I would like to suggest to local business owners and managers that they get together and do something about the potholes in their parking lots before they lose a lot of business. Menards happens to have pothole patch on sale this week! Only $9.99 for a 50 lb bag. I’m sure you can find something similar locally if driving to Grand Rapids is an inconvenience. I know some of my friends are avoiding some businesses completely for fear of damaging their cars. If you are waiting for the property owner to take care of it, you might be in for a long wait unfortunately.

Helen Hoornstra, City of Cedar Springs

The En-Gedi Youth Center, based at Red Hawk Elementary School, is seeking a new youth director. Pastor Tom Holloway, director and co-founder of the center, is stepping down as director after recently being named senior pastor at Solon Center Wesleyan Church. Holloway, currently youth pastor there, will replace Pastor Doug DiBell, who is moving from the area.

“I would like to remain on the En-Gedi board but my primary focus will be on my new responsibility as Senior Pastor,” explained Holloway.

A search committee has been created to find a replacement for Holloway, who has served as director since the youth center first opened its doors last August,  with regular support from his wife, Kim, his parents, and several area volunteers.

In other En-Gedi news, the special event “Come be refreshed” was a rousing success. Robert Frostick, Special Event Chair and Board Treasurer, reported on it during their June meeting. “Our primary goal was to share information about En-Gedi and let the community know how our young people are utilizing the Youth Center. Our second goal was to host a Special Event that would both identify new volunteers and earn some much needed operational funding. This year’s event raised about $6,000. I believe the “Come Be Refreshed Special Event” was a huge success in meeting all our identified goals,” he said.

Ruth Reed

Attendees bid on 115 donated items from residents and businesses through a silent auction, and also enjoyed the dessert/buffet cook-off. Ruth Reed, owner of Ruthie’s Delights, received the most votes for her delicious cupcakes earning the “2011 Best Dessert Cup” trophy for a one-year reign. Runner-up for the Best Dessert was Mary Edison, owner of Tasty Temptations.

The youth center began summer hours on June 13. They are Mondays and Wednesday from noon-3 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.–noon but will be closed July 4-6.  All students entering grades 6-12th grades next year are welcome  to attend free of charge. All community members are invited to stop in to visit! Fall hours at the Youth Center will begin in September so watch the paper for details.