No More Cabin Fever! Winter Fitness Family Fun Day

February 16, 2013

Beat the winter blahs and enjoy a day of winter activities in the mitten state! A mix of fun indoor and outdoor activities includes making survival shelters, fire building, snowshoe racing, team-building challenges, Zumba and yoga. Top off your fitness experience as you enjoy making and tasting nutritious snacks.

The Feb. 16 event begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Pre-registration and payment is required. Call 231-829-3421 or email ljacobson@kettunencenter.org to sign up. $7/person includes all materials and lunch.

Andrea Grix Says Goodbye After 24 Years

Andrea Grix

After twenty-four years of service to Kettunen Center, Andrea Grix said goodbye. She has relocated to Beulah with her husband and former Kettunen Center director, John Grix. Andrea served as Kettunen Center’s Educational Program Manager since 1988.

During her tenure Andrea initiated, developed, and grown a vast array of educational program offerings that have impacted many youth and families over the years. She started the 4-H Trackers outdoor environmental education program that has provided area schools with meaningful opportunity to bring science to life at Kett. The TREE program has fostered group work and team-building for young and old throughout the year. Andrea initiated a number of Road Scholar programs at the center that have benefited visitors from all over the country.

Many community programs were developed through Andrea’s efforts. The Family Day Programs hosted at Kettunen Center throughout the year give local families a chance to be together and enjoy the outdoor environment Kettunen offers. While Andrea did not start it, she developed the center’s annual Breakfast with Santa event to serve nearly 1000 people each year. The summer’s Art Camp has provided a unique week of camp to youth from all over the region.

Andrea’s service has not been limited to Kettunen Center. Her statewide activities have included coordinating MSU Extension’s Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council; participating in the 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp each summer; serving with the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE); leading local 4-H clubs; and many other endeavors.

The Kettunen Center facility has also benefited from Andrea’s dedication. She coordinated re-development of the arboretum, the various gardens, the trail system, and waterfront. It’s been a common sight to see Andrea working with volunteers in the gardens, lifeguarding at the beach, or guiding folks along the trails. She’s been a leader, facilitator, and worker in enhancing the beauty and enjoyment of Kettunen Center.

Kettunen Center has become a better place because of Andrea’s passion, dedication, hard work and leadership. She’ll be very much missed but her touch and work will always be present for future visitors and program participants.

Thank you, Andrea!