Doris M. Stark age 100, of Cedar Springs peacefully left us to be with Jesus on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at SKLD-Zeeland. She was born August 14, 1920 in Cedar Springs, MI the daughter of Guy and Elsie (Terrill) Moyes. Doris worked at the Cedar Springs Post Office for many years. She was very active throughout her life volunteering at her church. She loved her family tremendously. Doris was often seen using her walker around Cedar Springs well into her 90’s. She was adored by the staffs at Metron of Cedar Springs and SKLD-Zeeland. The family wishes to thank both of the facilities for the wonderful care they gave her. Surviving are her children, Margery (Wade) Wilson, Paul (Judy) Stark; grandchildren, Trent (Maria) Wilson, Travis Wilson, Taryn (Dr. Scott) Watterson, Cara (Dr. Benjamin) Wickstra; great-grandchildren Allyson and Alaina Wilson, Nikkolas and Kristian Wilson, Sawyer, Cecily, Wittaker, and Roarke Watterson, Owen, Alina, Emmett, and Gabriel Wickstra; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Herold; siblings, Ursal, Paul, Edith, Gladys, and Myrtle. Doris was the oldest member of the Springs Church where her family will greet friends 1:30-2:00 pm Sunday October 25, 2020. Masks are required. A graveside service will follow at 2:15 pm at Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Pastor Dallas Burgeson, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Springs Church, 135 N. Grant St., Cedar Springs. 

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

Officials said 31 residents and five staff tested positive

By Judy Reed

A local nursing home in Cedar Springs is now on the front lines fighting COVID-19. 

Metron of Cedar Springs, a 77-bed community located at 400 Jeffrey Street, announced Tuesday that a number of residents and staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

“We have had 31 residents and 5 staff members at Cedar Springs test positive for COVID-19,” said Paul Pruitt, Director of Operations.

“These individuals are all located in one section of our community, which has been isolated.  Two of those residents and the staff members are currently receiving care outside of our community.  One of those residents is expected to return back to our community within the next few days. The rest remain in our care, are stable and it does not appear as if any of them are at risk to be transferred at this time.”

When the Cedar Springs community got the news Tuesday it hit many people hard, realizing the virus was affecting some of the most vulnerable people we knew and in our own backyard.

On Wednesday, a group of people in the community reached out to show the residents and staff at Metron that they care about them and what they are going through.

City Impact, a local Christian outreach center, took a group there to pray, sing and show them they are loved with signs, balloons and more. 

“Our City Impact Saturday night service prayer team reached out to Metron right when we heard the news story yesterday [Tuesday],” explained spokesperson Kelley Bergsma. “Our intentions at first were to do a park and pray in the parking lot, however Metron said that their residents could really use some hope right now and they wouldn’t be able to see us or hear us from our parked cars, so we were invited on the property by one of their staff who showed us which windows to go to. We had one of our worship leaders with a guitar and microphone singing, and we just moved around the building in prayer and worship.” 

Bergsma said that despite some of the negative comments on Facebook, they did practice social distancing, and the people seen in groups were families. “We were very cautious,” she said.

 “We decided to do this because Metron is located right in the center of Cedar Springs. We care deeply about our city and the people here. We care about the staff, the residents, the families involved, and we know that prayer makes a difference!”

So what is Metron doing to help stop the spread of the virus?

Pruitt said they are taking all the necessary precautions and have been following state and federal health guidelines, including restricting visitors and non-medical personnel.

“We have been working closely with local, state and federal health departments,” explained Pruitt. “As a member of Spectrum Health’s High Performing Network, we have also been in continuous contact with the health system, its doctors and staff. We are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and protection of our residents, staff and community.

“Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, we have been closely monitoring and implementing the recommendations and requirements outlined by our local, state and federal health departments as well as the CDC in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  This is all in addition to our extensive health and wellness processes and procedures.

“As other facilities around the country have done, we have restricted visitors, guests and non-essential medical personnel to the building. Those essential visitors entering the facility, including doctors, are heavily screened prior to entry. Every staff member goes through the same screening process including having their temperature taken prior to starting every shift.  We are fully stocked with all necessary personal protection equipment and our staff members are wearing these items throughout their shifts to care for our residents and for their own protection.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and our staff members is our top priority as we navigate this global pandemic and unprecedented health crisis.”

The Post first heard about the possibility of a positive staff member at Metron last Friday, and reached out to the Kent County Health Department at that time to get information. 

As of Wednesday, the State of Michigan shows 119 positive cases in Kent County, and two deaths. According to Lori Latham, with the Kent County Health Department, that number does include the 31 residents at Metron but it is unclear whether it includes staff, since some could be from a different county and they did not all go together to be tested at the same time.

By Judy Reed

The Cedar Springs community got the news Tuesday that our local long-term nursing home, Metron of Cedar Springs, had 31 residents and five staff members test positive for COVID-19. It hit many people hard, knowing the virus was affecting some of the most vulnerable people we knew and in our own backyard.

On Wednesday, a group of people in the community reached out to show the residents and staff at Metron that they care about them and what they are going through.

City Impact, a local Christian outreach center, took a group there to pray, sing and show them they are loved with signs, balloons and more.

“Our City Impact Saturday night service prayer team reached out to Metron right when we heard the news story yesterday [Tuesday],” explained spokesperson Kelley Bergsma. “Our intentions at first were to do a park and pray in the parking lot, however Metron said that their residents could really use some hope right now and they wouldn’t be able to see us or hear us from our parked cars, so we were invited on the property by one of their staff who showed us which windows to go to. We had one of our worship leaders with a guitar and microphone singing, and we just moved around the building in prayer and worship.”

Bergsma said that despite some of the negative comments on Facebook, they did practice social distancing, and the people seen in groups were families. “We were very cautious,” she said.

 “We decided to do this because Metron is located right in the center of Cedar Springs. We care deeply about our city and the people here. We care about the staff, the residents, the families involved, and we know that prayer makes a difference!”

Officials said 31 residents and five staff tested positive

By Judy Reed

A local nursing home in Cedar Springs is now on the front lines fighting COVID-19.

Metron of Cedar Springs, a 77-bed community located at 400 Jeffrey Street, announced Tuesday, March 31, that a number of  residents and staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

“We have had 31 residents and 5 staff members at Cedar Springs test positive for COVID-19,” said Paul Pruitt, Director of Operations.

“These individuals are all located in one section of our community, which has been isolated.  Two of those residents and the staff members are currently receiving care outside of our community.  One of those residents is expected to return back to our community within the next few days. The rest remain in our care, are stable and it does not appear as if any of them are at risk to be transferred at this time.”

Pruitt said they are taking all the necessary precautions and have been following state and federal health guidelines, including restricting visitors and non-medical personnel.

“We have been working closely with local, state and federal health departments,” explained Pruitt. “As a member of Spectrum Health’s High Performing Network, we have also been in continuous contact with the health system, its doctors and staff. We are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and protection of our residents, staff and community.

“Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, we have been closely monitoring and implementing the recommendations and requirements outlined by our local, state and federal health departments as well as the CDC in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  This is all in addition to our extensive health and wellness processes and procedures.

“As other facilities around the country have done, we have restricted visitors, guests and non-essential medical personnel to the building. Those essential visitors entering the facility, including doctors, are heavily screened prior to entry. Every staff member goes through the same screening process including having their temperature taken prior to starting every shift.  We are fully stocked with all necessary personal protection equipment and our staff members are wearing these items throughout their shifts to care for our residents and for their own protection.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and our staff members is our top priority as we navigate this global pandemic and unprecedented health crisis.”

The Post first heard about the possibility of a positive staff member at Metron last Friday, and reached out to the Kent County Health Department at that time to verify whether the information was valid.

According to Lori Latham with the Kent County Health Department, there are currently 113 positive cases in Kent County, and one death. The 113 does include the 31 residents at Metron but may not include all the staff, since some could be from a different county and they did not all go together to be tested at the same time.

On Thursday, December 13, the Men of Honor of Cedar Springs brought some Christmas cheer to the elderly at Metron of Cedar Springs by presenting “The Symbols of Christmas” and singing  traditional Christmas carols.  

The mission of Men of Honor is to develop passionate followers of Jesus Christ by training and mentoring youth, ages 11-17, in principles of chivalry, honor, moral excellence and courageous leadership. Young men in grades 6, 7, and 8 are targeted because this is the age that many are making crucial life decisions. They meet once a week on Thursdays after school in the Media Center for Red Hawk Elementary for about an hour to teach biblical manhood. Men of Honor believe manhood and Christlikeness are synonymous.  Men and Ladies of Honor is an international organization that can be found in the US and 11 other countries.

Mr. Richard Lee Dines of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 83, passed away Monday, March 12, 2018. He was born in Rockford, Michigan to Frank and Bernadine (Tenhoppen) Dines on May 20, 1934. Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, bingo, and bowling. He also was a devoted Cubs fan. Richard worked for Steelcase for over thirty years. Richard is survived by his children, Rodney (Laurie) Dines, Ricky Dines, Margie Cole, and Russell (friend Tammy) Dines; eleven grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; brothers, Norman Dines, Jack Dines; sisters, Ruth (Bill) Hiler, Jill (Vern) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirley in 2014 after sixty-one years of marriage; son, Richard Dines, Jr.; brothers, Carl Dines, Paul Dines, and Tom Dines. There will be a time of visitation with Richard’s family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Richard will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018 at Pederson Funeral Home. There will be also be a time of visitation one hour prior to the funeral. Memorial contributions in Richard’s name can be made to Metron of Cedar Springs, 400 Jeffrey St NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Student Leadership Council is focusing on “giving back” and “family engagement” at the Middle School. Students brought in over 1,000 food items for a Food Drive. Students were able to build 10 baskets for our local families. Food Baskets included everything needed for a Thanksgiving Day feast and then some. Additional items were donated to North Kent Community Services, which also helps to support our families from the Cedar Springs and neighboring areas.

The group of students also suggested more opportunities for family nights. Their wishes were answered, and thanks to our partnership with En Gedi, Craig Owens was able to help us kick off a Family Fun Night at the Middle School. Parents, students and their siblings competed in Bubble Soccer. Pizza was provided. It was a great night with lots of laughs.

Students are working to coordinate the following for future give-back opportunities:

• Taking a “field trip” to Degage Ministries to help out

• Visiting the residents at Metron of Cedar Springs

• Volunteering some time to help support St. John Paul II Community Dinners

• Writing letters to our Veterans

If you or your child have any ideas for Family Fun Nights or Giving Back, please contact Jodi West at jodi.west@csredhawks.org or (616) 696-7326. Student Leadership is not an exclusive group. All students are welcome to drop in. Meeting are every other Thursday from 2:20-3:15, resuming on January 5, 2017.

To the Administration and Staff of Metron of Cedar Springs: Thank you all for the helpful, friendly care given to Gwen Perry. She was a gallant lady and each of you, in your own way, kept Gwen with us until God called her home. We will always remember your competent, loving care for her.

Lyle Perry, Jr. and Family

In honor of Veteran’s Day, the American Legion Glen Hill Post 287 will present a flag ceremony at Metron of Cedar Springs, located at 400 Jeffrey, on November 11, at 2 p.m. Opening prayer will be presented by Pastor Steve Lindeman, of Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, and music will be provided by the Cedar Springs High School Band. Everyone is welcome to stay immediately following the ceremony for refreshments and musical entertainment.

Nellie Alberda, age 84, passed away Friday, May 29, 2015 at Metron of Cedar Springs after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. The daughter of Martin and Berdena (Moorlag) Van Duyn, she was born on March 18, 1931 in Rock Valley, Iowa and worked as an accountant with the Michigan Department of Corrections at the prison in Coldwater. She was preceded in death by her parents;, her husband, Wesley Dale Alberda; a son, Gary Alberda; her step-mother, Merna Van Duyn; and a sister, Jean Feenstra. Surviving are her children, Doug and Lisa Alberda, Patricia Alberda, Rick and Nancy Alberda; a daughter-in-law Beverly Alberda; her grandchildren, Chad (Janelle) Alberda, Shannon (Bill) Crane, Jennifer (Todd) Frazier, and Monica (Scott) Moore; her great grandchildren, Zachery and Elyn Alberda, Addyson and Mason Crane, Aubree and Micah Frazier, Nolan, Colby and Emma Moore; and two sisters, Lee (Jack) Nyenhuis, and Hanna (Scott) Aardema. Family and friends will celebrate Nellie’s life beginning with a memorial service at 2 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2015 at White Creek Estates Community Building, 15851 White Creek Avenue, Cedar Springs, with a memorial open house immediately following from 3 – 6 pm. Instead of flowers, Nellie would have appreciated contributions in her memory to either Hospice of Michigan or the Alzheimer’s Association. Honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Nellie’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville