Santa parade, tree lighting and more next Saturday, December 5 

Kids will have a chance to meet Santa Claus and tell them their wishes on Saturday, December 5, when he comes to Cedar Springs. Photo by Bailiwick Studios from Rockford, MI (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

Are you ready to have yourself a merry Christmas Cedar Springs-style? Come on out and experience a day of goodwill and cheer on Saturday, December 5, when the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce presents “Come Mingle with Kris Kringle.”

The day will start at 10 a.m. with families able to create decorations for the Christmas tree at the Cedar Springs Library from 10-1, then decorate the tree at Main and Ash with their ornaments at 3 p.m. There will also be ornament making at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum from 1-3 p.m. You can also enjoy a bake sale, free hot chocolate, a storytime with Mrs. Claus, and a petting zoo, all before the mini-parade that brings Santa to the corner of Main and Ash Street at about 4:30-4:45.

Following the parade will be a live nativity scene, tree lighting, caroling, and mingling with Kris Kringle at the corner of Main Street and Ash.

Bring the whole family out on Saturday, December 5, for a fun, community Christmas celebration! See info in our holiday events section on page 8 for complete details on times and locations.

Our first major snowfall of the season last weekend gave Jennifer Piotrowski and her son, Aiden, 2, a chance to build their first snowman of the winter on Saturday, November 21, at Meadowcreek Apartments.

We had several inches of snow here, but last year during the same week, the Grand Rapids area had about 28 inches of snow. November 2014 broke records all over the state. This November has been relatively mild.

Do you have a snow or winter fun photo you’d like to send us? Please email it to news@cedarspringspost.com.

Trout Unlimited’s Home Rivers Initiative is continuing to train young scientists in the Rogue River Watershed. This fall, students from Cedar Springs High School have worked with Trout Unlimited on the Leaf Pack Network, a network of citizens, teachers, and students investigating their local stream ecosystems.

Students from eight science classes have designed experiments studying stormwater pollution, lack of riparian buffer, excess sediment, and other factors to better understand their local trout stream, Cedar Creek. They created artificial leaf packs and placed them somewhere in the creek, depending on their experimental conditions. The students waited for the leaf packs to stay in the stream for 4 weeks so that they could be colonized by macroinvertebrates.

On Monday, November 16, Trout Unlimited took the students back out to Cedar Creek to collect the leaf packs and the macroinvertebrates within. On Tuesday, they worked in the lab to identify the bugs and get a stream quality score. The data, which varied from scores of excellent to fair, will be uploaded to the Leaf Pack Network, where schools from all over the country have entered local stream conditions. Additionally, TU can use the macroinvertebrate data to prioritize sections of the creek for restoration or to identify sources of pollution.

To date, the Home Rivers Initiative has worked with over 550 students on the Leaf Pack Experiment. The experiment is a great way to give students hands-on, real world research experience while raising awareness of the importance of streamside forests to the ecology of rivers and streams and to promote their stewardship.

The Rogue River Home Rivers Initiative Project is funded by the Frey Foundation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, the Wege Foundation, the Wolverine World Wide Foundation, and the Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited.

Mr. Donald Jon Roelofs, age 62 of Howard City, passed away unexpected Thursday, November 26, 2015, at his home. He was born to Howard and Beatrice (Boersen) Roelofs on October 6, 1953, in Zeeland, Mich. He served his country and flag in the United States Army. Don worked for Blackmer Pump for 30 years. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and driving his dune buggy on the sand dunes at Silver Lake State Park. He also enjoyed walking the Lake Michigan beach and watching the sunsets. He is survived by his soul mate, Kathy; mother, Beatrice; brothers, Gary (Susan) Roelofs, Martin (Sally) Roelofs, Douglas Roelofs; sisters, Linda (Bruce) McGoffin, Gloria (Gerry) Gebhardt, Sandra (Ron) Starr, Beth (Mitch) Cole. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard; sister, Susan. There will be a time of visitation with the family from 5:00-8:00 pm Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at the Pederson Funeral Home. There will also be a time of visitation one hour prior to the service. Those wishing to offer gifts of sympathy are encouraged to donate to a charity of your choice in Donald’s name.
Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, pedersonfuneralhome.com.

By Judy Reed 

The Kent County Sheriff Department investigated an alleged bomb threat made by a Cedar Springs Middle School student last week on social media and found that it was  not a credible threat.

According to both Superintendent Dr. Laura VanDuyn and the Kent County Sheriff Department, a 13-year-old Cedar Springs Middle School student was talking with friends on Facebook on November 17, and told them he had made two bombs (and supplied photos from the Internet) and that he intended to use them at school on November 18. During the conversation, he also said it was a joke and that he had no intention of blowing up the school.

The Sheriff Department was contacted and spoke with witnesses, then spoke with the student. During the interview, police found there was no bomb and no intent of violence.

Cedar Springs Public Schools were notified of the incident, and there was a law enforcement presence on the middle school campus Wednesday to assure everyone that the threat had been taken seriously.

The case has been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review.

“I want to thank our MS school principal, Sue Spahr, and the Kent County Sheriff Department for handling this matter quickly and appropriately,” said Dr. VanDuyn in a letter to parents and staff. “I also thank students, staff, parents and community members for their understanding of how disturbing and unfortunate these matters can be and how they were handled swiftly and properly.

“Additionally, please know how much we all appreciate the watchful eyes and listening ears of everyone in our community. The vigilance to alert law enforcement agencies and school officials whenever there is a potential threat of school violence is imperative to us all.”

Beth Kieling took a Post and traveled to Santorini, Greece, for a yoga retreat, with a group from the Grand Rapids area. “We did yoga in the morning and evening, and toured during the day, visiting wineries and sailing in the Aegean Sea,” she said.

Thanks, Beth, for taking us with you!

Are you going on vacation? Take the Post with you and snap some photos. Then send them to us with some info to news@cedarspringspost.com or mail them to Post travels, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. We will be looking for yours!

Would you like to do something special for families in need this Christmas? You can partner with us to provide toys for needy children in Kent County. The Post is participating in the Toys for Tots program again this holiday season, as a drop off site for toys.

Toys for Tots is a volunteer organization whose goal is to collect new, unwrapped toys for kids 0-16, and distribute them to children who would not otherwise receive a gift during the holiday season. Toys for teens are always especially needed.

The program runs now through December 16. Just bring a new, unwrapped toy to our office at 36 E. Maple Street in Cedar Springs, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you can’t make that time, call us to make other arrangements.

Together we can make this Christmas special for many children!

Gas was at $1.92/gallon at press time Wednesday in Cedar Springs. Post Photo by L. Allen.

Gas prices took a significant drop in the last week, and the average in Michigan fell below $2 gallon last week Friday, for the first time since January 28, according to gasbuddy.com. Aside from January, the last time gas was this low was in 2009.

“Oil prices seem likely to spend some time under $40 per barrel, also some of the lowest prices witnessed since the Great Recession,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “It’ll come in handy not only in the week ahead, but for the holiday season as well. Three main factors are leading to the low levels we’re seeing—a seasonal decline in gasoline demand, low and falling oil prices, and a refinery maintenance season which is quickly wrapping up,” he added.

Gas was at $1.92/gallon at press time Wednesday in Cedar Springs. Post Photo by L. Allen.
This chart shows the average gas prices in Michigan since 2009.

High school student Kevin Galloway’s Eagle Scout project, the new picnic pavilion in Morley Park, was dedicated last Saturday, November 21. Cutting the ribbon was (L to R) Jeff Gust, of Gust Construction; Scoutmaster John Kerr, Kevin Galloway, and Cedar Springs City Mayor Jerry Hall. Photo courtesy T. Noreen.

By Tom Noreen

The first snow of the season brought out a pavilion full of residents, dignitaries and Boy Scouts on Saturday, November 21, to dedicate the new pavilion in Morley Park that Kevin Galloway’s Eagle Project brought to reality. It was apropos that everyone present was standing in the shelter as the snow fell.

Cedar Springs Mayor Pro Tem Pamela Conley opened the ceremony. She said, “We thank Kevin for the generous gift to the Cedar Springs Community of this wonderful shelter,” and “for the gift of service to our community, for the gift of leadership, and most importantly the gift of self he has presented.”

Roger Morgan, Kent County Commissioner for District 3, thanked Kevin for the privilege of being a part of the dedication. Morgan thanked him for his leadership, service to the community, and making a difference. He then presented Kevin with a certificate from the Kent County Board of Commissioners declaring November 21, 2015 as Kevin Galloway Day.

Next to the podium was State Senator Pete McGregor. McGregor said, “I have been to many Eagle Courts of Honors but never to a dedication of the Eagle Project itself.” He went on to say how impressed he was of the leadership skills and confidence that Eagle Scouts possessed. Pete presented a flag that had flown over the State Capitol.

Jeff Gust, of Gust Construction Company, who volunteered his services as the general contractor said, “Kevin asked many questions. We would give him a list of tasks he needed to work on and in a week or two he’d have them done.”

Scoutmaster John Kerr said, “Some days it is hard to be a Scoutmaster but then there are days like today that make it all worthwhile.” He praised Kevin for this perseverance and determination in tackling a project of this magnitude.

Red Flannel Festival Board member, Randy VanDuyn, thanked Kevin for his contribution to the community and presented him with a Red Flannel Festival shirt and mug.

Kevin then took the stage and thanked all who had made his project possible. In particular, he thanked Gust for his help and walking him through the project and his parents, Todd and Brenda. Galloway said he learned many life lessons from this project.

Jerry Hall, Mayor of Cedar Springs, said that he could not add to the accolades the others had spoken. However, he did want to emphasize the difference one person can make if they set their mind to it. In recognition of Kevin’s achievement, Mayor Hall presented Kevin with a You Make a Difference award and the Key to the City.

The dedication concluded with the cutting of the official ribbon by Jeff Gust, John Kerr, Kevin, and Mayor Hall.

Fresh apple cider and donuts were served up for all to enjoy.

Pictured (L to R): Tony Owen, Secretary of the Cedar Springs Public Library Board; Perry Hopkins, City Council, Planning Commission, Chamber president; Sherry Foster, Planning Commission; Kurt Mabie, President of Community Building Development Team; Kathy Prokopy, library staff; Donna Clark, Library Director; Yolanda Lewis, Community Relations Consumers Energy; and Louise King, president of Friends of the Library.

The Cedar Springs Public Library recently received a $6,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation to use toward building a new library at the corner of Main and W. Maple Street. Once complete, the Library, with touches reminiscent of a train depot, will be one of several attractions in the eight-acre area known as the “heart of Cedar Springs.” They hope to break ground on the library next spring.

Help build the heart of Cedar Springs

From the Community Building Development Team

This drawing shows the site plan for the “Heart of Cedar Springs” and how much money has been raised. See it in more detail by clicking this picture to enlarge.

Over two dozen organizations and businesses in Cedar Springs, along with dozens of individuals, have been working together for the past three years to develop eight acres of land, within the City limits, into “The Heart of Cedar Springs.” This place can be called our own “Town Square,” where the local citizens and visitors can enjoy a new library building, a community building, a recreation center, and an amphitheater, all placed among beautiful rain gardens and sculptures along a board walk on the banks of Cedar Creek.

The team overseeing these projects was organized three years ago when the representatives of the businesses, public and private organizations, Library Board members, City and School officials, and many community members started meeting regularly to discuss the future needs of Cedar Springs.  They named themselves the Community Building Development Team (CBDT) and by the middle of 2013, it was clear that this group’s vision could be fulfilled under the right leadership and structure.  The group chose Kurt Mabie, a retired school administrator, as their leader.  They applied for and obtained 501 (c) 3 status, appointed eight more directors, and have met monthly ever since.

Donations of land and cash, as well as pledges, as of November 2015, total over $2,555,000.  The overall project is expected to cost approximately $10,000,000.  The plan is to raise funds for each individual project and to break ground for each facility when funds are adequate. Donations may be designated.

The Cedar Springs Library building is scheduled to be built first, breaking ground early next spring. A few years ago the Library Board employed the Breton Group, a professional consulting team in Grand Rapids, to do a feasibility study regarding the need for a new Library.  Over the past three years, Library Board members have implemented the recommendations in that study and are working together with the CBDT to move as quickly as possible to begin the building project.

Two men, very influential to Cedar Springs, will be honored at this site. President Gerald R. Ford visited Cedar Springs annually for many years as a Congressman and later as Vice President Designate. The day following his appointment by President Richard Nixon as his Vice President, Gerald Ford held his first press conference at the Jordan College Chapel, now owned by Creative Technologies Academy.

The second person to be honored is Fred Meijer. Fred’s father, Heinrik, opened his second Meijer Grocery Store in Cedar Springs and Fred became the manager. He also became a charter member of the Cedar Springs Rotary on April 6, 1942. Thanks to Fred’s support of recreational trails, the White Pine Trail was paved from Russell Road through Cedar Springs and on to Sand Lake. Fred attended a dedication of the Trail that took place in Cedar Springs a few years ago.

A Capital Campaign Committee was appointed by the CBDT and they are in the process of writing grant proposals to large corporations and foundations to raise the funds needed to complete these projects. Other committees have also been appointed and are serving to meet other goals. Thousands of hours have been donated by professionals and by our local citizens who are now looking to you to make this vision a reality for you, those who have gone before and for your children.

We invite you to participate in building the foundation of the “Heart of Cedar Springs” by purchasing a plaque to be imbedded into a concrete block that will form a retaining wall between the Creek and the new library building. There will be approximately 30-40 of these 18”x47” limestone-like blocks. The cost of each plaque is $1,000.  Other opportunities for engraved recognition at the $100 level, such as a “wall of fame,” will soon be available. You could choose to memorialize a loved one or honor a current family member or members and you would be very welcome to donate enough to cover multiple plaques of recognition.

Besides the above options, donations of any size will be greatly appreciated.

You will receive a tax receipt for your gift.  Checks can be written to the Cedar Springs Public Library and either sent to Box 280 or dropped off at the Library. They can also be written to the Community Building Development Team and sent to the treasurer of the CBDT, Betty Truesdale, 141 S Main Street, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.  Thank you all for your support.

Hey kids,

Would you like to win your very own Star Wars-The Force Awakens BB-8 Remote Control Droid? It’s time for our annual Christmas Coloring Contest and your chance to win!  Please color the picture above with crayons, markers or colored pencils. Our judges will choose 3 finalists from three age groups: 5-7 years; 8-10 years; and 11-12 years. All finalists will be placed in a drawing and one lucky winner will be the Grand Prize winner of a  Star Wars-The Force Awakens BB-8 Remote Control Droid (valued at over $100.)

Good Luck and remember to be creative but follow the rules!

Click on link below and print coloring page, don’t forget to print and fill out the entry form as well.

ChristmasColoringContest2015-web