Sgt. Jason Kelly explained that one of an officer’s tools is a bulletproof vest. Post photo by J. Reed.

It was great week of summer reading fun at the Cedar Springs Library this past week, with programs highlighting everyday heroes and animal super powers.

Fire Chief Marty Fraser and Firefighter Stacey Velting from the Cedar Springs Fire Department showed up for preschool storytime, Wednesday, June 24. They showed the kids what firefighters look like dressed up in their turn out gear, and then the kids were able to try it on themselves. The children were also able to climb up and inspect the fire truck.  It was a wonderful way to celebrate these everyday heroes!

Mr. Pete from the Kalamazoon Nature Center talked about the superpowers of animals in our own backyards. Courtesy photo.

Mr. Pete from the Kalamazoo Nature Center visited educated kids and parents alike on June 24, at the family program at Cedar Springs Middle School, with the superpowers of some animals we can see in our own backyards. “He started off with the tale of Charlie the Caterpillar, aka Double Identity, and taught us about the beaver, Master Builder, the turkey culture, Super Stomach, and more!” said Kelly Roach, who is in charge of the children’s programming, at the library. “And we taught him what a great community Cedar Springs is with our record attendance!” The program was attended by 188 kids and parents.

Preschoolers got to try on firefighter equipment. Courtesy photo.

On Tuesday, June 29, Sgt. Jason Kelly, and Deputy Jason VanDyke, of the Kent County Sheriff Department’s Cedar Springs Unit, taught kids in fourth through sixth grade about being a police officer. Sgt. Kelly talked to the kids about becoming a police officer, what the physical training is like, the kinds of tools and weapons they use, and more. He and Dep. VanDyke allowed the kids to get hands-on and try out some of their tools, like touching a bullet-proof vest, checking out handcuffs, talking through a megaphone, putting on a gas mask, lifting a police shield, etc. They also got the chance to sit in a police cruiser and switch on the lights. It was a great way for kids to become acquainted with our own police officers. A big thank you goes out to these everyday heroes who help keep us safe!