At least 20 bikes were given away at the Blessing of the Bicycles at The Springs Church last Saturday. Photo by Duane Harriman.

By Judy Reed

The 3^rd annual Blessing of the Bicycles was held at The Springs Church in Cedar Springs last Saturday, June 24.

The focus of the event is to make sure kids get connected with a bike if they don’t have one. Each year organizer Johna Alexander takes donations of used bicycles and has them refurbished, and they also give away some new ones at the event. Simple repairs and maintenance is offered to kids who already have a bike.

“At least 20 bikes were given away, with four of them being brand new,” said Alexander. “We had new helmets available for all that attended and several other prizes were given away in a drawing.”

The Kent County Sheriff Department and many other volunteers helped make the Blessing of the Bicycles a success. Photo by Duane Harriman.

The Kent County Sheriff Department was on hand, to talk about bicycle safety, and worship Pastor Greig Hess gave the blessing over the bicycles.

Alexander said that she was grateful for the bicycle donations and for all those that participated.

“Seeing all the smiling faces on the children in our community is a blessing for all that took the time to come and help,” she said.

If anyone has a bicycle they would like to donate for next year’s event, please call 616-799-2850 for a drop off or to be picked up.

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.

Alpha Family Center LifeWalk

June 17: Alpha Family Center will hold its 22^nd Annual LifeWalk – Humanity 101 on Saturday, June 17^th at 10 am Morley Park in Cedar Springs. There will also be a 5K LifeRun at 8:30 am, registration at 7:30 am and a Kids FunRun (ages 5-11) at 9:15 am, LifeWalk at 10 am, registration at 9 am. For more information and pledge forms visit AFC website: alphafamilycentercs.org. #22-24b

Dinner at the Legion

June 19: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Swiss Steak dinner on Monday, June 19^th, from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes, baked beans, veggies, salad, roll, dessert and drink. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #24p

Cedar Springs Youth Football SIGN-UPS

June 20: Flag: 4-7years olds, Rocket: 3rd-6^th grades, and  Middle: 7th-8^th grades. Burger King: 6/20: 6pm-8pm. Skinner Field: Tues & Thurs 7/11-7/27 5:30pm-7:30pm. Contact: April Victorson (616)890-5869 csyflsecretary@gmail.com. #19-26b

Michigan Blood Drive

June 20: Michigan Blood Drive on June 20th at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church from 12:30 pm until 7:00 pm. Anyone attempting to donate will receive a Cedar Springs Brewing coupon. We would like to thank the local business for supporting our blood drives. The need for blood is high during the summer with people on vacation. Each donation has the potential to save 3 Michigan lives. The Blood Center thanks all the people that donate at the Cedar Springs blood drive. #24

Introduction to Papermaking

June 22: Transform junk mail into decorative sheets of paper in this hands-on program for adults. Thursday, June 22^nd at 6 pm at Spencer Township KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen. #24

Blessing of the Bicycles

June 24: Event to be held on Saturday, June 24^th from 1-3 pm at The Springs Church parking lot, corner of Oak and First St. Several used Bikes have been graciously donated this year and will be available for those that may not have a bike, while supplies last. We will also have minor bike repairs in site and many fun things for the kids to do. The Blessing will be given at 2:30 pm by Pastor Greig followed by a New Bike give away. Blessing is open to Riders of all ages. Hope to see you there! #24,25p

Cedar Springs Fire Chief Marty Fraser helped fit kids with bicycle helmets at the Blessing of the Bicycles at The Springs Church last Saturday. Courtesy photo.

By Judy Reed

The second annual Blessing of the Bicycles, held last Saturday, June 25, at The Springs Church, was a big hit with kids and families in the community.

“I had a lot of people tell me they and their kids were having a great time,” said organizer Johna Alexander.

Kids who did not have a bike were able to choose from about 50 used ones, and another six new ones were given away through a drawing.

Dozens of kids and families turned out to pick out a good used bike and/or enjoy the festivities. Courtesy photo.

Dozens of kids and parents showed up to take advantage of the free bicycles, helmets, t-shirts, face painting, bubbles, and chalk art. The Kent County Sheriff Department and Cedar Springs Fire Department were there to interact with the kids, and minor bike repairs were also available. A clown and upbeat music rounded out the celebration.

Pastor Cherri’ Kerr also said a blessing over the bicycles.

“I really want to thank everyone that donated and everyone that helped make this year’s event a success,” said Alexander.

She added that in preparation for next year, she will be taking bicycle donations all year long. She said that they can be dropped off at The Springs Church, or you can call her at 616-799-2850 for pickup.

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.

CS Youth Football Sign-ups

June 16, 23: Cedar Springs Youth Football sign-ups will be held on Thursday, June 16 and Thursday, June 23 from 6-8 pm at Burger King, Cedar Springs. Flag: 4-7 year olds, Rocket: 3^rd – 6^th grade, Middle: 7^th & 8^th grade. Contact April Victorson, 616-890-5869, a_victorson@yahoo.com. #24,25p

VBS at Cedar Springs UMC

June 20-23 & 25: Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love at Surf Shack – 150 Vacation Bible School! June 20-23 from 6 – 8 pm. Grades K-6^th are invited to Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main St., to discover how to surf through life with God and others! New this year, as we celebrate our 150^th year in this community – 150 Field Day on Saturday June 25^th from 1 – 4 pm at Morley Park! Register online at www.cedarspringsumc.org. For more information, please call the church office at 616-696-1140. #23,24

Dinner at the Legion

June 20: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Swiss Steak dinner on Monday, June 20^th, from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes and gravy, baked beans, veggies, salad, roll, drink and dessert. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #24p

CASSA Tryouts

June 20-23: The Cedar Area Select Soccer Association (CASSA) will be holding free soccer try-outs at the Boomer Park Soccer Fields, 13440 Ritchie Ave NE, Cedar Springs MI 49319. June 20th U9-U12 Boys birth years 2005-2008, June 21st U9-U12 Girls birth years 2005-2008, June 22nd U13-U14 Boys & Girls birth years 2003-2004 and June 23rd Boys & Girls U15-U19 birth years 1998-2002. Registration from 5:30-6:30 pm with try-outs starting promptly at 6:30-8 pm. Visit our website @ www.cassasoccer.com for detailed try-out information and forms to fill out prior to try-outs. #24

Blood Drive at CS UMC

June 21: Michigan Blood Drive at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 21st from 12:30 pm-7:00 pm. For this drive only, we will be using the bus in the north parking lot. With summer officially here, many people will be traveling and the need for blood is greater. Please help fill that need with an hour of your time. The Blood Center thanks all the people who donate at the Cedar Springs drives. #24

Take off pounds sensibly

June 21: Take off pounds sensibly (TOPS), a non-profit weight loss support 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 weigh loss goals! Weigh-ins 8:15-9am, meeting starts at 9:15am. In case of inclement weather, meetings are cancelled if Tri-County or Cedar Springs schools are closed. Call Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #24

Blessing of the Bicycles

June 25: The 2nd Blessing of the Bicycles Event to be held on June 25th starting at 11 am until 2 pm at The Springs Church, corner of Oak and First Street. Kids of all ages are welcome for face painting, games, and bike decorating. Free t-shirts, helmets, along with several used bikes (for those that may need one) will be available while supplies last. Helmet Safety Demonstration will be given by Rockford Ambulance at 12:30, followed by the Blessing at 1 pm given by Pastor Cherri’ and a drawing will be done with various items to be won after that. Blessing is open to all Bike Riders – Adults and Kids! Hope to see you there! #24,25

Cooking Matters for Families Workshop

July 7: Cooking Matters for Families Workshop encourages families to work together to make healthy meals that everyone will enjoy. Cooking Matters encourages participants to select nutritious foods, prepare and cook healthy foods side by side, and choose budget-friendly healthy ingredients that the whole family will enjoy. This is a FREE 6 week workshop for adults and youth (10yrs and up). Limited space available. Begins on July 7 from 9-11 am at Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Ave, Cedar Springs. This workshop is offered by MSU Extension with the food pantry at Solon Center Wesleyan Church. Please contact Terry Gafurovic to register at 616.696.3229 or terrygaf79@gmail.com. #24-26

Find your old bike a new home.

Has your child outgrown his or her bicycle? Would you like to have another child enjoy it as much as yours did? How about donating it for an event that gives away bicycles to kids that need one?

Almost 50 kids that didn’t have a bike received one at last year’s Blessing of the Bicycles event at The Springs Church. About 40 used ones were given away, as well as eight brand new ones. This year, organizers of the event are looking for more bikes to give away to kids who need one.

Dozens of kids and parents showed up at last year’s event to take advantage of the free bicycles, helmets, face painting, and other goodies. On hand was the Kent County Sheriff Department, Cedar Springs Fire Department, and Rockford Ambulance. They will be all be on hand again at this year’s event on June 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Springs Church, with fun for kids and their families. But in order for the event to be a success, they need bicycles to be donated.

Bicycles can be dropped off any time at 5581 17 Mile Road (at Ritchie) at the Bike Exchange. Or, if you need someone to pick up the bike, please call 616-799-2850.

By Judy Reed

The first Blessing of the Bicycles at The Springs Church last Saturday, June 6, was all organizer Johna Alexander hoped it would be.

“It was awesome,” remarked Alexander, “a fantastic event. Of the 50 used bikes that were donated, we only had 10-12 left. So we connected a lot of kids with bikes.”

They also gave eight brand new bikes away.

They also tried to fit kids with helmets. “About 60 percent of the kids got one,” she said.

Dozens of kids and parents showed up to take advantage of the free bicycles, helmets, face painting, and other goodies. On hand was the Kent County Sheriff Department, Cedar Springs Fire Department, and Rockford Ambulance.

Pastor Barry Briggs also said a blessing over the bicycles.

“I consider it a success,” said Alexander. “I would love to do it again next year.”

A fun family event

By Judy Reed

Does your child have a bike? Do they need one? All kids are welcome at the Blessing of the Bicycles, in the parking lot of The Springs Church, on the corner of First and Maple, in Cedar Springs, Saturday, June 6, from 1-3 p.m.

According to organizer Johna Alexander, there will be stations set up with fun stuff for kids. Kids are welcome to bring their bike and helmet if they have one, and if they don’t, some gently used bikes will be given away, as well as helmets. There will also be a drawing to give away four new bikes.

There will be a blessing said over the bikes, a station to decorate them, free t-shirts, a bike safety handout, a station for minor repairs that need to be made, info on helmet safety, chalk art, face painting, and possibly the Cedar Springs Fire Department.

Johna said she would love to see the blessing of the bicycles eventually become an annual community event. “We just really are hoping to get kids and families out to do some fun stuff,” she said.