Pictured is Cedar Springs Area Chamber President Shawn Kiphart (left) and Scott Thomas (right).

Congratulations to Scott Thomas, new owner of Geek Worx, on their ribbon cutting November 20 at 71 N. Main in Cedar Springs. Scott formerly worked for @Home Computers, and has now started his own business in that same location. Geek Worx specializes in computer sales/service, website design and hosting, and in-home set up and help. Stop in today or give them a call at 696-7000.

Left to Right- Jeff St. Louis of Tobacco Outfitters presents $149.34 check to Bill Gregones, Post #287 Commander.

The staff at Tobacco Outfitters of Cedar Springs wanted to do something special to honor local vets on Veterans Day this year. They chose American Legion Post Glen Hill 287 to receive a percentage of Veteran’s Day revenue as a donation. The American Legion Post received fliers a week prior to Veteran’s day asking that they tell everyone they know to make purchases on November 12, knowing that the Post would benefit. Bruce Betzler, owner of Tobacco Outfitters said that next year they would work with the American Legion Post to get more advance notice so the donation could be even larger. “Really, it is important to thank our military and veterans every day but especially on Veteran’s day,” Betzler said.

Internet zone provides free Wi-Fi and free use of BK® computers

Quality Dining, Inc.®, operator of 42 West Michigan area BURGER KING restaurants, announces the reopening of their restaurant located at

4065 17 Mile Road in Cedar Springs. The Cedar Springs project is one of many BURGER KING restaurants in the Quality Dining portfolio that will be remodeled in the coming months.

The remodeled restaurant features the latest in BURGER KING design and innovation with café-style seating and a bold contemporary look. Diners can enjoy great food, check their email and surf the Web in one place. The new restaurant features an “Internet Zone” with free Wi-Fi throughout the dining room and free use of BK computers for those that don’t have their own computer.

“We know the community is going to enjoy the newly remodeled restaurant” said John Firth, President of Quality Dining, Inc. “With free Wi-Fi, free use of our computers and a spacious and comfortable dining room, we’re sure it will be a popular dining spot for the people of the Cedar Springs area.”

The management team includes Sylvia Fankhauser, General Manager and William Lee, Vice President of Operations. There are ten full-time employees and 35 part-time employees.

The Cedar Springs management and staff will continue to be involved in the community through the BURGER KING Scholars, VFW UnMet Needs™ and BK Benefit Night Programs as well as supporting local organizations.

Independent Bank announced that it has appointed eight associates to serve as vice presidents of community banking and promoted 12 associates to serve as banking office managers within its west region.

In our area, Amber Behrendt will serve as VP of Community Banking for the Rockford, Howard City, Sand Lake and Cedar Springs offices.

Elizabeth Rose has been promoted to banking manager for the Rockford office, and Brian Campbell for the Howard City office.

These new roles will enhance the bank’s strong ties with its communities. “We’re rooted in our communities, and we root for our communities,” said President and Chief Operating Officer Brad Kessel.

If you are looking for home care for a loved one, you might want to consider MW Memory Care, 12505 Northland Dr., Ste. A-9.

MW Memory Care who had their grand opening and ribbon cutting Saturday, October 27. Pictured is: (Left to Right): Mary Willett, Lindsey Mosher, Kayla Willett, Cedar Springs Area Chamber president Shawn Kiphart, Owner Mindi Willett, Heather Sova-Shevock, and Katie Reynolds.

“We offer the very best, compassionate care for those suffering with memory loss or loss of independent living,” said owner Mindi Willett. “It is our goal to improve the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness of our clients giving them the dignity they deserve with excellent care—every day. With a variety of specialized services by knowledgeable nurses and experienced caretakers, we can tailor a home program specifically for the needs of loved ones.”

They are currently a private duty company, but say they understand the financial difficulties for families. They work with clients to provide discount information, free services, sliding scale costs for those on a fixed income, and support when it comes to compensation arrangements. “Rest assured there is hope, you are not alone,” said Willett.

Willett said they are the only home care company in Northern Kent County. They are also a faith-based and family-owned company that is licensed and bonded. Their experienced staff is carefully screened with extensive background checks, motor vehicle record history, and diligent reference checks.

Their intent is to give exceptional compassionate care in every area of a person’s life. They focus on the client and family’s journey through progressive diseases or conditions which cause memory loss such as: Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, seizure disorders, close head injuries, strokes, and elderly in general.

See how they are “Making a Difference in Home Care.” Call them at (616) 696-7777, or stop in and see them Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

The Sons of the American Legion, Glen Hill Squadron 287, of Cedar Springs would like to congratulate Keith Tyler of Wyoming, MI. Keith’s winning ticket for our annual Rifle Raffle was drawn on November 10. Pictured are SAL Commander Dominic Merlington and Keith Tyler holding his new Savage 30-06.

Judy Geglio

ChoiceOne Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Judy Geglio as Senior Teller in the Cedar Springs Branch. In this position, Geglio will demonstrate leadership in teller and vault operations, security operations, and staffing. She will also work with local businesses and members to ensure all their banking needs are met every day.

“Judy is a great addition to our team—and family—here at the Cedar Springs office,” said ChoiceOne Regional Manager and Cedar Springs Branch Manager, Denise Gates. “She has solid career experience in the Cedar Springs community and will be a valuable resource to our local families who are looking for a bank to call their home.”

With over 30 years of experience, Geglio says, “I have the responsibility to welcome and serve our customers, to fulfill their needs, and increase customer satisfaction.” Geglio’s focus is on branch efficiency—leading and training her staff to reach all of their customers’ needs.

Community minded, Geglio has been the Spencer Township Treasurer of Kent County for the past 34 years. She has been an active member of the Planning Commission for the past 10 years. She is also a member of the Spencer Fire & Rescue Board, Mary Queen of Apostles in Sand Lake, and the Cedar Springs Rotary.

She just celebrated a 44-year anniversary with her husband Tony, and has three daughters, son-in-laws, and four grandchildren. Geglio is ready for her next steps growing in the Cedar Springs community.

ChoiceOne Bank is a full service financial institution with offices in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Newaygo Counties. For more information, please visit ChoiceOne’s website at www.choiceone.com.

Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 62 million Americans will increase 1.7 percent in 2013, the Social Security Administration announced this week.

The 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that more than 56 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2013.

Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2012.

Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $113,700 from $110,100. Of the estimated 163 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2013, nearly 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.

Information about Medicare changes for 2013, when announced, will be available at www.Medicare.gov.  For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated.  To read more, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.

CORRECTION: The event will be held Monday, November 5, not Tuesday, November 6, as originally announced.

Are you interested in what the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is all about? Or maybe you just want to meet some new business contacts? The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding their first mixer event on Monday, November 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Alpha Omega Coffee and Games, 32 South Main Street. A mixer is a chance for business owners to meet in a casual atmosphere. Chamber of Commerce members will be encouraged to introduce themselves and give a brief description of what their business is about. This is a great opportunity to network! Make sure to mark your calendars and bring lots of business cards.

Cutting Edge Mechanical

If you are looking to get some heating and cooling done at a reasonable price, you might want to check out a new company nearby—Cutting Edge Mechanical.

The company, owned by Cory Pike, Kevin Morris, and Josh Meekhof, opened May 1, 2012, and boasts 45 years of real “in the field” experience. They offer sales and service on furnaces, air conditioners, refrigeration units, heat pumps, rooftop units, make-up air units, exhaust fans, humidifiers, boilers, in-floor heat, snow melt and more.

“We are big enough to handle the big commercial jobs, but are small enough to have very low overhead to bring you bottom line pricing,” explained Cory Pike. He said they also take pride in doing the job correctly.

Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They also offer 24-hour service. Call them at (616) 438-5319.

Stein Brothers Pizza under new management

Due to the Steins’ retirement, The Original Stein Brothers Pizza Company, 77 S. Main Street in Cedar Springs, is under new management. Kevin Lee, a 1996 graduate of Cedar Springs High School, is bringing in new enthusiasm and talent, while keeping the traditional Stein recipes and commitment to service.

Kevin as worked as a chef for 16 years, in places around the country, from Montana to the Florida Keys. Before coming back home to Cedar Springs, Kevin lived four years in Charleston, South Carolina, where he ran an Artisan bakery. There he mastered the chemistry of dough and its fermentation and reaction process, along with the art of baking.

Stop in and meet Chef Kevin and his family, and experience Stein Brothers Pizza the way you remember it!

Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 4-10 p.m., and Sunday 4-9 p.m. Call 616-696-4455 for more info.