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

Jan. 10: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church starting Sunday, January 10^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 will be shared by Joel Oosting from Cedar Springs, Michigan, Kent County Juvenile Probation Officer, who has an amazing testimony to share. The music will be provided by the Pryer Times, Mary and Faith Pryer, from Newago, Michigan, who will also share the words of Jesus Christ through their music. 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. #1

TOPS weight loss support group

Jan. 12: 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. #1

Michigan Blood Drive

Jan. 12: Be somebody who shares. Give Blood! Tuesday, January 12^th from 3 to 7 pm at the Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs. Attempt to donate and you could win a $100 Meijer Gift Card! Now is a great time to give blood. Patients in Michigan hospitals need blood 24/7/365. Appointments preferred. Questions? Contact Kathy Mabie at 616-696-3229. #1

Star Wars: KDL Awakens the Force

Jan. 16: Families can experience crafts and games related to Star Wars, practice Jedi training and see if they have the FORCE within. For all ages. Saturday, January 16^th at 10:30 am. Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #1

Roast Beef Dinner

Jan. 17: The Rockford American Legion Post 102 on the corner of Northland Dr. and Rockford Park Dr. (330 Rockford Park Dr.), will be hosting a roast beef dinner on Sunday, January 17^th and every 3^rd Sunday of each month. Open to the public. We will be serving roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, coleslaw, rolls, desert, coffee and punch. Reasonably priced at $9 for adults, kids age 4 to 12 for $7 and under 4 years are free. Serving from 11am to 3 pm. See ya there and bring the family! #1,2p

Creative Canvas Painting

Jan. 18: Release your inner artist by creating a unique and beautiful painting with the guidance of instructors from Wine and Canvas (sans wine). All supplies will be provided and no previous experience is needed to create a masterpiece in our fun and relaxing environment. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. Monday, January 18^th at 6 pm. Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #1

Our Christmas coloring contest winner, Kirk Mollien, 9, of Kent City, stopped in Monday morning to pick up his prize—a droid featured in the new Star Wars film—The Force Awakens. Congratulations to Kirk and to all of our winners!

Coloring Contest winning entry by Kirk Mollien, age 9.

The force was strong this year with those who dared to enter into our 2015 Cedar Springs Post Christmas Coloring contest (say that three times!) Children from Cedar Springs and beyond grabbed their trusty crayons, markers and set about creating the best, most colorful Christmas tree in an effort to win the coveted Star Wars Droid featured in the most recently released film, The Force Awakens.

Congrats go to 9-year-old Kirk Mollien of Kent City for taking home the winning prize. Good job Kirk! The creative force is strong in you.

Only one lucky winner was chosen out of the nine finalists in three different age groups. Although there was only one prize-winner, Santa said he’d stop by and give us consolation gifts for the eight other finalists. Thanks Santa!

Our finalists were:

Hannah Sevey, age 5, of Cedar Springs

Lauren Coblentz, age 6, of Cedar Springs/Brown Deer, WI

Jacob Totten, age 7, of Kent City

Austin Castle, age 10, of Cedar Springs

William Miller, age 10, of Cedar Springs

Cloe Shoffner, age 11, of Rockford

Eden Ader, age 12, of Sand Lake

Charlie Ellick, age 12, of Cedar Springs

Prizes may be picked up on Monday, December 28 or later.

Star Wars Droid is valued at $150. Sponsored by Northwest Kent Mechanical of Cedar Springs and area businesses like: All About Heating & Cooling, Gould’s Mini-Mart, Grand Rental Station, Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home, Little Caesars, Robinson Septic, Rockford Ambulance.

Pictured are Brian Thomas as Captain Curt and David Block as Mr. Soc.

Outer Space performed April 10-11

Actors del Arte Ensemble of West Michigan will present “Outer Space,” a comedic/parody on the Star Trek and Star Wars characters, on April 10 and 11, at the historic Kent Theatre in downtown Cedar Springs.

Caught up on a secret mission to a far away galaxy, Captain Curt and Mr. Soc take you on a wild ride through the depths of outer space. It’s a fun show for the whole family. Showtimes are Friday April 10, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, April 11, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets at the door. Adults $10, students $4 and Seniors $8.