Would you like to make a hands-on difference in your community? If you’re interested in getting involved in the Cedar Springs community, the Community Building Development Team is looking for new members. The CBDT spearheads major community projects in the City and is responsible for the new community library, community gardens, and is actively working on developing playgrounds and an amphitheater in the Heart of Cedar Springs park. If you want to make a difference, consider joining the CBDT at their next meeting January 16, at the new Cedar Springs Public Library at 6:00 p.m. to see how you can make the City a better place to live.

You can visit their website at http://www.cscommunitycenter.org/.

Post Scripts NOTICE: The Cedar Springs Post welcomes letters of up to 350 words. The subject should be relevant to local readers, and the editor reserves the right to reject letters or edit for clarity, length, good taste, accuracy, and liability concerns. All submissions MUST be accompanied by full name, mailing address and daytime phone number. We use this information to verify the letter’s authenticity. We do not print anonymous letters, or acknowledge letters we do not use. Writers are limited to one letter per month. Email to news@cedarspringspost.com, or send to Post Scripts, Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

Pull together for our kids

So I went to the school board meeting last week and have to say, I left there deeply saddened. What happened to a community that pulls together to help each other? Not a single one of us can say that we have never done anything wrong or made a poor choice. That’s why God gives us forgiveness and compassion. We need to put aside whatever wrongs we each think happened and pull together as a community for our kids! We need to move forward with caring hearts instead of tearing each other down. It was so sad to sit there through that meeting and hear everyone talking against each other. You could literally feel the line of tension between each side. There should not be any sides—only all of us working together for the betterment of our children!

Sue Norton, Cedar Springs

Here is your chance to tell the state how your local law enforcement agency is doing, and what you’d like to see happen to make your community safer.

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) has released a community survey to help gauge public trust as it works to complete a study for Gov. Rick Snyder.

On Oct. 4, 2016, Gov. Snyder issued Executive Directive 2016-2, telling MCOLES to “undertake a study and produce by May 1, 2017, a public report addressing the topic of fostering public trust in law enforcement.”

MCOLES is a state commission that sets standards for the law enforcement profession in Michigan, including recruiting, training, and professional licensing (www.michigan.gov/mcoles).

“Community engagement and community policing activities can advance the legitimacy of law enforcement across the state. Only through community partnerships can law enforcement reduce crime and disorder at the local level,” said Commission Chair Sheriff Jerry Clayton, “The report will offer practical steps that can be taken to strengthen police community relations and enhance the legitimacy of law enforcement in Michigan.”

When completed, the report will offer a set of recommendations to strengthen public trust and confidence in law enforcement in communities across Michigan. The goal is to determine how residents and law enforcement can work together to make local communities safe and secure. The governor also directed MCOLES to “consider the status of community relationships and what factors can impact the public’s trust.” In order for the recommendations to be meaningful MCOLES is seeking input from residents across the state.

A short survey is now available online for residents to comment on how to advance police-community relations in their area. All communities are not the same and local residents have unique issues and concerns that need to be addressed. Responses will be organized and evaluated by Commission workgroups and the comments will form the basis for the final recommendations of the report.

To take the survey online, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ExeDir2016-2. The link will remain open until March 20, 2017.

Some items on the survey contain check-boxes while others seek open-ended comments. MCOLES wants residents to share their thoughts on how police community relations in their area can improve. But if relations are working well, MCOLES also wants to hear about success stories.

MCOLES also has established a special e-mail box so citizens can freely share general ideas. All comments will be considered but MCOLES wants respondents to focus on police community relations in their area. To submit general comments, or submit documents for consideration residents should send an email to MCOLES ExecDir2016-2@michigan.gov.

Those responding to the survey or e-mail box will not be identified personally. MCOLES asks for a zip code to ensure all areas of Michigan are surveyed and there are three questions that ask for gender, race, and age. The survey does not ask for names or other personal information.

POST SCRIPTS NOTICE: The Cedar Springs Post welcomes letters of up to 350 words. The subject should be relevant to local readers, and the editor reserves the right to reject letters or edit for clarity, length, good taste, accuracy, and liability concerns. All submissions MUST be accompanied by full name, mailing address and daytime phone number. We use this information to verify the letter’s authenticity. We do not print anonymous letters, or acknowledge letters we do not use. Writers are limited to one letter per month. Email to news@cedarspringspost.com, or send to PostScripts, Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

I am truly saddened and disheartened by the actions of some of our community members. The way that some behave and tear others down is just wrong.  I remember when my kiddos were at Cedar Trails they use to sing a song about welcoming people to Cedar Springs and how people with all different backgrounds were welcome here. I wish our community would follow in the footsteps of that song.

How horrible it is that someone comes to our town looking to put down roots, but before they’re even able to get a toe in the water there are people trying to push them out. Constantly being criticized for doing the job they were hired to do. The way our superintendent has been treated makes me sick. How would you feel if you put your all into something you believed in, working tirelessly and accomplished amazing things, bringing our district many, many positive changes and programs that it had been in desperate need of, but yet, you constantly had to be on guard and defend yourself because some people want you gone? The same people who were upset you got the job in the first place. Now they’re not only attacking you, they’re attacking your husband; a man who spends countless hours volunteering for the school and Red Flannel. I’ve heard it said that people don’t know how it is possible that he’s now the Red Flannel President. I can only imagine it’s because of the countless volunteer hours he’s put in for the festival and he’s earned his place.

It really makes me sad that we live in a place that does not give people a chance and does not accept everyone as equals. I can’t even begin to list all the positive things that have happened in our district in the past two years, things that directly affect our kids. I pray people take a step back and think of how they’re treating others and the message it’s sending to all of our kids. It is high time we let the past be the past and move forward together in the positive direction the district is now heading.

Jennifer Skelonc, Nelson Township

A new report finds Michiganders trust their neighbors but don’t interact much. Credit: MMAARRSS/morguefile

Strong civic life for strong communities

By Mary Kuhlman, Michigan News Connection

LANSING, Mich. – Borrowing a cup of sugar from the next-door neighbor can not only help when there’s a baking crisis but also helps to build better communities.

Civic health is a community’s capacity to work together to solve problems, said Chelsea Martin, civic-engagement manager for the Michigan Nonprofit Association.

The new 2015 Michigan Civic Health Index found that Michiganders are very connected to family and friends and volunteer their time. But Martin noted that while about 60 percent say they trust their neighbors, it’s a sharp contrast to how much they actually talk.
“They only interact with their neighbors like 35 percent of the time, which is significantly different,” she said. “So we’re curious to know, and would like to pursue in the future, why there is so much interest in neighbors but a lack of interaction.”

The index ranks Michigan eighth nationally for voter registration and 14th for voting in national elections, but Martin said voting behaviors differ between age, education and affluence.

Martin said strong civic health is good for physical, emotional and mental health and has a positive impact on local economies and student educational success.

“We know that on all of the indicators in the civic health index, the better we’re performing on those, the better our communities are,” she said. “That’s where people are living, that’s where they’re engaging, that’s how they’re engaging with their local and state governments.”

The report noted that generations engage in civic life differently, with the “Silent Generation,” those born from 1931 to 1945, demonstrating the most robust participation. Martin said there was less interaction from millennials in traditional ways of participating such as public meetings and voting.

“We saw that there was little participation in the index,” she said, “but we think that that’s because millennials are engaging in systems differently so we need to continue to encourage them to participate in systems.”

Martin said millennials are more vocal about volunteering, boycotting or buying products, and using the Internet to express opinions.

The index is online at mnaonline.org.

Dr. Laura VanDuyne

By Judy Reed

It’s now been five months since Dr. Laura VanDuyne, a Detroit, Michigan native, and her family moved from California to take over as Superintendent at Cedar Springs Public Schools. For them, she says, it’s like coming home.

“We love the cold weather, the snow. We longed for that—the seasons, the culture, the friendliness,” she explained. “We’ve been here five months and never looked back. It almost feels like you never left.”

VanDuyne was born in the suburbs of Detroit and graduated from Memphis High School, which is about 60 miles north of Detroit. So the west side of the state is new to her, but not to her husband, who grew up in Jenison, and remembers participating in the Red Flannel Marching Competition and marching in the parade in high school. In fact, she said he had grandparents who owned 40 acres on Myers Lake Road near 14 Mile—Roy and Elizabeth Reynolds.

VanDuyne said she met her husband eight years ago, after getting her doctorate. They had always planned to come back to Michigan; but after they had their two children—Izzy and Vance—she said they started making a concerted effort to get back here—where the grandparents are. “I had checked out the district, and it looked like a location we’d like to be. So when the opening came up, I threw my name in the hat and never expected to get the call, but I did, and here we are! It’s an amazing place,” she said.

After graduating from Memphis High School, VanDuyne went to the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where she also taught. She then came back to the Midwest and received her masters in education administration from Minnesota State University, and a post-MA in educational leadership from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota. She was also a teacher and principal there. From there she moved to the San Francisco bay area, where she earned her doctorate degree from the University of San Francisco. She was a full-time principal there, and for the last four years, was executive director of the State SELPA, Contra Costa Special Education Joint Powers Authority. “That’s similar to an Intermediate School District superintendent,” explained VanDuyne. “I was responsible for overseeing 16 school districts—10,000 students—in regard to special education, such as funding and other things.”

So how does that compare to being Superintendent of a 3,800-student district? “That’s the fun part of being here,” responded VanDuyne. “I always wanted to be a superintendent and I knew I wanted to be back at the local level,” she explained. And she hasn’t been disappointed.

“The board, the staff, the community, the parents are all working towards a better future for our kids. It’s such a close-knit community, and they are so proud. We have great innovative teaching, and the support staff is totally invested. It’s all about the children, and that is energizing for me,” she explained.

She noted that she is also impressed by the level of heartfelt interest by the Board of Education. “It’s all about the kids. I have not seen agendas, and that has left an impression with me. They have had to make some tough decisions.”

While some on the Board of Education thought it might be a large learning curve for her, coming from another state, VanDuyne said that hasn’t been the case. “This is the third state I’ve been an administrator in; making those changes are not difficult. They all have similar tenets, with some nuances in local legislation,” she noted.

VanDuyne said the biggest thing she has focused on is getting to know the teaching and support staff—faces, names, what they teach, etc. She said she likes to meet with every individual and get to know them. “That’s been wonderful; I’ve learned so much,” she remarked. “That’s where I’ve gleaned pride in the community.”

VanDuyne said she is big on input and grassroots information gathering. An example of that was the recent selection of a website vendor. She said they wanted something that would highlight the district, yet be easy to use for parents and staff. They had 30 employees and citizens from all areas of the school system—all people who would use the website—and had them watch four presentations from web vendors. They then selected the vendor, without input from either VanDuyne or Asst. Superintendent David Cairy.

“When you can bring bright minds together that’s powerful. They will do more, they will buy into it,” she explained.

VanDuyne also wants residents to know that her door is always open for them. “I answer my own emails, and take my own calls. I want a personal connection,” she explained. “I value face to face discussion—a handshake. I want to hear your concerns.”

VanDuyne said their family is enjoying being here with friends and family, something they have long looked forward to. And she noted that the community doesn’t need to worry about her going anywhere anytime soon. “I plan to be here a long time, to become an integral part of Cedar Springs and Red Hawk pride.”

Jack Clark (left ) presents door prize to Art Probst (right)

By Nancy Noreen

The Rotary and Lions Clubs of Cedar Springs met together for their annual picnic Wednesday evening, August 20.

During the get-together, Rotary President Carolyn Davis asked Jack Clark, the longest sustaining Rotary member, to present the traditional door prize to Art Probst, the longest sustaining Lions member. This custom began in 2006, when the Lions bestowed the Rotarians with an actual door as a “door prize.”  Since 2006 the door prize has passed back and forth between the groups.

This year Dan and Carolyn Davis upgraded the door with photos of some of the good works the Clubs have done in the community as well as informational data about each group. Although the Rotary/Lions picnics are currently centered around eating and talking, that wasn’t always the case.

The joint picnics began shortly after the Lions Club was chartered in 1959. They were held in Morley Park and the highlight of the gathering was the tug-of- war between the Clubs. One year the rope snapped and Lion Ed Hoven ended up with a broken nose, after it was accidentally jabbed by a tumbling teammate. Whether or not a broken rope and busted nose were the cause, the joint picnic moved to Gordon Park with a game of volleyball replacing the tug-of-war.

Lions President Jerry VanderWal shared that Lions does not symbolize wild jungle animal. L-I-O-N-S stands for: “Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation’s Safety,” great watchwords for every citizen.

The Lions and Rotary mottos “We Serve” and “Service Above Self,” aptly describe these two organizations. Cedar Springs is privileged to have active Rotary and Lions Clubs. Their labors benefit the whole community.

Pastor Herb VanderBilt 

East Nelson United Methodist Church

9024 18 Mile Rd. • Cedar Springs MI 49319

Acts 2:42-47: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Community is important. According to some sources, the housing market is beginning to come back from the collapse a few years ago.  Home ownership is part of what some perceive as the “American Dream.” Critical to the value of a house is its location, what kind of community does it belong to. People fixing up their homes, taking care of lawns and landscaping are also signs of a stable community. Another sign of a vital community is people care for their neighbors and those in the community who need help.

When Jesus ascended after his death and resurrection a new community was being built. Life in Jerusalem during the time of the Apostles was rather messed up. The Jews, a remnant of a once powerful and cohesive community, were now living in a broken down community of Roman law and oppressive laws being applied by the religious community, especially on the poor and disfigured. Jesus taught that God loved his people so much that he was willing to start a new covenant as the old one had fallen apart when the people began to fall away from God. This was Good News in a land that was desperate for some good news. As the message of God’s grace began to be heard by both Jews and Gentiles alike, a new community was being formed, a community based on the fact that both the Jews and the Gentiles alike were equal in this new way. In fact, one of the first names for the church before it became the church were “People of the way.” And what was this new way? Besides telling and retelling the story of Jesus Christ, they also came together and celebrated their new sense of unity and the things they had in common.

Today we read this scripture and say, “well that was a long time ago when everything was new and being a Christian was radical. Folks today just don’t get that excited anymore and many Christians can’t get along with each other.” Well that may be true in many places but there are signs that things may be changing in the Cedar Springs Community. Consider these as today’s signs and wonders:

The United Worship service at Morley park

Kid’s Hope mentoring program

EnGedi-an after school program

Plans for a school for troubled Teens (Second Chance)

North Kent Service Center and Cedar Springs Community Food panty

I am sure there are more so let’s thank God for our community.

Members of the Cedar Springs FFA were reminded this spring that their group is a part of the community. Members have attempted to pour into Cedar by helping with PALS, serving at the North Kent Community Service Center, helping with the historical society, farm day activities for all 2nd graders, and various other community based activities. The members saw this investment come back to them in a multiplied effect as they prepared to grow crops with their land laboratory committee.

With the loss of some of the land previously used by the group, many members of the community stepped forward to help them to adapt to changes at the school site.

A group of nine boosters, alumni, and members met to plan the future crops and methods of accomplishment. The FFA even enlisted the assistance of area businesses to reach their goals. After this, many community members worked along side FFA members to prepare the fields, secure new property to plant, actually plant the crops of corn and soybeans, and spray the fields. The members learned to plow and spray.

A big thanks to all those who helped!

The Cedar Springs Future Farmers of America (FFA) was established in 1946, and has consistently invested in the leadership of its members as an integral part of the Agriscience program at the High School. As part of its mission statement the FFA seeks to develop premier leadership in its members.

Many activities also encourage members to become involved in the community.  This year the club has participated in leadership development through several conferences, fund raising activities, and participation in school and community events. One of the premier events this year saw the club hosting a farm day on the Land Laboratory, where all second grade children were escorted to a corn maze, and small animal exhibit on school property, and presented with several gifts. The event also included a hay ride around the school property. Another character building activity has a group of members acting as mentors to elementary students in need of assistance in school. The mentor-members meet weekly after school with their charges to help with their education and to provide and role model.

If you would like to learn more about the Cedar Springs Future Farms of America, please contact Larry Reyburn via email  Larry.Reyburn@csredhawks.org.

The community is invited to attend the first ever Fathers vs. Players fundraiser community picnic, for Cedar Springs Baseball, on May 22 at 1 p.m. This family fun day will be held at the Cedar Springs Varsity baseball field, and will promote community awareness, support and raise money for off-season training for all high school baseball players.
Everyone is asked to bring their own picnic lunch, and there will be an area for barbecue grills. Vendors will conduct games with prizes, and some of the games include the dunk tank, putting green, bean bag games, a radar gun to check how fast you can throw and speed timing.
The main event will be a game between the high school players and their dads.
All youth players with the Cedar Springs Junior Ball League are encouraged to attend, and they will be asked to take their position on the field when the high school players take their positions. Everyone will be asked to “run the bases” when the game is over.
Individual players will be asking for donations. If you are interested in organizing, donating or sharing, please call Roger Louck at (616) 706-8599.

Rent a space to help senior all night party for only $10

Would you like to help to provide a safe environment for our 2011 graduates to celebrate with one another without alcohol or drugs? One Cedar Springs graduating class suffered a tragedy on graduation night, and that was one too many.  Since then, parents of the seniors in the graduating class have worked hard to plan fun, safe activities for the kids on graduation night, and they depend on financial support from both businesses and the community through donations and fundraisers.

One way you can help this year’s class is to rent a space at the community garage sale set for Saturday, March 12. Rent a space for only $10 and keep 100 percent of the proceeds. You will be given a 10-feet by 10-feet area with one 8-foot table and chair. You may bring additional tables for your space. The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion in downtown Cedar Springs. The event will be open to the public and advertised in local papers, flyers posted throughout the area, and it will be listed on Craig’s list. Deadline to register is Tuesday, March 1. Space is limited. For more info call Michele at (616) 696-9024 or email praxsls@hotmail.com.

With your support we will continue to provide a great event for our graduating seniors!