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.

Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser

Jan. 12: Help support Makhella’s Service Dog journey. Kayla has recently been diagnosed with a muscle deficiency in her eyes leaving her with low vision and near legally blind which causes difficulty in simple activities of daily living. Along with Kayla’s cognitive impairment from a tragic birth causes her to struggle with daily activities. As a vibrant 20 year old, Kayla is trying to be as independent as possible in her journey through adulthood. Doctors and Therapist both have suggested a Service Dog. So her journey begins… please support her journey by coming to Big Boy of Cedar Springs for an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, January 12, 5pm to 8pm. $12 per adult, $10 per child. Call 616-263-7025 for more info. #2

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Jan. 14:  2nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church Sunday, January 14^th at 6:00 pm. It will be at 2nd Chance School at 810 17 Mile Road, Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile Road and Olin Lakes Road). Music and Ministry will be shared by the group, Stroll Over Heaven, who will share their musical talent and the gospel. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church is held every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Each Service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. Cowboy Church 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 293-2150. See you there! #2b

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

Jan. 20: The Cedar Springs Lions Club’s Pancake Breakfast will be held Saturday, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Mar. 24 and Apr. 21 from 7 – 11 am at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, on the corner of Main and Church. $5 per person, children under 10 eat free. Pancakes, eggs,  sausage links, coffee and juice. Proceeds to assist sight conservation. #2,3b

Dave Ramsey – Financial Peace University

Jan. 21: What if you could always buy what you need interest-free? What if you could actually keep a percentage of your paycheck? Guess what? You CAN! With Dave Ramsey’s class Financial Peace University, you CAN take control of your money. If you’re interested in learning how to better manage your money, we’d like you to join us at Gowen Bible Church – Meddler Campus (16415 Meddler Ave., Sand Lake). Classes run every Sunday evening, Jan. 21 through Mar. 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. You can register online at www.daveramsey.com. Contact Leslie Wood at leslie@lawood.net or 989-287-0167 for more info. #2,3b

Owl Walk at HCNC

Jan. 26: “Twit twoo” It’s time for our yearly Owl Walk! Local naturalist and expert Greg Swanson is back to introduce you to owl biology! Greg will start with an indoor presentation, then we will all head outdoors to see if we can observe these perfect predators. Maybe one will even stop to say ‘hello’ as you listen to Greg call for them. Friday, January 26^th from 6 pm to 8 pm. This is a 12 year old and up event. Please flashlights ONLY AS NEEDED. Please no rowdiness or loud noises – we are in their habitat to listen, learn and explore. Free child care with crafts will be provided for children 11 and under. Non-members $5 per person or $15 per family of 4+, members $3 per person or $10 per family of 4+. Pre-registration requested, www.howardchristensen.org. 616-675-3158, Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16160 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. #2 

A sand dune at Silver Lake swallowed up a house in April. Photo from woodtv.com.

Ranger Steve Mueller

By Ranger Steve Mueller

Reading the landscape is a development skill taught in middle school Earth science. It is taught to preschoolers by parents. Young minds are open to learning.

The local news reported advancing sand dunes are burying homes. An Earth science lessen is easily forgotten without experiential learning. The dangers of building or buying a home too close to the big lake can be seen during family or school outings. It is a gamble to determine exactly which homes will get buried.

A trip to Lake Michigan’s shoreline dune complex for a swim will be a fun outing where one can see trees buried by moving sand at Hoffmaster State Park or in other parks. Some of the trees have adaptations allowing them to produce adventitious roots from tree trunks as their original roots get buried too deep to survive. The new roots give the tree continued life under tough circumstances.

At some future date, the sand dunes will shift and uncover tree trunks, exposing the roots developed from the growing trunk that was previously high in the air before being buried. If fortunate, the tree will have lived and died before sand is blown away to expose its skeleton.

One might refer to sand dunes as a living, moving, entity, but by reading the landscape, we discover they are not. Moving dunes bring life or death to species by the lake and will crush buildings. Contractors build and sell homes close to the shoreline. They arrive, construct and leave with a profit. The buyer that did not learn to read the landscape might lose their home to the crushing weight of sand depending on where the home was built.

The news showed a cottage that collapsed under the weight of moving sand. People were interviewed about nature’s destroying power. Owners are hiring bulldozer operators to move sand to save homes and resorts. The reporters hoped the home owners would win the fight against nature’s forces.

A fight is not necessary. If the people refused to buy homes close to shore or on shifting dunes, their homes would not be endangered. Many want the shoreline view and are willing to gamble their home’s future. The result is their home might be buried or washed into the lake. A Go-fund-me account has been established to help save homes because people cannot afford to hire contactors to keep moving sand.

Learning the school lessen might have resulted in choosing to live in a safer location. In the 1980’s I observed homes falling into Lake Michigan when high lake levels undercut foundations. I witnessed multi-million dollar homes fall into the Pacific Ocean as erosion undercut cliffs. The homes were too large to move and should not have been built close to the ocean.

Homes are built on barrier Islands along the Atlantic Ocean even though barrier islands are known to move and wash away. Classroom education is valuable but field trip experience is essential for learning to read the landscape. Book learning requires supplemental practical experiences to learn to read the landscape. That is the purpose of places like the Howard Christensen Nature Center and for parents to take families to natural areas.

I began as director at HCNC in 1986 when an Environmental Education Advocacy Council and School administrator agreement required some Kent ISD teachers to bring students to HCNC. I was told HCNC was securely funded by property taxes. As time passed, and shifting sands of education politics changed. I was told environmental education was no longer a priority in America after the early 2000’s presidential election. The Kent ISD stopped funding HCNC. An impact of that decision might result in students losing their homes to nature’s forces when they are grown. We are in a phase of political temperament again when many want to focus only on the present without considering the triple bottom line of economic, social, and environmental impacts for the future. Economic health cannot be sustained without social and environmental sustainability. Security in our personal nature niche depends on the shifting sands of politics and how well people learn to read the landscape to protect their wellbeing and investments.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at odybrook@chartermi.net – Ody Brook Nature Sanctuary, 13010 Northland Dr. Cedar Springs, MI 49319 or call 616-696-1753.

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.

Library Spring Book Sale

Apr. 20-22: The Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL branch will hold their Spring Book Sale on Thursday, April 20^th from 10 am to 7 pm, Friday, April 21^st from 10 am to 7 pm and Saturday, April 22^nd from 10 am to 2 pm. The sale will be held in the Library Community Room. The library is located at 88 Eighth St. in Sand Lake. 616-784-2007. #15,16p

Mom2Mom Sale

Apr. 22: Come shop our huge selection of children’s items and mommy must haves! Stop by our bake sale for some yummy sweets, win a gift basket at the raffle table or even grab a bite to eat for lunch. This Saturday, April 22^nd from 9 am to 2 pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 180 S. Third St. in Sand Lake. For questions or concerns please contact Nicole at 616-263-9662. #16

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Apr. 23: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, April 23^rd 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 shared by Ben Crofoot and the Crofoot family. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Each service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. Cowboy Church 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! #16p

The Gathering Invites You

Apr. 23: Are you 18-29? Are you looking for a place to belong? The Gathering welcomes you and invites you to join us Sunday, April 23^rd at 5:45 for a time of fun, fellowship, and worship. Come hear a positive message and make a difference in the community. We are located at Midtown, 130 N. Luray St., Greenville, MI 48838. Feel free to bring a friend and check us out on Facebook. #16

Free Family Event

Apr. 28: En Gedi and the YMCA are co-sponsoring a FREE Family Event at the Belmont YMCA on Friday, April 28^th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. The facility will be open to all families at no charge. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. This opportunity is being provided with the En Gedi Mission of “building families”. More details on the En Gedi Facebook page or for any questions you can contact Pastor Craig at CraigTOwens1@gmail.com. #16

Youth Theatre Workshop

Apr. 29: The Cedar Spring Community Players will be putting on a theatre workshop for youth ages 8-18 on Saturday, April 29^th. Sign up information and more details on www.cedarspringscommunityplayers.org. #16

Volunteer Day at HCNC

Apr. 29: Volunteers are what makes Howard Christensen Nature Center happen. We always have a lot more work to be done than manpower to do it. Come on out and give us a hand anytime by calling the office. HCNC’s annual Spring work day, Saturday, April 29^th all day, is a great opportunity to help us plant flowers, clean up trails from winter and get ready for another great summer of events. There will be a book and plant sale on that day. HCNC is located at 16160 Red Pine Dr., Kent City. 616-675-3158. #16

Carnival Bingo

May 6: Come join the fun, and help the North Kent Senior Citizens Association raise money to help pay for their furnace on Saturday, May 6^th from 10 am to 3 pm. We will have a baked goods sale going on, and chances to win gift baskets as well. So come check out the Senior Center, 44 N. Park St., Cedar Springs, and have a great time playing bingo! Only 25¢ for 3 bingo cards per game to play. #16

Hunter Safety Class at HCNC

May 9: Howard Chirstensen Nature Center will hold Hunter Safety Class starting on Tuesday, May 9^th from 5-8 pm, Thursday, May 11^th from 5-8 pm and Saturday, May 13^th from 9-1 pm. Join Deputy Scott Cook and Director Dave all three days for our Spring Hunters Safety Class. After completion of this course you will leave with your certificate from the Michigan DNR affirming your knowledge of safety afield. $5 per person or Free for members. HCNC, 16160 Red Pine Dr., Kent City, requests preregistration, www.HowardChristensen.org. 616-675-3158. #16

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.

Bunco at Rockford Masonic Lodge

Apr. 7: Join us for Bunco on the first Friday of each month (April 7, May 5, etc.) 6 pm at the Rockford Masonic Lodge, 1430 Northland Dr. (across from Bell Furniture). $5 donation requested to play – bring a friend the first time free! Bring a snack to share at break time if you wish. Join us for lots of fun, fellowship, prizes and a 50/50 raffle each night. Sponsored by the Rockford Order of the Eastern Star. Everyone welcome! Questions? Call: Dixie 616-437-7445. #14

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Apr. 9: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, April 9^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). The message and music will be shared by Gilbert Morris and his guitar from Greenville, Michigan. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Each service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. Cowboy Church 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! #14p

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

Apr. 15: The Cedar Springs Lions Club’s Pancake Breakfast will be held this Saturday, April 15^th from 7 – 11 am at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, on the corner of Main and Church. Adults $8 and Family $25. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, juice, coffee. All you can eat. The last planned date is April 16^th. Proceeds to assist sight conservation. #14

Easter Egg-Stravaganza @ Solon Center

Apr. 15: An Easter Egg-Stravaganza, a celebration for children will be held on Saturday, April 15th at the Solon Center Wesleyan Church. There’ll be hot dogs, candy, and an Easter Egg Hunt with 4,000 candy filled Easter Eggs! On display will be a Solon Township fire truck, Michigan State & Kent County Sheriff police cruisers and some hot rods. Registration begins at 11 am, and egg hunts will take place for all children 10 years and under beginning at Noon. Two bikes donated by Meijer will be given as grand prizes!! For more information go to: www.scwchurch.org or call the church office at 696-3229. The church is located at 15671 Algoma Avenue, just north of 19 Mile Road. All families welcome! #14,15p

Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch at HCNC

Apr. 15: The 7^th Annual Easter Hunt with Pancake Brunch for Howard Christensen Nature Center will be held on Saturday, April 15^th from noon to 2 pm. Brunch is served from noon to 2 pm and the Easter Egg Hunt begins promptly for all ages at 2 pm. Brunch is $5 per person or $15 per family of 4 or more and includes the Easter Egg Hunt. Easter Egg Hunting only is $1 per egg hunter. HCNC members: $3 pancakes, free Egg hunting. 16160 Red Pine Drive, Kent City, 616-675-3158, registration online at www.HowardChristensen.org. #14

Mystery Dinner Theater @ Solon Center

Apr. 21: Solon Center Wesleyan and the Cedar Springs Community Players will present “ Awesome 80’s Prom” Mystery Dinner Theater on Friday, April 21^st. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets: $15 single or $25 couples. For tickets call 616-263-9573. Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Ave. Cedar Springs. #14,15p

Spring Rummage Sale

Apr. 26, 27: The Cedar Springs United Methodist Church Women is hosting their Spring Rummage Sale in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, April 26^th from 9 am to 7 pm and Thursday, April 27^th from 9 am to 2 pm. There will be a bag sale on Thursday. The church is located on the corner of Main and Church Streets. Proceeds go toward their mission projects. #14,15p

Ranger Steve Mueller

By Ranger Steve Mueller

As a child, I observed toilet paper rolls were not wrapped around a cardboard tube. By the time we removed the paper, a cardboard tube had grown on the inside of the roll. I remember my mother telling me a rock on a street corner near her house grew larger as she was growing up.

Our observations were faulty. Both my mom and I thought we made good observations. I looked inside the paper roll and did not see the cardboard. I was not perceptive enough. Mom did not make measurements on the rock to verify growth.

I recall taking local middle school students to Costa Rica to learn about Tropical Rain Forest. We visited schools to plant trees with students. We shared that forests are a renewable resource that were being cut faster than they could regenerate. Some rainforest soils get baked to laterite rock when cleared of trees.

Sustainable practices that support future generations of people living in the rainforest and here need to manage rainforest differently if we desire to have toilet paper or other forest products in the future. Some apply temperate forest management practices there and are unwilling to change because they desire to think it will work anywhere. As adults, we are not making accurate observations based on sound scientific investigations.

Naturally, tree harvest industries are most interested in cutting trees and shipping them. They keep moving and clearing rainforest without adequate concern regarding the impact on the local community or future generations. For some, the goal is only short-term profit for the company. Many people feel that is in their best personal interest and it is particularly true if they invest money in mutual funds that include that forestry company.

Others seek socially screened industry investments that work to provide healthy economic, social, and environmental practices for both present and future generations. It is known as the triple bottom line.

A recent national survey prioritized 12 US citizen concerns. Environment was number 11 of 12. The only one of less concern was immigration. Political policies are based on constituent desires. It is good when people develop good observation skills and behave to support the triple bottom line for the present and future.

When I was director at the Howard Christensen Nature Center, it was operated by the Kent Intermediate School District serving Kent County public and private schools. One purpose was to provide hands on learning to help students develop careful observation skills and to learn how scientists constantly review the work of other scientists to find flaws and correct them. When studies involve things like how nature niches work in forests, we can improve best practice management. Science has self-correcting peer review.

Field trip learning helps children develop accurate observations in fun natural locations. They learn to draw better conclusions than I did regarding toilet paper growing cardboard while on the paper holder.

The Kent ISD superintendent, in 2005, told me they were closing the Howard Christensen Nature Center because environmental education was no longer a priority in America. He stated he was not saying it lacked importance but only it was no longer a priority in America. In the presidential election prior to 2005, Al Gore, with a sustainable environment policy, won the popular vote but lost the electoral. The recent election went the same way with the sustainable environment policy candidate winning the popular vote but losing the election. Environment was only one of twelve American priorities but indicated a sustainable environment for future generations is low on our priority list. The role of environment for sustaining a stable economy is important.

Encourage your children’s teachers to go to HCNC. It is now operated as an independent nature center. Purchase a 2017 family membership. Rent snowshoes there and have fun outdoors. Emotionally connect with the environment that supports us and our future. It will help raise a sustainable environment priority.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at odybrook@chartermi.net – Ody Brook Nature Sanctuary, 13010 Northland Dr. Cedar Springs, MI 49319 or call 616-696-1753.

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.

Halloween Extreme at the CS Historical Museum

Oct. 29: Don’t miss Halloween Extreme at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum in Morley Park on Saturday, October 29th from 5 to 7 pm. This special evening is for teens and adults, a little scary for the little ones but loads of fun for our older visitors. #43p

Cedar Springs Halloween Spooktacular

Oct. 31:  The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, businesses and churches in Cedar Springs are sponsoring the annual Cedar Springs Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 31. Some of the free events include trick or treating from 4:30-7 p.m. at area businesses and City Hall, with maps available at the Library; The Cedar Springs Historical Museum will be having their Haunted School House from 5- 7 p.m.; Apple Cider from the Kent County Traffic Squad and Candy by the Cedar Springs Fire Department at the Fire barn (Maple Street); The Springs Church Trunk or Treating from 6-8 p.m; warm up at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church with hot chocolate and treats. #43

Halloween Hospitality Center

Oct. 31: Warm up and rest station at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main St., Cedar Springs on Monday, October 31st from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Serving hot chocolate, popcorn and treats. Hope to see you then. #42,43p

Haunted School House 

Oct. 31: On Halloween night be sure to visit the Haunted School House in Morley Park. This Spooktacular event will be open from 5 to 7 pm. Our volunteers Marie and Nolon Patin along with Phil Mann will transform the one room school next to the museum into a fun and spooky place at visit. This event is suitable for all ages. #43

Trunk or Treat at Hillcrest

Oct. 31: Monday, October 31st: It’s Trunk or Treat fun time! Come check out our crazy trunks from 6 – 8 pm at Hillcrest Community Church of God located at 5994 – 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. Don’t miss out on the safe family fun! #43

God’s Kitchen in Cedar Springs

Nov. 1,8,15,22,29: Join us for dinner every Tuesday. God’s Kitchen – Cedar Springs welcomes families from Northern Kent County and the surrounding area to a Tuesday Evening Meal. No charge – no registration required!  Served from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the St. John Paul II Parish, 3110 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. For more information, call the Church office at 616-696-3904. #43

Seuss on STEAM at KDL

Nov. 2,3: Kids are never too young to be introduced to basic scientific principles, especially when it involves fun activities based on their favorite Dr. Seuss books. For ages 6 and younger. Wednesday, November 2, 10 a.m. and Thursday, November 3, 6:30 p.m., Spencer Twp. KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler, Gowen. #43

Fall Festival at Cedar Springs UMC

Nov. 5: The annual Fall Festival will be on Saturday, November 5th from 9 am to 2 pm at the United Methodist Church in Cedar Springs. Booths will include: Cookie Patch, Jewelry, Grandma’s Attic, Book Nook, Toys and Home Made Crafts. The church is located at 140 S. Main St. All are welcome. Celebrate the season with us. #43,44

Sand Lake Lions Club Variety Sale

Nov. 5: The Sand Lake Lions Club will host a Variety Sale on Saturday, November 5th from 9 am – 3 pm at the Sand Lake United Methodist Church ED building. Located on the corner of 6th and Maple Streets. Antiques/Vintage collectibles and crafts, quality used clothing, miscellaneous items. #43,44

HCNC Holiday Make and Take

Nov. 12: Nothing Says Happy holidays like a homemade gift from a youngster. Bring your kiddos to Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16160 Red Pine Drive, Kent City on Saturday, November 12 from 10 am to 1 pm to make holiday gifts, ornaments and other crafts that can become gifts from the heart and the pride of your child! Drop off your child (5 and over) for a few hours while you shop for them and they become some of Santa’s greatest Elves. $8 per child, $5 for members. HCNC requests pre-registration to all events. Pre-registration online allows us to ensure enough supplies for all attendees. 616-675-3158.  #43

HCNC Wreath Making

Nov. 12: Come on back and make this years wreath from natural supplies. While they may not last as long as an artificial wreath, they are sure to fill your home with that aromatic sense of the holidays and add even more beauty because you made it! Have kids? This is a great time for them to join other “elves” in the Make and Take at the same time! Saturday, November 12 from 10 am to 1 pm. $10 per person, $5 for members.  Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16160 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. HCNC requests pre-registration to all events. Pre-registration online allows us to ensure enough supplies for all attendees. 616-675-3158.  #43

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Fun and Film

Nov. 21: Join KDL at Celebration Cinema North in the Wave Room for the ultimate Harry Potter experience! Wear your favorite Hogwarts costume, hang out with other fans and try your hand at wizard crafts. After the party, head downstairs for a 7 p.m. private showing of “Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.” Seats in the theater are limited. Purchase tickets in advance any KDL location or online at www.kdl.org. Tickets are $15 per person and include pop and popcorn. For teens grades 6-12. Monday, November 21, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. #43

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.

Spring Craft and Vendor Show

Apr. 23: The Hillcrest Community Church of God, 5994 – 18 Mile Rd., is hosting a Spring Craft and Vendor Show on Saturday, April 23^rd from 9 am to 2 pm. Come and support your local crafters and vendors. Check out our yummy bake sale items! #15,16p

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Apr. 14: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, April 24, 2016 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). The message will be shared by Ron Lynnes who will also be sharing his music with us. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Each service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #16p

Senior Lunch at Pine Grove Community Church 

Apr. 27: Ma n Pa Pinegrove are back from far flung warmer climes.  Cock your ear and take a listen, Ma’s bustling ‘round the kitchen.  Checkin this n checkin that, but what she’ll be cookin . . . . . well she’s keeping that under her hat.  So if you’re age 60 or perhaps even more, join us as we throw open our door.  The new season of Senior Café 2016 has begun.  Come on in, we’ll all have fun.  Twill be Noon the 27^th of April, please do come if at all you are able.  Where O Where is it you beseech?  ‘tis here on the Northwest corner of M-82 and Beech. #16

“Spring Into the Past”

Apr. 30-May 1: “Spring Into the Past” and discover the small museums of the Tri-River Historical Museum Network including Cedar Springs Museum, Rockford Area Museum, Oakfield (Twp) Museum and Plainfield Township’s Hyser Rivers Museum in Belmont. These and over 20 other member museums from Hastings to Edmore, Cedar Springs to Portland will be opne from 11 am to 5 pm. Download a guide at www.addorio.com/TriRiver/springintopast2016.pdf or pick up one at any member museum. Ask about the new Tri-River Quilt Trail, too. #16

Auditions for “Young Frankenstein”

May 1-3: The Flat River Community Players will hold auditions for the musical “Young Frankenstein” on Sunday, May 1^st from 1 to 3 pm and Monday, May 2^nd and Tuesday, May 3^rd from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Greenville. Director Amanda Hall and music director pending are looking to cast 3 adult women and 7 adult men and a mixed chorus: all of varying ages late teen/20’s through 60-70’s. Auditioners should bring a prepared solo, Broadway song preferred, with either sheet music or recorded accompaniment, no a capella, please. Five performances are scheduled for July 8 – 16. Questions? Call the FRCP at 616-754-8207. Visit the Players’ website: www.frcp.org.

Hunter Safety at HCNC

May 10,12,14: Join Deputy Scott Cook and Director David Kieft for 3 separate days to receive your hunters safety certificate. May 10^th from 5 – 8 pm, May 12^th from 5 to 8 pm and May 14^th from 10 am to 2 pm. Classes are limited by the MDNR to 50 students. Facility cost is $5 per student. Online students MUST register for the field day as this is included in the state required class capacity. Register online, www.HowardChristensen.org, or by calling 616-675-3158. 16160 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. #16

Red Flannel Queen Scholarship Pageant information meetings

May 10 & 17: Attention all young ladies living in the Cedar Springs School district, or attending school within the CS School District, who will be in the 11th grade in the 2016-2017 school year, with a 3.0 or greater GPA.  There will be after-school information meetings for anyone interested in being a part of the 2016 Red Flannel Queen Scholarship Pageant – Cedar Springs High School: Tuesday, May 10 at 2:40 pm in the auditorium. CTA: Tuesday, May 17 at 2:50 in the cafeteria. For more information, or if you can not make one of these meetings, contact pageant director Kaleigh Rosenberger at redflannelpageant@gmail.com. #16b

By Ranger Steve Mueller

Finding family time can be challenging. Finding family time enjoying the outdoors especially in winter can be challenging. Finding family time in quiet solitude away from electric distractions can be challenging. Finding a fun safe physical healthy activity can be challenging. Finding fun that is inexpensive can be challenging.

The Howard Christensen Nature Center (HCNC) will help families fill all those needs. Plan a couple hours adventure on snowshoes on HCNC trails. Trails are well marked and walks can be short or long depending on your desire. Cost: $3.75/person, $3/students, $3/seniors.

Most everyone from early elementary age to senior citizens can use snowshoes. It is a wonderful adventure for multi-generation families to share a common activity. Grandparents, kids, and grandkids can enjoy time together outdoors and indoors. Those wishing not to snowshoe can enjoy discovery inside the Red Pine Interpretive Center while others are on trails.

Traditional wood snowshoes or plastic snowshoes are available. A pair should be found that works for each family member. Bindings on the plastic shoes attach easily with a rubber binder that stretches over the boot heel. Traditional snowshoes have strap bindings. One places their toe in the front binding and fastens a strap over the boot. One’s boot heel is not attached to the shoes like occurs with downhill skies. This allows one to walk nearly normally. There is no left and right snowshoe but bindings are attached in a manner that makes it easier for a left or right foot. Tightening the binding is easier when placed on the appropriate foot. HCNC staff will assist.

One difference for walking is that the large snowshoes size spreads ones weight on the snow to limit the depth the shoe sinks into snow. That purpose is what makes walking in snowshoes effective in deep snow. The snowshoe size requires people spread their feet farther apart than normal. We adjust to the change quickly. It is necessary to leave space between people. If one gets too close they step on the hidden snowshoe tail of the person’s shoe in front of them.

You might like to venture out with members of our community for a special candlelight snowshoeing event planned for Valentine’s evening on February 14, 2014. Enjoy a guided tour through the nature center’s scenic trails. Hot refreshments will be served and snowshoe equipment will be provided. An approximate two-mile walk through candlelit trails will be memorable. Enjoy romantic stories around the campfire at Camp Lily’s location and roast marshmallows. $5/person or $20/family is a suggested for that event. A larger donation will greatly help HCNC’s programming and community service.

Finding HCNC’s web site can be difficult. Visit it at http://lilysfrogpad.com. If you Google Howard Christensen Nature Center, Lily’s Frog pad will also come up. But if you Google HCNC, an old website will be listed. Click that and on the right side under Mission Statement is a forwarding address to click. When that is clicked, it brings you the current Howard Christensen Nature Center site operated by Lily’s Frog Pad. Once at the site click “Programs” and scroll down to Winter Snowshoeing for options and times. Volunteers are always needed. If someone knows how to have a Google search take people directly to HCNC’s current web site when HCNC is entered in the search box, your volunteer help would be appreciated.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at odybrook@chartermi.net Ody Brook, 13010 Northland Dr, Cedar Springs, MI 49319-8433. 

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.

TOPS weight loss support group

Jan. 28: 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. In case of inclement weather, meetings are cancelled if Tri-County or Cedar Springs schools are closed. Call Martha at 696-1039 for more information. #4

Winter Family Fun Day at HCNC

Feb. 1: Be a proud Michigander get out and enjoy winter. Here is your chance to come out and play in the snow with us. Children’s games, free snowshoe walk with your family, snowman or snow animal building contest, hula hoop contest, bubble blowing (if temp is below 32), make a snow glove, use our water filled bottles of color to create snow art in our open prairie. Then warm up with a bowl of chili or some s’mores around the campfire at Camp Lily’s location. Saturday, February 1 from12 noon to 3 pm. Donation of $6/person or $15 family. Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16190 Red Pine Dr., Kent City. 616-675-3158. #4

Springs Soccer Registration

Feb. 4&6: Springs 2014 Soccer Registration for American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is Tuesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 6 at Burger King Restaurant, 4065 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs from 6 – 8 pm. Fee for the Spring Session is $60 per child with a $5 discount per child for families registering 3 or more players. Players must be at least 4 years of age by March 24, 2014. First time players – please bring Birth Certificate for age verification. Please complete online application at www.eayso.org – print two copies and take advantage of our Express Lane! These will be the final registration dates for the Spring Season. Please tell you friends and neighbors. If you have questions please contact us through the link on our website: www.ayso902.org. #4-6p