Planning for the 80^th Red Flannel Festival is in full swing, and earlier this week the board released their theme and logo to celebrate this year’s milestone event: Still going 80—celebrating 80 years!

The logo, pictured above, shows a Cedar Springs Fire truck driven by firefighters in Red Flannel long johns, and one of them hanging on for dear life, as the truck goes 80 mph.

According to RFF president Nancy Deyman, Rose Powell came up with this year’s theme. Brynadette Powell created the initial rough draft design of the logo, and artist Doris Vinton created the final design. 

Several others also submitted ideas for this year’s theme: Renae Cope, Lyle Perry Jr., Marilynn Higley, and Andrew and Meghan Bartoszek.

Deyman thanked all those who worked on this year’s theme and design, and those who submitted ideas. “The Red Flannel Festival had a hard time deciding, and will keep all the submissions on file for future festivals,” she said.

In other Red Flannel Festival news, the Lumberjack show will be back again this year and so will the pie-eating contest. The Grand Lodge will be back but in a different location. “We are still working out those details,” said Deyman.  

Also, for anyone that participated in the 5k/10k Run: if you ran it last year and would like to run it again this year, due to some measurement/communication issues last year they would like to offer the race to you this year at a discounted rate. You can contact the RFF for more information. Just email admin@redflannelfestival.org.

Pictured L to R is the Mark Del band at ArtPrize:  Eric Strand, violin; Teresa Boehm, vocals; Tony Burnett, guitar; Clarissa Hubert, piano;  Jill Boehm, flute;  Mark Del, lead vocals & guitar;  Nathan Treman, cello.

By Judy Reed

Last year at Red Flannel time, Mark Del Covell premiered a song he had written specially for the occasion. This year he decided to do something similar, but on a bigger scale. This year he wrote a song about Michigan, and decided to showcase it at ArtPrize 10. 

“My main inspiration to write this song came from the hope that it might help some resident feel proud to live in a state with so much natural beauty, apart from the harsh blizzard conditions of winter. Each of us should be able to relate to at least one part of the lyrics,” he said. 

Mark worked with photographers and videographers to catch the beauty of our great state, and created a video to go along with the song, which can be found on his artist page on the website. He and his band performed the song outside of First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids last weekend. He said that they would be performing it again in an outdoor area somewhere in the downtown area. It is a time-based event, and we did not have a time at press time. 

Mark said he’s gotten a lot of good feedback from people about the song and would love for it to become the official state song. “If your readers wanted to help an artist right here from their community possibly make this song our state’s official song, then they need to cast their vote for my (Time Based) entry by late Saturday night!” he remarked. 

To watch the video and hear the song, go to: http://www.artprize.org/68190. 

Red Flannel Fun by Mark Covell

By Judy Reed

While strolling down Main Street on Red Flannel Day, residents who stop into the Red Flannel Festival office will have the chance to hear a new song created by Nelson Township resident Mark D. Covell, in honor of the Festival.

“As another Red Flannel’s October approached a couple yrs ago, I began to think of how so many popular annual events and/or seasonal traditions seem to have some sort of theme music or song attached to them; this would certainly seem what a long-standing, 75 yr-old festival celebration like Red Flannel’s Day should have,” explained Covell. “So I figured, I might as well try to compose such a tune for all the Cedar Springs community, particularly all the dedicated participants and loyal supporters of our festival over the decades.”

Covell grew up in Cedar Springs and graduated from Cedar Springs High School. “I participated in many festivals, from riding in a pony-drawn buggy as a kid in my first parade, to walking with sports teams, to watching my sister be crowned Queen, to riding on floats from the feed mill, and working with my church to sell food,” he recalled. “It was those memories that drew upon to write this song.”

He went on to explain a little about the song, which is named “Red Flannel Fun.” “The song, set to a folk-country style, is our historical story of Cedar Springs and how a town became nationally recognized for making full-bodied underwear available to so many people across the country. I intentionally kept the arrangement simpler, as if it was being sung during the ‘40s or ‘50s, perhaps by a group of family and friends on a front porch. I reflected on my childhood memories to complete the bridge part of the song.”

The recording collaboration was with a studio in Nashville. Covell sings and plays guitar on the song.

“My hope is that this song will help put the less-enthusiastic residents get in the mood a bit more for all the events leading up to Grand Saturday,” he said.

Randy VanDuyn, president of the Red Flannel Festival, said that the board listened to the song, and agreed they would like to use it but it was pretty late in the planning to do much with it. So they decided to play it in their office on Red Flannel Day, and then hopefully be able to tie it more into the RF Festival next year.

Covell works as a licensed insurance agent and said he enjoys the creative process with writing as a hobby. “I have a dozen songs written to date, ranging from Christian/praise, theme, ballads, contemporary and tributes,” he noted.

“Red Flannel Fun” is available to download now on store.cdbaby.com, and is coming out soon on iTunes and Googleplay.

Madison Case wore the same dress for this years pageant that her mother wore in 1998.

Marissa Case-Shaw wore this white gown in 1998 at the Red Flannel Queen pageant.

Participating in the Red Flannel Scholarship Pageant can often be a family affair. One of this year’s winning court members took it one step further than that. Madison Case wore the same dress for the pageant that her mother Marissa Case-Shaw did in 1998 when she competed in the pageant! And it looks just as lovely now as it did then.

Thanks for sharing that with us!

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.

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Sept. 25: 2nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 6:00 pm. It will be at 2nd Chance School at 810 17 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, MI  (corner of 17 Mile Road and Olin Lakes Road). Message and the music will shared by the group, ALIVE. This is an outstanding gospel group, who will share an awesome message and their amazing musical talents. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2nd and 4th 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 293-2150. SEE YOU THERE! #38

Take off pounds sensibly

Sept.27: Take off pounds sensibly (TOPS), a non-profit weight loss support group for men and women, meets every Tuesday at the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sand Lake. Your first visit is free so come check out what TOPS can do to help you reach your weigh loss goals! Weigh-ins 8:15-9am, meeting starts at 9:15am. In case of inclement weather, meetings are cancelled if Tri-County or Cedar Springs schools are closed. Call Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #38

Red Flannel Talent Show Performers

Sept. 28: If you missed the Red Flannel Talent Show tryouts on September 14^th it is not too late! A Dress Rehearsal will be held on Wednesday, September 28^th at 7 pm at the Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main St., Cedar Springs. Please come fully prepared with music and costume. Contact Len at 231-750-2337. The Red Flannel Talent Show will be held on Red Flannel Day, October 1^st at about 4:30 pm (right after the parade). Tickets to the show are $3.00 each. #38

Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club’s Fun 3 Gun Shoot

Oct. 2: Fun 3 Gun Shoot, 9am-1pm at Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club, 7463 18 Mile Rd. Open to the public. Shooting: pistol, rifle, shotgun. $10 per person, Lewis pay out at the end of the event. For any questions call 616-696-3711. #38p

AWANA Program Kicks Off

Oct. 5: The Solon Center Wesleyan Church will kick off its AWANA program on Wednesday, October 5^th from 6:30- 8 pm. AWANA is an action packed program running from October through March for children ages 3 years through 5th grade. It’s where kids learn God’s Word and have fun doing it! Go to www.scwchurch.com to register or come a few minutes early the first night. Student Ministries (6th-12th) and adults will also meet. There’s something for everyone! The church is located at 15671 Algoma Avenue, just north of 19 Mile Road. Questions? Call 696-3229. All welcome! #38,39p

St.Peter’s Lutheran Blood Drive

Oct. 5: St.Peter’s Lutheran Church is holding a Blood Drive on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 3:00 pm to 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall at 310 East Division Street in Rockford. You can make an appointment online at www.MIBlood.org. Babysitting available. We need all Types. #38,39p

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.

Rummage Sale at Resurrection Lutheran Church

Sept. 15,16: A rummage sale will be held on September 15^th and 16^th from 9 am to 5 pm at the Resurrection Lutheran Church, 180 Northland Drive, Sand Lake. Clothes, fishing supplies, shoes and boots. Proceeds to benefit the Ladies Guild projects. #37

Howard City Harvest Festival

Sept. 17: Howard City will hold its 14^th Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 17^th. For more information please check out the event schedule online at www.howardcity.org. #36,37p

Red Flannel Wine & Craft Beer Tasting

Sept. 17: A Red Flannel wine & craft beer tasting will be held on Saturday, September 17^th from 6-9pm at the Whitefish Lake Golf and Grill, 2241 Bass Lake Rd., Pierson, MI. Local craft beer and wine tasting includes a delicious dinner with beer and/or wine samples. Only $40 per person. Buy the tickets at the Red Flannel Offices, 18 S. Main St. There will also be a Silent Auction to benefits the RFF Queen’s Scholarship Fund. #36,37b

Greenville Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale

Sept. 17: The Greenville Garden Club’s annual plant, shrub and bake sale is on Saturday, September 17^th from 10 am to 2 pm at the East Pavilion of the Greenville Community Center, 900 E. Kent Rd., Greenville. Fall is a great time to plant your spring garden. You’ll find a wide selection of perennials and shrubs from the gardens of members and businesses. Delicious baked goods from member’s ovens. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. Rain or shine, plan to attend. #37

Golf Outing – To benefit the Red Flannel Queen Scholarship Fund

Sept. 18: Attention Golfers! Join us for an 18-hole, 4-person golf scramble at Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, with a 9:00 a.m. shot-gun start, to benefit the Red Flannel Queen Scholarship Fund. Cost is $65 per person ($260 per team). Lunch and prizes included. Call WhiteFish Lake Golf Club at (616)636-5260 today to reserve your spot! #37b

Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University

Sept. 18: This changes everything! Your money. Your story. Your life. Learn God’s ways of handling money with Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Learn how to get out of debt and live like never before. The average turnaround is $8,000 in just the first three months! Even though the first class meets Sunday, September 18^th, it’s not too late to sign up. We will help you catch up! Classes meet each Sunday evening from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Gowen Bible Church – Meddler Campus, 16415 Meddler Ave, Sand Lake for a total of nine sessions. Childcare is available. Register online at daveramsey.com/findaclass. Call 616-984-2525 or 616-366-3980 with questions. #37

Dinner at the Legion

Sept. 19: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Meatloaf dinner on Monday, September 19^th, from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes & gravy, baked beans, veggies, salad, roll, drink and dessert. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #37p

Take off pounds sensibly

Sept.20: Take off pounds sensibly (TOPS), a non-profit weight loss support group for men and women, meets every Tuesday at the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sand Lake. Your first visit is free so come check out what TOPS can do to help you reach your weigh loss goals! Weigh-ins 8:15-9am, meeting starts at 9:15am. In case of inclement weather, meetings are cancelled if Tri-County or Cedar Springs schools are closed. Call Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #36

Blood Drive at CS UMC

Sept. 20: The Michigan Blood Drive will be Tuesday, September 20^th at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church from 12:30 pm until 7:00 pm. Last month we collected 37 units which has an impact of saving 111 Michigan and Cedar Springs Area friends. The Blood Center thanks all the people that donate at the Cedar Springs Blood Drive. #37

Red Flannel Queen Pageant – ticket sales!

Sept. 24: Tickets are now available for pre-sale for the Red Flannel Queen Scholarship Pageant, held on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. Stop by the Red Flannel Festival Office, on Main Street, or the Cedar Springs Library, during open hours. Pre-sale Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students 18 and younger. Cost is $13 at the door. If you’d like to make a donation to the Queen Scholarship Fund, please send your donation, payable to Red Flannel Queen Scholarship Fund, PO Box 43, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Any donation of $100 or more received prior to the pageant will receive two complimentary tickets in our royal donor section. #37b

HCNC Red Pine Run

Oct. 9: Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16160 Red Pine Dr., Kent City, will be holding the Red Pine Run 5k on Sunday, October 9^th at 2:30 pm. Walk or run this cross country style 5k with the best scenery in West Michigan. Post race refreshments will be provided and all participants registered by October 2^nd will receive a T-shirt. Registration before October 8^th is $20 and the day of the race is $25. Seniors, Youth and Differently Abled racers are $10 until October 8^th. Opportunity drawings with lots of prizes and medals for the top 3 in each category. Register online at www.HowardChristensen.org or by calling the office, 616-675-3158. Staff will contact you for shirt and division information. #37

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.

Red Flannel Prince and Princess Registration

ATTENTION KINDERGARTEN PARENTS!! Register your kindergarten boy or girl for the RED FLANNEL PRINCE AND PRINCESS Contest! Visit www.redflannelfestival.org to download a packet of information, pick one up at Kindergarten Roundup or call the Red Flannel Office at 616-696-2662. All students in the Cedar Springs School District (CTA, Algoma Chirstian, Home School) are eligible!! #33-36b

Chicken BBQ and Rummage Sale

Sept. 9,10: Courtland Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake Rd., Rockford, is having their annual Chicken BBQ, Rummage and Bake Sale. The rummage and bake sale is Friday, September 9^th from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday, September 10^th, from 9 am to 7 pm. BBQ Chicken will be available on Saturday, September 10^th from 4 to 7 pm. Half chicken and fixin’s, dine in or carry out. Vegan option available. $10.00. All proceeds go toward community programs in 2017. #35,36p

Car Bash – Michigan vs Michigan State

Sept. 10: Join us for a Car Bash – Michigan vs Michigan State and Solon Market Giveaways Saturday, September 10^th to benefit Velsy Park. Market runs from 9 am until 1 pm and the Car Bash runs from 10 am until 12 pm. Support your team! No open toed shoes please. Rain or shine. Questions? 616-696-1848 or check out the event on Facebook/Solon Market. #36b

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Sept. 11: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, September 11^th  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 the duet of Maxine Vader and Leon Seiter. 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. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #36

Take off pounds sensibly

Sept.13: Take off pounds sensibly (TOPS), a non-profit weight loss support group for men and women, meets every Tuesday at the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sand Lake. Your first visit is free so come check out what TOPS can do to help you reach your weigh loss goals! Weigh-ins 8:15-9am, meeting starts at 9:15am. In case of inclement weather, meetings are cancelled if Tri-County or Cedar Springs schools are closed. Call Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #36

Help Promote Literacy

Sept. 15,23,28: 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 Thursday September 15^th at 10 am, Friday September 23^rd at 2 pm and Wednesday September 28^th at 6 pm. 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. #36

Red Flannel Wine & Craft Beer Tasting

Sept. 17: A Red Flannel wine & craft beer tasting will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 6-9pm at the Whitefish Lake Golf and Grill, 2241 Bass Lake Rd., Pierson, MI. Local craft beer and wine tasting includes a delicious dinner with beer and/or wine samples. Only $40 per person. Buy tickets at the Red Flannel Offices, 18 S. Main St. There will also be a Silent Auction to benefit the RFF Queen’s Scholarship Fund. #36,37b

Howard City Harvest Festival

Sept. 17: Howard City will hold its 14^th Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 17^th. For more information please check out the event schedule online at www.howardcity.org. #36b

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.

Red Flannel Prince and Princess Registration

ATTENTION KINDERGARTEN PARENTS!! Register your kindergarten boy or girl for the RED FLANNEL PRINCE AND PRINCESS Contest! Visit www.redflannelfestival.org to download a packet of information, pick one up at Kindergarten Roundup or call the Red Flannel Office at 616-696-2662. All students in the Cedar Springs School District (CTA, Algoma Chirstian, Home School) are eligible!! #33-36b

SHINE Weight loss support group

Sept. 6&20: Meeting the first and third Tuesday of every month, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The meetings are held locally in Pamela Cooke’s home. Each meeting will have a different topic. There is no weigh in, fees or dues. No buying of any pills, powders or pre-packaged foods. You are accountable to yourself. This is an open support group to anyone facing struggles with weight loss.
Contact 616-745-7000 for more info Or find us on Facebook: SHINE Weight loss support group. #35p

God’s Kitchen in Cedar Springs

Sept. 6,13.20.27: Join us for dinner every Tuesday. God’s Kitchen – Cedar Springs welcomes families from Northern Kent County and the surrounding area to a Tuesday Evening Meal. No charge – no registration required!  Served from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the St. John Paul II Parish, 3110 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. For more information, call the Church office at 616-696-3904. #35

Actors del Arte Ensemble of Rockford Auditions

Sept. 8,13: This is our 14th Season of theatrical productions. We are holding Auditions for: “A Cautionary Tale” (Once upon a time re-visited) Fairy Tales as you have never seen them before. Needed Adult men and women and Teens (12-17). September 8th and 13th from 6-8 pm at the  Reformed Church, 4890 11 Mile Rd., Rockford. Contact (616) 874-5264 for details. #35

Chicken BBQ and Rummage Sale

Sept. 9,10: Courtland Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake Rd., Rockford, is having their annual Chicken BBQ, Rummage and Bake Sale. The rummage and bake sale is Friday, September 9^th from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday, September 10^th, from 9 am to 7 pm. BBQ Chicken will be available on Saturday, September 10^th from 4 to 7 pm. Half chicken and fixin’s, dine in or carry out. Vegan option available. $10.00. All proceeds go toward community programs in 2017. #35,36p

The Road Home Tour

Sept. 15: The Road Home Tour featuring Jason Crabb and Natasha Owens is coming September 15. Located at: 9530 N Federal Rd., Howard City, MI 49329. Doors open 6 pm, concert begins at 7 pm. $20 (online), $25 (day of), $50 (VIP), for tickets, visit: itickets.com/events/365663. Presented & hosted by: Crossroads Worship Center. #35,36p

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.

Red Flannel Prince and Princess Registration

ATTENTION KINDERGARTEN PARENTS!! Register your kindergarten boy or girl for the RED FLANNEL PRINCE AND PRINCESS Contest! Visit www.redflannelfestival.org to download a packet of information, pick one up at Kindergarten Roundup or call the Red Flannel Office at 616-696-2662. All students in the Cedar Springs School District (CTA, Algoma Chirstian, Home School) are eligible!! #33-36b

Tent Revival in Morley Park

Aug. 28: Cedar Springs United Methodist Church celebrates 150 years with a Tent Revival in Morley Park at 4 pm on Sunday, August 28^th. Jolene DeHeere speaks on being Radically Committed. Music by Deb Eadie. Hotdogs, chips and water to follow. Bring your own chair and a Joyful Heart! Questions call 616-696-1140. #33,34b

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Aug. 28: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, August 28^th 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 The Old Gospel Singers with Lenny and Dorothy Massey. 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. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #34p

Take off pounds sensibly

Aug. 30: Take off pounds sensibly (TOPS), a non-profit weight loss support group for men and women, meets every Tuesday at the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sand Lake. Your first visit is free so come check out what TOPS can do to help you reach your weigh loss goals! Weigh-ins 8:15-9am, meeting starts at 9:15am. Call Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #34

Senior Lunch at Pine Grove Community Church

Aug. 31: All Signors, Signoras and Signorinas age 60 and older, we welcome you to A Taste of Italia the 31^st of August.  Mamma Mia!  We’re leaning towards a Meaty Pasta with Sauce and Cheese, Bread/Rolls with Garlic, a Veggie or not.  And then for Desert…well there lies a mystery.  And then you never know when a Relish Plate may appear.  Senior Café Italia opens at Noon in our Family Life Center on the North West corner of Beech & M-82. #34

Youth Soccer Challenge

Sept. 3: Calling all kids! The Sand Lake Knights of Columbus will be hosting a competitive soccer event on Saturday, September 3^rd at 9 am at the Sand Lake Soccer Fields. All community youth are welcome to compete in the free opportunity to test their skills at a penalty kick competition. Each participant will be given 15 penalty kicks and points will be awarded depending on the area of the scoring zones through which the ball passes. All boys and girls up to age 17 (as of Sept. 1) are eligible to participate. Competition is divided into four age brackets and the top scoring girl and boy of each bracket will be awarded. All contestants will be recognized for their participation Registration begins at 8:30 am at the fields. Written parental consent is required. For more information about this event or the Knights of Columbus, contact Frank Sylvester, Soccer Challenge Chair, at 616-636-8151. #34

Cedar Springs Lions Club’s Canvas & Wine

Sept. 7: The Cedar Springs Lion’s Club will present Canvas and Wine with local artist Andra Lucas. Oh it’s that kind of pARTy! Wednesday, September 7^th at 6 pm at Cedar Chase Golf Club, 7551 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. $50 includes canvas, paint supplies and a glass of wine. $45 for those under 21. Limited seating. RSVP by August 30^th. Text or call Brynadette Powell 616-835-2624 or Dawn DeVreugd 616-240-0857 or register online www.ohitsthatkindofparty.com Funds raised from this event will go to Million Penny Mission to purchase equipment for the Cedar Springs Library. #33,34p

MCC Offers Trip to Stratford

Oct. 14: Montcalm Community College offers a one-day cultural trip to Stratford, Ontario, Canada, on Oct. 14, to see Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Non-students may register for the trip starting September 1^st, and the cost is $65. Anyone planning to participate in this trip must be age 12 or older, and have an enhanced driver’s license, United States Passport or Passport Card that is valid through October 2016. Participants ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. To register, visit www.montcalm.edu/events/stratford-trip-2/ to download an application, call (989) 328-2204, or visit the Business Office at the Sidney or Greenville campus. There is a limited number of tickets, and registration is first come, first served. For more information about the trip, contact MCC Visual Arts Coordinator Carolyn Johnson at cjohnson@montcalm.edu or (989) 328-1248 or MCC Dean of Instruction and Student Development Gary Hauck at garyh@montcalm.edu. #34

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.

Register for the Red Flannel Prince & Princess Contest

ATTENTION KINDERGARTEN PARENTS! Register your kindergarten boy or girl for the RED FLANNEL PRINCE AND PRINCESS Contest! Visit www.redflannelfestival.org to download a packet of information, pick one up at Kindergarten Roundup or call the Red Flannel Office at 616-696-2662. All students in the Cedar Springs School District (CTA, Algoma Christian, Home School) are eligible! #33-36p

Resurrection Lutheran Preschool Open House

Aug. 23: Resurrection Lutheran Preschool Open House/Orientation will be held on Tuesday, August 23^rd. Any and all families interested in enrolling their 3 or 4 year old in our preschool program for the 2016/17 school year please join us at 7 pm. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. #33p

Michigan Blood Drive

Aug. 23: Michigan Blood Drive will be held at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church from 12:30 pm-7:00 pm on Tuesday August 23^rd. This is your last chance to have a hot dog grilled by one of the ladies from the Cedar Springs Women’s Club. Chips and a drink will also be offered. Last month we collected 35 units of blood which has the potential to benefit 105 people! The Blood Center thanks all the people who attempt to donate. #33

Greenville Garden Club

Aug. 24: On Wednesday, August 24^th the Greenville Garden Club meeting at 7 pm will feature speaker Tony Wernette. Tony is a MAEAP technician with the Mecosta County Conservation District, working to help develop and implement economically feasible, effective, environmentally sound pollution prevention practices. Learn the roles that horticulture and agriculture play in our state’s water quality, as well as how gardeners and greenhouse growers can be more conscious of their water use and input management practices. The public is invited. Greenville Area Community Center, 900 E. Kent Rd., Greenville. #33

Annual 2^nd Best Sale

Aug. 26,27: Holy Spirit Episcopal Church’s Annual 2^nd Best Sale will be Friday, August 26^th from 9 am – 4 pm and Saturday, August 27^th  from 9 am – 2 pm. There will be 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

Tent Revival in Morley Park

Aug. 28: Cedar Springs United Methodist Church celebrates 150 years with a Tent Revival in Morley Park at 4 pm on Sunday, August 28th. Jolene DeHeere speaks on being Radically Committed. Music by Deb Eadie. Hotdogs, chips and water to follow. Bring your own chair and a Joyful Heart! Questions call 616-696-1140. #33,34b

Cedar Springs Lions Club’s Canvas & Wine

Sept. 7: The Cedar Springs Lion’s Club will present Canvas and Wine with local artist Andra Lucas. Oh it’s that kind of pARTy! Wednesday, September 7^th at 6 pm at Cedar Chase Golf Club, 7551 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. $50 includes canvas, paint supplies and a glass of wine. $45 for those under 21. Limited seating. RSVP by August 30^th. Text or call Brynadette Powell 616-835-2624 or Dawn DeVreugd 616-240-0857 or register online www.ohitsthatkindofparty.com Funds raised from this event will go to Million Penny Mission to purchase equipment for the Cedar Springs Library. #33,34p

It’s that time of year again—only one month until Red Flannel Day, when thousands of people descend on Cedar Springs. Are you ready to show your hometown pride? How about showing it by decorating your house? The RFF has a contest where you can win a cash prize for showing your Red Flannel pride. And it’s free to enter! Just get an application online at www.redflannelfestival.org. Need some ideas? You can check out the house of the chairman of the event at 366 E. Beech Street. (He also happen to be last year’s inaugural winner of the event.)

Pictured left is the 2014 Cedar Springs Museum float.

Sharon Jett, of the The Cedar Springs Historical Society, is giving a big thumbs up for all the volunteers that helped on Red Flannel Day, and is excited about all the people that visited the Cedar Springs Museum in Morley Park.

“Many hours were spent to get it (the float) just right to match the Red Flannel Theme this year,” said Jett. “Over 800 flowers were made and attached to the float. All work and material was furnished by the museum volunteers. We are so proud to be a part of our home town of Cedar Springs.”

The museum was open all Red Flannel Day, and Jett said they had between two and three hundred visitors going through and showing much interest.

The museum welcomes visitors every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and for many special programs. Arrangements to open any other day, except Sunday, can be made by calling 616-835-0809.