Why the Four County Community Foundation? Here are some reasons.

By Paul Revere Hinzmann

Paul & Elsie Hinzmann

Adversities in one's life often result in personal growth and understanding of real life. For myself many small unhappy events were part of growing up, but it took two terrible tragedies to set the stage for a complete collapse of a young life.

The term 1936-1937 was my first teaching job, where I could apply my learning to a real and important situation. The challenge was great. Creativity is the spice of life and there were many opportunities wide open.

I had a pleasant room across from the school ($7/week, with meals) and soon made friends with the Crydermans (dairy and truck gardening) and the Hebblewhites (orchards). I also had a used 1937 Model A Ford, a radio, good health and freedom from formal education. It was great to be alive. Now I could put my education to work.

The death of Harlan Hebblewhite in August 1937 and later the loss of Paul Cryderman and son in 1964 changed many things.

For years I tried to think of an appropriate memorial for these young lives. This memorial had to be forever in the spirit of youth. When I learned about the Michigan Certified Foundation Program I knew I had found exactly the event: the yearly presentation of "CHAF"' the Cryderman, Hebblewhite Agricultural Fund Scholarship.

Now with the high cost of college or other training, some young boys and girls will be able to find a way to a better life and service to others. At my age of 90, this memorial gives my wife Elsie and me much satisfaction. We know that it can be forever due to excellent management and Lay Board of Trustees. The Legacy Society is an extra avenue to make sure funding will be continued.