Donna Ripley

Donna Ripley has become a 10-year KOP (Keep OFF Pounds) member of TOPS. Donna has been a member of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) in Sand Lake for 13 years. When she joined TOPS she went to her doctor to get a goal weight. In order to get to her goal weight she needed to lose 40 pounds. This took Donna three years. After 10 years she still maintains her goal weight. She said that having a weigh-in each week keeps her accountable and the many friends that she has made at TOPS have kept her on track.

Congratulations on a great achievement.

TOPS meets weekly on Tuesday mornings from 8:30-9:00 a.m. for weigh-ins followed by a meeting from 9-10. Everyone is welcome. If interested call Martha Bobb at 616-696-1039.

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.

American Legion Holiday Bazaar

Nov. 4: The American Legion Auxiliary is having their annual Holiday Bazaar on November 4^th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Cedar Springs Legion, 80 S. Main Street in Cedar Springs. Along with garage sale items and arts and crafts, we will also have a bake sale. #44

Sand Lake Lions Club Variety Sale

Nov. 4: The Sand Lake Lions Club will host a Variety Sale on Saturday, November 4^th from 9 am – 3 pm at the Sand Lake United Methodist Church ED building. Located on the corner of 6^th and Maple Streets. Antiques/Vintage collectibles and crafts, quality used clothing, miscellaneous items. #44

Dinner at the Legion

Nov. 6: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Pork Chop dinner on Monday, November 6^th, from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes & gravy, veggies, stuffing, salad, roll, dessert and drink. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #44p

TOPS weight loss support group

Nov. 7: Need help getting through the holiday season? 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. #44

God’s Kitchen in Cedar Springs

Nov. 7,14,21,28: 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. #44

Help Promote Literacy

Nov. 8,17,21: The need is urgent at this time! The Literacy Center of West Michigan has scheduled  information sessions for prospective volunteer tutors. These sessions last one hour. It allows persons interested in becoming volunteer tutors to find out more about the Literacy Center and its programs. At the end of the session there will be a chance to sign up for tutor training. Sessions are Wednesday, November 8^th at 6 pm, Friday, November 17^th at 10 am and Tuesday, November 21^st at 2 pm. By training people to be tutors, the Center can offer one-on-one reading help to adults asking for assistance in reading or English as a Second Language (ESL). You do not need to speak another language to tutor ESL. The Literacy Center of West Michigan is located at 1120 Monroe Ave., NW, Suite 240, Grand Rapids. Please call 616-459-5151 (ext. 10) or email us at info@literacycenterwm.org to register. #44

Voters Not Politicians Educational Town Hall

Nov. 9: Voters Not Politicians Town Hall with an educational presentation to explain what is gerrymandering and the Voters Not Politicians proposal to end it plus an opportunity for registered voters to sign the petition to get the proposal on the ballot. The event will be held on November 9^th from 6 to 7 pm at the Cedar Springs Public Library, 107 Main St., Cedar Springs. Hosted by Voters Not Politicians, a non-partisan ballot committee seeking to put before voters a proposal to end gerrymandering in Michigan. The proposal would ask voters to amend the Michigan State Constitution to deny partisan politicians the ability to manipulate voting district boundaries to secure their own hold on power. It would instead give the authority for drawing those boundaries to an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. This event will help educate and gather signatures to support the petition drive to gather nearly 316,000 valid signatures needed to put the anti-gerrymander proposal on the 2018 ballot. #44

Library Book Sale

Nov. 9-11: The Friends of the Nelson Twp./Sand Lake Library is hosting a book sale on Thursday, November 9 and Friday, November 10^th from 10 to 6 pm and on Saturday, November 11^th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Resurrection Lutheran Church, 180 Northland Drive in Sand Lake. #44,45p

Solon Center Wesleyan Church Holiday Bazaar

Nov. 11:Do your Christmas shopping! Saturday, November 11th from 9 am–2 pm, delicious fresh baked goods, 100’s of hand crafted items, jewelry, and many other vendors. There’s definitely something for everyone! Rolls & coffee and a lunch counter are also available. The church is located @ 15671 Algoma Avenue, just north of 19 Mile Road. Come early, stay late! #43,44p

Cookie Walk at Holy Spirit Episcopal

Nov. 11: Holy Spirit Episcopal Church is holding its annual Cookie Walk and Christmas Delites sale on Saturday, November 11^th from 9 am to 3 pm. The church is located at 1200 Post Drive NE in Belmont (corner of Post and Pine Island drives, just off Exit 95 of US 131). Featuring our “world-famous” Cookie Walk – Come early for the best selection. There will also be baked goods, crafts, Santa’s Attic and a silent auction. The Christmas Delites sale is sponsored by the Holy Spirit’s Episcopal Women group and funds their support for various church activities, such as kitchen supplies, funeral refreshments, the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, the Explore & Soar Reading Club, and more. More information can be found on the church’s website: www.holyspiritbelmont.org. #44

Free Veterans Event in Sparta

Nov. 11: Join in the Sparta Community Celebration to Honor our Veterans! On November 11^th at the Sparta High School Auditorium, there will be a documentary film “The Unknowns” about the unique perspective to the rigorous and intricate training of the Sentinel Training Program soldiers must endure to be assigned duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Sparta’s Specialist 3^rd Class Don Bradford will narrate and share his story as Sparta’s only guard to have served at the Tomb. The event is at 2 to 4:30 pm (doors open at 1pm). The event is free. Present will also be Sparta’s Robert Shangle, LiveStatue. A color guard of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corp recruiters will present the colors. There will be displays inside and out including about the Sparta POW camp in 1944 For more information please see our website at: www.spartahistory.org. The Sparta Township Historical Commission. Following the event these Sparta restaurants are serving a Free dinner to all Veterans after 5 pm! – Cellar Brewery – Downtown Trini’s – Garden Patch – Big Joe’s. #44p

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. 31: 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 Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #4

Cedar Springs Community Players Auditions

Feb. 13,14: Auditions announced for upcoming CSCP production “Zombies, Werewolves and Aliens – Oh my!” It’s not Halloween, but the Cedar Springs Community Players are looking for actors who are ready to put their best monster foot forward and audition for their upcoming Sci-Fi/Fantasy one-act comedies. Needed are actors aged 15-60+ to portray zombies, cowboys, werewolves and aliens, along with some southern-fried, red-neck country folk. Auditions will be held at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church on Monday, February 13^th and Tuesday, February 14^th  from 6:30 to 8 pm each night. Production dates are March 24-26 at the Kent Theatre. Please check out our website cedarspringscommunityplayers.org for all the information! #4,5p

Audition Notice – Flat River Community Players

Feb. 20, 21: The Flat River Community Players will hold auditions for the comedy “Sex Please, We’re 60” at 7:00 pm on Monday and Tuesday, February 20 and 21, at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Greenville. Director Deb Dieckman is looking to cast 4 women and 2 men, all of mature ages (not necessarily in their 60’s) for the cast. Five performances are scheduled for April 21-23 and 28 &29. The first rehearsal, read-through, is planned for Friday February 24th. Interested auditioners with questions should contact Deb at dadieckman@gmail.com #4

Thank you to my wonderful friends, family, and church for your love, prayers, support, gifts, and visits through my time of illness. A special thanks goes out to my great-granddaughter, 4 year old Sophia, who frequently came to check on me and cheer me up with her sweet songs. Also for my dear neighbor, Alice, who came often to sit with me when my family members needed a break. Thank you to my caroling TOPS club members from Sand Lake that paid a special visit. I plan to be with you soon.

Love, 

Verta Giddings

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.

God’s Kitchen in Cedar Springs

Jan. 3,10,17,24,31: 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. #52

TOPS weight loss support group

Jan. 3: 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 Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #52

Straw Building Bonanza

Jan. 7: With this unstructured building time, kids can build 2D and 3D geometric creations, vehicles, forts, or whatever! We’ll provide all the materials, kids bring their imagination and curiosity. Saturday, January 7, 10:30 a.m. at Nelson Twp. /Sand Lake KDL, 88 Eighth St.
#52

Explore MCC’s Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails

Montcalm Community College’s Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails are open to the public from dawn until dusk, 365 days a year. There is no charge to visit these beautiful trails winding through forests, grasslands and wetlands. More than four miles of trails are marked with numbered trail posts and maps are available at most major trail heads. For more information, please email naturetrails@montcalm.edu or call MCC Biology Instructor Heather Wesp (989) 328-1270. #52

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.

Cookie Walk

Dec. 17: North Kent Presbyterian Church will host its 20^th Annual Christmas Cookie Walk Saturday morning, December 17^th from 9:00 am until gone. Still only $7.00/box or 3 boxes/$20.00…Public VERY welcome! Choose your own selection from more than 25 varieties of delicious homemade Christmas cookies. The church is located at 6175 Kuttshill Drive NE, Rockford (1 block west of Wolverine Blvd., north of Rogue River,  just north of Blythefield Country Club.) Come early for a great selection! Cookies make great gifts for neighbors, teachers, mail carriers, and friends, too! Our church cook book will also be available for sale. For further information contact our church office at 616-866-2230 Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. #49,50p

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church Program and Potluck 

Dec. 18: Please join 2nd Chance for our Cowboy Christmas Program and Potluck Sunday, December 18, 2016. Potluck will be at 6:00 pm and Christmas Program and Music at 7:00 pm. At 2nd Chance School, 810 17 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, Michigan (corner of 17 Mile Road and Olin Lakes Road). Bring a dish to pass. Table service and drinks will be provided. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month . THERE WILL NOT BE COWBOY CHURCH ON CHRISTMAS DAY. 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! #50p

TOPS weight loss support group

Dec. 20: 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 Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #50

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.

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Sept. 25: 2nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 6:00 pm. It will be at 2nd Chance School at 810 17 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, MI  (corner of 17 Mile Road and Olin Lakes Road). Message and the music will shared by the group, ALIVE. This is an outstanding gospel group, who will share an awesome message and their amazing musical talents. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be 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! #38

Take off pounds sensibly

Sept.27: 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 Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #38

Red Flannel Talent Show Performers

Sept. 28: If you missed the Red Flannel Talent Show tryouts on September 14^th it is not too late! A Dress Rehearsal will be held on Wednesday, September 28^th at 7 pm at the Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main St., Cedar Springs. Please come fully prepared with music and costume. Contact Len at 231-750-2337. The Red Flannel Talent Show will be held on Red Flannel Day, October 1^st at about 4:30 pm (right after the parade). Tickets to the show are $3.00 each. #38

Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club’s Fun 3 Gun Shoot

Oct. 2: Fun 3 Gun Shoot, 9am-1pm at Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club, 7463 18 Mile Rd. Open to the public. Shooting: pistol, rifle, shotgun. $10 per person, Lewis pay out at the end of the event. For any questions call 616-696-3711. #38p

AWANA Program Kicks Off

Oct. 5: The Solon Center Wesleyan Church will kick off its AWANA program on Wednesday, October 5^th from 6:30- 8 pm. AWANA is an action packed program running from October through March for children ages 3 years through 5th grade. It’s where kids learn God’s Word and have fun doing it! Go to www.scwchurch.com to register or come a few minutes early the first night. Student Ministries (6th-12th) and adults will also meet. There’s something for everyone! The church is located at 15671 Algoma Avenue, just north of 19 Mile Road. Questions? Call 696-3229. All welcome! #38,39p

St.Peter’s Lutheran Blood Drive

Oct. 5: St.Peter’s Lutheran Church is holding a Blood Drive on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 3:00 pm to 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall at 310 East Division Street in Rockford. You can make an appointment online at www.MIBlood.org. Babysitting available. We need all Types. #38,39p

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.

Red Flannel Prince and Princess Registration

ATTENTION KINDERGARTEN PARENTS!! Register your kindergarten boy or girl for the RED FLANNEL PRINCE AND PRINCESS Contest! Visit www.redflannelfestival.org to download a packet of information, pick one up at Kindergarten Roundup or call the Red Flannel Office at 616-696-2662. All students in the Cedar Springs School District (CTA, Algoma Chirstian, Home School) are eligible!! #33-36b

Chicken BBQ and Rummage Sale

Sept. 9,10: Courtland Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake Rd., Rockford, is having their annual Chicken BBQ, Rummage and Bake Sale. The rummage and bake sale is Friday, September 9^th from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday, September 10^th, from 9 am to 7 pm. BBQ Chicken will be available on Saturday, September 10^th from 4 to 7 pm. Half chicken and fixin’s, dine in or carry out. Vegan option available. $10.00. All proceeds go toward community programs in 2017. #35,36p

Car Bash – Michigan vs Michigan State

Sept. 10: Join us for a Car Bash – Michigan vs Michigan State and Solon Market Giveaways Saturday, September 10^th to benefit Velsy Park. Market runs from 9 am until 1 pm and the Car Bash runs from 10 am until 12 pm. Support your team! No open toed shoes please. Rain or shine. Questions? 616-696-1848 or check out the event on Facebook/Solon Market. #36b

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Sept. 11: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, September 11^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 the duet of Maxine Vader and Leon Seiter. 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! #36

Take off pounds sensibly

Sept.13: 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 Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #36

Help Promote Literacy

Sept. 15,23,28: The need is urgent at this time! The Literacy Center of West Michigan has scheduled  information sessions for prospective volunteer tutors. These sessions last one hour. It allows persons interested in becoming volunteer tutors to find out more about the Literacy Center and its programs. At the end of the session there will be a chance to sign up for tutor training. Sessions are Thursday September 15^th at 10 am, Friday September 23^rd at 2 pm and Wednesday September 28^th at 6 pm. By training people to be tutors, the Center can offer one-on-one reading help to adults asking for assistance in reading or English as a Second Language (ESL). You do not need to speak another language to tutor ESL. The Literacy Center of West Michigan is located at 1120 Monroe Ave., NW, Suite 240, Grand Rapids. Please call 616-459-5151 (ext. 10) or email us at info@literacycenterwm.org to register. #36

Red Flannel Wine & Craft Beer Tasting

Sept. 17: A Red Flannel wine & craft beer tasting will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 6-9pm at the Whitefish Lake Golf and Grill, 2241 Bass Lake Rd., Pierson, MI. Local craft beer and wine tasting includes a delicious dinner with beer and/or wine samples. Only $40 per person. Buy tickets at the Red Flannel Offices, 18 S. Main St. There will also be a Silent Auction to benefit the RFF Queen’s Scholarship Fund. #36,37b

Howard City Harvest Festival

Sept. 17: Howard City will hold its 14^th Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 17^th. For more information please check out the event schedule online at www.howardcity.org. #36b

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.

Family Fun Day at Metron

Aug. 5: Metron of Cedar Springs located at 400 Jeffrey, Cedar Springs, would like to invite the community to our Annual Family Fun Day on Friday, August 5^th from 4 to 6 pm. Activities for the day include: Bounce House, Games for the children, Live Musical Entertainment, food/drinks and fun for all. Hope to see you August 5^th! #31

Free Lake Effect Concert

Aug. 7: Free Lake Effect Concert featuring the band “Round Brown Suitcase” will be held on Sunday, August 7^th from 12 to 3:30 pm (band starts at 12:30 pm). The concert will be held at Bostwick Lake UCC Church, 7979 Belding Rd. NE, Rockford. Donations and food sales will benefit Pause with a Cause. Contact Lisa Atchison, 616-634-6459 with any questions. #30,31p

Take off pounds sensibly

Aug. 9: 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. Call Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #31

Rummage Sale at CS UMC

Aug. 10,11: The Cedar Springs United Methodist Women will hold a rummage sale in the fellowship hall on the corner of Main and Church Streets. August 10, Wednesday, from 9 am to 7 pm and August 11, Thursday, from 9 am to 2 pm. There will be a bag sale on Thursday. Proceeds go toward their mission projects. #30,31p

My Choice..My Health Diabetes Prevention Program

Aug. 15: This program will help you take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes. You’ll learn about healthier eating habits, ways to be more physically active and other behavior changes over the course of 16 weekly one-hour sessions. The group will continue meeting monthly, completing a full year. My Choice..My Health Program will be held at Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs starting Monday, August 15^th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. To register, visit www.nkfm.org/dpp or call the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan at 616-458-9520. #31,32p

Creating Local Herbal Remedies

Aug. 15: Join local plant enthusiast Rachel Potter for a discussion and demonstration of how to gather and use medicinal plants to make salves, teas, tinctures and other natural remedies that nourish and heal the body and keep it healthy year round. This workshop will teach you to nurture yourself with what is growing all around us. For adults. Monday, August 15^th at 6:30 pm at the Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #31

DIY Tie Dye for Teens

Aug. 16: Bring a white or light colored t-shirt to this program and try a new way of tie dye – with permanent markers! All other materials will be provided to help you create a one-of-a-kind shirt to wear. Tuesday, August 16^th at 4 pm at the Spencer Township KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen. #31

Auditions for CSCP Production of “The Foreigner”

Aug 22,23: The Cedar Springs Community Players are pleased to announce auditions for its upcoming production of “The Foreigner” by Larry Shue. This comedy has won two Obie Awards and two Outer Critics Circle Awards as Best New American Play and Best Off-Broadway Production. Auditions will be held at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church on Monday and Tuesday Aug. 22 and 23 between 6:30 -8 p.m. Needed are: 4 adult males, 1 teen male; 2 adult women, and 4 non-speaking extras, can be either male or female. Production dates are October 13, 14 and 15 at the Kent Theatre. Please like our FB page and to see details! #31,32p

Tri-County High School Annual Gathering

Sept. 10: The Tri-County HS annual gathering for 1963 – 1975 will be held on September 10^th at the Sand Lake VFW. Appetizers and dinner from 5 to 7 pm with RSVP and $20 due by August 27^th. Lou Fisk, 616-263-9054 or gfisk01@charter.net.  Social hour is from 7 to 10 pm.  Social hour only is $5 at the door. #31,32p

MCC Offers Trip to Art Prize

Sept. 30: Experience ArtPrize September 30^th in Grand Rapids with Montcalm Community College. Buses depart from the Stanley and Blanche Ash Technology and Learning Center on MCC’s Greenville campus at 8:30 am and from MCC’s Sidney campus at 9 am. Buses will arrive at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) at 10 am and depart at 5 pm. The trip is free to all who register. Admission to the GRAM is $4 per person. Anyone planning to participate in this trip must be age 12 or older; participants between 12 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult. To register, email the registration form located at www.montcalm.edu/events/artprize-trip/ to karen.maxfield@montcalm.edu or call 989-328-2111, Ext. 334, by September 15th. #31

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.

CS Youth Football Sign-ups

July 21: Cedar Springs Youth Football sign-ups will be held on Thursday, July 21^st, Tuesday, July 26^th and Thursday, July 28^th  from 6-7:30 pm at Skinner Field Concession Stand or sign up online @ www.cedarspringsyouthfootball.com. Rocket: 3^rd – 6^th grade, Middle School, 7^th  – 8^th. Contact April Victorson 616-890-5869, a_victorson@yahoo.com. #29,30p

Fill the Truck to Support Tiffany’s Tiny Cat Rescue

July 23: Boy Scout Troop 222 will be collecting donations on Saturday, July 23^rd in the Tractor Supply parking lot from 9 am to 2 pm. Items needed include food (Purina Cat & Kitten Chow), litter, cat care products, cleaning & laundry products, paper towels, and old blankets/sheets/towels. For more information or to arrange alternate drop off time, please contact Laurie at 616-304-9929. #28,29p

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

July 24: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, July 24^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 Ben Crofoot and the Crofoot Family and Friends group. 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! #29

Take off pounds sensibly

July 26: 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. Call Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #29

Senior Lunch at Pine Grove Community Church

July 27: Roses are red, Violets are blue ‘tis time for Chuck Roast Barbeque. A fruit salad full of color and slaw o’ so green, if you’ve not joined us before, well, where have you been. Pine Grove Senior Cafe is throwin’ a picnic for our friends age 60 or perhaps even more. Come on over, twill be July 27^th at Noon when we throw open our door. The time as just stated, the where you’ll find a seat; is right here on the corner of M-82 and the Avenue of Beech. #29

AYSO Registration

July 28: The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Registration for the Fall season TODAY. Visit www.ayso902.org. Registration ends Thursday, July 28^th. #29,30p

Cedar Springs Museum’s Summer Car Show

July 30: Be sure to join the fun at the Cedar Springs Summer Car Show in Morley Park on Saturday, July 30 from 8:00am-2:00pm. Free to all visitors and only $10.00 to register a car. A grilled hotdog lunch will be served “free” to the public from 11:00am to 1:00pm. We will have Pat Patin as DJ. Trophies will be given out at 1:00pm to “Best of Show” and the “Top 19” favorites. The F.F.A. students will sell a light breakfast at 8:00a.m. The museum uses this car show to help bring programs to our community and especially to allow us to host family programs without charge. #29

Fallen Heroes Golf Outing

July 30: The 7^th Annual Fallen Heroes Golf Outing will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, July 30^th at North Kent Golf Club. $70 per person includes golf w/cart, and steak dinner. Grand prize is a fishing trip for 4 with Hillbilly Charters, Grand Haven, Hole-In-One Contest, 50/50 raffle and other contests and prizes. Contact North Kent Golf Club 616-866-2659. Monies raised will be donated to the Veterans Memorial Park in Cedar Springs. #28-29p

One Book Discussion in Howard City

Aug. 1: A book discussion for the One Book One County Montcalm selection “True Grit” by Charles Portis, is August 1^st from 1:30 to 2:30 pm in the Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library in Howard City. For discussion questions or more information, visit www.montcalm.edu/onebook or call 989-328-2111, ext. 334. #29

Register Now For Free Hunter Education

Aug. 9: To register for firearm Hunter Safety Classes  at the Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club, call Jim Pope at 231-834-5545 after 6 pm or 616-634-3167. Classes at the Club, 7463 18 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs, will be Tuesday, August 9^th, from 6-9 pm,  Thursday, August 11^th, from 6-9pm,  Saturday, August 13^th, from 8 am-4 pm. Class size limited to 40 students. #28,29p

Female Self Defense Program

Aug. 2: The Sand Lake Police Department will present S.H.A.R.P. Sexual Harassment, Assault and Rape Prevention for Women on Tuesday, August 2^nd at 6 pm. This female self defense program covers countermeasures for everything from school or work harassment to sexual battery. The course is offered by nationally certified instructor Dr. Scott Shaw. Training is free of charge. Registration is required to ensure materials are available. To Register please call Sand Lake Police department, 616-799-1900. #29. Contact Tim Bauer for more information at (616) 799-4935 or at network153usa@gmail.com. #25-28p

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.

CS Youth Football Sign-ups

June 16, 23: Cedar Springs Youth Football sign-ups will be held on Thursday, June 16 and Thursday, June 23 from 6-8 pm at Burger King, Cedar Springs. Flag: 4-7 year olds, Rocket: 3^rd – 6^th grade, Middle: 7^th & 8^th grade. Contact April Victorson, 616-890-5869, a_victorson@yahoo.com. #24,25p

VBS at Cedar Springs UMC

June 20-23 & 25: Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love at Surf Shack – 150 Vacation Bible School! June 20-23 from 6 – 8 pm. Grades K-6^th are invited to Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main St., to discover how to surf through life with God and others! New this year, as we celebrate our 150^th year in this community – 150 Field Day on Saturday June 25^th from 1 – 4 pm at Morley Park! Register online at www.cedarspringsumc.org. For more information, please call the church office at 616-696-1140. #23,24

Dinner at the Legion

June 20: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Swiss Steak dinner on Monday, June 20^th, from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes and gravy, baked beans, veggies, salad, roll, drink and dessert. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #24p

CASSA Tryouts

June 20-23: The Cedar Area Select Soccer Association (CASSA) will be holding free soccer try-outs at the Boomer Park Soccer Fields, 13440 Ritchie Ave NE, Cedar Springs MI 49319. June 20th U9-U12 Boys birth years 2005-2008, June 21st U9-U12 Girls birth years 2005-2008, June 22nd U13-U14 Boys & Girls birth years 2003-2004 and June 23rd Boys & Girls U15-U19 birth years 1998-2002. Registration from 5:30-6:30 pm with try-outs starting promptly at 6:30-8 pm. Visit our website @ www.cassasoccer.com for detailed try-out information and forms to fill out prior to try-outs. #24

Blood Drive at CS UMC

June 21: Michigan Blood Drive at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 21st from 12:30 pm-7:00 pm. For this drive only, we will be using the bus in the north parking lot. With summer officially here, many people will be traveling and the need for blood is greater. Please help fill that need with an hour of your time. The Blood Center thanks all the people who donate at the Cedar Springs drives. #24

Take off pounds sensibly

June 21: 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 Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #24

Blessing of the Bicycles

June 25: The 2nd Blessing of the Bicycles Event to be held on June 25th starting at 11 am until 2 pm at The Springs Church, corner of Oak and First Street. Kids of all ages are welcome for face painting, games, and bike decorating. Free t-shirts, helmets, along with several used bikes (for those that may need one) will be available while supplies last. Helmet Safety Demonstration will be given by Rockford Ambulance at 12:30, followed by the Blessing at 1 pm given by Pastor Cherri’ and a drawing will be done with various items to be won after that. Blessing is open to all Bike Riders – Adults and Kids! Hope to see you there! #24,25

Cooking Matters for Families Workshop

July 7: Cooking Matters for Families Workshop encourages families to work together to make healthy meals that everyone will enjoy. Cooking Matters encourages participants to select nutritious foods, prepare and cook healthy foods side by side, and choose budget-friendly healthy ingredients that the whole family will enjoy. This is a FREE 6 week workshop for adults and youth (10yrs and up). Limited space available. Begins on July 7 from 9-11 am at Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Ave, Cedar Springs. This workshop is offered by MSU Extension with the food pantry at Solon Center Wesleyan Church. Please contact Terry Gafurovic to register at 616.696.3229 or terrygaf79@gmail.com. #24-26

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.

Free Movie

Feb. 19: Resurrection Lutheran Church at 180 S. Third St. in Sand Lake, will be having a FREE showing of the the War Room this Friday, February 19th at 7 pm. Free appetizers will also be served. There will also be a FREE movie and fun activities planned for the children. This is all free! We encourage the community to come out and enjoy a great movie! For any questions please contact us at 616-636-5502. #7

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

Feb. 20: The Cedar Springs Lions Club’s Pancake Breakfast will be held this Saturday on February 20th 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. Other planned dates are March 19th and April 16th. Proceeds to assist sight conservation. #7

Fund Raiser at N. Kent Senior Center

Feb. 20: The North Kent Senior Citizens Association is having a fund raiser/open house Saturday, February 20th from 10 am to 4 pm. The Senior Center is located at 44 N. Park St., Cedar Springs. We will be having chair massages, Reflexology, foot soaks, baked goods sale, raffle items, music, and a book sale going on with the CS Friends of the Library. Come join us for some fun! Questions – call Sue at 616-443-6468. #7

Roast Beef Dinner

Feb. 21: The Rockford American Legion Post 102 on the corner of Northland Dr. and Rockford Park Dr. (330 Rockford Park Dr.), will be hosting a roast beef dinner on Sunday February 21st and every 3rd Sunday of each month. Open to the public. We will be serving roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, coleslaw, rolls, dessert, coffee and punch. Reasonably priced at $9 for adults, kids age 4 to 12 for $7 and under 4 years are free. Serving from 11am to 3 pm. See ya there and bring the family! #6,7p

TOPS weight loss support group

Feb. 23: 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 Barb at 696-8049 for more information. #7