Return to flip book view
1 February 2017 Vol 14 Issue 11 Sparta Bell Ringer Inside April Showers Bring May Flowers This is a great opportunity for a family project Buy a flower paint and have a wonderful take home piece of Yard Art Take a stab at your very own Flower Yard Art Sparta will have laser cut flower yard art available to make your own with paint Pick up the primed piece have fun with the family or take a serious approach all levels of art are accepted Return the flower yard art painted and completed by March 24 for the final priming coat to be applied and for the Yard Art Flowers to be installed downtown in April At the beginning of June all masterpieces will be available for pick up Flowers are 30 each Create a custom personalized piece of yard art that will be a focal point downtown for weeks and then can be installed at your own home These make wonderful Mothers Day presents or birthday gifts IN THIS ISSUE Page 1 Love yourself ladies Page 6 St Patrick s Day Party Page 2 Sparta s adopt a spot Page 8 Chamber Awards Page 3 Tally Ho Puppet Festival Page 9 Milestones Page 4 Fewer butterflies Page 14 Bell Ringer ECRWSS Postal Customer PRSRT STD U S POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS MI Permit 214
2 SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 Sparta s downtown Adopt a Spot The Sparta Adopt a Spot program is designed to encourage community involvement in our continuing efforts to keep Sparta a beautiful place to live work and visit Sparta is proud to have dozens of flower gardens that are a visual representation of the pride we have in our community The program utilizes volunteers from businesses organizations clubs churches school groups teams and families to maintain our beautiful gardens through the Spring Summer and Fall seasons Flowers are a labor of love but takes time to make them great Call 887 2454 or www spartachamber com for application North Kent Networkers Are you a small business solo business owner or entrepreneur Do you find you have limited time to market your business Join the North Kent Networkers group and expand your marketing department Membership is 50 annually and you lock out any competitors from joining Each network member works to spread the word about your business through his or her own contacts Meetings are held every Wednesday morning at 7 00 AM at Algoma Township Office 10531 Algoma Ave NE Rockford MI 49341 7108 Call 616 915 3863 for more information Coming Soon to Sparta Ridgetown a unique Sandwich shop with fresh made salads and soups This quick concept eatery provides fast service for those on the go call ahead orders for the busier times and even a place to sit while you wait for the kids at practice or seek a few minutes to answer some emails Located in the front of the Fenton building Ridgetown will boast homemade artisan soda dispensed from an old fashion fountain Keep your eyes open for the monthly Rib and Brisket BBQ Visit Ridgetown at www facebook com ridgetown to stay up to date on the projected opening date hours of operation and introductions to the fresh and local suppliers helping us keep our promise of using only fresh and local ingredients Chamber to celebrate grand openings with ribbon cutting ceremonies The Sparta Chamber is hosting a Ribbon Cutting welcome for Sparta Michigan s newest thrift shop The Thrifty Chick offers high quality items at competitive prices and a friendly atmosphere The shop is located at 1611 12 Mile Road on the corner of 12 Mile and State Street The Chamber will host an official Ribbon Cutting Welcome on Thursday February 23 and invites the public and business community to attend ChoiceOne Bank will hold a Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at their downtown Sparta Location 109 East Division on Tuesday February 28 at 10am and invites the public and business community to attend The Earth has music for those who listen Join us for the 2017 Spring Gala on April 22 2017 at 6pm HCNC and the board of directors will be hosting the Spring Gala that is sure to be a great time Local 3pc Jazz group Swingtooth will be providing music several area restaurants will be providing a large spread of various food we ll have guest speakers and a lot of wonderful one of a kind items for auction Be sure to join us Tickets can be purchased online or through the office 30 person 15 members 7th Annual HCNC Easter Egg Hunt Pancake Brunch Brunch 5 00 each Served from Noon to 2 pm Easter Egg Hunt 1 00 per person begins promptly for all ages at 2 pm Discounts for Nature Center members Beuschel Funeral Home 5018 Alpine Ave just south of 6 Mile 616 785 3863 www BeuschelFuneralHome com Brent Beuschel Manager Meeting All Financial Needs Facility Tours Sparta Tire Automotive TIRES SERVICE MORE Tires Wheels Brakes Alignments Shocks Struts Import Factory Maintenance Tune Ups More Complete Automotive Repair 440 S State St Sparta 616 887 1748 spartatire com
SpartaTODAY 3 Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 3rd Annual Tally Ho Puppet Festival Sparta s Easter Bunny Visits Photos Saturday April 15 10 am to Noon Free Bring a camera General Practice aD 1 3 1 4 x 6 More Than Law Saturday March 11 2017 10 30 am until 1 30pm Sparta Civic Center BLAKESLEE ROP PLC Hear ye hear ye Come one come All Enjoy watching DIFFERENT puppet shows with entertainers fromthroughout Michigan Interactive performances for the young and shows that reach all ages Puppets ventriloquist figures books and more will be for sale Also the puppet making creation station will be open AT T O R N E Y S AT L AW Purchase tickets on site 15 00 per Family 5 00 individual Brought to you by Sparta Cultural Alliance and the Sparta Chamber of Commerce www spartachamber com BLAKESLEE ROP PLC The BACK SHOP Chiropractic Center Massage Dr LynnMarie S Leyder Tammy Gibson Doctor of Chiropractic Office Manager AT T O R N E Y S AT L AW Estate Planning Probate Estate Planning Probate Business Real Real EstateBusiness Criminal Law Estate Municipal Tammy thebackshopchiro com 542 S S State Sparta MI MI 49345 Fax 616 616 887 2456 887 2456 542 StateSt Street Sparta 49345Phone Phone 616 616 887 2178 887 2178 Fax www thebackshopchiro com facebook com thebackshopchiro www thebackshopchiro com facebook com thebackshopchiro 616 866 9593 drive rockfor 866 9593 240 NorthlaNd www br law net 240 Northland Dr Rockford MI File name www br law net 1B_general_practice_ad_2011 pdf
4 SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 I Noticed There are Fewer Butterflies Thank You On behalf of the family of Lynn McFall Schaner a heartfelt Thank you to all of those who made donations to the Sparta Education Foundation and Relay for Life in her memory We were deeply touched by the generosity and love shown through your memorials It is true There are fewer butterflies due to loss of habitat Can something really be done about it Yes Check the boxes that sound like you I want my children and grandchildren to experience many kinds of butterflies during their lifetimes Looking at beautiful flowers feels uplifting to me Connecting with nature brings me peace I enjoy gardening I have special memories playing at a creek or lake I look for fish at Nash Creek I am in awe when I watch birds feed their babies insects I am alarmed because food for baby birds is diminishing since we choose to plant non native plants in our own yards I am worried because children who do not connect with nature by the time they are 11 years old will not make decisions as adult citizens to conserve our natural resources I can set aside about 3 hours each month to help week wildflower gardens planted in our own community Shirley McFall Congratulations You have determined that YOU can make a real difference Sparta students have started restoring the banks of Nash Creek in town They understand native plants restore habitat on land as well as clean water in Nash Creek with their long roots The children feel empowered to help fish return They need your help weeding wildflower gardens during spring and summer Please contact Sue Blackall sue blackall spartaschools org or 616 8878771 Information from Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy Sparta apples fall far from the trees By Darryl Smith As retirees and avid SCUBA divers my wife Linda and I have had the opportunity to visit many islands in the Caribbean area Being former Michigan teachers we both enjoy conversing with the locals eating in the small mom and pop places visiting historical attractions and experiencing the sometimes pulse pounding local forms of public transportation This time escaping another Waterford winter we arrived in the beautiful island of Barbados BWI As a little geographical reference the island only 4 times the area of Sparta Township is approximately 2 500 air miles from Sparta is the easternmost island in the Caribbean and is located northeast of Venezuela My number one thing to do after getting settled in is to visit the local supermarket This time it was Massey s in nearby Holetown Having been a social studies teacher I could easily spend an hour or more scanning the shelves to see the countries of origin of items never found in Michigan markets and I often get friendly advice from fellow shoppers about the proper ways to prepare things On this particular venture after finding canned hot dogs fish wieners and slabs of salt fish I avoided asking for advice as I passed the meat counter displaying nicely wrapped packages of pig ears tails and snouts However at the produce counter I was stopped in my tracks Standing out among the mounds of locally grown cassava breadfruit mangoes eddoes and yams were bags brightly marked MICHIGAN APPLES On closer inspection Point of origin Sparta MI The British couple shopping next to me got a quick lesson on world geography as I pointed out the location of Sparta on the big mitten that was printed on my tee shirt Maybe we should change that old saying to In Sparta Michigan the apples do fall far from the tree New Grant for Cemetary Sparta Township recently received a grant to replant trees in Greenwood Cemetery Sparta Township recently received a grant to replant trees in Greenwood Cemetery Over the past few years several of the large maple trees that have shaded the graves for decades have fallen or been taken down because of damage To preserve the peaceful shady atmosphere we have planted new maples thanks to a grant from Consumers Energy s Community Tree Planting Grant Program The cost of purchasing and planting the new trees was entirely paid for by the grant Thank you Consumers Energy Linda and Tony Daly of Bradford Yorkshire England pick up a bag of MICHIGAN APPLES from Sparta Photo by Darryl Smith Mamrelund Church s 9th Annual Spring Bazaar aJS SCHMiDT Saturday March 18 2017 616 498 5368 Cell 616 887 7307 ext 113 Office 616 887 2655 Fax mikelamb grar com Each Office is independently Owned And Operated Concessions Bake Sale Over 35 vendors 1 00 Admission Barrier Free Building Lots of Convenient Parking SP66929 Mike LaMb ABR CRS GRI Assoc Broker Manager 194 South State St PO Box 34 Sparta MI 49345 www buysellmikelamb com 9am 2pm Mamrelund Lutheran Church 4085 Lutheran Church Road Kent City MI Mamrelund weebly com SPARTA ANIMAL CLINIC P C 431 W Division Sparta 616 887 8247 Servicing Both Large and Small Animals Office Calls Surgeries and Farm Visits www spartaanimalclinic vetstreet com M F 8 00am 6 00pm Sat 8 00am 12 00 Noon SURE AT FIRST I WAS A LITTLE TAKEN ABACK BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AND NOW HANGING OUT WITH HIM IS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY EINSTEIN adopted 12 09 10
We are so thankful for the generosity of our community These items would not have been possible without these wonderful donations Thank you Sparta Community Foundation and Sparta Lions Club Photo Gary Moody Nicole Schafer Dr Anne Pfeffer David Overeem Great things for Sparta Township Library Donations made to the Sparta Township Library this winter are putting smiles on children s faces and adding library fun to future children s programming A grant from the Sparta Community Foundation has made it possible to replace much loved and worn children s furniture The library was able to purchase a child sized gardened themed sofa chair and ottoman Kids love the fun and sense of adventure it brings to their library experience Two donations from the Sparta Lions Club has made it possible for the children s library to add fun events to the summer reading program and add toys that help develop motor skills in our younger children s programming Photos Ezra and Emmett Thomas Doug Crawford buying his two granddaughters Evie Barkel and Avery Wolter their first BB guns at Roger s Hardware Also in the picture are his grandsons Connor Crawford and Wyatt Wolter Doug also has a few grandkids not shown Eric Crawford Chris and Krystal Grover Ken and Lisa Wolter Gabe Crawford Steven Sheller Lebeck and Sabrina Lebeck A Special Family Moment Roger s Hardware Store Roger s Hardware Customer comes in 75 years later to buy his granddaughters their first BB guns at the same store that he got his first BB gun a small pack of BB s each time I came in to pay on the gun That is how I got an account at Roger s Hardware some 75 years ago By Robin Barkel After my father finished telling the story my mother said he should take his grandson Wyatt into Rogers to get a BB gun That is when I said Wyatt already has a BB gun and so does Connor but both his granddaughters were upset that they did not get one That settled it Plans were made and my father was going to buy his granddaughters BB guns Since the man raised his daughters to It all started this past year In our family we started a new tradition in the year 2015 of storytelling At any family gathering after we are done eating we all gather around my father Clarence Crawford but everyone knows him as Doug and listen to him tell his old stories One of these stories went something like this as told by Doug I would bet that I am the oldest standing customer with an account at Roger s Hardware The year I was 6 years old I stayed with my grandparents who were housesitting for a friend where Holy Family Church now sits My grandfather brought me into the hardware store with him and I was looking at a Red Rider BB gun I did not have enough money to buy it I only had a dollar William Rogers asked me how much my allowance was and I told him it was 25 cents a week The BB gun was 2 50 After checking with my grandpa to make sure it was okay he told me that I could open an account to get the gun I could give him the 25 cents and come in each week to pay 25 cents until it was paid off He also gave me believe that girls can do all the things that boys can it is fitting that he would be buying his granddaughters BB guns Many thanks to Becky Rodgers for help with this story Also thanks to Roger s Hardware located at 155 Division St Sparta Michigan not just for allowing our family to tell our story but for all the service you have provided for over 75 years I also added some pictures of Rogers Hardware from the last 75 years It has grown and moved locations but it has been a part of Sparta for many generations
6 SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 HCNC Spring Break Camps We re looking forward to another week of Spring Break Camp at HCNC Each day will have a new theme while we cover team building archery animals from water and land and a whole lot of fun games It doesn t get any better than this Pack a lunch except for Friday s Pizza Party dress for the weather and don t miss out April 3 April 7 2017 10 00AM to 2 00PM Member Cost 30 Non Member Cost 40 Candy Cane Lane a Hit thanks to Volunteers Special thank you to the WONDERFUL volunteers who spent several afternoons hanging Christmas Decorations on Candy Cane Lane for the Christmas Season The Candy Cane Lane was loved by many both young and young at heart A family checking out the Candy Cane Lane decorations on Stroll Shop Sparta weekend Hunter Safety Class Old School Classes SPRING 2017 WHERE Sparta Hunting Fishing Club Grounds 13218 Long Lake Dr Sparta MI WHEN Sign up days Sunday April 9 from 10 4 pm or Thursday April 13 2 6 pm You must attend all classes to receive certificate CLASS DATES Monday April 17 7 9 30 pm Wednesday April 19 7 9 30 pm Friday April 21 7 9 30 pm Saturday April 22 9 1 pm NO CHARGE FOR THE CLASS Free lunch provided on Saturday Soda and snacks available Class limited to the first 50 students www spartahuntingandfishingclub com Questions call Bob 678 4173 or 887 8982 ST PATRICK S PARTY PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE SPARTA MARCH 17 2017 7 00 PM to 9 00 PM S A LANE T R A P S FITNESS WEIGHTS Mondays at 5 30 p m The cost is 40 8 weeks Drop ins 10 class Come gain definition and strength in this total body workout Each week we will Target specific muscles using free weights weighted balls tubing hula hoops and your own body weight All Fitness levels welcome TURBO KICK Mondays at 6 30 p m The cost is 40 8 weeks OR 7 class You can also pay 25 4 weeks Turbo Kick LIVE combines traditional kickboxing moves with high intensity interval training HIIT for an unbelievable calorie burn You ll have a blast getting into knockout shape learning hard hitting combos and edgy dance moves while torching fat and carving lean sexy muscle in the most empowering class you ve ever taken It s not a workout it s a Party PLYOGA Tuesdays at 4 30 p m The cost is 40 8 weeks OR 10 class Plyoga is a 4 part interval training system using the benefits of fundamental accelerated yoga as an active recovery for plyometric reactive movement YOGA Tuesdays Thursdays at 6 30 p m Cost is 9 class OR 35 6 classes When you purchase a card it will expire in 45 days Offering a variety of Yoga Vinyasa Hatha Yin Lyengar POUND Thursdays at 5 00 p m and Saturdays at 9 00 a m The cost is 40 4 weeks for 2 classes a week OR 40 8 week for 1 class a week Drop in is 10 class The POUND workout fuses cardio interval training with drumming to provide a challenging heart pumping workout COMMISSION ON AGING Classes will start back up in the SPRING OLD SCHOOL COLOR RUN JUNE 17 2017 More information can be found on Facebook Type in Old School then the name of the class If anyone is interested in renting space or starting a class please call Kelly at 616 914 9648 Where Did I Come From Discover Those Answers As You Trace Your Genealogy Provided by the Sparta Township Historical Commission Want to learn more about where you came from How to start your family history search Join us to learn how to get started and finish successfully Class Sessions February 21 28 March 7 14 21 Tuesdays Time 7 00 pm 9 00 pm Where Sparta Middle School Room 5 Cost 30 2 PERSON TEAMS 50 50 RAFFLE STRIKE POT PRIZES A DRINK TICKET TO MUST BE 21 OR OLDER TO PLAY TICKETS AVAILABLE AT FREELAND CHIROPRACTIC or CELLAR BREWING or just mail check to P O Box 116 Sparta MI JOIN US AFTER THE EVENT 9 30PM Intended Outcomes Learn How to organize your family history search How to track what you find in a variety of formats How to properly record names dates and places How to locate sources for family information How to locate sources for published information How to find birth marriage and death information How to use proper source citations How to interview family members REGISTRATION Email Marcia Thompson at marciakm58 gmail com to register and submit payment to 133 E DIVISION S PA RTA M I Sparta Area Schools 465 S Union St Sparta MI 49345 Checks payable to Sparta Area Schools
SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 OPEN THE DOOR TO YOUR DREAM Come Bank With Us 7
8 SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 Sparta Chamber Tesa Award Sparta Chamber General Formulations Award Sparta Chamber Cellar Award Sparta Chamber Sparta Variety Award Chamber Awards Four Businesses At the Sparta Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration on January 19 2017 four Sparta businesses were recognized for their outstanding service in each of the categories The focus of this event is to recognize chamber members for outstanding service in one of the four areas while enjoying a Taste of Sparta food and beverage The Sparta Chamber recognized Sparta Variety for their outstanding Community Spirit as a business who is all in and supports and participates in all the Chamber DDA and organizations that host area events with overwhelming participation Sparta Variety has contributed in many ways to enhance the community and have a positive unique voice in Sparta Phil Potter the owner of Sparta Variety can often be found taking a funny intriguing or uplifting video outside of the store talking about an upcoming deal happening in the store Potter has operated Sparta Variety previously known as Dollar N More in Sparta for over 20 years The corner of Division and Union in downtown Sparta is a gorgeous example of a thoughtful and unique window display with a variety of retail options inside A unique award called Sowing Seeds is given to a business that is committed to making Sparta home by investing in itself and in the community and the Sparta Chamber is pleased to award it to the Cellar Brewing Co The new location located in the old Momber s Pharmacy building in the center of downtown Sparta has been extensively renovated and is scheduled to open in March of 2017 The new location will become home to the brewing operation on the East end of Sparta as well as a new restaurant and take out facility The investment in the new location has made a major impact in downtown Sparta and the general vibe of the community is excitement awaiting the opening Owners Chuck and Deanna Brown are anxiously awaiting the grand opening with a feel of appreciation for the welcome they have received by the community The Sparta Chamber believes recognizing the importance of a business to belong to a community and to work with the community to make a stronger Sparta is one that is recognized for Building Bridges This year the Sparta Chamber is pleased to present General Formulations with the Building Bridges award for working hard with the Village to keep its location based in Sparta embrace growth needs and invest back into Sparta Scouts Working Together Sparta Town Country Days Celebration By Darci Nanzer The Boy Scouts of Troop 704 and the Girl Scout of Troop 4767 both out of Sparta MI joined together to collect non perishable food items for a local food drive All food collected was donated to Maumerland Lutheran Churches food pantry To make things a little more interesting leaders of both troops decided to turn the food drive into a competition girl scouts against boy scouts For a little added competition both the Girl Scout Troop Leader and the Boy s Scoutmaster agreed if their troop brought in the least amount of food they would happily receive a pie in the face The scouts had approximately 3 weeks to collect food Each troop did all they could to support their troop leader In the end the boys of Troop 704 won with a total of 561 items The girls of Troop 4767 brought in 134 items This turned out to be a successful food drive Together bringing in a total of 695 items was in my opinion a win for all Congratulations to our scouts for an exceptional food drive Momber Pharmacy Gifts U the community who supports the growth of the company Owner Jim Clay was humbled and pleased to accept the award on behalf of General Formulations The Sparta Chamber gives the President s Choice award to an entity that has stood out in Sparta and this year was unanimously voted for Tesa Tape Tesa Tape is one of the world s leading manufacturers of selfadhesive product and system solutions headquartered in Germany with Sparta as one of the few Tesa Tape plants in North America The Sparta Tesa Tape is pleased to see the 20 Million Dollar investment that will expand their physical footprint and includes new technology and equipment and employees to the community Dr Kai Fildbrant plant manager accepted the award on behalf of all the employees at Tesa Tape in Sparta The Sparta Chamber is proud of all award recipients who support not only the Chamber but many other organizations that help make Sparta a better place to grow For more information about the 2016 Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce s Annual Celebration and awards please contact Chamber Director Elizabeth Morse at chamber spartami org or at 616 887 2454 Plans are underway for the 2017 Sparta Town Country Days celebration The fair celebrated it s 75th year in 2016 and continues to play a special role in both the history and future of the community The hometown fair known as Town Country Days that we ve come to know and love in 1941 was a new event for Sparta It was presented to the public as The Big Fair Harvest Festival featuring milking contests and a parade of floats By 1943 the fair was off and running into its third year by continuing on with the theme of Fair time is your time for a BIG time Over the years the fair has gone through changes to stay current for the community while embracing its agricultural roots through horse pulls goat shows cow shows and hay bale tossing contests The 2017 fair will bring back some of the favorite events Sparta has come to love while moving forward for continued future successes Mark your calendar for mid July Momber Pharmacy S StateUSt Sparta MI Phone 616 887 7323 Fax 616 887 9559 Gifts Store Drive ThruMIHours Mon Fri 9 7 Sat 9 5 Sun Closed 11 S State St Sparta Phone 616 887 7323 Fax 616 887 9559 Free Store delivery within Sparta city limits Drive Thru Hours Mon Fri 9 7 Sat 9 5 Sun Closed Fast friendly customer service Free delivery within Sparta city limits We accept most insurance plans service Great Fast giftsfriendly for allcustomer occasions We Candles accept most insurance plans Yankee Great gifts for all occasions Hallmark Cards Yankee Candles A family pharmacy Hallmark Cards run with pride A family pharmacy run with pride www hometownpharmacy com Store and Drive Thru Hours Monday Friday 9 7 Saturday 9 5 Sunday Closed Join us for an evening of information and introductions Learn more about our Preschool Program and Kindergarten classrooms Assistance with the enrollment process will be available Please bring child s birth certificate immunization record and a proof of residency
SpartaTODAY 9 Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 Milestones Submitted by Jayne Heath Paasch new much needed water tower on the west side Within the Appletree project another of Don s dreams for Sparta was realized as he spearheaded the development of Meadowlark Retirement Home which has served the needs of many area residents over the past 25 years Don said It was one of our original goals Until then Sparta residents had to move away when they needed these services Don has been married to his high school sweetheart Kay Kober for 57 years They are charter members of Peace Lutheran Church where Don has served in almost every capacity including president teacher elder choir member and building committee chair He has two daughters and two sons and several grandchildren Among his hobbies Don enjoys photography and poetry winning a local contest with Hometown Feeling several years ago This Milestones edition is an excerpt from the 2016 Sparta Township Historical Notables event The Notables are chosen bi annually for their outstanding actions with Sparta roots WE RE READY ARE YOU 88 OF ALL CARDIAC ARRESTS OCCUR AT HOME THE LIFE YOU SAVE WITH CPR IS LIKELY TO BE SOMEONE YOU LOVE CLASS REGISTRATION 866 0724 CLASS REGISTRATION 616 863 8434 ON SITE PALS ACLS CLASSES ON and SITE CLASSES AVALIBLEAVAILABLE Call to Schedule a free Credit review with our financial Solutions representatives Today eth Home of the Same Day Loan eliz ab ROCKFORD AMBULANCE CPR AND FIRST AID TRAINING Lis a Don and twin brother Duane were born to L D and Lillian Bradford with the assistance of Dr Thies DeYoung Without the help of ultrasound the good doctor exclaimed after Duane was born Lil I think there s another one in there The twins attended kindergarten through twelfth grade at the old school on North Union walking from their home on Centennial Street Always enjoying the leadership role Don served as president of the class of 54 his sophomore through senior years and quarterbacked the 53 football team to 9 wins in an undefeated untied season His single season record of 16 touchdown passes still stands He also captained the baseball and basketball teams setting a new SHS single game scoring record of 31 points in basketball in 1954 The Sparta Athletic Hall of Fame inducted Don in 1998 and his entire football team in 2004 Entering the Army in 1955 Don was assigned to the 3rd infantry Regiment in Arlington VA and was honored to serve as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1957 After discharge he joined the Glenn S Bradford Insurance Agency for a 40year career and a life of service to the town he loves A Rotarian also for 40 years he served as president in 1967 and as chair of the Student Exchange program in a 25 year labor of love touching the lives of hundreds of families and students here and abroad Don also was co chair of the hugely successful Sparta Area Quasquicentennial in 1971 which left us with a summer of great memories In 1984 concerned with the lack of growth in Sparta Don along with brother Duane and friend Jim Lyals started Appletree Development Company with the goal of bringing jobs new housing options increased tax base and retail businesses to Sparta Because the village was not geared for growth private money had to be raised through investors and bank loans to create the infrastructure including roads utilities a lift station and forced main plus a costly improvement to the county drain In spite of many challenges the original goals were all achieved Don said Choice One Bank had the vision to work with us and the taxpayers passed a bond issue to build the Download our mobile app 485 S State Street Sparta MI 49345 616 887 8262
10 SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 Sweetheart of a February Family FUNdraiser Sparta MI Kent County Michigan Sparta Recreation Authority Monday February 27 4 7 pm Garden Patch Restaurant Support the Sparta Education Foundation Enjoy a Delicious Italian Buffet for 8 99 per person All you can eat Buffet includes 3 pastas including alfredo with chicken and broccoli spicy marinara and mac n cheese breadsticks salad soft drink or coffee Kids 5 Under are FREE Take out is an option Tips support the SEF Sponsored by Sparta Education Foundation PUBLIC PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE Sweetheart of a Sale will be held at Peace Lutheran Church 1225 12 Mile Rd Sparta on February 11 from 9 00 am until 3 00 p m Vendors of all kinds will be there selling items for you or your sweetheart in time for Valentine s Day Booth space is available for 10 and there are tables and racks that can be rented for 5 each If you are interested in reserving space please contact the church office at 616 887 9417 See you there Beat the Winter Blahs The Beat the Winter Blahs adult reading club begins Wednesday February 1 and ends Friday March 31 Sign up begins Wed Feb 1 at the library Adults will read books and win prizes throughout the program Details can be had by calling the library 887 9937 or going to our website sparta llcoop org The Sparta Recreation Authority will hold a public hearing regarding the submittal of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application to the DNR for the Sparta Recreation Park Sports Complex Development on Thursday March 2 2017 at 7 00 pm in the Sparta Township Meeting Room 160 E Division Sparta Michigan This notice is posted in compliance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Act Act 267 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1976 as amended Questions or written comments may be directed to the SRA Chairperson at 160 E Division Sparta Michigan MondayFriday 8 00 a m 5 00 p m Village of Sparta Sparta Township Sparta Recreation Authority Kent County Michigan The Village of Sparta Sparta Township Sparta Recreation Authority SRA will hold a joint public hearing regarding the 2017 2022 Sparta Community Recreation Plan Draft on Monday February 27 at 7 00 pm in the Civic Center located at 75 N Union Street Sparta Michigan This notice is posted in compliance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Act Act 267 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1976 as amended Questions or written comments may be directed to the Village Manager Township Clerk or SRA Chair at the contact information below MondayFriday 8 00 a m 5 00 p m Robert Whalen SRA Chair 156 E Division Sparta MI 49345 616 887 8251 Julius Suchy Village Manager 156 E Division Sparta MI 49345 616 887 8251 Marcy Savage Township Clerk 160 E Division 616 887 8863 Robert Whalen SRA Chair 616 887 8251 YOUR HOMETOWN HEAVY DUTY TRUCK STORE Just 10 Money Saving Minutes From Grand Rapids YOU LL LOVE THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS 616 887 1791 Corner of M 37 Sparta Ave www spartachevy com
SpartaTODAY 11 Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 The Passing of the Wrench Truck Repair Service Inc was started by life long Sparta resident Larry Goodfellow in 1987 Larry recalls Back in 1985 I knew I needed to leave my big city job that included being away from home a lot and get back to my roots and be closer to family So Larry left his corporate job on October 31 1987 and started his dream Truck Repair Service Inc The early years Larry worked all day along with many nights and weekends but he never could seem to catch up with his work load Back then the majority of his business came from local farmers fixing their farm equipment semi trucks and trailers Larry s wife Deb Goodfellow has been Secretary and Treasurer from the start After 5 years Larry added another mechanic and after 10 he added a third The first 15 years of Larry s business his dad Gordon Red Goodfellow ran parts answered phones and took messages sometimes the messages even made sense About 15 years ago Larry decided he wanted to become a certified facility all mechanics became state and ASE certified After 29 years Truck Repair Service has been recently passed to the next generation of Goodfellows Matt Goodfellow Larry s son and Monica Matt s wife have decided to continue the family business To many customer s surprise it isn t Matt turning wrenches out in the shop but Monica who has become involved in the business In 2003 Larry s dad passed away suddenly Seeing the void Monica offered to help out for a while and get the business paperwork on computers Larry used to call me his gal Friday I just did what ever needed to be done from answering phones running parts sorting inventory and setting up digital record keeping Monica reminisced This is not the first experience Monica has with cars her dad is an auto engineer I grew up handing my dad tools as he worked on his 1970 Boss 302 Mustang I ve always had a love of cars thanks to my dad Monica remembers as soon as she got her driver s license her mom made her go out and change her own oil check all the fluids and put the spare tire on the car To the surprise of many with the help of a friend Monica installed an engine in her own Mustang back in high school Monica has no intention of replacing engines these days she leaves that to her certified mechanics Matt fully supports his wife running the family Larry and Deb Goodfellow business Monica s experience with Dad Larry over the last 13 years along with her previous business and non profit ventures make her the perfect person to continue what Dad started Nobody is more qualified to continue carrying the torch Monica has gotten to know the business first hand by working side by side with Larry We intend to continue the business Larry started 30 years ago keeping in mind treating the customer as we would hope to be treated Vehicles are so important in today s world we work to return your vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible even when your repair was unplanned Monica states in regards to the shop Larry and Deb plan to continue working at the shop for a few more years before retiring completely Monica and Matt Goodfellow Larry states in regards to letting go of the reins The time comes in every business man or woman s life when they have to think about stepping down and selling their business whether it s to an outsider or family member After a year or so of jumping through hoops it happened on January 1 2017 The nice thing about this is that a business I started over 30 years ago is still a family my family owned business Truck Repair Service provides repairs on consumer vehicles fleet vehicles and agricultural equipment The shop is located at 2695 11 Mile Rd NW Sparta MI You may contact the shop for appointments quotes or questions at 616 887 1924 or email truckrs att net A smile could change your life Complimentary Exam In Sparta 275 State St Sparta 616 887 4002 www BriedenMillerOrtho com 88 East Division Street Sparta MI 49345 866 887 1761
12 SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 Crome Mechanical can help you Keep Cozy This Winter COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL HEATING COOLING A DIVISION OF THE PIONEER GROUP PHONE DIRECTORY SERVICES FURNACES BOILER SYSTEMS VENTILATION A DIVISION OF THE PIONEER GROUP PHONE DIRECTORY SERVICES Sales Installation Repair A DIVISION OF THE PIONEER GROUP PHONE DIRECTORY SERV 50 OFF ANY REPAIR SERVICE WITH THIS COUPON A Live Person ALWAYS Answers When You Call 616 884 0808 tara cromemechanical com CROMEMECHANICAL COM 24 7 SERVICE Local Marketing for Local Businesses Local Marketing for Local Busine Local Marketing for Local Businesses A DIVISION OF THE PIONEER GROUP PHONE DIRECTORY SERVICES A DIVISION OF THE PIONEER GROUP PHONE DIRECTORY SERVICES Phone directory advertising Phone directory advertising Local Marketing Mobile friendly website design Mobile friendly website design Phone directory advertising PPC and display advertising PPC and display advertising Mobile friendly website design Google maps claiming Google maps claiming PPC and display advertising Rank building pages Google maps claiming Rank building pages Social media services Social media services building pages for LocalRank Businesses Social media services Learn more at pdspages com Learn more at pdspages com Learn more at pdspages com Phone directory advertising Mobile friendly website design 115 N MICHIGAN AVE BIG RAPIDS MICHIGAN and display advertising 115PPC N MICHIGAN AVE BIG RAPIDS MICHIGAN 231 592 4737 PDSPAGES COM 231 592 4737 PDSPAGES
SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 Wow Now this is retirement Meadowlark Retirement Village has been completely renovated to support a new innovative approach to resident centered care The Household model of care features three different households each complete with a kitchen living room and dining room for residents in independent living assisted living and secure memory care Come see for yourself Call Meadowlark for a personal tour 616 887 8891 Meadowlark Retirement Village 65 Ida Red Avenue Sparta MI 49345 13
14 SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 Sparta Area Schools Vol 14 No 11 February 2017 Bell Ringer Pages 14 15 17 18 19 Check out our special photo page BELL RINGER Home of the Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School www spartaschools org GREETINGS FROM GORDIE Dear District Residents Happy New Year I hope 2017 is off to a great start for all of you It is hard to believe we are in a new year and will soon be completing our first semester of school in the 2016 2017 school year You can certainly tell we are in Michigan with our interesting weather Freezing and snowing one day and the next day we have 40 degree weather with some rain The interesting mix never fails to make driving interesting but it does help us to appreciate the wonderful spring summer and fall that this great state provides I want to once again commend our students for their efforts to give back to their community I am always impressed with the work being done by our students to give back to the community that supports them and their educational efforts With the help of two outside organizations our schools helped to sponsor more than twenty five Sparta families during Thanksgiving making sure they had a nice feast Through the Student Council Angel Tree project 317 students children received gifts to help make their holiday a bit brighter We also participated in Toys for Tots and although we are one of the smaller districts participating we had the second most number of toys donated Our students and families also support the collecting of nonperishable food items participate in Kids Food Baskets and visit our Senior citizens In addition to providing our students with an education we also strive to inspire them to be leaders in their community We are very proud of the citizens that Sparta Area Schools sends out into the world The Sparta Education Foundation will soon be looking at another round of grants for staff and students Their motto is to put the extras in education The SEF provides many extra dollars to enhance learning opportunities for our students Be sure to check out their website www spartaschools org sef and see the various activities they sponsor check out the projects they have supported and you might even want to consider making a tax deductible donation to their worthy cause For 80 of our students we have no attendance issues However unfortunately about 20 of our students do This equates to over 350 students district wide This number is just too high and we need to work together to make sure our students are consistently attending school If you find that you have a student that would fall into this category please reach out to your child s building principal to begin a plan to improve attendance It is extremely important for students to be in school Sparta Police Department thank you from Appleview fourth graders Fourth grade students from Appleview Elementary appreciate our police and fire departments Decorating candy bars and writing notes to them was a small way for us to show them that we know how much they do to make Sparta a better place As we pursue our mission of providing high quality educational opportunities to ensure success for all we welcome volunteers to work with students and assist staff with their time and talents If you would like to help out in anyway please contact the office of any of our buildings and let them know you are interested in helping out We remain grateful for the opportunities we have to work with some amazing students and families Hoping 2017 is a happy healthy and prosperous year for all If there is hope in the future there is power in the present Gordie Nickels Superintendent The open house at White Early Childhood Center March 15 5 pm to 7 pm Students visit Church s Tree Farm Mrs McKellar and Mrs Geers classes buddied up for a fun adventure at Church s Tree Farm in Grant MI We were welcomed by Mr Bob and allowed to explore the tree farm in search of the perfect tree to give to a local family The students enjoyed a hayride explored the great outdoors and warmed up to hot chocolate and a lesson on chestnuts It was a great adventure that allowed us to experience life on a farm but most importantly compassion and caring for others
SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 15 BELL RINGER PHOTO PAGE
16 SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 1 February 2017 Vol 14 Issue 11 Sparta Bell Ringer Inside We Deliver to over 14 000 households in Casnovia Cedar Springs Comstock Park Conklin Kent City Rockford Sparta and Walker Would you like to be a part of the Sparta Today Here Are Three Ways 1 Submit articles to www SpartaChamber com 2 Become a member of the Sparta Chamber by contacting the chamber at www SpartaChamber com or call 616 887 2454 3 Advertise your business by contacting Nancy Albrecht at 231 937 4740 or email nalbrecht pioneergroup com Contact the Sparta Chamber of Commerce for IN more details THIS ISSUE Page 1 Xxx Page 6 Xxx Page 2 Xxx Page 8 Xxx Page 3 Xxx Page 10 Xxx Page 4 Xxx Page 13 Xxx ECRWSS Postal Customer 156 E Division PO Box 142 Sparta MI 49345 616 887 2454 PRSRT STD U S POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS MI Permit 214 www SpartaChamber com
SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 17 BELL RINGER Sparta Education Foundation Hosts Anniversary Gala The SEF is celebrating its 25th year supporting Sparta students and this year held an anniversary gala to celebrate The intent was to thank our donors past board members and continual supporters of the SEF Held at the Sparta Civic Center the event theme was a murder mystery dinner and attendees had a lot of fun Good Friends Good Food Great Connections Fifty five students and two teachers piled onto the bus at Appleview carrying sack lunches homemade Christmas gifts a collection of Christmas carols and a head full of questions Mrs Koert and Mr Shuneson s fourth graders were on their way to have lunch with their Senior Neighbors at Harvest Way Thanks to the gener osity of the Sparta Education Foundation these students will take a couple of hours each month to visit with their new friends at Harvest Way The students enthusiastically prepare plays crafts and games to share with their friends and in return receive lots of praise and affirmations It is a beautiful thing to see the warm smiles on every one s faces hear the laughter that fills the room and feel the joy that comes when people care for one another Mrs Koert and Mr Shuneson want to thank not only the Sparta Education Foundation but also Harvest Way and Sparta Area Schools for continuing to support our students connecting with their community Building Leaders As part of the Leader in Me initiative taking place at Appleview Elementary students from Mrs Oudbier s and Ms Katie s preschool classes walked over to Appleview Elementary to read with Mr Oudbier s 3rd grade students Each 3rd grader partnered up with a preschool student The morning started with students making apple granola and peanut butter wraps The 3rd graders then read a book to their preschool buddy The remaining time was spent with students playing games and having a great time getting to know each other In the coming months the 3rd graders will walk over to White Early Childhood Center to spend more time with the preschoolers
18 SpartaTODAY Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 BELL RINGER CONGRATULATIONS 6TH GRADE Alt Reece Robert Clayton Brandon Keith Jaimes Noe I Nauta Corran Skye Seekman Nathan Michael Baldini Gabriel Jonathon Combs Haley E A Janesak Emma Grace Oosting Clayton Lee Seymour Logan Allen Baltruczak Michelle Grace DeKorne Allyson Irene Johnson Julia Rose Paige Brooklyn Lee Barr Mason Thomas Suhan Kyle Jon DeLong Nora Mae Becker Kiersten Marie Keener Drake Channing Pangborn Haley Elizabeth Dessellier Delaney Cora Klein Mackenzie Elizabeth Paniwozik Kolton Scott Tavares Sophie Renee Dines Aliyah Jordyn Kraus Eric Richard Pindzia Abigail Jane Dye Samari Leigh Laarman Makalah Jean Poling Bethany Shirleyann Elzinga Bailey Ann Lashuay Jada Renae Postma Emily Rose Feustel Isabelle Victoria Longcore Marissa Sue Reister Abriel Nicole Gomez Julio Cesar Longcore Paige Ashlyn Reister Isaiah Joshua Bunker Karlee Lynn Gutierrez Jazmine Jo MacArthur Erin Marie Reusser Dakota James Judson Buyze Brooke Lynn Hartman Elizabeth Jane Marlatt Taylor Elizabeth Richmond Brockton Noyes Wilcox Trevor Jonathon Caine Victoria Crystal Hufford Alexander Joseph McKay Jennifer Kaylee Rogers Gwen Olivia Wilson Jax Andrew Cantu Madison Lou Huinil Berumen Kevin Mejia Juliet Russell Anna Rae Wright Mackenzie Marie Chen Rachel Jackson Kyle John Momber Noah Bryan Scheid Lacey Jayne Zurek Abigail Rose Alexander Kyla Alexus DeKubber Aaliyah Erin Lee Kyla Nichol Ostrom Preston Allen Schriver Clara Marie Anderson Kaileigh Rae Elton Anthony John Lock Kyle John Padron Julissa Skop Kaylee Ann Andersson Jenna May Garcia Hannah Rose Mason Jordyn Alyse Peak Hailey Noelle Arellano Jose Alvaro Garza Jocelyn Marie Berenbrock Abbigail Rae Grettenberger Sendy Pauleus Matias Martinez Dilayla Yamileth Post Benjamin Brent Sternisha Martin Alexander Berenbrock Allison Ann Hall Paige McKenzi May Bridger Ean Punches Aliza Anne Biczak Ashley Kay Hanna Braelyn Grace Marie McNeil Evelyn Rose Rich Luke Dylan Bormes Camden David Heinbeck Fritz Cameron Mikula Samantha Renay Riddle Lance Robert Bradford Brooke Madison Iler Andrew Thomas Molhoek Jackqline Idolina Riddle Laurence Dominic Brower Madelyn Anne Itter Caleb Sean Montejo Esmeralda Janel Riddle Loren Cathryn Byrne Aidan Henry Knowles Hannah Audrey Monterusso Aliyah Shay Roettger Jaime Marie Closser Hannah Jade Kolhoff Samantha May Neathery Kelly Rowland Kaleb Joel Wood Colton Lawrence Cowdrey Ashley S Kutzli Chaleigh Kay Odle Jacob David Rummler Lucas James Woolworth Samuel E Dame Jacob Richard Lamancusa Antonio Joseph Olney Blake Ashton Scheid Andrew Joseph Wright Hannah Christine DeGraaf Gerrit Matthew Landry Christopher Matthew Ortiz Torres Adriana Schoonmaker Nicholas Michael Wylie Dylan Milton Alcala Medasia Marie Butts Sophia Kendall Hubert Chase Marvin Rees Julia Jilaine Sponsel Grahm Erwin Armock Kensey Marie Caine Olivia Jolene Hufford Hannah Josephine Reyburn Dakota Robert Strayer Scott Alexei Ashley Gavin Robert Charon Casey Jo Huizen Samantha Francis Striplin Randon Scott Ashley Jadon Connor Cook Hayden Alexander Keener Phoenix Christopher Richmond Sheridan Katherine Aune Annah Elizabeth Crum Breana Elsie Kober Michelle Marie Riordan Mykel Robert Vallone Olivia Valentina Ball Erin Nicole Dakins Jacquelyn R Laarman Aubrey Ann Bannen Ryan Neil Davis Robert Daniel Marczynski Connor Ray Benham Emalynn Elizabeth Bevers Rios Chancellor Bamiro Blouw Jordyn Michele Booth Aaliyah Haylee Bradford Skylar Lynn 7TH GRADE 8TH GRADE Postal Tomas Charles Roberts Joseph Dean VanOveren Emma Jo Volkers Carter Matthew Weronko Brooklynn Rose Wheelock Macy Jayne Whitmore Henry William Wiebenga Cameron William Thomas Swanson Melanie Lynn Vallone Bella Gracin VanderLeest Kolbe Andrew VanWingen Karlie Nicole Vargas Emily Michelle Whitmore Samuel Forrest Willcox Abby Lynn Sustaita Jose Giovanni VanDyke Brandon John Robertson Eden Kate VanDyke Chance Lee Rozema John Edward Way Abigail Jenifer Scott Abigayle Karen Webber Tyler James Robert Barendreght Wyatt James Driscoll Breanna Marie Martinez Charles Lizbeth Beechnau Gracie Rose Dulak Morgan Lyn Mason Ally Marie Bennett Alexandra Kae Feustel Emma Riley Shaffer Aubrianna Noelle Wheater Kyle Brennen Bennett Madison Grace Gunhus Hannah Rae Olvera Martinez Maria Del Rosario Singh Sumerpreet Wiggins Natasha Marie Bernard Gavin Reese Heiss Abigail Patrice Owen Samuel Perry Smith Jenna Dawn Wilk Bradley Scott Bjorkman Rylie Ann Herman Keziah Elizabeth Petty Logan Alexander Sousa April Anne Wilson Paige Lauryn Blanding Marshall Aaron Holliday Kara Lyn Poling Savannah Marie Spangenberg Kayla Rose Woodhull Katelynn Anne Bolda Alyssa Kathryn Hosmer Bridget Lynn Postal Abigail Marie Speck Zoe Elizabeth Wright Evelyn Mae Brown Abigail Nicole Howland Kodey Michael Postal Hannah Marie Spencer Jacob Gibson Zurek Katherine Eloise
SpartaTODAY 19 Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 BELL RINGER Students of the month at Sparta Middle School The students below were nominated by their teachers for being outstanding citizens at Sparta Middle School On behalf of our entire staff we want to recognize these students for the positive contributions they make to our school and for making those around them better through the positive example that they set OCTOBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH AT SMS 6TH GRADE Emma Janasek Trevor Wilcox 7TH GRADE Olivia Gordon Kaden Rodriguez 8TH GRADE Delaney Thomas Hayden Cook NOVEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH AT SMS 6TH GRADE 7TH GRADE 8TH GRADE Noe Jaimes Jackson Jones Michael Vargas Brooklyn Weronko Ashley Biczak Kensey Armock DECEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH AT SMS 6TH GRADE 7TH GRADE 8TH GRADE Skylar Bradford Logan Seymour Loren Riddle Kyle Lock Alexis Caballero Miguel Abby Way School Board Appreciation January is School Board Recognition Month a time to salute the work of our school board members and to celebrate public education Our Board of Education and the hundreds like it across the state preserve the core of our democracy public education They ensure that decisions on school programming are made by people we ve elected to represent our community s values culture and circumstances Showing appreciation for the important work of school boards is important This January the staff and students of Sparta Area Schools are asking all members of the community to take a moment and thank a school board member Thank you to the men and women who dedicate countless personal hours to ensure the needs of our community are met by our public schools We salute the public servants of Sparta Area Schools whose dedication and civic responsibility make local control of public schools in our community possible We applaud them for their vision and voice to prepare today s students to be tomorrow s leaders THE MEN AND WOMEN SERVING SPARTA AREA SCHOOLS INCLUDE President Andy Jensen Vice President Amanda VanStrien Treasurer Kim Eluskie Secretary Pamela May Trustees Jim Kerby Mark Alster Marybeth Dame Student Attendance 7th grade class trip to the Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum When February 22nd and February 24th Where DeVos Learning Center at the Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids For some of our Sparta students consistent attendance is a problem There is a saying that you will miss 100 of the shots you do not take For school we cannot educate students who do not come consistently We see so many students whose education could best be described as Swiss cheese There are so many holes due to their inconsistent attendance record This research has caught the eye of many and it is being talked about in the courts and in the legislative system Because we care so deeply about educating every child we are going to be taking a harder look at students who have truancy and or chronic absenteeism As defined by Senate Bill 405 Chronic Absenteeism means a student is absent for 10 or more of their scheduled school days in a school year and a student will be considered truant if they have ten or more unexcused absences per school year I highly expect that this is going to become a part of the Revised School Code and when it does we will be prepared to address this with any student who falls into either of these categories If your student is struggling with either of these issues please contact your principal and let s work together to resolve the issues so that your student can be available to receive a quality education Why In addition to touring the Presidential Museum this field trip will give our 7th grade students an opportunity to experience a number of different presentations that are aligned with the Social Studies teaching standards Specifically students have an opportunity to learn about important events in modern Presidential history with an emphasis on civics leadership character and public service More specific information will be sent out to 7th grade students and families in the coming weeks Kindergarten Screening Day Ridgeview Elementary Wednesday April 19th 2017 For all incoming kindergarteners who do NOT attend a Sparta Preschool Call 887 8218 to make an appointment Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that Martin Luther King Jr
20 Volume 14 Issue 11 February 2017 SpartaTODAY FINAL WEEK Sparta 258 S State St 616 887 8888 Grand Rapids Alpine 1040 4 Mile Road NW 616 784 9000 Amentities vary from club to club Fremont 201 E Maple St 231 924 3750 ext 3