Volume 2, Issue 7 JULY 12, 2024
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• Contributed Photos by Matt (Fergy) Ferguson
10th annual Stony Lake Sparkler is a whopping success By Tom Rademacher The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
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While some might argue that the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July is with fireworks, 1,000 others are perfectly happy to mark the day by running a road race. That was the sentiment shared by men, women and children who showed up last Sunday, July 7, for the 10th annual Sparkler Run at Stony Lake, an event steeped in both fun and patriotism. “It’s as competitive as you want it to be, but it’s also a terrific way to celebrate family and community,” said Sally Malnor, who, with Kathy Sullivan, co-chairs the yearly 5-kilometer run and 1-mile fun run/walk. This year’s run boasted several dozen sponsors and raised more than
$21,000 for the Crystal Valley Care Fund, a non-profit that assists Oceana County individuals and families experiencing catastrophic illness and house fires. Since the Sparkler’s inception, nearly $180,000 has been raised for the Fund. The run included participants as young as 1 and as old as 92, many of whom were outfitted in plenty of red, white and blue. Awards were presented not only to the top three finishers in 15 age groups but also to those who best demonstrated a sense of patriotism. Runners and spectators alike were treated afterward to a smorgasbord of non-traditional fare that included hot dogs, donuts, fruit slices and chocolate milk. “We never dreamed 10 years ago that this run would become what it is,” said Malnor, noting that 665 showed
up the first year. “It says a lot about the people and culture of Stony Lake, which not only is a beautiful place to stage a race, but for all kinds of fun outdoor activities.” The event’s overall winners were Graeson Lawrence, 18, of Norton Shores, with a winning time for all men of 17:14; and Eliza Schwass, 13, of Scottville, with a winning time for all women of 19:05. Master’s winners were Jeffrey Weber, 40, of Traverse City, clocking a 17:27; and Valerie Corwin, 41, of Bloomington, in 20:48. Grand Masters winners were David Anderson, 63, of Grand Rapids in 20:21; and Judy Grotke, 57, of Evergreen, Colo. with a 26:24. The Wadel family from Oceana County won a special award for entering the most runners from one family – a total of 44 adults and kids!
Spitler Elementary School Community Playground Build this Saturday By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor Spitler Elementary will be breaking ground and hopefully begin installing their much-anticipated new addition to Pirates Paradise Playground during a “Community Build” Saturday, July 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parents and community members can find a description of work to be done and are encouraged to sign up at the Spitler Elementary Playground Community Build Google Doc on the school’s community or Facebook pages so organizers can assign tasks. Anyone 16 years of age or older will be allowed in the “construction zone” and must wear closed-toed shoes. Long pants, boots, hats and sunscreen are recommended. All tools will be provided. Younger children are welcome to attend. Volunteers are needed to keep them busy in a “safe kids zone.” A variety of planned activities and
games will be available. Construction activities will include cleaning out already-dug holes and unwrapping equipment, as well as pre-assembling and placing pieces once cement is ready. The community build will go on even in the rain, but not if there is lightning. A hot dog lunch will be served from 12-12:30 p.m. According to PTO co-chair Ellen Slotman, a certified playground installer from the company providing the equipment will be on hand to give direction, but parents and community members will be doing the work. How far they get on Saturday depends on how many people show up. Slotman said their main objective is to get the kid course installed, but there is demolition of the old playground to complete, cleaning of the existing playground equipment, bark to be moved and fencing to be stained. However, the main priority will be the build, as the playground installer needs to sign off on construction. Anyone with further questions should contact Slotman at 231-301-9323.
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Pentwater Service Club names Doug Bacon 2024 Citizen of the Year The Pentwater Service Club (PSC) announced Thursday that Pentwater resident Doug Bacon has been named the 2024 Pentwater Citizen of the Year. First launched in 1973, Bacon becomes the 51st honoree for this distinguished award. “In the 10 years since moving here from Saline, Mich., Doug’s acc o m p l i s h m e nt s have irrevocably and permanentD oug B acon ly changed the Greater Pentwater Area for the better,” PSC Vice President Ken Konyha said. Bacon, who spent his career as a General Motors Powertrain engineer before moving to Pentwater, was named the 2024 Citizen of the Year because of his work as a founding member of the Gateway to Success alternative school in Ludington, Project Manager for the Oceana County Council on Aging during the agency’s initial construction phase and all-around volunteer for other area organizations and individuals. “Doug is an inspiration to anyone wanting to make Pentwater, already a great place, an even better place to live,” said Gigi Mitchell, co-chairperson of the annual event. Mitchell added that Bacon is a jack of all trades and is well known for sharing his many talents to benefit others. “Doug is a welder, artist, mechanic, carpenter, sculpture, plumber, electrician, inventor and all-around pantologist who gives freely to anyone needing his help,” Mitchell said, adding that Bacon is among the most celebrated Pentwater volunteers of the last decade. A dinner and program will be held in Bacon’s honor on Oct. 10, 2024, at the Pentwater Yacht Club. Tickets for the celebration go on sale beginning September 10 and can be purchased at Port View Wine, Beer & Spirits or at Up North Market. Bacon is married to his wife of 48 years, Ginny, and has two grown children and three grandchildren.
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