By Judy Reed

The City of Cedar Springs held a ribbon cutting for their newest addition to Riggle Park on Beech Street—an 18,000 square-foot dog park.

Work began on the park on October 9 and the ribbon cutting was held last Saturday, October 24.  

The area is just over .41 acres and split into two sections: 3,600 feet for small dogs, and 14,500 feet for big dogs.

The labor was all donated with City Councilpersons, Planning Commission Members, a DDA member and Privacy Fence Company, a local fencing company taking the lead on installation.  

“This dog park is something that we have wanted to have for our community for some time now so I was happy to be able to help organize it and install some of the fencing,” he told the Post earlier this month.

The dog park will be open dawn to dusk, same as Riggle Park. “The park will have posted rules but we just ask that people use common sense, obviously picking up your dog’s waste is a very important requirement that will help everybody enjoy the park,” said Womack.

Other projects that Womack said are in the works are the natural playground by the amphitheater; pickle-ball courts by Hilltop; a half-court basketball court in Riggle Park; a full size basketball court in Morley Park; and eventually a splashpad in the Heart of Cedar Springs.

City Impact of Cedar Springs held their ribbon cutting and building dedication last Saturday, February 16, at 288 N. Main Street.

The event was originally scheduled for February 9 but was rescheduled due to the power outages from the winter storm. Instead, City Impact served as a warming station last weekend for many residents in the area who did not have power.

The building, located next to Dollar General, has been completely renovated. Someone who liked what Jonathan and Kelley Bergsma and their team have been doing here in Cedar Springs bought the building for City Impact in 2017.

City Impact, which is affiliated with Resurrection Life Church in Rockford, has been working in the area for three years. “We work with Lean on Me Outreach Center to meet the needs of the community through delivering groceries to neighbors who are shut in or in tough circumstances that leave them without transportation,” explained Kelley. “We desire to build relationships and meet felt needs within the community through community dinners, engaging kids and families through Super Saturdays, grilling out, playing games and more.”

For more information, contact City Impact at 616-843-2438 and follow City Impact of Cedar Springs on Facebook.

Tom Goldsmith cuts the ribbon. Photo courtesy of video supplied by Gary Kuhlmann.

Residents in Cedar Springs will have another option to choose from now when dining out.

Culver’s, a fast food restaurant specializing in butter burgers and frozen custard, had their grand opening and ribbon cutting Monday morning, July 16, at 9 a.m. Owner Tom Goldsmith gave a short speech before cutting the ribbon, and then the workers gave out free custard to the many people on hand for the event.

Culver’s is located on White Creek Avenue, just south of 17 Mile.

Christmas is right around the corner—Christmas in July that is!

The fun starts this Friday, July 14, when the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce holds a Community Potluck Picnic and Movie in Morley Park. The picnic starts at 6 p.m. This is a free event where everyone is welcome. Bring the family down and a dish to pass and enjoy dinner and yard games in the park before the movie starts! Dinnerware and water provided. This year’s movie is Arthur Christmas and starts at dusk.

On Saturday, July 15, over 90 businesses and vendors will line Main Street for the Christmas in July Artisan Market and Sidewalk Sales event. It starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. They will hold a ribbon cutting for Ryanne Donahue State Farm Agency at 11 a.m.

Solon Township cut the ribbon on the new trail which will run through and around Velzy Park.

Saturday, June 10, was a perfect day for Velzy Park’s Spring fundraiser. The event, sponsored by the Velzy Park Committee and Solon Market Committee, included community sales, indoor craft sales, basket raffles donated by area businesses, a ribbon-cutting and a hotdog lunch.  All profits went to funding continued development of the park, located behind Solon Township Hall.

Community sales were part of the fundraiser.

The highlight of the event was a ribbon cutting ceremony to introduce the new trail running through and around the entire park. This begins Phase One, which will include a restroom, play ground and picnic area. Shelly Aardema, Committee Chair, assisted in the ribbon cutting. It was her inspiration to pair Solon Market’s Community Sales with the Park fundraiser. The event netted the Park over $450 and likely will become an annual event to showcase park improvements. Donations for the park can be made out to Solon Township Velzy Park and mailed to 15185 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs, MI  49319.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting at the new Cedar Springs Community Library. From L to R: Duane McIntyre, licensed builder; Solon Township Supervisor Bob Ellick; Cedar Springs Mayor Gerald Hall; Library Director Donna Clark; CS City Manager Michael Womack; Lakeland Library Coop Director Sandra Wilson; Claudia and Tom Mabie, representatives of the Community Building Development Team. Not shown are Mayor Pro Tem Pam Conley (to the far left of Duane McIntyre) and Kurt Mabie, Chair of the CBDT (to the right of Tom Mabie). Photo by Kathy Anderson.

By Sue Harrison

A project planned for many years became a reality last Saturday, May 13, with the grand opening celebration of the new Cedar Springs Community Library, located in the “Heart of Cedar Springs” at the corner of Main and W. Maple St.

Sue Harrison, Master of Ceremonies, introduced the event by thanking the dozens of organizations and countless individuals who have been working on the Town Square, which includes the new library, a Veteran’s Clock Tower, a bridge across Cedar Creek, a steel dragonfly sculpture, and the historic flowing well.

“So much has been done already, but in order to complete the vision, much more funding is needed through donations and pledges through the Community Building Development Team,” she added.

The Ceremony started with the American Legion Color Guard Glen Hill Post 287 raising the American flag and the State of Michigan Flag on the new flagpoles in front of the Library

The Ceremony started with the American Legion Color Guard Glen Hill Post 287 raising the American flag and the State of Michigan Flag on the new flagpoles in front of the Library. Viet Nam veteran Dan Davis delivered the invocation, which was followed by the playing of the Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful by members of the Cedar Springs High School, under the direction of Ryan Miller and Adam Borst.

City Manager Michael Womack and Mayor Pro-tem Pam Conley spoke about the city planting a maple tree on the library grounds. Mayor Gerald Hall presented some special “Making a Difference” awards to Duane McIntyre, Kurt Mabie, Dale Larson, and Dean Wall for for their work on the “Heart of Cedar Springs” projects.

Louise King, member of the Library Board, gave some of the history of the library in Cedar Springs and introduced Cedar Springs Library Director Donna Clark, who spoke about the importance of the new library to the Cedar Springs Community.

Crowd gathers in front of library for the Grand Opening.

“This is a very significant contribution to our community and one only being accomplished through a cooperative and caring group of people. Our community now has its own library where people of all ages can learn, share, gather, and celebrate for many years to come,” said Clark.

The Ribbon Cutting for the Library followed with many dignitaries present. They were Duane McIntyre, licensed builder; Solon Township Supervisor Bob Ellick; Cedar Springs Mayor Gerald Hall; Library Director Donna Clark; CS City Manager Michael Womack; Lakeland Library Coop Director Sandra Wilson; Claudia and Tom Mabie and Kurt Mabie, representatives of the Community Building Development Team.

Mayor Gerald Hall does a ceremonial first check-out of The Cedar Springs Story. He is shown here with co-author Sue Harrison and Library Director Donna Clark. Photo by Kathy Anderson.

After the ribbon cutting, Mayor Gerald Hall ceremonially checked out the first book, a signed copy of The Cedar Springs Story presented to him by co-author, Sue Harrison. The book will remain permanently in the library and will be checked out in perpetuity to the Mayor.

Members of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club served refreshments to the hundreds of visitors who toured the new library and grounds. Visitors also talked with local authors Sue Harrison, Shirley Neff, Kathryn Moore, David Stricklen and puppeteer Rebecca Casavant. The Open House lasted from 2:30-5:00 p.m.

View of the Community Room patio.

View of the interior of the new Cedar Springs Community Library

Five new picnic tables were donated anonymously to Solon Township for Velzy Park. Courtesy photo.

Construction on a new walking trail is underway at Velzy Park, located at 15185 Algoma Ave NE. The park surrounds Solon Township Hall, and is named for what the area used to be called.

And that’s not the only thing that’s new. “Our Park Committee is very excited and thankful about 5 picnic tables that were anonymously donated to our Park a week or so ago,” said Mary Lou Poulsen, Solon Township Clerk, and a member of the Solon Park Committee.

On June 10, Solon will celebrate the new walking trail with a ribbon cutting, and a community-wide yard sale and picnic. The picnic will take place at noon, with the ribbon cutting and cake to follow. Suggested donations for the picnic will be $4 for individuals, and $10 for families.

A new walking trail is under construction at Solon’s Velzy Park. Courtesy photo.

The park is still in phase one, which features walking trails, a restroom building and parking. Phase two will be a playground and three barn relocations. Phase three will be the Farmer’s market and picnic shelter; and native prairie restoration.

Memorial benches will soon be available to purchase. Watch solontwp.org for info. If you’d like to make a tax deductible donation for the park, send it to Solon Township and designate it for Velzy Park.

Cedar Springs Health Center – October 18, 2016

(LtoR) Chris Shea – Cherry Health CEO,  Dorothy Weller – Weller Family Foundation, Denise Gates – ChoiceOne Bank, Tasha Blackmon – Cherry Health COO, CSPS Superintendent Dr. VanDuyn, Kristina Paliwoda – Cherry Health – Cedar Springs School Health Center Manager

Post photo by J. Reed.

Post photos by J. Reed.

The Cedar Springs Brewing Company, 95, North Main, officially opened its doors to the public last week Friday, November 13, with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Eager patrons lined up around the building, and waited for a chance to get in and sample not only what was on tap, but also the various German and American dishes on the menu. Patrons filled the establishment all weekend long.

“We were excited at the enthusiastic response for our opening week and weekend and did our best to stay on top of everything,” said owner David Ringler. “While we were disappointed to run short in the kitchen on Sunday, we’re back to work getting better and preparing for this weekend as we’re planning live music on Saturday and getting ready for our Community Pub Crawl next Saturday.”

Ringler said their hours would be flexible as they build up their supplies, but they intend to re-open to regular hours on Thursday through next week. They will be closed Thanksgiving, but should be otherwise be open through their pub crawl next Saturday, November 28 (barring any supplies shortages).

Ribbon cutting and first pour for the public will be Friday, November 13 at 1 p.m.

David Ringler, owner of Cedar Springs Brewing Company, is seeing his dream come to life.

By Judy Reed

A lot of people have anxiously awaited the opening of the Cedar Springs Brewing Company, at 95 North Main. But probably no one has been more anxious than owner David Ringler, who is fulfilling a life-long dream.

“The biggest part for me was making the leap in the first place, from a good job, to doing what I really want to do,” explained Ringler.

Ringler lived in Germany for four years where he apprenticed with local brewmasters. After leaving Germany, Ringler continued his brewing education at the renowned Seibel Institute of Brewing Science in Chicago. In 2013, Ringler began the formal process in Cedar Springs and received all permits and approvals to proceed. “This project is the result of a near 25-year dream,” said Ringler.

He has brought his love for all things German into the Cedar Springs Brewing Company.  Flags from Germany line the interior, and a large collection of beer glasses line the walls. Ringler noted that he probably has one of the largest collections around, about 250. Approximately 50-55 are displayed, with some being his, and others from friends.

Beautiful hand-painted wooden panels of German scenes line the walls of another dining room, and Ringler said they came from the Schnitzelbank restaurant in Grand Rapids, an old German restaurant founded in 1934, that has since been torn down. “We procured them and restored them,” he said of the panels.

The dining room seats about 150, at both German-style public tables and American-style booths. “In Germany it’s traditional for people to sit together with people they may not know. We want to encourage conversation, for people to meet friends old and new,” explained Ringler.

The Stammtisch table, for members, highlights a large collection of coasters from some of Ringler’s and his friends’ favorite German breweries around the country and the world.

The brewery/restaurant will feature a variety of craft beers, focusing on German styles along with a full food menu (which includes German dishes), in-house made spirits, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

To begin, they will feature several beers, including two Cedar Springs brand beers, which will only be one-time offerings: a Blood, Sweat and Tears pale ale, and Yinzer Roundabout IPA, which is a collaboration with a brewery out of Pittsburgh.

The brewery’s beer brand will be Küsterer, which pays tribute to the first German brewer in West Michigan in 1844. Those beers will include a Bohemian Pilsner, which is the German style of beer that eventually morphed into American beer. They will also feature a Heller Weiss Bier, a Bavarian-style wheat beer. It was the royal beer of Bavaria, for 300 years, said Ringler. Their current brand will be a more modern, lighter version. They will also have a Michigan pale ale, with all Michigan ingredients.

Other beverages include a Cedar Cider—Apfelwein—which is gluten free; and two wines, a red blend and a white blend. Non-alcoholic drinks include nine flavors of their homemade Old Cedar Creek Sodas.

The brewery is a 15-barrel brewhouse, and because it’s the first run, they won’t have as much as beer in the beginning as they will on future runs. Ringler said that depending on how it goes, they may have to close a couple of days a week to keep up. “I just hope the public understands that we are making it as fast as we can,” he said.

They have had a soft opening this week with private openings for friends and family, and Stammtisch Club members. The ribbon cutting and first pour for the public will be Friday, November 13 at 1 p.m., and they will be open for business immediately after.

The outdoor biergarten, which will add another 70-80 seats, will be completed in the spring.

The brewery will also have live music beginning November 21, with Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys, a rockabilly band.

On September 25th Advance Auto held a ribbon cutting ceremony

Advance Auto, the largest automotive aftermarket parts provider in the United States, opened a new store at 4177 17 Mile Road, on September 24, and held a ribbon cutting September 25.

Company officials said they chose this location for the store because it’s convenient to where their customers live and shop, as well as the garages where they take their vehicles for repair.

Advance Auto bought CarQuest in 2014, and employees of the local CarQuest, 70 N. Main Street, are now all working at Advance Auto. “CarQuest has been a legacy in this town,” said Scott Horn, manager at Advance Auto. “They have been filling the need for auto parts for many years, and that’s our goal, too. We are happy to have been able to bring them over and have added jobs, too. We have combined our expertise, and are really excited to be here.”

The new store offers customers a wide range of parts and recognized national brands as well as several free services. Store team members will provide free installation for your new windshield wipers and also offer a complimentary check of the vehicle’s electrical system and old battery, as well as provide free installation of a new battery with purchase on most vehicles. They also provide free checks on alternators and starters.  The store also services local commercial customers, and offers fast parts delivery to local commercial customers, such as professional mechanics and garages.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.