Dear Editor:

Now that Lincoln Road is closed due to construction, it seems like the county could get out and cut the weeds down on Tyler and Alger and also on Harrison and Alger so drivers will have a better view to see oncoming traffic.

K. Vojtas
Alma

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To the Editor:

As Queen of the Gratiot Agricultural Society and Expo, I will symbolize the fair with pride and enthusiasm as the best event in Gratiot County.

The Gratiot Agricultural Society and Expo, fondly referred to as our fair, have always played a big part in my life and the lives of many others. It not only defines me but it defines our community as it has for many years. Our fair is unique since we welcome those of all ages to exhibit and participate. The residents and local businesses of our community join together to create a “home away from home” atmosphere for new and returning attendees. Our fair is a nonsmoking, non-alcohol environment making it a safe and enjoyable experience for all who attend. Our fair exemplifies the importance of agriculture and its future.

The kids and adults prepare all year long in anticipation and excitement of fair. From baked and canned goods, crafts and photography to agricultural products to display in the exhibit building to the animal exhibit barns that fill up with many animals, such as horses, rabbits, beef, and swine that they have cared for and worked with all year long. They don’t do it for the ribbons or premiums, but because they are proud of what they do. It is an extension of their way of life and with that realizes the importance of sustaining that way of life in our community.

We may not have amusement rides, but no one seems to miss them, choosing instead to cheer each other on at the chicken chase, mutton busting, light and heavy weight horse pulls and calf scramble events. The inflatable bouncy house and obstacle courses and of course the pony ring, that I spent many hours riding on as a little girl are also enjoyed by everyone. Let’s not forget our delicious Farmer’s Dinner that fills the air with a delightful aroma as it cooks throughout the day and at the end of that day fills our tummies as we all gather around enjoying the delicious flavors and relive our day at the fair as we share that day’s stories.

I will be a good representative for our Gratiot Agricultural Fair not only because I have attended and exhibited at our fair, but I have also been a commissioner for the exhibit building, for kid’s creations and garments/quilts departments, for several years and recently a ringmaster for the Gratiot Agricultural Society Twilight Horse Show. I plan to always volunteer, attend and exhibit at our fair for many years to come and know as well as many others the importance of our fair to our community and continuation of agriculture awareness.

As Queen of the Gratiot Agricultural Society and Expo, I will do my best to symbolize the fair with pride and enthusiasm as the best event in Gratiot County.

Andrea Ring
Pompeii

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To the Editor:

On Thursday, May 12, Pine River Recreation Club in Elm Hall, hosted children in 1st Grade of Alma Public Schools from Luce Road Early Childhood Learning Center and Palo Public Schools at their Recreation area in Gratiot County.

For the 6th year a donation from the Pine River Recreation Club paid for transporting the students, made sure the area was kid friendly and ready. They also paid for a portion of the program “Lords of the Sky” put on by the Howell Conference and Nature Center. Alma Public Schools PTO and Palo Schools PTO funded the balance of the program.

A total of nearly 200 students took part in this adventure. Students were able to hike through the property of woods and meadows located along the Pine River. They participated in a “catch and release” activity with bug magnifiers while on the hike. They studied the concept of camouflage after hearing the story Lost In The Woods.

A taste testing activity was provided by SPLASH a State and Federally funded program by way of the Michigan Nutrition Network and the Michigan Fitness Foundation. Here they were taught the benefits of having nutritionally sound snacks while camping, hiking, backpacking, swimming, camping and enjoying nature. They also participated in activities that included using their senses during these activities, the Leopold Education Project for teaching how we exist with nature, tree identification and a bird dance activity.

The highlight of the outdoor adventure was experiencing the program brought to us by the Howell Nature and Conference Center. They rehabilitate injured birds and animals and release them back into the wild when able. Through their program “Lords of the Sky”, the students were able to see and develop a sense for what predator birds are all about. They saw a red-tailed hawk, peregrine falcon, great horned owl, turkey buzzard (not a true bird of prey) and an eagle (truly a majestic bird).

The children ate lunch on the grounds surrounded by nature and returned with a greater appreciation for all that surrounds them. Having stayed behind to “clean up”, it was wonderful to see a place look as if 200 students had not been there…they left nature as it was. A gracious thank you to our hosts, the Pine River Recreation Club.

Sincerely,

1st Grade Teachers at Luce Road Early Childhood Learning Center and Palo Public Schools.

Betty Aubin
Kathleen Cranna
Kristie Falor /Richelle Davis
Nancy Gott
Colleen Oosting
Michele Ringle
Bonnie Simcox
LouAnne Tucker
Judy Zehner
Pam Ruid