In the Heart of Cedar Springs Amphitheater

WHIMPERING WAMBAT! What a remarkable time we live in! Social distancing, designer face coverings and now….Vegetarian Vampires!

These unusual creatures are just part of the cast that make up the Cedar Springs Community Players (CSCP) summer production of “We are Monsters”. Summertime for the CSCP has always been dedicated to children’s theatre and this year is no exception. Directors Angela Wilbur and Erika Wood have put together an ensemble of 22 child actors to sing, dance and tell a story of the Monster Cabaret which is held in an old warehouse. Three human children decide to explore the warehouse and stumble into a rock and roll rendition of “Howl at the Moon”, performed by a group of werewolves. The vampires soon take the stage and being their Rockette version of “My Fangs Get in the Way”.

During rehearsals, several parents shared that they are so happy that their children have had the opportunity to perform. “The Directors have been so enthusiastic and are flexible with the rehearsal schedule given that we all are still juggling work, school and vacation time” one parent shared. The parents and players are working to make sure that the mandate is being managed during rehearsals “My favorite part”, one parent shared “is that the directors are allowing the kids to develop their characters on their own and choreograph their own routines”. This was so apparent when Maya Quigley who plays Oozy Lumpa, the sweet, but slimy monster who longs for her childhood friend, approached the stage and said to Director Erika “I think I choreographed my song, but is not real good right now”. “Show us” Eric encouraged “It’s your song, let’s do this”! Maya began to perform a soulful and well-choreographed rendition of “Be in Touch” which even included a COVID elbow bump! So clever and comical.

“We are Monsters” will be performed at the Amphitheater in the Heart of Cedar Springs.  Performances will be August 28 & 29 at 7:00 p.m. and August 30 at 3:00 p.m. There will be no cost to see the performance. The park will allow for blankets and require social distancing guidelines be adhered to. This performance is a tribute to our youth who have come as far away as Wyoming and Grand Rapids, Michigan to have their children take part in this production. The CSCP asks that the audience practice any state issued policies and enjoy the energy this group of young people want to share with you.

Due to changes under the Governors order, please follow us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Cedarspringscommunityplayers to keep up to date on the performance. 

Michigan has had its share of long hot humid days that can turn even the most energetic child into bored and listless creatures. The Cedar Springs Community Players has just the antidote (or anecdotal) to recharge their young minds in presentation of “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster.  

This children’s musical shares the story of Milo, a bored youth who unexpected receives a magic tollbooth in his living room with a map to the Kingdom of Wisdom and “the Lands Beyond.” Having nothing better to do, Milo drives through the tollbooth with his small toy car and immediately enters the land of Expectations. Milo is soon joined by a watchdog named Tock, who will help him save Princess Rhythm and Princess Reason, who are locked away in the castle in the sky. 

The Phantom Tollbooth introduces the audience to the war between Dictionapolis (words) and Digitopolis (math) and how confusing the Kingdom of Wisdom becomes without rhythm or reason.   

Showtimes are Friday, August 16 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m.; Sunday August 18 at 3:00 p.m.  Tickets are $12 for adults; $5 for children under 18 years of age.  All performances at the Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main, Cedar Springs.

by Terri Riggle

The latest offering of Cedar Springs’ playwright Scott Phillips takes a swing at American history and lands a knock out punch. “Burr: The One Who Won” tells the story, albeit with tongue very much in cheek, of Alexander Hamilton’s nemesis, Aaron Burr. It’s American history run rampant, spilling over with humor and rousing fun songs. He is, of course, taking a poke at Broadway’s current golden child, “Hamilton” by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The play has been running since August 2015 where it received unprecedented advance box office sales and enthusiastic critical response. In 2016, “Hamilton” received a record-setting 16 Tony nominations, winning 11, including Best Musical.  It was also the recipient of the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

In this production, Phillips tells the story of Aaron Burr, a contemporary of Hamilton and at odds with his political machinations. Burr challenges him to a duel after Hamilton helped swing a vote causing Burr to lose a presidential bid in 1800. You can guess the outcome of the duel. Phillips is also directing the play along with Carolee Cole, who is the Music Director. His sister, Jill Phillips, penned all the lyrics and created all the music for the production. 

In cooperation with the Cedar Springs Community Players, “Burr: The One Who Won,” will open on the Kent Theatre stage on May 17 with additional performances on May 18-19; and May 24-25. Performances start at 7:30, with the exception of a matinee on Sunday, May 19, which has a 3 p.m. start time. The box office is open 30 minutes before each performance and tickets may be purchased at that time for $15 for adults and $6 for children under 18. You may also purchase tickets at the Cedar Springs Public Library in advance for $12 for adults and $6 for children under 18. 

The Brewsters charge into Cedar Springs! Pictured (from L to R) are Laura Johnson, Jon Gamm, and Linda Hunt.

The classic comedy “Arsenic & Old Lace” by Joseph Kesselring, is the next production by the Cedar Springs Community Players set to hit the boards on October 18, 19, 20, 2018 at the Kent Theatre.  The show, directed by Sue Harrison, will start each night at 7:30 PM. Charlene Sommer is stage manager and Nolan Patin has designed the set of the old Brewster home.

The play, “Arsenic & Old Lace” was written in 1939 and was produced as a serious thriller.  At the first preview, when all the laughter occurred, the piece was declared an instant comedy hit! It takes place in the 1940’s and has everything a good comedy requires—two charming old ladies who are actually murderers, a crazy brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, another brother who looks like Boris Karloff and his wacky doctor friend Einstein, a love story, and the antics of good-natured bumbling cops.  

“This is a classic play,” shared director Sue Harrison. “It has a great storyline and the characters are delightful to watch. It will keep audiences laughing and enthralled with all the antics!”

Cast members include Laura Johnson and Linda Hunt as the Brewster sisters; Jonathan Gamm as Teddy Brewster; Jonathan Befus as Jonathan Brewster; Cody Wilson as Mortimer Brewster; Anna Ambrose as Elaine Harper; Dave Schmuker as Dr. Einstein; R.J. Moore, Tom Johnson, and John Kerrish play Officers Brophy, Klein and O’Hara; Lieutenant Rooney is played by Jerry Hoye; Don Hunt and Doug Christensen play Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Witherspoon; and Mr. Spinoza is played by Madison Ruth.

Pre-sale tickets are on sale now from cast members and at the Cedar Springs Community Library. Adult pre-sale tickets are $10 and students under 18 are $8. Tickets at the door are $12 for adults and $8 for students under 18. Purchase must be made with cash or check.

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Dorothy A. Quist 84 of Cedar Springs went to be with her Lord on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Green Acres of Cedar Springs. Mrs. Quist was born October 4, 1933 in Arlene, MI the daughter of Adrian and Bertha (Visscher) Fryling. She graduated from Manton High School in 1950, had a Master’s degree from Michigan State University and taught reading and music in Cedar Springs for 20 years retiring in 1993. She attended Pilgrim Bible Church. Music was her life, playing in church, as a worship leader, giving lessons, playing at weddings and for plays with the Cedar Springs Community Players. Surviving are her husband of 65 years, Chester; daughter, Jackie (Dave) Mourer; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Quist; 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sister, Patricia (Ray) Bigelow; sister-in-law, Patricia Fryling. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Kevin; 5 sisters; 2 brothers; 16 brothers and sisters-in-law. The family will greet friends Thursday, August 2 from 12:00 pm until time of service at 1:00 pm at Pilgrim Bible Church, 361 Pine St. Cedar Springs. Pastor Mike Shiery officiating. Private interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association.

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

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Linda A. Christensen 68 of Cedar Springs, died Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at Mercy Health – St. Mary’s. Linda was born March 24, 1950 in Ludington, MI the daughter of Robert and Edith (Clark) Matson. She was the City Clerk for Cedar Springs for over 20 years and prior to that was a stringer for the Grand Rapids Press. She was involved with the Cedar Springs Community Players Marketing Committee and enjoyed traveling and lighthouses. Surviving are her husband, Doug; children, Ben (Connie) Branyan, Luke (Rachel) Branyan, April (Chelsea) Branyan; step children, Kate (Stan) Mathuram, David (Erica) Christensen; 12 grandchildren; sisters, Barb (Jim) Husted, Marjorie “Midge” Holmes. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph Branyan; one brother, Robert “Bud” Matson; brother-in-law, Tom Holmes; stepson, Hans. A memorial service will be held Friday, August 3 at 11:00 am at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Springs Community Players.

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

Chief Joseph, played by Russ Cole, in Murder on the American Express. 

The Cedar Springs Community Players (CSCP) is bringing a new mystery to our town in the form of its next performance written by local playwright, Scott Phillips. This is Mr. Phillips’ first mystery, but like all his other plays the script was born from conversations he had with family, friends and strangers.   

“Friends had been asking me to write a murder mystery,” explained Phillips. “I finally had enough stories and ideas to pull it into a script.”   

Murder on the American Express takes place in small Appalachian town. The town is thrown into disruption by the election of outsider Mayor Anita Mann, played by Peggy Snell. To further complicate matters, local millionaire Bobby Buick, played by Rob Kellner. fights to purchase land from Lily Mae, an independent minded woman played by Danielle Phillips. The land is also wanted by her ex-husband, Jeremiah Box, played by newcomer Dan Phelps.  Scott Phillips never fails to bring his audience a cast of delightful and entertaining characters including Georgia, the local bar owner played by newcomer Holly Russell; Jordy, the ambitious local newspaper editor played by Mark Stoll; The VanMeter Brothers played by Steve Hutchins and Dave Schmucker, CSCP local comedic actors; and the naïve parish priest played by Jack Bagins. No mystery can go unsolved without a great criminal mind and Scott delivers that in Officer “Chief” Joseph played by Russ Cole and his forensic team. CSCP member Jerry Hoye is assistant director.

The small town suspects deliver conflict, suspicion and hilarity. CSCP actor James Brosky said, “Mayor Anita Mann is the best villain Scott has ever written. Well…not including the Devil.”

Show dates are May 18, 19, 25, and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and May 20 at 3:00 p.m. at the Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main, Cedar Springs, MI. Tickets are $15.00 at the door and $6.00 for people under 18 years of age.  

Advanced tickets are $12.00 and are available at the Cedar Springs Public Library or by emailing phillips4ba@yahoo.com.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Cedar Springs Community Players the next meeting will be May 12, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. the Cedar Springs Public Library.

Over two dozen kids from ages 7 to 14 have worked hard to bring Suessical, Jr. to the stage at the Kent Theatre Sept. 22-24. Photo by Linda Christiansen.

By Tom Noreen

The Cedar Springs Community Players will present Seussical, Jr. on September 22-23 at 7 p.m. and a September 24 matinee at 2:30 p.m. at the historic Kent Theatre.

Directed by Lori Koester, with musical Director Eli Koester, 27 kids from 7 to 14 will perform. In addition to acting, they are helping prepare the set by painting all of the props and background scenery. Eli knows how to teach the music to the kids, plus he plays Horton.

Seussical is a musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty based on the stories of Dr. Seuss (mainly Horton Hears a Who!, Horton Hatches the Egg and Miss Gertrude McFuzz) that debuted on Broadway in 2000. The play’s story is a complex amalgamation of many of Seuss’s most famous books. Seussical, Jr. is written especially for youth performers.

Tickets are $10 at the door and can be reserved by emailing ticketscscp@gmail.com.

Look for the CSCP’s next show, Harvey, scheduled for October.

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.

Free Outdoor Family Concert

Aug. 19: The Community Building Development Team is hosting a Free Outdoor Family Concert on Saturday, August 19^th from 3 to 7 pm. It will be held in the “Heart of Cedar Springs” (park near the new Library). Two bands will be performing: Barn Cats and Whiskey Bound. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy! #31-33p

Open Mic at the CS Library

Aug. 19: You are invited to join local and regional writers in a night of reading original prose and poetry from 6 pm to 8 pm at the new Library in Cedar Springs, 107 N. Main Street. Readers will be initially scheduled for 5 minutes, but may be allowed more time depending on turnout. For more information on reading, email event master of ceremonies Ken at kdn13@hotmail.com. You may reach the Library at 616-901-7173. Feel free just to come to listen. Families welcome! #33

Dinner at the Legion

Aug. 21: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Pork Chop dinner on Monday, August 21^st, from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, 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.  #33p

Annual Second Best Sale

Aug. 25,26: Holy Spirit Episcopal Church’s Annual Second Best Sale is Friday, August 25 from 9 am – 4 pm and Saturday, August 26 from 9 am – 2 pm. There is a $5 “Early Bird Admission” charge on Friday only from 8-9 am; after 9 am admission is free! The sale is sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) in support of parish activities. We have something for everyone, and everything is priced to move! Holy Spirit Episcopal Church is located at 1200 Post Drive NE, Belmont (corner of Post & Pine Island, 1/4 mile west of Exit 95 on US 131). #33,34b

HCNC Benefit Auction

Aug. 27: Come join us at Howard Christensen Nature Center on August 27^th for our Benefit Auction! Not only are we auctioning off items we no longer have use for, but we will have food, drinks, and other items for sale! Browsing will start at 1:30 pm, with the auction kicking off at 3 pm. Don’t miss out! If you have any questions or gently used items to donate to the auction, please let us know before the date of the event. 16160 Red Pine Drive, Kent City, 616-675-3158. #33

Improv Night at the Kent

Aug. 30: Fans of Improv need look no further than the Kent Theatre as the Cedar Springs Community Players hold Improv Night at 7 pm on Wednesday, August 30^th on the stage of the Kent Theatre in downtown Cedar Springs. The Players held its first Improv Night in February and are excited to offer another night of comedy on August 30^th. Tickets are available at the door for $5.00. Doors will open at 6:30 pm. Hope to see you there! #33,34b

CSUMC August Rummage Sale

Aug. 30,31: Cedar Springs United Methodist Women will holding our annual rummage sale in the fellowship hall of United Methodist Church at the corner of Main and Church Streets. Wednesday, August 30^th, 9 am to 7 pm & Thursday, August 31^st, 9 am to 2 pm. There will be a $3.00/bag sale all day Thursday on clothing and linens. #33,34b

Wine and Water Colors

Sept. 9: Meet our resident artist Tracey, as she takes you through the steps of creating your own masterpiece! Joined by Kare our Sommelier, you are sure to have an enjoyable evening, full of laughter. Saturday, September 9^th from 6 to 9 pm. $35 per person, $20 for members. This is an adult only event. Location to be determined. Pre-registration requested www.howardchristensen.org, 616-675-3158. #33

Red Flannel Day Talent Show Tryouts

Sept. 13,20,28: Looking for talented kids of all ages. The Red Flannel Talent Show is searching for singers, vocal groups, dancers, instrumentalists and variety acts for the Red Flannel Day Talent Show on October 7^th. Come in and show us what you got. Tryouts on Wednesday, September 13^th and 20^th, Thursday September 28^th at 7:00 pm at the Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main St. Cedar Springs. Dress rehearsal will be Thursday, October 5^th. So, get together with friends and family and plan your act now. If you have any questions, or can’t make it on tryout day, please contact Len by email, len@laphoto.com or 231-750-2337. #33,34p

The Cedar Springs Community Players will present Pompeii: the Musical, by Scott Phillips, this weekend and next weekend at the Kent Theatre.

A few years ago, a local theater group decided to perform Titanic: the Musical, a Broadway play. To local playwright, Scott Phillips, it seemed rather bizarre someone would take this horrific event and add a lot of song and dance. In keeping with Scott’s tradition of irony and sarcasm, he decided to write Pompeii: the Musical.

The play is set in ancient Rome and tells the story of two young lovers whose romance is in jeopardy. To the rescue comes the dysfunctional family and friends, along with a prominent Roman oracle. Adding to the mayhem is the increasing rumblings of the volcano, Vesuvius. Obviously, things don’t go so well. History tells us how Pompeii ends, but theater can always twist things a bit.

Pompeii is Scott’s 10^th play and 5^th musical.  Scott’s sister, Jill Detroit, and his nephew, Sean Anthony, wrote the music.  The cast includes:  Sammi Kunz, Scott Herdegen, Steve Hutchins, David Schmuker, Madison Ruth, Rob Kellner, Debbie Irwin, Cathy Anderson, Doug Christensen, Jessica Talsma, Russ Cole, Annie Bagin, Savana Williams, Jack Bagin and Kirstin Bagin.

Performances are at the Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main, Cedar Springs, on

Friday, May 19 @ 7:30 PM

Saturday, May 20 @ 8:00 PM

Sunday, May 21 @ 5:00 PM

Friday, May 26 @ 7:30 PM

Saturday, May 27 @ 7:30 PM

Adult tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door; tickets for those under 18 years of age are only $6.  Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Cedar Springs Public Library, or reserved by emailing Scott at phillips4ba@yahoo.com.

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 Renaissance Faire

May 20-21: 2017 Cedar Springs Renaissance Faire “Fellowship of the Springs” hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will be held in Morley Park, Cedar Springs, on Saturday, May 20^th from 12-8 pm, with a royal dinner and entertainment from 6-8 pm; and Sunday, May 21^st from 12-6 pm. Vendors and live entertainment all afternoon both days (music, dancers, performers, and cosplay cast). #19,20b

Sing to the Lord

May 21: 2^nd Chance will be having a gospel hymn sing on Sunday, May 21^st at 6 pm. It will be at 2^nd Chance School at 810 – 17 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile and Olin Lakes Rd). Music will be provided by Deb and Larry Eadie and the message shared by Ron Parson. Invite your family and friends. The Sing to the Lord hymn sings will be every 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month. It will also introduce you to 2nd Chance and its vision. The school is in the building stage, which when completed, will teach troubled teens through God and the horse. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #20b

Spruce up Salisbury Park

May 21: The newly formed Community Engagement Committee is having their first event on Sunday, May 21^st at 1 pm. The whole community is invited to Salisbury Park in Sand Lake to help clean out the horseshoe pits, power-wash the playground equipment, repair the gazebo, etc. Lemonade and cookies will be served. For more information you can contact Dave or Jan Dewey at 616-636-5982. #20

UMC Guitar Boot Camp 

May 22: Basic training for guitar will be taught at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. Registration will be held Monday, May 22^nd  at 7:00 PM. Students must be registered on this date.  To register enter at the South door Located on Church Street; class size is limited to 12 students. Registration fee is $60. A parent or guardian is required to sign. Guitar and all supplies are furnished these may be kept at the completion of the class. Classes will be Monday evenings for 12 weeks starting June 2nd. #19,20b

Auditions Canceled

May 22: The Cedar Springs Community Players regret to announce auditions for their next production, the classic tale of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” has been canceled. Production will be delayed until 2018. Any questions? Please use the following link  http://bit.ly/2ms32gX and leave your comment or question. #20

Cedar Springs Youth Football SIGN-UPS

May 23: Flag: 4-7years olds / Rocket: 3rd-6^th grades / Middle: 7th-8^th grades. Burger King: 5/23, 6/10, 6/20: 6pm-8pm. Shaner Ball Field: 5/18, 6/06, 6/14 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

Honeybees: Pollinators, Stinging Insects and Honey Makers

May 25: Come learn about honeybees and their amazing abilities with Donald Rewa, seasoned beekeeper of 20 years. Followed by a Q&A. Thursday, May 25^th at 6:30 pm, Spencer Township’s KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen. #20

Memorial Cemetery Walk

May 28: The Cedar Springs Historical Society is holding its 17^th annual Memorial Cemetery walk on Sunday, May 28^th at 2 pm to honor veterans of all wars. This years’ veterans will be Samuel Andrus, Civil War; Burton Smith, Spanish/American War; Leon Marsh, World War I; Neal Mackey, World War II; James Remington, Korean War; John Gardell, Vietnam War. Biographical and historical information will be presented at each gravesite. The Glen Hill Post of the American Legion honor guard will assist at the presentation. We will leave from the museum in Morley Park at 1:30 pm and return there for refreshments. In case of severe weather warnings we will cancel the event. In case of rain we will do the presentation in the museum. #20,21b

CS Varsity Wrestling Fundraiser

May 31: The Cedar Springs Varsity Wrestling Team is striving to be their BEST this year! Support the team and purchase a tube of WHITENING Toothpaste by May 31^st!The team would like to attend The University of Iowa Competition Camp this summer, June 26-30th. This program will help increase their skills, performance and make way for a successful upcoming season! Visit the fundraiser Facebook event “Cedar Springs Varsity Wrestling Whitening Paste Fundraiser” and share on your social media platforms. COST: $20 per tube, plus shipping. 100% of all proceeds will be donated to the wrestling team. Visit www.havewhiteteeth.com to order some today or email fundraising host Kim Shuck, at kimberlyshuck@hotmail.com with any questions. #20,21p

Red Flannel Queen Pageant Time

June 3: Attention all young ladies living in or attending school in the Cedar Springs School Public School District who will be in the 11th grade in the 2017-2018 school year (including homeschooled, or private school attendees that live within the Cedar Springs Public School District boundaries): There will be a mandatory meeting for any young lady who would like to participate in the 2017 Red Flannel Pageant and her parent (at least one). The meeting will be Saturday, June 3^rd at 10 am at the Springs Church (135 N. Grant St, Cedar Springs, Michigan). There will be a makeup meeting for anyone not able to attend the first meeting on Sunday, June 4^th at 2 pm at the Springs Church. Informational packets can be picked up before the meetings in the main offices at Cedar Springs High School and Creative Technologies Academy starting Tuesday May 16th. For more information, contact pageant director Kaleigh Goehler at redflannelpageant@gmail.com. #20-22b

Irish Bowling Fun Day

June 3: Join Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16160 Red Pine Rd., Kent City, as we partner with the Sparta Celtic Festival for a day of Road Bowling on our trails. An exciting family fun experience that includes a pig roast, music and beverages! Saturday, June 3^rd all day. Register online or call the office, www.HowardChristensen.org, 616-675-3158. The entirety of the HCNC property will be closed on this day to accommodate the event taking place on all the trails. Please plan accordingly, or simply join the Irish fun. #20

Alpha Family Center LifeWalk

June 17: Alpha Family Center will hold its 22^nd Annual LifeWalk on Saturday, June 17^th at 10 am Morley Park in Cedar Springs. There will also be a 5K LifeRun at 8:30 am and a Kids FunRun at 9:15 am. There is a coloring and short essay contest too. The deadline to enter is Wednesday, June 7^th. For a pledge form or entry forms for contests stop by Alpha at 6 N. First St. in Cedar Springs or call 616-696-2616 for more information. You may also visit Alpha’s Facebook page to print off forms. #20,21b

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 Players perform at the Kent “Zombies, Werewolves and Aliens, oh my!”

Mar. 24-26: The Cedar Springs Community Players will be presenting three Sci-Fi Fantasy comedy one-act plays on March 24, 25, and 26 at the Kent Theatre. “Zombies, Werewolves and Aliens, oh my!” kicks off the 2017 fantasy-themed season. The three short comedies are set in the Old West, modern-day suburbia, and outer space in the future and feature hilarious encounters with an assortment of monsters and aliens. March 24th & 25th at 7:30 p.m. – March 26th at 2:00 p.m. Advance tickets $10 at the Cedar Springs Library. At the Kent Theatre – $12 at the door, $8 under 18. #11,12p

Indoor Spring Sale

Mar. 25: St. John Paul II Parish, 2110 – 17 Mile Rd. in Cedar Springs, is hosting an indoor spring sale on Saturday, March 25^th from 9 am to 1 pm. Something for everyone! Household items, décor, small appliances, toys, books, etc…. don’t miss out! #12p

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Mar. 26: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, March 26th  at 6 pm. It will be at 2^nd Chance School at 810 – 17 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile and Olin Lakes Rd). The message and music will be shared by Traditional Country and Gospel Singers. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Each service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. Cowboy Church will introduce you to 2nd Chance and its vision. The school is in the building stage, which when completed, will teach troubled teens through God and the horse. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #12

Find Your Voice 14th Annual KDL Teen Poetry Contest

April 1-30: Two ways to win! Submit up to two poems during the month of April for a chance at a juried category prize. Stop by a branch for details or visit www.kdl.org/teens. #12

Magna-Tiles Mania

Apr. 1: Drop-in and build. Create cubes, pyramids, or other geometric shapes and patterns from two-dimensional to more complex three-dimensional systems. Discover patterns, symmetry, 3D building skills and magnetic principles. For ages 6 and older. Saturday, April 1 at 10:30 am, Nelson Twp. /Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #12

Mixing Magic! A World of Color, Optics and Light

Apr. 4: Explore how we see our world by mixing color and playing with light. Discover magical optical illusions and other natural phenomena such as rainbows! For ages 6 and younger. Tuesday, April 4^th at 10:30 am, Nelson Twp. / Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #12

Help Promote Literacy

Apr. 4,13,19,24: The need is urgent at this time! The Literacy Center of West Michigan has scheduled  information sessions for prospective volunteer tutors. These sessions last one hour. It allows persons interested in becoming volunteer tutors to find out more about the Literacy Center and its programs. At the end of the session there will be a chance to sign up for tutor training. Sessions are Tuesday, April 4^th at 10 am, Thursday, April 13^th at 2 pm, Wednesday, April 19^th at 6 pm and Monday, April 24^th at 10 am. By training people to be tutors, the Center can offer one-on-one reading help to adults asking for assistance in reading or English as a Second Language (ESL). You do not need to speak another language to tutor ESL. The Literacy Center of West Michigan is located at 1120 Monroe Ave., NW, Suite 240, Grand Rapids. Please call 616-459-5151 (ext. 10) or email us at info@literacycenterwm.org to register. #12

Fish Fry at East Nelson

Apr. 5: East Nelson United Methodist Church’s annual Fish Fry will be held on Wednesday, April 5^th from 5 to 7 pm. East Nelson UMC, 9024 – 18 Mile Rd. NE, Cedar Springs. #12