The weather kept them guessing but Sunday, January 12 turned out to be a fine day for a grand opening of a new church in Cedar Springs named Rise Up Church.

“It was a wonderful day,” said Dave Van Harten, of Cedar Springs, a “launch team” participant who has been helping to develop the new church since early last year.

Rise Up Church has been holding weekly launch team gatherings, monthly invitation events, and monthly community engagement activities since early last year in order to invite people to get involved and to discern how they might join the city and the city’s people in helpful ways.

Sunday’s grand opening at Cedar Springs Middle School at the corner 16 Mile and Northland Drive marked the beginning of every-Sunday worship services for the new church. Worship services will now be weekly at 10 a.m. at the school. Pastor Jon Huizenga invites Cedar Springs area residents to “come and help us become a community of love in the name of Jesus, in and with and among all the people of Cedar Springs.”

Sunday, September 15, at Cedar Springs Middle School

Rise Up Church, a new church in Cedar Springs, is holding its first ever worship service on September 15, at 10:00 a.m. at Cedar Springs Middle School. The church’s pastor, Rev. Jon Huizenga, said that this would be the first of three monthly services scheduled (September 15, October 20, November 17). A grand opening of weekly Sunday worship will follow later.

“We want to be an accepting, non-judgmental church community that celebrates God rising up to show his compassion in Cedar Springs,” said Huizenga. The young church has been active since January holding weekly launch team gatherings plus monthly invitation events and monthly community engagement and serving projects. 

According to church information, one can expect to experience at the service: “Safe, enjoyable children’s ministry for infants through elementary school. Drinks and snacks. Freedom to wear what you want and to be accepted as you are. A new church community that celebrates God rising up to show his compassion in Cedar Springs.”

Jon and his wife, Sam, have worked with teams to start two other churches. Most recently Jon started and led River Rock Church in Rockford. The Huizengas are planning to move into their new home on Dio Drive at the end of September. “We love the city of Cedar Springs and look forward to living alongside all of our neighbors here,” Huizenga said. “We would love to meet you on September 15 if you are able to join us.”

Follow them on Facebook, just search for “rise up church.”

Cedar Springs Middle School student Brendan Allan Marshall, 14, traveled to Adrian, Michigan on Saturday, April 13, where he was presented a Michigan Art Education Association (MAEA) award for placing in the top 100 middle school students in the state of Michigan for his artwork.

Brendan is the son of Rick and Laura Marshall, of Solon Township. He was one of five students chosen by art teacher Sarah Griesenger, at Cedar Springs Middle School, where he attends 8^th grade.

His artwork was a polygonal (many angled) portrait of our first president, George Washington, done in colored pencil and sharpie.

Student artwork from across the state was presented to MAEA and judged by a panel of professionals. Those chosen went on display at the Grand Rapids Art Museum in February. The artwork chosen from that presentation continued on as part of a state traveling show.

As one of the state’s top finalists, Brendan was presented with his award and was able to attend a free workshop at the Adrian Center for the Arts. Keep up the good work, Brendan!

Hunter Hankiewicz, 12, of Spencer Township, had a successful youth hunt Sunday, September 23, in Mason County, where he took this three-point buck. This is the second buck for Hunter, and  third deer total. Hunter is in the 8^th grade at Cedar Springs Middle School. Congratulations, Hunter! 

The Cedar Springs Men and Ladies of Honor held their first annual “Honors Celebration” at Cedar Springs Middle School on Friday evening, May 11. Men and Ladies of Honor is a Christian character-building club for 6th-8th grade young men and young ladies. It focuses on building qualities such as integrity, honesty, perseverance, chivalry, compassion, leadership and more. There were families, relatives, school staff, law enforcement, pastors, community leaders, and many more in attendance.

The evening started with the Grand Entrance by the Ladies of Honor and then followed by the Men of Honor. Mr. Randy Badge welcomed everyone in attendance followed by a video message from founder and executive director Tony Rorie and his wife Melissa from Dallas, Texas.

Middle School Principal Sue Spahr spoke to the crowd about the importance of the program in the life of middle school students and the need to have Men and Ladies of Honors in other middle schools in the area. Sgt. Jason Kelley from the Kent County Sheriff’s Department read a proclamation from Sheriff Larry Stelma proclaiming the day as “Men and Ladies of Honor Day in Cedar Springs.”

Cedar Springs Senior high school leader Joseph Wheaton shared how the program has impacted his own life.

Each young lady was awarded a Lady of Honor Medallion by leaders Jessica Debaja and Kelley Bergsma. Each young man was awarded a Men of Honor Medallion by leaders Craig Carter and Joe Hart. Participants also could earn Tenant Pins in the areas of Courage, Character, Diligence, Compassion and Leadership. Day Jones, Mason Vernon and Nick Walukonis were partially commissioned by leaders Randy Badge and Matt Grasmeyer and received their Men of Honor daggers.

Many thanks to those who support and sponsor the Men and Ladies of Honor program. There will be a Golf Fund Raiser at Boulder Creek Golf Course on

Friday, June 22nd at 8:30 a.m. If anyone would like to participate in the event or help donate to the Men and Ladies, please contact Randy Badge at rrbadge@hotmail.com. You can also check out the Cedar Springs program on Facebook at The Men of Honor – Cedar Springs.

Kathy Zimbicki, from Gaylord, also won in the King/Queen category with this Double Wedding Ring quilt

Kathy Zimbicki, from Gaylord, won with Grace’s Quilt in the Crib/Wall Hanging category.

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor even ice, kept people away from the 6^th annual Quilt Show put on by the Cedar Springs Friends of the Library last Saturday, April 14. The show was held in the Cedar Springs Middle School gym, and according to Kaye Nimphie, President of the Cedar Springs Friends of the Library, 99 people showed up to attend the show.

Nimphie explained that the quilt show had 43 quilts entered with Viewer’s Choice winners in four categories. Kathy Zimbicki, from Gaylord, won with Grace’s Quilt in the Crib/Wall Hanging category and in the King/Queen category with a Double Wedding Ring quilt. Amy Ortego, from Rockford, won in the Full/Twin category with her Rooken quilt and in the Table Topper/Tote category with her Confident Beginner submission. 

Amy Ortego, from Rockford, won in the Table Topper/Tote category with her Confident Beginner submission.

Amy Ortego, from Rockford, won in the Full/Twin category with this Rooken quilt.

The Friends raised $1,444 for the Library, which will be spent on various library programs.

If anyone is interested in joining the CS Friends of the Library, please call the CS Public Library at 696-1910. “We would welcome you with open arms,” said Nimphie. 

She said they meet five times a year and currently hold four fundraising events per year.

Cedar Springs Middle School wrestlers took 2nd at Ravenna last weekend. Courtesy photo.

On Saturday, February 3, 35 wrestlers from the Cedar Springs Middle School wrestling team traveled to Ravenna, where 13 grapplers placed.

Gavin Lewis, 80lbs weight class took 2nd place; Cole Haack, 110 lbs weight class took 3rd place; Ben Brunner, 115 lbs weight class took 2nd place; Logan Troupe, 120lbs weight class took first place; Kaden Schmid, 125 lbs weight class took 2nd place; Carter Falan, 125lbs weight class took 3rd place; Alex Reman, 137 lbs weight class took first place; Logan Harris, 137 lbs weight class took 4th place; Kanin Wagner-Bumstad, 155 lbs weight class took 4th place; Maston Wood, 167lbs weight class took first place; Westley Wentworth 215lbs weight class took 3rd place. 

Good job, Red Hawks! 

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.

Head Start for Kent County

Apply today! North Kent Head Start a high quality preschool program is taking applications. No cost to families. 3 year old – full day classes. Family support – transportation (in most areas). Nutritious meals and snacks. Child Health and Development screenings. Accommodations for children with disabilities. Families must meet eligibility guidelines. Complete an application on our website www.hs4kc.org or call 616-453-4145. #28,29b

Potluck Picnic, Movie and Sidewalk Sales

July 14,15 : Christmas in July Community Potluck Picnic and Movie in Morley Park: The fun starts Friday, July 14^th at  6 pm in Morley Park. This year the Cedar Springs area Chamber of Commerce has decided to add a community potluck/picnic to the Christmas in July movie in Morley Park event. This is a free event where everyone is welcome. Bring the family down & a dish to pass and enjoy dinner and yard games in the park before the movie starts! This year’s Christmas in July movie will be “Arthur Christmas”. Saturday July 15^th over 90 businesses & vendors will participate in Christmas in July Sidewalk Sales. #28b

Sing to the Lord

July 16: 2^nd Chance will be having gospel hymn sing on Sunday, July 16^th 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. Sing to the Lord hymn sings will 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! #28b

Dinner at the Legion

July 17: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Baked Chicken dinner on Monday, July 17^th , from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies, salad, roll, dessert and drink. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #28

VBS at Ensley Baptist Church

July 17-21: Ensley Baptist Church, 7077 E. 120^th St., Sand Lake will be hosting Vacation Bible School, “Camp Kilimanjaro” an epic expedition through Proverbs, July 17 thru 21 from 9 am to 12 noon. Ages: pre-K thru 6^th grade. #28

Alan Kazam – Magic Show

July 18: If it’s fun, laughter and unforgettable memories you’re looking for, then come watch Alan Kazam, a professional magician who has been delighting audiences with his unique brand of magic for over 20 years. Presented by the Cedar Springs Community Library on Tuesday, July 18^th from 1 to 2 pm at Cedar Springs Middle School, corner Northland Drive and 16 Mile Rd. #28

Celebrate Recovery Tent Meeting

July 18: The weekly (Tuesday at 6:30 pm) meeting fo the nationally recognized program Celebrate Recovery will be a tent meeting outside on Tuesday, July 18^th at Hillcrest Community Church, 5993 – 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Phone 616-696-9333 for more information. #28

Michigan Blood Drive

July 18: A Michigan Blood Drive will be held on July 18^th at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church from 12:30 pm until 7 pm. Members of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club will be grilling hot dogs for all those who attempt to donate. Chips and a drink will be included. Summer is a particularly slow number for donors but a high demand for blood. Each donation has the potential to save 3 Michigan lives. The Blood Center thanks all the people that donate at the Cedar Springs blood drive. #28

VBS at Cedar Springs UMC

July 24-27: Come and discover your Super strength with us at “Hero Central!” We’ll have lots of fun – including crafts, games, stories and much more. Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main Street. July 24^th to the 27^th from 6 to 8 pm. Find registration forms on our website, www.cedarspringsumc.org, outside of the Sanctuary or in the church office. Contact Sally Johnson with any questions at 616-788-8225 or email: sallex58@gmail.com. #28,29b

VBS at Resurrection Lutheran Church

July 24-28: Vacation Bible School at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 180 Northland Drive, Sand Lake will be held July 24^th – 28^th from 6 to 8 pm. Ages 4 years old to sixth grade (entering). For registration information, please email churchresurrection@yahoo.com or call 616-636-5502. #27-29b

This quilt will be raffled off at the Cedar Springs Friends of the Library quilt show on March 18. Get your tickets at the library.

The Cedar Springs Friends of the Library will be having their 5th Annual Quilt Show fundraiser on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cedar Springs Middle School. Admission is $2 per person, and under 12 is free.

The Friends will once again be raffling off a beautiful quilt that was designed by Barb Grutter, pieced by Louise King, and quilted by Aerie Quilting. Raffle tickets are available at the Library or at Luv 2 Quilt for $1 each or 6 for $5. The quilt will also soon be on display at Independent Bank and they will have raffle tickets as well.

The Friends are also taking registrations for people who would like to show their quilts. They have changed and added categories to have better variety and competition. The categories are: King/Queen; Full/Twin; Crib/Wall-Hanging; and Table Topper/Tote. There is a limit of three items per person, and you will need a registration form for each quilt shown. Quilts should not be shown that have been shown previously. Quilt registration forms are available at the library or by calling either Barb Grutter at 616.263.9500 or Louise King at 616.696.1376.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017 6 p.m. 

at Cedar Springs Middle School Cafeteria

Cedar Trials, Beach and Cedar View Elementary Schools will be hosting this event.  See you there.

The ladies fought but fell to the Algoma Christian Knights in their second game of the season, which was played at “home” at Cedar Springs Middle School on Dec. 9. Faith Watson led the ladies scoring efforts with six points and was supported with points from Brianne Calkins, Holly Fahling, Hannah Hofstra, Tori Wierda and Devin Slocum. Zoe Roesner and Autumn Watson contributed valuable defensive minutes and were key players in the game. The Lady Chargers showed growth in their confidence in their roles and are looking forward to their next challenge against Aviation Academy on Dec. 22. Everyone got in on the action and was able to gain game experience. The girls are making progress and are demonstrating a stronger grasp on their offensive and defensive roles. Creative Technologies Academy Boys Varsity Basketball won against Algoma Christian with a final score of 67- 61.

The 2016-2017 competitive cheer season has begun. Cedar Springs Middle School, coached by Deb Garza and Abby Olszewski, took the mat for the first time December 1 at Coopersville Middle School and brought home their first conference win of the season.

Saturday was the start to Cedar Springs high school JV and Varsity season. This brought the girls to Comstock Park High School for the CCCAM Scholarship Invitational, where there were 23 teams from 3 divisions competing.

After the completion of Rounds 1 and 2, Cedar Springs JV, coached by Katy Hradsky, had a combined score of  243.34. Cedar Springs Varsity, coached by Anne Olszewski, had a combined score of 401.56. That brings us to Round 3 where the girls display their impressive stunting and tumbling skills.

After the completion of Round 3, Cedar Springs JV earned a score of 226.08 bringing their total score to 470.14 and earning them a 2nd place finish for their division. Cedar Springs Varsity earned a score of 216.3 bringing their total to 617.56 and earning them a 3rd place finish for their division.
Our next middle school competition will be Thursday, December 15 at Cedar Springs. The JV and Varsity teams’ next competition will be December 21 at Mona Shores. Come out and support a great group of coaches and cheerleaders as they show their pride in being a Red Hawk.