The Charger Voices stand with poise following their performance.

On Friday, March 16, CTA choir students attended the District 7 Choral festival at Greenville High School. This year, both our middle school choir, Harmonic Chargers, and our high school choir, Charger Voices, attended. Although our our middle school students attended solely to receive comments this year, they really enjoyed their first festival experience and received helpful feedback from the festival adjudicators. The high school choir went for a rating this year for the first time. Last year, Charger Voices attended for comments only, so the stakes were higher this time around. We ended with a high II rating. Both choirs demonstrated great growth from the previous year, and the students really enjoyed the experience! Both groups were conducted by Mr. Jeremy Holtrop and accompanied by Mrs. Bethany Holtrop.

The Harmonic Chargers are proud of their first effort at the District Choral festival.

Financial resource fairs coming to Michigan

By Mona Shand, Michigan News Connection

For those who list getting into better financial shape among their goals for 2018, experts are coming to communities across the state to help connect people with the resources they need to be financially fit.

The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan is organizing 39 different “Show Me the Money Day” events around the state in January and February. 

They’re offering free assistance on a variety of topics from applying for college financial aid to budgeting to buying a house. 

The closest event to us is one in Greenville on Thursday, February 15, from 4-8 p.m. at Greenville High School, 111 N. Hillcrest, Greenville, Mich. 48838.

Allyson Brooks, a financial empowerment associate with CEDAM, said they’re a way to kick off tax season and promote opportunities to increase income and build assets.

“Even getting free tax assistance can save a low-to-moderate-income family thousands of dollars per year,” Brooks said. “And that’s really what it’s all about, is putting the money back in Michigan families’ wallets.”

Information on where and when to find these events is at ShowMeTheMoneyDay.org. 

Brooks said the goal is to put all the financial resources people will need at different stages of their lives in one place, because she said in a financial pinch, it’s too easy to make the wrong decision. 

“Payday lending, using pawn shops as a resource,” she cited as examples. “So one thing we want to do is make sure that everything is in one spot, the financial mainstream is accessible for everyone.”

Last year, more than 3,000 Michiganders attended Show Me The Money Day events.

For more information or to RSVP to the Greenville event, you send an email or visit the facebook event. Email Darcy at darcy.brown@liveunitedm-i.org or Nikki at nkwiatkowski@liveunitedm-i.org for more information or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/839611289551822/.

Brison being pushed out on to the field during the event. Photo by K. Alvesteffer/R. LaLone.

Brison Ricker smiles as he sees his teammates lined up holding signs that spell out Rickerstrong#one at Tuesday’s fundraising game between Greenville and Cedar Springs. Photo by K. Alvesteffer/R. LaLone.

By Judy Reed

The Cedar Springs and Greenville Varsity Soccer teams might be rivals on the field, but they were teammates for a cause Tuesday evening, October 4, as they raised money for medical treatment for Cedar Springs teen Brison Ricker, who suffers from DIPG, an inoperable brain tumor.

At this time last year, Brison was a freshman playing for the Varsity Red Hawks, and was voted offensive player of the year. He was diagnosed in January with the tumor.

“It was an amazing night and I’m so glad Brison was feeling well enough for our family to be there,” said Brison’s mom, Kim Ricker. “It was incredible how many people came out to support Brison, the stands were full of people and love. We are so grateful to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to be there, and extra grateful for all the people who volunteered and worked hard to make it such a successful night.”

It was the annual youth soccer night, combined with the fundraising event, so it was nicknamed the #Rickerstrong Game. “The high school soccer parents, along with help from the Student Leadership Council and the Athletic Leadership Council, promoted the event to try to bring in a record crowd and student section to cheer on the boys in their game against Greenville High School,” explained parent Barb Dreyer. “We chose this game to have this event because Brison Ricker played soccer with several of the boys from the Greenville team so it meant a lot to them to be able to help raise money for the family also.”

“We sold T-shirts, cotton candy, glow necklaces, balloons and had a huge auction to help raise money for the family,” explained Dreyer. Greenville and Cedar Springs teams had a pop can drive challenge to see who could bring in the most cans. “Although Greenville brought in a ton of cans, Cedar Springs won because this community is just amazing!” remarked Dreyer. “People who didn’t even go to the game dropped off their cans at the high school anyway. We had to bring in a second trailer to collect them all.”

Both communities helped bring in donations and worked together to raise $4748.20 for the Ricker’s accumulating medical bills, which doesn’t include all the cans. “We also collected an astronomical number of cans that we will return soon to add to that total,” said Dreyer. She said she thinks it could be at least another $1,000.

Brison’s medical bills for treatment are around $17,000 per month. Conventional treatments were not working, and his doctor felt there was nothing more they could do, so the Rickers sought out an alternative treatment for Brison, and he has seen improvement on the protocol.

Dreyer said Coach Kyle Avink gave a touching speech after the national anthem on how cancer has affected every person in some way these days, that we all know someone who has battled, is currently fighting or lost their battle with cancer. Then after a moment of silence they had a balloon release in Brison’s honor.

It was evident that Brison enjoyed the night. When the team lined up on the field with each holding a letter spelling out Rickerstrong #one, a big smile spread across his face.

“I have not seen Brison smile so much in a long time!” remarked Kim. “He was so proud of how hard his team played and that they took home a win. He was especially excited for his best friend Derek Egan who took home the rickerstrong boots last night. He left it all on the field and earned them, well deserved!”

Kim said that Brison will have another MRI next week to see how well the treatment is working. She said that they also now have a couple of doctors helping with wound care. The steroids that he was taking tore his skin apart.

“These wounds are still so painful and are the only thing holding him back right now from pushing hard like he so badly wants to, to gain his strength and mobility back,” explained Kim. “Once these are healed we have no doubt he will be out of his wheelchair and walking in no time! He can’t wait to run down a soccer field again!”

If you’d like to help Brison heal and return to the soccer field, there are several opportunities coming up to do so. The next can drive held by Team Brison will be Monday, October 10, at Meijer in Cedar Springs. They are usually in the early evening. See the Team Brison Facebook page for details. Also, next Saturday, October 15, is a big event at Skinner Field from noon to 5 p.m.—a music festival with food, fun and games to help raise funds for Brison. See page 2 for details, or check out the Team Brison facebook page. You can also make a direct donation by visiting Brison’s gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/brisonricker.

Franklin “Frank” John DePue, 75 of Greenville, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2016 at home. Frank was born October 5, 1940 in Eaton Co., Michigan, the son of the late Maurice “Mike” and Helen (Holbrook) DePue. Frank is loved and survived by his wife of 56 years, Judith (Ellick) DePue; his children: Monique (Dave) Doolittle and Vincent (Kayleen) DePue; grandchildren: Trafford (Ashley Hattis) Giles, Stephanie Doolittle, Nick Doolittle, Michael (Ceara) DePue, Kyle DePue, Donald Eikenhout, Andrea (Larry) Wiley and Graham DePue; sisters: Dorothy Fisher, Carol (Ron) Stevens, Shirley (Dick) Rinckey and Dee (Ron) Corwin; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his siblings: M. Jean Schafer, Edwin Maurice DePue, Kathleen Marie Cooper, Jennifred Joan Schrauben, David Lee DePue and Dean A. DePue. Frank was a graduate of Greenville High School in 1976. He retired from Meijer as Loss Prevention Manager after 30+ years of service. In addition to a long career at Meijer, he and his wife Judith were owners of Animal Crackers Farm Petting Zoo of Greenville. Frank and Judy touched countless lives, spanning several generations by taking their large traveling zoo to schools, festivals, churches, parades and more local events than can be documented. Frank donated time, along with Judy, at Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Optimist Camp and the American Cancer Society, and he walked his beloved camel Shalamar across most of Montcalm County to raise nearly $1000 for that cause. Frank also enjoyed greeting Mejier customers every Christmas Eve dressed as Santa with his reindeer and sleigh. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Frank always appreciated being embraced by the community and enjoyed sharing his love of his animals. He got great enjoyment making people laugh and smile with his wit and a wink. His contagiously happy spirit will be missed by so many, but never forgotten by anyone. We are sad that you are gone, but find peace in knowing we will someday see you again. We love you. Memorial services were held at 1:00 pm Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Hurst Funeral Home, with Pastor Ken Harger officiating. Visitation was Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, and memories and messages of condolence may be shared at www.hurstfh.com.

Arrangements by Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville

WHAT: “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff, performed by MCC’s Alumni & Friends Choir, MCC’s Philharmonic Orchestra, Greenville High School Orchestra and Flat River Dance Company

WHEN: April 17 at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Greenville High School Performing Arts Center

HOW: Tickets are general admission and are $3 each. Purchase tickets at the UPS Store at 703 S. Greenville West Drive in Greenville or in the Montcalm Community College Donald C. Burns Administration/Library Building at 2800 College Drive in Sidney. Payment must be cash or check made payable to MCC.

By Samantha Mack

Members of Montcalm Community College’s Alumni & Friends Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra, the Greenville High School Orchestra and Flat River Dance Company rehearse for the April 17 performance of “Carmina Burana” at the Greenville High School Performing Arts Center.

SIDNEY—Montcalm Community College’s Alumni and Friends Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra, along with members of the Greenville High School Orchestra and Flat River Dance Company, have joined for a production of epic proportions April 17 at 5 p.m. at the Greenville High School Performing Arts Center.

Performed by more than 150 area artists, “Carmina Burana” will feature powerful rhythms, unforgettable vocal parts and flowing dancers.

“Carmina Burana” is a scenic cantata composed by Carl Orff in 1935 and 1936, based on 24 poems from the medieval collection “Carmina Burana.” The original manuscripts, written in the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th centuries, reflect the life and worldviews of poets at that time.

MCC Performing Arts Coordinator Val Vander Mark, who is coordinating the production, said she is excited to bring this cultural opportunity to a local audience, and to pay tribute to Orff, who was an influential music educator.

“Part of Orff’s educational philosophy was that children learn best by encountering rhythm first. That philosophy is evident in this piece,” Vander Mark said. “This work is not very difficult pitch-wise for singers, but it has some passages that are very difficult for the orchestra.

“With its fast tempos and constantly-changing meters, it is quite challenging rhythmically for everyone,” she said. “It is also written in Latin and German. That is difficult enough, but we are using the pronunciations of the languages that would have been used in the time when the poetry was written, so even those singers who are familiar with the languages have a challenge mastering the differences between the modern and ancient versions.

“The Philharmonic Orchestra is tackling the challenge extremely well, and the string section of the Greenville High School orchestra is joining them for extra rehearsals,” she added. “The difficulty will stretch everyone’s abilities in reading and playing music, but beyond that, the rewards of performing and getting to know this great work so intimately cannot be described. We have a huge amount of talent in Montcalm County. I have been just overwhelmed by the quality of musicianship that is represented in this group.”

“A special aspect of the ‘Carmina Burana’ production is our partnership with the community in this endeavor,” said MCC Dean of Instruction & Student Development Gary Hauck. “This is a stellar example of our college and community relationship.”

Vander Mark said this epic composition takes a lot of work from many performers and requires two pianos. In addition to Greenville High School’s grand piano, an 1890 Steinway grand piano will be featured during the performance. The classic instrument is on loan from Alex Kapteyn, owner of Central Michigan Pianos, in Carson City. Kapteyn acquired the piano from the estate of longtime Greenville resident Dorothy Oliver, a musician and founder of the Danish Festival. Kapteyn spent about 10 months restoring it, and it is now in his home.

“I am very pleased to have this piano utilized for the concert, for in a small way it allows me to pay tribute to Dorothy Oliver and her years of service to the Greenville school system,” Kapteyn said.

Vander Mark said the performance will be a rare event.

“We are hoping that the large audience will give many people who knew Dorothy a chance to see and hear this equally-rare instrument,” Vander Mark said. “Having known Dorothy personally, I know what an extraordinary person and musician she was, and how much this will mean to so many people in our community,” she added. “It just makes the whole experience that much more meaningful for both the musicians and the audience. The idea that this is probably a once-in-a-lifetime event that we are privileged to be part of is exciting.”

Tickets for “Carmina Burana” are general admission and cost $3 each. They may be purchased at the UPS Store, located in the parking lot south of Applebee’s at 703 S. Greenville West Drive, Suite 7, Greenville, and at Montcalm Community College’s Donald C. Burns Administration/Library Building at 2800 College Drive, Sidney. Payment must be cash or check made payable to Montcalm Community College.

This activity is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) and the Montcalm Community College Foundation Ash Community College Enhancement Fund.

Cedar Springs Youth Wrestling club medal winners.

By Jacquie Troupe

The Cedar Springs Youth Wrestling Club headed to Greenville High School for an exciting day on Sunday January 31. They brought 29 wrestlers, had 82 matches, winning 35. For Ricco Artecki, David DeWeese, Remington DeWeese and Benjamin Streeter it was their very first tournament.

“It was great to see new kids coming out to the tournament. Seeing half our kids place was a great testament to their dedication in practice,” said Coach Goike.

First place champions were Blake Falan in the 58lb & Hudson Crystal in the 72lb 07-08 Novice brackets, Keaton Klaasen in the 59lb 05-06 Open bracket, Trevor Marsman in the 75lb and Daniel Vaughn in the 112lb 03-04 Open brackets.

Second place wrestlers were Tucker Crystal in the 46lb & Jonathan Libera in the 58lb 09-11 All brackets, Ricco Artecki in the 70lb & Austin Miller in the 183lb 03-04 Novice brackets and Carter Falan in the 90lb 03-04 Open bracket.

Third place wrestlers were Matthew Vaughn in the 70lb 05-06 Novice bracket, Logan Troupe in the 85lb 03-04 Novice bracket and Ariana Meyers in the 133lb Open bracket.

Fourth place wrestlers were Jeffrey Dells in the 46lb 07-08 Novice  and David DeWeese in the 130ib 03-04 Novice brackets.

Members of Montcalm Community College’s Alumni & Friends Choir practice for the Messiah concert.

December 5

SIDNEY – Area musicians combine their talents to present a performance of George Frideric Händel’s Messiah on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Greenville High School Performing Arts Center. Admission is free.

“This is a special holiday tradition that has been performed in our community by local musicians every few years since the mid-1970s,” said Valerie Vander Mark, MCC Performing Arts Coordinator and concert producer. “Years ago it was sponsored by the Creative Arts Council, and I felt it was very important to continue the tradition. The most exciting thing about it for me is the different blend of talent that we get each time we perform it. Though Händel wrote this great work over 250 years ago, and we perform the same music each time, it is always a new mix of singers and instrumentalists, so it is never the same performance twice.”

Randy Masterson, of Saranac, will perform a tenor solo during the Montcalm Community College Alumni & Friends Choir performance of Messiah.

Greg Vander Mark, of Greenville, is directing this year’s performance. He is also the director of the adult choir at the First Congregational Church in Greenville.

Händel composed Messiah in 1741 in just 24 days. It was first performed in a concert given for charitable purposes in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 1742. Händel conducted the performance in person.

MCC’s Alumni & Friends Choir—a community choir made up of approximately 70 singers from the area—will perform the concert.  Former area music teachers Jean and Keith Hudson have selected musicians for the orchestra and have been rehearsing with them.

Soloists include Karen Lincoln, of Alma; Jeanne Haenisch, of Belmont; Deb Dieckman, Mark Dombroske, Ryan Garlick, Julie Momber, Larry Moss, and Valerie Vander Mark, all of Greenville; Marian Flynn of Mecosta; Cynthia Karaba of Sand Lake; Randy Masterson of Saranac; and Deborah Baldwin and Katrina Nelson, both of Sheridan.

For more information, contact MCC Performing Arts Coordinator Valerie Vander Mark at valv@montcalm.edu or (989) 328-1218.

Mr. John Irvin “Jack” Turner of Rockford, Michigan, age 77, passed away on the morning of Saturday, May 2, 2015 in the comfort of his home. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, to John and Margaret (Crumback) Turner on Wednesday, September 8, 1937. Jack graduated from Greenville High School in 1955 and attended Ferris State University for two years. His life passion was sales. He began his career early, working for O’Connor’s of Greenville selling shoes. He also worked for Aden Safety, Jackson Products, and NuVision, after which he went on to create his own business Techna International, from which he retired to enjoy the finer and simpler things in life. Jack was a loving and devoted husband, wonderful father and brother, dear friend, and the best grandfather anyone could ask for. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends in the near and from Geneva, Ohio and Apremont, France. Jack is survived by his beloved wife Judy (Barnhart) Turner; loving children Tracey (Ed) Harris, John (Pam) Turner, Jean Turner, and Jennifer (Steve) Wegener; adored grandchildren Nick, Brooke, Kristen, Madison, Taylor, John Henry, Megan, and Hayley; sisters Virginia Weber and Barbara Zimmerman; brother-in-law Frank Nelson; brothers-in-law Mark (Julie) Barnhart, Myron Waller, Ron (Karen) Barnhart, and Larry (Lisa) Barnhart; sisters-in-law Gail (Carl) Dunn, Janet (Lloyd) Ingersoll, LuAnn (Jeff) Piatt, Margie (Steven) Schmitz, Robin (Steve) Brott, and Susan (Rick) Colligan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother David Turner; sister Faye Nelson; brothers-in-law Butch Weber and Lenny Zimmerman; sister-in-law Kellie Fast; and beloved dog Brandy. There will be a time of visitation from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Jack will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home. Fr. Darrel Kempf will be presiding. To send a message of sympathy to the family, please sign the online guestbook at www.pedersonfuneralhome.com. Jack would want to acknowledge and thank his dearest friend Vincent from Tainan, Taiwan, for his help and loyal friendship over the years. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534; or to Spectrum Health Hospice and Palliative Care, 750 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Photo by Kelly Alvesteffer

By Kendra Coons 

On Friday, October 25, the Cedar Springs Red Hawk Varsity football team played their last game of the season at Greenville high school. The final score of the game was 24-14 in favor of the Red Hawks. The team finished the season with a record of 5-4 in overall play and 3-2 in conference play.

Cedar Springs came out in the first quarter and scored making the game 6-0 and then scored a two point conversion making it 8-0. Greenville came back in the second quarter and scored two touchdowns. Greenville took the lead going into halftime 14-8. Neither teams scored in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Cedar Springs came fighting back and scored 16 more points making the final score of the game 24-14.

On offense, Cedar Springs had a total of 14 first downs, gained 184 yards while rushing, and had possession of the ball for 26:55. Senior Jeff Newland, and junior Mavrick Cotton both scored for the Red Hawks. Jeff Newland had a total of 73 net yards while rushing. Junior Kaden Myers wasn’t far behind him with 55, and senior Dylan Block also contributed with 17. Senior quarterback, Austin Hilyer, also scored a touchdown for the Red Hawks. On punt returns, junior, Mavrick Cotton ran for 14 yards and Kaden Myers ran for 32 yards.

On defense, Jeff Newland led the team with 10 tackles. Seniors Jordan Johnson, Nick Krajewski and junior Caden Burrows, came in with a total of five for the game. The team had a total of 53 tackles against the Yellow Jackets. Mavrick Cotton also had a pass interception for five yards.

“It was a great game, I’m very happy that our seniors could go out with a win over Greenville like that,” comments Coach Gus Kapolka. “It was a great feeling in the locker room after the game. Everybody was very satisfied with the outcome.”

The Red Hawks football season is officially over and the community of Cedar Springs wishes the best to our seniors, and also good luck to the Red Hawks football program next year.