Construction on E. Cherry Street has limited parking for people trying to access the US Post Office. Post photo by L. Allen.

By Judy Reed

For residents who have been dodging construction and trying to find a place to park so they can access the US Post Office on Cherry Street, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

According to Cedar Springs DPW Director Tom Stressman, paving will soon begin on Cherry Street, and the public should be able to access it by the middle of next week. “We wanted it done before Red Flannel Days,” he noted.

Beech Street is also currently being paved and should be drivable within a couple of days.

It’s been two months since construction started on the city’s antiquated sewer lines. Phase one of the project started with E. Cherry Street, and runs to just east of Park Street, and then south on Park to Ash Street.

Phase 2 of the project is reconstruction of Ash Street, from Park Street to Ann Street, Ann Street from Ash to Beech Street, and Linda Street from the Beech Street intersection.

Phases 1 and 2 included removing the existing road surface, aggregate base and sub-base, and installing new sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water main and reconnection of sewer and water services.

Phase 3 is main construction along Muskegon Street from Red Hawk Drive to the well fields.

Phase 4 includes sanitary sewer lining and spot repairs around the city.

One of the main reasons for the reconstruction project was to minimize groundwater infiltration to the sewer. “We were treating so much groundwater at the plant, and it has significantly dropped just since some of the repairs have been made,” explained Stressman.

He said people should be able to get around easily during Red Flannel Day. The project is supposed to be done by November.

Michelle Brown won first place for her 2D artwork, which is being shown at Independent Bank.

Bill Byers came in second place for his 2D artwork, which is on display at  Framed Images

The Red Flannel Art Review had a record number of entries this year, with 32 artists showing their work in 25 local businesses. There were 16 days to vote and, according to Chairperson Jen Leonard, 850 votes were cast. The winners were announced at the Red Flannel Craft Beer and Wine Tasting Saturday, Sept. 19. Over 120 people attended the event, held at the American Legion.

Winners are:

• 2D First place – Michelle Brown, Independent Bank
• 2D Second place – Bill Byers, Framed Images
• 3D First place – Susan Metzger, Instant Cash
• 3D Second place – Kim Froese, Cedar Springs Mill and supply
• Popular Vote – Kim Froese, Cedar Springs Mill and Supply
• 

  Susan Metzger won first place for her 3D artwork, which was on display at Instant Cash.

  Red Flannel Theme – Dale Longcore, B&B Beauty.

Artwork will be on display at local businesses until October 5. To get a list of the participating artists and which businesses are hosting displays, pick up a Red Flannel brochure at the Red Flannel Office on Main Street, or download one from their website at www.redflannelfestival.org.

Kim Froese won the Popular Vote and 2nd place for her 3D artwork. Displayed at Cedar Springs Mill and Supply.

Red Flannel Theme winner Dale Longcore (right) on display at B&B Beauty.

Photo courtesy of the Cedar Springs Public Library.

With the kickoff of a new fundraising campaign to build a new Cedar Springs Public Library, the Post will be sharing some of the history of the library in the coming weeks. This week, we are sharing a photo of a former librarian, sitting behind her desk talking with another woman, possibly another librarian. Does anyone know who these women are? This photo was taken in the current library. Please email us at news@cedarspringspost.com or give us a call at 696-3655 if you know who it is, and approximately what year.

An Algoma Township man was seriously injured Wednesday, when his legs became pinned under a tractor tire.

According to the Kent County Sheriff Department, Bruce Hoorn, 67, was cutting down a tree next to his home, in the 2000 block of 14 Mile Road, about 3 p.m. September 23, when the accident occurred. Police said he pre-cut the tree with a chainsaw, then attached a chain from his tractor bucket to the tree, and began to pull the tree away from his home.

The tree began falling toward his tractor, so he jumped out of the tractor while it was still rolling backwards, and his legs were pinned under the rear tractor tire.

His wife was able to move the tractor and free his legs.

Hoorn was transported to Butterworth Hospital with serious injuries.

Jerry and Marilyn Moyer, of Nelson Township, recently visited Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to visit former Solon Center Wesleyan Pastor Tom Holloway and his wife, Kim, and their children Taylor, Christian and Jackson. This picture was taken by his new church. “We truly enjoyed seeing them for a couple weeks helping them get settled in their new home,” said the Moyers.

Thank you, Jerry and Marilyn, for taking the Post with you!

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!

Two Cedar Springs siblings won the BMX state championships and a third sibling came in third.

The Michigan BMX state championships were held on September 13, at Rock City BMX in the Art Van Sports Complex in Rockford. Noah Salisbury, 13, Abbey Salisbury, 11, and sister, Marley, 7, the children of Charlie and Tracy Salisbury, all performed well at the finals.

Noah, an 8^th grader at Cedar Springs Middle School, who also plays tailback for the 8^th grade Red Hawks football team, won both the 13 Expert and the 13 Cruiser class.

Abbey, a sixth grader at Red Hawk Elementary, won all of her races and took her 6^th consecutive state champion honor.

Marley, 7, is just getting started racing, and rode hard to finish 3rd for the season.

Noah and Abbey also raced in the Indiana State Championship race on September 19, and won that race, too. However, according to Charlie, they cannot be Indiana State Champions, since they already have the title of Michigan State Champions, and are only allowed that distinction in one state.

Congratulations to all three of you!

ArtPrize, the radically open international art competition in Grand Rapids, opened round one of voting on Wednesday, September 23, and once again features several artists from Cedar Springs and the surrounding area.

• Dave (Redneck) Crumback, of Cedar Springs, is showing his 3D entry, “Built to work, show or play” at Kilwin’s Chocolates at McKay Tower-Rosa Parks.
• Billy Meinke, of Cedar Springs, is showing a 3D entry called “Lady of the Woods,” also at Kilwin’s Chocolates at McKay Tower-Rosa Parks.
• Carol Graham, of Sand Lake, is showing her 3D entry “Country Time” at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown.
• Jill Risner, of Rockford, is showing her 3D entry “Bloom” at DeVos Place Convention Center.
• Joshua Adams, of Rockford, is showing his 2D entry “The Tempest” at DeVos Place Convention Center.
• Sara Pearson, of Sparta, is showing her 2D entry “Steel City USA” at Fifth Third Bank/Warner Norcross Judd LLP.
• Stacie Tamaki, of Greenville, is showing her 3D entry “4000 Culture Cranes” at Grand Central Market and Deli.

ArtPrize accepts any individual over 18 as a competing artist and any space in the designated district as an ArtPrize venue. Registered artists and venues connect online at artprize.org and agree to present the artwork for public display.

The public votes using free mobile apps, text messages and the web to distribute a $200,000 grand prize and $50,000 in category awards, while an additional $200,000 grand prize and $62,500 in category awards are decided by expert jury. ArtPrize Seven takes place September 23 – October 11, with the first round of voting ending on October 3. The top 20 will be announced on October 4, and the second round of voting will start. Voting will end on October 8, and awards will be given on October 9.

ArtPrize Seven includes 1,554 entries representing 48 countries and 42 U.S. states and territories. ArtPrize 2014 attracted more than 400,000 active participants. Since its inception, individuals of all backgrounds have cast more than 2.4 million votes for public art.

To register to vote, visit the ArtPrize HUB located at 41 Sheldon Blvd SE, or download the mobile app for iphone or Android, which you can also use to vote.

For more info on the artists and venues, visit www.artprize.org.

Red Flannel parade

Joan Covell, formerly of Cedar Springs, and now of Boyne City, was cleaning out photo albums last fall when she came across some old photos of Red Flannel parade floats. Last week, we ran a photo of the 1958 Red Flannel Queen and Court. This week, we have a photo of another float. Can anyone identify who the people are on the Mather float, and what year it might be? Give us a call at 696-3655, or email news@cedarspringspost.com.

This photo shows the Cedar Springs Public Library when it shared a home with the Cedar Springs Fire Department. The Library is still in this building.

Cedar Springs Public Library Capital Campaign

By Tom Noreen

On September 12, the Community Building Development Team (CDBT), in conjunction with the Cedar Springs Library Board, kicked off a capital campaign drive to raise about $1.2 million dollars for the construction a new $1.75 million, 10,000 square foot library. The initial goal is to raise $750,000 by the end of the year, to combine with the $600,000 already on hand, so that the project can go out for bids in February 2016, when building costs are typically the lowest.

Nick Andres opened the event, held at the American Legion, with a short history of the Cedar Springs Public Library. He related how the Clipper Girls, Grace Hamilton and Nina Babcock championed the establishment and millage creating the library in 1936. Since 1999, Solon Township has also been a part of the organization providing funding from its General Fund.

Kurt Mabie, President of the CDBT, then spoke about the vision to recreate the Heart of Cedar Springs. He spoke of how, as a child growing up in Cedar Springs, he remembered how close knit the community was and the pride residents had about the town. One way to help recreate this closeness and pride, he said, is to create a place where people can meet, exchange ideas, have fun, and be proud to call home.

An initial part of this vision is to bring to fruition the dream of a new library, located on the northwest corner of Main and Maple Streets, just south of Cedar Creek. It has been on the drawing board for 15 years. Other parts of the vision include building a boardwalk that would extend from North Park along the creek to Muskegon Street. On the other side of the library, next to the White Pine Tail, plans are in place for an amphitheater that would look like the old Grand Rapids and Indiana Rail Road depot that sat across Maple Street to the south. The next phase would add a community building on the west side of the White Pine Trail. The final phase would see the construction of a recreation center.

Concurrently, the CDBT is working with the North Country Trail Association and the National Park Service to route the North Country Trail through Cedar Springs and then across Solon Township to its current terminus in the Rogue River State Game Area. The trail would offer another recreational opportunity to the community and an economic one as well, with Cedar Springs and Solon Township becoming Trail Communities.

Throughout his animated talk, Mabie continually praised all of the organizations, municipalities, and individuals that were making this possible and the great cooperation that existed in this project, evidence of the Heart of Cedar Springs at work.

Next up was librarian Donna Clark who spoke first hand of the need for a new facility. The existing 2,000 square foot facility is packed to overflowing with 26,000 items and 28,000 patrons a year. The building is not readily accessible to those with physical limitations because of the narrow doors and isles plus an all too small bathroom that is on the far side of the janitor’s closet. Because the facility is not large enough, library programs overflow into the open space outdoors next to the library in good weather, and into the schools, churches and Morley Park as well.

Mayor Pro tem Pam Conely told how public libraries were a unique tradition of the United States starting originally as subscription libraries with the first one formed by Ben Franklin and a few friends in 1731. Cedar Springs’ first library followed this pattern. In 1790, Franklin, Massachusetts established the first true public library. In the late 1900s, Andrew Carnegie provided funds for over 1,600 new libraries in the US.

She went on to say that ever since moving to Cedar Springs she was aware of the desire to build a new library. She remembered when the millage failed to create a Cedar Springs-Solon Township Library District, when the Holtons and Mabies donated the property, when the first $100,000 was raised, and when she got dunked as part of a summer reading program to help raise funds for the library. Pam said the City was behind the program and that she is working with Councilman Dan Clark on finding funding through grants and other funding streams.

Solon Township Supervisor Bob Ellick closed the official presentations by thanking the community for sharing their time and talents to make the new library possible.

After the speakers, the group broke for a supper catered by Kelly’s Restaurant.  The American Legion hosted the event and over 125 people from the community attended.

Since this was the kick off for the capital campaign, pledge cards were passed out and folks were encouraged to either make a donation or a pledge. An anonymous donor offered to match the first $5,000 raised. When the totals were counted, about $62,000 was raised.

These products are not safe for consumption

Consumers need to check their freezer again for the most recent recall on raw, stuffed chicken.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken products produced by Aspen Foods, a division of Koch Poultry Company, of Chicago, Illinois, have been confirmed as having the same Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak strain that was part of a July 15, 2015 recall.

Following the earlier recall, FSIS has been conducting intensified sampling at this establishment to ensure that the hazard responsible for the initial contamination has been controlled by Aspen Foods. Results from the sampling revealed 12 positive results that match the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis to Aspen Foods products. Three illnesses were epidemiologically linked to the original recall on July 15, 2015. FSIS continues to work with public health partners including the Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on this ongoing investigation.

FSIS is concerned about all frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken products produced by Aspen Foods between July 30, 2015 and September 17, 2015. The twelve positive samples collected during intensified sampling efforts alerted FSIS to a systemic problem at the establishment. FSIS cannot have confidence in the safety of any products produced after July 30, 2015. In addition to issuing this alert, FSIS has directed its personnel to detain products covered by this alert that they find in commerce because the company has refused to recall the products.

The frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken items may include the following brands and be labeled as “chicken cordon bleu,” “chicken Kiev” or “chicken broccoli and cheese” and bear the establishment number “P-1358” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were shipped to retail location and food service locations nationwide. Brands include:

Acclaim . Antioch Farms . Buckley Farms . Centrella Signature . Chestnut Farms . Family Favorites . Kirkwood . Koch Foods . Market Day . Oven Cravers . Rose . Rosebud Farm . Roundy’s . Safeway Kitchens . Schwan’s . Shaner’s . Spartan . Sysco

These products were labeled with instructions identifying that the product was uncooked (raw) and included cooking instructions for preparation. As stated in the July 15, 2015 Recall Release, some case-patients reported following the cooking instructions on the label and using a food thermometer to confirm that the recommended temperature was achieved. Therefore, FSIS advises consumers not to eat these products. Special attention should be paid by the food service industry and food handlers. Using a food thermometer to properly cook these products will not protect the health of the consuming public.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the organism. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Although the products included in this Alert may appear to be cooked, this product is in fact uncooked (raw) and should be handled carefully to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

A Stanton man suffered multiple injuries last Wednesday evening, September 16, when the motorcycle he was riding hit a cow in the road.

According to the Montcalm County Sheriff Department, the accident occurred at approximately 8:25 p.m., on Sidney Road, near Hillman Road, in Sidney Township. They reported that Mark Olmstead, 57, of Stanton, was headed east on Sidney Road, on his 2006 Harley Davidson, when he struck a black cow that had entered the roadway. Witnesses reported seeing the cow and chasing it out of the road, but it came back on to the road and was struck before the witnesses had a chance to return to their vehicle.

Olmstead was flown by AeroMed to Spectrum Butterworth and was reported last week to be in stable condition. His current condition is unknown.

The reportedly belonged to Dennis Baese, of Elsie. He had been made aware the cow was out of its pen, and was headed to the area to get it when the crash occurred.

Montcalm County Emergency Medical Services, Aeromed, and the Sheridan Fire Department assisted at the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

(BPT) – A health renaissance is taking place in America as more people are embracing aging well and being proactive rather than reactive about their well-being. Prevention has become the focus, and many aging Americans are turning to time-tested methods for keeping their bodies and minds healthy so they can live longer, higher-quality lives.

Kristen Johnson, certified personal trainer, registered dietician and nutrition expert at www.ontargetliving.com points out five time-tested strategies for aging well:

Daily exercise

“Daily movement is the real fountain of youth. It keeps us healthy from the inside out,” says Johnson.

She notes that quality over quantity is what really matters.

“When it comes to improving overall fitness, high-intensity exercise for a short amount of time may be much more beneficial than low intensity for a long amount of time,” Johnson says. “Research suggests that fat-burning hormones like human growth hormones and testosterone are stimulated by high-intensity exercise, while fat-storing hormones like cortisol may be lowered. Try increasing the intensity and frequency of your exercise, while decreasing the time spent.”

Superfoods

The foods you eat influence how you look and feel, from glowing and confident to lethargic and sick. Selecting foods that people have eaten historically as nutritional powerhouses can help boost overall wellness.

“Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, ancient grains, healthy fats and lean proteins,” says Johnson. “These foods naturally contain high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which all contribute to healthy aging.”

A few to focus on:

• Carrots, squash and sweet potatoes are extremely beneficial for eye and skin health, thanks to high levels of beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A.
• Any brightly colored fruits and vegetables will have an abundant amount of antioxidants, and these help prevent oxidation and cell damage. Examples: raspberries, kale and cabbage.
• Carbohydrates like healthy grains, beans and potatoes help you produce serotonin, a calming and satiety hormone that helps fight stress and anxiety’s negative effects.

Nutrients

Supplements help fill nutritional gaps, especially as the aging body requires greater amounts of certain vitamins and minerals. Johnson points out the importance of omega-3s for aging well.

“Omega-3 fats are essential for getting you healthy from the inside out, all while helping improve hormonal balance, brain health, weight loss and metabolism,” she says. “Omega-3 fats are also extremely helpful for healthy skin, hair and nails.”

Her favorite? Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil. “This contains EPA and DHA, both of which contribute to a healthy heart and brain,” she says. “Cod liver oil also helps improve cellular function, energy and mood. Did you know cod liver oil can actually taste good? Try their delicious orange flavor.”

Sleep

“Chronic lack of sleep is one of the fastest ways to age the human body,” Johnson says. “Lack of sleep can have a huge impact on the appearance of skin, causing fine lines, wrinkles and dark under-eye circles. Not getting enough sleep can also cause your body to release a stress hormone called cortisol.”

She notes that adequate sleep can positively influence cognitive ability, mood, weight loss and skin rejuvenation, so it should be a top priority for an aging-well routine. While the right amount of sleep will vary between individuals, the goal for most adults is around 7 to 8 hours a night.

Social activity

Human interaction can decrease as people age, but it’s more important than ever to form and maintain bonds with others. Participating in social activity is a fun way to enjoy life and reap real health benefits.

“The American Medical Association has noted that stress is the basic cause for more than 60 percent of all human illnesses and diseases,” says Johnson. ‘”When you are socially active and surround yourself with people you enjoy, you may be less likely to feel lonely, unhappy, or unfulfilled, all of which can cause unwanted stress.”

Finally, there’s no need to become overwhelmed; start an aging-well routine by taking one small step and building healthy habits over time. This is what will lead to long-term success.

“Remember that it’s never too late to start living a healthy and happy life,” Johnson says. “Give yourself more reasons to smile and laugh! Did you know research suggests that happy people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives?”