Richard “Tom” Rowland age 79 of Sand Lake died Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at his home. Tom was born July 20, 1942 in Cedar Springs, MI the son of R. Kenneth and Bonnie (Morris) Rowland. He enjoyed people and loved to talk. Tom and his wife, Judy traveled the country for years on their motorcycle. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, his farm and horses, and Dobermans. He loved his children and grandchildren. Surviving are his wife Judy (Winter), who he married on September 2, 1960; children, Lauri & Gordy Waller, Scott & Penny Rowland; grandchildren, Nicole & Randy Basinger, Jessica Waller, Treva & Justin Freer, Jackie & Justin Slocum, Nicholas & Felicia Rowland, Travis Rowland; great-grandchildren, Brady, Peyton, Lillian, Kendal, Ezra, Evan, Lillian, Mila, Camryn, and one more on the way; brothers, Bob & Jodi Rowland, Bill & Karen Rowland; brother-in-law, Jerry & Mary Winter; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; also his dog, Magnum. The family greeted friends Monday, July 26 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where the service was held Tuesday, July 27 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Ilene J. (Paepke) Boho age 86 of Cedar Springs, died Sunday, July 25, 2021. Ilene was born August 2, 1934 in Ravenna, MI the daughter of Clifford and Geneva (VanderLaan) Moe. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, dancing and gambling. Surviving are her children, Cindy Dobson, Greg (Kelly) Paepke, Jeff (Michelle) Paepke; 6 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Ardy (Shelly) Moe, Wayne (Diann) Moe; brothers-in-law, Darrel Harper, Ed Luce; sisters-in-law, Paz Moe, Carolyn Moe. She was preceded in death by husbands, Max Paepke and Walter Boho; siblings, Earl Moe, Glen Moe, June Luce and Rosalie Harper. The family will greet friends Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Pierson Cemetery. Mr. Ross Merlington officiating.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Terry Fales Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be at Algoma Baptist Church on July 31st, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. will be a time of fellowship and visiting with Terry’s family and friends. The service will be at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow. Wearing a Hawaiian shirt to the service would be a wonderful way of honoring Terry’s memory, but is certainly not required. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Scott and Sara’s adoption fund. www.paypal.com/paypalme/scottsaraadoptionfun.

Pastor Darryl Miller

Sand Lake UMC/South Ensley UMC

Sand Lake, MI

Genesis 12: 1,4-5 1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. 4 So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

We just went through what we plan to be our last move. After moving back to the house that I grew up in and spending an additional 22 years there, we moved and downsized a great deal. What an ordeal! We had wonderful help from wonderful people and yet it was a big job. I can’t imagine what Abram went through with the move described above. There was a great deal of trust and obedience displayed there. We moved around the corner; Abram, on the other hand, left everything behind and moved a long distance away. He really didn’t know where he was going or what he would find there. He only trusted God. As always, God proved trustworthy. 

How many times have we felt an urge from the Holy Spirit or a prompt to do something or go somewhere to minister to others only to focus on the difficulty or the size of the job? Why do we not have the same trust as Abram? We can and we should. This move was difficult, but we encountered God every step of the way. So did Abram. That is what happens when we trust instead of doubt. Most likely, you won’t be asked to move across the country or to leave everything that you are familiar with behind. However, whatever God calls you to do, do it with the trust displayed by Abram. Know that God is present and will be with you every step of the way. No matter how big the job seems, God is immeasurably bigger. In addition, His family is all around you to offer help and encouragement. We will never move a mountain but moving a person closer to God is an even better thing to do.

Check out a church near you and encounter the same God that proved His faithfulness to Abram.

Grab a lawn chair or picnic blanket and bring the kids to the Cedar Springs Community Players youth production of Sondheim and Lapine’s award winning musical Into the Woods, JR.

This is the 2nd summer that youth have rehearsed and performed a musical at the outdoor amphitheater in Cedar Springs.  It is a fun, relaxing venue that the whole family will enjoy.  The amphitheater is part of a park between the White Pine Trail and Cedar Springs Library that includes sculptures, rain garden, and a bridge over Cedar Creek.

Fairy tale characters Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (Beanstalk), a witch and a couple of Prince Charmings are all caught up with a Baker and his wife as they try to undo a curse.  Facing tough problems that require bravery and perseverance is like going “Into the (dark, scary) woods.”

Into the Woods, JR is a 60-minute version of the full length musical and consists of the first act.  The play closes with a traditional fairy tale happily-ever-after ending.

Into the Woods, JR is the Cedar Springs Community Players youth theatre show for 2021.  Performances are the first 2 weekends in August.  August 6, 7, and 8 and again August 13, 14, and 15 at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.  All performances are at “The Heart of Cedar Springs Amphitheater,” located on Maple Street just west of Main Street by the Cedar Springs Library.  Donations will be cheerfully accepted at each show.  Into the Woods, JR is licensed through Music Theater International.

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name anad phone number for any questions we may have.

Ensley Neighborhood Crime Watch Picnic/Race Celebration

July 31: Ensley Neighborhood Crime Watch is celebrating 25 years as a community group, March 1996-2021. The annual Community Picnic (since September 2006) and 5K race (since August 2012) will be held on Saturday, July 31^st at Baptist Lake Park, located at 8810 Oak Drive, Sand Lake. The 5K race starts at 9 am with registration at 8 am. Cost is $25, $20 for youth 13 and under. The picnic begins at 11:30 am. For lunch the firemen will grill hotdogs and there will be fixin’s too, for a small fee. Special guests include the Sand Lake Fire Department (trucks/equiptment to view), the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Department (K9, SWAT vehicles), and the Newaygo Marine Patrol and Dive team. Kids can enjoy a bounce house. There is a 50/50 raffle, and raffles for prizes from local businesses. Proceeds from the event will help the Sand Lake Fire Department/ Ensley Fire Department purchase rescue equipment. #29,30

Sand Lake Community Picnic

Aug. 1: Sand Lake Community Picnic on Sunday, August 1st from 12:30 -3:00 pm. Fun, Food, Music, and School Supplies. A celebration of community in Salisbury Park.  Sponsored by Sand Lake Village Churches and the Chamber of Commerce. #30

Celebration of Music In Howard City

Aug. 7: The 3^rd Annual Celebration of Music will be held on Saturday, August 7^th in Howard City on Edgerton Street. Live music, great food, raffles/prizes (must be present to win) and dancing. Baked goods/coffie available at the Howard City Senior Action Center from 8-11 am. Over 30 artisan vendors open from 9 am – 5 pm. The Kids Zone is by Jak’s Rentals. From 1-1:30 pm The Tri-County Schools Drum Line and the Howard City Fire Department: National Anthem/Salute to Veterans. Live bands starting at 1:30 pm until 10 pm, featuring the Frank Elmer Band, Andrews String Band, Dusty Chaps, Mark Swanson Trio, The Gitchel Brothers Band, Top Shelf Country, Beatles Tribute Band, Michigan Mafia String Band. Also including special guests, Bob Vogel, lead guitar player for Loretta Lynn for 17 years; Randy Panda, drummer for Earnest Tabb, the Texas Troubadors and Brooks & Dunn; Chuck Bob Carnes, local legend. #30

Into the Woods JR Play 

Aug. 6-8,13-15: Into the Woods, JR is the Cedar Springs Community Players youth theatre show for 2021. It will be performed August 6, 7, and 8 and again August 13, 14, and 15 at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. All performances are at “The Heart of Cedar Springs Amphitheater,” by the Cedar Springs Library. Donations will be cheerfully accepted at each show. Into the Woods, JR is licensed through Music Theater International. #30,31

Sand Lake All City Rummage Sale

Aug. 13,14: The Sand Lake All City Rummage Sale will be held on Aug 13 & 14, Friday and Saturday. Hours vary by vendor but generally from 9 am to 4 pm. Visit our community to hunt for your next treasure. #30-32

By Judy Reed

A 26-year-old Sand Lake woman was hospitalized Monday after she hit a garbage truck head-on in Spencer Township.

According to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the two-vehicle crash on July 19, at 1:08 p.m. on Meddler Avenue, north of 18 Mile Rd.

Police said that a 2004 Dodge Dakota pickup truck, driven by a 26-year-old Sand Lake woman, was southbound on Meddler Ave NE, just north of 18 Mile Rd NE, when it crossed the centerline and struck an Allied Waste/Republic Services utility truck head-on. 

The woman was reportedly unresponsive and pinned in her vehicle and needed to be extricated. Once freed, she was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. 

The driver of the utility truck, a 40-year-old male, was not injured.  

Meddler Ave NE between 18 Mile Rd NE and Black Creek St NE was closed for an extended period of time. Spencer Township Fire Department, Montcalm Township Fire Department, Lakeview Fire Department, and Rockford Ambulance assisted at the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

From North Kent Connect

We appreciate everyone who donated new school supplies to help our North Kent Connect families start off the school year. As it turns out, we are very low on new backpacks to put them in. 

Children in families with multiple siblings, especially when on a tight budget, are used to receiving hand-me-downs, but backpacks can get very worn after a couple of years, even becoming painful to carry as they lose their shape. We’d like to make sure families at North Kent Connect have sturdy backpacks, and the supplies they need to get their school year off to a great start.

You can drop off new backpacks at North Kent Connect, 10075 Northland Dr NE, Rockford, or at our partner donation site, Herman’s Boy, 220 Northland Drive, Rockford, now through July 29th. The SignUpGenius link below will show how many backpacks and school supplies are still needed.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44aea723a0fcc61-back

NKC families will have until August 12th to pick up backpacks at North Kent Connect. Any backpacks left over after that date will be sold in the Thrift Store so that families in the community can purchase them at a very affordable price. If you have any questions, please contact Catherine Landers at (616) 866-3478, ext. 355, or catherine.landers@nkconnect.org.

Thank you for helping local families in need get ready for school!

Aug. 7 game to benefit Justin Harnden

By Shae Brophy

A warm and sunny Saturday evening, July 17, provided the perfect environment for football fans in attendance at Skinner Field, host of the first game in West Michigan Chaos history. The Chaos provided those fans with an entertaining game, as they defeated the Southern Michigan Vipers by a score of 26-6. 

The Chaos wasted absolutely zero time getting started, as Eric Whitehead returned the game’s opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. The following two-point conversion was good, making the score 8-0 just seconds into the game. Upon receiving the ensuing kickoff, the Vipers were quickly forced into a three-and-out, forcing them to punt the ball back to the Chaos. Dontae Ensley struck next for West Michigan, reeling in a 26-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Travis Puff. This time, the two-point conversion was unsuccessful, making the score 14-0. The final scoring play of the first quarter was Chaos running back Shahare Morris’s three-yard touchdown run late in the quarter. After one quarter of play, the Chaos led 20-0. 

Both defenses took control of the game for most of the rest of the evening. aWhitehead provided the only scoring in the second quarter on a five yard touchdown run, which immediately followed a 63 yard catch from Ensley. This marked the end of the scoring for the Chaos, who led 26-0 at halftime.

West Michigan held on to the shutout until about halfway through the fourth quarter, when the Vipers finally struck. A pass interference penalty on the Chaos occurred in the end zone, which put the ball at the one-yard line for the Vipers. Their first try from the one was thwarted, as Chaos defensive end Chad Snoeyink forced a three-yard loss. But the Vipers were able to score on their next play. 

For the game, Dontae Ensley led the way offensively with four catches for exactly 100 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, the Chaos had more than a few players with big numbers. Snoeyink finished with numerous tackles, including two sacks. Keenan Gosselin had two interceptions, and Joe Allen Jr finished the night with a sack, an interception, and a fumble recovery. 

Head coach/owner David Lange was ecstatic after the game, and was quick to point out how thankful he was for the support of the community. “There were so many people here tonight, it was incredible,” he said. “Having the community come to the game and support our team means the world to us. One of the main reasons I wanted to get back in to semi-pro football was to be able to give back to the community, and they were very supportive of us tonight.”

 The Chaos will be in action again on Saturday, August 7, when the team will host a benefit game for beloved Cedar Springs teacher Justin Harnden. All net profits from the game will be donated to “H” as he continues in his fight against colon cancer, as will proceeds raised from a 50/50 drawing. We hope that you’ll mark August 7 on your calendar and join us at Skinner Field for another tremendous night of football!

Mike and Belinda Sanderson celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary on July 9th with a trip to Mackinac Island and St. Ignace, MI. This was their first trip to Mackinac together and the first time spending the night on the island and visiting the Grand Hotel. In the picture above they stopped at a roadside park in St. Ignace to pose with the Post while capturing the Mackinac Bridge in the background. 

Thank you for sharing your trip with us. 

Are you going on vacation? Be sure to take along a printed edition of the Post and get someone to snap a photo of you or your family with it. Send it to us along with some info about your trip (where you went, who went along, what you saw) and send the photo and info to news@cedarspringspost.com. We will print as space allows. If you forget the Post, please do not photoshop it into the photo. Just take it with you next time!

The Cedar Springs Public Library partnered with the Wolverine Skyhawks for a family event on July 14 that was filled with watching model airplanes do impressive tricks, eating hotdogs, and as an added bonus, indulging in ice cream! 

“The Wolverine Skyhawks put on a fantastic show that captivated nearly 265 people from the community,” said Cassie Hall, Communications and Youth Services Assistant at the Cedar Springs Public Library. 

Every kid that attended was entered into a Model Airplane raffle which was donated by Weingartz of Cedar Springs. Flynn, now age 4, was the lucky winner and enjoyed getting an early birthday present!  

Follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CedarSpringsPublicLibrary for more Summer Reading program events, including their Foam Party this Friday from 1-3 p.m. behind the library.