(BPT) – The weather’s heating up and that means one thing: road trips.

Before you grab the family and hit the highway, make sure your vehicle’s ready to roll. And the first place to check is actually what rolls – your tires. Often ignored – except when they are flat – tires are one of the most important components on any vehicle, and have an enormous effect on braking, steering, comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.

Palang says the first thing to know is what type of tires you have and what they can do. “Most people have no idea and get confused because there are so many types and performance categories. By educating yourself about tires and how to maintain them, you will be able to save money and fuel, vastly improve your vehicle’s ride and handling, and better prepare yourself for the road ahead.”

According to Palang, tires are defined according to whether they are summer, all-season or winter tires. Summer tires offer excellent handling in dry and wet conditions. All-season tires are designed for varying road conditions that include moderately cold or low temperatures. Winter tires are best for conditions that call for improved cold weather and snow/ice performance.

To best match the type of tire with your driving needs, look for the performance category that meets your requirements the most:

* Ultra high-performance: Deliver superior high-speed traction and control with a firmer, sportier feel.

* High-performance: Engineered to provide crisp handling, responsive feedback and allow the tire to operate at higher speeds.

* Touring: Provides the ride and noise comfort of a standard passenger car tire.

“There’s a lot to consider when deciding on tires,” explains Palang. “You have to take into account how you drive, how far, weather and road conditions, how you want the vehicle to perform and so on. Plus, there are new tire technologies, such as the use of orange oil we put in our AVID Ascend, which creates a special compound resulting in a balance of long tread life, all-season handling and great fuel economy.”

For road trips or the daily commute, driving smart and maintaining your tires can save money at the gas station. Here are some of Palang’s tips:

* Keep your tires properly inflated. Once a month, when the tires are cold (at least three to four hours after the vehicle has been driven), check tire pressure with a reliable tire gauge. Be sure the valve stems have a plastic or metal cap to keep dirt out and seal against leakage.

* Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch to prevent skidding and hydroplaning. An easy test: place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you’re driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, you should buy a new tire.

* Tire alignment should be checked once a year. Misaligned tires can cause the car to scrub, which lowers mileage and creates unnecessary tire wear.

* Slow down. All vehicles lose fuel economy at speeds above 55 mph. Driving 55 mph instead of 75 mph can reduce fuel costs by up to 25 percent. Driving 65 mph instead of 75 mph can save up to 13 percent.

* Turn off your engine if you’re stopped for more than a couple of minutes. Fuel efficiency savings of up to 19 percent are possible by not letting your engine idle too long while stationary.

* Blasting off from a stoplight and then slamming on the brakes to stop uses gas at a much faster rate. Accelerating less and slowing moderately can increase fuel efficiency by more than 30 percent. Also, many traffic lights are timed for efficient traffic flow, so you’ll hit more green lights in a row by maintaining the speed limit.

For additional tire care and safety tips, visit www.yokohamatire.com or www.rma.org.

Fuel economy is directly related to vehicle care and driving behavior.

(NAPS)—Just because gas prices go up, that doesn’t mean your driving has to go down.

You can’t control the price of gas but you can control how much you use with some simple and inexpensive vehicle maintenance.

Save Gas And Cash

Consider these simple steps to save gas without driving less:

• Keep your car properly tuned to improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.

• Keep tires properly inflated and improve gas mileage by 3 percent.

• Replace dirty or clogged air filters on older vehicles to improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

• Change oil regularly and gain another mile per gallon.

• Check the gas cap. Damaged, loose or missing gas caps let the gas just vaporize into the air.

• Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 mph.

• Avoid excessive idling. Idling gets zero miles per gallon. Warming up the vehicle for one or two minutes is sufficient.

• Avoid quick starts and stops. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city.

• Consolidate trips. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much gas as one longer multipurpose trip.

• Don’t haul unneeded items in the trunk. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces fuel economy by up to 2 percent.

“Some motorists think they are saving money when they put off needed vehicle maintenance,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “What they don’t realize is that neglecting routine maintenance can end up costing a lot more. Keeping your car running efficiently and modifying your driving behavior is the best way to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy and keep more money in your pocket. Fuel consumption is directly related to vehicle care and driver behavior and both can have a significant impact on how much motorists pay at the pump.”

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.

Learn More

For a free copy of the council’s “Car Care Guide” or for further information, visit www.carcare.org.

Protect your precious cargo: Be sure your child’s car seat is properly installed and remember to use it every ride.

(NAPS)—Road trips with children can be daunting, but with AAA’s expert advice, your next family car trip can be both safe and fun:

• Involve your children early on when planning a road trip. Let them help decide places to stop.

• Give kids a map so they can see where you are and how far it is to your destination.

• Remember, loose items in the car can be dangerous in a crash or just a sudden stop. Keep loose items in the trunk, a console or under a cargo net.

• Be sure children are secure in the proper car seats. Each year, more than 1,000 kids die and 170,000 are injured in car crashes—but giving them the proper protection will help keep them safe.

Following these best practice recommendations will ensure your children are as safe as possible on the road:

First, remember that the backseat is the safest place for all kids under 13. Toddlers should be kept in rear-facing seats for as long as possible, until reaching the height or weight limits of the car seat, typically around age 2. Children who have outgrown the harnesses on their forward-facing car seats can use a booster seat to help position them so the lap/shoulder belt fits properly across their hips and upper thighs and across their chest and collarbone. The American Academy of Pediatrics says children should remain in a booster seat until they have reached 4’9” in height, which is typically between ages 8 and 12. A child is ready to move from a booster seat to a lap/shoulder belt if the following criteria are met:

• The child can sit all the way back against the vehicle seat;

• The child’s knees can bend comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat;

• The lap/shoulder belt crosses the child’s shoulder between the neck and arm and the lap belt remains low across the thighs and hips;

• And, the child can remain in this position for the duration of the ride.

Before heading out on your trip, be sure that your child’s car seat is installed properly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, three out of four car seats are incorrectly installed. It’s important to read the owner’s manual for both the vehicle and the car seat before attempting the installation. Fortunately, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are available to advise you. You can find them through an AAA office, by calling (866) SEAT-CHECK or by visiting www.seatcheck.org. Another way to protect children all over the country, the experts at AAA say, is to strengthen child passenger safety laws. Learn more at www.SafeSeats4Kids.AAA.com.

Cedar Springs High School is hosting a free electronics recycling event at the school Tuesday, May 28 from 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday, May 29 from 8 am to 6pm, and Thursday, May 30 from 8 am to 3 pm. Look for the Comprenew e-Drop trailer in the school parking lot. Acceptable items include office & household electronics (cell phones, radios, microwaves, VCRs, TVs), computer components & accessories. Almost anything with a cord or battery will be accepted. Comprenew will wipe or destroy all computer hard drives. No big box appliances, air conditioners or refrigerators. Proceeds from the recycling event will benefit Cedar Springs High School.

A clergyman, walking down a country lane, sees a young farmer struggling to load hay back onto a cart after it had fallen off.

“You look tired, my son,” said the cleric. “Why don’t you rest a moment, then I’ll give you a hand.”

“No thanks,” said the young man. “My father wouldn’t approve.”

“Don’t be silly,” the minister said. “Everyone is entitled to a break. Come and have a drink of water.”

Again the young man protested that his father would be upset.

Losing his patience just a little, the clergyman said, “Your father must be a real slave driver. Tell me where I can find him and I’ll give him a piece of my mind!”

“Well,” replied the young farmer, “you can tell him whatever you like just as soon as I get this hay off him!”

(L to R):  Judy Schultz, Liz Clifford, Chris Bigney, and Russ Cole in a scene from Old Folks at Home.

Reviewed by Tom Noreen

Ever wondered what life in a retirement home might be like, but were afraid to ask? Scott and Jill Phillip’s new musical Old Folks at Home will give you a glimpse into life at the Aged Oaks retirement home. If you want to see this wonderful spoof, tickets are available at the Cedar Springs Library or Alpha and Omega Coffee and games for the 7:30 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday, May 24-25.
The show opened to a packed theatre last Friday. The audience laughed all the way through as Scott poked fun at the infirmities that come with age and mileage. Melvin (Russ Cole) still thinks he is God’s gift to women as he chases the ladies around in his walker while in Betty’s (Megan Maddox) royal allusions she portrays herself as Queen for a day taking on personages from Victoria to, well you will have to go to find out! Then there is poor Maude (Liz Clifford), stricken by a stroke she milks more laughs out of 52 words and a palette of facial expressions than Bob Hope could in a Christmas special. Glenda (Chris Bigney) tries to keep the peace as squabbles breakout. Bertie (Judy Schultz) thinks she’s a flapper as she makes eyes at staffer Corey (Sean Murphy).

On the darker side, Wendell (Jon Gamm) feels he as been dumped to die by his son, Adam (Dan Kavanaugh). Anna Ambrose as Rachel attempts to bring reconciliation to Wendell and Adam as little Johnny (Hayden Golczynski) brings joy and purpose into Wendell’s shattered life. All the time, Kathryn-with a capital K (Terri Riggle), tries to keep the home running on an even keel.

Jill’s songs range from the hilarious to the poignant. The Lutheran Children’s Choir’s makes fun of the residents in the title work, Old Folks at Home. The house roared at Stalker with Walker. On the other hand, you could hear a pin drop when Anna sang Forgive. The show closed as the Aged Oak residents got back at the Lutheran kids with their rap song, Old Folks Finale.

The show is as good as it gets, a great story line and super music. Make the time this weekend to enjoy this fantastic production. Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 in advance. Students under 18 are $6. Call Scott at 696-3746 or email phillipsba@yahoo.com to reserve your ticket or get one at the library or Alpha and Omega.

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 and phone number for any questions we may have.

Tri County Eagles’s Vegas Night

May 25: Come to the Tri County Eagles in Sand Lake (32 E. Lake St.) for Vegas Night! Open to the Public. The evening starts with a rib eye steak fry dinner from 2-8 pm. Call 616-636-8787 to RSVP for $12.75 per person at the door for $13 per person. Vegas Night is from 6 pm – Midnight and includes Black Jack, Roulette, Texas Holdem, 3 card poker, and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds to benefit Diabetes Research Center. License #M81909. #21

Memorial Cemetery Walk

May 26: The Cedar Springs Historical Society is holding its 13^th annual Memorial Cemetery Walk on Sunday, May 26^th at 2 pm to honor veterans of all wars. This year’s veterans will be: Cyrus Fleck, Civil War; Charles Davis, Spanish American War; Royal Kent World War I; Charles Crites, World War II; Dwight Shier, Korea; LaVern “Bill” Avery, Vietnam. We will leave from the museum in Morley Park at 1:30 and return there for refreshments at the completetion of the walk. In case of severe weather warnings we will cancel the event, in case of rain we will do the presentations at the museum. #21

Free Electronics Recycling Event

May 28-30: Cedar Springs High School is hosting a free electronics drop-off event at the school Tuesday, May 28 from 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday, May 29 from 8 am to 6pm, and Thursday, May 30 from 8 am to 3 pm. Look for the Comprenew e-Drop trailer in the school parking lot. Acceptable items include office & household electronics (cell phones, radios, microwaves, VCRs, TVs), computer components & accessories. Almost anything with a cord or battery will be accepted. Comprenew will wipe or destroy all computer hard drives. No big box appliances, air conditioners or refrigerators. Proceeds from the recycling event will benefit Cedar Springs High School. #21

Senior Lunch

May 29: Ma’s being a bit secretive ‘bout the menu. When asked, she says Chicken Breast, Ham, Roast Beef and Turkey. And did I hear a mention of Cranberry Sauce? ….hmmmm! Best bet my friend is to hie yourself and all your friends aged at least 60 over to the Senior Cafe for Ma’s creation; you know it’ll be tasty! The time, the place… well that’s no secret. ‘twill be May 29^th at 12 Noon right on the dot, M-82 and Beech right here on our spot. #21

Fish Fry

May 31: There will be a Fish Fry on Friday, May 31, from 4:30 – 7:30 pm at Courtland-Oakfield UMC, 10295 Myers Lake. Battered fried fish, fresh cut French fries, cole slaw, coffee, punch and dessert. 1, 2, and 3 piece dinners available at $4.50, $6.50 and $8.50. #21,22p

American Legion Craft/Garage Sale

June 1: The American Legion Auxiliary is having a craft/garage sale on Saturday, June 1 from 9 am to 3 pm. Looking for that special something? Maybe you will find it here! There will be garage sale merchandise, arts & crafts, bake sale, etc. Sponsored by Glen Hill Unit 287 Auxiliary. For more info call 616-570-2830. #21

Teen Crew Orientation

June 1: We’re looking for a few good teens to volunteer their time to help with our summer reading program. Enthusiasm and energy are a must. Fun times guaranteed! Located at the Spencer Twp. Pavilion. Registration os required via a paper application. Saturday, June 1 at 10 am. Spencer Township  KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave. 616-784-2007. #21

Chess Anyone?

June 3: Drop in and play chess at the library! All skill levels welcome. An adult is usually on hand to help you with your game or match you up with a worthy opponent. Monday, June 3 at 6:30 pm. Sand Lake/ Nelson Township KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #21

Sand Lake High School Alumni Banquet

June 8: The Annual Sand Lake High School Alumni Banquet will be held on June 8 at the Sand Lake Lutheran Church. Social hour at 5 pm, Dinner at 6 pm. Remember the Time Box. Open to anyone who attended Sand Lake School. Please RSVP by June 1^st. Call Dick Braford 616-984-2077 or Dick Pierce 616-636-5258. #21

One man was arrested after leading police on a high speed chase.

A man was arrested in Solon Township Tuesday after leading Michigan State Police on a high speed chase on US131 and west on 17 Mile Road.

According to Trooper Bozek, of the Michigan State Police, he tried to make a traffic stop on the silver SUV on US131, when it went by at a high rate of speed. The driver refused to stop, and instead reached speeds of over 100 mph while MSP pursued. The driver exited the expressway and then got back on, and finally exited at 17 Mile Road, and pulled over just west of Meijer.

According to a witness at Delta Tron, he heard the sirens and looked out, and said he saw police race to the vehicle and pull the driver out. He said there was also an adult passenger and young child.

Trooper Bozek said the man was arrested on outstanding warrants, and possible drugs found in the search of the car. “We won’t know for sure until they are tested,”  said Bozek. He said the man had no current address.

Christopher Perrien

A Sand Lake man was sentenced to life in prison last week in the double slaying of an Eaton County couple.

Christopher Allen Perrien, 39, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the deaths of Michael Greene, 62, and his wife, Terri, 46. According to the Eaton County Sheriff Department, Perrien became a suspect on September 27, 2011, within 5 days after the couple was found shot at their home, in Delta Township. He reportedly became a suspect after policed discovered someone was using the victim’s cell phone and credit cards, and surveillance tracked the transactions back to Perrien.

Michael Greene was a retired state police detective. He had been shot five times, and his body was reportedly posed. His wife’s body was found in the pond behind their home.

Evidence was found in Perrien’s storage unit, including Terri’s wallet, her driver’s license, and Michael’s badge and service weapons. A GPS unit on Perrien’s car showed that he drove by the Greene’s home twice the day before the killings, and once the day of the murders.

Perrien reportedly committed the murders while out on work release. He was convicted and sentenced on a property crime on September 1, 2011 in Eaton County, and was granted work release by the court, despite a long criminal history.

“Perrien was assigned a probation/parole agent but his actual employment was never verified,” explained former Eaton County Sheriff Mike Raines, at the time of Perrien’s arrest. “Our investigation determined he was on work release without actually having a job.”

A phone call played during closing arguments showed that Perrien’s girlfriend at the time, Crystal Gonzalez, helped him get the .38 revolver and gloves he used in the crime.

Perrien’s previous crimes had been financial—writing bad checks, embezzlement, illegal use of a credit card, etc.

Line the streets to show your support

The John Voshel Jr. Memorial Ride for fallen police officers, fire fighters and veterans is this Saturday, May 18. We the People Giving Back (a totally volunteer organization) is hosting the motorcycle run to honor those that protect us, and they are asking citizens and businesses to line the streets and make signs to show support.

It will start at 10:30 a.m. at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids, and will exit US131 at M-57 (14 Mile) about 11 a.m. and travel east to Northland Drive, and then north on Northland to the Cedar Springs American Legion Glen Hill Post, at the corner of Main and Beech St. They will be at the Legion for about an hour, then travel north on Main St. to 18 Mile, and continue east on 18 Mile.

They will make two stops, one in Cedar Springs and one in Greenville, both at the American Legion Halls, where they will recognize some of our fallen heroes and Gold Star families. This event is designed to educate communities and bring awareness about the sacrifices made by all who wear a uniform. This ride will impact nine communities in Northern Michigan, in the hopes of honoring the fallen.