Volume 1, Issue 20 OCTOBER 13, 2023
A Heart for Hart
Tin Man officially dedicated to city By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
tled “Put Hart on the Map.” The song, created by a group of “Art in Hart’’ enthusiasts last year, became part of the “Put Your Town on the Map” grant application and video that was used in the competition sponsored by Consumers Energy. Hart ultimately placed third in that competition and received $10,000, which they used to partially fund the creation of the Tin Man sculpture. Through the generosity of many others in the community, the remaining funds needed were raised in less than a year.
New Era Farmers Market receives $30,000 grant There was much applause at the Oct. 3 New Era Farmers Market Appreciation Dinner at New Era Christian Reformed Church, when Program Implementation Coordinator of Trinity Health Muskegon Michael C. Ramsey presented Market Manager Sandy Whitaker with a check for $30,000. This grant will provide $10,000 in funding per year for the next three years and will be used for “Growing Health in Oceana County.” This will help to ensure that the programs providing tokens for free produce for seniors and children will continue at markets during the summer. Organizers will also have funding to maintain and, if needed, expand the community garden. Also, in collaboration with MSU Extension, they will be able to offer MI Fresh cooking shows during the market season, and during the rest of the year, they will be able to offer Eat Healthy, Be Active classes, a series of six-week classes that are two hours in length. The number of class series to be offered is to be determined. Classes will feature take-home kits to prepare the featured recipe at home. They will be seeking other sponsors to ensure that the take-home kits can continue to be given to each class participant. Community members can help by
The plaque recently erected at the Tin Man sculpture in downtown Hart states in part, “A heart is not judged by how much you love; but how much you are loved by others.” - The Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. Narration, created by Hart City Manager Rob Splane, further goes on to say, “The Tin Woodsman, or “Tin Man” has deep roots in European and American Put Hart on the Map history and often appeared in cartoons (to the tune of “If I Only Had a Heart”) of the 1880s and 1890s. The Tin Woods1st verse man is described as a worker partially When a town has empty coffers dehumanized by industrialization. The But knows just what it offers Tin Woodsman, little by little, lost his In food and fun and art natural body and had it replaced by Just because you are a cruisin’ metal; in addition, he has lost his heart You don’t wanna be missin’ and cannot move without the help of …. the pretty town of Hart. farmers (represented by the Scarecrow 2nd verse in the Wizard of Oz). In reality, he has It isn’t just a-knowing a strong sense of cooperation and love, It’s sharin’, learnin’, growin’ which need only an infusion of confiTogether everyday dence and support to be awakened. In Whether work or education the 1890s, many argued that to secure a We are more than for vacation revolution in industry and agriculture, And for any length of stay a coalition of farmers and workers was Interlude needed. This is why the Tin Man looks Picture here, the Tin Man near at home in Hart, Mich., Oceana County, Relaxing by the lake where he found his heart.” Downtown charm and friendly At Saturday’s formal ribbon cutting people meet and dedication, nearly 40 people braved By Sharon Hallack West Michigan’s - H(e)art beat! the elements to pose for a photo under The Oceana Echo 3rd verse the sculpture installed in June. A symCommunity Contributor A kaleidoscope of stories bolic ribbon cutting formally dedicated Diversity and glory the Tin Man sculpture, commissioned The entire communiWe’re not a tourist trap by the City of Hart, by Pennsylvania artty is invited and encourSo just exit at the sign ist and ArtPrize winner Bill Secunda. aged to attend a Families Hart’s number 1-4-9 In addition, Sharon Hallack sang a Against Narcotics (FAN) And put us on the map! parody of “If I Only Had a Heart,” entiinformational meeting Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 6-8 p.m. at the Community Services Building located at 844 Griswold St. in Hart (keep reading for detour directions). Meeting promoter Denise Pagura, of Walkerville and Hart, shares that since finding this program two years ago, she has been very impressed with the services they offer and wanted to bring it to Oceana County. “I am passionate about getting this group started in Oceana County with the hopes of saving more lives from this The 2023 Shelby Homecoming Queen and King are Hannah Frees and Wyatt Dickman. The two were crowned after the infestation of street drugs rain let up a bit during halftime at last Friday’s varsity footlaced with fentanyl,” she ball game. The Tigers were unable to hold off the Manistee said. “Our young adults Mariners, falling 52-14. • Brendan Samuels/Echo are dying, and the only
Michael C. Ramsey and Sandy Whitaker contributing as either a Friend of the Market or as a business donor. Goals for 2024 are to increase the number of vendors at the markets and to provide increased focus on the well-being of kids by providing educational activities, fitness and recreational programs. Please contact Sandy Whitaker for more information on becoming a donor or volunteering at our markets at shoppnqueen@hotmail.com or you may call New Era Christian Reformed Church at 231-861-5554.
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Families Against Narcotics meeting planned to provide life-saving information way we can fight back is to ban together with support, empathy and programs that will help them get their lives back on track.” According to Pagura, Families Against Narcotics chapters are currently located in Grand Rapids, Traverse City and Newaygo Counties. Macomb County is the flagship county for the organization, with many of the 22 state chapters located on the east side of the state. Jestine Garcia, Regional Coordinator for FAN, will be the speaker for the event and will give a formal presentation from 6-7 p.m. A question and answer time will follow from 7-8 p.m. “The goal of the meeting is to provide information on what services and programs this organization provides with the hopes of starting a chapter in Oceana
County. We want to bring the community together to discuss this devastating problem affecting so many individuals and families in this community,” said Pagura. “Together, we can make a dramatic difference in so many lives. I hope many will take the time to learn how our country is being affected by this epidemic and hear more about FAN’s programs. You will not be disappointed; Jestine Garcia is a wealth of information and statistics.” Due to construction, Griswold Street is closed at Polk Road; however, attendees can access the Community Services building from the north side of town. Those needing further information may email Pagura at mrspagura@aol.com or access the statewide organization’s website at www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org