By Judy Reed

Charles Navitskas of Cedar Springs was one of two men that shot a “buck-doe” on opening day of deer season. Photo courtesy of WZZM13.

Two hunters were surprised this week when the antlered “bucks” they shot on opening day were missing something important—the body parts that identify them as males.
But even rarer than shooting a hermaphrodite or possible doe with antlers was the fact that they both were taken in the same area.
“We rarely see deer come into the check station with this type of irregularity,” said Sara Schaefer, DNRE wildlife supervisor for southwest Michigan. “I can only think of seeing one other in my career.”
According to research by the Minnesota DNR, they estimated the chance of a white-tailed doe growing antlers is one in 6,000.
Both Charles Navitskas, of Cedar Springs, and Jerry White, of Allendale, hunted east of Cedar Springs on opening day last week, and both brought down deer that still had velvet on their antlers. Researchers have noted that females can have a testosterone surge caused by a hormone imbalance, first pregnancy, tumors, or degenerative conditions of the ovaries or adrenal glands. This single surge can cause the growth of antlers in velvet. But if they don’t have the male organs, or if they are underdeveloped, they won’t get the second surge of testosterone in the late summer or early fall that causes the antlers to harden and the deer to rub them off.
It’s unclear whether the deer were antlered does, males that were undeveloped, or true hermaphrodites. Navitskas’s deer had some female anatomy, while the White deer was missing its testicles.
The Post asked Schaefer if something in the environment might cause this to happen. “It is true that environmental contaminants can increase the occurrence of genetic malfunctions. The potential is there, but I don’t know of any significant environmental factors in Kent County,” she noted.
There are some geographical areas where this anomaly happens more often. In Pennsylvania, about one in 3,500 are antlered does; and in Alberta, Canada, about one in 64. According to the Minnesota DNR article, that could be because every harvested deer was examined, or because there was a genetic predisposition for female antler growth.
Whatever the reason, the DNRE said they won’t be checking into or visiting our area to find a possible cause. “It does not have any adverse affect at the population level,” she explained. “At this point it is (just) a human interest story.”

There’s a chill in the air, snow in the forecast, and Christmas is right around the corner. That means that Santa is not far behind.
Residents are invited to create a new holiday tradition by joining the community for a fun-filled evening December 3, when the city of Cedar Springs and downtown businesses kick off their holiday promotion, “Mingle with Kris Kringle,” with a holiday tree lighting, caroling, and visit with Santa.
Santa and his elf will arrive about 6 p.m. at the northwest corner of Ash and Main. After singing some carols and helping us light the Christmas tree, everyone will head over to the United Methodist Church on Main Street for refreshments and a chance to talk to Santa. Several businesses have offered to provide activities for kids to participate in while they wait. A professional photograph of children with Santa will also be available for those who wish to purchase one.
Click here for a listing of even more area holiday happenings.

Two Marines are happy to bring a Toys for Tots box to The Post.

Would you like to do something special for families in need this Christmas? You can partner with us, The Cedar Springs Post, to provide toys for needy children in Kent County. The Post is participating in the Toys for Tots program this holiday season, as a drop off site for toys.
Toys for Tots is a volunteer organization whose goal is to collect new, unwrapped toys for kids 0-16, and distribute them to children who would not otherwise receive a gift during the holiday season. Toys for teens are needed.
The program runs now through the first two weeks of December. Just bring a new, unwrapped toy to our office at 36 E. Maple Street in Cedar Springs, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Together we can make this Christmas special for many children!

It’s that time of year again, when kids can’t wait to mail their letters to Santa! To help parents out, the Cedar Springs Post has set up a special North Pole drop box. Every year dozens of kids use our special box for express delivery to the North Pole, and we make sure Santa reads each and every one! So, if you’d like to send a letter to Santa, and maybe get it printed in the newspaper, just drop off your letter in the bright red box labeled “Santa Mail” outside our office at 36 E. Maple Street, or mail your letter to: Letters to Santa, c/o the Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

Cedar Springs Police get aid in drug raid

Mark McFadden

Timothy Slivick

The Cedar Springs Police continued their war on drugs in the community last week when they raided an apartment on S. Seventh Street.
Working on tips called into them, the Cedar Springs Police Department used the expertise of the Michigan State Police Metropolitan Enforcement Team (MET) to conduct the raid that took place on November 17, at 3:10 p.m. Sgt. Kenny (MSP) headed the operation, with Cedar Springs officers Sgt. Ed Good and Nick Barbour assisting. Officers secured the scene without incident, temporarily taking into custody the four individuals who were inside.
Arrested and lodged in the Kent County Correctional Facility was Mark Justin McFadden, 22, of Cedar Springs. McFadden was arraigned on Thursday in 63rd District Court. He was charged with delivery/manufacturing of a controlled substance/marijuana, maintaining a drug house, and “supplemented” as a second subsequent offence.  Bond was set at $6,000.00 cash/surety and his preliminary court date was set for December 2nd at 3 p.m.
Also arrested was Timothy John Slivick, 53, of Cedar Springs. He is being charged with maintaining a drug house. His arraignment is scheduled to take place this morning (Wednesday) at 8:30 a.m.
Cedar Springs Police Chief Roger Parent is thankful for the cooperation and partnership between the law enforcement agencies that makes these types of operations possible. “I appreciate larger agencies allowing their drug teams the time and manpower to work our cases,” remarked Parent.
He noted that the state’s MET team recently conducted a raid in September that resulted in two being arrested, and they are looking at more. “In law enforcement we know that eliminating one drug house does not clean up the city. There will be more arrests.”
Parent said that another area that is on target for them to work is the illegal sale of prescription medication. “We have a number of tips coming in and know there are methadone and other drugs being sold,” he explained. “And once again I thank those who provide tips to the police department. “

By Sarah Read

Residents at Metron of Greenville have been greeted monthly by local homeschool students as part of a new program started by Greenville Michigan Inclusive Connection for Home Learners, called, “Mondays at Metron”.
Elementary-age children from G-MICH, have attended craft time with the elderly residents of Metron for two months now and plan to continue through the school year. “It gives [the residents] some variety, we’re always looking for different things to do,” shared Jeanine, one of Metron’s Activity Room coordinators.
In October, students and residents made paper-bag scarecrow puppets and for November they mixed and shaped a bird food cake recipe together. In December they plan to make Christmas ornaments. “I’m really excited to be a part of the Mondays at Metron program,” shared homeschool mom, Marya Jones. “My hope is that by spending time and sharing experiences together with the residents, our kids will not only learn to be more comfortable with people of different ages and health conditions, but form meaningful relationships as well.”
Greenville Michigan Inclusive Connection for Home Learners is a support group offering connection for families who value home education. Along with various community service activities, they hold weekly cooperative classes for shared learning, monthly field trips, pizza parties, clubs, mom times and other social events. Members consist of families in Greenville, Stanton, Ionia, Cedar Springs, Howard City, Rockford, and surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.greenvillemichiganhomeschoolers.webs.com.

Jari Morris, of Cedar Springs, died in September after another vehicle hit hers head-on.

A 16-year-old Rockford High School student has been charged with negligent homicide in the September death of a Cedar Springs woman.

According to the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, Jari Morris, 56, was driving a 2007 Buick Lucerne east on Cannonsburg Road in Plainfield Township about 9 a.m. September 8, when she was hit head-on by a 2004 Dodge Durango traveling west on Cannonsburg near Chauncey Avenue.  Mark Schwanzl, 16, of Rockford, the driver of the Durango, reportedly didn’t make the curve and wandered over the center line, causing the collision.

The student was charged in juvenile court with negligent homicide. According to the prosecutor’s office, negligent homicide does not usually result in jail time, but penalties could include probation, community service and restitution.

Corey Ryan Snyder, 19, of Cedar Springs, Michigan has graduated from Military Police Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Snyder, a member of the 1776th Military Police Company, Taylor, Michigan Army National Guard, attended Advanced Individual Training for 11 Weeks.

Snyder is the Son of Don Snyder of Cedar Springs, and Sherry and Tom Carney of Grandville. Proud grandparents are Don and Kathy Snyder of Cedar Springs.

Corey graduated in 2010 from Cedar Springs High School.

How much do you know about Thanksgiving?

(SPM Wire) In addition to stuffing your guests’ stomachs this Thanksgiving, here are some fun Turkey Day facts to fill their minds:
* Thanksgiving wasn’t a national holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last day in November a national day of thanksgiving.
* President Franklin Roosevelt amended the holiday to fall on the fourth Thursday of November (avoiding the occasional fifth Thursday), in order to allocate more.
* More than 232 million turkeys were raised in the United States this year alone.
* There are five places and townships in the country named Cranberry or some variation thereof.
* An estimated 117 million households will celebrate Thanksgiving this year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The holidays are meant to be a happy, enjoyable season. Yet the stress of shopping, decorating and entertaining can sometimes dampen the spirit.
Here are some easy tips to help you make this a great, stress-free holiday season:
•    Before heading to the mall, make a list of everyone you want to give a gift to and some ideas of gifts they may like. This will help you organize a budget and streamline your experience once you hit the stores.
•    Start early so you’ll have more time to find that perfect gift for everyone on your list.  After all, you’re less apt to select a great gift if you are rushing through a store before they close on Christmas Eve.
•    Try to shop during the week to avoid long check-out lines.
•    To help keep the holiday budget in check, consider making handmade gifts or personalized coupons. These gifts are sometimes the most remembered and most valuable to receive.
•    Enlist the kids to help you decorate. It’s a great way to spend time together as a family and lets everyone feel more a part of the holiday celebrations.
•    Wrap gifts as you go rather than leaving everything until Christmas Eve.
And don’t forget the stockings. Pouring out the contents of a stocking is a big part of the Christmas morning tradition. While the stockings will always have candy and fruit, the small stocking stuffer gifts are what make stockings most memorable.
•    To make bath time more fun for all the kids, stuff their stockings with a selection of inexpensive bath art items. You can find bath paints, markers and crayons that let the little ones unleash their inner Picassos. Bathtub clings and foam letters, shapes and numbers let them create a new masterpiece every time they get clean.
•    Need a last minute stocking stuffer idea for your spouse?  Pick up the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Proclean, which provides practicality in a sleek package.  This toothbrush removes up to 70% of plaque in hard-to-reach places and will leave their mouth feeling clean and refreshed.  And after all, fresh breath is necessary when you’re standing under the mistletoe!
•    Combine functional with fun by adding kid-favorite Arm & Hammer Spinbrush battery-powered toothbrushes to your children’s stocking this year. For the girl who loves decorating everything from her notebook to her bedroom, the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Kids My Way! battery-powered toothbrush is the perfect stocking stuffer. With more than 140 water safe stickers that can be applied to the toothbrush handle, she can create her own custom one-of-a-kind toothbrush, making brushing time more fun.
•    For little boys who have been good this year, Santa can include an Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Kids Thomas & Friends’ toothbrush to their stocking.  Featuring the much-loved Thomas the Tank Engine, the toothbrush will help place kids on the express track to the bathroom sink to brush after a full day of holiday sweets.
For more information, visit www.spinbrush.com.

November 24                   End of 1st Trimester (56 days)
November 25-26             No School Students and Staff ~ Thanksgiving Break
November 30                   Girls Basketball @ Zion Christian (Muskegon) – 5:30 PM
Boys Basketball Scrimmage @ Zion Christian (Muskegon) 7 PM
December 03                   Basketball @ Waypoint Academy (Muskegon) G-5:30 PM, B-7 PM
December 07                   Basketball @ Grand River Prep (Grand Rapids) G-5 PM, B-7 PM
December 10                   Basketball @ Lakeshore Baptist (Grand Haven) G-6:15 PM, B-7:30 PM
December 14                   Boys Basketball @ Providence Christian (Fremont) 7 PM
December 16                   Basketball @ WM Academy of Env. Science (Grand Rapids) G-5:30 PM, B-7 PM
December 17                   Last Day before Winter Break
December 20-31            No School Winter Break
January 03                     Classes Resume

CEDAR SPRINGS

Mingle with Kris Kringle

Dec. 3: Santa arrives in Cedar Springs at 6 p.m. to help us light the community Christmas Tree, sing carols and meet with the children.  After singing carols, Santa and his elf will head down to the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church to meet with the children.  Games and activities will be provided to entertain the kids while they wait for their turn on Santa’s lap.  Professional photography will also be available for those wishing to purchase a portrait.

Make a gingerbread house

Dec. 11: Join us to make a gingerbread house at the Cedar Springs Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 12. Sessions are 10-11 a.m.; 11:30-12:30; and 1-2 p.m. All ages welcome, preschoolers must have parent present. Please preregister at 696-1910.

Readers theatre at the Kent

Dec. 17-18: Hear live on the Kent Theatre Stage a telling of “A Christmas Carol,” a beloved Charles Dickens classic. Called “theater for the ear,” this Reader’s Theater version has all the wonderful characters telling the story, transporting you back to old London and that fateful Christmas eve night. Performances are Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2:00 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students, and are available at the door.

Holiday bingo at the library

Dec. 22: Looking for something for the kids to do over winter break? Play holiday bingo with the Cedar Springs Library! Bingo cards will be full of activities for kids to do. When they fill up a row, they bring it in to the library and get a prize! They will then be entered into a drawing for another prize! Call the library at 696-1910 for more details.

Holiday concerts

Dec. 7: Middle School holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
Dec. 14: High school holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

GREENVILLE

Block party with Santa and hometown Christmas parade

Dec. 4: Join the fun with Santa at the Christmas Block Party in Greenville from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Cass Street (between Franklin and Lafayette). Photos with Santa, arts and crafts, reindeer, hot cocoa and more. Parade follows at 6 p.m.

29th annual Crafty Christmas bazaar

Dec. 5: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, 505 S. Lafayette St. in Greenville. Fun for all ages! Unique gifts, hand crafted items, homemade baked goods, lunch, raffles, and students to help you carry all your exciting finds to your car! Call (616) 754-4194 for more information.

John Berry concert

Dec. 5: Country music performer John Berry brings the spirit of the holiday season to Greenville High School auditorium for one performance at 6 p.m. on December 5. This show is the third fundraiser for the new Montcalm County 4-H fairgrounds. Tickets are $25 each and are available at Hansen’s Music House, 116 S. Lafayette St., Greenville, or call Hansen’s at (616) 754-3803.

Grand Rapids Symphony ‘’Holiday Pops’’ Concert

Dec. 9: 7:30-9:00 p.m. Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday Pops Concert is presented by the Education Foundation of Greenville. Greenville Performing Arts Center 111 N. Hillcrest Greenville, MI 48838. Tickets will be available at Hansen’s Music House, downtown Greenville. Contact Cheryl Willard, Production Coordinator, 616-225-6109 for more info.

“Christmas in Comfort”

Dec. 17, 18, 19: Please join us at the Greenville Area Community Center for the HCAT Christmas Play, Christmas in Comfort! Mona Malone, famous for her role as the “scream queen” in Hollywood horror flicks, must do 200 hours of community service. A judge is persuaded by Mona’s attorney to let her spend them directing the annual Christmas play in his tiny hometown of Comfort. Laughter and the traditional music of Christmas fill the stage with warmth as the people of Comfort help Mona learn a big lesson about fame, faith and the fact that a long time ago in Bethlehem, a child was born for everyone – including the famous Mona Malone. Performances are December 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. and December 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 on or before December 5th and $7 after. Please call the Greenville Area Community Center for more details and tickets at (616) 754-9163.

HOWARD CITY

Adopt a pole program

Nov. 30: The 5th Annual Adopt A Pole Christmas Decoration Program is underway in Howard City. For $55.00, you can “Adopt a Pole” for a Christmas decoration to be displayed in Howard City! If you would like to participate in the program please fill out and return the form found at www.howardcity.org by November 30.

Christmas parade of homes

Dec. 4: The 2010 Christmas Parade of Homes will take place on Saturday December 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Howard City. Advanced tickets are $10:00 and can be purchased at the Timothy C Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library or Kindel and Company.  The ticket price includes refreshments and prize drawings at the library from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.  You may also take your ticket to Kindel and Company to receive a free Christmas ornament.

Holiday Bake sale

Dec. 11: Friends of the library are having a holiday bake sale Saturday, December 11, from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. at the Timothy Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library in Howard City. Music will start at 10 a.m. with the Tri County Jazz band. Please join us for the bake sale and music.

ROCKFORD

Santa parade and visit with Santa

Dec. 4: Rockford welcomes the jolly man in the red suit with the annual Santa Parade on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m. Santa parades through the streets of downtown Rockford, and then stops at the Rotary Pavilion to hear all the good little girls’ and boys’ gift wishes.

Free holiday concert

Dec. 5: This free holiday concert helps ring in the holiday spirit. The Rockford Community Choir shares their talent with the Rockford community in this annual event. The concert takes place at Rockford High School, 4100 Kroes, Rockford.

Horse-drawn carriage rides

Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17: Take a step back in time and enjoy seeing Rockford in a horse-drawn carriage from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Visitors can ride through the beautifully decorated streets of downtown Rockford tucked under blankets, take in the scenery and revisit days gone by. And the best part is it is FREE, due to sponsorship by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Location: 25 Squires Street, Rockford.

Holiday evening with Matt Giraud

Dec. 11: American Idol finalist Matt Giraud returns to the Grand Rapids area for his first ever Christmas Concert, Saturday, Dec. 11th, at 9 p.m. at the Rockford Fine Arts Auditorium at Rockford High School, 4100 Kroes. The concert will showcase material familiar to his American Idol fans, some new material, and some ‘Matt G’ arrangements of traditional Christmas music. Tickets are $30 or $20, and are available at www.startickets.com.

SAND LAKE

Santa parade and visit with Santa

Dec. 11: Come see Santa Claus and his reindeer in Sand Lake’s Santa parade at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, December 11. Follow the parade to the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library, 88 Eighth Street, where kids will have a chance to visit with Santa and see some live reindeer.

Gingerbread Lane

Dec. 18: Take a stroll down Gingerbread Lane and enjoy some tasty gingerbread stories at the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library from 10:30-11:30 a.m. December 18. Each child will make a simple gingerbread house. This is a program for families. Registration is required and participation is limited. Register online at www.kdl.org or call 1-877-243-2466 (toll free). The library is located at 88 Eighth St., Sand Lake.

Winter’s eve storytime

Dec. 22: Join in a festive celebration of the season with holiday stories, crafts and goodies and the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library, on December 22 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Register online at www.kdl.org or call 1-877-243-2466 (toll free). The library is located at 88 Eighth St., Sand Lake.

Crafts around the world

Dec. 28: Travel around the world to Mexico, China and Kenya as we make crafts, sample treats and hear stories representing each country at the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library on December 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. Make your own unity cup, dragon puppet and skull mask to take home! For school age children. Register online at www.kdl.org or call 1-877-243-2466 (toll free). The library is located at 88 Eighth St., Sand Lake.

SPARTA

Supper with Santa

Dec. 7: Have supper with Santa at the Civic Center, 75 N. Union. $1.00 per person for hot dogs, popcorn. Pictures with Santa, craft, decorate cookie, horse wagon rides and more!

Pet Night with Santa in Santa House

Dec. 9: 6-8 p.m. Bring your furry friend to visit Santa in the Santa House!  (94 N. Union, Sparta) Pet food, blanket, or cash donations will receive a free photo of your pet and Santa!

Santa train and kids parade

Dec. 11: Enter the free raffle to see who will win a chance to ride with Mr. and Mrs. Claus on the horse-drawn wagon in the kids parade! Santa train arrives (240 E. Division) Saturday morning (check website for train arrival). Kids parade to Santa house immediately following Santa train. Santa’s reindeer 9 a.m. to noon. Free horse and wagon rides from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Round again Elf workshop

Dec. 11: Kids are welcome to stop by the Elf workshop (213 E. Division) to pick out and wrap a surprise gift for free from 10 a.m. to noon.

Christmas café musical

Dec. 11: Plan to attend the Christmas Café Musical at 6 p.m. at the Nazarene Church, 655 13 Mile Rd., Sparta.

Visit Santa

Dec. 16 and 23: Visit Santa in the Santa house (94 N. Union) 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 18: Visit Santa at the downtown Sparta Choice One, 109 E. Division, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dec. 21: Visit Santa at the Rogue River Credit Union, 485 S. State, from 1-5 p.m.
Dec. 22: Visit Santa at Independent Bank, 525 S. State, Sparta, from 3:30-7 p.m.

Living nativity

Dec. 21, 22, 23, 24: Visit the 40th annual living nativity scene at Ballard Church of Christ, 1633 10 Mile Rd, Sparta, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Horse drawn trolley rides

Dec. 24: Horse drawn trolley rides through Harper Drive in Sparta. Loading zone and treats hosted at Sparta Fire Department, 11 N. State, 6-9 p.m.

SIDNEY

Montcalm Community College holiday celebration

Dec. 5: Montcalm Community College hosts its 29th annual Santa’s Super Sunday on Dec. 5 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Santa available until 4 p.m. Attendees may visit and have photo taken with Santa, enjoy refreshments, holiday music, swimming, clowns, crafts and musical activities. May also visit historic Heritage Village, and see an exhibit of cultural holiday traditions. All activities are free.

SPENCER TOWNSHIP

Gingerbread Lane

Dec. 2: Take a stroll down Gingerbread Lane and enjoy some tasty gingerbread stories at the Spencer Township Library from 6:30-7:30 p.m. December 2. Each child will make a simple gingerbread house. This is a program for families. Registration is required and participation is limited. Register online at www.kdl.org or call 1-877-243-2466 (toll free). The library is located at 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen.