Strickler Center Receives New Accessibility Upgrades

Located on High Street, the William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center exists to steward the center by maintaining and improving quality centralized space to enable nonprofit organizations to address the needs of the community. With an increasing number of community members being served by these nonprofit organizations, the leadership of the Strickler Center was prompted to contemplate measures aimed at enhancing accessibility and removing accessibility barriers for individuals.

Through funding provided by the Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund, Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Unrestricted Fund, Schafer Community Impact Fund, and William and Janet Maar Strickler Community Impact Fund, the Strickler Center successfully installed handicap accessible doors to the facility’s front entrance and restrooms.

With these necessary updates, individuals with disabilities now have less accessibility barriers when receiving services from the nonprofit organizations within the William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center.

Christmas Outreach: Fostering the Holiday Spirit

Since the 1980’s, Christmas Outreach of Isabella County has been a vital nonprofit, bringing together diverse individuals and groups each fall/winter to provide essential items for local residents and families in need during the holiday season. The organization offers a variety of items, including winter clothes, books, bedding, linens, towels, Christmas items, Christmas trees, and household items assembled into baskets.

In 2022, the organization assisted more than 1,600 individuals from 482 households. Given the current economic challenges, including high inflation, Christmas Outreach anticipates making an even greater impact this holiday season for those in need. The Harkins Community Fund awarded an $8,000 grant so that the organization can provide baskets filled with essential household items during the distribution event this year. The Women’s Initiative Fund also awarded a $4,000 grant to provide snow pants to children and young women/girls.

Through these grants through MPACF, Christmas Outreach of Isabella County can continue its crucial role in addressing the needs of Isabella County this holiday season!

Lasting Memories at Coldwater Camp

Last year was Art Reach of Mid-Michigan’s first Coldwater Camp art in nature experience. The event was a three-day, two-night camp with the aim of engaging artists of all ages and making intergenerational-family memories.

Guests were given the option of staying overnight or attending as day guests. They signed up for three days of activities that were geared toward all ages to encourage whole families to get out into nature and make art together. Some of the activities offered at the event were tie dye, bingo, yoga on the beach, assorted make & take crafts, nature scavenger hunt, painting, sandcastle creation, trivia, and s’mores by the camp fire every night.

Art Reach Mid-Michigan’s initial target was to host at least 15 families across the three-day excursion. That target was exceeded. In the end, 20 families represented, with a total of 45 participants, including one family who joined spontaneously as a result of seeing the activities. Participants journeyed from Isabella, Clare, Gratiot, Kent, and Otsego counties to engage in art and nature.

One young participant had not previously participated in any Art Reach program. She saw the flyer at Pisanello's and her dad signed the two of them up to attend as day-campers. They had so much fun that they are planning to camp out this year. Another duo, a Grandmother and her granddaughter, stayed in a cabin together and delighted in the intergenerational experience.

Thanks to the Theunissen Family Fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, the Art Reach instructors, and Coldwater Camp grounds, two dozen families were able to enjoy art and nature while making lasting memories and, for many, the start of an enduring family tradition.

Isolated Isabella Seniors Benefit with Walk Wise

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the Isabella community in various ways. Many PACE Central Michigan participants experienced greater isolation due to the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order.

Funds provided by the Isabella County Health Improvement Fund, Isabella Bank Director Memorial Fund, and Ronald H. and Donna M. Cooper Family Fund allowed isolated Isabella seniors with PACE Central Michigan to stay active during the pandemic with the use of Walk Wise. Walk Wise is a product that attaches to walkers, canes, wheelchairs, etc. to track movement and alerts PACE CM staff if a fall is detected. It also alerts PACE CM staff if there is unusual movement that might suggest illness.

Throughout the pandemic, the product enticed older adults to get their steps in each day and fostered friendly competition to combat loneliness while staying home. The majority of isolated seniors who utilized Walk Wise experienced reduced weakness, increase in mobility, and were able to maintain their level of activity. Overall the usage of Walk Wise has provided enriched care for Isabella County’s older adults.

St. Vincent De Paul Parish Installs New Electronic Sign

A new sign has been installed for the St. Vincent De Paul Parish at the intersection of Wright Avenue and Chippewa Street. This intersection is the primary entrance into the Village of Shepherd due to its close proximity to US-127 and connecting route via Shepherd Road (Chippewa Street in the Village) to M-20 and M-46. The sign was mounted directly on face of the old sign's concrete and brick foundation. Not only did this save on project development cost but it also repurposed a solid and attractive feature that is ideally angled towards the intersection for message viewing by passing motorist and sidewalk users.

The sign will display the name of the Parish and identify parish events and faith services. In addition, the sign will also be used to identify community events taking place in the Greater Shepherd Area.

A representative list of programs/events that will appear on the electronic messaging sign include:  Shepherd Maple Syrup events, Farm to Table Dinner, public events sponsored by Shepherd’s other faith communities, Shepherd Chamber of Commerce programs, Shepherd Public Schools events, Kent Roth’s annual Halloween pumpkin display, Shepherd Depot Committee fundraising events, Village of Shepherd and Coe Township public announcements, and so much more.

Thanks to the Shepherd Community Fund Honoring Robert H Bates of the Mount Pleasant Area Community Foundation, the St. Vincent de Paul Parish can more easily alert their congregation and community members of important events and information.

Lighting Up Hannah’s Bark Park

Over the last several years, Friends of the Dog Park had a goal of installing new lighting at Hannah’s Bark Park to allow for year round use. The lack of lighting limited the usage of the park during winter and early spring. The project had been announced in honor of the five year anniversary of the park, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fundraising efforts were placed on hold.

Now, thanks to funding from the Fabiano Family Fund, the John Neyer Family Fund, and the Schafer Community Impact Fund, Friends of the Dog Park was able to install eight lights that will benefit community members and their canine companions. The lights are not only environmentally sustainable but now allow for year-round accessibility, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.

Friends of the Dog Park has been pleased to see this project come to fruition, having been a goal pursued for four years. Thanks to persistent fundraising, completion of two community needs surveys, and cooperation with City of Mt. Pleasant and Union Township—Hannah’s Bark Park is now illuminated!

Isabella Community Soup Kitchen Renovation

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen (ICSK) has been serving over 200 meals per day, doubling the previous average of 100 meals per day pre-pandemic. The increase in meals resulted in the need for a kitchen remodel, including new equipment. New energy-efficient appliances and flooring helps ICSK to provide meals in a more efficient manner with the added bonus of increased safety for staff and patrons. This project was a much needed upgrade and will aid in the continued preparation and distribution of meals to anyone in need for the next 30 years.

The project was successfully executed thanks to the generous funding of $20,000 from the Community Impact Fund, Hersee Family Fund, Sally and John Goodrow Fund, John and Sue Bradac Family Emergency Fund, Isabella Bank Director Memorial Fund, John P. and Ann S. Jensen Community Impact Fund, Barbara L. and George W. Dunn Family Fund, Missy and Doug LaBelle Family Foundation Community Impact Fund, Fisher Companies Community Impact Fund, Ranck Family Fund, and the Steve and Sue Pung Family Fund.

Trees Now Isabella Plants 18 Trees for Beautification Project

Thanks to funding from the Healthy Youth Healthy Seniors Fund, Trees Now Isabella planted 18 new trees to Isabella County Commission on Aging’s landscape. Increasing biodiversity at the site, 14 different tree species were planted during the summer and fall of 2021. The shade provided by these new additions will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Volunteers from the surrounding community came out in droves to assist in the beautification project at the Commission on Aging. Trees Now Isabella gave a quick demonstration to these arboreal assistants, teaching best planting practices. Topics covered included proper watering and mulching, planting safety, and even how best to accommodate the new plantings through proper dug hole depth and size. Educating local volunteers resulted in new landscaping for the Commission on Aging, while also providing time outside to enjoy all Isabella County has to offer.

Humane Animal Treatment Society Back Building Renovation

The generous funding awarded through the Labelle Family Fund was used to help cover the cost of renovating one of the most crucial areas in an animal shelter: the canine quarantine area. Prior to renovation, the Isabella County Canine Quarantine outdoor kennels were outdated. In the past few months, the outdoor portion of the Canine Quarantine area has been updated, renovated and made safe again. Using the cement stalls that were in place, all fencing was torn out and the dividers between kennels were replaced with metal in order to fully separate quarantined (and sometimes dangerous) dogs. All kennel doors were replaced with brand new, high-quality, durable fence doors which include new latches.  The former dog houses in each kennel were removed. Gutters were installed along the roof edges to help with water drainage. The grass was removed from the surrounding area and gravel was added in order to allow for more thorough sanitizing and to aid in the proper cleaning of all kennels.

Since this area of the Isabella County animal shelter is used to house medically contagious and aggressive, bite-risk quarantine dogs, it is vital that the kennels can be sanitized thoroughly and that they are secure. Thanks to generous grant and donation funding, HATS staff members and the canines they house and care for are safer now. Daily tasks are more efficient in the quarantine area and there are fewer concerns that dogs will escape their enclosures. Overall, the completion of the Canine Quarantine outdoor kennel renovation has increased the safety, efficiency, effectiveness, and cleanliness of the shelter in an area where it is crucial that equipment is functioning properly.

Recently, HATS provided safety and shelter to a giant Newfoundland who came from a neglectful situation that was believed to be a puppy mill. She was named Eeyore during her stay at HATS. Eeyore was filthy and had an incredibly awful smell that came with her matted fur and unkempt coat. Eeyore’s size, condition and odor made her a candidate to live in the back building quarantine during her stay. She was also shy and scared in her new environment, so the quarantine area was her best environment while she awaited her chance at a forever home. Thanks to the renovation of the quarantine area, dogs like Eeyore can be safe and have a comfortable space to lounge and get fresh air until they can be up for adoption. The space is now sturdy, in excellent condition and secure so that dogs are safe and healthy and staff members are not at risk or stressed.

Increasing Visibility, Awareness, and Accessibility to Nature

The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) has three preserves within minutes of Mt. Pleasant that were hard to identify and underutilized due to a lack of signage. The Hiawatha Hills Preserve, a 5-acre forested floodplain along the Chippewa River. The Neyer Preserve, a 2-acre 100% wooded area with over 440 feet of river frontage. Finally, the Winifred Sponseller Preserve, a 13-acre with a spring-fed natural trout stream and tributary of the Chippewa River. Considering the location of these preserves and the incredible resources they offer; proper signage was necessary to inform the community.

With funding provided in part by the Andy Wheeler Community Needs Fund, the Joanne Golden Family Community Impact Fund, and the W. Sidney Smith and Judith French Smith Family Fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and with help from a volunteer force of CMU students, the project to install signage was undertaken, with the intentions of increasing visibility, awareness, and accessibility to the preserves. Ultimately, providing more opportunity for recreation, exploration and utilization of green space to the Mt. Pleasant and surrounding communities.

Eleven CMU student volunteers of differing backgrounds and interest areas were involved in the project.  They joined CWC Executive Director Mike LeValley on a cool November day to install the signs. Volunteers dug post holes, installed 4x6 posts, and bolted the custom carved and painted wooden signs. The students were vital to the success of the project and gained hands-on work skills during the process, while learning about and visiting several CWC preserves.

The new signage lets visitors know the green space in their community is a public nature preserve owned by Chippewa Watershed Conservancy and is available for them to use. Thanks to the MPCAF, CWC can share these incredible local treasures with more folks throughout our region and help connect individuals with nature.

Music Education Growth at Renaissance Public School Academy

The Renaissance Public School Academy was in need of essential instruments to support its growing music program.

A grant from the Kellogg Youth Fund allowed Renaissance Public School Academy to purchase 17 new instruments this past year, enhancing the musical education of 441 elementary and middle school students. Rhythm and pitch are just two key concepts students learn and practice with instruments like those purchased. Students who studied remotely last year due to COVID-19 were still able to learn about these concepts in an online setting because of the new instruments.

The middle school band also benefited from the instruments, and the program has seen unprecedented growth in participation. Students are able to dedicate more time to their music education with the new instruments; many now having the opportunity to play instruments the school did not previously own. The new instruments will allow the band to perform entire songs, instead of skipping parts of the music for lack of appropriate instruments.

Overall, the new instruments will allow students at Renaissance Public School Academy to learn and develop their musical talents for years to come.

CNC Router Revolutionizes Visual Arts Program

The Shepherd Visual Arts program teaches students a variety of hands-on skills, and thanks to the recent purchase of a ShopBot CNC (computer numerical control) router, has expanded options for students within the fine arts, industrial arts, robotics, and athletic programs at Shepherd schools.

Thanks to the Brattin Memorial Art Fund at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, Shepherd Public Schools made the purchase of a ShopBot CNC router. This innovative, computer-controlled machine aids students in precision carving areas that are up to 4 feet wide, by 8 feet long, by 8 inches deep. Since its purchase, Shepherd schools have begun teaching these technologies at the middle and high school levels to inspire students to pursue creative careers, tackle problems, and manufacture professional art.

So far, Shepherd students have created pieces of art for local businesses in the community such as Mitchell’s Deli, Maple Creek Golf Course, Shepherd VFW, The Fireside Grill, and the Hair Razor. These projects have ranged from commercial signage to custom sculptures. The Shepherd Visual Arts program has also utilized the router for school beautification projects and to fabricate low-cost tools and fixtures for the district.

The utilization of the new ShopBot CNC router has already made a large impact but will continue to serve students and the community through art creation and exhibition in the future.

Bunny Barn to offer Education and Therapy for All

This spring, when visitors and volunteers spend time at HopeWell Ranch they will be able to enjoy and learn more about rabbits in the new Bunny Barn. The modern rabbitry will house different breeds for the purpose of education, therapy, and enjoyment for all who visit HopeWell Ranch.

The Bunny Barn is a 12 x 16 feet enclosure with two windows and two doors. Before the Bunny Barn was built, the rabbits shared a space in a small shed filled with various farm tools, making it difficult for visitors to interact with the rabbits.

The Kellogg Youth Fund helped to support the construction of the new rabbitry.

The Bunny Barn will provide another positive educational and therapeutic experience for visitors to HopeWell Ranch.

Rabbits are a nice option for those who find the Ranch’s equine friends a bit intimidating. A smaller animal can be therapeutic for those who fear large animals, have anxieties about being on a ranch or who are physically unable to participate in other programs at HopeWell Ranch. The addition of a hands-on educational center with rabbits expands the opportunities available on site with the organization. HopeWell Ranch is the only organization in Isabella County to provide children and adults access to rabbits for educational and therapeutic benefits.

Swing for the Fences

This spring, community members can safely participate in baseball at the Earl Hartman Jr. Baseball Complex on Lincoln Road in Mt. Pleasant.

In 2019, Sacred Heart Academy created their ‘Swing for the Fences’ campaign to raise funding for necessary safety improvements at the baseball complex. The effort was initiated by parents and supporters in a quest to follow the lead set by Major League Baseball to increase the height of fencing around the baseball field for safety reasons. Higher backstops and higher foul line fencing will help eliminate the possibility of injury to any spectator from a foul ball or inadvertent bat.

Since the Earl Hartman Jr. Baseball Complex is not only used for Irish home games, but for summer Legion ball, Little League, and various state tournaments, investing in the fencing improvements will help increase the level of safety for all fans and players.

Funds provided by the Kellogg Youth Fund, Connor J. Puhlman Fund for Youth, and Hersee Family Fund allowed Sacred Heart Academy to invest in the fencing improvements.

Film Festival Provides Artistic and Cultural Experiences to Community

The Central Michigan International Film Festival (CMIFF) is an annual event providing top-quality film screenings to the community that features an inclusive and diverse slate of films.

Programming provided a unique cultural experience to the community as many of the films championed the stories and/or work of women and other underrepresented populations. 

A grant from the Jane McNamara and Louise Williams Fund and the Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Fund at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation helped to fund one daily free film screening over the course of the five-day film festival in February 2020.

While the majority of film-goers are local, the film festival draws visitors from across the state and attendance has continuously increased over the last two years.

“Our festival can be an important cultural event and economic driver for the Mt. Pleasant area,” said Dr. Patricia Williamson CMIFF Director and Associate Professor at Central Michigan University’s School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts. “We worked with local hotels to provide accommodations for independent filmmakers and also hosted our first-ever filmmaker party and fundraiser at Art Reach. The event allowed filmmakers, sponsors, and community members to gather and discuss film in a beautiful setting with live music, food, and drink.  We also offered our first ever Film School on CMU’s campus, providing educational opportunities to high school students from across the state.”

For more information about the Central Michigan International Film Festival and the films, visit cmfilmfest.com.

Wellspring Literary Series Completes 11th Year of Arts Programming

Public access to the arts in Isabella County is often problematic due to the price of tickets.

The Wellspring Literary Series, founded and facilitated by Robert Fanning, is a free annual community event series hosted by Art Reach of Mid Michigan that provides free programming to the community featuring the work of musicians, writers, and poets.

Thanks to the Russ Herron Poetry Fund at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, community members in Isabella County are able to participate in enriching and diverse programming each year. The free events include Michigan art, poetry, music, and complementary food from Max & Emily’s restaurant.

Some features of the program include poetry readings by Michigan poets and Central Michigan University (CMU) students, as well as musical performances by musicians from CMU’s School of Music. The program completed its 11th year and was made possible with the support of their partners, CMU’s English department and Max & Emily’s.

More than 150 attendees enjoyed musical entertainment and poetry presentations from prominent poets at the two events held earlier this year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event featured Jason Irwin and Jen Ashburn, followed by student reader Amanda Olsen with music by CMU student saxophone sextet. The November event highlighted poetry by Michelle Penaloza, followed by student reader Jordan Gakle and music by Joe Hertler.

The Wellspring Literary Series has become well known throughout the state and continues to be a quality program with a strong support base each year from community members, musicians, writers, and poets.

Junior Achievement Educates Amidst 2019-2020 School Year Challenges

Our community is dedicated to supporting student success by fostering an understanding of economic concepts. The programming of Junior Achievement of North Central Michigan is crucial to providing lifelong skills to students.

Junior Achievement allows teachers throughout the community to request programs to be scheduled in their classrooms. They are then matched with a volunteer who hosts several sessions in the classroom on topics related to financial literacy, work readiness skills, and entrepreneurship.

Thanks to the Kellogg Youth Fund at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, over 695 students throughout various school districts and grade levels in Isabella County were able to participate in Junior Achievement programming between September 2019 and June 2020. These students were part of 35 fully-completed programs in K-12 classrooms prior to the COVID-19 state-wide shutdown of schools in March.

Since the shutdown of schools, Junior Achievement programs have adapted in Isabella County and new remote learning options have been implemented to offer sessions and resources online.

Teaching our youth to be prepared for the unexpected, financially or in the workplace, is more important than ever, and Junior Achievement of North Central Michigan will continue to work diligently to implement innovative methods of education.

Junior Achievement programming in an elementary classroom

Sacred Heart Academy Cheer Strengthens Program Through Camp

Getting involved in school extracurricular activities, such as Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) Cheer, is a valuable experience for students. Participants learn teamwork, stunting fundamentals, and tumbling while demonstrating school spirit.

Thanks to the Tumbl Trak Fund for Youth Fitness in honor of Doug Davis and Diana Hughes at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, SHA Cheer was able to offset costs for SHA Varsity Cheer Team participants in 2019 and supported 13 athletes in 9th-12th grade with the initial costs of their cheer camp.

SHA Cheer was able to learn and grow through experiences and team-building activities at camp. This grant has propelled the program forward and strengthened the team for future seasons.

Sacred Heart Academy cheerleaders

Counseling Services Adapt Through Teletherapy

Providing counseling services in Isabella County has required a shift in format during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve the need in the community. Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan (CCMM) has responded by extending services to many low-income, homeless, and poverty-level clients through the use of telehealth therapy sessions.

Thanks to a grant from the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, CCMM provided 62 telehealth sessions that were not covered by the client’s insurance due to video conferencing reimbursement limitations. These sessions between March and June 2020 serviced individuals, couples, and children throughout Isabella County.

Providing counseling services via phone calls in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic has given many clients a sense of normalcy and allowed them to progress in their sessions within the safety and comfort of their own homes.

Moving forward, Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan will be able to continue serving clients in the community through either telehealth methods or traditional in-person sessions.

Counselors of Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan

Emergency Shelter Remodel Serves Survivors

Remodeled kitchen in Emergency Shelter

Domestic violence occurs across all ages and demographic groups in Isabella County. Local organizations like R.I.S.E Advocacy, Inc. step in to provide emergency shelter to these individuals.

Each year, R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc. provides shelter, encouragement, and empowerment in this space for over 100 survivors who have experienced domestic violence. Women, children, and men alike utilize the facility when in need of a safe and supportive environment among other services.

Thanks to a grant from the Paula Arndt Women’s Fund through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, R.I.S.E. Advocacy was able to remodel their kitchen area to be more functional and inviting for clients. The grant helped to fund new appliances, including a stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator.

The room is used for families to prepare meals, eat together, and also serves as a general gathering place within the shelter. The updated space increases convenience and serves as a room where advocates can host informal meetings with survivors to talk about progress and next steps.