The Glen Hill American Legion Post #287 Honor Guard as they walked through the Avenue of Flags at Elmwood Cemetery. Post photo by J. Reed.

Blue sky, sunshine, and hot weather welcomed area residents on Monday, May 28, as they gathered in cemeteries and parks for the annual Memorial Day services.

The ceremony at Elmwood Cemetery ended with a 21-gun salute followed by taps. Post photo by J. Reed.

Here in Cedar Springs, the Glen Hill American Legion Post held services at Elmwood Cemetery, where the Avenue of Flags memorialized veterans laid to rest there. There were names at each of the flags along the walkway, and flags on all the veterans graves, dating as far back as the Civil War. The American Legion also held services at Solon Cemetery; East Nelson Cemetery; and at Veterans Memorial Park on Oak Street. Nelson Township resident Col. Tom Noreen was the guest speaker. 

Memorial Day services were also held at Algoma, Sand Lake, Pierson, and Sparta.

The Cedar Springs Historical Society held their annual cemetery walk honoring veterans on Sunday, May 27.

Memorial Day services are conducted around this Civil War monument in Elmwood Cemetery each Memorial Day. Post photo by J. Reed.

Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those that gave their lives while defending our country. It’s also a day to remember all those that have served and are now deceased. Inside this issue are the names of many of the veterans buried in area cemeteries (though not all), and we honor them with this issue of The Cedar Springs Post, click here to download. If you know of a veteran’s name that is missing from the list, please let us know and we’ll add them for next year.

There will be several memorial activities and ceremonies taking place this weekend that residents are encouraged to take part in:

The Cedar Springs Historical Society will hold its 18^th annual Memorial Cemetery Walk on Sunday, May 27, at 2 p.m. to honor veterans of all wars. This year’s veterans will be Alfred Sliter, Civil War; Samuel Armstrong, Spanish/Philippine American War; Russell VanDore, World War I; Mark Wheeler, World War II; Don Miles, Korean War; Carl Straub, Vietnam War. 

Biographical and historical information will be presented at each gravesite. The Glen Hill Post of the American Legion honor guard will assist at the presentation. We will leave from the museum in Morley Park at 1:30 pm and return there for refreshments. In case of severe weather warnings we will cancel the event. In case of rain we will do the presentations in the museum.

The American Legion Glen Hill Post #287 in Cedar Springs will hold their annual Memorial Day program on Monday, May 28. They will be at Elmwood Cemetery at 9 a.m., Solon Cemetery at 10 a.m., East Nelson Cemetery at 10:45 a.m., and Veterans Memorial Park, (corner of Main and Oak in Cedar Springs) at 11:30 a.m. In case of bad weather, services will be held only in the American Legion Hall at 9 a.m. Col. Tom Noreen will be the speaker. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Hall.

The Algoma Township Historical Society will hold Memorial Day services on Monday, May 28, at 1:00 p.m. at Algoma Township Memorial Park, located on the south end of the Algoma township cemetery on Grange Ave., south of 13 Mile Rd.) The service this year will honor Algoma Township’s Korean War veterans. There will be music, readings, 21-gun salute and taps. Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served by the Algoma Township Historical Society.

The Sand Lake/Cedar Springs Tri-Corner Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7912 will have ceremonies on Monday, May 28. They will be at the VFW Post in Sand Lake at 10:30 a.m. and at Pierson Cemetery at 11 a.m. Rain or shine. 

The Sparta Township Historical Commission will hold their Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Lamoreaux Memorial Park, 150 Park St, in Sparta. 

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.

Original Play at the Kent Theatre

May 25,26: Cedar Springs Players presents “Murder on the American Express” and original play by Scott Phillips. May 18, 19, 25, 26 at 7:30 p.m., May 20 at 3:00 pm at the Kent Theatre. #20,21

CS Historical Society’s Memorial Cemetery Walk

May 27: The Cedar Springs Historical Society is holding its 18th annual Memorial Cemetery Walk on Sunday, May 27th, at 2 pm to honor veterans of all wars. This years’ veterans will be Alfred Sliter, Civil War; Samuel Armstrong, Spanish/Philippine American War; Russell VanDore, World War I; Mark Wheeler, World War II; Don Miles, Korean War; Carl Straub, Vietnam War. Biographical and historical information will be presented at each gravesite. The Glen Hill Post of the American Legion honor guard will assist at the presentation. We will leave from the museum in Morley Park at 1:30 and return there for refreshments. In case of severe weather warnings we will cancel the event. In case of rain we will do the presentations in the museum. #20,21b

FREE Movie at Kent Theatre

May 29,30: En Gedi will present a FREE movie at the Kent Theatre, God’s Not Dead 2, on Tuesday, May 29th and Wednesday, May 30th both at 6:30 pm. The Christ-centered movie tells a story about high school history teacher Grace Wesley (Melissa Joan Hart) who is asked a question about Jesus in class, her response lands her in deep trouble. The ensuing epic court case could expel God from the classroom and the public square once and for all. God’s Not Dead 2 is a powerful call to action. #20,21b

Senior Lunch at Pine Grove Community Church

May 30: Pine Grove Senior Café would be honored for All Seniors age 60 and over to come celebrate our Veterans both those who are still here with us and those who have given the utmost; those who live on in our memory.  We would be honored to share a meal and memories with you as our guest.  We ask our guests who are Veterans to wear your colors.  Guests who wish to display memorabilia may do so.  At Noon Wednesday May the 30th in our Family Life Center on the North West corner of M-82 & Beech. #21

Reader’s Theatre at CS Library

May 31: Join the FUN with Actors del Arte Ensemble for their FREE popular Reader’s Theatre, Thursday, May 31st at 7 pm to be held in the Cedar Springs Library’s Community Room. The Actors will, present “Blade Runner” by Phillip Dick, based on his 1968 book, “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep,” a work of science fiction. Two of his other books were made into major motion pictures. #21

Classic Car Hop

June 1: Rockford Springs Community Church, 5815 – 14 Mile Rd. (about 2.5 miles east of US131) will host a Classic Car Hop on Friday, June 1st (Rain date is June 8), from 5:30 – 7:30pm. Cruise on over! Load up the family truck, van & grocery getter with your family friends and neighbors! Join us for great food and fellowship while you check out some cool classic cars, street rods and antique autos. Free will donations. Proceeds to benefit RSCC Youth Group trip to the RYS Convention in July. For more information call 616-696-3656. #21,22p

Sand Lake HS Alumni Banquet

June 9: The 126th  (1892-2018) Annual Sand Lake High School Alumni Banquet will be held on Saturday, June 9th at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Sand Lake. Social hour at 5 pm and dinner at 6 pm. The cost of the meal is $13.00. Open to anyone who attended Sand Lake Schools. Please RSVP by June 2 by calling your reservation in to Dave Groner 616-557-3098. #20-22p

Red Flannel Queen Pageant

June 10: Attention all young ladies living in, or attending school within, the Cedar Springs School District, including homeschoolers, who will be in the 11th grade in the 2018-19 school year. There will be a MANDATORY parent meeting for any young lady who would like to participate in the 2018 Red Flannel Pageant and her parent(s). The meeting will be Sunday, June 10th at 2 pm at the Springs Church (135 N. Grant St.). For more information or if there is a concern that you can’t make the meeting please contact pageant director Kaleigh Goehler directly at redflannelpageant@gmail.com. #19-23b

Lou D. “Trooper” Grayvold, age 75 of Sparta died Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Campus. Lou was born October 22, 1942 in Suttons Bay, Michigan the son of Martin and Florence (Nyberg) Grayvold. He retired as a supervisor from General Motors Fisher Body. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, hunting and fishing and all the friends he did those activities with. He was a member of the American Legion Post #247 in Comstock Park. Surviving are his wife, Sally (Grannis) whom he married on June 18, 1966; brother, Max Grayvold; sister, Sonya Dearry; sister-in-law, Gloria Holmes; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and 1 great-grand niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Sherman and Gary Grayvold. The funeral was Monday, January 29, 2018 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Private family interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Springs Historical Society or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home

New book in the works

The Cedar Springs Historical Society is working on a new book to tell the history of Cedar Springs in both word and photos, some never seen before. Sharon Jett, Director at the Museum, has shared some of the pages with us, which we have shared with you over the last few of weeks. Sharon said she hopes the book will be released in the next few months.

Interviews tell the tale

In 1976 Sally Grannis Grayvold interviewed some of the oldest citizens in Cedar Springs. Her tapes have proven to be a treasure trove on our early history. The following is an excerpt from one of her taped interviews with Ora Lewis. 

“When my father Dennis Lewis, lived in Grand Rapids, he had heard of a place a long distance north. It was called Cedar Springs. He found a Tavern where one might stay and a dealer in some provisions. The road was somewhat used to Laphamville (Rockford) but beyond that it was nearly solid pine, hardwood and tamarack. Near the road by Cedar Creek was the tavern, just about where the old City Hall is now (1965) on the creek behind the old water tower. Close by it was a large Cedar tree and some small ones. Close to both was a large spring. Thus the tavern and its location became known as Cedar Springs long before there was a settlement here or a surveyed road to it.” 

Ora’s father saw this when he walked to Cedar Springs as a very young man. He related the story to Ora many times. The place where Dennis Lewis stayed had to be that of John & Lydia Smith. 

By the late 1800’s or early 1900’s the village owned the property. The Cedar Springs Pumping station was located on the spot and soon after “City Hall” was housed there in part of the old pumping station building. Around 1868 or 69 the log tavern was torn down “to make room for more modern improvements.” History of Kent Co. 1881, under Zimri Phelps Bio. 

Old City Hall 

This picture was taken in in the building that used to be the pumping station on Cedar Creek. Miles Mulford, sitting behind the desk was a successful Solicitor of Pensions Justice of the Peace and a Notary Public in Cedar Springs. 

Born July 30, 1844 in Chemung, NY, Miles died July 19, 1927 in Cedar Springs, Mich. His wife, Mary A. Harris, was born in 1848, and died in 1929.

The Cedar Springs Historical Society is working on a new book to tell the history of Cedar Springs in both word and photos, some never seen before. Sharon Jett, Director at the Museum, has shared some of the pages with us, which we will share with you over the next couple of weeks. Sharon said she hopes the book will be released in the next few months.

The Smith’s cabin was like the one pictured here.

Today the flowing well has been restored.

John & Lydia Smith Stage Coach Stop 

Solon Township

John and Lydia (Proper) Smith are believed to be the first settlers in the village of Cedar Springs, Kent Co. Michigan.

Research has shown that Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to Cedar Springs in 1851 where they opened a sawmill for a time and kept the post office in the sawmill in Nelson Twp. In 1852 they bought 700 acres in Solon Twp. Section 24.

The History of Grand Rapids and Kent Co, 1918 states that “they experienced all the privations of the pioneer life.” Years later their son Coridon Smith stated that they “settled at the limits of the village of Cedar Springs and prepared to hew out a home from the wilderness. His first operations were necessarily in the lumber business for the nature of the country at that time made it impossible engaging in farming.” (Huge pine forests and cedar swamps covered the area.)

In 1852 the nearest settlement was Laphamville (now known as Rockford) about seven miles to the south. The road to Cedar Springs was an old Native American trail that had barely become a path wide enough for wagons to travel over.

The Smiths settled on the Cedar Creek at the north end of what is now the town of Cedar Springs. The area was covered with beautiful old cedar trees and the flowing spring was a great convenience next to their home. The Smiths listed themselves as farmers in the 1860 census but they also were Inn keepers. The History of Grand Rapids and Kent Co. 1918 says “Their home was a log cabin in the forest and for a long time was the pioneer’s hotel, and liberally patronized. One year, dating from February 12 to May 1, Mrs. Smith cooked 1,000 pounds of pork.” A stagecoach passed through the area as well as many pioneer families seeking their own new homesteads.

The Smiths also sold a few provisions to travelers.

It is believed the name for our town, Cedar Springs, came from travelers describing the Smiths location as being by the cedar trees and fresh flowing spring, “Cedar Springs.”

By Tom Noreen & Judy Reed

The Cedar Springs Historical Society’s Summer Car Show was a great success last Saturday, July 29.  Over 100 cars were on display. This was the largest show ever for the Society, said Director Sharon Jett, and a main fundraiser for them. The car show helps the museum provide free family programs throughout the year.

Roger and Della Grongos’ 1964 Pontiac GTO was voted best in the show by fellow car owners. The top three winners out of the top 20 were Mike Bannister with his 1968 Camaro; Al Marlin with his 1976 Corvette; and Bob Jenema with his 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster.

Special Guests this year were the State Police with their new cruiser that resembles the department’s iconic 1937 Ford Model 74 patrol car. The Kent County Sheriff’s Department brought their Mobile Command Bus. The bus was open for display.

Meijer served a free hotdog lunch to the public again this year and coffee was generously provided by  the Cedar Springs Biggby Coffee Shop courtesy of owners Bob and Deb Garza.  The Cedar Springs High School FFA students sold donuts and helped folks as needed and Pat Patin provided lots of music. Nolan Patin, their youngest volunteer, did a silent auction as another little fund raiser.

Both Jett and volunteer DM White work about four or five months to get this show ready, and their efforts certainly paid off! Jett said that White contacted the MSP and Sheriff Department about coming and was pleased they said yes. “What makes it even better is the police officers are as excited about coming as we are about having them here!” she said.

“We are so grateful to the businesses and families who sponsor the show and our volunteers,” she added.

This painting of an Old Packard was created by Tim Hindenach and is currently hanging in the Cedar Springs Community Library. Photo courtesy of Claudia Mabie.

Do you love classic and vintage cars? Then you don’t want to miss out on two great opportunities to indulge that passion!

The Cedar Springs Historical Society is holding their annual car show this weekend, Saturday, July 29, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the parking lot between Morley Park and Skinner Field. Special guests this year include the Michigan State Police and their special black and gold cruiser, designed to celebrate their 100^th anniversary of service. The car resembles the department’s iconic 1937 Ford Model 74 patrol car.

The Kent County Sheriff Department will also be on hand with their mobile command bus. The bus will be open for display and the operator will be available to answer your questions.

The car show helps the museum provide free family programs throughout the year. For details, click here, to download ad.

The second opportunity is to visit the Cedar Springs Community Library, and see the painting of an old Packard (shown in the photo above). It’s one of two new installations hanging at the library as part of the program “Artists, Authors, and You!” The painting is by Tim Hindenach.

The library is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon.

This photo shows Roger Allen walking the Avenue of Flags at Elmwood Cemetery in 2003. Photo by L. Allen.

Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those that gave their lives while defending our country. It’s also a day to remember all those that have served and are now deceased. Inside this issue are the names of veterans buried in area cemeteries, and we honor them with this issue of The Cedar Springs Post, click here to download. If you know of a veteran’s name that is missing from the list, please let us know and we’ll add them for next year.

There will be several memorial activities and ceremonies taking place this weekend that residents are encouraged to take part in:

The Cedar Springs Historical Society will hold its 17^th annual Memorial Cemetery Walk on Sunday, May 28, at 2 p.m. to honor veterans of all wars. This year’s veterans will be Samuel Andrus, Civil War; Burton Smith, Spanish/American War; Leon Marsh, World War I; Neal Mackey, World War II; James Remington, Korean War; John Gardell, Vietnam War. Biographical and historical information will be presented at each gravesite. The Glen Hill Post of the American Legion honor guard will assist at the presentation. We will leave from the museum in Morley Park at 1:30 pm and return there for refreshments. In case of severe weather warnings we will cancel the event. In case of rain we will do the presentation in the museum.

The American Legion Glen Hill Post #287 in Cedar Springs will hold their annual Memorial Day program on Monday, May 29. They will be at Elmwood Cemetery at 9 a.m., Solon Cemetery at 10 a.m., East Nelson Cemetery at 10:45 a.m., and Veterans Memorial Park, (corner of Main and Oak in Cedar Springs) at 11:30 a.m. In case of bad weather, services will be held only in the American Legion Hall at 9 a.m. Lt/Col. Tom Noreen will be the speaker.

The Algoma Township Historical Society will hold Memorial Day services on Monday, May 29, at 1:00 p.m. at Algoma Township Memorial Park, located on the south end of the Algoma township cemetery on Grange Ave., south of 13 Mile Rd.) The service this year will honor Algoma Township’s WWI veterans, in memory of the 100-year anniversary. There will be music, readings, 21-gun salute and taps. Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served by the Algoma Township Historical Society.

The Sand Lake/Cedar Springs Tri-Corner Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7912 will have ceremonies on Monday, May 29. They will be at the VFW Post in Sand Lake at 10:30 a.m. and at Pierson Cemetery at 11 a.m. Rain or shine. The Tri County Band will also be at Pierson Cemetery.

The Sparta Township Historical Commission will hold their Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 29, at 10:30 a.m. at Lamoreaux Memorial Park, 150 Park St, in Sparta. The speaker will be Dwight Anderson, Sparta High School Class of 1970 and former SHS principal. The Sparta High School Band will perform under the direction of Jim Walsh. The Kent County Sheriff Color Guard will also be in attendance. There will be a dedication of the John Paul “Sharkey” Badgerow Memorial Bench. Immediately following the ceremony, the Michigan Memorial Wall will be displayed for the balance of the day.

By Tanya Eldred, Cedar Springs Historical Society

Editor’s note: The Glen Hill Post #287 of the American Legion is a familiar sight in Cedar Springs. What follows is a little history of the first man to die from the area in World War I, after whom the legion is named. 

Glen Hill, the son of Orlando Hill, was drafted in September 1917 from Cedar Springs and went for training at Camp Custer. He was soon promoted to corporal. The Camp Custer method was reportedly too slow for him and he obtained a transfer by volunteering for overseas duty on February 2. When he arrived in France, he was transferred from the 338^th Infantry Company to Company E. 104^th Infantry.

Hill was cited for bravery in action with the American forces on the Western front on April 12 and 13. The dispatch read, “With calmness and courage on April 12 and 13 he had hardly reached his company and learned of the order to counter attack given to a neighboring detachment when he voluntarily joined it and killed two of the enemy with his bayonet.”

In a letter dated April 18, he gave an account of the incident. “I have had some experience since I have been over here. I have been in the trenches and been over the top twice and got a German with my bayonet and I am not hurt very much. I was a little scared at first, but I got all over it and we went some. When I get back I can tell you all about it.”

Hill was awarded the distinguished service cross July 12 by General Pershing for conspicuous bravery in action April 12 and 13, and about the same time received the French croix de guerre. The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who distinguishes himself against an enemy of the United States. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades.

He had participated in the battles of Champagne, Aisne, Saint Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne.

After being decorated twice for gallantry in action, Corporal Glen Hill died of wounds received in battle in the Argonne Forest in France, on October 19, 1918. (Some sources say October 17.) He was 25 years old. (One source says 23.)

Glen Hill was laid to rest in Solon Cemetery following solemn military rites. The services were under the auspices of Glen Hill Post #287, American Legion, named in honor of the dead corporal, and Merrit Lamb Post of Rockford. Rev. E. Teachout preached the funeral sermon.

He was survived by his father, Orlando Hill, of Cedar Springs; three sisters, Mrs. Bert Lewis, and Mrs. E. Bloomfield, both of Cedar Springs, and Mrs. George White, of Grand Rapids; and two brothers, Rush Hill, of Cedar Springs, and Henry Hill, of Lansing.

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.

CS Renaissance Faire

May 20-21: 2017 Cedar Springs Renaissance Faire “Fellowship of the Springs” hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will be held in Morley Park, Cedar Springs, on Saturday, May 20^th from 12-8 pm, with a royal dinner and entertainment from 6-8 pm; and Sunday, May 21^st from 12-6 pm. Vendors and live entertainment all afternoon both days (music, dancers, performers, and cosplay cast). #19,20b

Sing to the Lord

May 21: 2^nd Chance will be having a gospel hymn sing on Sunday, May 21^st 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). Music will be provided by Deb and Larry Eadie and the message shared by Ron Parson. Invite your family and friends. The Sing to the Lord hymn sings will be every 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month. It will also introduce you to 2nd Chance and its vision. The school is in the building stage, which when completed, will teach troubled teens through God and the horse. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #20b

Spruce up Salisbury Park

May 21: The newly formed Community Engagement Committee is having their first event on Sunday, May 21^st at 1 pm. The whole community is invited to Salisbury Park in Sand Lake to help clean out the horseshoe pits, power-wash the playground equipment, repair the gazebo, etc. Lemonade and cookies will be served. For more information you can contact Dave or Jan Dewey at 616-636-5982. #20

UMC Guitar Boot Camp 

May 22: Basic training for guitar will be taught at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. Registration will be held Monday, May 22^nd  at 7:00 PM. Students must be registered on this date.  To register enter at the South door Located on Church Street; class size is limited to 12 students. Registration fee is $60. A parent or guardian is required to sign. Guitar and all supplies are furnished these may be kept at the completion of the class. Classes will be Monday evenings for 12 weeks starting June 2nd. #19,20b

Auditions Canceled

May 22: The Cedar Springs Community Players regret to announce auditions for their next production, the classic tale of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” has been canceled. Production will be delayed until 2018. Any questions? Please use the following link  http://bit.ly/2ms32gX and leave your comment or question. #20

Cedar Springs Youth Football SIGN-UPS

May 23: Flag: 4-7years olds / Rocket: 3rd-6^th grades / Middle: 7th-8^th grades. Burger King: 5/23, 6/10, 6/20: 6pm-8pm. Shaner Ball Field: 5/18, 6/06, 6/14 6pm-8pm. Skinner Field: Tues & Thurs 7/11-7/27 5:30pm-7:30pm. Contact: April Victorson (616)890-5869 csyflsecretary@gmail.com. #19-26b

Honeybees: Pollinators, Stinging Insects and Honey Makers

May 25: Come learn about honeybees and their amazing abilities with Donald Rewa, seasoned beekeeper of 20 years. Followed by a Q&A. Thursday, May 25^th at 6:30 pm, Spencer Township’s KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen. #20

Memorial Cemetery Walk

May 28: The Cedar Springs Historical Society is holding its 17^th annual Memorial Cemetery walk on Sunday, May 28^th at 2 pm to honor veterans of all wars. This years’ veterans will be Samuel Andrus, Civil War; Burton Smith, Spanish/American War; Leon Marsh, World War I; Neal Mackey, World War II; James Remington, Korean War; John Gardell, Vietnam War. Biographical and historical information will be presented at each gravesite. The Glen Hill Post of the American Legion honor guard will assist at the presentation. We will leave from the museum in Morley Park at 1:30 pm and return there for refreshments. In case of severe weather warnings we will cancel the event. In case of rain we will do the presentation in the museum. #20,21b

CS Varsity Wrestling Fundraiser

May 31: The Cedar Springs Varsity Wrestling Team is striving to be their BEST this year! Support the team and purchase a tube of WHITENING Toothpaste by May 31^st!The team would like to attend The University of Iowa Competition Camp this summer, June 26-30th. This program will help increase their skills, performance and make way for a successful upcoming season! Visit the fundraiser Facebook event “Cedar Springs Varsity Wrestling Whitening Paste Fundraiser” and share on your social media platforms. COST: $20 per tube, plus shipping. 100% of all proceeds will be donated to the wrestling team. Visit www.havewhiteteeth.com to order some today or email fundraising host Kim Shuck, at kimberlyshuck@hotmail.com with any questions. #20,21p

Red Flannel Queen Pageant Time

June 3: Attention all young ladies living in or attending school in the Cedar Springs School Public School District who will be in the 11th grade in the 2017-2018 school year (including homeschooled, or private school attendees that live within the Cedar Springs Public School District boundaries): There will be a mandatory meeting for any young lady who would like to participate in the 2017 Red Flannel Pageant and her parent (at least one). The meeting will be Saturday, June 3^rd at 10 am at the Springs Church (135 N. Grant St, Cedar Springs, Michigan). There will be a makeup meeting for anyone not able to attend the first meeting on Sunday, June 4^th at 2 pm at the Springs Church. Informational packets can be picked up before the meetings in the main offices at Cedar Springs High School and Creative Technologies Academy starting Tuesday May 16th. For more information, contact pageant director Kaleigh Goehler at redflannelpageant@gmail.com. #20-22b

Irish Bowling Fun Day

June 3: Join Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16160 Red Pine Rd., Kent City, as we partner with the Sparta Celtic Festival for a day of Road Bowling on our trails. An exciting family fun experience that includes a pig roast, music and beverages! Saturday, June 3^rd all day. Register online or call the office, www.HowardChristensen.org, 616-675-3158. The entirety of the HCNC property will be closed on this day to accommodate the event taking place on all the trails. Please plan accordingly, or simply join the Irish fun. #20

Alpha Family Center LifeWalk

June 17: Alpha Family Center will hold its 22^nd Annual LifeWalk on Saturday, June 17^th at 10 am Morley Park in Cedar Springs. There will also be a 5K LifeRun at 8:30 am and a Kids FunRun at 9:15 am. There is a coloring and short essay contest too. The deadline to enter is Wednesday, June 7^th. For a pledge form or entry forms for contests stop by Alpha at 6 N. First St. in Cedar Springs or call 616-696-2616 for more information. You may also visit Alpha’s Facebook page to print off forms. #20,21b

The Cedar Springs Historical Society donated 40 chairs like the blue one in this photo to the Cedar Springs Library. From left to right is Fred Gunnell, CS Historical Society; Amy Hall, CS Library Board; Jerry Hall, Mayor, CS City Council; Sharon Jett (in front of Jerry), CS Historical Society; Tanya Eldred, CS Historical Society; Donna Clark, CS Library Director; Dan Clark, Cedar Springs City Council. Post photo by J. Reed.

The Cedar Springs Rotary Club donated $8,000 to the CS Library for their children’s area. Pictured from left to right is Jerry Hall, Mayor, CS City Council; Amy Hall, CS Library Board; Donna Clark, CS Library Director; Julie Wheeler, Rotary; and Linda Stout, Rotary.

The Cedar Springs Public Library is nearing completion, and two local community organizations recently stepped and made donations toward the cause.

On Wednesday, March 15, the Cedar Springs Historical Society donated 40 chairs for use at the new library. The chairs were originally donated to the CS Museum several years ago by Steelcase, and valued at $100 each at the time. Now that the Museum has several pews from East Nelson UM church, they don’t have the need for the chairs. “Our whole board was so happy to be able to share them with another group right here in our community,” said Sharon Jett, Director.

The Cedar Springs Rotary also made a donation to the Library at its meeting on Wednesday, March 15.

“Cedar Springs Rotary is happy to help the new Cedar Springs Public Library with the children’s area via this $8000 donation,” they said in the announcement on their Facebook page.

Watch for more information in the Post as the Library gears up for opening in May!