, along with the sign, will be on the corner as usual to remind people it is market day and to point to the market. Plan on coming for dinner. There will be three hot food vendors: Deb’s Cafe, Country Dairy and The Artisan.

Agewell Services will be there from Muskegon to sign-up qualifying seniors for the Senior Market Fresh Program. This year, qualifying participants will receive $30 in coupons to buy free produce anywhere that accepts Senior Market Fresh. We will have $4 in tokens to give out to both seniors and kids to purchase produce. We also accept SNAP benefits and DUFB. Please remember that DUFB is capped at $10 this year.

New at the market this year will be the Michigan Fresh Cooking Show from 4-5 p.m. Oceana County MSU Extension Nutrition Educator Lisa

Fleury will teach this cooking class June 27, and “Spicy Asian Roasted Asparagus” will be featured. The recipe will be given at the end of the show. SNAP participants are highly encouraged to sign-up, and you will receive a free meal kit following the class. To register for the class, please call Lisa Fleury at MSU Extension, (231) 873-2129, ext. 6866. Please leave a message. The deadline to sign-up is June 20. Take-home kits are sponsored by Molina Healthcare.

June 27 is also the annual bike rodeo from 4-5 p.m. Children should bring their bikes, and there will be an obstacle course, free bike helmets from Trinity Health Injury Prevention, free flags donated by Riding with Ryan and a drawing to win a bicycle.

The entertainment starts at 5 p.m. and features the Red Eye band. The market wraps up at 7 p.m.

The market dates for the rest of the summer are: July 11, July 25, Aug. 8, Aug. 22 and Sept. 12.

It’s Bittersweet...

Jean’s Herbs & Things is changing hands, and Jean is retiring. Anna, the new owner, is willing to carry my products for those that wish her to, along with her own variety of merchandise. There will be a closing sale June 19-23 & June 26-29.

A big thank you for being loyal, for sharing information, comfort in words when needed and most of all to the new friends I have made.

Hesperia

Coming soon to 140 N. Division in Hesperia

The Circus is coming to Hart

The Culpepper & Merriweather Great Combined Circus will be in Hart for four shows next weekend. Look for the Big Top at the Oceana County Fairgrounds. Showtimes are 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24, and 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 25.

The circus is sponsored by the Oceana County Agricultural Society. Tickets are available now at the following locations: Hansen Foods (3750 W. Polk Rd. in Hart), Merten’s Farmhouse Market (230 E. Polk Rd. in Hart), Up North Farm Market (3890 Monroe Rd. in Hart), Tri-County Feed Services (4670 1st St. in New Era) and Cherry Hill Super Market (424 N. State. St. in Shelby). Ticket prices are $13 for adults and $8 for children, and all shows sold out the last time the circus came to town. Those who wish to attend are encouraged by organizers to get their tickets soon.

Drew Kolenda and Elias Marjasalo soar for Falcons at Division 4 golf state finals

By Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Reporter

Pentwater golf has grown accustomed to competing in the state finals, and that was no different when two Falcons qualified for the event. Seniors Drew Kolenda and Elias Marjasalo took part in the MHSAA Division 4 state finals in Battle Creek, June 9-10.

Kolenda was no stranger to the competition, competing in his fourth consecutive state finals. That showed on the course in the first day of competition, as he secured his best initial round finish of his high school career.

With impressive drives that set up nice approaches and makeable putts, Kolenda ended up shooting an 85 on his first 18 holes. That score was made possible by seven pars.

That effort flowed into the second day of competition, as Kolenda started off with four straight pars. Even with some tough drives, Kolenda managed to finish his day with eight pars and two birdies. That allowed him to finish 25th overall.

For Marjasalo, a foreign exchange student this year, the finals marked his first major golfing event, which evoked a few nerves. After a rough couple of holes to start, Marjasalo settled in and notched a

string of four pars in a row.

Marjasalo finished day one with five pars in total and a score of 91. Marjasalo stayed consistent

Hart softball shutout by Kingsley in regional semifinals

By Brendan Samuels

The

Oceana

Echo

Sports Reporter

TRAVERSE CITY – The box score didn’t tell the whole story in Hart softball’s 8-0 loss to Kingsley in the regional semifinals Saturday, June 10. Hart recorded six hits to Kingsley’s seven and committed just two fielding

errors to their opponent’s one. Ultimately, it came down to superior pitching for the Stags and early game struggles for the Pirates in the same arena.

The Pirates had their offense clicking early after Nora Chickering singled to lead off the batting order. With one out, Kelsey Copenhaver earned a walk and Gabby Schmieding singled. Quickly, the Pirates

had the bases loaded and a chance to strike first. Kingsley recovered, however, retiring that frame without allowing Hart to cross home plate.

Copenhaver started the day pitching for Hart, and did well against the top of the Stags’ order, striking out two to leave the inning with the score knotted at zeroes.

Hart’s bats were active once again in the second inning, but they failed to take advantage of runners on the basepaths. Ambrielle Duncan and Chickering notched singles, but neither were batted in by teammates.

The Stags broke the tie in the bottom of the second inning. After a strikeout to start the frame for Copenhaver, three consecutive Stags were walked. With the bases loaded and two outs, Copenhaver struggled to find the strike zone, walking another and hitting a batter with a pitch to bring in two runs.

After watching Hart stall out in their half of the third, Kingsley built on their lead. Two walks and three base hits in the bottom of the third increased their lead to 5-0 in the blink of an eye. That would also spell the end of

Copenhaver’s day pitching, as the Pirates turned to Gabby Quijas in relief.

“(Pitching) was our biggest concern this year. We lost Finley Kistler last year, and she was big for us on the mound for four years,” DeVries said. “Kelsey is a sophomore, and I have nothing but praise for her today. She went in there and battled.

“I went right to (Quijas) when things got to be a little bit too much because I know she’s going to pound the zone

and keep the other team off balance.”

Quijas gained confidence as she sat down the Stags after facing just four batters in the fourth inning. That allowed Hart the chance to gain momentum, and they had every chance to do so.

The top of the fifth inning started with Makenna Carrier earning a walk and then stealing second. Two batters

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Hart’s Kelsey Copenhaver takes a big swing at a pitch during a regional semifinals loss to Kingsley. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

Hart’s Makenna Carrier prepares to take a lead off second base.

• Brendan Samuels/Echo

Pentwater’s Elias Marjasalo (left) and Drew Kolenda (right) prepare to compete in the Division 4 golf state finals in Battle Creek. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

on day two as well, finishing with six pars and a final score of 94 to combine for a 185 total. That put him in 72nd out of 110 golfers.

Shelby Public Schools Food Service is Feeding the Need in Our Community

This summer, Shelby Public Schools Food Service is Feeding the Need in Our Community every Thursday 9:30-11 a.m. from June 22 though Aug. 24.

Meals are available for free to any child from any school district. Children do not have to be present to receive the meals. Parents may collect food for their neighbors’ children, and guardians or grandparents may collect for their family.

Distribution is at Shelby High School, 641 N. State St. in Shelby. Each child will receive:

• 7 breakfasts

• 7 lunches

• 4 frozen lunches (can be reheated)

• 2 sandwich lunches

• 1 yummy individual pizza lunch

• 1 gallon of milk

• 1-64 oz. 100% fruit juice

• Locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, when available

Further details:

• No delivery is available.

• They must stop serving at 11 a.m.

• Please be on time, as they cannot serve anyone outside the designated times.

• If any child has a food allergy, they will need medical documentation to make an exception and provide alternative meals. If those with accommodations fail to collect the meals, they will suspend this accommodation.

For more information please contact Shelby Public Schools Food Service at 231-861-0317.

Hart Softball

continued from page 14

later, Schmieding was on first thanks to a base on balls. Carrier eventually advanced to third on a wild pitch, with Schmieding moving to second. The Pirates had two runners in scoring position.

Kingsley recovered on a pair of outs, however,

spelling what would be the last chance the Pirates had to score that day. The Stags scored three more in the bottom of the fifth and salted away the final two innings, earning an 8-0 shutout win over Hart.

“Our goal today was to come in and compete

and not beat ourselves. I believe we accomplished that goal,” DeVries said. “We made plays that were given to us, and we put the bat on the ball. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to come up with a big hit when we needed it.”

Este verano de 2023! 22 de junio24 de agosto de Cada jueves 9:30 a.m. a 11:00 a.m.

Escuela secundaria de Shelby, 641 calle del estado del norte Shelby, MI 49455

Cada Niño Recibirá:

• 7 Desayunos

• 7 Almuerzos

• 4 Almuerzos Que Son Congelados (Pueden Ser Recalentados)

• 2 Almuerzos Sandwich

• 1 Delicioso Almuerzo Individual Con Pizza

• 1 Galón De Leche

• 1-64 oz. De Jugo 100% Frutas

• Frutas Y Verduras Frescas Cultivadas Localmente

Teeing ff

The

Benona Shores:

• Dave Law (5/31) - Hole in one on No. 6 from 103 yards with a 9 iron.

• John Jackoviak (6/3)Hole in one on No. 9 from 183 yards with a 6 iron.

• Scott Reed (6/3) - Hole in one on No. 10 from 206 yards with a 5 wood.

• Derek Worth (6/4)Hole in one on No. 10 from 206 yards with a 5 iron.

• Shawn Pranger (6/6) - Eagle on No. 16 from 333 yards with a driver and putter.

Cuando Estén Disponibles

• Gratis a cualquier niño de cualquier distrito escolar. • Puedes recoger alimentos para tus vecinos hijos, tutores, abuelos pueden recoger para sus familiares.

• No habrá entrega disponible.

• Debemos dejar de servir a las 11:00 a. M., Por favor llegue a tiempo, no podemos atenderlo fuera de nuestros horarios designados

• Si su hijo tiene una alergia alimentaria, necesitaremos documentación médica para hacer una aceptación y proporcionar comidas alternativas. Si no recoge las comidas suspendemos este alojamiento.

Servicio de alimentos de la escuela secundaria Shelby 231-861-0317.

All in all, it was a successful first season at the helm for DeVries. The Pirates finished at 15-161 and earned their third straight district title. With a young team, DeVries is confident that things are only looking up for Hart.

“Those nerves don’t get you as much when you’ve been here before,” DeVries said. “We started four freshmen and two sophomores today. You expect them to make some mistakes, but they made big plays out there. This environment as a young person is only going to help them.”

Please Help Us Welcome Our New Agent!

Tim and his wife, Dawn, moved to Hesperia from the Kalamazoo area 2 years ago. Prior to this, they visited the area on weekends spending time at their property in Hesperia. They fell in love with the area and kind people, so they decided to build a home and move here!

Tim sold his machining business in 2021 to pursue other interests, which led him to real estate. His strong business sense and follow-through will be a huge asset to his clients. No matter what your real estate needs may be, Tim will guide you through the process from beginning to end.

Anchoring our community since 1986

top shots from local golf courses

Hart’s MaKayla Rockwell fields a throw to first base. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

Hart’s Gabby Quijas winds up to pitch in the Pirates’ regional semifinals game against Kingsley.

• Brendan Samuels/Echo