The Cedar Springs Women’s Club is taking applications for a $1,000 scholarship for a female of any age, who resides in the Cedar Springs Public School district.

Applicants may be planning any type of skill training or degree program, as long as it is at a Michigan public community /junior college, degree-granting or vocational institution that leads to a degree, certification or license. Applicants do not need to be enrolled in high school.

The award will be based on a competitive process, which considers personal academic achievement, and family, school or community activities. Final selection criteria are: academic progress, school/community service, financial consideration, and career goal.

The award will be made without regard to race, creed, color, religion or national origin. And the winner will be announced by June 1.

Women currently attending high school can obtain an application from their high school counselor. Please be sure that you have the current application. It should be dated 2012. Women who have left high school can obtain one by contacting Carol Hordyk (696-0090), Claudia Mabie (696-3541), or Sue Harrison (696-0456) or the Cedar Springs Public Library.

CASE Exchange Student Programs would like to invite you to meet a very special person in 2012! Families in school districts across Michigan are invited to offer their hospitality to a high school age exchange student for the upcoming school year starting in late August.

According to Joann Cooper, the Program’s County Coordinator, families that volunteer early have the opportunity to begin communication with their student before arrival. This early bonding makes it easier for everyone to handle cultural obstacles once the student arrives. “Most of the students feel like they know their host families even before they arrive and are immediately ready to become a participating member of their new host homes – pitching in on everything from household chores to family discussions,” says Cooper.

In particular, the exchange program is seeking a host family for a 16-year-old girl from Vietnam and a 15- year-old boy from Spain. Both students have full medical insurance, pocket money for their personal needs & have expressed a true desire to learn about our American culture from the inside – while living with an American family. “Just imagine homecoming, sporting events, or even that first school bus ride as seen through the eyes of a foreign exchange student.”

Hosts provide room, board and a once in a lifetime opportunity for some lucky foreign teen to live and study in America for a school year. Host families with small or grown children, or no children at all, are eligible to host. A return exchange is not necessary

CASE is a non-profit organization, designated by the US State Dept and maintains full listing in the CSIET Advisory book. For more information call toll free 1 (877) 417-9675 and ask for Joann Cooper, or e-mail: joanncooper48@yahoo.com .

An elderly couple had been experiencing declining memories, so they decided to take a power memory class where they teach you to remember things by association.

A few days after the class, the old man was outside talking with his neighbor about how much the class helped him.

“Who teaches the class?” asked the neighbor.

“Oh, ummmm, let’s see,” the old man pondered. “You know that flower, you know, the one that smells really nice but has those prickly thorns, what’s that flower’s name?”

“A rose?” asked the neighbor.

“Yes, that’s it,” replied the old man. He then turned toward his house and shouted, “Hey, Rose, what’s the name of the instructor we took the memory class from?”

Al Bogner Benefit

Feb. 4: A benefit of Al Bogner will be held on Sat. Feb. 4 at the Newago VFW (1 mile south of Newago on M-37. A live auction starts at 2 pm. There will be a DJ and live music, bake sale, craft table, pop & candy booths. Soup & Baked potato Bar at 6 pm, with ham sandwiches, salads, coffee and punch. Al Bogner has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and we are hoping to raise money for repairs to the home and transportation to doctor appointments. Any remaining funds will go to living and funeral expenses. For more information call Mary Jo Hanes, 231-834-1821 or Nora Sokolowski, 616-636-7144.  #4,5p

Tailgater Snack Sale

Feb. 4: Can’t wait to watch the Big Game? Having friends over to watch the game? Trying to decide what to munch on? Join us for our first Snack Sale! Fund raiser for Tri County Country 4H Club. Sat. Feb. 4 from 9 am – 2 pm at Tractor Supply in Cedar Springs.  #5

Bible prophecy

Feb. 5: Middle East Bible Prophecy is being fullfilled! Come and hear all about it on Sunday, February 5 at 10:30 a.m. at C.S. Christian Church, 340 W. Pine Street, inside the Old Chapel. For more information visit: cedarspringschristianchurch.org. #5

TOPS weight loss support group

Feb. 7: Take off pounds sensibly (TOPS), a non-profit weight loss sport group for men and women, meets every Tuesday at the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sand Lake. Your first visit is free so come check out what TOPS can do to help you reach your weight loss goals! Exercise 8-8:30am (optional), weigh-ins from 8:30am–9am and the meeting starts at 9:15am. In case of inclemeent weather, meetings are cancelled if Tri-County or Cedar Sporings schools are closed. Call Martha at 696-1039 for more information. #5

Spring 2012 Soccer Registration for American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)

February 7, 9 and 16: Registration will be taking place at Red Hawk Elementary School on the campus of Cedar Springs Public Schools, 204 East Muskegon Street from 6pm – 8pm each day. Cost for the Spring Session is $50 per child with a $5 discount per child for families registering 3 or more players. Players must be at least 4 years of age as of April 16, 2012. A Birth Certificate is required for age verification of first time registrants. Complete online application to save time by taking advantage of our Express Lane! These will be the final registration dates for the Spring Season. Please tell your friends and neighbors. If you have questions please contact the AYSO Hotline at 616-696-7349, or visit us at www.ayso902.org.  #5p

Country Music on Wednesdays

Feb. 8: Come join your friends and listen to your favorite country music at the Burger King on 17 Mile Rd., CS every Wednesday morning from 8:30 am until 10:30 am featuring the Mill Creek Band. #5

“East of Eden” Readers Theatre

Feb. 9: Actors del Arte Ensemble will present a Readers Theatre Production of John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden,” a powerful story of the Depression Era which follows the lives of two brothers and their family. Thurs. Feb. 9 at 7 pm at the Cedar Springs Public Library. Check with your librarian for details.  #5

Old Fashion Family Game Night

Feb. 10: We will be setting up tables with your favorite family classic games: Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, Scrabble, Candy-Land, Life and other classics. We will have hot chocolate by the fireplace and some yummy snacks. You are encouraged to bring in your favorite games. Friday, Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 8 pm. The cost is $4/ adults, $3/ seniors or $10 per family (of four or more). Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16190 Red Pine Dr. Kent City. If interested simply email cperski@lilysfrogpad.com.  #5

Fancy Nancy party 

Feb. 11: The Cedar Springs Public Library is sponsoring a Fancy Nancy Party, Saturday, February 11 from 10am to 11:30am for girls ages 3-8. Come and hear the original story, decorate a crown, make a fan, wand and jewelry, decorate a cookie, have some Fancy Fun! Due to lack of space at the Library, this event will be held at the Springs Free Methodist Church, at the corner of Oak and Grant. #5

Free class with Sarah’s Deals

Feb. 11: Learn to get the most for your money in a free workshop on Saturday, February 11 at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, with Cedar Springs resident Sarah Jehnzen, author of the blog “Sarah’s Deals.” The workshop will feature Shopping Tips 101 from noon to 2 p.m., and from 2-4 p.m. will cover creating a stockpile and bulk cooking tips. To register for the event, go to http://www.sarahsdeals.net, click on the tab at the top that says “Start here” and then on “coupon classes.” Price of admission is a donation to the church’s food pantry. #5

Valentine’s Day Candy Tree Craft Class

Feb. 12: For ages 7-13. If you like sweet treats and crafts, this is the class for you. You will create a candy tree by using colorful Valentine’s candy treats. Not only is this a beautiful craft but you can actually eat the candy from the tree. Sunday, Feb. 12 from 10 am to 12 pm. Cost $8.50 per child (Adults free for supervision of their child). Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16190 Red Pine Dr. Kent City. If interested simply email cperski@lilysfrogpad.com.

Swiss Steak Dinner

Feb. 15: The East Nelson United Methodist Church will be serving Swiss Steak with mashed potatoes, green beans and homemade desserts on Wed. Feb. 15th from 5 – 7 pm. the cost of the meal is by donation. Come join us!! If you have any questions, please contact the church at 616-696-0661.  #5,6p

Songs in the night Feb. 3-4

Songs in the night, a historical biography depicting the life of one of America’s most well-known and beloved song writer’s—Fanny Crosby—will be performed at the Kent Theatre on February 3 and 4 by the Senior High Koinonia Players.
The play, written by Robert Henninger and directed by Ruth Andrus, tells how while overcoming the tragic accident that blinded her, Crosby saw deep into the heart of God and shared that vision in songs. As the story follows this woman’s life through the mid 1800s, there is both humor and tragedy. The play brings an eternal message of perseverance and love, and will be a memorable experience for both the cast and audience.
Showtimes are at 3 and 7 p.m. on Friday, February 3; and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 4. Tickets are $5.
For more info, call Ruth at (616) 901-0749.

TOPS weight loss support group
Jan. 31: Take off pounds sensibly (TOPS), a non-profit weight loss sport group for men and women, meets every Tuesday at the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sand Lake. Your first visit is free so come check out what TOPS can do to help you reach your weight loss goals! Exercise 8-8:30am (optional), weigh-ins from 8:30am–9am and the meeting starts at 9:15am. In case of inclemeent weather, meetings are cancelled if Tri-County or Cedar Sporings schools are closed. Call Martha at 696-1039 for more information. #4

Play Auditions for Rogue River Community Theatre
Feb. 1: The Rogue River Community Theatre are hosting auditions on Wed. Feb. 1st from 6 – 8:30 pm at the Community Center, 8450 Shaner, Rockford, for “The Ragweed Blues” an American Comedy. Looking for actors of all ages. Contact the Theatre 616-874-5264 for details.  #4

Al Bogner Benefit
Feb. 4: A benefit of Al Bogner will be held on Sat. Feb. 4 at the Newaygo VFW (1 mile south of Newago on M-37). A live auction starts at 2 pm. There will be a DJ and live music, bake sale, craft table, pop & candy booths. Soup & Baked potato Bar at 6 pm, with ham sandwiches, salads, coffee and punch. Al Bogner has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and we are hoping to raise money for repairs to the home and transportation to doctor appointments. Any remaining funds will go to living and funeral expenses. For more information call Mary Jo Hanes, 231-834-1821 or Nora Sokolowski, 616-636-7144.  #4,5p

Daddy-Daughter Dance
Feb. 4: Come have a ball at the annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Saturday, February 4, 7-9pm at the Cedar Springs Middle School. Pre-purchased tickets $15 for couples, $18 for groups of three, $20 for groups of four. Tickets at the door $20 for couples, and $25 for three or more.  Purchase tickets at Cedar Springs Area Parks & Recreation office on Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30am-3pm or at the Middle School Monday-Thursday nights 6-9pm. #4

Get Out – Enjoy Winter: Snowshoeing for Beginners
Feb. 5: What a better way to get out and enjoy our Michigan winters than to experience it on showshoes. Join Susan and Harry as they guide you through the process of learning how to showshoe (it’s so easy!). A guided hike around the nature center property on Sunday Feb. 5 from 10:30 -12:30 pm will give you some practice with the new footgear and a chance to learn about our winter world. Cost: 5/ person or $10 family (of four or more). Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16190 Red Pine Dr. Kent City. If interested simply email cperski@lilysfrogpad.com.  #4

A teacher was helping one of her kindergarten students put his boots on.
The little boy had asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing, the boots still didn’t want to go on.
When the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when the little boy said, “Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet.”
She looked and sure enough, they were. It wasn’t much easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on—this time on the right feet.
He then announced, “These aren’t my boots.”  She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, “Why didn’t you say so?” like she wanted to. Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off.
He then said, “They’re my brother’s boots. My Mom made me wear them.” The teacher didn’t know if she should laugh or cry.  She mustered up the grace to wrestle the boots on his feet again.
She said, “Now, where are your mittens?”
“Oh!” he remarked, with a toothless grin. “I tuffed them in the toes of my boots!”

For grades 7-12

To draw attention to the devastating crime of arson, the Michigan Arson Prevention Committee (MAPC) and the Michigan Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IIAM) are sponsoring an Arson Awareness Poster Contest, open to students in grades 7th through 12th.  The deadline to enter is March 15, 2012.
The contest, open to students enrolled in grades 7 through 12, is a joint effort by the two anti-arson groups to increase the public’s awareness about the devastating effects of arson in Michigan. Posters are judged on their illustration of the negative aspect of arson such as: fire deaths, injuries, job losses, community decay and moral destruction.
Prizes will be awarded for the following categories: Middle School (Grades 7-8) Hand Drawing; High School (Grades 9-12) Hand Drawing; and Computer-Generated Artwork (Grades 7-12). In each category, the first place winner will receive $250; second place will be awarded $150; and third place will receive $100. Each winner’s school will receive a matching cash award.
Posters must be approximately 15” by 20” and submitted on quality poster or illustration board.   The work must be original and may be in any media with the exception of pencil, chalk, charcoal or glitter.  For detailed rules, visit www.miarsonprevention.org.
Entries must be postmarked no later than midnight on March 15, 2012. To enter, send posters wrapped flat to Insurance Institute of Michigan, 334 Townsend, Lansing, MI 48933. For further information, visit www.miarsonprevention.org.

Featuring Grand Rapids Ballet Company Dancers, January 21

The eyes of little ones will widen with wonder when the Grand Rapids Symphony presents the interactive, musical tale of “Little Red Riding Hood.” Two performances will be presented on Jan. 21 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at Sunshine Community Church.
Professional dancers from the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and narrator Edye Evans Hyde will help tell the story of Little Red Riding Hood’s trip through the forest, where she is rescued from the wolf by her fairy tale friends. The 45-minute program communicates lessons, including the importance of listening to one’s parents and being wary of strangers, as well as the triumph of good over evil.
“There are some humorous moments and updates to this story, such as a call Little Red Riding Hood makes to her mother on a cell phone,” says Associate Conductor John Varineau.
The ballet includes fun dances like a polka, waltz and Russian Cossack dance.
“We are thrilled to be working the Symphony again to present this classic tale in a fun production perfect for all ages,” shares Grand Rapids Ballet Company Artistic Director Patrici Barker.
To help children identify the different instrument families of the orchestra, Symphony musicians will wear colored t-shirts to show whether they belong to the string, woodwind, brass or percussion family. These colors help children understand the various sections of the orchestra.
Complimentary lollipops are also available for the children as they leave the performance.
General admission tickets are $5 and are available at the Symphony office, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder), or by calling 616-454-9451, Ext. 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.) Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster, 800-982-2787, online at www.grsymphony.org, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets: select D&W Fresh Market and Family Fare stores and Walmart. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the day of the concert.

Search on for State’s outstanding senior volunteers

The Home Instead Senior Care® office serving seniors in Grand Rapids  has announced the Salute to Senior ServiceSM program to honor senior volunteers for the tireless contributions they make to their local communities.
The program will include a search for the most outstanding senior volunteer in each state and culminate with the selection of a national Salute to Senior Service winner during Older Americans Month in May.
Nominees must be 65 years of age or older and volunteer at least 15 hours a month. Nominations will be accepted at www.SalutetoSeniorService.com through March 15, 2012. Nomination forms also can be requested at ckoehler@homeinsteadinc.com.
State Senior HeroSM winners will receive plaques, and their stories will be posted on the SalutetoSeniorService.com website. In addition, $5,000 will be donated to the national winner’s nonprofit charity of choice.
According to research conducted by the Home Instead Senior Care® network, 52 percent of seniors volunteer their time through unpaid community service. Nearly 20 percent (one in five) of seniors surveyed started volunteering when they reached the traditional age of retirement – 65 or older. Furthermore, 20 percent of seniors who volunteer say that their community service is the most important thing they do.
“Helping others defines life for many local retired seniors,” said Javier Vasquez, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Grand Rapids. “And what a difference we have observed in seniors’ health, attitude and outlook among those who choose to stay active as they age.”
Dr. Erwin Tan, director of the Senior Corps, a national organization that links more than 400,000 Americans 55 and older to service opportunities, agrees. “The one thing that I hear constantly from the seniors in our programs is that volunteering gives them a purpose in life – they say that it’s the reason they get up in the morning.
“In addition, it’s a great way for them to learn new things – whether a skill or just something about an issue in which they have an interest,” Tan said. “Volunteering is just a great way to expand their horizons and feel like they’re still a valuable part of their community.”
For more information about the Salute to Senior Service program or Home Instead Senior Care, please call 616-988-7878.