Pictured (from L to R) is Perry Hopkins, Aubrianna Ensley, Patrick Ensley and Laura Ensley.

The Post traveled to Melbourne Beach, Florida over the Christmas weekend with Perry Hopkins and the Ensley family. 

Besides enjoying the weather, the friends took in some local sights.

“We sat on Melbourne Beach watching the variety of native birds catching fish, and explored their local farmers market and fresh seafood restaurants,” said Hopkins.

Thanks to you all for taking us 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!

The 5K race starts the day with registration at 8:30 and the race starting at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, July 30, at Baptist Lake Park, 8810 Oak Drive, Sand Lake. The registration fee is just $20.00 for all ages. Registration forms are available on line at ensleytownship.org/crimewatch.  Registration is also available the day of the race. The event is being sponsored by the Ensley Crime Watch, The Baptist Lake Association, and the Englewright Lake Association.

The picnic begins at 11:30. The firemen grill hotdogs; there will be chips, cookies, homemade pies, coffee, pop and more. There will be a small fee for lunch.

Special guests include the Sand Lake Fire Department (trucks/equipment will be available for viewing), the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Deputies (SWAT vehicles on site), and the Newaygo Marine Patrol and Dive team.

There will be a 50/50 raffle and nearly $1,000 in prizes will be raffled off from local businesses.

The afternoon concludes with candidates running for local office available for a meet and greet.

Proceeds from the event will help the Sand Lake Fire Department purchase rescue equipment.

Aaron Dault boots the ball toward the net.

Goalkeeper Kyle Coutchie prepares to blast the ball down into Coopersville territory.

The Cedar Springs Red Hawks opened conference play on Tuesday, August 30, at Coopersville. The Red Hawks challenged the Broncos, moving the ball well around the field. Cedar Springs took an early lead minutes into the game (36:57) when Aaron Dault darted his way through the Bronco’s defense, sending a direct pass over to Kyle Szirovecz, who finished the run and pounded the ball into the net. Kyle Szirovecz scored again minutes into the second half (37:37), when he received a pass from Jon Shaw. Szirovecz used his speed and foot skills to break away from the defenders and blasted the ball past the charging goalie. The final score ended with Cedar Springs 2-Coopersville 0.

On Thursday, September 1, 2011 Forest Hills Eastern Hawks traveled to Cedar Springs to play the Red Hawks. The match proved to be a tight battle as there was no score during the first half. Seconds into the second half, Lee Tompkins sent a ball to Kyle Szirovecz, who broke away from the defense and finessed the ball past the keeper into the right upper 90. The battle continued as Forest Hills answered with a goal of their own. Cedar Springs fans cheered when Robert Klein drilled a penalty kick into the net putting Cedar Springs ahead 2-1. Tensions intensified as Forest Hills maintained constant pressure on the defensive unit of Aaron Dault, Lee Tompkins, Donate Ensley, Bryan Taylor and goalkeeper Kyle Coutchie, who was credited with multiple saves. With minutes left in the game, Forest Hills put in two quick goals that the Red Hawks were unable to answer. At the buzzer, Cedar Springs fell to Forest Hills 2-3. Following the game, Cedar Springs Coach Avink praised his team for their efforts this week. “The guys played well as we entered into conference play this week. As our schedule continues to get tougher, we are excited to see what the team can do on the field.”

Hope to see lots of community support for this year’s varsity soccer team. Come out and cheer on your Red Hawks!