Harry and Laura Johnson

Harry and Laura Johnson have made their home in northern Newaygo County since the early 1970s. In addition to their involvement in service organizations like the Lions Club, the Johnsons are passionate about Big Jackson Public Schools. The distinctly rural school district serves kindergarten through sixth grade students in the northeastern part of Newaygo County. The Johnsons’ three sons attended there, and now their grandson does. They are regular volunteers and Laura has served on the school board for more than 20 years.

“The school community is a little family, not just a school,” said Laura. “There’s a support network here.”

The small size of the school means everyone knows each other and people pitch in to help. “We support each other in times of need,” said Laura. “That’s the kind of community we have.”

Harry and Laura have also supported the school by giving to the Big Jackson Public Schools Fund at the Community Foundation. It’s a way to help now and in the future, and it speaks to their love of the school and what it means to the area.

“We don’t have an abundance, but our bills are paid and I think it’s important to share what you have,” said Laura. “Big Jackson has an endowment fund, and we wanted to give to it to support the school. It’s not a lot, but it’s just our little way to support it.”

Newaygo County Autism Community

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children, and children with autism are at an even greater risk—160 times greater, according to a 2017 Columbia University study. This sobering reality was top of mind when the Newaygo County Autism Community developed their Safe Swim Academy.

“When we started the Newaygo County Autism Community group, we thought about what was important,” said Kathe Scott, a founder of the group. “With so many bodies of water in Newaygo County, we believed it would be irresponsible not to offer a program like this.”

The program—funded by a grant from our Amazing X Charitable Trust—provided swimming and water safety instruction for local people living with autism. Beginning with an individual assessment, instructor Dana Simon developed a course for each student based on factors like their experience, abilities, and overall comfort in the water.

With Dana, “we struck gold,” said Kathe. Dana has taught swimming since she was a teenager and holds multiple swimming and water safety certifications. She is also a certified special education teacher. “Where else can you find a special education teacher with these qualifications?” added Kathe.

“Having that experience has been very helpful,” said Dana. “You have to meet them where they are and take small steps.”

Lessons also included sharing tips and skills with parents and guardians. Dana is passionate about teaching layers of protection, from proper supervision and installing self-latching gates around pools to choosing brightly colored swimsuits that are easy to spot in the water.

While all students began and ended classes this summer at their own unique levels, their growth was something to celebrate for Dana and Kathe.

“It has been exciting to see the growth from day one to now,” said Dana. “It’s rewarding to see that progress and how the small steps add up.”

The Beattie Family

Cameron Beattie was social, athletic, and loved to sing in the car. He relished time spent with his older brother and cousins. “He wasn’t a kid who had a small circle,” Cameron’s mom, Kirsten Beattie, shared with a smile.

When Cameron passed away in 2015, so many people attended the Fremont sophomore’s memorial that the service had to be held in the high school gym. In the years since, his legacy has continued through the efforts and generosity of family and friends. Each year, the Beatties host a cornhole tournament with proceeds going to projects or organizations that Cameron was involved in or would have loved.

The family also created a scholarship at the Community Foundation in Cameron’s memory. “It’s for students who may have a little lower GPA, like Cameron, and it includes his sports background,” said Kirsten. “We want those students to know they can be successful.”

It is a fitting tribute to a teenager who once gave away his new tennis shoes because he felt someone else needed them more.

“He told me his old shoes still fit,” remembered Kirsten. “My son was a giver. He knew a single mom down the street worked third shift, so he would play outside with her kids so she could sleep.”

Though Cameron’s life was tragically cut short, reminders of this generous, fun-loving young man are everywhere. The nephew he never got to meet “is so like him,” said Kirsten. His name is prominently displayed at Fremont’s baseball field and, each year, another student continues their education with help from Cameron’s scholarship.

“It was the best way we could think of to keep his memory alive,” said Kirsten. “People tell me, ‘I didn’t know him, but I see his name everywhere.’ It’s very rewarding.”

Jenine Stickler Memorial Fund

This story comes from the newsletter of our affiliate, Mecosta County Community Foundation. While MCCF holds the Jenine Stickler Memorial Fund, the fund also benefits young people in Newaygo, Osceola, Lake, and Montcalm counties.

For more than 50 years, Wheatland Music Festival has been a celebration of the music and art that is passed from person to person and from one generation to the next. The organization’s Jenine Stickler Memorial Fund at Mecosta County Community Foundation continues that celebration and legacy.

Jenine Stickler served on Wheatland’s arts and crafts committee and was a vocalist, pianist, and community leader. “There was always music in her home,” said Pamela Burke, a Wheatland Music Organization volunteer. “She was full of life and giggles. She was a ‘reacher-outer.’ She might stop and visit five people on her way home from work to check on them.”

After Jenine passed away, friends and family created a fund in her memory to help local students develop their artistic abilities. Through the fund, youth with financial need from Mecosta, Newaygo, Osceola, Lake, and Montcalm counties can apply for help obtaining art tools and equipment like instruments, dance shoes, art kits, and more. Teachers and nonprofit instructors can also apply for funding for a group of instruments or art supplies that students can use and take home.

“We established the fund at the Community Foundation because we wanted to have a fund that’s invested and earning interest,” said Pamela. “That makes it permanent, and permanency is the key. The fund will always be there, growing and helping people.”

As the fund helps young people buy instruments, pottery supplies, dance shoes, and more, it introduces new generations to art forms that have been carefully preserved over many years. It also celebrates the vibrant life of a woman who valued creativity and community.

“Jenine was very much a gift-giver,” said Pamela. “This is her still giving. She was full of joy, and filling others with joy would make her so happy.”

For more information on applying for funds from the Jenine Stickler Memorial Fund, visit Wheatland’s website at wheatlandmusic.org or email scholarship@wheatlandmusic.org.

Erich Heger, Teresa Heger, and Steve Vissia

The Heger Vissia Soccer Coaches Scholarship Fund celebrates a historic season and a valued partnership of more than 20 years.

After Erich and Teresa Heger moved to Fremont in the early 2000s, a coworker introduced Erich to the high school’s soccer coach Steve Vissia. Erich became the assistant coach and has worked with the varsity programs ever since.

“Steve opened that door for me, and it’s been a life changer,” said Erich.

“It’s been lifechanging for both of us and for so many kids,” added Steve. “Erich has touched so many lives.”

The boys’ varsity team celebrated its most successful season on record in 2023. It felt like the right time to reveal Erich’s idea for a scholarship. “That was a special group and a special season,” he said. “It was the perfect year to create the scholarship fund.”

The scholarship will be awarded annually to members of the boys and girls varsity teams. The Hegers know first-hand how impactful scholarships can be. Their daughters received scholarships from the Community Foundation and other organizations. “After having received like that, we want to give back,” Erich said.

“We have a lot of gratitude,” said Teresa. “We also wanted to recognize Steve for his leadership and community involvement. Erich and Steve give to the community together, and this scholarship is a great way to honor that.”

Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter

Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter created the Seniors for Seniors Foster Cat Program as a way to address two problems: too many older cats lingered in shelters waiting for homes, and many older adults were missing out on the companionship of a pet because of concerns that kept them from adopting.

Through this innovative program, older adults are matched with a cat to foster. Costs like food, veterinary care, and other necessities are covered. Bellwether staffers Linda Vaughn and Joy Goodall visit once a month for checkups and are on-call for concerns between visits. Cat parents also know that if they can’t care for their pet—during a hospital stay, for example—their cat will be provided for and kept safe at Bellwether.

“The program has really taken off,” said Linda. “It’s rewarding to see cats in homes and flourishing.”

Seniors for Seniors—which is supported by grants from the Bridging Generations Fund—also makes an impact on human participants. “Having a cat brings our older adults so much joy and gives them a sense of purpose,” said Joy. “Some tell us they have a reason to get out of bed every morning now.”

“We love to see how well the seniors and cats are doing together,” added Linda. “It makes us really happy to know we are making a difference in their lives.”

The Deur Family

Lou and Bev Deur served in their church and on local boards, welcomed visitors, and made giving a top priority throughout their lives. Their outlook made a lasting impression on their children Jonell Pettinga, Eric Deur, Christopher Deur, and Garth Deur. “I’ve been a serial volunteer,” Garth remarked with a smile. “My siblings too.”

That drive to give and lend a hand is part of a legacy passed down from Eugene Deur, Lou’s father and Garth’s grandfather. Eugene founded Deur Chevrolet and actively served his community. “Grandpa was always very involved in the community,” said Garth. “I don’t think Dad ever realized it was an option not to be.”

After Bev passed away in 2018 and Lou in 2022, Garth went through three years of Lou’s check registers, making a long list of every charity he had supported. The family partnered with the Community Foundation to direct estate gifts to the organizations on the list and create two new endowment funds. “Dad always respected the people who worked at the Community Foundation,” said Garth. “He thought charity should be done well and professionally.”

Their gifts and the funds they created will help ensure that Lou and Bev continue to be a force for good in their home community for generations to come.

“They had huge, big hearts,” said Garth. “I’m super proud of them.”

Heritage Museum of Newaygo County

If you haven’t been to the museum in downtown Newaygo in a few years, then you haven’t been to the museum. After a dramatic renovation and rebranding, the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County is spacious, bright, and a perfect combination of new and historic. It features engaging exhibits, multi-functional meeting spaces, a gift shop showcasing local art, and more.

“We want to be a center for the community,” said Steven Radtke, executive director. “We’re proud of creating a space everyone can engage in and where everyone can come to learn.”

The museum highlights some of the most significant events, features, and industries in Newaygo County’s history. Adults and students are also welcomed regularly for classes, lectures, and educational programs. A 2023 grant from the Community Foundation helped fund more interactive displays.

“There’s a perception that history has no relevance to today or that museums are old and uninteresting,” said Steven. “We’re working to combat that. We’re breaking apart the idea of a dusty, old museum.”

Steven brought a lifelong love of history to his position in 2018, along with extensive experience in exhibit design. “When this job came up, it was right up my alley,” he said. “It’s been rewarding to work with the community, be part of the community, and make something that the community can be proud of.”

Dale and Sue Twing

White Cloud has always been the home of passionate, hard-working people who care for their families and their community. Dale Twing’s family has been there since the 1880s, and he and his wife, Sue, continue to be a part of that White Cloud legacy.

“People are what make a community, and this is a community you need to get involved in because it’s so small,” said Sue. “We have a commitment to it.”

Sue and Dale have owned several businesses and served on multiple boards and committees. Dale is also Newaygo County’s longtime drain commissioner and a former Community Foundation trustee. They are passionate about parks and lakes, giving second chances, and supporting the local autism community.

“There are a lot of ways to help out there,” said Dale. “You just need to get people engaged. You can’t always fix what’s happening nationally, but you can help your neighbor.”

One of the many ways the Twings have gotten involved is by using their fund at the Community Foundation to further support what they’re passionate about. “It’s been very fulfilling,” said Sue. “We want to help and reach out to people.”

“We have been blessed, so we should give back,” added Dale. “We’ve been immersed in the community, and if I’m in, I’m in all the way.”

Junior Achievement

On a sunny morning, Jazmin Vanderwall sat in a classroom at Croton’s Newaygo County Child Development Center surrounded by eager preschoolers. “What is a safe place to put money you earn?” Jazmin asked. They talked about piggy banks and wallets then banks and credit unions. “This is one of the most rewarding things I do,” Jazmin shared later.

Jazmin is the manager of Independent Bank’s Newaygo branch and visits classrooms as a volunteer with Junior Achievement (JA). JA provides financial literacy and career readiness education to students of all ages. Local programming is supported in part by grants from the Community Foundation.

It is also made possible through volunteers like Jazmin who present material ranging from basic concepts to more advanced topics like buying a car.

“Through volunteers, we can present curriculum with a local lens,” said Nate Blue, district manager for JA. “It’s a real adult from your town sharing why this knowledge matters.”

Whether Jazmin is speaking to preschoolers in Croton or eighth graders in White Cloud, she is passionate about helping equip kids for a healthier financial future.

“It’s important kids understand money doesn’t come from a magic well,” said Jazmin. “Where money comes from, saving, and building credit safely—those are conversations that need to start at an early age.”

Chad and Julie Burrell

Chad and Julie Burrell have deep roots in Hesperia. In fact, Chad’s family has been there for multiple generations. After he and Julie got married, they returned to the area so they could raise the next generation there. “It was always our goal to come back to this area and raise our family where we grew up,” said Julie.

As busy, longtime residents, the Burrells are keenly aware of local assets and needs. “There are so many opportunities here for people to be involved,” said Julie. “It’s important to me to try to make a positive difference.”

The Burrells are active in many facets of community life. In Julie’s position as senior economic development director in Newaygo County, she works closely with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners. She was also recently elected to the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Another way the Burrells have gotten involved is by joining Our Next 75. “We chose to partner with the Community Foundation because of its reputation,” said Julie. “It’s a trusted organization and it gives us the ability to make a bigger impact. Through the Community Foundation, our gift turns into a lot more.”

Bill and Karen Nottelmann

One day on a drive, Bill and Karen Nottelmann saw a sign for Croton Dam and decided they should check it out. They had never heard of Croton before then, but they have now called it their full-time home for more than a decade. “We love the natural beauty and the low-key neighborhood,” said Bill.

“I love living rural,” added Karen. “We’re so impressed with this area and the quality of people here.”

The Nottelmanns wasted no time getting involved in their new community. Bill has served on the township board and as a reserve police officer in Newaygo. Karen is a founder of Hope 101, which provides housing and other services to those experiencing homelessness. “The staff and volunteers work so hard,” said Bill. “They have had some great success stories.”

Their involvement with Hope 101 also introduced them to the Community Foundation. They are now two of the newest members of Our Next 75.

Why is giving important to you?
Karen: Giving is what Jesus taught us to do and to be, to care for others. We think it’s biblical that you give, but to us it’s more than that too. It’s in your heart.

Why give through the Community Foundation?
Karen: I have been so impressed with the Community Foundation. It’s such a good way to give because someone manages it and does it so well. We trust them and we love what they do.

Horizon Bank

With a history stretching back 151 years, Horizon Bank has long understood the importance of community. “We see ourselves as a local community bank,” said Tom Rowland, Horizon Bank’s market president of the north region. “We have all the programs of a big bank but with a small-town feel.”

A commitment to local involvement and a desire to get to know customers enhances that community feel. Lynette Goodin-Belknap, Fremont branch manager, grew up in Newaygo County. “We genuinely care about our customers,” she said. “We like getting to know them. Here they can come in and know we’re going to take care of them.”

Founded in Indiana in 1873, Horizon Bank expanded into Michigan in 2003 and now has branches as far north as Charlevoix. They have had a branch in Fremont for two years, and for two years they have made generous donations to the Newaygo County Economic Development Fund at the Community Foundation.

Supporting economic development felt like a natural fit for the bank. “We want to see businesses and the economy grow,” said Tom. “That goes hand-in-hand with banking. A healthy economy makes a community grow. Economic
growth and development is what we’re about.”

Making giving a priority is a point of pride for the bank but also for individual staff members.

“The people who work here are very proud of giving back to the community,” said Lynette. Last year on Veterans Day, the bank closed and staff chose local volunteer projects that everyone could participate in for the day.

“We want to give back to the community,” said Tom. “That’s why we give to organizations like the Community Foundation. It’s important to us because giving is in our blood.”

Family Health Care

Family Health Care is a community health center that takes community seriously.

“Our staff live here, they know the area,” said Dr. Sarah Weers, family medicine physician at the White Cloud clinic. “It’s our community serving our community.”

Family Health Care is the oldest community health center in Michigan and one of the oldest in the United States. In Newaygo County—with locations in White Cloud and Grant—patients can access medical, vision, dental, and behavioral health services along with pharmacy, x-ray, and labs.

“Transportation is a barrier for so many in our area,” said Sarah. “What could be three stops somewhere else can all be done at once here.”

They have also made care more accessible for their youngest and oldest patients. They operate clinics inside several schools across the region and offer services specifically for homebound older adults. “We’re always looking for ways to help,” said Julie Tatko, president and CEO of Family Health Care.

As a nonprofit organization, philanthropy is especially important in Family Health Care’s work. They rely on grants and other funding to enhance services. Past grants from the Community Foundation have helped fund a new x-ray machine, dental spaces, and respite programs. Family Health Care also has endowment funds at the Community Foundation to support their work.

“Philanthropy can make a significant difference,” said Julie. “Everything gets poured back into the community and our mission. It gives us the opportunity to fill in the gaps. We want to make care as easy, accessible, and affordable as possible.”

“We take a lot of pride in taking really good care of our patients,” said Sarah. “I love coming to work every day
and building relationships with my patients.”

Joan and Cathy Obits

The Eagle Fund grew out of an idea Cathy Obits first mentioned on an evening walk with her mother, Joan Obits. Joan moved to the area in 1954, and Cathy has lived here her whole life outside of her military service. They love the people, the open country, and the light traffic, and they both believe strongly in giving back. Creating a fund together was a way to help meet needs and care for their community.

“It’s not that we have much to give,” Joan explained. “We just give little by little, and the fund keeps growing.”

Because their fund was created near both of their birthdays, “It was like our birthday present,” said Joan. “It makes me happy. And if I can make someone else happy, or ease their life a little, I want to. I like happy, for myself and for others.”

“It’s fun to give and to know that you’re helping,” said Cathy. “You may not even know the people who benefit, but you know you’re helping. If we can give someone a leg up or help them have a life that’s a little better than they had before, we want to do that.”

Creating the fund at the Community Foundation was a way “for our gift to go on in perpetuity,” said Cathy, and a way to invest in the future of their community.

“It was a good place to start,” added Joan. “It’s investing in humanity. I’m leaving a little sunshine for someone down the road.”

Leckrone Family

Dorsey and Sally Leckrone were farmers, teachers, and parents of eight. They made sure there were always magazines, books, and other reading material available at home and instilled a strong belief in
the importance of education in their children.

Their son Donald Leckrone noted that education was something of a family calling. At least four of his father’s siblings were teachers, as were several of Donald’s siblings. From teaching and seminary to nursing, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, the Leckrone siblings “did not lack for get up and go,” said Donald. “Keeping the 85 billion neurons in your cranium active is healthy. Your mind needs stimulation—your spirit as well—and that gray matter has to be exercised.”

The Leckrone family has also had connections to the Community Foundation since its earliest years. Donald’s younger siblings received scholarships to attend Interlochen Center for the Arts. Donald also received financial help to attend college and seminary, and his first job in 1955 was to run the projector on Wednesdays for a Bessie Slautterback-inspired program at the Community Foundation.

“All eight of us kids benefitted from the Community Foundation in one way or another,” said Donald.

Those connections remained over the decades as Donald began to donate to the Community Foundation whenever he was able. Later, a story about a scholarship created in memory of his classmate Richard Crandell sparked a new idea. “The thought occurred to me that we could do the same to memorialize our parents,” he said.

Together, the Leckrone family created the Dorsey and Sally Leckrone Family Scholarship to support local graduates, particularly from Fremont Public Schools where Dorsey and Sally taught. The scholarship was awarded for the first time this spring, with several family members making the trip back to Newaygo County for the ceremony.

“We want to help a student who may not have the means otherwise to further their education,” said Donald. “We’re paying it forward.”

Grandfriends

Since 2016, Wellspring Adult Day Services has provided a safe place for older adults to socialize while offering respite for their regular caregivers. Housed at Reeman Christian Reformed Church, Wellspring guests enjoy conversation, lunch, and a balance of stimulating activities and rest. Programming combats social isolation and helps guests stay active and healthy.

A new program has given Wellspring an opportunity to make an even greater impact not just on their guests, but on others in the community as well. They partnered with Fremont Christian Schools and the Community Foundation’s Bridging Generations Fund to create Grandfriends.

Through Grandfriends, eighth graders from Fremont Christian School join Wellspring once a month for lunch, stories, and activities. Participants are matched based on similar interests, and the small groups play games, talk, do crafts, and teach each other. Before the monthly activities began, Wellspring staff also visited the school to teach students about the aging process, memory loss, and what to expect on their first visit.

“Our guests’ social circles continue to grow smaller as they age,” said Allie Maat, Wellspring’s program director. “This program gives them the opportunity to expand their circle and make new friends and new memories. It gives our guests something joyful to look forward to, and it is so great to see the compassion the youth have developed for our guests.”

Staff has watched friendships, empathy, and understanding grow across the generations. They write letters, share stories, and have even attended school functions together.

“We have seen the perception of each generation change, having more acceptance and empathy as well as an increase in understanding and respect,” said Allie. “The most rewarding part of the program has been to witness the building of these intergenerational relationships. As they gain a greater understanding of the different generations, we feel this builds a stronger community.”

Gerald and Suzanne VanWieren

As part of Dr. Gerald VanWieren’s commitment to the National Health Service Corps, he had to work in a high-need community after medical school. He and his wife Suzanne, a family nurse practitioner, chose Grant. Used to high doctor turnover, patients often asked how long they planned to stay.

“I was obligated to two years, but we’ve stayed 40,” said Gerald.

“We like small town life,” said Suzanne. “We like having those connections with people, and we’re rural but not very far from the city.”

The VanWierens raised their children here, love local trails and rivers, and are active volunteers. Suzanne served on Grant’s school board for 10 years and Gerald is a trustee of the Bridging Generations Fund at the Community Foundation.

As members of Our Next 75, the VanWierens have also given to the Maynard and Lavina DeKryger Scholarship. Their support honors the DeKrygers, who were mentors to them, and helps local graduates attending medical school.

“We’re not just here to amass material goods,” said Gerald. “We would like to leave the world a better place. We’re grateful for what we’ve received and want to return it.”

Love INC

Love INC offers many services, including a food pantry, resale store, and help center which connects people with the appropriate resources. Most importantly, however, it’s a place where transformation begins.

“We’re helping people go from just surviving to thriving,” said Traci Slager, executive director. “A lot of people feel very stuck, and we help them see life through a different lens.”

Love INC’s Transformational Ministry programs, supported in part by grants from the Community Foundation, help individuals and families make lasting changes and regain hope. Participants learn about budgeting, job skills, setting healthy boundaries, and more. They are also matched with mentors. “We always say that we’re not just giving people resources, we’re trying to build resources in people,” said Traci.

With the support of local church partners and a host of dedicated volunteers, Love INC is working to expand their Transformational Ministry and develop new initiatives to meet other community needs.

“The most rewarding part of our work is the freedom we see in people as they’re completing these programs,” said Traci. “They used to feel trapped and hopeless and didn’t see their situation being any different in the future. Now we can see the weight lifted off them. They’re starting to find a way out.”

Tim and Peggy Rossler

After Tim Rossler volunteered in his mother’s Head Start classroom in college—where he was studying business—he began picking up education electives and ultimately became a teacher and superintendent. For Peggy Rossler, a love of education started even earlier with a kindergarten teacher she adored. “Teaching was my dream from then on,” she said. “And I got to live my dream. It wasn’t always easy, but it was wonderful.”

Tim and Peggy are retired now, but they are still just as passionate about education. Their three sons are educators, Tim serves on the Promise Zone board, and Peggy, a Community Foundation trustee, is chair of our Education Committee. The couple also used our build-a-fund program to create the Tim and Peggy Rossler Fund for Early Literacy.

“Kids who are read to, talked to, and sung to when they’re young have a better chance of success,” said Peggy. Their hope is that the fund can provide books and learning materials for the area’s youngest residents. It’s also part of a long-standing Rossler family goal: Leave the world around you a little better.

“If you’re going to be part of the community, you have to contribute to the community,” said Tim. “You have to try to make it a better place.”

News & Events

Archives: Community Stories