There are many signs that spring is just around the corner, and one of them is the annual Post Community Easter Egg Hunt! The hunt is this Saturday, March 30, at 1:00 p.m. at Red Hawk Elementary, on the Cedar Springs Public Schools campus. It will feature hunts for four different ages, candy, coins and great prizes. The Cedar Springs Fire Department, Keystone Kops, Post staff, and of course, the Easter Bunny, will all be on hand to help with the festivities! Hunt starts promptly at 1 p.m. so don’t be late!

We didn’t know swans could be hams. While Post editor Judy Reed was taking photos of waterfowl on the Rogue River earlier this week, this big guy swam right up in front of her to make sure she didn’t miss the shot, then casually turned and swam back to where he came from!

If you have a wildlife photo you’d like to send to us, email it news@cedarspringspost.com.

Mrs. Baas’s class with Librarian Donna Clark (left)

The fourth-grade students at Cedar View Elementary celebrated “March is reading month” by holding a read-a-thon to raise money for the Cedar Springs Library and the Cedar View PTO.

Each student had a goal to raise $35 for the all-day reading marathon. About 54 students reached that goal, and each one of them received a Red Hawk beanie baby from the library for their effort.

The students raised a total of $1,356 for the library, and $1,356 for the PTO.

On Tuesday, March 26, Librarian Donna Clark went to each class and handed out the beanie babies and spoke to the classes. She left one beanie baby for each of the teachers to remind the students that March isn’t the only month for reading. “I hope they continue to read and come to the library this summer because we have a great summer reading program,” noted Clark. “I really want to thank the students for being so community-minded and raising the money for the library.”

There’s an elite club meeting at the Cavanaugh home on Berrigan, in Courtland Township, but not everyone is invited.  Apparently you have to wear red.

Gerry Cavanaugh brought in this photo showing a flock of cardinals filling up the tree outside the dining room window. There are even more birds on the ground and the other side of the tree that we can’t see!

Thanks for the photo, Gerry!

If you have a wildlife photo you’d like to share, please email it to news@cedarspringspost.com.

Photo cutline: Award winners, teachers and Rotary representatives for the Rotary 4-way test. Back: (L to R) CTA teacher Aaron Kenemer, Donna Clark, Amanda Gerhardt, Carolyn Davis, and Julie Wheeler. Front row (L to R): Ashley Shelagowski, David Whitten, Mrs. Luttrell, Katelyn Hoogerheide, Alyssa Washington, and Nicholas Cummings.

The Cedar Springs Rotary recently handed out the awards for their annual 4-way test contest March 13. They had five fifth grade classes this year, including Creative Technology Academy, celebrating Rotary’s Annual 4 Way Test Essay Contest.  All essays were written at school in 200 words or less.  Teachers chose the 2 best essays from their class and submitted them to the committee, which included Julie Wheeler, Carolyn Davis and Donna Clark.

“We had nine diverse and interesting essays to read, evaluate and choose from,” explained Clark. “We looked at grammar, writing mechanics, spelling, presentation and the story line. We looked for a clear outcome, such as the lesson learned or character revealed.”

The 4 Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways. The message should be known and followed by all Rotarians.  “Of the things we think, say or do: 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2.  Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3.  Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4.  Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”

“We as Rotarians are aware of the example we set as individuals and as a Club in our community,” noted Rotary president Amanda Gerhardt.  As community leaders and partners, we are mindful of what we think, say and do.”

Coming in first this year was Katelyn Hoogerheide, of Mr. Moleski’s class. “Our committee felt that she understands what integrity is, wrote very clearly, gave a great definition, a great example and strives to be a person of integrity herself,” noted Clark. Katelyn was given her award and $40.

Two tied for 2nd place: David Whitten, of Mrs. Luttrell’s class, and Nicholas Cummings of Ms. Cairy’s class. “Their essays were similar in that they each wrote about a person that they looked up to as setting a great example,” said Clark. Both were given an award and $20.

Two also tied for 3rd d place: Alyssa Washington, of Mr. Moleski’s class, and Ashley Shelagowski, of Mr. Aaron Kenemer’s class. “We chose them for the similar qualities of their stories,” noted Clark. “Each girl wrote her story around a significant family member – her special grandfather.” Both were given an award and $10.

By Lois Allen

The cable channel “SyFy” that hosts the show “Ghost Hunters” is looking at the site of The Cedar Springs Post Newspaper for a possible episode to be broadcasted here in Cedar Springs. They will be looking for evidence of apparitions or ghostly encounters that have been regularly occurring at the building since as far back as 1988.

History shows that the building was once the actual Red Flannel Factory where Mae Oppenneer and her ladies sat at their sewing machines on the upper floor, stitching together the infamous red flannel undergarments that were displayed and sold on the main floor at 36 E. Maple St. Originally, the “factory” now turned newspaper, was a barn for the home on the corner of Maple and First streets which burned to the ground only a year or two ago.

Recent renovations to the building have uncovered documents in a crawl space located in the basement  that give rise to the theory that the making of the red flannels was actually an “undercover” operation for part of the original underground railroad. Is it possible that the factory was also a safe haven for slaves on their way to Canada? It appears that after a short layover in Cedar Springs, they were transported by the railroad that passed through town, the old G. & I. Dressing like lumberjacks, using the red flannels as part of their disguise, slaves would board the train at night for safe passage north.

The fact that the red flannels suddenly became the focus of our young nation during a frigid and unforgiving winter, bringing red flannel warmth and spirit to men, women and children across the country, was just another part of the red flannel heritage.

The building has since been sold several times and has been the site of more than one business including, Sipple’s TV repair, a consignment shop, and for the past 25 years, the home of The Cedar Springs Post.

Since owning the building, Allen, owner and publisher of The Post, claims that there have been a number of unexplained “occurrences” as well as unusual noises that cannot be explained, usually in the early morning hours when the employees are gone. “We have a bell that goes off when someone comes in the door,” explained Allen. She further went on to say that the bell will often just go off for no reason and, sometimes plays “…an odd tune, which it never plays during the day.” She continued, “I can feel the hair on the back of my neck, and it’s creepy.”

After writing a descriptive letter to the SyFy channel, Allen received a response from the producers of the show Ghost Hunters. They will first survey the building and check for unusual spikes in certain electrical fields. If indeed there is “something of interest,” discovered, the show will go on! Stay tuned to your idiot boxes. The first broadcasting will begin on April first.

Mark Russell

This year the kids from the area were jumping. Really jumping. No, not with the normal excess energy they seem to possess. In today’s world, where Facebook and video games rule, this was a nice break. They participated in the annual Jump Rope for Heart Contest. The national event, sponsored by the American Heart Association, was organized by the physical education teachers.

A total of 421 students from Cedar View and Red Hawk Elementary as well as the Middle School enjoyed the day of jumping and music.

“These kids did a wonderful job raising donations for the event. They were thinking of others and that is something special,” stated PE teacher Mark Schumann.

Schumann, along with Steve Banagis stress wellness and physical activities all year in class.

Mr. Moleski’s class

Mr. Moleski’s class of fifth graders really got into the event. His class total donations were $ 1,627, with every single student contributing.

Mark Russell, a seventh grader, raised $250 to lead all kids. The total amount raised this year was $ 7,056.

Think twice about giving them to children for Easter

Spring is approaching, and many parents are shopping for Easter gifts for their little ones.  Some will shop for baby bunnies and little chicks to give as gifts. There are several responsibilities that come with these animals, as they will grow into adults. Rabbits can live 7 to 10 years, while chickens can live into their teens.  The Kent County Health Department encourages adults to consider the longevity, as well as health and safety issues, if giving bunnies or chicks to children for Easter.

“After the Easter holiday is over, the Kent County Animal Shelter receives dozens of unwanted domesticated rabbits and several chickens,” according to Adam London, acting Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department. “Adults need to recognize that adopting or buying these cute little pets typically means a long-term commitment.” Pet rabbits have specific dietary needs and must live indoors.  They can learn to be very social pets with routine handling and care.

Raising chicks and other poultry has become popular, but it has also led to an increase in Salmonella outbreaks in humans. Last year, there were eight outbreaks connected to live poultry in the U.S.  Salmonella is common in baby poultry, and spreads from contact with the birds or their environments. Birds with Salmonella may appear healthy, but in humans, the bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramping, fever and dehydration. Illness can last for up to a week, and can be serious in young children, older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

“If you handle a chick, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly when finished,” London says. “Don’t let children under the age of five handle chicks, or let kids snuggle or kiss chicks.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information:

http://www.cdc.gov/media/dpk/2013/dpk-live-poultry-salmonella.html.

The Kent County Health Department suggests giving children toy stuffed animals this Easter.  Also, if giving or receiving plants for the holiday, make sure they stay out of the reach of any pets.  Some items, such as lilies, can be toxic to pets.

For a list, check out:  http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants.

And the winners are…

Crayon coloring talent in Cedar Springs

As usual, judging for the Cedar Springs Post Easter Coloring Contest was very difficult indeed. All of our entries were really great making it extremely hard to decide the winners. The judges could not agree. Things got heated, and a fight broke out. Someone called the cops. People went to jail. So here are the winners for this year.

Basket winners may pick up their prize on Monday, April 1.

See you next year!

 

Age Group: 4 and under
Autumn Passage
of Sand Lake • Age 3

Age Group: 5-7
Mackenzie Brouwer
of Cedar Springs • Age 5

Age Group: 8-10
Emily Anielski
of Cedar Springs• age 8

 

 

 

Spicy Candied Bacon with eggs

(Family Features) The ingredients for an easy weekend breakfast or a special Easter brunch may be in your pantry right now. Holidays are the perfect time to sprinkle additional creativity or fresh new thinking into meals for family and friends and — by using staples like pancake mix, syrup and instant mashed potatoes in unexpected ways — you can craft new and delicious dishes sure to make everyone smile.

Try these recipes from Hungry Jack® using simple pantry staples, and turn them into what will become new brunch favorites:

—Put a unique spin on brunch food with a savory Ham, Egg and Cheese Pizza.

—DIY Pancake Breakfast Sandwiches: You can assemble them for your guests, or get everyone involved by letting them build their own and add some custom touches like eggs, cheese or bacon.

—Combine sweet, spicy and smoky flavors for Spicy Candied Bacon, a definite crowd pleaser.

—Set out some flavored or Greek yogurt and a bowl of Good Morning Granola so guests can create their own breakfast parfaits.

For more creative recipes and ideas, visit www.hungryjack.com.

Spicy Candied Bacon

Yield: 6 slices

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

1/2 pound extra-thick cut bacon, about 6 slices

1/4 cup Hungry Jack Original Syrup

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1. HEAT oven to 375°F. Line 15 x 10-inch baking pan with foil. Lay bacon slices on foil.

2. BAKE 18 to 20 minutes or until bacon edges begin to curl. Remove from oven. Tilt pan to drain. Pat bacon with paper towel. Combine syrup, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and pepper in small bowl. Drizzle evenly over bacon slices.

3. BAKE 5 minutes or until evenly browned. Remove to wire rack. Cool 5 minutes.

Serving suggestion: Candied Bacon Breakfast Sandwich: Layer fried egg on English muffin. Top with shredded cheese, Spicy Candied Bacon and a dash of hot sauce or ketchup. Top with other half of English muffin.

Pancake Breakfast Sandwich

Pancake Breakfast Sandwich

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Pancakes:

Crisco Original No-Stick Cooking Spray

3/4 cup Hungry Jack Complete Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix

1/3 cup water

1/4 cup Hungry Jack Original Syrup

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 3-inch round sausage patties*

Eggs:

1 tablespoon butter

1/3 cup diced red pepper

4 large eggs

1/8 teaspoon salt

For pancakes:

1. COAT griddle or skillet with no-stick cooking spray. Heat griddle or skillet on medium heat (350°F).

2. WHISK pancake mix, water and syrup in medium bowl. Stir in cheese, potatoes and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook sausage patties as directed on package.

3. POUR 2 tablespoons batter on griddle, spreading batter to make a 3-inch circle or by using 3-inch pancake molds, coated with no-stick cooking spray. Repeat to make 7 more pancakes. Cook 2 minutes or until golden brown. Turn. Cook second side 2 minutes.

For eggs:

1. MELT butter in large skillet. Add red pepper. Cook and stir about 1 minute. Whisk eggs and salt in small bowl. Pour into skillet with peppers. Cook slightly, then shape into four 3-inch circles about the same size as the pancakes and sausage.

2. PLACE one pancake on plate. Top with cooked sausage patty, egg and another pancake to make breakfast sandwich. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 3 more sandwiches.

*TIP: If using pre-made sausage patties, flatten slightly into 3-inch rounds, if necessary.

Ham, Egg and Cheese Pizza

Ham, Egg and Cheese Pizza

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Crust: 

Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray

1 3/4 cups Hungry Jack Complete Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/3 cup water

2 tablespoons Crisco Pure Olive Oil

Filling:

3 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh dill weed or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese

1/3 cup thinly sliced green onion

4 ounces thinly sliced deli-styled baked ham, coarsely chopped

Fresh dill sprigs (optional)

For crust:

1. HEAT oven to 425°F. Coat 12-inch pizza pan with no-stick cooking spray. Combine pancake mix, Parmesan cheese, dry mustard and onion powder in medium bowl, stirring until blended. Stir in water and olive oil until dough forms.

2. PRESS dough onto bottom of prepared pan to form a crust, building up outside edge to form a rim. Bake 7 minutes.

For filling:

1. WHISK eggs, sour cream, Dijon mustard, dill and salt in medium bowl. Stir in cheese and green onions. Pour over hot crust, spreading evenly. Toss ham to separate pieces. Sprinkle evenly over egg mixture. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until egg mixture is set in center. Cool 5 minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh dill, if desired.

Good Morning Granola

Good Morning Granola

Yield: 5 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)

2 tablespoons wheat germ

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil

1/2 cup Hungry Jack Sugar Free Breakfast Syrup

2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup dried fruit, such as raisins, golden raisins, cherries or cranberries

1. HEAT oven to 350°F.

2. COMBINE oats, almonds, coconut, wheat germ, salt and cinnamon in large bowl. Combine oil, syrup and brown sugar in another bowl. Pour over oat mixture. Toss until well coated. Spread evenly in 13 x 9-inch pan.

3. BAKE 30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Cool completely. Stir in dried fruit. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

(captions)

Spicy Candied Bacon with eggs

Pancake Breakfast Sandwich

Ham, Egg and Cheese Pizza

Good Morning Granola

Quitting might be easier than you think

(BPT) – Most Americans know texting and driving is dangerous but it continues to be a problem, especially for young drivers. While 97 percent of teens agree that texting and driving is dangerous, 43 percent still admitted to continuing to do it, according to a recent survey.

The 2012 AT&T survey of teen drivers also found 75 percent of teens say texting while driving is common among their friends and the majority of respondents said they have texted when stopped at a red light and often glance at their phones while driving. While teens might be the worst offenders when it comes to texting and driving, plenty of adults are guilty too. As the evidence continues to mount concerning the dangers of texting while driving, 39 states have made it illegal. Whether it’s legal or not in your state, here are three good reasons to quit once and for all:

* Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be in an accident, according to Virginia Tech Transportation Institute research.

* Texting while driving is distracted driving. Distracted driving is a factor in 15 to 25 percent of all crashes, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

* Each day, an average of more than 15 people are killed in crashes that result from distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

How to stop texting while driving

To help people break the perilous habit of texting and driving, technology companies are coming up with unique and practical solutions for drivers. For instance, Xperia SmartTags by Sony give you the ability to turn off all distractions from your smartphone with just a simple touch. These small tags can be put on a dashboard or a set of car keys and allow you to change your phone’s settings for driving by simply touching your NFC-enabled smartphone to the tag.

Smartphone applications can make this process even easier. When paired with AT&T’s free Drive Mode app, you can automatically disable your phone’s texting and calling capability. The app can also be programmed to include an automatic message that’s sent to anyone who texts you while you’re behind the wheel, letting that person know that you’ll respond when you are finished driving. You can program this app to run when you tap your phone to your SmartTag, while also setting your phone up to automatically run GPS programs and engage your car’s Bluetooth system for both safety and convenience.

While messages from your friends and family are important, nothing should take precedence over safely getting yourself and your passengers to your destination. To help make your driving experience safer, outfit your car with tools such as SmartTags, which you can learn more about at www.sonymobile.com, and don’t forget to take the pledge to never text and drive again at www.itcanwait.com.

(BPT) – The open road lies in front of millions of drivers who are ready to lower the windows and feel the warm breeze. Nothing curbs the excitement of a spring drive more than car issues that could have been avoided by simple maintenance to combat the lasting effects of driving through winter.

Many people consider spring the perfect time to clean their homes, but it is also important not to forget the vehicle. The average vehicle stays on the road nearly 11 years, according to a study by Polk Research. This trend of consumers holding onto their vehicles longer than usual continues to grow.

To help protect what is typically the second largest investment for any consumer – your vehicle – here are simple tips to make sure you are ready for a successful spring travel season.

* Seasons change … so does tire pressure: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box, and should be checked at least monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent, according to fueleconomy.gov.

* Keep hydrated: Many fluids require attention, including the engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. Spring is the perfect time to make sure they are all clean and at the proper levels. Additionally, to help ensure maximum engine life, change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles, or as directed by your owner’s manual.

* Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle’s life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months. Over the winter months, salt, sand and other impurities may build up in a vehicle’s air filtration system, and replacing this air filter can improve acceleration time by around 6 to 11 percent, according to fueleconomy.gov.

* April showers bring May flowers, and wet roads: Many times, consumers postpone tire purchases, but after enduring a harsh winter and looking ahead to the wet spring weather, it is not the time to have low tread on your tires. The lower the tread depth, the less traction you will have on wet roads, and the greater the distance you will need to stop. For drivers in need of “new shoes” for their vehicle, every tire in the Goodyear Assurance family offers confident all-season traction plus a relevant benefit that enhances the driving experience – ultra traction, refined handling and comfort, and fuel efficiency.

For more helpful car care advice or information on tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyear.com.