SPY’s Community Newsletter
(1/5/24)
“Sunfield Cares” Program Is Closing Down
We regret to report that the “Sunfield Cares” program is ceasing its operations as of January 31, 2024. The “Sunfield Cares” program started about 15 years ago and was launched here in Sunfield by a group of local business, religious, and community leaders to assist families in need. The purpose of "Sunfield Cares" originally was rather simple and direct---to provide 2 gallons of milk a week to at least 10 families in need for an extended period of time. It grew to more than 15 families that were helped with milk AND bread. But alas, times have changed due to COVID conflicting programs, loss of sustainable funding, local business and community climate drastically changing, etc. etc. It was time to call it a day. Many thanks to one of the founders and leader in the “Sunfield Cares” program, David Rosier, who’s outstanding commitment kept things going for as long as they have, as well as the anonymous supporters who stepped up to help some down on their luck fellow citizens.
Notice #1
The Sunfield Area Sponsors of Programs for Youth (the SPY’s) 28th Annual Wild Game Dinner / Sportsman’s Night is coming up on Saturday, February 3rd, and will again be held at Centennial Acres. Tickets for this always rapidly sold-out event will be available this Saturday, January 6th. Once again the incomparable Pete Weller is heading up the big doings. Give Pete a call at 517-743 1642 if you are looking for tickets. Please keep in mind that space is extremely limited due to the fierce demand, so you won’t want to dawdle.
This year’s Wild Game Dinner / Sportsman’s Night promises to be even bigger and better than before! The array of pledged prizes so far this year is mind-blowing! It will no doubt be a legendary night.
Contributions
· Mark & Mary Hanna renewed their Platinum Sponsorship for 2024.
· Brandon & Yvette Davis and Hanna-Davis Fine Meats, Inc. signed on to become our newest Corporate Sponsor.
We sincerely thank you both for your dedication to the community and for helping us help kids and our various local programs!!
Notice #2
· The next Texas Hold ‘Em event the SPY’s are scheduled to work will be held Monday, February 5th through Thursday, February 8th. Soon, we will be looking for volunteers to handle the chips.
Notice #3
Here’s a message from our US Congressman John Moolenaar:
Members of my team will be hosting a meeting time in Sunfield. So, if you need assistance with a federal agency you can sit down with them to discuss the issue. If you cannot attend, please do not hesitate to call my office at 616-528-7100. Meeting Location and Time:
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sunfield Township Hall
145 Main Street
Sunfield, MI 48890
My team and I have helped constituents cut through the red tape and reclaim millions of dollars owed to them by federal departments and agencies, including the VA and the IRS.
Parting Comments
· Deep Thought of the Week: Blowing out the other fellow’s candle won’t make yours shine any brighter.
· Notable Quote: “No one knows about your integrity, your sincerity, your talent, or your good will unless you give out samples in action.”
· That’s Puny Department: This week, during one of my usual visits to Swede’s Grill, Chef Robbo excitedly came running out from the kitchen when he saw me. “Hey Fish!” “Hey Fish!” I’ve got a math-based groaner for you this week that will appeal to the intellectuals that read your scribblings.” “That is, if any intellectuals actually do.” “OK, let’s hear it.” I said. The Chef continued, “Back in my high school days I always prayed before my trigonometry tests. I was hoping for a sine from above.”
· Did You Know Section: After Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, its political environment was unstable, and its relationship with France — another European colonial power — was tense. These tensions came to a head in 1832, when a group of Mexican army officers went into a pastry shop outside Mexico City. The shop was owned by one Monsieur Remontel, a French national. The officers helped themselves to every pastry in his shop — after confining the owner to a room, according to some sources — and then left without paying. Afterward, Remontel demanded an enormous sum of 60,000 pesos as compensation from the Mexican government — about 60 times the total value of his shop.
Remontel wasn’t the only Frenchman to lodge such a complaint. Foreign nationals living in Mexico at the time, including a large population of French residents, started to complain about property damage sustained during civil disturbances, and sought redress from the Mexican government, with no success. Remontel became a kind of poster child for the growing demands, and in 1837, the French government got involved. France drew a hard line, demanding that Mexico pay a total of 600,000 pesos or prepare for war. The Mexican government couldn’t pay, so the French navy instituted a blockade at Veracruz, the main Mexican port along the Gulf of Mexico. After seven months, French soldiers escalated by firing on the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa and occupying the city. France eventually withdrew after being guaranteed payment through Great Britain.
Officially, the conflict was called the first Franco-Mexican War, but it became known derisively as the Pastry War in Mexico. Though the conflict may sound petty, it had a major influence on Mexican history. During the war, troops were led by Antonio López de Santa Anna, the former president of Mexico who was disgraced after losing Texas to the United States. Santa Anna lost a leg fighting the French (it was amputated after being injured by cannon fire), and the incident restored his public reputation. He went on to become president of Mexico seven more times.
Notices
1. If there is any organization or business out there that has something they would like to advertise or promote, please feel free to submit it to this Newsletter and we will help publicize it. There is no charge. We are glad to provide this means as a public service to help keep the community informed.
2. If you are looking for further information about the SPY’s events---Corporate or Platinum Sponsorship information---scholarship forms---youth sports reimbursement forms---past SPY newsletters---etc.---just go to the SPY website at www.sunfieldareaspys.com.
3. NOTE: If you know of anyone who would like to receive these SPY’s Newsletters, just send me an email at john.sandrafisher@gmail.com with their email address and we will add them to the distribution list.