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.

Sand Lake Parade Participants

July 1: The Sand Lake Chamber of Commerce is taking registrations for the 4^th of July Parade. If interested you can go to www.sandlakechamberofcommerce.com for an entry form or call Karen at 616-636-5425 or Michelle at 616-799-2110. Deadline is July 1^st. #26

TOPS weight loss support group

July 1: 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. #26

Kids and Teens Craft Show

July 2: Arts and crafts for sale by local kids and teens. Stop in the library to register as a seller or just come to shop. You’re sure to find some great bargains. For all ages. Wednesday, July 2 at 1 pm at the Sand Lake/Nelson Township KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #26

Bingo at the Sand Lake VFW

July 3-5: The Sand Lake VFW Post #7912 is celebrating the 4^th of July with Carnival Bingo. Thursday, July 3, Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5 from 2 to 9 pm. Refreshments available. #26,27p

DIY Tie-Dye for Teens

July 7: Bring a white or light colored T-shirt to this program and try a new way of tie-die – with permanent markers. All other materials will be provided to help you create a one-of-a-kind shirt to wear. Monday, July 7 at 1:30 pm at the Sand Lake/Nelson Township KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #26

Dinner at the Legion

July 7: American Legion, 80 Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Baked Chicken dinner on Monday, July 7th, from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, veggies, salad, dessert and drinks. The cost is $9 for adults, children (12 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160. #26p

Fall 2014 Soccer Registration

July 8, 10:Tuesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 10, 2014, 6 -8pm:– American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) – Beginning this year, all registrations must be completed online. New and returning players need to complete the application online at www.eayso.org. Individual player fees are $65 for fall only, or $110 if you are paying now for fall and spring seasons. Families registering 3 or more players will receive a $5 discount per player, per season. Players must be 4 years of age by 8/26/2014. First time players must show a Birth Certificate for age verification. Credit card payments are now accepted online. Our staff will be available at Burger King on 17 Mile Rd. in Cedar Springs Tuesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 10 from 6 to 8 pm. to accept cash or check payments, verify age of new players. Computers will be available for families to access the online registration if needed. Visit our website for additional information – www.ayso902.org – Teams are filling up so get registered NOW for Membership Year 2014!  #26-28p

2^nd Chance Golf Tournament

July 12: The 2^nd annual 2^nd Chance Golf Tournament will be held on July12th at Cedar Chase Gold Course, 7551 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. This is a 4 person scramble with a shotgun start at 10 am with hot dogs at the turn and a dinner immediately following play. There will be raffles, door prizes, and other challenges. A Golf Clinic will be at 9 am. $75 per person. For more information or to register call Mark Laws, 616-263-7562 or email markdlaws@hotmail.com. Proceeds will benefit 2^nd Chance, a faith based school,whose mission is to offer a learning experience in an agricultural setting for troubled teens who will be sent to the school through the court systems and is funded by grants and donations.  #25-27p

Secret Garden Tour

July 12: The Friends of the Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library would like you to join them on a Secret Garden Tour of five area gardens on Saturday, July 12^th (rain date, July 19^th). There are three gardens in Howard City, one in Sand Lake and one in Coral. Tickets are $10. for information and to purchase tickets contact TCH Reynolds Township Library, 231-937-5575 or Kindel & Company, 231-937-9090. #26

Photo by Peryy Hopkins

The first annual Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Summer Celebration kicked off last weekend with a Renaissance Festival in Morley Park.

According to Chamber member Perry Hopkins, Friday night was damp but they still had a crowd of 20 for the outdoor movie “Sword and the Stone,” which was shown under a big tent. Riccardi’s sold pizza by the slice and Pinnacle Popcorn donated popcorn to hand out.

On Saturday, Hopkins estimated that they had around 200 people (not counting entertainers and vendors) enjoy the festivities. The mermaids, belly dancers, and pirates filled the day with entertainment, and at 6:30 p.m. they had the Royal Dinner and entertainment. Entertainment included two solo acts from Middle Eastern dancers and one drum soloist.

Photo by Peryy Hopkins

“One comment I received from an attendee at the Royal Dinner was ‘Wow! This is so great I feel like a real king eating this meal with the entertainment in front of us—outside!” said Hopkins.

On Sunday the crowd was slower but picked up a little after 2 p.m. They had pirates, sword demonstrations, and belly dancers.

“We had many people on Saturday and Sunday that dressed the part for the renaissance era,” remarked Hopkins. “We received great comments from the attendees and have new volunteers from this year’s event to make next year’s event bigger and better.”

Pastor Kurt Hoffman and his wife Brenda. Photo from Trinity Evangelical Free Church website.

A pastor in the community of Stanton drowned last weekend when the car he was driving left the roadway and careened into a lake.

According to the Montcalm County Sheriff Department, Pastor Kurt Hoffman, 53, lead pastor at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Stanton, was last seen Saturday, June 21. A passerby discovered his car on Sunday, June22, just before 10 a.m., in Lampman Lake, located on South Brown Road, between West County Farm Road and Ruby Road, in Sidney Township.

Police said that the vehicle was about 30 feet off the roadway, and submerged six feet under water. Pastor Hoffman still had his seatbelt on.

The investigation determined that he failed to negotiate the curve in the road, struck a fallen tree, and went into the lake at a high rate of speed. An autopsy found the cause of death to be drowning.

Hoffman was a long time and well-liked minister in the Stanton community.

Montcalm County EMS assisted at the scene.

By Judy Reed

Photo by J. Reed

The 145th annual Sand Lake Fourth of July Celebration will take place this year July 3-6. The theme is “Celebrating Summer Fun.”

There is something for kids and adults alike at the celebration. The midway will open with carnival rides and attractions on Thursday, July 3; followed by a hot dog eating contest, rodeo, and music by Luke Galloway. The Sand Lake Library book sale and bake sale will take place all day, and the museum will also be open. July 4th also has lots of good things in store, including the crowning of Miss Sand Lake, more midway rides, a demolition derby, the grand parade, bedraces, music by Cross Creek, and fireworks to top off the night at 10:30 p.m. Saturday features Old Fashioned Fair Days with crafts, farm fresh goodies and demonstrations, a mud run, rides, and music by Borderline. Sunday features a classic car show, mini rod tractor pull, and pancake breakfast. The museum is also open each day.

For a detailed schedule see pages 10-11 of this weeks issue or visit our schedule page. You can also visit www.sandlakechamber.com.

A holdup at a Lake Bella Vista area store Monday turned out to be an inside job.

According to the Kent County Sheriff Department, they received a call that Bailey’s General Store, 6051 Belding Road NE, was robbed at about 3:35 a.m. Monday morning, June 23. The clerk reported that a suspect entered the store armed with a handgun and fled with cash. He described the suspect as 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 8 inches, middle aged (30-45 years old), wearing a mask, a dark colored hoodie pulled up, dark pants and dark shoes.

The investigation revealed that the clerk, Shawn Michael Young, 28, of Wyoming, staged the armed robbery with an acquaintance, John Towne, 43, of Belding. Both were arrested on Tuesday, June 24, in Ionia County, with the help of the Ionia County Tactical Team. They were lodged in the Kent County Jail, and arraigned Wednesday, June 25.

Young was arraigned in 63-2 District Court on charges of False Report of a Felony; Conspiracy to Larceny in a Building; Embezzlement – Agent or Trustee $200 or more but less than $1,000 and Habitual Offender–Fourth Offense Notice. Bond was set at $35,000 cash or surety.

Towne was arraigned on charges of Larceny in a building; conspiracy to embezzlement—Agent or Trustee $200 or more but less than $1,000; and Habitual Offender–Fourth Offense Notice. His bond was also set at $35,000 cash or surety.

Bob and Elsie Waller, of Nelson Township, traveled to Salisbury, Maryland in April, and spent time with friends. While there, they visited Assateague Island, known for its more than 300 wild ponies that roam the beaches, inland forest, and salt marshes. While there, they took a break from sightseeing to get this picture of them with The Post.

Thanks, Bob and Elsie, for taking us with you on vacation!

Are you going on vacation? Take the Post with you and snap some photos. Then send them to us with some info to news@cedarspringspost.com or mail them to Post travels, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. We will be looking for yours!

Kids had a good time dancing to the music. Post photo by J. Reed.

Warm weather, family, friends, good music and a chance to win $100 all made it a great night last Thursday for Cedar Springs Area Parks and Recreation’s Concert in the park. The band Roosevelt Diggs provided the entertainment, and adults relaxed in lawn chairs or chatted with friends, while kids danced to the music or played on the playground equipment at Morley Park. Independent Bank gave away a $100 gift card at the end of the night, to celebrate its 150th year, and will give two more away at the concerts in July and August.

Next month’s concert in the park will be July 17, at 7 p.m., and feature the group Cross Creek.

Kate Miller

The Cedar Springs Women’s Club awards an annual $1,000 scholarship to a female of any age who resides in the Cedar Springs School District. She may be considering any type of skill training or degree program. The award is made without regard to race, creed, color, religion or national origin.

This year’s recipient of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club $1,000 Scholarship is Kate Miller, who is the daughter of Jill and Lee Miller. Kate was presented with her scholarship award and gift at the June meeting of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club.

Kate is a 2014 graduate of Cedar Springs High School with a 4.064 GPA.  She was in the National Honor Society and was active in high school activities having played basketball and varsity volleyball. Kate also enjoyed the equestrian sport of English and western horseback riding.

Kate is a very motivated young woman who is planning to attend Grand Rapids Community College for a year and then transfer to Central Michigan University to work for a Bachelors in Kinesiology and a minor in Spanish.  She hopes for a career as a Physical Therapist.

The Cedar Springs Women’s Club 2014 Woman of the Year award was presented on June 5, 2014 to Sue Harrison, a member of Women’s Club since 2005. Sue’s husband, Phil, was at the meeting to surprise her. Sue and Phil have two children. Scott and wife Sherry have one daughter, Emma. Amy and Craig have four girls: Jordan, Rachel, Mira, and Maeve.

Jan Hammersmith, past recipient of the Woman of the Year award, presented Sue with a bouquet of red roses, a plaque and certificate, and gifts commemorating the occasion.

Sue has been an officer on the Women’s Club Board as Director, 2nd and 1st Vice Presidents since 2006 and was just inducted as President of the Women’s Club for 2014-2015. Sue has been a member of the Scholarship Selection Committee, worked at the Club’s yearly yard sale, and has compiled and printed the Club’s annual booklet.

Besides Women’s Club, Sue is very active in her hometown. With Donna DeJong, she co-authored the book on the history of Cedar Springs called The Cedar Springs Story.  She has announced the Grand Parade for Red Flannel Day for over 23 years and was Grand Marshal in 2008. Sue is a charter member of the Cedar Springs Community Players, was a mentor for Kid’s Hope, and is a Cedar Springs Community Food pantry volunteer. She is a member and choir director at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church and crochets with the Love-N-Stitches, a group that knits and crochets items to donate.

Sue has been very active in the Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines Barbershop Chorus since 1990 and has traveled with the group to Italy, Netherlands, France, and many places in the United States. Recently the chorus won the Regional Competition and will travel to Las Vegas to compete in the International Competition in 2015.

As a recipient of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club Woman of the Year award, Sue joins her mother, Doris Grannis, and sister, Sally Grayvold, who also were recipients in 2002 and 2009 respectively.

Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 22-28

From the Michigan State Police

Summer is the peak season for lightning strikes. On average, 53 people are killed and hundreds are severely injured each year due to lightning. To date in 2014, the National Weather Service reports seven people have died due to lightning-related injuries nationwide, including a 32-year-old man who died in Pittsfield Township on June 18.

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) reminds Michiganders to think about lightning safety during Lightning Safety Awareness Week from June 22 to 28.

“No place is safe outside when a thunderstorm occurs,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “People often wait far too long to get to a safe place when a storm approaches. The best way to be safe from lightning is to avoid the threat and immediately find an indoor shelter.”

To stay safe from lightning during a thunderstorm:

· Plan evacuation and safety measures. At the first sign of lightning or thunder, activate your emergency plan. Lightning often precedes rain, so do not wait for rain to begin before suspending activities. Although no place is absolutely safe from lightning, some places are much safer than others.

· Find suitable shelter immediately. The safest location during lightning activity is a large, enclosed building. The second-safest location is an enclosed metal topped vehicle, but  NOT a convertible, bike or other topless or soft-top vehicle.

· Protect yourself indoors by avoiding water, doors, windows and using a corded device. Lightning could strike exterior wires, potentially causing shock or injury. Any item plugged into an electrical outlet may be a hazard.

·  DO NOT resume outdoor activities until 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder roar.

Injured persons DO NOT carry an electrical charge and can be assisted safely. If qualified to do so, apply first aid procedures to a lightning victim. Call 911 or send for help immediately.

For more information about being safe before, during and after an emergency or disaster, go to www.michigan.gov/beprepared  or www.twitter.com/MichEMHS.

Jeremy Geselman

A Montcalm County man was charged on Tuesday, June 24, with six felony charges related to inappropriate sexual contact with minors.

The Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office conducted a lengthy investigation that led to the arrest of Jeremy Edward Geselman, 33, of Crystal. The charges stem from the allegations of two young women, ages sixteen and thirteen at the time of the offenses.

The charges included two for Criminal Sexual Conduct-First Degree, one for Criminal Sexual Conduct-Second Degree, two for Criminal Sexual Conduct-Third degree, and one for Criminal Sexual Conduct-Fourth degree. The maximum sentences for those charges range from two years to life.

Geselman remains behind bars and is being held on a $100,000 bond.

Eight area counties step up enforcement

To truly celebrate our freedom this Fourth of July holiday, motorists need to designate a sober driver or risk ending up behind bars. A statewide night patrol impaired driving enforcement crackdown kicks off July 1, with nearly 150 law enforcement agencies in 26 counties participating.

In 2013, 354 people died in Michigan as a result of alcohol and/or drug-involved traffic crashes, a 3.5 percent increase from 2012. To help prevent these tragedies, law enforcement agencies from local police departments, sheriff offices and Michigan State Police posts across the state will conduct extra drunk driving patrols throughout this popular summer holiday period.

The effort runs through July 13 and is paid for with federal funds administered by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP). Grant-funded counties in West Michigan are Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Van Buren.

“Alcohol-involved fatalities have increased during the last few years resulting in more families mourning the preventable loss of a loved one,” said Michael L. Prince, OHSP director. “The officers are taking part to encourage drivers to make smart decisions and plan ahead to ensure a safe way home. Make no mistake, if you drive drunk, you will be arrested.”

During the 2013 Fourth of July holiday period, 19 people died on Michigan roads. Six of the fatal crashes were alcohol-related. The official holiday period began at 6 p.m. on July 3, 2013 and ran until midnight on July 7, 2013.

In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer feels they are impaired. Under the state’s high BAC law, motorists face enhanced penalties if a first-time arrest is for a .17 BAC or higher.

This project is part of Michigan’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan signed by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2013.